Image by stachelig via Flickr
Are you drawn to ancient artifacts, antiques, archeological artifacts and cultural history? Take a stroll through Sri Lanka's National Museum located in the country's largest city Columbo. Established in 1877, the National Museum exhibits 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts and the regalia of Kanyan Kings dating as far back as the 17th century.
Uncover more of Sri Lanka's history by visiting the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura located in the jungle 130 miles (205 km) north of Columbo. Hire a bicycle or travel using a 'Tuk-tuck' through the ruined palaces and monasteries, carvings, sculptures, and dagobas (domes built to enshrine sacred relics).
Witnessing a herd of about 60 elephants roam freely over 25 acres of abundant forest is really quite magical. The famous attraction, known as the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is situated in the countryside on the hills of Kegalle on the way to Kandy. Visitors are welcome to assist in feeding the baby elephants before their led to their daily baths.
Sri Lanka is known for its divine southern beaches. Enjoy the amicable ocean between the months of October and April when the monsoon has moved on. Hikkaduwa is a popular spot for scuba diving because of its plentiful array of coral and tropical fish. Also, make sure to visit Kudawella which is known for a blow hole which throws large columns of water into the air when the ocean waves break on the rocks.
Delada Meligaway or Temple of the Sacred Tooth, is located in Kandy, a city full of Buddhist history. The golden-roofed octagonal temple was built between 1687 and 1707 and legend has it the incisor was stolen from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was taken to Sri Lanka and hidden in Princess Hemamli's hair. The temple is connected to the Pattiripuwa (Octagon) which originally was used as a prison and now holds a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts.
by Molly Nelson, Contributing Author
Going to national museum sounds interesting. I hope that I could be able to visit Sri Lanka for its safari attractions and the beaches sounds nice too.