Holidays in Sri Lanka: From Colombo to Sigiriya and the Royal Cities is written by Kristine Rask Lauridsen
Insider tips for your holiday in Sri Lanka
In the summer of 2017, I was on vacation for three weeks in Sri Lanka with my boyfriend and my dad. The trip started in Colombo and was planned entirely on its own. We experienced both some of the most visited sights and some a little off the beaten track.
Here you will get a number of insider tips for planning the trip and suggestions for Colombo and three other travel destinations, which provide fantastic experiences in Sri Lanka a little away from the most well-known places.
An itinerary that can be recommended
Our choice of itinerary was absolutely classic and it can definitely be recommended if this is your first time on holiday in Sri Lanka. It provides a good combination of nature, culture, wildlife and big city and at the same time brings you past some of the most famous sights.
We had a few days in Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, where we got to see the city's museums and chaotic market. It is a city full of contrasts, here and there something to see for everyone.
Then we took a detour south to the port city of Galle and then into the lush highlands where we hiked to the top of Adam's Peak, saw tea plantations and visited the island's religious center, Kandy.
Then the trip went north to the former royal cities of Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, which offered a journey back in time. Then the trip went back towards Colombo.
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Three obvious destinations on your holiday in Sri Lanka
Apart from Colombo, which is a bit underrated and not visited by many, there are many other incredible and lesser known places in Sri Lanka. Here three places, all of which take you a bit away from the most popular tourist destinations:
- Sigiriya - see the mountain from a new angle
- Polonnaruwa - a good alternative to Anurdhapura
- The Knuckles – hiking in incredible surroundings
Sigiriya - see the mountain from a new angle
Sigiriya was a royal fortress around the year 500, and is located on a completely unique rock formation with a fantastic view of the area.
Sigiriya is also called the lion rock, and it is one of Sri Lanka's most famous historical monuments. The mountain is on UNESCO World Heritage List, and when you see the beautiful monument towering over you, you immediately understand why. There are ancient and very well-kept archaeological ruins on the lion rock. You can even go up to Sigiriya, where you have the most beautiful view over the area. It is definitely one of the experiences in Sri Lanka you must not miss.
A multitude of tourists come here on their holiday in Sri Lanka, and it is completely understandable, because the view is fantastic. Although the walk up is tough and steep, it is doable for most people due to the solid railings and stairs.
About a kilometer away you can follow a path from the outskirts of Sigiriya at the end where the museum is located. There you will find Pidurangala Rock, and if you take the trip up here, you get an absolutely fantastic view of Sigiriya and the surrounding countryside.
The markings on this route are far more needy and you have to crawl a little more between the rocks on the last stretch. There are fewer tourists here and you are rewarded with a great view.
Polonnaruwa - a good alternative to Anurdhapura
If you are looking for an alternative to Anurdhapura then Polonnaruwa is a very good alternative. It is Sri Lanka's second oldest capital and the place is shrouded in mystery and history. The area is full of old temples, palaces, ruins and shrines no matter where you look. A trip to Polonnaruwa is like traveling back in time to a magical kingdom.
With fewer tourists, but at least equally fantastic and well-preserved ruins, Polonnaruwa is a good alternative, or in our case a good complement to Anuradhapura on our holiday in Sri Lanka.
The main difference is that where at Anuradhapura there are also temples that are used today, Polonnaruwa consists exclusively of ruins, from when it was a royal city around the year 1000. The whole area consists of separate excavation sites, and it is a good idea to have the opportunity to cycle or drive between the areas. You can easily spend a few days in the area.
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Holidays in Sri Lanka offer lots of walking
Few people probably think of Sri Lanka as an area for trekking, but there are actually some fantastic opportunities for good trips over several days, including in the area of The Knuckles, which is a few hours' drive from Kandy.
If you love hiking and nature, don't miss out on experiencing The Knuckles. It is a lush mountain range that is shrouded in mystery and is often described as Sri Lanka's best kept secret. Explore this paradise of natural experiences and unique wildlife and experience the beauty and mystery of Sri Lanka up close.
It is a good idea to team up with a guide who knows the trails and can arrange accommodation if you want to go exploring in The Knuckles mountains. Fortunately, it's easy to find a guide, so just dive in.
There is something for everyone in beautiful Sri Lanka, whether you're into lush nature trekking, green rice paddies and elephants or culture, history and handicrafts – or a mix of all.
Really good holiday too Sri Lanka!
The best experiences in Sri Lanka
- Visit the royal city of Polonnaruwa – a great alternative to Anurdhapura
- Lion Rock Sigiriya
- Hiking in The Knuckles mountains
- Cave temple in Dambulla
- Visit the Pedro Tea Factory
- See the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella
- Go on safari in Yala National Park – you might be lucky enough to see a leopard
- Safari in Udawalawe National Park
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7: Pai in northern Thailand
6: Kota Kinabalu on Borneo in Malaysia
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