Tourists from all over the world flock to Sri Lanka because it is one of the most spectacular islands, with dreamy beaches, ambrosial tea, impressive wildlife, awe-inspiring history, delectable cuisine and a rich vibrant culture. But, once you strip Sri Lanka down, you uncover a whole other world that is severely underrated, underappreciated and goes unseen by many. In this post, we talk about 5 of these attractions that will make you fall in love with the tear-dropped shaped wonderland of the Indian Ocean even more. You might have to extend your stay for a while, because Sri Lanka is so much more than the eyes can see.
Negombo:
Whether you are on the search for religious enlightenment, a nature lover’s boat ride or a wide array of clubs, Negombo has got you covered, and it’s only a short drive away from Colombo. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most culturally diverse cities and is the home to many religious and ethnic buildings as well as festivals. Due to the large number of cathedrals and churches – some even dating back to the Portuguese and Dutch colonial era – Negombo has gained the name, “Little Rome”. It is an absolute thrill to spend Christmas here. In addition to that, The fort and the Dutch Canal are absolutely note-worthy. The seafood scene in Negombo is unrivaled, so indulge to your heart’s content. You will be able to spot many colorful birds on your stay here, so back your birdwatching gear.
Wellawaya:
Proof that Sri Lanka isn’t synonymous with golden sandy beaches lines with coconut trees, Wellawaya is a forgotten getaway that doesn’t get the attention it so rightfully deserves. A haven for the wandering soul. Wellawaya is the ideal destination for all those that seek peace and quiet, with a touch of rustic adventure. The top of your to-visit list in Wellawaya should be Buduruvagala Temple, which consists of seven statues, including Sri Lanka’s tallest Buddha statue standing at 16m. The temple has traces back to the 10th century and is of the Mahayana tradition. If you like a bit of mystery, this temple has a flame shaped carving that smells of mustard oil for no scientific reason! Take a trip to the Handapanagala Tank to witness how elephants gather around a man-made creation, and visit the Diyaluma and Ella Wala waterfalls to get your fill of nature.
Pottuvil:
Pottuvil is often overshadowed by Arugambay, even though this is just as epic or dare-we-say-it better than that. Pottuvil has a wide array of attractions that are severely underrated. Among such is the Kudumbigala Monastery, which happens to be the only cylindrical dagaba in Sri Lanka, and was built in 246 BC by the Giant Nanidmithra, as a gift to the monks. The inscriptions in the caves show the history of different kingdoms of Sri Lanka, The Buddha statue here was used as a warning to civilians by the LTTE, and the tar that was thrown on it remains that way to this day. Another place you should definitely put on your itinerary is the Kumana National Park. Witness nature at its finest and spot various feathered beauties, leopards, elephants and sloth bears.
Delft Island:
The mysterious island of Delft is located 30km away from the mainland of Jaffna. The boat ride will give you a chance to explore the marine life of the Indian Ocean, but what is even more fascinating than that is the island itself. The remnants of the Dutch and Portuguese colonial eras, in addition to the local Tamil lifestyle, exhibit cultural harmony. Moreover, there is a Baobab Tree and a single banyan tree that are clear evidence of wide-stretched trade back in the day. Other awesome attractions that will make great Instagram posts, or even better memories, are the Delft Fort, The Hanuman Footprint, Pigeon Nest, and the Dutch Horse Stables. If you are lucky, the locals in the island would even share horror stories and myths associated with the land!
Yapahuwa:
It is shocking how little people know about this brilliantly epic kingdom that should receive just as much attention and hype as Anuradhapura or Kandy. There are locals who haven’t visited this architectural marvel yet, which is a shame. Yapahuwa was one of the ephemeral capitals of medieval Sri Lanka. The citadel lies midway between Kurunagala and Anuradhapura and was built around a huge granite rock rising almost at 100m above the lowlands. That itself should make this a worthy place to visit. The lion statues are what the rock fortress is known for, and it is a steep climb, so you will get your fill of nature, adventure, history, culture and cardio. What more could you ask for?
Photos sourced from Sergei Gussev, Amila Tennakoon and Mahesh Kularatne
