Day Tours – Visit in Ceylon

Amazing Places To Enjoy

Kandy

Kandy remains a legendary city in the list of places to visit in Sri Lanka. At present, it has developed into a busy yet romantic city that revolves around a picturesque lake. The kingdom of Kandy was attacked several times in the past by the Portuguese and the Dutch. Yet they held onto their independence strongly while other cities around the island were accepting defeat to the invading Europeans. This enduring position during colonial turbulence resulted in the city preserving several ancient traditions until they too surrendered to the British in 1815. Today, Kandy is the second-largest city in the island and is known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. At the centre of the city you will see a bunch of colonial-era buildings that retain its countrified charm along the busy roads of Kandy.

Nuwara Eliya

Also known as the “city of lights”, Nuwara Eliya is a beautiful town located on a large, green valley amidst the hills. Stationed at over 6000 feet above sea level, not only is the town blessed with the chilliest climate in all of Sri Lanka, it is also an unmatchable sight of mountains, meadows and greenery. Developed in the 19th century British era, the city has a feel of an English country town. Horton Plains A visit to the highest plateau in the island is a popular Sri Lanka tourist attraction. Here you will find a uniquely breathtaking view of grasslands mixed with patches of forests, high altitude vegetation and an ideal excursion for nature lovers, hikers and bird watchers. In addition to the popular leopards and samba deer, you will find over 400 species of birds and over 700 different types of flora in these grasslands

Kithulgala

Kithulgala is ideally located as a stop-off between Colombo, Kandy and the Tea Country. This beautiful landscape is home to jungle, tea and rubber plantations and spectacular mountains looming in the distance, and was the backdrop for the Academy Award-winning ‘The Bridge on the River Kwai’ which was filmed on the Kelani River – although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene. A few kilometers upstream are the bases from which white-water rafting expeditions take place – Kithulgala is the best place to go in Sri Lanka for those seeking out adventure travel. You can also go canyoning, trekking and canoeing on the river. Sinharaja Rainforest is within reach from Kithulgala – trek through this mysterious land of tropical plants and stay on the look-out for colorful birds, exotic butterflies and a variety of other creatures.

Ella

Ella is a laidback town perched high in the south-eastern hills of Sri Lanka’s tea country. It boasts many opportunities for walking and mountain biking, along a variety of trails through the picturesque tea estates, as well as exciting hiking excursions up Little Adam’s Peak and the more challenging Ella Rock. From the top of these peaks, you can gaze across the Ella Gap, taking in the awe-inspiring views of forest-covered mountains, rolling tea hills and scattered waterfalls – on a clear day you can even see all the way down to Uda Walawe National Park and catch the sea glimmering on the horizon. Explore Ella on foot and let your mind wander as you take in your spectacular surroundings and absorb the atmosphere of utter tranquility. Visit nearby Ravana Falls – bathe in the shaded plunge pool, or (in the dry season) hike up to the top. Other things to do in Ella include visiting a tea factory or taking the train to Kandy.

Sigiriya

Another UNESCO world heritage site is the fortress of Sigiriya and is one of the most popular places to visit in Sri Lanka. On top of the Lion’s Rock is a palace built by one of the ancient Kings of Sri Lanka. During your climb you will see well preserved frescoes engraved into the rock a Lion’s Paw which is the entrance to the palace. Once you reach the top you have a breathtaking view of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Dambulla) as well as the remnants of the ancient Palace.

Anuradhapura

This historical city was the first capital of Sri Lanka and was founded by a King’s minister during the 4th century B.C. The Sacred Bo Tree in Anuradhapura, also known as the Sri Maha Bodhi is the most popular historical Sri Lanka tourist attraction here. Additionally, the city is home to magnificient Dagobas (Temples) such as Ruwanweli, Lankarama, Jetavana, Abhayagiri, and Mirisaweti. An ancient Temple known for its beautiful stone carvings is the Isurumuniya while the Samadhi Buddha Statue is an exhibit of excellent sculpture work. Many Kings ruled in this ancient city of Anuradhapura which is now named as a UNESCO world heritage

Pinnawala

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO) ; just as the name suggests holds a unique disposition in the ex-situ animal care. It’s success and fame has travelled not just within the country but throughout the world to an extent where Pinnawala synonymous with the Sri Lankan Elephant. Currently being a home to 93 elephants the concept was actualized by the late Hon. Minister Kalugalle on the 16th of February 1975. Pinnawala at the time was a very remote area with lush coconut plantations and most importantly an area where the availability of mahouts was not lacking. Also the immense amount of water required by the elephants is supplemented with the availability of “Ma oya” running close by.

Galle

Galle is one of Sri Lanka’s most enchanting destinations, home to the famous 17th century Dutch Fort which houses many beautiful pieces of colonial architecture behind its walls, as well as an absorbing collection of quirky shops and restaurants. Wander the quaint streets and stroll along the ramparts. Galle is an expansive area, encompassing not only the famed fort but also a variety of beach towns, including lively Unawatuna and tranquil Thalpe, as well as stunning rural inland villages surrounded by rice paddies and cinnamon plantations.

Yala

Spanning 100,000 hectares of dry thorny scrubland interspersed with small patches of shady glades, Yala’s arid boulder-scattered parklands are dramatically different from the lush jungles and paddy fields that cover so much of the island. Famed for having the highest leopard density in the world, Yala is also home to much of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, including the country’s ‘big game’ like elephants and sloth bear, as well as spotted deer, crocodiles and wild boar to name but a few. Birds, especially breath-taking peacocks, are also abundant in the park.

Wilpattu

Wilpattu is situated in the north-west of the island, close to Puttalam, Kalpitiya and Anuradhapura. It is Sri Lanka’s oldest park – and also one of the largest – and is arguably the most spectacular. Wilpattu offers travelers the chance to get up-close-and-personal with Sri Lanka’s wildlife: go on an enthralling game drive through the park, looking out for leopards, elephants, sloth bear and deer as well as a wide variety of migrant and endemic birds, and enjoy the spectacular scenery of lakes, jungle, grasslands and the stunning coastal border. Why not try camping on the fringes of the park for a true immersion in nature?

Sinharaja

Sinharaja Rainforest, is the last stretch of virgin rainforest left in Sri Lanka, an enchanting, peaceful and beautiful environment which stirs the senses at every turn. The dense vegetation hosts a wide variety of Sri Lanka’s wildlife, such as the endemic purple-faced leaf monkey, grey langurs and torque macaques, a few elephants and approximately 15 leopards, snakes and frogs, as well as a wide variety of exotic butterflies and many different species of bird, including 20 of the 26 native species. Located at the south-west foot of the island’s hill country, close to the remote riverside area of Kitulgala where a variety of adventure sports are on offer, Sinharaja offers excellent opportunities for trekking, nature walks and birdwatching, and is an ideal spot for those seeking a specialised wildlife holiday, adventurous tour or a gloriously escapist location.

Colombo

Colombo has the most westernized shopping and night life environment in all of Sri Lanka. This includes modern shopping malls, bustling markets, designer boutiques, cinemas, roadside restaurants, fine dining restaurants, clubs and much more. The Pettah Bazaar is the most commercialized area where you would find almost anything and everything. Apart from Colombo, almost every town around the island has its own markets that sell daily essentials as well as other items such as clay pots, hand-woven fabrics and traditional dresses.

Negombo

Located in close proximity to the Bandaranaike International Airport and just about 35kms north of the busy city of Colombo, is the city of Negombo, known for its sandy beaches and massive fishing industry. With hotels and restaurants to suit every budget, make Negombo a sure stop place to visit in Sri Lanka and enjoy the friendly life in Negombo while adoring the traditional canoes and wooden boats that go past the beaches every single day. In Negombo you can also explore the remnants of the Dutch rule, enjoy some bird watching and meet the age old fisherman at daily fish auctions. About an hour’s drive from Negombo is the romantic beach of Chilaw that is popular for its crabs, coconuts, authentic Sri Lankan curry and its beautiful sea pearls.