'Take Only Memories, Leave only Footprints'
Tourism in Sri Lanka is growing rapidly. For centuries, Sri Lanka has been a popular place of attraction for foreign travelers. It is imperative to take a trip to Sri Lanka's breathtaking beaches. Some of Sri Lanka's nicest beaches are found on the southern coast, where visitors may unwind, indulge, cool down in the water, and enjoy cold beverages on the sand. Tourist attractions are classifiable as natural or anthropogenic. Natural attractions include nature spots, flora and fauna, and places with a pleasant climate. Geotourism sites may also be included in this category. Anthropogenic attractions include archaeological and cultural attractions, historical and religion sites, performing arts and folklore, handicrafts and artifacts.
1. Bentota ~
Bentota is a fascinating coastal town that will pique your interest. The city is the ideal location to calm your mind and spirit because of its white sand beaches and coconut palms. Some of the greatest beaches are located here, particularly in March. Additionally, there is a sea turtle hatchery that is dedicated in its attempts to protect both the endangered Albino species and sea turtles. The town is known for its serene beaches as well as its rich cultural history, which includes forts, temples, and Buddhist sites that give it an air of the past!
2. Kandy ~
UNESCO has designated Kandy, widely referred to as Sri Lanka's cultural center, as a World Heritage Site. The town is surrounded by tropical rainforests, and the city is home to a wide variety of species. There are plenty of restaurants and marketplaces where you may get a taste of Sri Lankan culture. Kandy is one of the best destinations to go in March in Sri Lanka because of its average temperature of 26 degrees Celsius. The island's interior is hilly and heavily forested, and here is where Kandy is situated. The city lies 500 meters (1,600 feet) above sea level due to its location between many mountain ranges, notably the Hanthana and Knuckles mountain ranges. It is located south of Udawatta Kele Sanctuary and next to the man-made Kandy Lake. This is defininately one of the most visually beautiful sighting to visit in Sri Lanka.
3. Colombo ~
The glitz of Colombo, Sri Lanka's financial and business hub, will make your eyes sparkle. Due to its three periods of colonization—the Dutch, Portuguese, and British—Colombo is a unique fusion of cultures, which is evident across the whole city. You may take pleasure in museum trips, shopping, beach combing, and history walks. There are various well-known sites in Colombo. A multitude of sites, ranging from the recognizable Gangaramaya Temple to the magnificent Galle Face Green, highlight the cultural and historical significance of Colombo. There is a thriving street food scene in the city. The wide variety of street food available in Colombo, from succulent seafood to scrumptious kottu roti and hoppers, is guaranteed to satiate the appetite of any food enthusiast.
4. Galle ~
You will be in awe of the stunning vistas that the historic city of Galle provides. Along with World Heritage Sites, Dutch-era homes line the town's streets, promising a lifetime of memories. The greatest surviving fortification from the colonial era in all of Asia, the Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage site. The fort neighborhood is well-known for its recognizable lighthouse, breathtaking coastal views, stores, cafés, and active cultural scene.
Best beaches to visit in Galle ~
Unawatuna Beach: The most well-liked beach in the Galle district is Unawatuna Beach. This beach is perfect for spending a whole day exploring, with its little snack stalls and hammocks slung between palm palms. The thrill-seekers enjoying the water sports activities keep the beach lively throughout the day.
Akurala Beach: Known for its tranquil surroundings, Akurala Beach is one of the few attractions in Galle. Thus, Akurala Beach is the place to go if you enjoy relaxing in the peaceful sound of the waves. The calm waves at this beach make it a popular swimming spot, which adds to its appeal.
Koggala Beach: Travelers rank Koggala Beach as a top destination. Recognized for its unspoiled reefs, Koggala Lake, Folk Museum, Sea Turtle Hatchery, and Martin Wickramasinghe House, the beach offers all the essentials for an ideal beach getaway. Additionally, the silky golden beach and the crystal-clear blue sea have not been tainted by commercialization.
Festivals in Sri Lanka During Month of March :
1) Maha Shivaratri Festival of Shiva ~
The event honors the Hindu god Shiva and is celebrated across the nation. At morning, the followers fast and take a filtration bath. 'Om Namah Shivaya' is chanted as part of their meditation routines. Later, to symbolize the cleansing of the soul, the statue is smeared in scarlet vermillion and washed in milk and honey. The followers of Lord Shiva, the God of meditation, penance, and contemplation, celebrate the festival of Maha Shivratri. It is said that on this auspicious night of Maha Shivratri, Lord Shiva and Parvati tied the knot. Praying to Lord Shiva on this auspicious day, according to devotees, is believed to wash away sins and bring one closer to redemption. On this day, worshippers of Lord Shiva worship him with milk, honey, sandalwood paste, betel leaves, flowers, fruits, and other offerings while keeping a rigorous fast. It is followed by meditation, singing bhajans glorifying the Lord all night long, and chanting mantras.
2) Medin Poya ~
The event known as Medin Poya commemorates the day that Gautama Buddha paid his father a visit after attaining enlightenment. After several days, the Buddha was able to return and teach the king the Dhamma. A few days before the monarch passed away, the king acquired Sothapanna. Since it is a national holiday in Sri Lanka, a large number of devotees visit the temples with flowers to engage in meditation and hear the Dhamma's teachings. You will undoubtedly feel warm and at ease after the celebration. So go ahead and put Sri Lanka on your list of destinations for your next vacation, and be sure to schedule a trip there in March to get the most out of it.
There are widespread religious observances and illuminations during the festivities all around the Sri Lanka. Paper lanterns and pandals with elaborate designs that portray scenes from the life of the Buddha adorn streets, residences, and public spaces. Many religious events are held across Sri Lanka during the Poson season, such as Dansalas, Bodhi Poojas, and Sil campaigns, when devotees receive free food and drink.
3 ) Galle ~
The Galle Literary Festival is currently one of Asia's most well-known and prominent festivals. The festival's scope has also expanded to encompass a variety of activities, such as music, cabaret, art trails, and cooking. The audience's passionate engagement and the variety of events and activities bring the festival to life. A wide range of well-known individuals and international journalists are invited to the Galle Literary Festival. D.J. Taylor and Roshi Fernando, Sashi Tharoor, and Shyam Selvadura are a few of these individuals. Notable writers and novelists include Tom Stoppard, Michael Morpurgo, Madhur Jaffrey, Julian Barnes, Richard Dawkins, Simon Sebag Montefiore, David Thompson, and Jason Kouchak have all participated in past iterations of the event. Consequently, the festival reveals the connections between various ideas and societies by bringing together a diverse range of readers and books in a quiet setting.
“Sri Lanka is a beautiful little island nation parked perilously close to India; a little too hot, a little too humid, and perhaps too expensive, but to its credit are fantastic beaches, strangely melancholy hills, and the ruins of kingdoms past.” ― Yudhanjaya Wijeratne, Numbercaste