Below are the top cities you can explore these:
- Kandy
- Ella
- Pasikudah
- Polonnaruwa
Kandy
Kandy is considered the cultural capital of Sri Lanka because of the temple of the Tooth Relic and because it was the last royal kingdom. There are beautiful temples, a lake and gardens you can explore. Since Kandy is literally in the centre of Sri Lanka, it’s a great base camp for any trips around the island. As for accommodation, you can find some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka in Kandy.
Ella
The haven hikers and backpackers everywhere, Ella is a tourist-friendly town full of quaint little cafes, Sri Lankan style eateries and affordable lodging. Completely surrounded by mountains, Ella is known for its mountain and railway hikes; wherever you turn, there starts a trail. Put up your feet at 98 Acres Resort which boasts the best view in town.
Pasikudah
Few beaches in Sri Lanka offer better swimming opportunities than Pasikudah, especially for families. Located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka, it is one of the shallowest stretches of beach in the island. This makes for excellent and safe swimming, protected by a coral reef barrier. You can hire a boat to go check out the marine life and ecosystem around the reef too. For convenience, find a hotel like Amethyst Resort that leads directly onto the beach.
Polonnaruwa
One of the earliest ancient kingdoms of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa is a history lover’s dream; ruins of castles, temples, stupas, hospitals and lakes abound in this dry region. Avoid the heat of the day at a resort like the Deer Park Hotel which is centrally located to all the must-see sites in Polonnaruwa. It is also conveniently close to Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Golden Rock Temple of Dambulla.
