Once considered in popular imagination as a remote island on the spice route, Sri Lanka has nonetheless retained its legendary appeal, notably through its island advantage and its well-preserved authenticity. From tea plantations to coconut-fringed beaches, passing through ancient cities lost in unexplored jungles. Many mythical images occupy the mind of every traveler. But Sri Lanka is also its cities, its people. Here is a small selection of the country's must-see destinations.

You will very often arrive in Sri Lanka by air, and land most of the time at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, the country's economic capital. This will be your first stop on your journey!

Colombo

Located on the west coast of Sri Lankan territory, the country's former capital, Colombo, now borders the new capital Sri Jayawardenapura, which is located in its southeastern suburbs. Two major festive events take place in Colombo each year and concern important sections of the population. The day of Vesak, mid-May, celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha.

The entire city is then decorated with magical lights, which gives it an incredible charm. A large majority of residents also celebrate Christmas, even though Christians make up only 7% of the total Sri Lankan population.

Kandy

Located 116 km east of Colombo, the city of Kandy irrigated by the Mahaweli River is perched at 500 m altitude on a small hill with lush vegetation and features a magnificent botanical garden, which gives it remarkable tourist appeal. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1998, the city is home to the Temple of the Tooth, or Dâlada Maligawa, a Buddhist classic in the country. Every year, the Perahera Festival is organized there in August, where numerous elephants and torch bearers parade through the city streets proudly brandishing Buddha's tooth, a relic preserved in the Dâlada Maligawa.

Nuwara Eliya

Served by a railway, the city of Nuwara Eliya is located about a hundred kilometers south of Kandy. The train journey to reach the city is of faultless charm, traversing the picturesque landscapes of the region.

The city is home to numerous tea plantations that have earned it a reputation where pickers preserve century-old cultivation techniques in their expertise. Like Kandy, the city has magnificent botanical gardens that are among the most beautiful in the world. It is also the starting point for numerous treks aimed at climbing Adam's Peak, one of the country's highest summits (2,243 m).

Ella

The city of Ella, located about thirty kilometers east of Nuwara Eliya, offers a sumptuous setting over all the southern plains of the country. Perched at over 1,000 m in elevation, this small city of 45,000 inhabitants offers a rather cool, breezy climate that is very pleasant during the heat in Sri Lanka. Hikes to the summits of the surrounding hills allow you to clear your mind and experience a much-needed tranquility.

Mirissa

For all beach lovers, don't worry, we've thought of you. Now head to Mirissa, a coastal city located 150 km south of Colombo. Its beach and its nightlife make Mirissa a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka. It is also one of the main observation points for dolphins and whales in the Indian Ocean! You can indulge in numerous activities here such as diving, fishing, or hiking.

Anuradhapura

Heading north now. Anuradhapura, which is part of the Cultural Triangle, will satisfy those who want to learn more about Sri Lanka's religious history. Capital of the kingdom between the 4th and 10th centuries, this ancient city is now classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is the birthplace of Theravada Buddhism in the country. Here, in 25 BC, a sacred text was signed to unify the faith of the inhabitants.

You will find there today three temples, or Buddhist monasteries: the Mahavihara built in the 3rd century BC, the Abhayagirivihara, built in the 2nd century BC, and the Jetanavihara erected in the 3rd century. These three temples are the emblems of the city and share an important part of Sri Lankan history.