A guide to holidays in Sri Lanka

The beauty of Sri Lanka, its plantations of tea, the wild beaches and lush palm-lined tropical forests have brought tourists from all over the world there, who called the island the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." In 2010, the New York Times named Sri Lanka the number 1 destination for a perfect holiday. This article provides you with a guide to holidays in Sri Lanka.

Why visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a fabulous destination for tourists seeking relaxation in an exotic atmosphere. Sri Lanka is an extremely popular tourist destination in South Asia, renowned for its ancient monuments, museums and traditions. The most spectacular places in Sri Lanka are monuments rich in history and colonial charm that persisted in this region for centuries.

Cities of Sri Lanka

Colombo Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a lively and noisy city. In the north, you will find the fort and the city's business centre, which hosts shops, libraries and elegant restaurants. There are also plenty of tourist attractions such as the Clock Tower, the first lighthouse, the president house and a group of colonial buildings. Further, in the south, you will find the most fashionable district of Colombo and the largest city park. You can also visit the Pettah bazaar, where you can buy fruit, vegetables, meat, gold or silver jewellery. Kandy Kandy is considered, by most of the citizens, as the country's most beautiful city. It is situated 488 metres above sea level and was built around a quiet lake, in a picturesque area. The hottest place of the city is the golden roof of the Dalada Maligawa, where the tooth relic of enshrined Buddha is kept. The most important time of the year is the Esala Perahera, the celebrations that take place in July and August, when a copy of the coffin remains is taken in procession, accompanied by exotic dancers, drummers and 80 -100 elephants.

Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka

Old cities There are cities in which history has left its scars, being among the most popular attractions. Look for Sri Lanka tours which include a visit to Anuradhapura - an old capital of this area and it has remained a powerful symbol of Sinhalese supremacy. The old town hosts a large number of monuments and historic buildings that continue to attract tourists from all over the world. Festivals in Sri Lanka Local festivals are another attraction for those who travel to Sri Lanka, bringing Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim traditions together. "Kandy Esala Perahera" (July / August) is the most spectacular event held in honour of the holy relic of Buddha's tooth. “Duruthu Perehera” (January), held in Colombo, is also a significant holiday that celebrates Buddha's arrival in Sri Lanka.