Coastal Resorts Sights

The best season for beaches on the western coast is between November and April where the seas are calm and ideal for sea bathing or scuba diving. Negombo beach is renowned for its wide range of seafood while Bentota further south has a broad sandy beach ideal for swimming or sun bathing. Hikkaduwa is another famous stretch, recommended for diving and viewing underwater coral.

Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea, and since its introduction to Sri Lanka in the mid 19th century Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the industry. For many miles before reaching Nuwara Eliya from either direction you'll find acres and acres of tea plantations, and you can visit a lot of factories to sample the products.

Situated in Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth (commonly known as "Sri Dalada Maligawa") is an important shrine for Buddhists as it is said to hold the tooth of Buddha, brought to Sri Lanka in the 4th century as a result of a war in India. Renowned for its beautiful carvings, it's the most sacred temple in the whole of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya, the spectacular 'lion rock' fortress, stands majestically overlooking the luscious green jungle surroundings and is one of Sri Lanka's major attractions. It was built by King Kasyapa, a son of King Dhatusena, by a palace consort. As legend goes, King Dhatusena was overthrown and walled in, alive by Kasyapa in 473 AD. Mogallana, Dhatusena's son by the true queen fled to India, vowing revenge. Fearing an invasion, Kasyapa built the impregnable fortress. Look out for the beautifully landscaped water gardens and frescoes painted onto the rock face.