Wonderful Sri Lanka (2025)

18/11/2020

Haven for wild elephants

If you want to experience Asia’s finest wildlife experience you should head on to the Minneriya National Park where you can witness the largest wild elephant gathering in the world. Minneriya National Park is mostly known for its incredible elephant migration which is one of Asia’s finest wildlife experiences. The park which is 8,889.4 hectares in extent is situated 182 kilometers from Colombo in the North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The Minneriya National Park is located in Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle and was originally declared as a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1938 and then designated as a National Park in 1997.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/minneriya-national-park/

18/11/2020

A destination for hikers

Sri Lanka has over a hundred of peaks where you can climb to experience and explore the vast geographical diversity this small paradise is blessed with. Arangala mountain is situated beside the Kandy – Jaffna road (A9 Highway) in Naula. It is the perfect destination to view the mezmerizing scenery around Mathale and Dambulla. This mountain was named as Arangala due to its shape which is similar to an earring and in Sri Lanka earrings were traditional referred as Arungal. Historical recordings reveal that Arangala mountain has a history related to Weera Keppetipola and Gongale goda banda who organized troops at this mountain. Arangala mountain is also referred as Nalanda rock since it is located within close proximity to Nalanda village. This gigantic mountain consists of three peaks and among them the highest peak is around 750 metres high. Arangala is a highly popular hiking spot.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/arangala-mountain-peak/

18/11/2020

Watch the animals roam freely

The open Air zoo concept became quite popular in Sri Lanka during the past decade and as a result the first open air zoo was opened at Pinnawala, Sri Lanka in April 2015. It is located close to the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. The Pinnawala open air zoo extents over forty four acres which has been landscaped without causing any changes to its natural beauty. The zoo consists of two zones as “Sri Lankan” and “World” where you can see a variety of native animals such as deer, leopard, crocodiles, species of monkeys, birds and turtles.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/pinnawala-open-zoo/

18/11/2020

Love and Care at its best

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is the only Elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka which was established in 1975 by the Department of Wildlife. The primary intention of establishing this rare type of orphanage was to provide care and shelter to baby elephants that were found lost and wandering in the wild. The Elephant Orphanage is located at Pinnawala village, 13 kilometres northeast of Kegalle town in the Sabaragamuwa Province of Sri Lanka.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/pinnawala-elephant-orphanage/

18/11/2020

Witness the largest Sri Lankan wild elephant gathering

The Hurulu Forest Reserve is a typical dry-zone dry evergreen forest situated in Habarana, Sri Lanka. This forest reserve is renowned for its large elephant gatherings during the dry season when they migrate between the forests. Each year during the period between October to November due to heavy rains and lakes getting filled up large groups of elephants migrate from Minneriya National Park to Kaudulla National Park Then the elephants move towards Hurulu Eco Park during the month of December to January. These large migratory mammals can be spotted amongst the tall grasses and scrub jungle vegetation.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/hurulu-forest-reserve/

15/11/2020

"Ancient recitation house with a stone fence"

Nissanka Latha Mandapaya is one out of the many unique structures in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa. It was built by King Nissankamalla in the 1100s and was named after him. This historical masterpiece is located in the area that contains the oldest and most sacred monuments in Polonnaruwa, near the western entrance of the Dalada Maluva.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/nissanka-latha-mandapaya/

15/11/2020

"A majestic figure with a grave expression"

A magnificent statue made purely from stone stands on the eastern Bank of the Parakrama Samudra Reservoir. It is considered as the symbol of Polonnaruwa. This statue depicting an austere figure holding what is thought to be an ola leaf manuscript is carved on a large boulder. The identity of the statue is yet a mystery. It is referred as Pulastya Rishi Statue and also as King Parakramabahu statue and measures over 11 feet in height. This statue is considered as one of the finest historical statues in Sri Lanka. It is mostly believed to be a statue of King Parakramabahu because it is located on the eastern bank of the Parakrama Samudraya Reservoir which was built by him.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/pulastya-rishi-statue-aka-king-parakramabahu-statue/

15/11/2020

"A treasure trove of stone artistry"

The only place to see the largest collection of paintings belonging to Polonnaruwa kingdom is the Thivanka Pilimage which had been built as part of the Jethavanarama Complex by King Parakramabahu (1153-1186). “Pilimage” means image house and this historical attraction is situated in Nissankamallapura, Polonnaruwa. The image house has been named “Thivanka” which literally means three curves since there is a large image of Buddha which has been curved in three places.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/thivanka-pilimage/

15/11/2020

"The emblem of grandeur in the ancient city of Polonnaruwa"

Ever wondered what life would have been like for a king of the 12th century in Sri Lanka? Among all the archeological wonders of Polonnaruwa the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu can be referred as the most prominent one. This Royal Palace was built by King Parakramabahu the great whose reign was Polonnaruwa‘s golden age. The Royal Palace was known as the Vijayanta Prasada which originally had been a seven storied palace with thousand chambers. It is believed that this might have been like a skyscraper where King Parakramabahu used to look around at the marvelous things he had made and content himself. The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu was declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1982 for its great historical importance.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/the-royal-palace-of-king-parakramabahu/

15/11/2020

"Sri Lanka’s premier dry zone man made jungle"

The IFS-Popham’s Arboretum is the only preserved dry zone arboretum in Sri Lanka. It was created in 1963 by Sam Popham on 7.5 acres of scrub jungle and abandoned ‘Chena’ land. Popham established his arboretum in the geographical center of the island, Dambulla. Apart from the many trees there and many species of Birds, Butterflies, Dragonflies, Spiders and Mammals including Bats that can be seen in their natural setting.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/popham-arboretum/

15/11/2020

"Perfect fusion of Buddhist and Hindu Architecture"

Nalanda Gedige is one of the most fascinating and mysterious archeological masterpieces of ancient Sri Lanka, which is located in Nalanda, close to Matale and Dambulla. It is considered to be the centre of Sri Lanka and its structure resembles a South Indian Temple as well as Buddhist temple. This strange mix of Hindu and Buddhist architecture has always left a question in the mind of its viewers.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/nalanda-gedige/

15/11/2020

"A glimpse into prehistoric Sri Lanka"

Sri Lanka is known as a fascinating island for its archeological treasures of prehistoric civilization. One of the places where you can understand the society and lifestyle of the ancient Sri Lankans is the ancient habitation site and burial ground in Ibbankatuwa which is considered as one of the largest and best preserved ancient burial grounds in Sri Lanka. It is located on the upper reaches of the Kala Oya basin, 3 kilometres south – west of Dambulla city in a village called Ibbankatuwa in Talakiriyagama.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/ibbankatuwa-megalithic-tombs/

15/11/2020

"Through the Iron wood Forest to the Rose Quartz Mountain"

The Jathika Namal Uyana is the largest iron wood forest and largest pink quartz mountain in Asia. It is situated near the villages of Ulpathagama and Galkiriyagama in the Dambulla area just 7 kilometres away from Madatugama junction of Colombo-Anuradhapura highway. The Iron wood forest and the Rose Quartz mountain range has historical, geographical and archeological significance. It is a place blessed with abundant natural resources. Therefore, during recent times there had been people from many parts of the country as well as around the world coming to witness this marvelous site.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/the-jathika-namal-uyana/

15/11/2020

"A place to see and taste tropical veggies and fruits"

If you are curious to know the varieties of vegetables and fruits that are grown and sold in Sri Lanka, you should pay a visit to the Dambulla Economic Centre. It is the largest vegetables and fruits wholesale market in Sri Lanka. The vibrant colours and smells of tropical fruits combine to stimulate the senses of its visitors and the vendors are very welcoming and even happy to have a chat and share stories about the food culture of Sri Lanka. You could touch and taste varieties of vegetables and fruits that Sri Lanka is particularly famous for.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/dambulla-economic-centre/

15/11/2020

"The Golden Temple of Dambulla"

The Rangiri Dambulla Cave temple is the largest and best-preserved cave temple in Sri Lanka which is an outstanding example of the religious art and expression of Sri Lanka and Southeast Asia. The Dambulla Cave Temple which was known as Jumbukola Vihara is a complex of five cave temples with statues and paintings related to Lord Buddha and his life. It is located in the central province of Sri Lanka.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/rangiri-dambulla-cave-temple/

15/11/2020

"Perfect destination for hikers and climbers"

Situated a few kilometers north of Sigiriya is a towering rock known as Pidurangala which is a popular hiking spot. Pidurangala is a 200 meter tall massive rock formation which has an interesting history closely related to Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The name “Pidurangala” meaning offered piles of Gold is an important place for Buddhists which date back to the first and second centuries.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/pidurangala-rock/

15/11/2020

"A park with a majestic view"

Wales Park is known for its mesmerizing view. It is situated at the top of a hill in the center of the Kandy city overlooking the Kandy Lake. This park is also known as The Royal Palace Park, Wace Park or Rajawasala Park. Wales Park is located at Rajapihilla Mawatha covering approximately 2 hectares of land.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/wales-park/

15/11/2020

"The garden above the royal palace"

The Udawattekele Sanctuary is a 257 acre large forest reserve in Kandy, famous for its extensive avifauna. It is a paradise for trekkers and nature lovers to explore and indulge in the tranquil beauty of nature. Udawatta Kele Sanctuary is situated on the hillside behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic. It was known as “Uda Wasala Watta” meaning the garden above the royal palace which was frequented only by the royalty. The highest point of the ridge is 635 meters above sea level. Udawattelkele was declared as a forest reserve in 1856 and in 1938 it was declared as a sanctuary.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/udawattekele-sanctuary/

15/11/2020

"Reflection of the Kandy Kingdom"

The Royal Palace of Kandy is the last Royal Palace built in Sri Lanka and is located on north of the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The ancient Sri Lankan tradition was that the protector of the relic was the ruler of the land. Therefore, the Royal Palace was once a part of Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/kingdom-royal-palace-of-kandy/

15/11/2020

"Nature showcased at its best"

The Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya is regarded as one of the best botanical gardens in Asia. It is the largest botanical garden in Sri Lanka extending to 147 acres bordering the Mahaweli River. Each year over two million visitors come to enjoy the beauty of this spectacular park which contains over four thousand species of plants.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/royal-botanical-gardens-peradeniya/

15/11/2020

"Journey back to pre-colonial Ceylon"

The National Museum of Kandy is located on the north shore of the Kandy Lake next to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The Royal Palace of Kandy was the last palace built in Sri Lanka as Kandy was the last capital of the ancient kings’ era. Part of the Royal Palace was later converted into the National Museum of Kandy which was opened to the public in 1942. The museum, along with four devales and two monasteries form one of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle sites.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/national-museum-of-kandy/

15/11/2020

"The temple on a rock"

The Lankatilaka Vihara temple is considered as the most unique architectural masterpiece created during the Gampola era under the patronage of King Buwanekabahu IV. It is also known as the Blue Temple and is located in the village of Hiyarapitiya in the Udunuwara area of Kandy.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/lankatilaka-vihara-temple/

15/11/2020

"Magic of Kandy right before your eyes"

If you want to enjoy the amazing views over the lake and city of Kandy in a blink of an eye, there is Arthur’s Seat which is a breathtaking spot offering a high angle view of the mesmerizing beauty of the Kandy city. The Kandy View Point is located on the Rajapihilla Mawatha and is considered as the highest point in Kandy which stands 550 meters above sea level.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/kandy-view-point/

15/11/2020

"Poignant Reminder of Sri Lanka’s colonial era"

British Garrison Cemetery is a cemetery in Kandy which contains 195 graves of British nationals who died during the colonial times. It was established in 1817 just after British conquered Kandy and is located just behind the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The cemetery is presently maintained by a group called ‘The Friends of the British Garrison Cemetery in Kandy’ while the Diyawadana Nilame and the Chief Prelates maintain the land.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/kandy-garrison-cemetery/

15/11/2020

"Everything about tea"

Tantalize your taste buds with the heavenly taste of pure Ceylon Tea at the Ceylon Tea Museum in Hantane Kandy. This museum is located four kilometers south of Kandy on the Hantane Road. The uniqueness of the Ceylon Tea Museum is that it was once a functioning tea factory which was abandoned for over a decade and was then converted into a museum. The tea museum has some vintage tea-making paraphernalia on display and exhibits on James Taylor and Thomas Lipton who are considered as tea pioneers of Ceylon.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/ceylon-tea-museum/

15/11/2020

"Amazing wood carvings and great architecture"

The Embekke Devalaya lies about 8 miles from Kandy in Udu Nuwara. The Embekke Devalaya is renowned for its elaborate woodcarvings, pillars and other structures. The enticing wood carvings of the Embekke Devalaya was identified by UNESCO as one of the finest woodcarvings in the world.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/embekke-devalaya/

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15/11/2020

"Discover the exotic gems and precious stones of Sri Lanka"

If you want to see and learn about some of the rarest minerals in the world which are located and found in Sri Lanka, The Canbuy Gem Museum in Kandy is the perfect place to visit. It showcases the history of gems, precious stones, rare minerals and fossils from Sri Lanka and other parts of the world. The Canbuy Gem Museum is located on the Colombo Road in Kandy. It attracts thousands of visitors from all parts of the world all year through

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/canbuy-gem-museum/

15/11/2020

"The Rock Temple with a South Indian touch"

Gadaladeniya Vihara is one of the largest rock temples in Sri Lanka, which is situated in Pilimathalawa, Kandy about 3 kilometers from the Lankathilake Temple. Gadaladeniya temple is also known as Saddharmatilaka Vihara or Dharma Kirthi Viharaya. An inscription carved in the walls of the temple reveal that it was built in 1344 AD by King Buwanekabahu IV and was designed by the South Indian architect Ganesvarachchari.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/gadaladeniya-viharaya/

08/11/2020

"Sea of Milk"

The Kandy Lake is a dominant feature of the Kandy city. It is an artificial lake which was built in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe adjacent to the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In Sinhala it is named as Bogambara Wewa and Kiri Muhuda meaning the sea of milk.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/kandy-lake/

08/11/2020

"Sri Dalada Maligawa – A paradise for worshipers, history lovers and art lovers"

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic known as Sri Dalada Maligawa where the left canine tooth of the Lord Buddha is placed is located in the centre of the island of Sri Lanka in the city of Kandy. The tooth of the Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka by Prince Danta and Princess Hemamala from the kingdom of Kalinga, India. The Temple of the Tooth Relic was a part of the Royal Palace complex due to the tradition that the Monarch was the protector of the relic and continues to be one of the holiest places of worship for Buddhists. It was declared a world heritage site by UNESCO in 1988.

Read More -> https://wonderfulsrilanka.com/the-temple-of-the-tooth-relic/

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