The ‘Surfers Paradise’ of Sri Lanka, but twice as unpretentious. The discreet atmosphere here welcomes one to expect less surfers & beach enthusiasts since it is certainly difficult to get there, as there aren’t any direct roads to reach this hideaway on the east coast. So it is still non-touristy with Incredibly Extensive Golden Beaches to trudge, sunbathe, sun tan, watch the surfing or just chill out. The laid back atmosphere enables one to relax & perhaps read a book or just kick back & unwind. Tall waves attract surfers from all over the world, especially from down under. Plenty of seafood at budget prices for the perceptive traveler to indulge.

Crocodile Rock, Peanut Farm, Pasarichenai & Pottuvil Point Beaches are almost deserted as surfers aren’t attracted to those beaches. Lagoon Safari is not too far to see a large variety of wildlife & indulge in riding on Elephants. There are splendid beach parties with cool music in the night to have lots of fun. Those who prefer a quiet night can watch how the frogs, crickets & fire flies get into sync either gnawing, screeching or lighting on & off, having begun to do what they adore to do after sunset, gnawing, screeching or lighting randomly at various places, only to sync later. These are some anomalous creatures that get into sync like flocks of birds or shoals of fish happen to suddenly turn altogether simultaneously. This phenomenon of synchronization is a show that awaits the discerning traveler. The Mangrove bushes enable fireflies to proliferate. All others just adore their habitat.

A few kilometers south is another deserted beach known as Panama Beach with wide golden sandy shores to kick back & get horizontal.

A Sensational beach located on the Northeast coast of the Island, north of Trincomalee is this gorgeous beachfront to relax & unwind. Tranquil and deserted, the golden sand, blue-green water, calm waves rolling over a shallow depth invites the discerning to take a walk in the crystal clear water of the bay while simply taking a dip into the warm sea.

Hardly any fishing boats in the vicinity to bother as the shore is too shallow for such ‘floatables’ in this haven for seagulls, turtles, fish, wild prawns, oysters, lobsters, crabs, calamari and other exotic creatures. Various atmospheric seasons determine which of the numerous species of creatures will frequent or proliferate, to be caught by fishermen.

Kick back, relax & unwind on this magnificent shore that is especially devoured by honeymoon couples for its serene beauty & tranquility.

Further south of Trincomalee is the splendid Marble Beach, pretty calm, quiet and tranquil to simply lie down horizontal, relax, chill & unwind.

Yet another emerging destination for Surfing with tall surfs, like Arugam Bay, it is located further north on the East coast south of Nilaveli Beach. Impressive tall surfs, in this immaculate shoreline of pebbles, golden sand & almost green crystal clear Sea water attract the discerning surfer. Due to its unusual, uncommon & ‘not so well known’ name tag, most travelers who Rest and recreation here would want to keep it discreet, vetoing the almost deserted Beach to get crowded. Plenty of beach parties make it a happening destination fully worth going the distance & the crooked way to get there is certainly value for money, as those with two minds aren’t gonna come. So if somehow you manage to get there, keep it modest, discrete and have the fun with the least aggregate of holidaymakers to bump into on this tantalizing shore.

Watersports activities are picking up, as it is becoming a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, sun bathing, sun tanning & other activities of ‘a life’s a beach’ destination.

A popular destination for its awesome, tantalizing and warm surf. It is a pretty wide, long & deserted shoreline to get horizontal, kick back, relax & unwind. Its close proximity to the Blue Lagoon (Nil Kalapuwa), tangy Seafood, the Capital Colombo & the airport highway makes it even more attractive. Plenty of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing are attractions to this mesmerizing ‘long beach’ of the west coast.

Colonial & Christian influences have left behind numerous pretty monuments & buildings designed with attractive architecture & grace to match the architecture of the entangled Buddhist, Dravidian, Arab & prehistoric culture of the resplendent isle. The large blue lagoon, turquoise to blue green Sea, estuaries, creeks, brooks & streams enable a substantial catch of fish in order to supply an increasing demand for seafood by large hotels in Negombo, its suburbs & adjacent settlements.

The Old Dutch Hamilton Canal passing through from the north to the south enabled convenient transport of seafood from the very olden days. Still it is an alternative mode of transport of goods, seafood & people, especially when the highways get jammed.

Negombo Dutch Fort, St. Mary’s Cathedral, Guruge Water Park, Morawala Pebble Beach, St. Sebastian’s Church, St. Stephen’s Anglican Church, Bird Watching at Muthurajawela Marsh Estuary, Hamilton Canal, Fish Market, Bodhiraja Temple, Blue Lagoon etc. are some of the main attractions in Negombo to visit. A busy fishing Harbour with its hive of activity offers a wide variety of fish and other seafood to towns & suburbs in the neighborhood.

Dikwella, meaning long beach in Sinhalese, is an emerging beach destination on the southeast coast of the Island for having a ball on an alluring seashore full of enjoyable attractions. Certainly a dazzling beach including a stirring surf, fun filled watersports activities, balmy sunshine, white sand, aquamarine sea & a long wide shore of a bay. A beautiful palm fringed shore with up and coming huts to kick back, relax and unwind. Juice bars, ayurveda massage parlors, yoga & meditation retreats are slowly coming up to meet the modern and healthy demands of foreign travelers who want to enjoy a short vacation of their lives on a beach, and here at Dikwella we welcome you to an authentic experience, true to the expression ; ‘life’s a beach’ !.

Fishermen with wooden boats, far from and ‘not yet’ motorized and together with their ‘neighbors’ pulling long nets of fish from the water, give it a natural old fashioned feel for a shoreline which appears pretty legitimately natural, almost deserted and un-trudged. A short stroll to the east from here, takes one to find yet another tranquil beachfront known as Hiriketiya, which has been affectionately shortened to simply sound like ‘Hiri’ by the foreign guests’ who found it for its promise. It is now slowly getting popular for its remarkable surf, sand and palm fringed ‘sandwalk’ around a half circular curved half circle cove bay area with friendly locals to interact with. Other deserted shores interfacing the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & the Bay of Bengal are : Tangalle (Tanning Rock), Nilwella (Blue Beach), Weligama (Sandy Village), Kalpitiya (Time Park), Hambantota, Kirinda, Talalla, Dondra, Ahangama, Talpe, Dodanduwa (Orange Isle), Kosgoda, Induruwa, Moragalla, Kalutara, Waskaduwa, Panadura, Lunawa, Angulana, Mt. Lavinia, Crow Island Beach, Preethipura, Uswetikeiyyawa, Bopitiya, Waikkaal, Iranawila, Chilaw, Mannar, Delft Isle, Kayts, Point Pedro, Casuarina, Mullaitivu, Pottuvil, Panama etc.

Well known for its pristine honey coloured beaches, turquoise ocean, views of metaphoric watersports in the sea, lake, lagoon, river & estuaries area. Bird watching amidst the water hides is an exciting adventure. Bentota is home for numerous five star resorts, hotels & Ayurveda wellness retreats for healing, convalescence, health & beauty treatment which includes mesmerizing and relaxing resorts and atolls across the lagoon, lake, river & the sea. Plenty of estuaries in the area attract birds to sing, fish, fishing enthusiasts & wildlife including iguana & numerous varieties of turtle, tortoise & crocodiles. Sea, Gardens of Bevis Bawa, Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary, River Safaris, Kayaking, Canoeing, Boat rides to Cinnamon Isle are some attractions here. Plenty of boat rides take the discerning traveler bird watching throughout the numerous estuaries in the vicinity as the river & lake discharge its contents to the sea while the sea reciprocates on high tide.

Great place for banana boating, water sports like jet skiing, speed boating, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, Kite Surfing, seaplane rides, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, lagoon fishing, bird watching & observing small creatures getting into their regular synchronization, as there are millions of creatures such as crickets, frogs, fruit flies, dragonflies & fireflies who get into sync every night. There are a small number of stilt fishermen in their meditative angling in this incredibly organic bio diverse settlement. ‘A fisherman was observed to be catching far more fish than several others in the vicinity, when the others went to check how he was excelling, they found that he was using barbequed worms as bait’.

Are you prepared to set out on an unforgettable expedition to one of Sri Lanka’s most well-preserved treasures? Welcome to Balapitiya Beach, a concealed jewel nestled along the southwestern shoreline of this island paradise. Dolphin Holidays is at your service to lead you through the charm, tranquility, and excitement that await you at this captivating location.

Balapitiya Beach, situated in the Galle District, is a serene sanctuary that has remained relatively unaffected by extensive tourism. It serves as the ideal retreat for adventurers in search of unspoiled natural beauty and an authentic experience of Sri Lanka.

Dolphin Holidays is a Sri Lankan travel agency that specializes in tailoring bespoke travel packages for guests exploring the nation. We are here to assist you in crafting your ideal journey to Balapitiya Beach, offering a wide variety of lodging options, leisure activities, and guided excursions to select from.

Awesome Enticing Beachfront of glorious silicone, scenic islands like Seenigama (Candy Village), Coral Gardens, Moonstone mines, & the tranquil lake in Hikkaduwa are the popular attractions. Seagulls, Larks & Crows are flying all over the seashore ‘waving’ & chirping to welcome the visitor. One doesn’t miss this magnificent sight of the birds amidst the picturesque Hikkaduwa beach in this paradise. The black crow or Raven cawing to signal anything edible to their mates. This noisy black bird is the oldest known garbage picker provided by nature, since the time of the ancient kings and before.

‘Hikka’ as it is simplified by foreign guests, is one of the first destinations for foreigners traveling to Asia to check out in Sri Lanka, what attracted them was this golden sandy shore, sunshine, the variety of corals, blue-green colored Sea, cheap cabanas, food & elegant music which led to ‘HikkaRocks’. It became popular in the seventies during the time of rock & roll, hippie culture & the turning point towards alternative schools & thought.

Nowadays Hikkaduwa has lost most of the potential guests to other up & coming destinations in the southern coasts. Places like ‘Why not’ where they play great music, have survived a number of hard times like the ‘Tsunami’, Covid 19 virus pandemic & other undesirable events. “Wedihiti Kanda” viewpoint in the vicinity, is a ‘non touristy’ place of interest, as it’s a nice trek up a hill not too high & not too far away from the blue sea, enabling a bird’s eye view of the Ocean, the beachfront & the lush greenery of the vicinity. A few miles south of Hikka is a deserted beach known as Thiranagama, if one wants the privacy to be secluded from the crowds of enthusiasts.

Aquamarine sparkling bay packed with silica sand, coconut palms & corals with great surfs on the horizon, though light enough for a variety of water sports, sunshine, golden sand under the palms for sunbathing, tanning or simply kicking back to unwind, this is a magnificent shore.

Not too far about 90 meters to the south is Dalawella Beach which is almost entirely deserted, if one wants more privacy far from the crowds, here it is.

No large resorts yet, but sufficient restaurants, yoga, ayurveda massage spas and juice bars to serve large crowds of beach enthusiasts lined on the elegant shady palm fringed coast, which is pretty cool.

Water Sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing, & diving are popular on the breezy shore. Magical sunsets, fireflies, & wicked beach parties attract most visitors to overstay on this exceptional beachfront.

Beachfronts around Palm Island, Rumassala, Coco Bay, Unawatuna Bay & the deserted Dalawella beaches in the vicinity of Galle are wonderful pristine beaches like natural swimming pools spread out between about 2 to 9 km south from town. Great places for snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, sun bathing, sun tanning & other watersports activities of uncanny beaches. Kaluwella (Black Sand Beach ) is also a deserted tranquil beach with clean black sand 4 km north from town.

Galle township is a somnolent but splendid old town on the south-west coast of the magical Isle. Formerly the capital of Ceylon, with a natural harbor during the time of the Portuguese period before the British changed the Capital to be Colombo. Apart from the dazzling beaches at Unawatuna Bay, Kaluwella (black sand shore), etc. it is full of attractions including the Madhu River for boat excursions into the nature & natural turtle farms on the shores.

The Galle Dutch Fort ( A UNESCO World Heritage Site ), a lively medieval township, is one of numerous attractions to visit. Originally built by the Portuguese, it was renovated by the Dutch & restored by the British replete with green & granite ramparts, cannons, dungeons, stone bunkers & Stone Park benches. A stroll down the stone paved roads springs one the feeling of being in Rome, the architecture of the old buildings of this Fort are predominantly European. The old fashioned courtyards & sidewalks of the built up area of the little town offer the eyes, the comfort of ‘space’ to enjoy what one looks at & ‘see’ it. Stone parapet walls serve to classify the distinct areas of the ramparts, so are the massive walls on the perimeter of the fort, built wide & high enough to protect its ‘residents’ from any attacks by adversaries back in the days. There are dungeons built in the basements to contain trespassers or prisoners. On the green grassy ramparts there are canons placed at strategic locations for defense purposes. From the eastern rampart, one can see the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium.

One of the most adored destinations for Spotting Blue Whales & Dolphins as the density of these exciting creatures is pretty high just across the horizon from Mirissa & the vicinity. Ferry Boats take discerning visitors from the fascinating beachfront out into the Ocean for Whale watching where the size of a heart of a whale can be not less than the size of an average car, to give you what dimensions to expect and playing with dolphins a few hundred meters into the Ocean.

A sparkling beach with golden sand, southern sunshine, balmy ocean temperature with a cool breeze is ideal for suntanning, walking, and simply dipping in the warm blue-green water. Challenging & Tall surfs attract many to indulge in Surf boarding & other water sports all across the bay with special guidance & training offered for wanna-be surfers to quickly learn how to surf over the gleaming waves.

Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
What to see and do: Hiking, birdwatching, wildlife watching
Safari timing: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Why visit: Unique lowland rainforest with abundant wildlife and hiking trails

PROTECTED JEEP SAFARI TO RARE & UNREAL ‘NEW’ WILD COUNTRY

The safest way to observe wildlife in this wilderness is in a protected Jeep Safari teamed up with a convoy to deter dangerous rendezvous. Certainly a good choice, as Uda Walawe National Park is pretty non-touristic, unusual & it is a cut above the well traversed Yala or Wilpattu Wildlife National Parks for Leopards, Black Tiger & Cheetah.

Deep within Udawalawe National Park, an extraordinary tapestry of life unfolds. Picture yourself immersed in the company of 34 unique, endemic bird species, their sweet melodies harmonizing with nature’s rhythm. This park is a sanctuary for a staggering 520 bird species, with around 480 of them gracing us as seasonal visitors, winging their way across vast oceans and making gentle landings from far-off places like Australasia, Malaysia, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, India, Asia, Siberia, and Africa.

But there’s more to this place than meets the eye; Udawalawe is a treasure trove of biodiversity. With 126 species of mammals, this island boasts a remarkable range of land-dwelling creatures. What’s truly captivating is that over 20% of this incredible mammalian diversity, comprising 22 species, is exclusive to Sri Lanka, adding an extra layer of intrigue to this biogeographic wonder.

The reptilian residents of Sri Lanka exhibit an impressive presence, surpassing even the mammals and fish with their 181 diverse species. In the lush Sinharaja forest alone, you’ll find 36 reptile species, with 19 of them being unique to Sri Lanka. Meanwhile, the amphibians contribute their own enchantment, with 120 species calling this island home, and an astonishing 107 of them found nowhere else on our planet. Udawalawe’s allure doesn’t end there; the aquatic world, with its glistening lakes, remains a tale in the making, a testament to the vastness of this land’s aquatic wonders. This national park is more than a mere location; it’s a vibrant testimony to Earth’s captivating diversity, a true haven for nature enthusiasts and curious explorers alike.

One is bound to bump into the gentle giants as there are plenty of Elephant herds in this remote obscure park. In order to enable the survival of orphaned baby elephants, an Elephant Transit Home has been established here to feed & care for those who once starved without sufficient greens to eat & insufficient water in the wilderness.

There are more chances of spotting the wild leopards, black ones & cheetahs in this park than in other Parks, because it’s out of the way from the roads & highways of the geographical area that most tour itineraries are scheduled & conducted. This is the reason why this Park is almost deserted & not too crowded, which indicates that it is more suitable for spotting wildlife roaming in the wild, so be alert in all the suspense.

EXPLORE A TROPICAL RAINFOREST RESERVE – A UNESCO World Heritage Site

Best time to visit: December to April (dry season)
What to see and do: Hiking, birdwatching, wildlife watching
Safari timing: 6:00 AM to 4:00 PM
Why visit: Unique lowland rainforest with abundant wildlife and hiking trails

The only one of its kind in the geophysical area of the south Indian Peninsula & this Island nation, in this region taken as a discrete part of the world. The closest other Rainforest is the Taman Negara in the Malaysian Peninsula across the ocean. The Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve supports & sustains an abundance of creatures from reptiles like lizards & turtles, mammals like deer & buffalo, amphibians like Salamander & Iguana & birds like Myna, Sea Gulls, Flamingo, Parrot, Pigeon, Peacock, Pelican, pheasant & ducks to aquatic beings like fish & squid in addition to numerous varieties of lush green tropical & temperate vegetation on the higher elevated hills of this forest.

Nestled deep within the heart of Sri Lanka, the mystical Sinharaja National Park is a living treasure trove of enchantment. This emerald haven plays host to a lively cast of over 520 avian actors, with 34 of them keeping close ties to their forest stage. Among the park’s 126 mammals, 22 have made Sinharaja their exclusive home, their secretive tales whispered in the rustling leaves.

As we venture further, 181 reptilian residents emerge from the shadows, 19 of which have taken a solemn vow to remain confined within these lush confines. The amphibians, a chorus of 120, harmonize their unique melodies, with 107 of them pledging their loyalty to Sinharaja’s emerald embrace. Even the watery depths hold secrets, with an estimated 190 fish species calling these streams home, 90 of them declaring their unwavering allegiance to this aqueous paradise. Sinharaja National Park, a captivating realm where every creature, whether winged, four-legged, or finned, pens its own captivating chapter in this living tale of wonder.

It is an enchanting sanctuary to be with nature & ‘listen’ to the natural environment swarming with life as we know it. Though there are numerous other life forms which we look at, but fail to ‘see’, although they are part of this wonderful biosphere as well. An absolutely absorbing experience to find out for one, the numerous intricacies of the instincts of nature is all here in its magnificence with a distinct tone of nature’s ‘music’ being played in the background.

In this biosphere are the 4 legged ones carrying their weight against the lower force of gravity, the 2 legged ones trying their best to take off on spontaneous flights of lift from a low force of attraction utilizing their built-in wings. Lucky to be where the force of gravity is less than normal in this resplendent isle, they may use less energy & conserve it for later use in other lands where they’ll feel much heavier to maneuver. You are also welcome to feel lighter here amidst the nature teeming with life.

Best time to visit: from February to June
What to see and do: Wildlife, nature walks, birdwatching, and camping
Safari timing: morning safari at 6 am and afternoon safari at 2 pm
Why visit: It is one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild.

It is the oldest known National Park in the world. Older than the names that we use to describe it, it is a natural forest where animals thrive for its conditions such as edible vegetation, tropical & dry weather with an abundance of estuaries & moisture enabling many life forms to exist side by side in this dense forest of large trees, plants, herbs, water bodies & vines. It is preferable to be silent in this kind of environment, stop our chatter & begin to listen to the sounds of nature. The sounds we make as homosapiens are likely to disturb the wild animals, as they can hide or simply disappear when they get perturbed.

A veritable treasure for those who love the outdoors, Yala National Park is a wildlife sanctuary tucked away in the center of the verdant island of Sri Lanka. The diverse array of creatures that inhabit this captivating park are what give it its life. As the sun rises over Yala, the melodious calls of 520 bird species fill the air, among which 34 species are found nowhere else in the world, making this park a true avian haven. Mammals of all shapes and sizes, totaling 126, roam the park’s verdant meadows and dense jungles, with 22 of them exclusively calling Yala home. The reptilian residents, a total of 181, include 19 endemic species that stealthily slither and crawl across the terrain. But it’s in the wetlands and waterways where Yala’s magic truly shines, with 120 amphibian species, of which a staggering 107 are found only within the park’s boundaries.

Even beneath the surface, Yala teems with life, boasting an estimated 190 fish species, with 90 of them considered exclusive to these emerald waters. Yala National Park is a living testament to the captivating wonders of the natural world, offering visitors an opportunity to witness the beauty of both resident and visiting species in this ecological wonderland.

Lions, tigers, panthers, cheetahs & leopards had once ruled here. However, due to the phenomenon of the extinction of species, only the leopards & cheetahs have survived as revealed in the survivor series. One would feel fortunate to spot a leopard & it can happen at the spur of the moment, in a flash, unpredictably, spontaneously. Herds of Peacocks, monkeys & Elephants somehow seem to thrive as they appear on the scene as soon as one enters the park. Others materialize sooner or later as one goes deeper into the forest passing herds of deer, sambar, gazelle, bear, porcupine, wild boar, buffalo, crocodile, iguana, rhinos, hippos, squirrel, fox, wild cats & an assortment of birds,. The sound of the peacocks somehow seem to be working as an alarm giving the message to others to move away from where they are to run deeper into the wilderness as one drives in all the glory of being protected & equipped safe in a vehicle, but their curiosity & hunger make them appear out of nowhere to startle the expedition, especially the gentle giants will be crossing the path, so be alert with camera to capture.

Wasgamuwa National Park is a recently accessed natural forest in the wilderness of Sri Lanka situated in the North Central part of the Pearl of the Orient in the Matale and Polonnaruwa Districts. It was declared as a National Park in order to protect and to make a refuge for the displaced wild animals during the Mahaweli Hydro Power & Agriculture Development Project in the vicinity in 1984 and is one of the four National Parks designated under the Project.

It is a wilderness in the interior part of the Central and North Central provinces adjoining the north-western part of the Gal-Oya National Park, so it is full of lush greenery suitable for all kinds of wildlife.

Tucked away in the heart of Sri Lanka, Wasgamuwa National Park is a hidden gem for those who cherish the great outdoors. The park boasts an astonishing array of 520 bird species, with 34 of them being found nowhere else. Among these, 480 birds are permanent residents, while 40 more drop by occasionally. The mammal population is equally impressive, with 126 different species calling the park home, including 22 unique to the region. Slithering quietly through the lush landscape are 181 reptile species, 19 of which are exclusively local. And when it comes to amphibians, 120 species thrive in the park, with a whopping 107 making it their sole abode. Dive into the water, and you’ll discover approximately 190 fish species, 100 of which are seasonal visitors, while 90 stay put year-round. Wasgamuwa National Park offers an exceptional opportunity to explore a rich tapestry of biodiversity, making it a must-visit for nature enthusiasts. (Source: Oxford University, UK).

Elephants like this place as it is packed with estuaries where they hang out for the moisture drinking and playing with the water and the sinking mud. Wasgamuwa is derived from Walass gamuwa meaning Bear Wood, so there are plenty of sloth bears in the park.

Best time to Visit: July to September.
What to see and do: Wildlife, nature walks, birdwatching, and camping
Safari timing: morning safari at 6 am and afternoon safari at 2 pm
Why visit: Visit the Minneriya Tank, the largest man-made reservoir in Sri Lanka.

Set in the heart of the popular cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Minneriya National Park is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration, which is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences as the giants tread between Kaudulla N.P., Wasgamuwa N. P. & Minneriya N. P.. This happens during the drier months of June to September, as many as 300 elephants congregate here, the biggest gathering of the gentle giants outside Africa, in the Minneriya National Park around the ancient Minneriya water tank (which dates back to 3rd Century AD), taking advantage of the receding waters that provide an important water source for their numerous needs of the essential moisture.

In the heart of Minneriya National Park, an incredible tapestry of biodiversity quietly thrives. In the expansive skies above, 520 bird species, including 34 that are found nowhere else, gracefully take to the stage. On the ground, 126 different mammals roam through the park, with 22 being exclusive residents. Slithering among the vegetation, 181 reptile species, 19 of which are unique to this park, add to the park’s charm. Beneath the water’s surface, 120 amphibians, including 107 endemic species, contribute their symphony. In the aquatic world, an estimated 190 fish species swim, with 90 of them being exclusive to Minneriya. These numbers reflect the rich tapestry of Minneriya’s ecosystem, a tribute to nature’s marvelous diversity. (Source: Oxford University, UK).
As it is so close to some of the other cultural attractions of Sri Lanka, it can be a great alternative to Yala and some of the other parks in the south and west of the Island.

The best time to Visit: is February to September.
What to see and do: Wildlife, nature walks, birdwatching, and camping
Safari timing: morning safari at 6 am and afternoon safari at 2 pm
Why visit: It is one of the most important bird sanctuaries in the country, with over 255 species of birds recorded.

In the secluded southeastern part of Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park reveals itself, tucked away near renowned neighbors like the Bundala Bird Sanctuary and the ancient Yala National Park. This captivating wilderness serves not only as a destination for curious explorers but also as a refuge for migratory birds in search of respite. Hosting more than 197 bird species, including the majestic greater flamingo, Kumana acts as an essential resting place for these avian travelers, undertaking grueling journeys over vast seas and the Indian Ocean.

The park’s intricate network of lakes, estuaries, lagoons, ponds, dunes, and meandering waterways attracts birds from distant corners of the globe on their international sojourns. Kumana’s charm doesn’t stop at its bird population; it’s also a thriving habitat for various wildlife, with 126 mammal species, 181 reptiles, 120 amphibians, and around 190 fish species, ensuring a wealth of fascination for bird enthusiasts, nature lovers, and those in search of an extraordinary natural spectacle.

During sunrise & sunset these wetland waters glitter almost like gold which attracts photographers & travelers. It is home for the insignificant little bee-eaters to grotesque open-billed storks. Birds come all the way from Siberia & Mongolia and India to winter here in this Park. It is also home for civets, giant squirrels and plenty of crocodiles. Marine turtles including ‘olive ridley’, ‘green leatherback’ & ‘loggerhead’ lay their eggs on the coast of Kumana. Many big mammals such as hippopotamus, rhinoceros, wild buffalo & elephants live side by side with the two legged ones.

The hill capital of the country, 72 miles (116 km) from Colombo & a former Capital during the reign of the last monarchy of Ceylon. Since it is located in the center of the Central Hills, there are numerous roads from which Kandy is connected to all parts of the island. Home of the Consecrated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, is deposited & displayed, known in Sinhalese as the ‘Sri Dalada Maligawa’ located beside the quaint Kandy Lake – a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Behind this Sacred Shrine by the lake is the Kandy Arts Center, where the Kandy Cultural Dance Performance is conducted every evening at 5 pm.

Well landscaped Cemeteries of the British defense forces & leaders who were ‘carefully’ buried in the Island are located not too far from town. The Royal Botanical Gardens located at Peradeniya is 12 km from the town. This Park contains almost every plant, vine, herb, tree, weed or other kind of vegetation which grows on the planet in both Tropical & Temperate Climates planted by Sir Ivor Jennings – Former Chancellor of the highly ranked University of Peradeniya. The dense gardens are highly reviewed by visitors from around the globe and certainly a place worth visiting. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, 22 km from Kandy town is yet another fascinating attraction, where Orphaned Elephants are protected & tamed to help them live out their lives far from the natural but starving wilderness, where they’re being picked up from, to be fun with us, where baby elephants involuntarily ‘create’ a fascinating show for the kids entirely by accident, as they learn to play with their elongating trunks in the water on their daily river baths. ‘A Must See !’

Within the cultural triangle of the country, with numerous UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Anuradhapura, as a former royal precinct is the most intriguing place to visit in the plains of the Island. As the 1st Capital of ancient Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is full of places of interest for the discerning traveler. Amongst the attractions are the eight (8) Holy Buddhist Temples that are commonly visited in Anuradhapura which are : 1. The Jaya Sri Maha Bodiya – Most Venerable Shrine & site where the first sacred Bo tree was planted to introduce Buddhism but set an example for the protection of vegetation & the environment. 2. Thuparamaya – an ancient Monastery for learning 3. Lovamahapaya – Brazen Palace with a brass roof over 8 stories for meditation, 4. Ruwanwelisaya, 5. Mirisawetiya. 6. Abhayagiri, 7. Jetavanaramaya, 8. Isurumuniya – Rare Architecture of Marble, Granite & Stone Temple.

In addition to these holy & most venerable sites, there are awesome royal gardens, stone carvings, paintings, inscriptions, ancient ruins, herb gardens, royal spas, with tanks & vats to collect water & streams to convey water to distant fields, courtyards & mysterious drawings that arouse the scientific curiosity of the visitor. Ratna Prasada (Gem Palace), Isurumunia (Unreal Granite, Marble & Stone Sculptures by the ‘Tissa’ Wewa (Tank / Lake), Samadhi Buddha Statue, Ancient Ruins of the 4th Century BC, Ritigala Forest, & the alluring 3rd ‘Stargate which has been discovered after Egypt & Peru, at Ranmasu Uyana Royal Park, Anuradhapura. The inscriptions on the rocks depict the concentric circles required to portray the planets of the solar system with the sun at the epicenter. This & other diagrams of the universe & mysterious creatures have been carved into the rocks where there are awesome regal gardens, gold fish ponds & bathing spas of the primordial monarchs who are known to have ruled the isle from Anuradhapura since the 4th Century BC according to written records & much earlier based on oral fables.

Yet another UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE Site, within the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka as it holds some captivating attractions on the planet. Amongst the ancient ruins of the dynasties that ruled this land is the awesome sculpture left behind in the Stone Temple Sculpture – the ‘Gal Vihara’ complex. This granite carving of a Standing Buddha, a Reclining Buddha & the Buddha in the ‘Lotus’ or seated position has been created out of one rock hill. It appears that a hill that contains granite has been cleared of all the soil, sand & debris. Then the standing statue has been sculptured where the granite has the highest area of the rock, then carefully they’ve ventured out to carve the ‘sitting Buddha’ with the medium sized area of the rock hill & so on. It is a must see, highly reviewed attraction in Polonnaruwa alongside the other ruins, inscriptions & carvings in the vicinity. Vatadage, Royal Palaces, Kiri Vehera Dagoba, Rankoth Vehera Stupa, Medirigiriya Ancient Hospital, Minneriya National Park etc. are the other attractions in the vicinity. It is a strict requirement of the authorities, that a specially trained guide equipped with the historical information such as dates, times, names of those who built, carved or inscribed & such other technical data shall accompany the discerning traveler to these sites in order to narrate the historical significance of the sites based on written history.

As the largest cave temple in the world, the Rangiri Cave Temple is packed with ancient Murals & art works. Yet another UNESCO World Heritage Site where thousands of Buddhist Paintings, Murals & Carvings from the 2nd Century BC onwards are preserved in large caves atop the granite hill. It is easily accessed from the main Colombo – Anuradhapura main road & thousands of pilgrims from all over the island come to pay their homage to this magnificent exhibition of murals, carvings & Buddha statues displayed in this 2000 year old cave temple. It is a nice reasonably moderate climb to the top passing lush greenery of the dry zone forest with plenty of wood apple trees, flowers & medicinal plants cultivated by the detached & quiet Buddhist monks in meditation & numerous vows in order to attain the heights of Nirvana. Most of the steps to the temple are carved on the granite rock that holds the jewels of the works created with care, precision & reverence in the name of the adorable Buddha in this north western province, in the vicinity of the Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Pidurangala. The wind attracts Hot Air Balloons to the area & it is an awesome sight when the balloons are up in the air blowing away over the green plains.

A Rock Fortress of King Kasyappa during the 5th Century AD is another UNESCO World Heritage Site. However, it appears like the Fortress was occupied & settled by King Ravana prior to 5,000 BC reincarnated as the Godking Lord Shiva who introduced the ‘Dance of Shiva’ to expose the ‘exuberance’ of life in a ‘time bound body’. During a later time, he rebounded as a craftsman when he was testing his ‘aircraft’ trying to fly to mainland India & back.

The boulder is an amazing place to reckon with, a palace garden remains atop the boulder sitting on a rocky hill with water stored in tanks, at the base ready to be pumped, deploying a sophisticated hydraulic system, ‘intriguingly futuristic’ back in that time. As the visitor enters & passes the royal gardens with moats of water, ancient flower beds are still as lively as new ones. Going up the high steps one enters the courtyards going through the ‘Lion’s mouth’, a large granite carving. From the courtyards one goes up around the boulder to where the Frescoes – Paintings & the mirror walls are exhibited to welcome the supernatural spirits in us.

On the ‘rooftop’ it appears pleasant as everything a monarch should want like an amphitheater to convene meetings with the council, dining facilities, rooms to rest, bathing places, sentry & lookout points at the edges, etc. are all prevalent there replete with nothing overlooked. If a roof is fixed over the columns, the ‘palace rocks’, as lively as anything alive. There are a lot more to describe about Sigiriya, however it’s better kept discreet, to enable the visitor to discover them on their own. Nevertheless, watch out for the anomalous stone carving of ‘a flat blackboardlike sculpture’ on the way down, past the ‘lion’s mouth ‘ & 10m past ‘the amphitheater’ on the side of the boulder overlooking the forest canopy, with a pedestal at the rock’s bottom and figure out as to what purpose it could have served ?.

A Sacred Holy site for devotees of ‘any’ religion in Sri Lanka. With shrines for devotional worship to connect with the timeless Buddha or any of the ancient deities such as Murugan / Skanda, it is an ancient, holy, slow moving destination. The towering ‘Kiri Vehera’ temple painted in white limestone is difficult to miss, this is where the Buddhist devotees worship the Buddha surrendering prostrated on the ground by offering flowers. The Holy Kataragama Procession – ‘Perahera’ held around July every year is a special event in the country, as devotees, musicians, astrologers, medicine men & dancers of every religion take part, particularly the adherents of the ‘great dancer’ – Lord Shiva.

During this Holy Procession, devotees walk on the fire, on long stretches of burning firewood & coal, however they emerge from the fire unhurt without any burns. The same devotees take showers of boiling milk & boiling water and come out unhurt again without any burns. Then these devotees pierce their body with needles, piercing through their cheeks, arms & stomachs, but no bleeding or even a drop of blood is anywhere to be seen. This is an anomalous mystery of this little paradise isle.

Most foreign travelers who come to see this annual event, claim that this phenomenon is a miracle happening in the island. They love it so much that they hang out in the vicinity to find out how such a supernatural occurrence can happen in modern times. Modern Science fails to find any explanation to this anomaly, which puzzles every researcher & touring Scientist as it defies the laws of nature as we know them. It is certainly bizarre and entices Travelers to return to watch this annual event every year as it is an astonishing performance and are enticed to join in the procession, find out for themselves, how & why this anomaly prevails. At its end, the ‘memory’ of the consecrated holy water is disseminated to all other holy processions around the island, including the ‘Kandyan Perahera’ scheduled to perform a week after.

This is the most popular hiking, climbing & trekking destination in the hill country apart from the numerous non touristy destinations. Ella is known as the 2nd Destination in the world for the highest concentration of Oxygen after Switzerland, so it is ‘the’ ideal place for endurance. There are numerous nature trails to endure to be fit & fiddle with fragrant flowers, to hear continuous chirping of birds, medicinal herbs & friendly animals on these awesome paths. Some of them lead to the popular hills such as, the easy to climb ‘Little Adam’s Peak’, Eagle Rock, ‘Mahmevnawa’ – Meditation hill, Illuk Pelessa (Reed Meadow), Makulu Ella (Spider Falls), Ambatanne (little Switzerland), Haabetigala (Rabbit Dung Rock), Kurulaangala (Bird Beside Rock with Prehistoric Paintings), Namunukula & the most exciting & adventurous almost vertical at some places, hard to trek ‘Ella Rock’.

Ella Rock was found by foreign travelers in order to hike challenging hills in their short vacations. It is a 7 km hike from town, the last 2 of which is strenuous, at this ‘halfway’ point at approximately 1100 meters above sea level the climate changes to a nippy 18° C. All of a sudden the vegetation changes to an awesome light green, the sweat disappears & the trail takes one from 1 hill to another & on the way, on the right, one can see a similar view like that of ‘Kashmir Gardens’ & on the left side is the magnificent ‘Little Adam’s Peak’ in all its beauty. Foreign travelers claim that it appears somewhat like an image of ‘Machu Picchu’ in Peru. After the steep climb to the top, one arrives onto a flat meadow of about 2 acres, with clear streams, ancient flower beds, tall trees & a pond for bathing & freshwater creatures.

On the precipices of Ella Rock are the numerous rocks strategically placed to be easily toppled at any advancing adversaries below during wartime. Plenty of viewpoints, from which are the views of the town, all mountain ranges of the ‘Green Canyon’ & the awesome Ravana WaterFalls cascading down from 4 tiers. This flat peak top, like in Sigiriya, is believed to be an ancient palace garden. Locals have their story which indicates that ‘King Ravana lived there building his Aircraft with peacocks’ & flew to hills in the vicinity to test them.

A tranquil little settlement in the central highlands located at over 2400 meters above sea level, south past Kandy & Knuckles mountain range besides the highest mountain Pidurutalagala, which is a unique trekking trail amidst the temperate ‘no-sweat’ climate and the adorable modest nature.

Nuwara Eliya is formerly a British Tea plantation & loading station known as ‘Little England’. Packed with properties built with splendid British architecture, it appears pleasant reflecting foreign influence in the land of devil dancers & spiritual devotees. The Queen’s House built to resemble the British Architecture of the royalty back in the UK is a beautiful structure fitting the greenery surrounding it. The Queen at the time of building it, had ordered that no tree shall be cut to fix the doors & windows and all the necessary wood be imported from Brazil where trees in excess of what’s needed were logged as it continues to do so with big business heavily invested in it.

Paddle a Catamaran on Lake Gregory located besides the green race course, horticulture and the towering green hills surrounding it to kick back & Chill.

Beautifully landscaped Parks, Golf courses, Race courses, ponds, creeks, brooks and lakes in the soothing environment tend to relieve the stressed out visitors coming from busy lifestyles & hustling schedules from other lands.

It is a High Tea country in the misty hills, creating the finest quality tea – the BOP ‘broken orange pekoe’ on the planet. Producing the largest quantity of it in the world, in order to enable auctioneers to blend the other lower quality Tea supplied by other lands in Asia & Africa to balance the equation.

One of the best of the World’s White Water Rafting destinations, Abseiling, Camping & Hiking are the other predominant attractions of Kithulgala for its location besides the towering Horton Plains National Park at over 2300 meters above the ocean level, Georges and plenty of brooks & creeks of water enabling a rocky river ride for WWR. Situated in the countryside off the main road, besides the river & gorges that flows from where the water comes gushing out of two hydro power generating reservoirs : Laxapana & Norton Bridge, is ideal for rafting across the nine (9) rapids, intriguing turns, twists & rocky gaps downhill to the 3rd largest river in the country & a nice hike back on the riverside.

White Water Rafting is becoming a popular & exciting adventure here at Kitulgala, as one gets to paddle, oar or use the combination paddle & oar rafters, kayaks & canoes to raft over the interesting rapids in between the lush green forest surroundings of the Kelani River. It is a glorious ride downstream, while the trekkers hike upstream with the salmon. All the equipment including helmets, wet suits, dry suits, carbon paddles & life jackets etc. are provided by the organizers who train would-be rafters for free.

Being non-touristic, quiet, with access to an abundance of fresh flowing water & large blue/green space, it is an ideal but inconspicuous location for camping. Camping gear can be rented in the neighborhood for a hideaway, from all the hustle & bustle of towns, business and highways.

Abseiling is popular here, though it appears like one is ‘climbing’ the rope in images of Abseiling, it’s actually only an exercise of ‘a coming down the rope’. The ropes & supporting ropes are well tied to poles & immovable tree trunks on top of the hill & support staff everywhere from top to bottom to assist, one has to just slide down the precipice back to base coming from top.

It is a solitary, isolated cone shaped hill in the Adam’s Peak Wilderness, on the south western part of the Central Highlands, popularly known as the Sri Pada (footprint of the exalted). It is a popular pilgrimage destination for people of all religions in the country, as the footprint on the peak is claimed by every religion as the footprint of the leader of each of their religions.

Well lighted in the night to enable pilgrims to climb the winding path upwards to approximately 1600 meters above sea level. A large footprint on the top of the peak is believed to be the footprint of the religious leader of each of the faiths of the people of the land. The Buddhists believe that it is the footprint of the Buddha, the Christians & Muslims believe that it is that of Adam – the first human on earth, while the Hindus believe that it is that of Lord Shiva.

At daybreak, when the shadow of the Peak hits the mist of the western sky, a mesmerizing view of the cone shaped hill seems to emulate the shape of a pyramid, which is absolutely mystical & breathtaking. Yet another phenomenon is the magical sunrise, when the sunrises on the east, it appears more real that the sun rises from the western sky & vice versa at sundown, the sunset appears to be happening on the eastern sky. This anomaly indicates that visitors may even opt to climb the peak to see the sunset as it is a spectacular & magical event unique to some destinations including Ella where it happens over Ella Rock & Happytale. So pilgrims & travelers begin their climb in the early hours of the ‘still dark’ wee hours in the morning in order to be able to reach the top of the peak by sunrise to be part of the mysterious phenomena to be explored at daybreak.

The Sri Pada pilgrimage is a seasonal event for the locals that takes place between the months of December to May each year, when thousands of local pilgrims flock to pay homage to the sacred footprint atop Adam’s Peak.
So if one wants to travel during the off season for pilgrimage, then one may opt to travel during June & November to experience a tranquil, timeless & more relaxed adventure.