Sri Lanka, previously known as Ceylon, is an island country in South Asia with a documented history of 3000 years and a rich cultural heritage. If you decide to visit Sri Lanka, the first thing you would notice is the friendly people, coconut trees, and the vast amounts of Tuk-Tuks.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka has some of the most attractive destinations that you can visit. Three of these destinations which you must definitely visit are Ella, Mirissa, and Sigiriya. All three of these places will awe you, and it will be the type of vacation where after 10 years, you would still be talking about it with your grandkids. If there's one thing that you will never forget, it's a trip to Sri Lanka. 

Ella

Ella translated in English- the waterfall is a small town rich in bio-diversity and consists of various flora and fauna. This small town is surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and of course large tea estates. It is very greeny and has a cool temperature in comparison to most parts of Sri Lanka. However, here are a few things you MUST do when you visit Ella.

1. Take the train ride

Costing only £5 for an 8 hour ride, the Kandy to Ella train ride is something you must NOT miss. Winding through misty forests, waterfalls, tiny towns, and vast tea plantations will undoubtedly be a memory. Apart from this, you will also come across friendly locals who will not hesitate to greet you with a smile. Once the train ride begins, small groups of boys or men gather around for a little musical show. They play drums, sing and dance. Among all these vendors rush on the aisle of the train selling different types of Sri Lankan drinks and snacks, such as pickled pineapples and mangoes, some even sell chai tea.

Nevertheless, the most scenic part of the train ride is Nanu Oya to Ella. When it goes through the dense forest of the Horton Plains National Park, the entire train goes absolutely silent as everyone gets lost in the beauty of the ride. So if you want to get the best experience, make sure to get a seat near the window. However, be warned. Due to its popularity, the train might be a bit crowded. If you want to avoid this, the off-peak season is the best option.

2. Visit the nine arch bridge

The nine arch bridge spans 91 meters with a height of 24m. This bridge is located in a jungle, and it consists of an agricultural setting. Behind the railway is a booming forest, and underneath you will witness a tea plantation. This place is trendy for selfies because of its beautiful scenery. Don't forget to take a picture of yourself with the nine arch bridge in the background once you get there!

This bridge is so famous because it's built only with rock, bricks, and cement without the use of metal or steel. The story goes that it was first commissioned in the year of 1941, but during that time, World War 1 began, and all the steel and metal were used for military services. So it was decided that the bridge would be made without these items. Fascinating right?! 

This bridge is quite easy to spot as it's very close to the main street in Ella town. You can pay just Rs200 for a Tuk, and you will get there in no time. If you prefer a much more adventurous find, you can take the 20min hike to the bridge. This is as exciting as riding the train. 

3. Climb the Ella rock 

If you ever visit Ella, you must definitely wake up early in the morning for a hike on the Ella rock. Ella rock is a famous cliff located 1041m above sea level. The 8km hike will take you 4 hours to get to the top. However, it is not a steep slope, so this should make your hike much more manageable. While trekking up the rock, you will come across beautiful tea plantations, the Sri Lankan countryside, and train tracks. However, this is best done early in the morning. Even though Ella is much cooler than other parts in Sri Lanka, when you climb the rock, there's a tendency for it to get pretty hot especially when you are closer to the peak. 

Once you reach the top, one of the rewards you will get is the breathtaking view. You will be able to witness views of the summits of the mountains covered in clouds and mist. And not forgetting the sunrise is one of the most amazing views you will ever see. The golden rays of sunlight cutting through the clouds and hitting the mountains are just spectacular. 

After your morning hike, be sure to visit the street vendors. You will come across various types of Sri Lankan food, which will water your mouth just by its aroma. Amongst all these, one primary type of food that you absolutely must try is 'Aapa.' This is a traditional Sri Lankan food typically eaten for either breakfast or dinner. It is white in color and is very crusty on the sides yet soft in the middle, just like bread. You can even add an egg in the middle to make it more delicious. It is eaten with a type of sambal paste similar to a salsa called 'Lunu Miris', made of onions, midlives fish, chili powder, salt, lime, and a little bit of tomato.

If you want to imagine the taste of Aapa, just think of its as a Sri Lankan version of Nachos. Take this dish and head over to the nearest waterfall. Sit on a rock, dip your legs in the water, and enjoy breakfast while watching the scenery.

Mirissa

Located on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is a small town with plenty of beaches, whale, and dolphin watch locations. It is a highly tourist-attractive destination because of its beautiful beaches, surf waves, and its nightlife of great bars and restaurants. Over the years it has become more and more crowded due to its popularity. 

However, if you are thinking of visiting Mirissa, then the following places should definitely be at the top of your list.

1. The secret beach 

After reading the title, you must be wondering why; Secret beach? Well, it's because it was a secret indeed. Well, at least it used to be. The secret beach is a hidden beach that used to be known only by the locals living around the area. However, in recent years this site became quite popular, especially for tourists. Because these days it's not easy to find a beach that is not crowded. So now, it's not a secret anymore, in fact, it's very popular. 

The secret beach is located nearby the Mirissa town. You must go through a small road to get there. If you take a Tuk Tuk it will take you around Rs400. But if you decide to walk there, it will take you around 30mins, and it can be a bit tiring and sweaty. However, this journey will be made much easier with a coconut drink! You can easily purchase Coconut water for a very cheap price from the street vendors that you will come across on the road to the beach. And No, you won't get it in a glass, but you can drink it right out of the coconut! This will refresh you and make the journey less exhausting. 

Once you get to the beach, you will notice two different coconut tree-lined beaches. They both connect at a very rocky headland. The first beach you see is the best spot for a swim. The waves in this area can be a bit rough sometimes but not too scary, making it okay to swim. Similar to most areas in Sri Lanka the secret beach is also filled with wildlife. Turtles are very common here, and you might even be able to swim with one. Some people have even spotted baby sharks in the ocean. Because of this, it makes it a great place to go snorkeling. However, always watch out for sea urchins!

The second beach is a shallow lagoon with a rocky outcrop. Because of the layer of rock, the lagoon is protected by the waves. But it may not be the best spot to swim as the water is only waist-deep. But it's a perfect spot to just float around. Also, there is a beach bar where you can purchase various types of snacks, drinks, and coconut water! You can buy just about anything you want from there, bring it over to the beach and watch the sunset. 

2. The Coconut Tree Hill

Located in Mirissa, the Coconut Tree Hill is a private coconut estate with a temple that is placed high on the cliff. It overlooks the sparkling waters of the Indian Ocean and the beautiful golden beach. Just minutes from town, it is easy to find this destination in the early mornings or late nights. 

An exciting 10 min trek from the bottom to the summit of the hill through the coconut estate will bring you to a spectacular view of the golden coast of Mirissa. This destination should be a MUST visit place on your list, especially if you're looking to watch a stunning and bold sunset that you will never forget. 

The hill that's shaped like a dome with its symmetrical coconut trees against the blue sky mixes perfectly with the sea making it an excellent spot for a picture. However, if you want to take the perfect picture, make sure to visit this destination during off-peak times as it is a highly tourist attracted area, and there is not a day that you find this place empty. Nevertheless, do not forget to bring a camera and be ready to take loads of pictures and selfies with the beautiful scenery behind you. 

Sigiriya

Commonly known by the locals as the 8th wonder of the world, the Sigiriya rock is an ancient palace and fortress. It has significant archeological importance and is one of the most tourist attracted destinations in Sri Lanka. This rock palace is located in between two towns called Dambulla and Habarane. The rock was formed by the magma of a volcano, which is now extinct. Its height is 200 meters higher than the nearby jungles and is created in harmony with nature and human imagination, making it a unique and beautiful spectacle. 

Some of the main sites you will be able to witness when you visit Sigiriya are the ruined palace, abundant gardens, canals, ponds, pools, fountains, and alleys. 

According to archeologists, the Sigiriya rock has been inhabited for at least 4000 years. It was first used as a monastery in the 3rd century BC. However, after 8 centuries, it was converted into a palace. The storied history of the rock goes back to the tragic event between two brothers, King Kasyapa and his brother Moggallana where King Kasyapa illegally took the rightful throne of his brother. Due to the fear of being attacked by Moggallana, King Kasyapa decided to construct a royal palace on top of a high rock, which is now known as Sigiriya, so that his brother would not be able to invade it.

However, the story goes that King Kasyapa died at war, and his brother Moggallana destroyed this palace. And once again, it was converted into a monastery. A thousand years later, it was abandoned by the monks as well. 

Despite the tragic story behind this famous rock, it has been constructed with some of the most advanced technologies of that time, decorated with beautiful frescos. 

The main entrance of the palace is situated on the northern side of the rock. And is formed as a huge stone lion. The western wall of the rock is entirely covered by beautiful ancient frescoes, where up to this day, only 18 have survived. However, above all, the stunning features of the Sigiriya rock are the mirror wall where those days the wall was scrubbed so well that the king could see his reflection on it. This mirror wall had been painted with poems and inscriptions by people who visited the rock starting from the 8th century. 

Furthermore, the gardens of the Sigiriya rock have been architecturally designed with a landscape recorded to be one of the oldest in the world. It also consists of cave and boulder gardens, water gardens and terraced gardens, and much more. 

If you visit Sri Lanka a trip to Sigiriya is a must. If you love history and olden day ruins and fortresses, this trip will surely be one to remember for a long time. 

After you hike up the Sigiriya rock and make your way down, do not forget to have a traditional Sri Lankan lunch consisting of curry and rice. 

However, be aware that Sri Lankan foods tend to be a bit on the spicy side, so make sure to have a bottle of refreshing water.

Nevertheless, Sri Lanka is a great place to visit, and it's a perfect getaway for anyone with a stressful life, and a trip you make to Sri Lanka will never be forgotten. The moment you step into the country, you will realize why it's called the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean." So pack your bags and hit the road for a great adventure waits before you!