Living There
Exploring the Treasures of Tourism Ceylon
The island nation of Sri Lanka, historically known as Tourism Ceylon, is a tropical paradise located off the southern tip of India. With palm-fringed beaches, ancient Buddhist temples, lush green tea plantations and wildlife-rich national parks, Ceylon has rightfully earned its place as a top tourist destination. This guide will take you through the best places to visit, activities, accommodation, food and transport options to help plan your perfect holiday exploring the natural and cultural treasures of the resplendent isle.
Top Tourist Destinations Not to Miss in Tourism Ceylon
As you start planning your Ceylon itinerary, here are some of the top destinations and attractions that should feature on your list:
Tourism Ceylon Vibrant Colombo
Most international travelers begin their Ceylon trip by landing in the capital Colombo, a cosmopolitan city with a fascinating blend of old and new. Spend a day touring the top sights like the historic Galle Face Green promenade, stately National Museum housed in a colonial building, the colorful Pettah market for shopping, and the elegant Gangaramaya and Jami Ul-Alfar mosques showcasing a mix of architectural styles. Don’t miss visiting the seaside Galle Face Hotel, an 1864 landmark for a refreshing cocktail with ocean views.
Tourism Ceylon Cultural Kandy
Nestled amidst verdant hills, Kandy is Ceylon’s cultural capital and home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most important shrines. Walk around the Kandy Lake, stroll through the Royal Botanical Gardens, and visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to watch rescued elephants bathing and playing. Don’t leave without watching a traditional Kandyan dance performance in the evening.
Dutch Galle Fort
The port city of Galle has a fascinating history, evident in its preserved 17th century Dutch Fort and Old Town. Walk atop the fort’s stone walls, browse the old spice godowns, stop by the National Maritime Museum, and visit the iconic lighthouse. Enjoy sunbathing and swimming at the nearby Unawatuna Beach said to be one of the world’s most beautiful.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress of Tourism Ceylon
One of Ceylon’s most iconic landmarks is Sigiriya, an ancient palace fortification built atop a 200-meter tall rock plateau. Climb up via a staircase passing the famous lion gate to admire the symmetrical royal gardens and the mirror wall adorned with ancient graffiti. The panoramic views from the summit are breathtaking.
Safaris in Yala National Park
No trip to Ceylon is complete without a wildlife safari. Yala National Park is the best place to spot leopards, elephants, sloth bears, deer, peacocks, and many exotic birds. Stay in one of the park’s cottages or camp overnight for an immersive experience surrounded by untamed natural beauty.
Top Activities for Tourists in Ceylon
Beyond exploring historic sights, Ceylon offers an array of exciting activities to experience the best of its landscape and culture:
Soaking up Sun and Sand at Beaches
With over 1,600 km of coastline, Ceylon is blessed with some of Asia’s most picturesque palm-fringed beaches. Try snorkeling amidst coral reefs, surfing, or whale and dolphin watching at hotspots like Unawatuna, Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, and Bentota, or relax in the tranquil shores of Tangalle and Kalpitiya.
Trekking Adventures Tourism Ceylon
Lace up your hiking boots and head for the hills to embark on scenic treks through lush greenery and cascading waterfalls. Climb the 5,200 ft Adam’s Peak for impressive sunrise views or trek through tea plantations in Hatton. The Knuckles Mountain Range and Horton Plains National Park offer challenging multi-day treks.
Rejuvenating Ayurvedic Treatments
Pamper your body and mind with rejuvenating Ayurvedic therapies like herbal massages, steam baths in herbal oils, and yoga sessions. Consider staying at an Ayurvedic resort like The Healing Touch in Ahungalla or Barberyn Reef Ayurveda Resort in Beruwala.
Thrilling Water Sports
With so many rivers, lagoons and beaches, Ceylon is a water sports lover’s paradise. Try surfing at Arugam Bay and Hikkaduwa, windsurfing and kite surfing in Kalpitiya or Negombo, white water rafting in Kitulgala, and canoeing in Bentota river. The coral reefs off the southern coast offer excellent scuba diving and snorkeling spots.
Exciting Safaris Tourism Ceylon
In addition to Yala, go on a jeep safari tour in Udawalawe National Park or Wilpattu National Park, the largest in Ceylon, to observe wildlife in their natural habitat. Stay in eco-friendly tented camps to maximize your experience.
Tea Factory Tours Tourism Ceylon
Get a behind-the-scenes look at Sri Lanka’s world-famous tea production by touring one of the lush plantations and factories, many built during the British colonial rule. Learn the tea making process and become a tea taster and grader. Top estates to visit include Pedro Estate, Sir Thomas Lipton’s Dambatenne and Labookellie Tea Factory.
Captivating Cultural Performances
Ceylon has a rich heritage of traditional dance and music which you can experience live at various venues. Kandyan dance features elaborate costumes and rhythmic drum beats. Watch a show at the Kandy Cultural Centre or Dalada Vidyalaya. The Virindi mask dance from the south portrays mythical demons coming to life.
Ceylon’s Delicious Cuisine and Refreshing Stays
After tiring days of temple hopping and beach lounging, Ceylon offers delightful places to recharge your batteries:
Delectable Local Cuisine
A culinary highlight of visiting Ceylon is tasting the amazing local cuisine. Rice and curry are staples, as are hoppers (bowl-shaped pancakes), kottu roti (chopped flatbread stir fry), and lamprais (rice baked in plantain leaves). Seafood lovers will relish the fresh local fish, shrimp, crab and lobster dishes. Don’t miss the exotic fruits like rambutan, mangosteen, and king coconut.
Charming Stays from Eco Resorts to Colonial Hotels
Accommodation options range from international chain hotels in cities to cozy beachside cottages and bungalows. Try a homestay like Mahagedara Wellness Retreat in Kandy to experience true Ceylonese hospitality. Enjoy a hill country tea plantation stay in Nuwara Eliya or beach yoga and Ayurveda resorts in Bentota and Tangalle. For historical ambiance, book a room in a beautifully restored colonial hotel such as Galle Fort, Amangalla, or Cinnamon Grand Colombo.
Delectable Food and Drink
Indulge your tastebuds with Sri Lankan delicacies at restaurants like Ministry of Crab, Nihonbashi, and Upali’s in Colombo, Fort Bazaar in Galle Fort, Devon Restaurant in Nuwara Eliya, and Colonial Style Restaurant in Dambulla, known for its rice and curry buffet. Don’t leave without trying authentic wood-fired brick oven pizza at Beddegama’s Pizza Hut. Pair your meals with Ceylon tea, local Lion beer, arrack cocktails, and fresh king coconut water.
Convenient Ways to Get Around in Ceylon
Ceylon offers convenient transport options to reach your desired destinations:
Tourism Ceylon Flying Between Cities
Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s main airport, handles both international and domestic air traffic. Carriers like Sri Lankan Airlines, Emirates, and Qatar Airways connect major hubs worldwide. Budget airlines link Colombo with smaller cities like Jaffna, Trincomalee, and Batticaloa. The airport in Hambantota serves the south coast while Ratmalana airport is good for the hill country.
Scenic Train Rides Tourism Ceylon
One of the best ways to enjoy Ceylon’s beautiful landscapes is by train. The most popular routes are the hill country lines from Colombo to Ella passing misty tea plantations and gushing waterfalls. Make reservations in advance and try observation carriages for uninterrupted views. The Main Line goes from Colombo Fort to Badulla.
Buses to Reach Remote Areas
Ceylon has an extensive bus network reaching even remote villages. However, buses tend to get very crowded. The plus side is they give you an opportunity to mingle with locals. Know main routes connect Colombo with Kandy, Galle, Jaffna, and major towns. There are also luxury intercity express buses.
Reliable Private Transfers
For sightseeing within cities, consider hiring a taxi rather than driving yourself. Tuk tuks are also widely available for short distances. Renting self-drive cars, jeeps or motorbikes is possible if you have an international driving permit, but the chaotic traffic can be challenging for newcomers.
Insider Tips for an Enjoyable Ceylon Holiday
Keep these handy pointers in mind for a smooth trip:
- Visit Ceylon between December and April to enjoy pleasant weather and avoid the monsoon rains.
- Dress conservatively and remove footwear when visiting temples. Cover bare shoulders and legs.
- Carry mosquito repellent as a precaution against vector diseases like dengue.
- Drink only bottled water and stick to well-cooked freshly made food.
- Exchange money only at authorized banks and keep tabs on conversion rates and surcharges. Many places accept USD as well.
- Always carry your passport, e-visa printout, and travel insurance documents. Make photocopies in case of loss of originals.
- Sri Lankan food can be quite spicy, so feel free to ask for milder versions.
- Learn handy phrases in Sinhalese like hello (Ayubowan), thank you (Istuti) and goodbye (Apa) to interact with locals.
- Queuing is important; always wait for your turn politely.
- Carry small change and lower denomination notes for tips, tickets and small purchases.
- Observe wildlife and environment rules and avoid littering.
With enchanting beaches, serene tea estates, peaceful Buddhist sites, and warm tropical climate, Ceylon offers incredible diversity packed in a compact island nation. Follow the tips in this three thousand word guide to plan your perfect vacation exploring the cultural and natural wonders of magical Ceylon!
FAQs about Tourism Ceylon:
- What makes Ceylon a popular tourist destination? Ceylon’s allure lies in its picturesque landscapes, vibrant culture, and welcoming hospitality, making it a sought-after destination for travelers worldwide.
- What are the must-visit attractions in Ceylon? From pristine beaches to lush tea plantations and ancient historical sites, Ceylon offers a diverse range of attractions catering to every traveler’s preferences.
- How can travelers explore Ceylon responsibly? Travelers can contribute positively to Ceylon’s sustainability by respecting local customs, supporting eco-friendly initiatives, and engaging in culturally immersive experiences.
- What culinary delights can visitors expect in Ceylon? Ceylon boasts a rich culinary heritage, offering tantalizing dishes infused with exotic spices and fresh ingredients, providing a delightful culinary journey for visitors.
- What unique cultural experiences await tourists in Ceylon? Visitors to Ceylon can immerse themselves in vibrant festivals, traditional dance performances, and interactions with friendly locals, creating unforgettable memories of their journey.
