Forming part of the monumental cultural triangle and entitled a UNESCO world heritage site, this historic city is a must-see if you are interested in history. Anuradhapura presently houses some of the greatest ancient ruins of the glorious island nation including remains from temples, palaces, and the tallest dagoba in the country.

The weather in Anuradhapura is usually warm and dry with the exception of the relatively cool months of December and January.

Things To Do

The glorious Anuradhapura heritage is not limited to the monumental ancient ruins alone. There are in fact many things to do. Anuradhapura is home to many simple restaurants serving delectable cuisine, including Anzu’s Restaurant with authentic Chinese food served in a relaxed atmosphere. Casserole too is a bustling restaurant, serving a wide range of Sri Lankan, Chinese and Western food, cooked to perfection. If you are looking for a lovely, traditional restaurant to enjoy a typically Sri Lankan breakfast or short-eats, Salgado Hotel and Bakery is the ideal place.

Renting a bicycle and cycling leisurely around the city is also a recommended thing to do. Anuradhapura, being a vast city offers much to be explored.

Attractions

Steeped in a heritage of rich history, every inch of the ancient city of Anuradhapura boasts attractions you would not want to miss. Places to visit in Anuradhapura range from great temples, monasteries, and museums laden with treasures to intricately designed ponds and statues speaking in unison as a testament to the wisdom of the architects of yesteryear.

One of the key places to visit in Anuradhapura is the Sri Maha Bodhi or the sacred bodhi tree, which is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world and was brought to the island by Princess Sangamitta, the sister of Monk Mahinda who first introduced Buddhist teachings to Sri Lanka.

This ancient city of Anuradhapura also boasts some of the finest stupas in the world, including the Ruwanweli Seya, raised in the 2nd century B.C. by the great King Dutugemunu and popularly considered the greatest among stupas. Another one of the key Anuradhapura attractions is the Thuparama temple, which is known to be the oldest temple in Sri Lanka and is said to enshrine the collar-bone relic of Lord Buddha.

The third highest monument in the world at the time of the fall of the Roman empire, the Jethawana Monastery also in Anuradhapura is about 120 meters in height and was founded by King Mahasen, one of the greatest kings in the history of Sri Lanka. The largest monastery complex in Anuradhapura, the Abhayagiri stupa and monastery, was raised in the 2nd century B.C. by King Walagamba and it was an international institution by the 1st century A.D.

Some of the other main places to visit in Anuradhapura include the Archaeological Museum, the Abhayagiri Museum, the Isurumuniya lovers and the Kuttam Pokuna among many others.

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During the peak season, there is never a dull moment in Arugam Bay Sri Lanka. It is in fact the perfect base for many exhilarating excursions including an adventurous trek to explore the wild, or to take a peek at a few Buddhist temples little known of, or simply to laze around on the beach relaxing on a hammock as you drink in the splendor of your surroundings.

Arugam Bay weather is generally dry, with little rain in comparison to the rest of the island, but July and August are the best months in the year for a surfing trip.

Things To Do

Surfing definitely tops the list of things to do in Arugam Bay. In fact surfing in Arugam Bay is not merely an activity, it is an experience. There are many point breaks including the Ullah point, Pottuvil point and crocodile point which are ideal for beginners and experienced surfers alike. During the surfing season in July and August each year, Arugam Bay  simply comes alive and the entire place is a hub of activity as the UK Pro-Surfing Association’s Sri Lanka Surf Championships are conducted, with over 45 of the best surfers the world over, participate in a thrilling event.

Things to do in Arugam Bay, however, are by no means restricted to surfing alone. It is a great place to simply chill out and perhaps read a book on a hammock or lie on the beach and enjoy the warm waters of the glorious ocean. Delicious spicy rottis with exotic fillings which are found in plenty along the coast are a treat not to be missed. If you are looking for a sugar rush, the mouth-watering home-made goodies including ice cream, warm breads and crumbly cookies just out of the oven at Café del Mar or Geckos are the best in this area.

Another popular thing to do in Arugam Bay is to enjoy a few drinks at Mambos, which is a bar/ club packed with lively entertainment including upbeat music and dancing on Saturday nights.

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The weather in Batticaloa is moderate and remains constant most of the year, but it is one of the hottest places in the country, with a temperature varying between 30° C to 40° C. Nevertheless, a stay in Batticaloa Sri Lanka is a must, especially to experience the warm hospitality of the villagers who welcome every visitor with utmost generosity and kindness.

Things To Do

You will never be at a loss of things to do in Batticaloa, especially given the lovely beaches, being some of the best in the island. Going for a walk early morning at sunrise, along the Batticaloa beach, is a glorious experience. You can even join one of the fishermen on his catamaran and head towards the untouched waters of Passekudah bay. A snorkeling visit to the coral island nearby, infested with exotic corals and reef fish, is a must do.

The Batticaloa beach is also a hub of activity and you can always join in on a game of volley ball or badminton. If you enjoy water sports, you can be a little adventurous and go wind-surfing or kayaking.

Dining at some of the village restaurants has to be on your list of things to do in Batticaloa. Some of the best around the area include Aadavan Suvaiuzthu which is a bright and colourful snack bar and Lakshmi Diner, a local restaurant serving tasty vegetarian dishes. Though it does not by any means offer the most luxurious atmosphere, it is definitely an experience in itself.

Attractions

First on the list of Batticaloa attractions is certainly the glorious Batticaloa beach. The two most popular Batticaloa beaches are the Passekudah and Kalkudah beaches, each offering a unique experience.

Perhaps the most extraordinary and somewhat queer of the Batticaloa attractions is its singing fish. On a full moon night, you can be entertained by the subtle yet distinct humming of a school of ‘choristers’, supposedly emanated from a type of fish found exclusively in the Batticaloa lagoon.

Some of the other popular Batticaloa attractions are the historic lighthouse, known by the villagers as the Muttuwaran lighthouse and located exactly where the Batticaloa lagoon meets the Indian Ocean and the pre-historic rock art of Rajagala which is a mysterious rock jungle, most of it yet awaiting excavation.

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Bentota Sri Lanka is famously known for its production of toddy, a popular local alcoholic beverage made with coconut nectar. It also boasts an ancient art of healing which has now gained much popularity throughout the world – Ayurveda, the science of life.

Bentota weather is tropical and the rainfall is generally quite high, with two peak rainy seasons.

Things To Do

Things to do in Bentota range from the quiet, tranquil, peaceful activities of doing nothing but relax, to the fun, exciting activities that give you an adrenalin rush.

The Bentota river presents an ideal location for water sports of all kinds including water-skiing, jet-skiing and wind-surfing. There are many independent operators who are pros on Bentota water sports and conduct courses in surfing, deep-sea fishing and diving. In Bentota, canoeing too is quite a popular activity.

Taking a nice long trip along the winding course of the Bentota river, exploring the exotic creatures of the wild including baby crocodiles and hundreds of species of birds and reptiles is the perfect option for those who like to have a peaceful afternoon. Simply lying on the golden beaches of Bentota and basking in the sun too is certainly an unparalleled experience.

Some other popular things to do in Bentota include a visit to the National Holiday Resort Complex housing a number of hotels, restaurants, and markets or the Bentota Bazaar offering some great surprises ranging from gemstones, brassware, wood carvings, and batik textiles.

Attractions

The Bentota river, gently meandering along its course inland, is one of the prime attractions in Bentota. The delicate coves and little islands on the lower stretches of the Bentota river are treasure troves filled with indigenous species of birds, reptiles and many amphibians. The river is also a hub of activity, especially for water sports enthusiasts as almost every type of sporty activity in water is available.

Another famous attraction in Bentota is the Brief Gardens, comprising the house and garden of Bevis Bawa, a world renowned landscape architect who initiated the work as far back as 1929. Lunuganga too is a must see, being the original home of Geoffrey Bawa, the brother of Bevis and an architect who has contributed much towards an architectural revolution.
The sea turtle hatchery in Kosgoda too is a must see. It is a life-changing experience as you watch the egg burial in the night and enjoy the baby turtles through the day until you release them into their habitat in the deep.

The Galapata Vihara, dating from the 12th century and said to have been built by Parakramabahu the Great is also a popular attraction in Bentota.

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Colombo city is dotted with modern architecture as well as structures with colonial influence, fringed by greenery all around. As you travel around the city, be sure to experience the best this cosmopolitan city has to offer. From bustling markets to sprawling malls, parks & gardens, museums, restaurants and pubs as well as night clubs and casinos.

In the suburbs of Colombo, the beaches of Mount Lavinia in are ideal to unwind and enjoy the sunset after a long day of activity in the city.

The Colombo weather remains warm and constant through most of the year, except during the inter-monsoonal rains.

Things To Do

One of the first things you may want to do in Colombo is to hop on to the open double-decker bus and get a glimpse of the key places by joining the Colombo City Tour commencing from the Galle Face Hotel.

Shopping in Colombo is an interesting experience to say the least. The One Galle Face Mall is among the larger malls, while Colombo City Center, Crescat Boulevard and Majestic City are also popular and house many local and international retail brands. If you are after a more colorful shopping experience the Pettah Bazaars offer goods at terribly cheap prices. You may need to bargain hard but it is worth it! Outside of the malls you will find independent stores that are popular among tourists and locals alike. Barefoot will be your go to for hand-loom fabrics and quirky handicrafts. Also visit Odel, Arienti, Cotton Collection for a mix of good quality cotton clothing and souvenirs.

Colombo offers some of the best spa experiences in the world. A traditional ayurvedic massage at the Siddhalepa Spa or a ritualistic aromatherapy massage at the Spa Ceylon is a must on your list of things to do in Colombo.

A stay in Colombo will not be complete without an experience of the dining in Colombo. There is a wide variety of options ranging from the Hotel De Pilawoos with local goodies such as cheese kottu rotti, string hopper biriyani or a masala rotti to the Gallery Café offering an exotic dining experience. Other dining options in Colombo include the Barefoot Garden Café, Cricket Club Café, Nuga Gama, Cheers or any of the rooftop bars at city hotels enjoy a drink in the evening, while enjoying the view of a glorious sunset.

Colombo nightlife is fairly decent too. Gaming is legal only for foreign passport holders and some of the popularly known casinos are Bally’s Casino and Bellagio Casino. Most of the dance oriented Colombo nightlife revolves around a few night clubs including The Chiller Room, Clique, R&B and Amuseum.

Attractions

If you are in the mood for a beer on the beach without ever leaving the city, the beaches of Mount Lavinia in are ideal to unwind and enjoy the sunset after a long day of shopping.

Other popular Colombo tourist attractions include the Gangaramaya Temple, having been in existence for 120 years on the banks of the famous Beira Lake and housing a library, a museum and an array of plated and jeweled gifts offered by devotees over the years.

The National Museum, established in 1877 and housed in a regal white colonial-era building is another one of the Colombo tourist attractions. The Museum displays monuments from the ancient Sinhala Kingdoms, antique furniture, chains and Ola manuscripts.

The Independence Square, the Viharamahadevi Park, Galle Face Green, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolfendal Church and the Fort Railway Station are some of the other places to visit. Colombo boasts many more attractions which you will be able to see as you travel around the city.

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Dambulla is also home to the less known Iron Wood Forest and the Rose Quartz Mountain Range, showcasing the rich natural beauty of this historic city of Sri Lanka.

Dambulla weather remains dry for most of the year and January to May have a nice average temperature.

Things To Do

In addition to going on an excursion exploring the jungle area and playing and having some fun with the little monkeys along the way, there are quite a few things to do in Dambulla. The people in this part of the island are extremely hospitable and friendly and therefore going for an evening stroll in town and having a chat over a cup of tea with some of the villagers is certainly one of the enjoyable things to do in Dambulla.

Dining in some of the small restaurants with delicious food must be on your list of things to do in Dambulla too. Anon Rest serves an array of absolutely delectable local food, apparently authentic to the core. The BBH Restaurant too is a great option for tasty Sri Lankan meals and a few snacks as you hobble along the streets of Dambulla.

Attractions

The rich history of the rock caves date back to about the 1st century BC when King Walagamba found refuge in them during his period in exile. As such, the magnificent rock caves are foremost among Dambulla attractions. When he later regained his throne, he had the caves carved into glorious rock temples laden with a number of statues and murals, which were later improved by King Nissanka Malla who even had the interior gilded, earning the name Ran Giri or Golden Rock. The Dambulla Golden Temple sitting at the foot of the hill boasts an intricately carved 30 meter high Buddha image.

Some of the other main Dambulla attractions include the Rangiri Dambulla International Stadium, which is most popularly known for having been constructed in just 167 days. The largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia too sits in this glorious city of Dambulla. The Iron Wood Forest, also known as the Namal Uyana and the Ibbankatuwa pre-historic burial site which is one of the latest archaeological sites found in Dambulla, are among other attractions.

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Travel to Galle is a breeze with the Southern Express Highway, making the journey from Colombo to Galle less than one hour. The weather is tropical and the temperature is generally warm with some humidity.

Things To Do

Going on a hot-air balloon ride has to take precedence in your list of things to do. Galle, being the beautiful city that it is with its touch of traditional elegance and charm, will offer a great aerial view.

Galle also offers many exquisite dining options including the Rampart Hotel restaurant overlooking the magnificent southern waters, the Pedlar’s Café which is a small place in an old Colonial setting serving the most delicious shakes, coffees and sandwiches and the Royal Dutch Café which is the ideal spot for a light lunch. The Serendipity Arts Café too is a fantastic café featuring exotic photographs and of course, a mouth-watering fusion menu that includes delectable cuisine from the west and the east.

Shopping too is a must in your list of things to do. Galle Sri Lanka is a great place to pick some items including antique furniture from Olanda, traditional Sri Lankan crafts and artifacts from Pedlar Street and exquisite silk from the Gintota Factory.

The Galle Literary Festival held between 28th January and 1st February each year, bringing together world renowned writers is regarded one of the best in Asia and a trip to Galle during such time is certainly an idea, though bookings will have to be made considerably early.

Going on a hot-air balloon ride has to be added to your list of things to do. Being the beautiful city that it is, with its touch of traditional elegance and charm, Galle will offer a great aerial view.

Attractions

There are many must-see attractions in Galle, foremost being the Galle Fort, built by the Dutch, beginning in 1663. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Galle Fortress is a phenomenal collection of structures, each telling a story through centuries. A unique feature is that the Galle Fort is yet a live and bustling as there are many administrative offices, courts and companies apart from the hundreds of people who hover around enchanted by the surrounding atmosphere of splendour and drinking in the salty fresh air.

The Galle Lighthouse too, built by the British in 1939 on Point Utrecht Bastion, being an architectural masterpiece, is one of the main attractions in Galle. The structure stands 18 meters high and can be found on the eastern end of the fortress walls. The Historical Mansion Museum laden with British memorabilia including maps, guns and artifacts is a great place to visit. The Dutch Reformed Church, originally built by an Army officer serving with the Dutch too is a must see.

With the Indian Ocean seen on two sides ensuring a constant free-flow of fresh air, the Galle Cricket Stadium offering splendid views of the resplendent ocean is certainly one of the main attractions in Galle.

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This city also popularly known for its mass production of salt, was primarily an agricultural city. Prior to the modernization of this city, the agriculture in the district was characterized by chena cultivation and paddy cultivation on non-irrigated land. However, Hambantota Sri Lanka is now developing rapidly and even boasts an International Cricket Stadium that was used for the first time to host the Cricket World Cup 2011. The first South-Asian Beach Festival too was held in this city.

Travel to Hambantota is now much easier than it used to be due to the Southern Express Highway from Colombo to Matara accounting for the major part of the distance.

Hambantota weather is generally rather dry and the month of August is the driest whereas November is usually a relatively wet month.

Things To Do

Though relatively laidback until fairly recently, there are actually plenty of things to do in Hambantota, especially given the current development drive. You can either be a part of the fun and games on the beach or simply enjoy the glorious atmosphere and calm surroundings. Some of the highlights of the things to do in Hambantota include gliding along the Walawe River getting a glimpse of the wild, or soaking in the warmth of the Mandunagala hot-water springs. Lazing around on the sandy beaches in this area too is an experience.

The Wild Safari Hotel Restaurant serving tasty Sri Lankan food at more than reasonable prices is a great option for a hearty local meal, but a must on your list of things to do in Hambantota is to taste the delicious home-made kalu dodol, a traditional sweet meat.

Attractions

The Hambantota Harbour being a natural harbor and in fact providing the roots of the name Hambantota, formerly known as ‘Sampantota’, is certainly one of the greatest attractions in Hambantota. It was at the Hambantota Harbour that merchants from Siam, China and Indonesia anchored their vessels on their trade route to the west.

The Bundala National Park located near the coast of Hambantota, towards the south of the Weerawila Weva, is an amazing wildlife sanctuary filled with large crocodiles and migrant birds. The Yala and Udawalawe Sanctuaries too situated in the area offer a very high degree of bio diversity and are great places to encounter wild elephants, wild boar, leopards, bears etc. Many religious places such as Tissamaharamaya, Kataragama Devalaya and Kirivehera too are situated in close proximity to Hambantota.

The Mahinda Rajapakse International Cricket Stadium which hosted the Cricket World Cup 2011 is one of the must see attractions in Hambantota. Another one of the fascinating, unusual attractions in Hambantota is the traditional brass-works of Angulmaduwa where Sri Lanka’s famous brass-works ranging from bells to oil lamps all began.

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Weather in Hikkaduwa is mainly sunny and dry especially between November and April, with the most rainfall in the months of May and October.

Things To Do

Hikkaduwa diving is fantastic as the waters are a haven of paradise replete with exotic fish of all kinds. The shallow waters make diving in Hikaduwa an easy experience even for beginners. Surfing too is one of the many popular things to do in Hikkaduwa as there are four main surf-breaks.

The Rotti restaurants in Hikkaduwa serve simply divine rotti with fillings ranging from cheese and bacon to mango and banana. Savouring these phenomenal rottis is one of the most important in your list of things to do in Hikkaduwa. Some of the other frequented restaurants include the Chill Space Café, Cool Spot and the Moon Beam Restaurant.

Hikkaduwa Nightlife is vibrant and exhilarating. Mambo’s offers a great mix of house and reggae music and the atmosphere and setting are buzzing with energy.

Attractions

With an average depth of only 5 meters and magnificent gardens of exotic flowering corals in its coral reef, Hikkaduwa is an amazing city lying on the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. The beach is one of the main attractions in Hikkaduwa and is certainly one of the best on the island. Day and night, the Hikkaduwa beach is full of vibrancy and energy as every little nook and corner has some story to tell. Enjoy a game of beach-volleyball or snack on a delicious bacon & cheese rotti from one of the many rotti restaurants while you are here.

One of the other lesser known of attractions in Hikkaduwa is the Hikkaduwa Bird Lake replete with exotic birds, monitor lizards and all sorts of other creatures. Traditional sweet water prawn fishing is one of the exclusive activities on this Bird Lake.

The Seenigama Devalaya and the Meetiyagoda Moonstone Mines too are nearby attractions. In Hikkaduwa, there is never a dull moment as there are plenty of attractions within the city and in the vicinity too.

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Having been Sri Lanka’s Hindu-Tamil capital for centuries prior to the colonization of the Portuguese, you can be assured of seeing great historic, cultural and religious sites influenced by Hindu tradition as well as typical colonial architecture in your Jaffna travel. Guide your way carefully through the streets of Jaffna as most addresses seem to have ‘old’ or ‘new’ street numbers which have the potential to create confusion.

The weather in Jaffna is typically dry with seasonal monsoon showers during the months of October to January.

Things To Do

Jaffna sightseeing can be an interesting and fascinating experience, among the many historic Hindu temples and churches with amazing architecture. However, most places may now be in a dilapidated condition consequent to the effects of the war.
Island hopping is certainly one of the unique and exciting things to do in Jaffna as you hobble along the beautiful islands of Kayts, Karaitivu, Punkudutivu and Mandativu, with each providing a different experience.

On the other hand, dining is a must on your list of things to do in Jaffna. Thanj Hotel is great for hot, melting in the mouth, hoppers. The Malayan Café offers a very different experience of eating delicious vegetarian delights on banana leaves. The marble-top tables and long glass and wood cabinets are quite extraordinary as against the usual setting in Jaffna.

Find your way to the Morgan’s Guest House if you would like to enjoy a drink in the evening over a chat with some of the villagers. Another one of the important things to do includes paying a visit to at least one of Jaffna’s cream houses including Lingam Cream House, Raja Ice Cream or Rio, famously known for serving the most delicious home-made ice cream.

Attractions

There are numerous Jaffna attractions ranging from temples, churches, libraries and various other structures of cultural significance. One of the most popular is the Nagadeepa temple which is believed to be the site where Buddha visited Sri Lanka for the second time, five years after enlightenment. The Nallur temple Jaffna, built during the medieval period, is perhaps the most impressive religious building in the area and yet retains much significance for Hindus in the entire island.

Among other Jaffna attractions, the Jaffna Fort known to be one of the best in Asia was built in 1680 with its walls virtually invisible and hidden beneath what seems to be over-grown slopes, as a testament to the architectural brilliance of the time. The Jaffna Archaeological Museum and the Jaffna Public Library too are of significant importance in the area.

The Manalkadu Desert, an area of pristine white sand dunes created from sand blown from India 3during monsoon winds, is also one of the popular Jaffna attractions.

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