10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka - Travel Video

Sri Lanka may be a small island in the Indian Ocean, but that's the only thing small about it. The country, formerly known as Ceylon, has an ancient civilization, golden sandy beaches with their coconut palms, mountains and tea plantations. While

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ing the island, you will see colonial architecture from the days when the Portuguese, Dutch and English ruled. He will also see many elephants, some of which participate in local festivals and, if he is lucky, perhaps a leopard or two at a wildlife sanctuary. Here's a look at the

best

places

to

visit

in Sri Lanka: Number 10. Hikkaduwa The small coastal town of Hikkaduwa is located north of Galle, along the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.

Busy with tourists looking for a piece of sand and a moment of relaxation, the city is packed with cheap guest houses, tourist shops and numerous cafes and restaurants. It may have lost a bit of its beauty since tourists started arriving here in the 1970s, but if you want to spend a few days near the sea, this could be the place for you. Number 9. Her. Located in a beautiful setting with forest-covered hills, wide valleys and picturesque tea plantations, Ella is a lovely place to spend time. The train ride to Ella from Kandy is iconic and will take you

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ing in a colorful carriage through the lush green hills.

She herself may be small, but if you like hiking or just relaxing in the peace and quiet of nature, she is definitely worth your time. Be sure to hike to some of the nearby waterfalls and temples, as well as to the top of Ella Rock for incredible views. Number 8. Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura is an ancient sacred city that was established around a cutting of the Buddha fig tree. Anuradhapura, dating back to the 3rd century BC. C., was founded by the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns. This magnificent city of palaces, temples and monuments flourished for 1,300 years, but was abandoned after being invaded in the late 10th century.

Like Machu Picchu in Peru, it was known to locals, but not many others, until it was "discovered." by Europeans many centuries later. These fantastic ruins have since been excavated and are accessible for public enjoyment. Number 7. Colombo Colombo has been the commercial capital of Sri Lanka for over 2,000 years, when its large natural harbor made it popular with ancient traders from Italy to China. It is often referred to as the country's capital, although the legislative capital is located in a nearby city. Ruled first by Portuguese and then British settlers, Colombo is a popular tourist destination. The city perfectly combines modern shopping centers and skyscrapers with beautiful colonial buildings.

A variety of architectural styles can be found in the city, with the Murugan Hindu temple being one of the

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. Number 6. Yala National Park. Yala National Park is a wildlife sanctuary about 150 miles from Colombo. It has the highest density of leopards in the world, so the chances of seeing them are very high. Although leopards are the main attraction here, they are closely followed by elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles. The park is divided into five blocks; some of which were intended for hunters until Yala became a national park in 1938. Be sure to make time to visit the very informative visitor center at the park entrance to see interesting exhibits about the area.

Number 5. Mirissa If you are looking to spend a vacation in a tropical paradise, Mirissa could be the answer to your dreams: coconut trees, beautiful golden sand beaches and days swinging in a hammock. There is nothing better than this. This crescent-shaped paradise is famous for having the most stunning sunsets and sunrises in Sri Lanka. There are no luxury resorts to spoil the scenery, so it's just you and the beach during the day. The pace quickens at night. Mirissa is the largest fishing port on the south coast and is a good place to spot dolphins and whales. Number 4.

Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa, the second oldest kingdom in Sri Lanka, is known for the ruins of this ancient garden city. The 12th century ruins are some of the best preserved in the country. Polonnaruwa was a place where traders of exotic goods mixed with worshipers in the many temples. Start your tour at the Archaeological Museum and then head to the enormous Royal Palace with its well-preserved audience hall. The incredibly decorated Sacred Quadrangle is another must-see here. Number 3. Kandy. Sri Lanka's second largest city, Kandy is the gateway to the Central Highlands and its tropical plantations where tea and rubber are grown.

If you drive from Colombo, you will pass rubber plantations on a road considered one of the most scenic in the country. Kandy, the last capital of the ancient kingdoms, is home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world. An important and colorful festival involves carrying the tooth relic around the city. Movie buffs may be interested to know that Kandy was the main location for Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Number 2. Galle. Galle's most famous attraction is its 17th-century fort built by Dutch settlers. Located on a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean, the fort is known for its architectural style.

Galle is considered an excellent example of a fortified city. However, the fortress is not just another pretty place; Today it houses courts and businesses. Galle is becoming known as an arts colony and its expat community. Other major attractions include a natural harbour, Sri Lanka's oldest lighthouse, a maritime museum, a key Shiva temple and St Mary's Cathedral built by the Jesuits. Number 1. Sigiriya. Aspiring archaeologists should include Sigiriya on their list of must-visit

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in Sri Lanka. This ancient city is built on a steep slope, topped by a plateau almost 600 feet high. This plateau is known as Lion's Rock because it overlooks the jungles below.

The ancient rock fortress dates back to the 3rd century BC, when it was a monastery. It later became a royal residence. Access to the enclosure is through stairs and rooms that start from the lion's mouth. You will also see ponds, gardens and fountains. Locals consider the site the eighth wonder of the world.