Top Places To Visit While Volunteering In Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka is a country full of quintessential locations, some of which are also listed by UNESCO as the world heritage sites. Most of these locations are either located in or at a close proximity to the city of Colombo and Galle where Volunteering Solutions has its projects available. This makes it for a perfect travel experience for volunteers traveling from different parts of the world to Sri Lanka. Some of the highlighted sites in Sri Lanka includes;

1. Sigiriya

– One of the most visited and a UNESCO certified world heritage site in Sri Lanka.

– Also known as the “Lion’s Rock”.

– Made from a single column of rock that is around 200mtrs high.

– Was the palace site of King Kassapa I (477-95AD)

– Remained as a Buddhist monastery until early 14th Century.

– Located at a short 4 hours’ drive from Colombo.

2. Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

– One of the most important Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka.

– The architecture is a beautifully assorted mix of Chinese, Indian, Sri Lankan, and Thai architecture.

– Located in the heart of the city of Colombo.

3. Colombo Dutch Museum

– Built during the Dutch colonial rule in Sri Lanka (1656-1796)

– Was the formal residence for the Dutch Governor.

– Was used for several different purposes since then; such as, Educational Institute, Orphanage, Hospital, Post Office, etc.

– Was reworked upon after natural demolition and opened for the public as a museum in 1982.

4. Ruwanwelisaya

– A sacred stupa in the ancient city of Anuradhapura known for its architectural brilliance.

– Built in 140 B.C.

– Holy abode for followers of Buddhism all over the world.

– Also known as Mahathupa, Swarnamali Chaitya, Suvarnmali Mahaceti, Rathnamali Dagaba.

– One of world’s tallest monuments at a height of 338fts.

– Located at a short 3 hours’ drive from the capital city of Colombo.

5. Pidurutalagala

– It’s the tallest mountain in the country at 2,524mtrs.

– Known as Mount Pedro in English.

– Serves as the base for country’s radar system and, thus, is designated as an ‘Ultra-High Security Zone’.

– Located at a short drive distance of 4 hours from Colombo.

6. Beira Lake

– Located in the heart of the Colombo city.

– Is a popular recreational place for the local and foreign travelers.

– Surrounded from all sides by corporate buildings and business centers.

– Was built before the Sri Lankan colonization.

7. St. Lucia’s Cathedral

– The seat to archbishop of Roman Catholics in Colombo.

– Biggest church in the country that can house close to 5000 worshippers at one time.

– Was opened in the year 1902.

8. Sinharaja Forest Reserve

– A UNESCO designated biosphere reserve and world heritage site.

– The English meaning of the forest reserve is Lion Kingdom.

– The last of undisturbed rainforests in the country is a home to several endemic species.

– One of the best options for a great forest explorations in the country.

– Located at a short 2 hours’ drive distance from Galle.

9. Adam’s Peak

– A tall conical mountain located in the central zone of the country at a height of 2,243 meters.

– Considered to be the place where Adam first step foot when fell to earth. For Buddhism followers, it’s the place where Buddha left his sacred footmarks, while for Hindus those are Lord Shiva’s footprints.

– Located at a short 4 hours’ drive from Colombo.