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A tropical paradise, Sri Lanka offers a perfect escape to all kinds of visitors. With its endless beaches, astounding landscapes, timeless architecture, enviable wildlife and lush tea estates, a Sri Lanka holiday presents a strong case for family travel to this irresistible island nation hugged by the Indian Ocean on all sides.
If you are looking forward to spending a few days in Sri Lanka with your family, here are top five activities that you must indulge in during your stay:
Find Faith at the Dambulla Cave Temple
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the best known temples in Sri Lanka, largely because of its rare architecture. The temple dates back to the first century BC and is believed to be the site where King Valagamba took refuge when he was driven out of Anuradhapura. The temple complex is comprised by five different caves that boast over 150 beautiful Buddha paintings and statues along with other religious art pieces. The hike to reach to the temple is enjoyable as well and offers picturesque vistas of the surrounding countryside of Sigiriya.
Listen to the Call of Nature at the Yala National Park
Covering about 1268 sq km, the Yala National Park remains the most visited national park in Sri Lanka. About 215 species of birds, out of which seven are endemic to Sri Lanka, call Yala their home. Additionally, 44 species of mammals and 47 species of reptiles as well as 18 amphibian species reside here. Amongst the most popular residents of the park are leopards, elephants, sloth bears, sambars, jackals, spotted dear, peacocks, and crocodiles. Given the rich diversity of flora and fauna, a safari through the Yala National Park is an extremely rewarding experience. Visitors can opt for morning, evening or full day safaris.
Admire the Splendid Ruins of Anuradhapura
The yesteryear’s prosperous Sinhalese kingdom flourished where now stand the ruins of ancient palaces, forts, temples and more. Most of these ruins have been well-preserved given their importance as the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. From the bell-shaped dagobas to stone-pillar monastic buildings and pokunas used for bathing and storing drinking water, these ruins shed light on history, architecture and general living in this part of the world between from the 4th century BC to the beginning of the 11th century BC.
Drink High Tea at the English Cake Company
Sri Lanka is one of the leading producers and exporters of tea around the world, which means that visiting the country has an additional lure for tea lovers. When looking for a cup of refreshing Ceylon or Dilmah tea, one could visit one of the many tea plantations scattered across the country. These places offer extensive tea tasting sessions to all visitors. However, if you are looking for a more sophisticated experience, you can go for a high tea session at one of the leading cafes and restaurants in the capital city of Colombo. The English Cake Company is known for their great spread and assortment of refreshing tea options.
Experience Bliss at the Santani Wellness Resort
Leave the tourist trails behind and experience supreme physical and mental well being at the Santani Wellness Resort, one of the best in the country. Spread over 48 acres, the resort is a conglomeration of lush tea plantations and vegetation , twenty stunning villas overlooking the breathtaking Knuckles mountain range as well as holistic wellness treatments focusing on all major modern day health problems such as weight gain, pre-mature ageing, exhaustion and stress as well as trauma and depression. With an arsenal of rejuvenating body massages and yoga treatments, the resort defines a tranquil stay in Sri Lanka.