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Trincomalee

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After a long 7 and ½ or 8 hours drive by bus, van or car you will be able to reach thebreathtaking beaches of Trincomalee, situated 257km away from Colombo. In the eastern coast this city is considered to be extremely important because it has one of the most important and natural harbours in Sri Lanka.
The gorgeous beaches of Nilaveli and Uppuveli that’s sited not so far away from the famous city are considered as two of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. The light blue water that you’ll always remember is not very deep and it’s perfect for snorkelling or for a lovely sea bath.
This city which was once affected by the cruel war with LTTE was once colonised by the Portuguese, Dutch and the English as well. The Sami Rock which is above 120m’s above sea level is a sacred place to Hindu’s and has a prominent corner named, the lover’s leap, where the Dutch Officer, Sgt. Major Hendrik Adriaan van Rheede leaped after getting her heart broken from a love affair. The famous Tiru Koneswara Kovil is a great place to visit while you visit this famous place with a tale.
Your site-seeing will not be complete if you do not visit the 7 hot springs of Kanniya, situated not so far away from each other and has different temperatures in each one. Both local and foreign tourists visit these natural hot springs and have a bath as well.
The war ridden city is developing quite fast at present and the hotels are getting refurbished and new ones are coming up every year. Some great star class hotels you can visit are, Nilaveli Beach Hotel and Chaaya Blue. There are high recommendations from tourists about the Welcombe Hotel as well, which is situated in front of a scenic view of a lagoon. If you are looking for a place for great food you should try the food at Palm Beach Resort and Captain’s Deck.
Even though Trincomalee is situated far away from Colombo the great beaches, amazing sites, accommodation and many tales told will make it a trip worthwhile. 
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Hambantota

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Hambantota, the coastal city that is going through major developments at present is situated 240Km’s away from Colombo. Presently it will take around 8 hours to get there by a private intercity bus. By using a hired car you can reach this city in 5 hours if you go via Avissawella – Ratnapura Road, but if you take the Galle Road you will only get to Hambantota in 8 hours. When the Southern Highway and Airport construction finishes in the near future you will be able to reach this city in matter of less than 3 hours.

This city is very famous for its Salt that is made in large scale. You will be able to see the salt flats stored in line as you pass by. Martello Tower, once a lighthouse built by the British is now turned in to a small Fisheries Museum is a site you should definitely see in this city.
Merchants from Siam, China and many other countries used to use Hambantota’s natural harbour for trading hundreds of years ago. In the recent years the same port was developed by the current government and it can accommodate many vessels.
Hambantota is developing literary in lightning speed has an International Cricket Stadium that was used for the first time for 2011 Cricket World Cup and now it is used for other international cricket tournaments as well. They  had the 1st South Asian Beach Festival at this lovely city and it was a baby step taken towards the Commonwealth Games in 2018 that the Government of Sri Lanka is going to bid for in the near future and Sri Lanka’s second International Airport will be open to visitors by that time as well.
Bundala and Yala National Parks that is filled with wildlife is not very far from this city. You can reach the most famous religious places such as Tissamaharamaya Temple, Kataragama Devalaya and Kirivihera Temple in around half an hour. At present there are not many great hotels in this city so you can try to find accommodation at Tissamaharamaya or Kataragama or at Yala without much trouble.
If you love sweets don’t forget to get your hands on some Kalu Dodol, a delicious sweet meat specially made in this area.
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Hikkaduwa

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An out and out tourist destination, seaside Hikkaduwa is completely geared to please tourists. Reminiscent of the flower power era, Hikkaduwa is a laid back town, where the only dress code is beachwear. Surfing is a popular pursuit and international snorkelling and surfing instructors are accessible for first timers. It is primarily a tourist destination and serves as a great beach with options to surf, snorkel, dive and enjoy the sun. Pro surfing tours are also held annually, where pros from around the world converge on the seaside town. The warm waters and challenging waves provide hours of surfing pleasure.

There is a buzz around the marketplace where colourful masks, batik shirts and other colourful beach wear is hawked. Plenty of sun, sand and sea, nightfall brings alive another facet of Hikkaduwa - a vibrant nightlife. A variety of quaint restaurants and beachside cabanas and hotels organise rave parties and fresh seafood.

The area has a host of Turtle Sanctuaries, working to protect the endangered species. Turtle eggs selected for hatching and progressive stages of the development of turtles can be seen here. Glass-bottomed boats offer glimpses of corals and tropical fish. The annual Hikkaduwa Beach Fest is fast catching on as a yearly festival of music and soulful dance vibes and is held in the month of August where tourist can truly let their hair down.
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Dambulla

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As you drive into Dambulla, the rugged yet lush landscape evokes a spirit of adventure. Cricket lovers the world over may know it most famously perhaps for the Rangiri International Cricket Stadium, which hosts the world’s greatest cricketing nations. But this heartwarming city has much more to offer those who are fortunate enough to visit it. Dambulla is also part of the Cultural Triangle and houses the great Dambulla Cave Temple.

Located 78 kms north of Kandy, the Dambulla caves date back to the 1st century BC. Originally the refuge of King Valagama Bahu, who sought refuge here, the caves were later converted into a rock temple, which houses exquisite frescoes and an imposing 15 metre-long reclining Buddha. Hindu deities are also represented in these caves. The caves are considered to be the finest repository of Sinhala art and sculpture. These famous cave temples are now declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site and being preserved with care.

A trek to the highest Rose Quartz Mountain Range in South Asia offers the satisfaction of a beautiful view of the surrounding countryside for miles around. Although the mountain is made of rose quartz it is not easy to recognize it as such. With a history spanning 1,000 years, the Jathika Namal Uyana, also known as the Ironwood Forest, offers a fascinating trek through a deep jungle comprising of the Sri Lankan national tree, the Naa. The forest is of significant ecological importance and is the focus of studies by ecologists and students of nature.

The Dambulla Rock offers a scenic view of the surrounding area, including the rock fortress of Sigiriya, a mere 19 km away. Visiting Dambulla can be combined with Sigiriya as the two sites lie in close proximity to each other and tourists can avail of some world-class hotels strategically located near these sites.
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Nuwara Eliya

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Nuwara Eliya is a mountain station at 1,868 m (6,128 ft) of altitude, in a splendid landscape. The city pretends to be particularly well-kept and neat, and the always green grass gives to the locality an aspect of “colonial British style".
Nuwara Eliya was built entirely during the 19th century and its architecture mimics that of an English country town, with red-brick walls, country house like hill club and mock-Tudor half-timbering.
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Jaffna

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Jaffna,Situated 396Km’s away from Colombo is the amazing city of Jaffna that was hidden to many of us during the harsh war times between the Sri Lankan forces and the LTTE. It will take about 14 hours to get to Jaffna from Colombo on the A9 route. But since the Sangupiddy Bridge was opened this January 2011, the distance has shortened to around 10 to 11 hours drive. If you hate to travel long hours you can always take a flight to Jaffna from Colombo that would take only less than 1 hour.

This city better known as Yaal Paanam, among the Tamils in the area, is considered as the Capital of Northern Province and this city use to be one of the most flourishing cities before the war.

For some spectacular sites with rich stories behind them, Jaffna is the ideal city to visit. This city was used as a trading city from the 16th century by the Portuguese, and then the Dutch and English to produce clothing, items of Gold and Silver, process Tobacco and sell different food items. The Dutch has built the famous Fort Hammenheil to protect this important city and it still remains in an admirable condition under the protection of the Sri Lankan Navy. Jaffna Public Library, University of Jaffna and the harbour are some of the great sites you should not miss.

Naga Vihara in Stanley Road is a famous temple with deep roots to the ancient times and considered extremely important among the Buddhist.  Hindu people consider beautifully structured, Nallur Kovil equally important to them. The best time to visit this Kovil will be between 4pm and 5pm to see the main ceremonial activities. Men are supposed to take off their shirts at the ceremony and women are to cover their shoulders and legs as a sign of respect when visiting the Kovil.

Keerimalai Tank is a natural spring that you need to see with a great tank build around it. This tank lies right next to the sea but the water stays fresh without getting mixed with sea water. Hindu people believe that this water holds a miraculous power.

 The picturesque Casuarina Beach in this city full of ruins will tempt you to stay a couple of days to lie down and bath in the hot sun. The weather is quite hot and sunny and forgetting your sun resistant lotion will be a bad idea. Something uniquely different about the whole of Jaffna peninsula from the rest of the country is that it is made ofminerals. 

You should not leave Jaffna without tasting the indigenous Tamil food served by them. The Palm Beach Restaurant in Jaffna serves an amazing dish of Chicken Kaddai you are sure to like.

In this city it might be a little difficult for you to communicate with the people if you do not speak Tamil. Knowing a few important phrases or having a guide who have a good understanding about the area will be quite helpful if you want to have a great experience in Jaffna. But the people in Jaffna will be friendly and cooperative as they can.

You will love shopping for Gold and colourful sarees at the Bazaar in Jaffna and try having some fun by trying to do a little bargaining.

Even though it’s a long trip to this city you will definitely feel it was really worth once you experience their rich culture and heritage, amazing food and sceneries that will leave you speechless.
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Sigiriya

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Sigiriya, a city situated 151Km’s away from the Colombo is situated in the Matale District that has a huge Rock Fortress named ‘Sigiriya’ itself, that can be thought of as one of the wonders of the prehistoric world and considered as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The most convenient way to reach this city is to travel by car/van and it will take around 4 hours to get to there. If you are planning to use public transport then you should take the train to Matale and travel rest of the way by bus.
This ancient fortress was built by King Kasyapa who ruled the country in AD 477 – 495. After he was defeated in war this fortress was turned in to a Buddhist Monastery in the 5th Century. There are many interesting tales about this massive rock with paintings of Frescos on the rocks itself.
If you are an art enthusiast or not you will fall under the spell of those beautiful paintings of frescos which are 140 metres long and 40 metres high and the writing of poetry from the ancient time. This site will keep you fascinated at all times. The beautiful gardens, differentiated as Water Gardens, Boulder Gardens and Terrace Gardens has very unique features of its own. You will be able to see the mirrored wall the King has used to look at himself and the view you will be able to see from top of the mountain will truly leave you speechless by its beauty.
There are plenty of great hotels in the city of Sigiriya because it is one of the biggest tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya Village Hotel, Elephant Corridor Hotel, Jetwing Vil Uyana Hotel and Sigiriya Hotel are some of the great hotels that you will be able to find in Sigiriya for a luxurious holiday with spectacular sceneries.
Don’t forget to grab some postcards from souvenir shops of the lovely Sigiriya and its Frescos that will speak a thousand words for itself to your friends and family. 
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Polonnaruwa

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Aggrandized in two sacred chronicles of Sri Lanka, the Mahavamsa and the Chulavamsa, Polonnaruwa has a great history of conquest and struggle behind it and rightfully forms the third element in the Cultural Triangle. Located about 140 kms north east from Kandy, Polonnaruwa offers hours of endless pleasure for history and culture lovers, as there are numerous sights of significance.

Much of the physical ruins standing today are credited to King Parakrama Bahu I who spent many royal resources on town planning, including parks, edifices, irrigation systems and so on. The period of his rule is considered a golden age where the kingdom thrived and prospered under a visionary ruler. The Parakrama Samudra is a mammoth tank and named after its patron. The popular king’s Royal Palace, the Audience Hall encircled by beautifully carved stone elephants and the Bathing Pool reflect the superior engineering capabilities of the time. The Vatadage or circular relic house and the Thuparama image house are two other attractions not to be missed. There are many more ancient ruins in the vicinity clustered within what is called the Quadrangle and a ticket bought at the entrance to this sprawling enclosure ensures that you can browse through all the significant sites without missing out on any. Even outside this enclosure, the city offers many more ancient ruins of fortifications, temples and buildings that are too numerous to list here, but a visit to the Polonnaruwa Visitor Information Centre and Museum at the outset before exploring the city will offer you the right perspective. The remains of the 13-century built Siva Devale are also worth a visit.  Also a prominent capital once, soon after Anuradhapura’s downfall, Polonnaruwa too is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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Anuradhapura

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Be prepared to steep yourself in history the minute you step into this hallowed city. The bedrock of ancient Buddhist civilization, Anuradhapura is an ancient city with a rich heritage in history, culture, politics and religion. As the first great capital city of the Sinhalese civilization, the sprawling city still holds vestiges of architectural ruins of ancient kingdoms and Buddhist temples.

A designated UNESCO World Heritage Site, it offers a deep insight into the life and times of Sri Lanka’s majestic kings and the engineering and architectural capabilities of the times. About 205 kilometres or a five-hour drive from the city of Colombo, Anuradhapura is one of the three stunning locations in the Cultural Triangle.

The most famous monument is the ruins of the Brazen Palace  and the Ruwanweli Seya erected by King Dutugemunu circa 164 BC. The city also contains a sacred Bo-Tree or Sri Maha Bodhi, the oldest authenticated sacred tree, which is said to date back to the year 245 BC and planted from a sapling from the holy tree under which Gautama Buddha attained enlightenment.

A magnificent sight is the Jetavanarama, considered the largest stupa (temple domes) or dagoba in the world. The city is peppered with ruins of ancient stupas and other sites of religious significance. Their intricate carvings and sculptures are remarkable and the ancient stones speak of the days of yore when the city was ruled by brave kings and presided over by Buddhist clergy, as pilgrims from around the world flocked to the birthplace of Buddhism in the country: Anuradhapura.

Unfortunately, the city eventually declined in importance and went into disrepair when Polonnaruwa gained in prominence in the 10th century AD. A comprehensive Archaeological Museum located in the city offers a greater understanding of the city’s unique monuments.

The city remained the capital for almost 1,000 years and during the height of its ascent, commanded tremendous respect and influence in the world. There is little to do in the city apart from visiting the ancient temples, monasteries and tanks though, but a visit to Anuradhapura leaves the visitor with a sense of awe and history so profound that the experience lingers long after.
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Kandy

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The erstwhile Hill Capital of Sri Lanka, the history of Kandy evokes images of riches, marching elephants and much pomp and pageantry. About 129 kms away from Colombo, Kandy is ensconced amongst a hilly terrain and all eyes are drawn to the centre of the city, where the Kandy Lake forms a charming feature. One of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Kandy was once home to the Kandyan Kings of yore in the 16th-century and a fountainhead for all the music, arts, crafts and culture in the country. Taking in a performance of Kandyan Dancers is rather like floating on an unending wave where rhythm and movement become one against the backdrop of the throbbing drums.

Kandy retains great religious significance for Sri Lanka, because it is in this charming city that the Dalada Maligawa or ‘Temple of the Tooth’ is located, within which the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha lies well guarded. The best time to visit Kandy would be in July/August when you can experience the annual Kandy Esala Perahera, an unforgettable parade that reflects the pomp and pageantry of kings and more significantly, an occasion when a replica of the relic casket is paraded. Almost 100 elephants strut along the main thoroughfare of the city, bedecked with ceremonial gear and are accompanied by dancers and drummers over 10 riveting days.

Even if you miss this spectacle, there are many more sights and sounds in Kandy that will hold your attention.  The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens invite visitors to a learning experience about flora and fauna and some majestic trees that can be traced back centuries ago. A visit to the National Museum once again underscores the city’s royal past and is well worth a stop. The 17th-century Asgiriya Monastery houses ancient manuscripts and other treasures from a bygone era. A short trip on the way to Kandy (from Colombo) is undoubtedly the Pinawela Elephant Orphanage, which is home to many abandoned baby elephants and injured pachyderms. This spot is incredibly popular amongst tourists who converge here during the elephant bathing and feeding rituals.

Kandy is an exciting place for shopping and a well-known centre for elaborate brass, bronze and silver ware. Batiks, handlooms, ceramics, jewellery, reed ware and jewellery are other readily available items. This hill capital is at the heart of the island’s history and identity and no visit to Sri Lanka is complete without a stop-over in Kandy.
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Colombo

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Sri Lanka’s commercial hub and financial capital, Colombo is situated31Km’s from the International Airport in Katunayake. The easiest ways to get to this city will be by a hired cab/van or by bus or by train.Colombo was a famous city among the traders from various parts of the world, from over 2000 years because of its natural harbour.
 This city has a grand mix of everything a traveller would like to see and feel in a busy city. It has modern commercial buildings, 5 star Hotels with spectacular views, shopping malls and Movie Theatres etc. that caters to the modern needs of Today’s travellers. On the other hand, you will find tranquillity among the colonial structures, Museums and art galleries that boasts of this city’s rich heritage and diversified cultures.You’ll be able to find English speaking and quite educated society in Colombo. Most of the taxi drivers will understand what you’re trying to say even if they fail to communicate with you in the same language. 
If sightseeing is in your agenda you might want to visit the National Museum situated in Colombo 7 or the Dutch Period Museum that will take you through different era’s that Sri Lanka has been through. 
Buddhist and people of other religions visit Gangaramaya temple to worship and to see the beautiful shrines and other things related to Buddhism exhibited in this temple. It’s situated closer to the Beira Lake which you’ll be able to find quite easily. They have an annual perahera which is only second to the perahera in Kandy. It is held for 2 days on and before Navam Poya Day, which in February. 
If you are a Muslim gentleman looking for a mosque to do your daily prayers in Colombo you’ll be able to find Dewatagaha Mosque in Cinnamon Gardens (Col. 7) near the Town Hall.  And Hindu’s often visit the massive kovil in Slave Island. 
Around Colombo there are many other religious places that can be visited and please do not forget to wear decent clothing as requested by each religious place to avoid inconveniences. 
For Shopping there are some great shopping malls and small boutiques in and around the city which will surely make shopaholics ecstatic. Crescat Boulevard, Majestic City, Liberty Plaza and ODEL are few places that you’ll be able to get some great high end goods and House of Fashion will give you great bargains on same type of goods at most times. There are many souvenir shops such as Barefoot, Laksala andParadise Road items that you will definitely want to pack your bags with as soon as you see them. Most shops open at 10 am and close around 7pm or 8pm in this city.
This city’s got almost everything and you will be able to enjoy some awesome food at any type of restaurant you please or enjoy drinks at a pub or dance the night away at a happening night club or at a Beach Party with heart thumping music, happening mostly during weekends. 
Colombo can be a great place to visit if you know exactly where to go, when to go and how to go. So check for information before you leave your hotel or before you get to Colombo. You are sure to have a great experience.
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