Ceylon is an amazing place – a calm, contemplative rhythm of the life of the island will suit a modern person tired of the bustle of megacities. Diving, long walks, acquaintance with the architecture of dozens of cultures, as well as with the heritage of ancient civilizations – for this it is worth making your choice in favor of Sri Lanka. The best resorts in Sri Lanka are diverse: from secluded to filled with life to the brim, from high mountains to almost drowning in the ocean. There is no correct answer – Ceylon is beautiful and multifaceted precisely in its contrasts.

Negombo

This popular and extremely colorful resort today has a colorful history and colorful personality. It is known as a major fishing center, “little Rome” and one of the strongholds of the world of spices. It is noteworthy that it was the presence of wild cinnamon that once led Europeans to this corner of the world – dozens of overseas merchants decided to settle in a quiet harbor. With them they brought Catholicism – the growing city was filled with churches and cathedrals, the largest of which is still the Cathedral of St. Mary.

In addition to the religious heritage, Negombo also has a historical heritage – the ruins of an ancient Dutch fort, as well as a Dutch canal that appeared in the seventeenth century. Ancient architecture, a huge fish market known throughout the country, cinnamon, ceramics, a mangrove park, a bird sanctuary filled with twitter and a wide beach area famous for comfort and cleanliness – Negombo is definitely worth a stay.

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Hiccups

This colorful resort has a reputation as one of the best diving centers in the country. The resort is strongly elongated along the southern coast and is located in close proximity to Colombo. The local Coral Reserve is the very place from which it is worth starting your acquaintance with Hikkaduwa. More than seventy varieties of corals of all colors are a memorable sight. You should not go far from the water – the local turtles are quite friendly. They often swim up to the shore and enjoy eating kelp, which tourists bring.

Some particularly patient individuals may allow themselves to be ridden. Hikkaduwa is also the center of bodysurfing – this variant of surfing can be mastered in half an hour, but such an experience is guaranteed to bring a lot of positive emotions. Not far from the center there is a small fishing harbor, which is ideal for fishing lovers – you can easily catch barracuda or tuna here.

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Takes out

The atmosphere of harmony and tranquility, filled with a certain mysticism – it is instantly felt as soon as you cross the border of Wadduva. About fifty ancient Buddhist temples, Muslim shrines and Hindu temples attract hundreds of pilgrims. A kind of cultural synthesis of seasoned English classics and luscious India in the ringing of bracelets, clearly manifested in the architecture of buildings such as Richmond Castle, also attracts tourists.

The ideal beaches that are featured on hundreds of travel posters with clear turquoise waters, coconut trees and narrow palm boats bobbing on the water are another reason to stay at this resort. Sailing, windsurfing, water skiing or scuba diving – for any kind of recreation, excellent conditions are created here.

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Bentota

This resort is one of the top five on the southwest coast and is also one of the most romantic places due to its pristine nature and breathtaking scenery. Since the nineteenth century, this place has been popular among travelers who have been able to appreciate the taste of local oysters and the charm of a relaxing holiday.

The largest water sports center in the country is also located here, as well as a large diving center. Water skiing, scooter, banana, canoe, catamaran, surfboard – everything for the most sophisticated guests. A pleasant bonus is a water safari along the local river, which will add color to the travel palette, as well as the opportunity to visit the ancient ruins of a Buddhist complex of the twelfth century, where authentic Buddha statues and wall paintings are perfectly preserved.

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Unawatuna

In fact, this resort is a fishing village in the most general sense of the word. No fashionable monsters of the hotel business, no glass and concrete. Most tourists come here for a few weeks or even months to live “savage”. Unawatuna Beach is something for which it is really worth choosing this particular resort. According to the Discovery Channel, it is one of the ten best in the world and is an extremely atmospheric place: it is conveniently located in the middle of a virgin jungle and hides almost shyly behind a coral reef wall.

The beach itself is sandy and has a gentle slope. All this makes it an ideal place for snorkelling. There are several temples here, each of which is a real miracle. On a stone cape stands the temple of Unavantuna, in which only one monk has lived for several decades. The Niladhari temple carefully preserves the bright colors of the wall paintings and the sacred tree. The Japanese Peace Pagoda is the youngest monument in Unawatuna.

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Trinkomali

Trincomalee adorns the northeast coast. It is comfortably located in a cozy bay, which reliably protects the city from the winds, helping to maintain a dry and warm climate. It is noteworthy that this bay is considered the deepest in the world. Its discovery is associated with the name of Admiral Nelson, a prominent historical figure. Tourists who go here do not go for discos – the west coast is famous for such entertainment, but for wide clean beaches and pristine nature.

This city is amazing from a cultural point of view, as Muslim, Buddhist, Hindu and Christian models of the world meet here, which is clearly visible in the architectural appearance of the city. Numerous thermal springs are also located here, on which today there are baths right under the open sky. Diving or snorkeling is available right in Trincomalee, but for more impressive views, head to neighboring Pigeon Island, which is famous for its coral reefs.

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Colombo

Colombo lost its capital status three decades ago. But this in no way affected the appearance of this controversial metropolis. Colombo is made up of several virtually independent neighborhoods, each with a really distinct personality. Such a contrast is not surprising, because at different times Colombo was influenced by snobby English and gallant Spaniards, militant Romans and the Dutch living by the winds.

If you want to get to know the old school Colombo better, you should start your tour of the city from the Fort area. Today, nothing remains of this once massive structure, but other examples of colonial architecture have been excellently preserved. If you are not limited in funds, rent a room in the oldest hotel in the city – “Gall Face”. It was this place that became the temporary home of A.P. Chekhov during his visit to Ceylon.

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Beruvela

The city was badly damaged during the 2004 tsunami, but today this town, founded by Arab merchants, is shining again. Muslim culture is clearly felt, it is worth being in Beruwala, the center of which is the ancient Masjid-ul-Abrar mosque. Local attractions consist mainly of natural beauties and ancient religious monuments. In the Yala National Park, among the impenetrable jungle, the ruins of the ancient state of Ruhuna are hidden.

It is worth allocating at least two days to visit Kandy with its Buddha temple, spice garden and the busiest market in the city. And the ascent to Adam's Peak is an obligatory attribute of a visit to Beruwala – meet the dawn on the mountain, which, according to legend, is the very place where the first man set foot.

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Halle

Galle is a port city, but despite this, he earned his name not thanks to a beach holiday, but due to its architectural originality. It was founded back in the sixteenth century by the Portuguese, who brought a new flavor to the South Asian culture that dominated the region. Particular attention of tourists is usually attracted by the fort, which was built by the Portuguese.

Today it is one of the best preserved forts in Asia, and the emblem of the notorious East India Company with a lion and a rooster is still perfectly visible. Many Buddhist shrines, Christian churches, and mosques have also been preserved here. Among the natural monuments, the so-called rainforest usually stands out – an island of primeval wet forests that has not been usurped by man.

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Ahangama

This cozy fishing village is twenty minutes from Unawatuna Beach. If you go in the opposite direction, you will definitely stumble upon Weligama Bay, which has long turned into a kind of Mecca for beginner surfers. The local surf range has a sandy bottom safe for beginners and soft waves. If you're more confident in your skills, head to Ahangama Beach and try the local waves.

You don't have to diligently carve out a place on the beach, as this resort is more secluded, and despite the fact that the official season lasts from October to April, there are no real floods of thirsty tourists here. Small hotels, cozy cafes overlooking the ocean and the lack of club life – here you can have a great rest away from the noisy metropolis.

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Calpitia

Kalpitiya is located north of Colombo and is considered one of the centers of diving. This part of old Ceylon has been able to maintain its natural beauty. At the end of the sixteenth century, first the Portuguese, and then the Dutch, built a fort in Kalpitiya – perfectly preserved and still majestic. Just an hour's drive from Kalpitiya is the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka. This beautiful place has become home to a variety of fish, sea turtles and reef sharks. There is nothing comparable to the romance of staying in local hotels: oil lamps, fish cooked on a fire, the reflections of torches under a sparkling dome of the sky.

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Mount Lavinia

This ancient town is located in the shadow of Colombo. He appeared in Ceylon during the British colonization of the island. Gradually, from a small coastal town, it turned into a full-fledged resort center with a well-developed infrastructure and the most controversial beach on the island. On the one hand, local sunsets are recognized as one of the most colorful in Sri Lanka. On the other hand, the proximity to the railway leaves a certain imprint on Mount Lavinia beach.

If you are looking for the perfect hotel, choose the oldest hotel in the city, if only for the sake of history. Once the building belonged to the British governor, who fell in love with the beautiful dancer Lavinia, the relationship with which was not approved by the government. It was here that the secret dates of the couple took place.

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Smell

Mirissa is a tiny fishing village wedged between Matara and Weligama. She gradually died, but at some point, thanks to the surfers who considered this part of the Indian Ocean ideal, she began to revive again. People come here for two things – an excellent beach and whales. Yes, yes, you read it right! Every morning, boats depart from the local pier, plying the local waters with just one goal – to see the majestic whale with your own eyes.

The chance to encounter this giant mammal is really high from December to April. In the off-season, you risk spending a day at sea without reaching your goal. The largest beach in Mirissa and the favorite beach of all tourists is Mirissa Beach. Despite the fact that it is located in a small bay, the sea here is restless. In the evening, after sunset, tables with small lanterns are set up along the coast. Dinner in such a romantic atmosphere will be remembered for a long time.

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Veligama

This town is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka right on the shores of the bay of the same name. It is surrounded on all sides by coconut and rubber plantations. Local attractions are replete with monuments of the colonial era, as well as more ancient buildings. Of the latter, it is worth mentioning the Statue of the Leper King, carved directly into the rock, as well as the temple of Agrobodhi, which was erected in the third century AD, and was already restored by the Portuguese thirteen hundred years later. Already in the oldest Sinhalese chronicles, the extraordinary significance of this place is mentioned. The eastern part of the bay is suitable for fans of surfing, and the western part is suitable for snorkeling, since in this part of the ocean the waters are calmer, and the local reefs are quite colorful and varied.

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Maravila

The town of Marawila is comfortably located in the lagoon among dense mangroves. These extraordinarily beautiful tropical landscapes do not leave indifferent any of the tourists. The hotels are located among dense greenery, and therefore you have to wake up to the singing of birds. In general, this town is not much different from hundreds of other tourist towns in Ceylon: colonial architecture, family shops and shops, restaurants in the national flavor, tuk-tuks that await passengers in the shade of hotels. The beaches of Marawil are quite deserted and are perfect for a more secluded holiday. It is worth being careful when descending to the water – it is often quite steep.

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Dickwell

Dkwella can safely be called the little secret of the South Coast. This absolutely charming beach is located in a large picturesque bay. The fishing village of Dikwella is a great option for those tourists who are in the mood for a relaxing holiday with an abundance of fruits, vegetables, fresh seafood and lazy hours spent by the calm ocean. This place is especially popular among tourists who come here with children. Among the local attractions, the magnificent Mulkirigala Temple, carved right in the cave, as well as the largest Buddha statue in Ceylon, stands out.

Tangalle

The town is located in the bay of the same name, whose coastline is densely indented with very tiny coves, whose shores are overgrown with coconut palms. This fishing port is famous for its first-class cuisine throughout Ceylon. Coral reefs are located along the coastline, thanks to which more and more fans of snorkeling and diving come here every year.

Moreover, for snorkeling you don't have to go far from the coast – the local waters are amazingly clear. Numerous national parks are located in the vicinity of Tangalle, an ancient fort has been preserved, as well as ancient Buddhist temple buildings. The local rain forest is included in the list of world natural heritage and is under the protection of UNESCO.

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Induces

The village of Induruva stands in the middle of the hills, overgrown with coconut groves. There are tea plantations around the village, and the local beaches are beautiful and deserted. They are surrounded by dense tropics. At low tide, everyone tries to walk on the still wet sand. The ocean recedes for tens of meters, and many beautiful shells can be found on the dried bottom. Local craftsmen collect shellfish and crabs, which are then cooked in numerous restaurants. There are two turtle centers in the vicinity. Children and adults are offered water excursions along the rivers. Mangrove trees grow almost in the water, creating amazing pictures. Craftsmen also settle along the banks, knitting colorful mats.

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Koggala

The popularity of this tiny place was brought by the novel Madol Duwa by Martin Wickramasingh, in which he mentions a small settlement lost somewhere on the coast. In the vicinity of Koggala there is a huge lake, which is interesting not only for its picturesque views, but also for its hermitages. These are the ancient sanctuaries of the first Buddhists of Ceylon, scattered across the mirror-like water surface.

Not far from the resort itself there are also several Sinhalese villages, which have preserved a very exotic way of life for people of our time of past centuries. The local five-kilometer beach invariably attracts tourists. Numerous diving centers for professionals and beginners are also scattered along the coast.

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Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a mountainous city. Its name translates as “city of light”. It is located at the foot of the highest peak in Ceylon. A wide valley with picturesque meadows, well-groomed tea plantations and stunningly beautiful waterfalls completes the look of this place. April is the traditional month for visiting Nuwara Eliya. This tradition appeared in the nineteenth century, when rich English families, fleeing the suffocating spring Colombo, moved with their children to Nuwara Eliya. This city is called “Little England” for a reason. Here is one of the best golf courses in Asia, as well as an old hippodrome. Houses with gabled roofs are perfectly recognizable.

Anuradhapura

Until the eleventh century, Anuradhapura was the capital of the state, but after the devastating invasion of the South Indian invaders, the city was abandoned. For almost a thousand years, he was not remembered until a certain English hunter stumbled upon him, lost in the jungle, by chance. Modern Anuradhapura is almost completely restored and conditionally divided into the Old and New City. It is for the sake of the monuments of the Old City that hundreds of tourists come here: stone statues of Buddha, the tallest building of the Ancient World – Jetavanarama, Buddhist dagobas, as well as the ancient sacred Bodhi tree and the temple that was built around it.

Dambulla

Dambulla is located in the vicinity of Kandy. This small town does not have a very developed infrastructure – it is more suitable for a secluded vacation away from the noisy metropolis. Here you can find a quiet, family-run hotel, but it is almost impossible to choose a restaurant that will be open after sunset. The main attraction of the city is the temple of the same name, which is located on the top of the mountain and consists of five caves, although it is still not certain whether these caves are a natural formation. The Golden Cave Temple houses the world's largest collection of Buddha statues. Unique, perfectly preserved frescoes depict scenes from the life of the Buddha and the gods. They are made of various materials: brick, granite, wood.

Sigiriya

Right in the heart of Ceylon is a picturesque mountain – a small island in the middle of an ocean of green vegetation. This mountain is also called the “Lion Mountain” – on its top there is a unique city. The sleeping lion keeps the peace of the eighth wonder of the world. Once upon a time, the best craftsmen worked to create fabulous staircases and passages with a giant royal throne. There is also a gallery of frescoes here. Unfortunately, out of more than 500, only 17 remained, but it is enough to look at them just once to understand what exactly the masters of antiquity wanted to convey to us – female beauty and grace in the faces of court ladies.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is a true museum city. At the moment, it is under the protection of international organizations, as many of its buildings are world heritage sites. A number of palace and temple complexes have been preserved in the city. So, right on the columns of the Council Building, the entire system of government is painted in detail. Among the ruins of the royal palace is a former pool, which was filled with water from the store thanks to the presence of a pipe system.

At the same time, the water was aromatized with jasmine. Local gardens were a unique natural monument, divided into independent sectors. There are dozens of magnificent temples in Polonnaruwa, but the twelfth-century Khatadage temple is considered the most impressive.

Batticaloa

The modern name was assigned to the city during the period of the English colonial regime. True, before it was already renamed by the Dutch, for whom the original name was difficult to pronounce. The “silty lagoon” is located on a narrow spit that separates the ocean from the mainland, and it rises above the ocean by no more than five meters, which becomes somewhat dangerous during high tides. Usually, this town is visited as part of a visit to the East Coast of Ceylon.

It has its own beach – Kallady, but it will not be the best option for fans of a beach holiday. Most hotels are located at the mouth of the lagoon. Among the attractions stands out the lighthouse, which is located at the junction of the lagoon with the ocean, as well as the Dutch fort of the seventeenth century.