Yala National Park
Yala National Park is one of the biggest and most famous national parks in Sri Lanka, hosting vast wildlife and beautiful landscapes. Most famously, it contains the leopard population—the probability of sighting the leopard in its natural habitat at this park is among the highest in the world. Other wildlife hosted in Yala include elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, and a plethora of avifauna. Landscapes range from dense forests and grasslands to coastal lagoons and sandy beaches—beautiful scenery for wildlife safaris. Guided jeep tours can be used to go through the park and help in sighting animals; an overview of the ecology of the park is also possible.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya, otherwise known as Lion Rock, is one of the most important historical locations in Sri Lanka and is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The ancient rock fortress built by King Kashyapa in the 5th century is an impressive blend of nature and human genius. A climb to the top might be hard, but it's worth the nice view of the surroundings from the top. On your way up, you will come across the Lion's Gate—two enormous lion paws flanking the staircase up to the summit. There are beautiful frescoes of celestial maidens, known as the Sigiriya Frescoes, which bring out the real artistry of that epoch. Water Gardens at the foot, with pools, fountains, and terraces, show ancient engineering skills that formed part of the royal gardens.
Temple of the Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
Located in Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is one of the most holy Buddhist temples in the world. The temple protects one tooth relic of the Buddha, worshipped by Buddhists all over the world. The temple is a place for religion but also a cultural treasure listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The Esala Perahera in Kandy is an annual ritual pageant consisting of a procession of elephants, dancers, and drummers. It is focused on the Tooth Relic and conducted by the priests of the Temple of the Tooth. The temple is an architectural marvel with minute carvings, paintings, and a golden canopy. One can stroll through the temple complex, learn about its history, and view some of the daily rituals and ceremonies.
Dambulla Cave Temple (Golden Temple of Dambulla)
The Dambulla Cave Temple, or the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is one of the largest and well-preserved cave temples in Sri Lanka. This is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a central pilgrimage spot for Buddhists. There are five main caves filled with varied statues and murals depicting episodes from the life of the Buddha and a great deal of Hindu gods and goddesses. Over 150 statues of Buddha are joined by elaborate, bright wall paintings, which take up a total area of 2,100 square meters. On view in the main cave is the biggest of the reclining Buddha, 14 meters in length. What the Dambulla Cave Temple promises is a spiritual experience, and it opens one's eyes to the artistic and religious works of ancient Sri Lanka.
Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)
Adam's Peak, otherwise known as Sri Pada, is a holy mountain in Sri Lanka, topping the list of the longest pilgrimage sites, dating back over a thousand years. It is one of the mountains worshiped by people following different religions: Buddhists believe it to be the footprint of the Buddha; Hindus think it is that of Lord Shiva, whereas according to the beliefs of the Muslims and Christians, it is that of Adam. The pilgrimage season is from December to May, and thousands of devotees make it to the summit before sunrise. The scene from the top, especially at dawn, is stunning with a unique shadow of the peak cast on the surrounding clouds. One has to climb more than 5,000 steps to make the ascent, but the path is lined with rest stops and small shrines. Physically, the climb up Adam's Peak is very exhausting, but spiritually, it enriches a lot.
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