Articles
Just 20 km north of Colombo, the Muthurajawela Wetlands are a sprawling 4,000-hectare ecosystem teeming with wildlife, mangrove forests, and tranquil canals. Known as Sri Lanka’s largest saltwater marsh, this hidden gem offers a serene escape into nature, where visitors can glide through waterways by boat, spot exotic birds, and immerse themselves in the quiet beauty of coastal wetlands.
Perched atop a rocky hill in Sri Lanka’s Western Province, Maugathenna Monastery offers a tranquil escape for travelers seeking solitude, spirituality, and breathtaking views. This lesser-known gem combines the quietude of a Buddhist monastic complex with the rugged beauty of its surrounding rocky jungle. From the hill’s summit, visitors are rewarded with sweeping panoramas of lush valleys, distant villages, and mist-clad mountains—a perfect blend of nature and spirituality.
Tucked away in a lush forest near Watturugama, the Pillikuttuwa Raja Maha Viharaya is one of Sri Lanka’s most mystical temple complexes. Known for its 99 ancient caves, rare medicinal plants, and serene jungle setting, this sacred site offers a unique blend of spirituality, history, and natural beauty.
Located just 10 km from Colombo, the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temples. Steeped in legend and history, this sacred site is believed to have been visited by the Buddha himself during his third and final trip to the island.
Tucked away in Gampaha, just 30 km from Colombo, the Henarathgoda Botanical Garden is a lush paradise often overshadowed by Sri Lanka’s more famous gardens. Established in 1876, this 43-acre sanctuary is where the country’s first rubber tree was planted, marking the start of Sri Lanka’s rubber industry.
Perched near the coastal town of Beruwala, Kande Viharaya (literally "Mountain Temple") is one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist temples. Famous for its towering white Buddha statue—one of the tallest in the country—this sacred site offers a peaceful retreat amid lush greenery and ocean breezes.
Deep in the jungles near Awittawa, the Yakgirilena Hermitage offers an extraordinary journey through time. This ancient cave complex is not only a spiritual retreat but also an archaeological treasure trove, with evidence of Balangoda Man—Sri Lanka’s earliest known inhabitants dating back 30,000 years.
Nestled in the lush landscapes of Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Lunuganga Residency is the former estate of Geoffrey Bawa, the father of tropical modernism. Once Bawa’s private retreat, this serene property now serves as a haven for artists, writers, and creatives worldwide. Managed by the Lunuganga Trust, the residency invites international creators to live and work here, while its breathtaking gardens are open to the public.
Located along the bustling Colombo-Galle Road, the St. Vincente Institute in Maggona is a fascinating blend of colonial history and modern-day community service. Established in 1871 as a Christian missionary institution, it has since transformed into a rehabilitation and vocational training center, offering skills like carpentry, tailoring, and bookbinding.
Nestled along the serene Bentara River, Jeans Pavurukanda Viharaya is a captivating historical and spiritual site in Sri Lanka. This ancient temple, believed to have once been a fortress during the Polonnaruwa period, offers a unique blend of history, adventure, and tranquility. Visitors must take a scenic boat ride to reach the temple, making it an off-the-beaten-path destination perfect for explorers and history enthusiasts.