{"id":93033,"date":"2019-03-02T00:00:00","date_gmt":"2019-03-02T00:00:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/travelstartblg.wpenginepowered.com\/sri-lanka-amazing-places\/"},"modified":"2025-11-04T13:55:28","modified_gmt":"2025-11-04T13:55:28","slug":"sri-lanka-amazing-places","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/sri-lanka-amazing-places\/","title":{"rendered":"Visiting Sri Lanka? Don&#8217;t miss these amazing places!"},"content":{"rendered":"<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sri Lanka is not all about cricket, t<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">his serendipitous isle off the coastline of India has been thrust into the spotlight as one of the Top Travel destinations for 2019. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is infused with undulating natural attractions <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">and its <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">ancient Buddhist sites reveal a true atmosphere of the past. Wander through its tea-trails found in rolling verdant hills or take part in a safari to witness the smallest and gentleness of its mighty elephants. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Its idyllic beaches are pristine with crystal clear waters and golden sands evoking within you a frozen in time nostalgia. \u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74730\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74730\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74730\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/dfgdgf.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74730\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is fabulous, culturally diverse, safe and probably the highlight; cost-effective country for South African\u2019s travelling on just about any budget. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Here are a few of our recommendations for the best beaches, ancient cities and natural spots to help you plan out your perfect trip. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Exotic Beaches<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your idea of the perfect island holiday is all about beaches, then Sri Lanka will not disappoint you. Here are a few seriously beautiful golden shores that are perfect for just about any travel style.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><b>Dickwella Beach<\/b><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Just got married? Then you will love the serene and romantic atmosphere of Dickwella beach. It is a favourite amongst newlyweds and home to Sri Lanka\u2019s most plush resorts. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hiriketiya Bay\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">is nearby and is a little slice of paradise. It&#8217;s an ideal beach for sunbathing, swimming, snorkelling and learning about Sri Lanka&#8217;s traditional way of lace making.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74728\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74728\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74728\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/dfgdgf-codfgdgdgpy.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"1200\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74728\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Hikkaduwa Beach<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Hikkaduwa beach is geared for the party goers. It is the most happening spot during its annual 3-day beach festival seeing an abundance of international Dj\u2019s creating an electric vibe. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74734\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74734\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74734\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/Mike-3.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74734\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | Caroline Gersdorf and Mike Vringer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Unawatuna Beach<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Unawatuna beach is a favourite when visiting the charming town of Galle. Not only is the coastline picturesque with colourful houses, but the sunsets here are sure to take your breath away. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Why you will love it: It is the perfect beach for water sports, scuba diving, snorkelling and a known spot for turtles nesting. If you are lucky enough, you could spot a whale shark. <\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74732\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74732\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74732\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/Mike-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74732\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | Caroline Gersdorf and Mike Vringer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Passekudah and Kalkudah<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The crystal clear waters of these two beaches are perfect for those family holidays. Offering plenty of activities for all ages. Boat rides, jet skiing and beach volleyball are just a few examples of what is on offer.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74735\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74735\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74735\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/Mike-4.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74735\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | Caroline Gersdorf and Mike Vringer<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Mirissa Beach<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Love surfing? Then the laid back Marissa beach is for you. It is also one of the best places in the world for spotting blue and sperm whales who frequent this coastline.<\/span><\/p>\n<h3>Arugam Bay<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">This beach is for nature lovers. Here, early in the morning, you can spot elephants wondering its shores. Not to mention you&#8217;ll get a glimpse into the local life of its fisherman.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74731\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74731\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74731\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/jlkjlj.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74731\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Kandy and its Buddhist Relics\u00a0<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will just love the hill station of Kandy. Amid the forested halo, you will find colourful houses, a blend of cultures, Buddhist relics, an intriguing past and an abundance of nature. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is Sri Lanka&#8217;s second largest city and is recognised as the last standing kingdom.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74726\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74726\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74726\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A6902.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74726\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It was first established by a King in the 13th century and later taken over by the British. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Their invasion deposed the King, thus ending the last traditional monarchy of Sri Lanka. Even after its conquest by the British, Kandy has retained its unique charm and still to this day is the religious capital for Buddhists seeking pilgrimage. <\/span><\/p>\n<h3>The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most impressive of all Kandyan architecture is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It is one of Buddhism&#8217;s most sacred shrines and houses Budda\u2019s tooth.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74739\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74739\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74739\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A0951.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74739\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Whilst you can\u2019t actually see the tooth, as it is kept in a gold casket shaped like a stupa (dome-shaped), you are able to come in close proximity to it during <\/span><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">puja\u00a0<\/span><\/i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">(offerings or prayers). During this time the heavily guarded room housing the tooth is open to devotees and tourists. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Within the temple complex, you will find the World Buddhism Museum containing a large number of statues, photographs, models and displays illustrating Buddhism around the world.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74740\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74740\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74740\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A0982.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74740\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74741\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74741\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74741\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A6960.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74741\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h3>Hantane Tea Factory<\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Sri Lanka is known for its tea. In fact, it is the fourth largest producer of tea in the world. At the 1925 vintage Hanthana tea factory, now open to the public, you can view various types of teas and see vintage tea-processing paraphernalia.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<h3><strong>Kandy Lake<\/strong><\/h3>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The city\u2019s centrepiece lake is the pearl adorning the heart of the city. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is known as the sea of milk and its centre island holds some interesting myths. One such myth is this: some believe it was used by the king\u2019s helm for bathing and was connected to the palace by a secret tunnel.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74737\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74737\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74737\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A0714.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74737\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Sigiriya &#8211; The 8th World Wonder<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The UNESCO world heritage site of Sigiriya is not to be missed. This ancient stone fortress is a prime example of the creativity and talent of Sigiriyan builders and rests atop a 200-metre magma rock of an extinct volcano.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74744\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74744\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74744\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A7215.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74744\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Locals like to refer to Sigiriya as the 8th World Wonder\u00a0as it displays a unique\u00a0<\/span>harmony between nature and human imagination.<span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">\u00a0It is no surprise why this valuable historical monument is the most visited.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">It is surrounded by forests and the view from the top will leave you <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">astonished which will be worth the climb. <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Previously it was a royal residence and later became a Monastery before being abandoned. T<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">he term Sigiriya originates from the word Sihagri meaning Lion Rock. The elaborate stone lion entrance on the northern side of the rock pays tribute to its original meaning.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Inside its fortified walls, you will find the remains of a ruined palace, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74727\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74727\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74727\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/20180811_103145-1.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"600\" \/><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74727\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Today, the inscriptions and watercolour paintings found in its most western facing walls tell a detailed story. Some of these frescoes celebrate female beauty, a<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">nd are considered to be either the portraits of Kasyapa\u2019s wives and concubines or priestess performing religious rituals.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Interestingly, and this will come as such a surprise, Sigiriya has been open to tourists for thousands of years. This can be seen through many visitor signatures inscribed on its walls.<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74747\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74747\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74747\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A1229.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74747\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74748\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74748\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74748\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A1232.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74748\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">What&#8217;s more, the mirror wall is of particular interest. In the past, it was polished so thoroughly that the King could see his reflection on it. <\/span><\/p>\n<h2><strong>Getting to Sri Lanka<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Flying to this diverse country is as simple as <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/lp\/sri-lanka\/flights\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">booking a ticket<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> and jetting off.\u00a0<\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Read up on the <a href=\"https:\/\/travelstartstg.wpenginepowered.com\/best-time-to-visit-sri-lanka\/\">best time to visit<\/a> and find ideas on what to pack!<\/span><\/p>\n<figure id=\"attachment_74743\" aria-describedby=\"caption-attachment-74743\" style=\"width: 790px\" class=\"wp-caption aligncenter\"><a href=\"http:\/\/www.51countriesandcounting.com\"><img decoding=\"async\" class=\"size-full wp-image-74743\" src=\"https:\/\/travelstartmu.wpenginepowered.com\/zablog\/wp-content\/uploads\/sites\/5\/2025\/10\/223A7110.jpg\" alt=\"\" width=\"800\" height=\"533\" \/><\/a><figcaption id=\"caption-attachment-74743\" class=\"wp-caption-text\">Image Credit | 51 Countries and Counting<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<h2><strong>Visa Requirements<\/strong><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You will be happy to know that the visa application process to Sri Lanka is one of the easiest. All you need to do is submit an online <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/eta.gov.lk\/etaslvisa\/etaNavServ?payType=1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Electronic Travel Authorisation<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that will authorize you to receive your visa on arrival. <\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">See our comprehensive, step-by-step guide on <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/travelstartstg.wpenginepowered.com\/how-to-apply-for-sri-lankan-visa\/\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">how to apply for your Sri Lankan visa<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">.<\/span><\/p>\n<p>Have you visited this dreamy island nation yet? Share your thoughts in the comments section below!<\/p>\n<p><em><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">*Disclaimer:\u00a0<\/span><\/em><i><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">All information on this blog page was correct at the time of publishing and may change at any time without prior notice. Travelstart will not be held liable for loss or inconvenience resulting from the use of out-dated or incorrectly noted information.<\/span><\/i><\/p>\n<p>&nbsp;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Sri Lanka is not all about cricket, this serendipitous isle off the coastline of India has been thrust into the spotlight as one of the Top Travel destinations for 2019. It is infused with undulating natural attractions and its ancient Buddhist sites reveal a true atmosphere of the past. Wander through its tea-trails found in rolling verdant hills or take part in a safari to &#8230; <a title=\"Visiting Sri Lanka? Don&#8217;t miss these amazing places!\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/sri-lanka-amazing-places\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about Visiting Sri Lanka? Don&#8217;t miss these amazing places!\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":16,"featured_media":93050,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_destination_ratings":[],"_destination_review_count":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[16],"tags":[381,436,534,46],"class_list":["post-93033","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-travel","tag-adventure-travel","tag-beach-destinations","tag-beach-holidays","tag-hiking","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO plugin v27.5 - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Visiting Sri Lanka? Don&#039;t miss these amazing places! - Travelstart Blog<\/title>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" href=\"https:\/\/www.travelstart.co.za\/blog\/sri-lanka-amazing-places\/\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:locale\" content=\"en_US\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:type\" content=\"article\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:title\" content=\"Visiting Sri Lanka? Don&#039;t miss these amazing places! - Travelstart Blog\" \/>\n<meta property=\"og:description\" content=\"Sri Lanka is not all about cricket, this serendipitous isle off the coastline of India has been thrust into the spotlight as one of the Top Travel destinations for 2019. It is infused with undulating natural attractions and its ancient Buddhist sites reveal a true atmosphere of the past. Wander through its tea-trails found in rolling verdant hills or take part in a safari to ... 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