Best places to visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a paradise for picnics. Its extravagant sunsets, palm tree shades, ancient ruins, rolling hills, cascading falls, and tranquil lakeshores offer stunning backdrops to enjoy nature’s embrace. They are a perfect canvas to create memories with your loved ones or to contemplate in peace. In this guide, we will take you to the best picnic spots in Sri Lanka. As you unroll your picnic blanket and take out the delicious treats from the basket, you can enjoy the feast of logic.
visit Galle Face Colombo
Embarking on a picnic journey in the heart of Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, Galle Face Green presents itself as one of the classic day outing places in the country. This seaside urban park offers an ideal location to lay out a blanket, indulge in delicious snacks, and enjoy the beautiful azure waters dancing to the rhythm of the island breeze. From this vantage point, you can also admire iconic landmarks such as the Galle Face Hotel and the Old Parliament Building. As the sun sets, the park transforms into a bustling hub of local activity, with kite flyers, cricket players, and families all coming together. In the evening, street food vendors and stalls come alive, making it an ideal place to grab some tasty treats..
Independence Square
The Independence Square in Sri Lanka is a significant symbol of the country’s journey to independence. It commemorates the nation’s liberation from British colonial rule in 1948. The towering Independence Memorial Hall is a magnificent example of neo-classical architecture. The square’s landscaping is immaculate, with well-maintained flower beds, lush green lawns, and tall trees that create a natural oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. The tall trees provide a soothing shade that offers respite from the sun, creating a pleasant atmosphere perfect for picnics.
Kandy Lake
Kandy Lake, also known as Kiri Muhuda or the Sea of Mill, was constructed in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe. The lake is surrounded by lush greenery and hills, creating a peaceful atmosphere for a relaxing lakeside picnic. The Temple of the Tooth, which houses the sacred relic of Buddha, is located next to the lake. The Esala Perahera, a grand festival, is held annually where the relic is paraded. You can enjoy the daily ceremonial activities happening in this bustling place. Kandy Lake is also an excellent spot for bird-watching in an urban setting. Keep an eye out for colourful kingfishers, graceful herons, and other bird species that call the lake home.
Royal Botanical Gardens Kandy
Let’s take a trip to Kandy, an enchanting city located in the central hills. The Royal Botanical Gardens, which span over an impressive 147 acres, contain more than 4,000 plant species, including a famous collection of orchids. Once a royal pleasure garden for the Kandyan monarchs, the gardens were formally established by the British six years after the final conquest of the Kandyan Kingdom. Within its sprawling grounds, you’ll find a peaceful lake, a lush fernery, a fragrant spice garden, towering palm avenues, ancient ficus trees, well-maintained pathways, shady groves, giant bamboos, and a captivating arboretum, all contributing to the garden’s extraordinary charm. Additionally, the longest river in Sri Lanka, Mahaweli, runs alongside it. It’s an ideal place for a leisurely walk or a serene moment to relax, appreciate the beauty of nature, and cherish quality time.
Victoria Park, Nuwara Eliya visit in Sri Lanka
Victoria Park is a park in Nuwara Eliya that was renamed in honor of Queen Victoria’s 60th Jubilee Coronation in 1897. It serves as a sanctuary for rare avian species and unique floral specimens. Visitors to the park can observe a variety of extraordinary birds, including the Kashmir Flycatcher, Pied Thrush, Indian Blue Robin, Oriental Magpie-Robin, Yellow Eared-Bulbul, Cattle Egret, Brahminy Kite, and many more. The Nanu Oya River runs through the park, creating several petite lakes, which add to the park’s natural charm.
Victoria Park is an ideal picnic spot, surrounded by lakes, ornate flower beds, well-maintained lawns, and towering trees. The park’s floral diversity provides ever-changing visuals, with a kaleidoscope of blooms on display, from radiant roses to vibrant orchids, depending on the season. The park also has a dedicated playground for children, complete with swings, rides, and even a toy train, providing ample entertainment options for families. visit in Sri Lanka Victoria park during your tour
Lake Gregory, Nuwara Eliya
This beautiful reservoir was named after and constructed under the supervision of Sir William Gregory, who was the British governor of Sri Lanka at the time. It has become a popular picnic spot in the tea country.In order to fully experience the charm of the lake, visitors can participate in a range of activities. For leisurely exploration, visitors can rent bicycles, or glide across the waters in swan-shaped pedalos or speedboats. For a more thrilling experience, visitors can ride water scooters, participate in water sports such as jet skiing and kayaking, or take to the skies for panoramic views on a helicopter ride (subject to prior reservation). Additionally, there are numerous food stalls and restaurants on the premises to satisfy your culinary cravings.
Ella Gap, Ella visit in Sri Lanka
Ella is a beautiful village located in the highlands of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by tea plantations, hidden temples, waterfalls, and scenic viewpoints, this place offers a serene and picturesque setting for nature lovers.The Ella Gap offers a breathtaking panoramic view of the southern plains, and on a clear night, you can see the Great Basses lighthouse glowing from the southern coast. The Ella Gap is surrounded by Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, Ravana Rock, and a wooded ridge.
St. Clair’s Falls visit in Sri Lanka
If you ever find yourself in the tea country of Sri Lanka, do not miss the opportunity to visit a tea estate. St. Clair’s Falls, known as the “Little Niagara of Sri Lanka,” is located in Thalawakele.. It is one of the most breathtaking waterfalls in the country. It consists of two parts: “The Greater Fall,” which is an impressive 80 meters in height, and “The Lesser Fall,” which is equally impressive at 50 meters. Surrounded by lush greenery of rolling hills and verdant tea plantations, this picturesque setting is perfect for a picnic. You can also explore the tranquil St. Clair Tea Estate and enjoy a cup of freshly brewed tea while taking in the panoramic views.