Feedback

Sri Lanka

8

Reasons To
Visit Sri Lanka

  • Ancient Cities

    The Cultural Triangle contains some of Sri Lanka's finest historical sites, including the ancient capitals of Pollonaruwa and Anuradhapura. These vast complexes house temples, palaces, wonderful carvings and huge stupas. Equally jaw-dropping is the Rock Fort of Sigiriya which offers 360° views, more than justifying the climb to the top!

    Ancient Cities

  • Beaches

    Sri Lanka is famous for its idyllic beaches which stretch from the undeveloped eastern coast all the way around to the west near Colombo. The beaches and the accommodation vary from small intimate boutiques to luxurious resorts on private beaches and larger hotels in more bustling places.

    Beaches

  • Elephants

    If you love elephants then Sri Lanka is the place for you. The Millenium Elephant Foundation and Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage not far from Kandy give you the opportunity to visit young, elderly and sick elephants but also the chance to wash them and enjoy a ride on these magnificent creatures.

    Elephants

  • National Parks

    No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without seeing some of its abundant wildlife. The best places to enjoy this are Uda Walawe, Yala, and Minneriya National Park. Here you can enjoy an exciting jeep safari which takes you close to wild elephants, crocodiles and even the illusive leopard.

    National Parks

  • Tea Plantations

    Sri Lanka rises up from the coast to the hills, a rolling landscape dotted with tea bushes, and interlaced with streams and waterfalls. The lush landscape and cool climate prove to be an ideal combination for tea and Sri Lanka has long been a pilgrimage site for tea planters and tourists looking for the perfect cuppa!

    Tea Plantations

  • Temples and Festivals

    Brightly painted elephants, fireworks, beating drums, and twirling dancers - Sri Lanka's festivals are as colourful and elaborate as the temples they centre on. The country’s largest festival, the Kandy Perahera revolves around the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth which is a must-see on any visit to Sri Lanka.

    Temples and Festivals

  • The Millenium Elephant Foundation

    Visit the Millenium Elephant Foundation if you want to get close to elephants without the crowds. You even get to wash the elephants in the river with their mahout.

    The Millenium Elephant Foundation

  • The Southern Coast

    Some of the country's finest sandy beaches and quiet coves are found along the southern coast. Palm trees and brightly painted fishing boats on the shoreline complete the idyllic scene.

    The Southern Coast

Request a Brochure

Audley Indian Subcontinent brochure 2011

Indian Subcontinent

By Post Download Online 30494236
PrintShareLike

Visit Kandy, Sri Lanka

Stronghold of the Sinhala Kings and capital of Sri Lanka’s hill regions, Kandy is perhaps the most beautiful and romantic city in the island. Surrounded by green hills and with a large lake in the town centre, Kandy combines the sophistication of a modern city with the timeless appeal of ancient temples.

Kandy Lake
Kandy LakeStilt firshermen just outside KandyPinnewala Elphant OrphanageKandy LakeKandy during the Perahara festivalKandy during the Perahara festival

Kandy

Sri Lanka

Stronghold of the Sinhala Kings and capital of Sri Lanka’s hill regions, Kandy is perhaps the most beautiful and romantic city in the island.

Surrounded by green hills and with a large lake in the town centre, Kandy combines the sophistication of a modern city with the timeless appeal of ancient temples.

Temple of the Tooth

The most famous is the gold-roofed Temple of the Tooth, where a simple wooden structure contrasts with the lavish golden roof and exuberant Buddha statues. The temple houses the tooth of the Buddha and bustles at night with pilgrims attending a lively ceremony involving several drummers.

Buddhist festivals

Sri Lanka has a majority Buddhist population and their main festival, the Esala Perahera, is a ten-day pageant that transforms Kandy during July or August. Timed in accordance with the lunar calendar, it is a wonderful spectacle with dozens of robed elephants, dancers and musicians thronging the streets. The dates are announced about a year in advance. In festival times, a stay in Kandy is an assault on the senses.

Outside Kandy, there are two particularly fascinating places to visit.

Botanical gardens

The nearby botanical gardens are renowned worldwide, bringing together countless species from every part of the island.

The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage

The Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, about an hour and a half drive out of town, is a fascinating place to see elephants at large: watching them bathe is always a joyful experience.

Cultural shows

As night falls, cultural shows take place in a number of venues around Kandy. Offering a snapshot of music and dance on the island, they may conclude with a dramatic fire walking demonstration.

Shopping

Kandy is also a good place to shop, with gems and jewellery especially good value.

Two or three days here are needed to explore the many facets of this holy town and the beauties of the surrounding area. Centrally located, Kandy is easily accessed from Colombo, the Cultural Triangle and Nuwara Eliya. If travelling on, a scenic train journey runs from Kandy up to Nuwara Eliya, in the heart of the tea country.

Other countries in The Indian Subcontinent:
BhutanIndiaNepalThe Maldives

{3972E39C-9C29-4693-876F-2596BFFA1789}