Hambantota
Comprising of scrub jungle bordering the sea, the park stretches along the coast east of Hambantota. You can explore our wildlife sanctuary parks in Bundala, Yala, Udawalawe, Sinharaja, Udawattekele and Wasgamuwa. A large variety of mammals, reptiles and birds make up the rich wildlife of Sri Lanka. The beach is an important nesting site for turtles. Wildlife includes elephants, spotted deer, grey langur, jackal, water monitor, crocodiles, the olive ridley and leatherback turtles, the hawksbill and green turtles. Among the 150 species of birds found here are the Flamingo, Brown-capped Babbler, Ceylon Junglefowl, Cattle Egret, Median Egret, Large Egret, Openbill, Spoonbill, Glossy Ibis, Black-winged Stilt, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, etc. Migrants include Asiatic Golden Plover, Grey Plover, Lesser Sand, Large Sand Plover, Kentish Plover, Marsh Sandpiper, Little Stint, Curlew Sandpiper, etc.
Kataragama
This is one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka for Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims. Kataragama is a huge complex containing buildings representing all three religions.
Bentota
The Bentota seas are ideal for snorkelling, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing and deep-sea fishing. This area is populated with a large number of hotels and guesthouses along the coast.
Hikkaduwa
The Hikkaduwa surfing and diving scene is popular with the tourists. There are also a large number of beach restaurants, bars and shops.
Trincomalee
It is one of the largest and best-sheltered harbours in the world located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Its warm, clear water and tranquil beach make for solitude and breathtaking scenery. A special attraction is the natural hot springs.
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a small beach resort overlooking the Unawatuna Bay. It has golden beaches, clear calm waters and an offshore reef ideal for younger tourists who frequent its beach front cafes and guest houses.
Negombo
Negombo is famous for its lagoon, cinnamon and fishing. It is a bustling town where many interesting historical events took place. Its beach however, does not boast the same fineness as the other Sri Lankan beaches. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating town for exploration.
Anuradhapura Located in the North-Central part of the Island, Anuradhapura was originally founded by a King's minister named Anuradha in 500 BC. Anuradhapura is acclaimed as the greatest monastic city of the ancient world and has served as the royal capital of 113 kings. In 1073, Anuradhapura was fought over and abandoned when the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa. Explorers re-discovered the crumbling ruins in the 19th Century and an effort to restore and re-build this city has since begun. It is an important historical and archaeological site and continues to attract both Sri Lankan and foreign visitors as well as pilgrims.
Brazen Palace (Lovamahapaya) was a dwelling for the Buddhist monks built by King Dutugamunu over 2000 years ago. From the once ten-storeyed, thousand-roomed building, only 1,600 stone columns remain.
Ruvanveliseya (Great Stupa) was built by King Dutugamunu in the 2nd Century BC. It is a dagaba consisting of a dome top with a pinnacle, standing on a square base. Its shape was inspired by a water bubble floating on water. Within the dome is a chamber containing sacred relics of the Buddha.
