Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, just because of its location, has diversities both in terms of history and geography. The local kingdoms ruled for over two thousand years after which the Portuguese and then Dutch and finally the English ruled. Sri Lanka became independent in 1948 from the British Rule.
Most of the country is influenced by Buddhist culture that came to the country in third century BCE. The geographical diversity that prevails in this island nation has molded the tourist attraction spots. The island, surrounded by the Indian Ocean, has coastal plains which are flat to rolling and on the other hand mountain rising in the south-central part. The central part is hilly and mountainous. The major Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka are as follows.
Colombo: This is the largest city of Sri Lanka and was the capital of Sri Lanka since 1815 until the capital was transferred to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte in 1978. Colombo is now the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. It has been a major port on the Western Coast of Sri Lanka and because of its strategic contacts with other countries, has a lot of things for tourists.
The major spots of tourist interests are Dutch Period Museum, Dehiwala Zoo, Gangaramaya Temple, Fort Clock Tower, Mt Lavinia Beach and Independence Hall
There are some ancient cities which are centre of tourist attractions. Dalada Maligawa is a magnificent shrine in Kandy that houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha. Kelaniyal Temple has a history of nearly 2563 years and was made holy during the third and final visit of Lord Buddha to Sri Lanka. Adam’s Peak is 7360 feet in height and believed to have the footprints of Lord Buddha.
Dambulla Vihara has 5 caves, one of which has the statue of Buddha that is 47 ft long and cut from a single rock. The ceiling and walls of the caves have frescoes. Sigiriya rock is 500m rock monument and dates back to over 5000 years. Mahinyangana Maha Seya and Ruwanveliseya are sthupas build in honor of Lord Buddha. The other ancient places worth visiting are Gal Viharaya, Wewurukannala Vihara, Buduruwagala Rock Sculptures, Kataragama Devalaya, and Tirukoneswaram Kovil.
Beaches: Sri Lanka has one of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Some of them are Mount Lavinia, Beruwela, Hikkaduwa, Arugam Bay, Negombo, Kalutara, Bentota, and Galle.
Waterfalls: Sri Lanka has mountainous part in the south central part and the rain fall is also heavy. This has given rise to amazing waterfalls. Some of the Waterfalls are Diyaluma Falls, St. Claire Falls, Laxapana Falls, Rawana Falls, Nawarathna Falls,Bambarakande Falls, Kirindi Oya Falls, Bopath Falls, Devon Falls, and Elgin Falls.
Festivals: The Kandy Esala Perahera, Duruthu Perahera , Vesak, and the Kataragama are the major festivals of Srilanka.
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