Many tourists visit Sri Lanka to see familiar places like beaches, flower gardens, and historical value ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, or Kandy. But there are many other hidden places to visit in Sri Lanka. This article will explain some places apart from the common areas you should see when traveling to Sri Lanka.

Visit Dabana To See Wedda People.

Dabana is a small village located in the Kandy district in Sri Lanka. This great community has been associated with its natural beauty, diverse cultures and customs, and traditional ways. Dabana is approximately 110 kilometers away from Colombo, Sri Lanka. You can take a taxi or public transportation to Dabana for about 5 to 6 hours.

What makes a visit to Dabana significant?

Traveling to Dabana allows you to understand the culture and lifestyle of the Wedda people. Apart from this, there is an opportunity to visit ancient temples and sanctuaries as well as traditional dances, songs, plays, and cultural events of the Wedda people.

Various activities help visitors to Dabana understand the cultures and traditions of the Vedi community. One of the best activities during the visit is a guided tour through the village of the Veddas, which gives an idea of the local lifestyle of the Vedda people and their relationship with nature. Tourists can also gather and go out with a Vedi tribal tribe.

History of the Wedda people in Dabana

Scholars point out that Vedda is a native tribe that settled in Sri Lanka over time. Sources indicate that their origins go back to the people who lived before the arrival of the Sinhalese and Tamils in Sri Lanka. Veddas have unique ways of life that are closely related to their surroundings. For example, they are good at hunting because they are in the forest. For generations, Dabana has been home to several generations of Vedi people.

Attractions in Dabana

There are plenty of things to see in Dabana. This village has a historical Buddhist temple known as Dabana Raja Maha Viharaya. Scholars say its construction was attributed to King Maha Parakramabahu, who reigned from the 12th century AD.

Dabana Museum

This museum showcases the indigenous Sri Lankan Vedi people’s culture, social system, and lifestyle. You can see old bows, arrows, Wedding dresses, musical instruments, and pictures of previous Wedda people’s leaders there. There is an official at that place to explain about the museum, and you have to get a ticket for the service.

Don’t hesitate to contact us for further information on Dabana, Sri Lanka, or any other areas of interest. However, it is our pleasure to always give valuable tips whenever we can for better trip planning and enhanced travel experience. We can provide information on local attractions, cultural activities, and travel logistics. Please do not hesitate to contact me for information and help.

Visit To Adam’s Peak – Sri Lanka

Adam’s Peak is another popular tourist place in Sri Lanka. It is the most sacred place among Buddhist, Hindu, and Muslim Sri Lankans. Sri Padaya, or Adam’s Peak, is 2243 meters high in Ratnapura.

History of Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak has been sacred for centuries, and different religious sects interpret the mountain differently. According to Buddhist tradition, the footprints on the top of the hill are of Buddha. In contrast, Hindu and Muslim scholars claim that the print belongs to one of their religious scholars.

Adam’s Peak was first known in the 5th century AD by a Chinese Buddhist scholar named Faxian. After that, the destination can be said to have become a significant place of religious pilgrimage.

How do you travel from Colombo to Adam’s Peak?

You can always use a taxi or private vehicle to reach Adams Peak from Colombo. It’s a four or five-hour drive, depending on traffic. Alternatively, they can board a bus up to Hatton for local transport.

The Hatton-Nallathanni route is the most popular among many trekkers who want to climb Adam’s Peak. The climb can take 3 to 4 hours if the person is fit. December to May can be mentioned as the best time to go to Adam’s Hill. There is less rainfall this month, so you can travel easily.

Many devotees start climbing the mountain in the evening (4.00 P.m. or 5.00 P.m.), and the main reason is to climb the hill during the nighttime without the sun’s heat. Another highlight of many tours is the view of the sunrise from the top of the mountain. The sunrise is at approximately 6.00 am.

Sunrise at Adam’s Peak

Many souvenir shops and outdoor stalls selling souvenirs, snacks, and drinks will be found along the way.

It is essential to think before climbing.

It is more practical to carry comfortable clothes and a light bag with snacks, drinking water, etc., to climb the mountain.

If the climb is expected to be done at night, it is advisable to carry a flashlight or headlamp. A camera is also recommended for visitors to photograph the beautiful views from the summit.

Avoid carrying plastic bottles and other harmful materials, as they can be hazardous to the environment and wildlife.

Visitors should understand that Adam’s Peak is revered, and certain customs and rituals must be observed. To enter temples and other shrines, it is more practical for visitors to remove their shoes and wear casual clothing that covers the body completely.

The region has several guesthouses and hotels that provide comfortable rooms to pilgrims and tourists at affordable prices. However, booking is advised, especially during high season.

Other activities to do at Adam’s Peak

Besides climbing to the top of Adam’s Peak, there is much more to see or do. Tourists are free to visit the forest areas and waterfalls and can also participate in meditation with a sense of the other temples and shrines around the place.

Visit Dehiwala Zoo – Sri Lanka

The Dehiwala Zoo in the town of Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia in Sri Lanka is a favorite among tourists worldwide who come to visit it. The zoo hosts diverse animals, which has made it one of the preferred destinations by tourists.

Getting to Dehiwala Zoo

Getting to Dehiwala Zoo from Colombo requires a taxi or tuk-tuk ride. This trip typically requires about half an hour up to forty-five minutes if there is some traffic. However, tourists may use a bus from Colombo to Dehiwala, followed by a short distance to the zoo.

Entrance Tickets

Tourists must pay for the ticket to enter the zoo. Different keys are charged depending on the age and nationality of visitors. Adults pay LKR 500 for access, while kids under twelve only have to part with LKR 250. Adults are only required to part with LKR 500, while kids below twelve years amount with only LK. Ticket prices for adult foreign visitors are ten dollars per person, while for children is five dollars.

History of Dehiwala Zoo

It is a common recreation ground in Sri Lanka and has attracted many local and foreign visitors every year since 1936. The zoo began with a small animal collection that has developed into one of South Asia’s most prominent zoos. Today, the zoo is run by the Sri Lanka Department of National Zoological Gardens.

Animals at the Zoo

The largest zoo at Dehiwala shelters more than 3,000 creatures of mammalian, avian, reptilian, and piscine origins. Elephants, lions, tigers, zebras, giraffes, and monkeys are common animals in the zoo. More than a hundred kinds of bird species come from different parts of the globe in this zoo.

Operating hours and best time to go.

The most preferred dry season in Sri Lanka is December till April when visiting Dehiwala Zoo becomes highly recommended for tourists. The weather is bearable during this period; visitors do not experience harsh rains while touring the zoo. The zoo is open every day from 8:30 am to 6:00 pm.

Favorite Animals at the Zoo

Lions, tigers, giraffes, and elephants are among the favored animals at Dehiwala Zoo. These animals are also fascinating to watch with visitors who can observe their behavior and where they live. Parrots, flamingos, and peacocks are among the many types of birds found in the zoo, and tourists equally love them.

Visit Ridiyagama Safari Park.

Ridiigamma Safari Park is approximately 170 kilometers from Colombo and is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. Spanning over 500 acres, it is also a habitat where numerous wild creatures, such as elephants, leopards, bears, deer, etc., live.

How do you visit Ridiyagama Safari Park from Colombo?

You can travel to Ridiyagama by bus or taxi via the Colombo / Hambanthota highway. The journey should last three hours, depending on the traffic situation.

Like most places, you need to take an entrance ticket that is available for sale at the park gate. The park is open daily from 6:00 am to 6:00 pm.

What kind of animals can you see in Ridiyagama Safari Park?

Ridiyagama Safari Park has different species, such as mammals, reptiles, and birds. Over four hundred animals currently belong to fifty diverse species within the Park.

At Ridiyagama Safari Park, there are more than 30 elephants. You can also see a small population of lions, giraffes, zebras, and crocodiles.

What activities can visitors do?

Visitors to Ridiyagama Safari Park can participate in various activities, including.

Safari rides – visitors can go on a guided tour through the wildlife.

Bird-watching: Enthusiasts will also find Ridiyagama Safari Park conducive owing to the many bird species.

Nature walks: Guests could go on a guided nature walk around the garden, learning about the local plants and animals while enjoying the scenery.

Camping: Visitors can use this opportunity to camp for a night in the park while enjoying nature.

Water sports: The Park features a lake where people can fish, boat, or paddle.

Culture shows: Visitors can also watch traditional Sri Lankan dancing and music.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage – Sri Lanka

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated 90 km away from Colombo, and it is a unique tourist attraction. Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 to care for elephants that suffered for various reasons. You can visit this elephant offenage by taxi, bus or train. By taxi or bus, it will take 2-3 hours. If you travel by train, it will take approximately 3 to 4 hours. Currently, 90 elephants are living in the Pinnawala elephant orphanage.

Ticket prices and best time to visit

To enter, you need to have an entrance ticket. The price can be higher if you visit the tourist season, which is December to March or June to September. According to our analyses, the best time to see an elephant orphanage is June to September. You can avoid the rain during those months and enjoy all the activities in the elephant orphanage. 

Entrance fees.

Sri Lankan citizens – LKR 1000.

Foreigners – LKR 3000. 

Children under the age of five – free.

Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala is open from 8.30 am to 5.30 pm daily (Public and government holidays they close).

 Visitor-Allowed Activities in Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.

• Visitors can feed fruits and vegetables to the elephants. For that, you should buy the fruit or a vegetable basket in the shops in the elephant orphanage. 
• You have the opportunity to take photos with elephants and observe the habitats of elephants. 
• Also, you can participate in elephant bathing activities with the staff. 

Contact Us to learn more about attractive places.