Sri Lanka: A Magical Destination
An island situated to the southeast of India, Sri Lanka is a magical destination, whose very name conjures images of idyllic beaches, tea plantations on mountain slopes, and Buddhist temples with awe-inspiring statues. The former Ceylon, also known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, is home to a multitude of treasures. Here's a brief guide to the island's must-see tourist attractions.
An island rich in colors
Sri Lanka, once known as the island of Ceylon, is located in the Indian Ocean, about thirty kilometers southeast of India.
These two countries are separated only by the Palk Strait, but each has its own uniqueness. Unlike its immense neighbor, Sri Lanka is very easy to visit because distances are short and the main tourist attractions are well served by public transport. The best seasons to visit are winter and spring.
The island, ten times smaller than France, is home to numerous treasures both natural and cultural. Despite its area of only 65,000 km², the variety of landscapes is very diverse. There are sandy beaches lined with coconut trees as well as terraced tea plantations and ancient cities lost in the jungle...
In the Land of Buddha
Former Ceylon owes part of its magic to its culture and traditions deeply influenced by Buddhism. This religion was introduced to the island in the 3rd century BC, likely under the patronage of the Indian Emperor Ashoka.
Today, Buddhist temples and the immense statues of the reclining Buddha are a wonder for tourists from all over the world.
Several sites are essential for discovering this aspect of Sri Lanka, starting with Anuradhapura, the holy city of Sinhalese Buddhism. After exploring the ruins of the royal city (with its temples, palaces, sanctuaries, pools, and dagobas), go admire the superb Buddhas in the Dambulla caves.
These caves, also known as the Golden Temple, are one of the most important and beautiful holy places in the country. The site is even listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The first of these five magnificent caves houses a reclining Buddha covered in gold.
Another capital of Sinhalese Buddhism is the city of Kandy, where the famous Temple of the Tooth Relic dating from the late 17th century is located. This site is arguably the most important religious symbol of Sri Lanka.
To get there, it is recommended to take the old train connecting the city of Colombo to Kandy, to admire the sumptuous landscapes along the way.
Natural treasures
On the road between Colombo and Kandy, you will also find Pinnawala, an elephant orphanage that has become one of the country's top attractions. Here, baby elephants whose parents have fallen victim to poachers are bottle-fed under the watchful eyes of tourists.
Nature lovers can also encounter herds of elephants in Minneriya and Kaudulla parks.
But the best way to see numerous wild animals is to go on a jeep safari in Yala National Park, nicknamed "Sri Lanka's little Africa". There, you can get close to Asian leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and migratory birds.
