Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon, located in the Indian Ocean just south of India. *Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (also known as Kotte) is its legislative capital, and *Colombo (map) is its largest city. Sri Lanka’s documented history spans 3,000 years, with evidence of prehistoric human settlements dating back at least 125,000 years.
*Anuradhapura (map) ruins of ancient capitals (partially restored). *Galle (map) — famous Dutch fort. Host city of the Galle Literary Festival. *Kandy (map) — spiritual heart of the country, home to a tooth of the Buddha. *Nuwara Eliya (map) — Little England. Cool climes, Victorian architecture, top hats, tails and fascinators on race days.
+ More info > Wikipedia • Wikivoyage • UNESCO
*Dambulla (map) – A city of historic importance with fabulous hotels, close to Sigiriya (map). Both UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Beaches at *Tangalle (map), Beruwala (map), *Mirissa (map), *Bentota (map), *Unawatuna (map), Arugam Bay (map), *Pasikudah (map), *Hikkaduwa (map) are considered as famous tourist beaches in the country. (*List of beaches)
TRANSPORT
Airport & Aviation Services (Sri Lanka) >> airport.lk.
For those on a budget buses are everywhere. They’re sometimes crowded and uncomfortable, but they get you around for almost nothing.
Sri Lanka has an extensive railway system serving all major towns and cities in the island except for the North. Travel by train is itself a journey to remember, be it travelling to Central Sri Lanka or travelling on the coastal line is just amazing.
Highly recommended to travel by train outside Colombo. The Hill train to Badulla is an amazing journey. Preferably choose the express trains, and try to get a reservation beforehand, if you can. >> Sri Lanka Railways. (+ more info: seat61.com)