Back in 2014, I made the decision to visit Sri Lanka. It was a short trip. Sri Lanka is an island. It is a paradise with beaches, jungles, mountains and ancient temples. My flying experience with Sri Lankan Airlines was positive. We had a halal food option. Rain fell as the aeroplane prepared to land at Bandaranaike Airport. The view was awesome from the window. It is the main international airport serving Sri Lanka. They named the airport after former Prime Minister S.W.R.D Bandaranaike ( 1899-1959). It is located in a suburb of Negombo. I went to the hotel which I booked for my stay. The distance was 20 km away from the airport. I decided to visit the city the next morning.
SRI LANKA; A Tourist Attraction
Sri Lanka has many spots of religious and memorable
importance, which draw in travellers from everywhere in the world.
Best months to visit Sri Lanka
During the long periods of December to April, the majority
of the island country encounters a wonderful sweltering and dry environment.
With more than adequate daylight, clear blue skies and lavish green scenes,
this period is considered to be the best environment to visit Sri Lanka.
NEGOMBO
Negombo is famous for its beaches and centuries-old fishing industry. The first location I went to was a temple known as
Angurukaramulla Temple. This is a place of worship for both Hindus and Buddhists. The temple holds historical and religious significance in Sri Lanka. It is believed to have been built during the region of King Devanampiyatissa, who ruled the country in the 3rd century BCE. The temple has gained a reputation for its ancient ruins and architectural beauty.
I entered through the mouth of the dragon. It is believed that the dragon can drive out evil spirits. The temple is full of beautiful paintings and sculptures that show Buda's path towards enlightenment. Walking around was an incredible experience.
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
This place provides care for orphans and sick elephants. Tickets are required for entry. It is a place full of elephants. Seeing the elephant bathe was a treat to watch. I chose to ride an elephant. Riding an elephant through the jungle was an exciting and terrifying experience. The staff was kind enough to take pictures. It was a good place to visit, especially for kids.
Kandy City
Kandy is a city in central Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by mountains. Kandy is famous for sacred Buddhist sites including the Temple of the Tooth, an old royal palace, the Royal Botanic Gardens and Kandy National Museum.
The first place I went to after arriving in Kandy was a tea factory. Its name was Embilmeegama Tea Factory and Tea Promotion Centre. They showed me the whole process of making tea. Different flavours were available. There was a sitting arrangement for the tea lovers. They offered me a cup of tea of my own choice. I tried the mango flavour. It was delicious with mango chunks.
Sri Dalada Maligawa
Also, known as the
Temple of the Tooth. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha. It is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governance of the country. It is a World Heritage Site.
The next destination was the Temple of the Tooth.
Its main attraction is the Temple of the Tooth. There are two Temples in one place. The main Temple is the Tooth Temple. Its stunning architecture leaves a long-lasting impression on visitors. You should be respectful and quiet because people come here for worship. Inside there is a large museum providing information about Buddha's life.
RAJA
Also known as Maligawa Raja (1913-1988) was a Sri Lankan tusker elephant belonging to the Sri, Dalada Maligawa, Kandy. Raja participated in the annual Esala procession in Kandy for around 50 years. He was one of the most celebrated elephants in Asia during his lifetime. He was world-famous for his noble behaviour.
The Gem Island
Sri Lanka is famous for its
gems. Especially notable blue sapphire, pink sapphire or ruby and yellow sapphire, alexandrite and cat's eye chrysoberyl. I chose blue sapphire which is a national gem of Sri Lanka.
The last thing was red bananas. This was my first experience seeing and eating a red banana.
It was getting dark. I made the decision to go back to the hotel so that I could get up early for my flight. It was a memorable but short trip. I hope to return and see more of Sri Lanka in the future.
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