Sri Lanka

In the Indian Ocean is a tropical paradise

Categories: Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is a tropical paradise with breathtaking landscapes and a rich culture. The journey of discovery starts right at the airport in Colombo, heading south. The roads are bustling with people, traffic rules seem to be of no interest to anyone, but the driver holds his own during the four-hour drive through banana plantations and villages. Arriving in Induruwa, the driver can relax on the beach. The little village on the west coast is not yet as developed for tourism as the neighboring Bentota. The tranquility is paradisiacal. The village is also a good starting point for further tours on the island.
© Olga Khoroshunova / Fotolia

A paradise for culture lovers
For a stay on the island, you should plan at least two, if not three weeks, because numerous day and multi-day tours are tempting. A striking rocky mountain overlooks the ancient city of Sigirya. This is also the home of the famous cloud girls painted on rocks. Polonaruwa was the second capital of the Kingdom of Sri Lanka. Today you can only see ruin fields, but the exhibits found during excavations can be admired in the museum.

It lies in the center of the country in Kandy and in it one of the two preserved teeth of Buddha is kept. In Dambulla, about 150 km northeast of Colombo, an arduous ascent to the five cave temples is waiting. But it is worth the effort, because 153 Buddha statues, three king statues and four statues of the Hindu gods Ganesh and Vishnu can be admired on the cave area.

Spectacular landscapes
If you want to take a break from all the temples and cultural sites, a trip to one of the 21 national parks is recommended. Sri Lanka is famous for its wild elephants, about 4000 animals live on the island. An encounter is possible at any time, because the animals like to leave the parks and populate the fields and streets.

The Uda Walawe National Park in the south of Sri Lanka is still a kind of secret tip to go on elephant safari. Through the steppe-like landscape the animals are easy to observe and the park is not as crowded as the elephant classic Pinnawela. Leopards, on the other hand, are plentiful in the Yala West National Park in the south. Pure nature dominates the train ride into the mountainous region of Nuwara Eliya.

The distance from the capital Colombo to Badulla is 290 km long and it goes up to 2000 meters altitude. The spectacular railroad line runs along the slopes of the tea plantations. Nuwara Eliya is the tea capital of the island. A visit to one of the tea factories is worthwhile. Here the eight steps of the production process are explained and at the end there is a free tea tasting. Good quality tea can be bought directly in the factory at a reasonable price.
© Givaga / Fotolia

Tasty national cuisine
The local cuisine is similar to that of India. Rice and curry dishes are the standard, while fish and seafood are common along the coast. Sri Lanka is also a paradise for vegetarians. Sri Lanka is a fascinating destination, which fulfills all requirements of a dream vacation from beach vacation over safari up to objects of interest of world rank and tasty kitchen.