HURULU ECO PARK
Read moreEco Park is located in Hurulu Forest, which covers 25,000 hectares north of Habarana. Opened in 2007, Eco Park covers only 1,000 hectares of land. Smaller and less expensive than other sites (notably the nearby Minneriya National Park), Eco Park will allow you to observe many groups of elephants in the wild. The route is pleasant but there are far too many vehicles on the same observation point at the same time. Hurulu Wewa, a very modestly sized reservoir, is the main waterhole in the area.
FORT JAFFNA
Read moreIt occupies an area of 22 ha and is one of the most fortified in Asia. Before it was ravaged by war, it housed a beautiful Dutch Reformed church (Groote Kerk), also in ruins.
Built in 1619 by the Portuguese on the edge of the lagoon, this fort is the second most important on the island. When Colombo was taken by the Dutch, it was here that the last Portuguese took refuge. The fort nevertheless fell on June 24, 1658, after a three and a half month siege. The fortress was reoccupied by the Dutch and underwent several successive phases of development, including the construction of the inner pentagon. The inscription 'Anno 1680' engraved above the main entrance indicates the year in which the Dutch began their reconstruction. The work lasted until 1792. On 28 September 1795, Jaffna came under the control of the British. The first operations to overthrow the Dutch began on 18 August 1795 with the capture of Trincomalee, followed by Batticaloa, Point Pedro, Jaffna and Mannar. However, 1796 is recorded as the historic year in which the British took possession of the island. The fort remained in its original state until the 1970s, despite its continued use by the British and then the Ceylon government. During the civil war, the fort changed hands several times. It was occupied by the LTTE from 1986 to 1995 and then taken over by the army in 1995, after a 50-day siege. In the end, a large part of the fortress was destroyed
OLD PARLIAMENT BUILDING
Read moreThe old Parliament of Colombo is a neo-baroque building inaugurated in 1930, located at the entrance of the Fort district, facing the sea. It was built during the British colonial period and was inaugurated in January 1930. Today it houses the Presidential Secretariat. It housed the Legislative Assembly until 1983, when the Parliament was moved to a new building in Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte. The garden in front of it houses bronze statues of Sri Lankan statesmen.
ELLA ROCK
Read moreElla Rock is opposite Little Adam's Peak and is one of the classic hikes in the area. The start is accessible to all, but the end of the route becomes arduous, even impassable in the rainy season. On the other hand, the attacks of leeches in wet season are not to be neglected. The path is quite complicated so it is better to get a map from your hotel before setting off. Bring enough water and snacks. At the start, take the railway line to the metal bridge, then take the path on the left.
WORLD TRADE CENTER COLOMBO
Read moreThe World Trade Center (WTC Colombo or WTCC), consisting of two twin towers of 40 floors each, was the tallest building in Sri Lanka until 2017 at 152 m tall. The LLTE suicide bombing in January 1996 that killed 91 people and injured over 1,400, damaged the towers, which were under construction at the time. Inaugurated in 1997, the WTCC is the most important business centre in Colombo and the headquarters of several major national and international companies.
RAMBODA FALLS
Read moreThese magnificent waterfalls, 109 m high, are partially visible from the road. They are the result of the convergence of many streams coming from Puna Oya Reservoir. They are actually made up of three falls: Ramboda Oya Ella (the highest), Ramboda Oya Meda Ella (in which you can swim), and Pahala Ramboda Oya Ella. To get there, you have to go through the Ramboda Falls Hotel and take the lift to the garden. A path leads down to an observation platform at the base of the waterfalls.
DALADA MALUVA (SACRED QUADRILATERAL)
Read moreThis quatrilateral (quadrangle
in English) is the ancient heart of the fallen capital. It is located to the left of the main entrance to the site, within the fortress enclosure, past Shiva Devalaya 1. This terrace is home to one of Sri Lanka's most important archaeological sites.
Vatadage (Stupa-house).
This magnificent circular pavilion is located to the left of the entrance to the quadrangle. These four entrances lead to four finely carved Buddha statues facing the four cardinal points. At the northern entrance, you can admire the most beautiful moonstone on the site, representing the signs of the Sinhalese zodiac.
Hatadage or Temple of the Tooth.
Located on the right as you enter. It was built during the reign of Nissanka Malla in the 12th century and is said to have housed the tooth of Buddha. In the entrance are represented musicians and dancers. The murals depict the exploits of the king.
Chapter Hall.
It occupies a small area adjacent to the Hatadage. Only the base of the building and some pillars remain.
Gal Potha (Stone Book). This stone book is a piece of rock 9 m long, 1.50 m wide and 60 cm thick. Its weight is estimated at 25 tons. The text is engraved in three columns and contains more than 4,300 characters.
It chronicles the exploits of King Nissanka Malla in the face of Indian invasions, as well as his pioneering concerns about the coexistence of human and animal life.
Sat Mahal Prasada is a pyramidal building of seven levels (sat
means 'seven'). Archaeologists have yet to define its purpose.
Atadage Dalada Maligaya. Going around the Hatadage, you will come across the Atadage (ata
means 8), which dates back to the reign of Vijayabahu I. Like its illustrious neighbour, it contained a wooden roof designed to protect the tooth of Buddha. Continuing to the western corner of the quadrangle, you can see what remains of a platform for a reclining Buddha.
Latha Mandapaya
dates from the 12th century. It is a superb pavilion, whose pillars represent lotus stems. The king often came there to listen to Buddhist chants. You will then pass by a statue of Bodhisattva and the remains of a temple dedicated to the Bo tree.
Thuparama. This is the best preserved building in Polonnaruwa. It is famous for its vaulted brick walls. It is the only monument on the site that still has its roof. The shrine used to house a large statue of a seated Buddha in a meditative position
GALLE DUTCH REFORMED CHURCH
Read moreThe Dutch reformed church Galle or Groote Kerk) is the oldest Protestant church in the country. Built in 1755 by a Dutch governor, it stands on the site of what was, before 1640 and the capture of Galle, a convent of Portuguese capucins. It seems that it is the third reformed church built by the Dutch in Galle. The first was next to the clock tower, the second opposite the current church. The church was built on the highest point of the fort, at an altitude of 12 metres, in a doric style. It respects a cruciform plan, despite shortened transepts. They are separated from the nave by a double arch. The absence of a central pillar to support the weight of the roof is compensated by the two gables north and south, typical of the Dutch style. Pine nuts are topped by three flames and are decorated with round, unique stucco in Sri Lanka. Raised benches were placed along the walls and were reserved for the Commander of the fort, the deacons and for official of the Dutch Company Oriental Indies (VOC). The benches placed in the south of the church were dismantled to place the altar of the Anglican community when it invested building in 1867. The belfry on the other side of the street is former to the church. The bell was cast in 1709 and was used to gather the faithful for the service. The reformed church was renovated in 2004 with the help of the Netherlands.
MEERAN JUMMA MASJID
Read moreThis beautiful white mosque, also known as the Galle Fort Mosque, faces the ocean and is a stone's throw from the lighthouse. The building was originally a Portuguese church, built on the site of a mosque dating from 1750, and only became a mosque in 1904. The numbers painted on the wall of the façade indicate the year 1325 Hijri (corresponding to the year 1907 in the Gregorian calendar), which supports the thesis that a prayer space existed here before the 20th century. Next to it is the Galle Muslim Cultural Association, which has been located here since 1965.
GREGORY LAKE
Read moreCreated in 1873 during the British period, Gregory Lake covers an area of 91 hectares southeast of the city center. In 1913, the waters of the lake were directed into a tunnel that flows to a hydroelectric plant in Blackpool, which to this day continues to provide electricity to the city. The lake is probably the major attraction of Nuwara Eliya. You can fish, pedal boat, boat, walk or cycle around it. Since 2012, seaplanes land there regularly, in season, from Colombo (a 30-minute flight).
GALLE FACE GREEN
Read moreThe Galle Face Green is a direct extension of Galle Road. This long grassy walk of almost 1 km was originally laid out by the Dutch to keep the firing line of their cannons clear. Later, the British turned it into a racetrack and then a golf course. Today, Galle Face Green has become very popular for joggers and kite flyers. It is also a popular weekend stroll for families. At its southern end, the very elegant Galle Face Hotel is worth a visit.
TURTLE WATCH REKAWA
Read moreTurtle Conservation Project (TCP) is a non-governmental organization that protects nesting sites, unlike local hatcheries that collect eggs and hatch them off the beach. The nearby Rekawa lagoon is a good place for sea turtles to lay their eggs. Here you can see five of the seven species present in Sri Lanka visiting the beach area. You have to be patient because, like any natural event, the arrival of the turtles does not take place at a fixed time. It is still rare not to see one.
CULTURAL TRIANGLE OFFICE
Read moreSale of packages for Cultural Triangle sites. Has strongly advised if there are only two of them: package at $ 40, while entry to Anura, Polo or Sigiriya costs $ 20.
GIANT'S TANK SANCTUARY
Read moreGiant's Tank Sanctuary is a nature reserve located about 20 km southeast of Mannar. Many species of waterfowl and wading birds are found in the sanctuary, as well as a few elephants. At the heart of the sanctuary is the Yodha Wewa, the Giant 's tank, considered to be one of the greatest creations of King Parakramabahu I. This tank is said to be one of the first human hydraulic installations on the island. Forgotten for a long time, it was reused when the British arrived.
SANGAMANKANDA POINT
Read moreIt is the eastern tip of Sri Lanka. 225 km separate Sangamankanda from Colombo. The location is only for its geographic characteristics and if you are nearby. It does not offer a particular panorama.
DEPARTMENT OF WILDLIFE CONSERVATION (DWC)
Read moreThe Department of Wildlife Conservation manages all national parks in Sri Lanka. Its website will give you a lot of information about them and about reservations (Strict natural reserves—Nature reserves) and sanctuaries (Sanctuaries). It does not support the Forest Reserves or the Wilderness Areas, which depend on the Forest Department.
HUNAS FALLS
Read moreBeautiful waterfall 48 metres high on the western slope of Campbell's Lane Forest Reserve.
KANNIYA HOT SPRINGS
Read moreLegend has it that these hot springs were "created" by King Ravana to celebrate the funeral of his mother, Kanniya, at a time of great drought. "Created" is the right word because, to get the water he needed, he touched a rock with his sword and seven springs of pure water immediately flowed out. The water can reach a temperature of 30°C. The place resembles a large, blue-tiled, dry basin containing seven wells from which pilgrims bring up the water with buckets and sprinkle themselves generously.
RAVANA'S CAVE
Read moreLocated 2 km south of Ella, this cave is said to have been used by King Ravana to hide Princess Sita, the wife of Rama. The climb is not easy, you have to climb about 650 uneven steps, some of them quite high, to reach this small cave. The site is not exceptional in itself, it was even seriously damaged by the archaeological service of Sri Lanka which dug excavations there. A human skull dating back to 20,000 BC was found there. The site will however delight fans of the Ramayana, the famous Hindu epic.
GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
Read moreThe park is located in a dry area, mainly subject to the influence of the monsoon in the North-East. Pluviometry annual average is 1 766 mm. The best time to visit is between May and at the end of November. Gal Oya Valley could be occupied by Singhalese kings at three places: Digha Vapi, Govindahela and Nilgala. The mountainous region in the west was one of the last strongholds of Veddhas. Created in 1954, this park of 64 000 ha is close to several water points, including the huge reservoir Senanayake Samudra. The elephants are numerous and the most interesting excursion to make is a ride in boat that allows you to see the pachyderms watering itself or in the bathroom. The park is very little developed for tourism and, except a campsite, there is no accommodation inside. Rooms are available to Inginiyagala and Ampara. You can find a guide and a 4x4 with Ampara and Inginiyagala.
LAHUGALA KITULANA NATIONAL PARK
Read moreLocated in the Oya Heda basin, Lahugala Kitulana National Park covers 1,554 ha. Although it is one of the smallest national parks in Sri Lanka, it has the advantage of being easily accessible (it is crossed by the main road leading to Colombo) and home to many animals including many elephants and endemic birds. On its southern side is the historical site of Magul Maha Vihara, built for the marriage of King Kavantissa (205-161 BC) and Viharamaha Devi. The nearest accommodation is in Pottuvil-Arugam Bay.
BIBLE ROCK (BATHALEGALA)
Read moreBible Rock, also called Bathalegala, owes its name to its rectangular shape, reminiscent of a bible. This huge rock, 798 m high, has a certain resemblance with Sigiriya. A path leads to the top, count about 30 minutes (easy ascent) to enjoy the splendid panorama. A small temple is located in the southern part of the hill. It is perfectly visible from Kadugannawa Pass on the A1 road between Colombo and Kandy. From Kandy, turn off at the village of Mawanella, then follow the road for 10 km.
UDAWATTA KELE SANCTUARY
Read moreIt is a nature reserve located on the north-eastern heights of the city. The entrance is through its western flank, a 15-minute walk from the Temple of the Tooth. The forest was declared a nature reserve in 1856 before becoming a sanctuary in 1938. Well known to the local people, it is a good place to observe its flora and fauna, especially birds. More than 460 varieties of plants have been recorded, including 21 endemic ones. The canopy is home to nearly 80 different species of birds. Two circuits are available: one of 3 km and another of 5 km.
PAHIYANGALA CAVE (FA HIEN CAVE)
Read moreThis cave, if it is not very deep, marks by its height. The entrance is 45 meters high and 60 meters wide. It is estimated that it could accommodate 3,000 people. During excavations carried out between 1986 and 2009, archaeologists discovered mainly microliths (small carved stone tools dating from prehistoric times) but also human graves containing six human bone fossils. These discoveries have allowed archaeologists and paleontologists to estimate that the first inhabitants of the cave were contemporaries of Cro-Magnon Man! Today, it is the oldest archaeological site in Asia.
Pahiyangala Cave, also known as Fa-Hien Cave, takes its name from a Chinese monk, Fa-Hsiengala, who, in the 4th century BC, travelled the country in search of Buddhist texts. He is said to have stayed in this cave during his journey to Adam's Peak (Sri Pada). Just before entering the cave, a cave temple conceals a 12-metre long reclining Buddha statue. Pilgrims visit the site regularly as evidenced by the candles burning in front of the temple.
The access to the Pahiyangala cave is by a staircase which crosses a thick forest, before passing the canopy. It can also be reached by a paved road (less steep) which joins the last flight of stairs. From the cave, the panorama spreads over the Sri Lankan jungle as far as the eye can see.
ST. CLAIR'S FALLS
Read moreThis waterfall that flows through the plantations St. Clair is of a breathtaking beauty of the road, 500 metres away. Named the Niagara in Sri Lanka, these falls are among the largest in the country. 80 metres high, they are 50 metres wide and are divided into two falls. The first name is «Maha Ella» (the big fall) and the second «Kuda Ella» (the small fall).
DEVON FALLS
Read morePerfectly visible from the perspective of Mlesna Tea Castle St. Clair, Devon Falls has 97 metres of high Falls in Sri Lanka. They hold their name from a certain Devon, an Englishman who was one of the forerunners of the introduction of coffee on the island.
DUNHINDA FALLS
Read moreAt a height of about 63 meters, the magnificent Dunhinda Falls take their name from the fine mist formed by the water sprayed at the foot of the waterfall (in Sinhalese, dun means mist or smoke). They come from the Badulu Oya River which flows through Badulla. The viewing platform at the foot of the falls can be reached by a trail of about one and a half kilometres from the main road (Mahiyangana Road, B36). The trail offers a pleasant walk, and allows to observe monkeys, birds, butterflies, deer...
DALVEEN (DALWEEN) FALLS
Read moreFrom Rakwana, head towards Dalween Estate Superintendent's Bungalow. Situated in the heart of a tea plantation, these falls are over 30 metres high and give a picturesque look to the landscape. The top of the falls has been barricaded and is inaccessible since a mini hydroelectric plant with a small reservoir was installed there, splitting the flow of the falls into two separate streams. The falls are located about 2.5km northeast of Rakwana, off the main road. A 4WD vehicle is recommended to get there.
GALDOLA FALLS
Read moreDuring the dry season, this waterfall, 100 m high, can reduce itself to a simple water net, or even disappear completely.
BARBERYN ISLAND
Read moreThis tiny island is less than a kilometre from the coast, about 5 minutes by boat. It is home to the Beruwela Lighthouse, which was inaugurated by the British government on November1, 1889, and is 34 meters high. The island has a few ruins and an old well. It is a pleasant place to walk around, and you may even see some peacocks. For investors and wealthy amateurs, the island is for sale and is part of the Sotheby's catalogue. For that it will be necessary to pay the modest sum of 8 million dollars!
WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK
Read moreA nature reserve since 1938, Wasgamuwa became a national park in 1984 to protect species displaced by the region's massive Mahaweli Development Project. It covers an area of 37 hectares and is home to many wild animals. It is one of the national parks where the visitor has the opportunity to observe herds of elephants in large numbers, and depending on the season, they move to the nearby Minneriya National Park along the Mahaweli River. More than 140 varieties of birds are also found in the park
KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK
Read moreThis national park covering almost 7,000 hectares is a little brother to Minneriya National Park, to which it is linked by a corridor to encourage the movement of animals between the two parks. At its heart is the imposing Kaudulla Wewa reservoir, built in the 12th century. It attracts elephants who come to drink from it. Other animals that inhabit the reserve include bears, leopards, deer, wild boar, turtles and a multitude of bird species. The best time to visit the park is from August to December.
BAMBARAKANDA ELLA
Read moreThese falls are the biggest in Sri Lanka with their 263 meters height! They have their source in the Kuda Oya River. Located in the middle of a pine forest, they are shaped like a horse's tail and descend steeply down a vertical rock face. From April to December you can take a short hike along the trail to a viewpoint of the falls. The falls are more impressive after the rainy season, from March to May. At the foot of the falls, there are natural pools for swimming.