[{"spot":"spot-abhayagiri-monastery-complex-and-museum-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-abhayagiri-monastery-complex-and-museum-anuradhapura/","name":"Abhayagiri Monastery Complex and Museum","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-abhayagiri-monastery-complex-and-museum-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"History and museum lovers; explore a great monastic university and its finds","tags":["heritage","abhayagiri","museum","monastery","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-adam-s-bridge-rama-s-bridge-talaimannar-mannar","url":"/destinations/spot-adam-s-bridge-rama-s-bridge-talaimannar-mannar/","name":"Adam's Bridge (Rama's Bridge), Talaimannar","district":"Mannar","district_slug":"mannar","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-adam-s-bridge-rama-s-bridge-talaimannar-mannar.jpg","for_what":"Mythology fans and photographers; the limestone shoal chain toward India","tags":["view","adamsbridge","ramsetu","talaimannar","attraction"],"locations":["mannar","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-adam-s-peak-sri-pada-via-palabaddala-ratnapura","url":"/destinations/spot-adam-s-peak-sri-pada-via-palabaddala-ratnapura/","name":"Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) via Palabaddala","district":"Ratnapura","district_slug":"ratnapura","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-adam-s-peak-sri-pada-via-palabaddala-ratnapura.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and fit hikers; overnight climb for a sunrise summit with all faiths","tags":["hike","sripada","adampeak","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["ratnapura","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-adisham-bungalow-st-benedict-s-monastery-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-adisham-bungalow-st-benedict-s-monastery-badulla/","name":"Adisham Bungalow (St. Benedict's Monastery)","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-adisham-bungalow-st-benedict-s-monastery-badulla.jpg","for_what":"History and garden lovers; stone colonial bungalow turned monastery","tags":["heritage","adisham","haputale","colonial","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-aluvihara-rock-cave-temple-matale","url":"/destinations/spot-aluvihara-rock-cave-temple-matale/","name":"Aluvihara Rock Cave Temple","district":"Matale","district_slug":"matale","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-aluvihara-rock-cave-temple-matale.jpg","for_what":"Buddhist pilgrims and history lovers; see where the Pali canon was written down","tags":["heritage","aluvihara","rocktemple","buddhism","attraction"],"locations":["matale","central"]},{"spot":"spot-anawilundawa-wetland-sanctuary-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-anawilundawa-wetland-sanctuary-puttalam/","name":"Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-anawilundawa-wetland-sanctuary-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Birdwatchers and photographers; Ramsar tanks, jacanas, cormorants and migrant ducks","tags":["wildlife","anawilundawa","birds","wetlands","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-angurukaramulla-temple-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-angurukaramulla-temple-gampaha/","name":"Angurukaramulla Temple","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-angurukaramulla-temple-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"Temple-art fans; giant seated Buddha, murals and a 300-year-old library","tags":["heritage","temple","buddha","murals","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-arankele-forest-monastery-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-arankele-forest-monastery-kurunegala/","name":"Arankele Forest Monastery","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-arankele-forest-monastery-kurunegala.jpg","for_what":"Meditation and forest-walk fans; quiet monastery ruins among rock shelters","tags":["heritage","arankele","forestmonastery","nature","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-arugam-bay-main-point-surf-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-arugam-bay-main-point-surf-ampara/","name":"Arugam Bay Main Point Surf","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"surf","cover":"/images/covers/spot-arugam-bay-main-point-surf-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Surfers of all levels; Sri Lanka's most famous point break","tags":["surf","arugambay","mainpoint","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-asupini-ella-falls-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-asupini-ella-falls-kegalle/","name":"Asupini Ella Falls","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-asupini-ella-falls-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Waterfall chasers and legend fans; 30 m cascade tied to a tragic folktale","tags":["view","asupiniella","waterfall","aranayaka","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-athugala-elephant-rock-and-buddha-statue-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-athugala-elephant-rock-and-buddha-statue-kurunegala/","name":"Athugala Elephant Rock and Buddha Statue","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-athugala-elephant-rock-and-buddha-statue-kurunegala.jpg","for_what":"View seekers and sunset walkers; climb or drive up for town and rock-range panoramas","tags":["view","athugala","elephantrock","viewpoint","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-bar-reef-marine-sanctuary-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-bar-reef-marine-sanctuary-puttalam/","name":"Bar Reef Marine Sanctuary","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"dive","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-bar-reef-marine-sanctuary-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Snorkellers and divers; Sri Lanka's largest reef with corals, turtles and reef fish","tags":["dive","barreef","snorkeling","diving","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-bathalegala-bible-rock-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-bathalegala-bible-rock-kegalle/","name":"Bathalegala (Bible Rock)","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-bathalegala-bible-rock-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Hikers and photographers; flat-topped mini-Sigiriya with 360-degree views","tags":["hike","biblerock","bathalegala","hiking","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-batticaloa-dutch-fort-batticaloa","url":"/destinations/spot-batticaloa-dutch-fort-batticaloa/","name":"Batticaloa Dutch Fort","district":"Batticaloa","district_slug":"batticaloa","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-batticaloa-dutch-fort-batticaloa.jpg","for_what":"History fans; small island fort with lagoon views","tags":["heritage","batticaloafort","dutchfort","colonialhistory","attraction"],"locations":["batticaloa","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-batticaloa-lagoon-boat-ride-batticaloa","url":"/destinations/spot-batticaloa-lagoon-boat-ride-batticaloa/","name":"Batticaloa Lagoon Boat Ride","district":"Batticaloa","district_slug":"batticaloa","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-batticaloa-lagoon-boat-ride-batticaloa.jpg","for_what":"Boaters and birdwatchers; sunset lagoon trips and the singing-fish spot","tags":["wildlife","batticaloalagoon","boattrip","singingfish","attraction"],"locations":["batticaloa","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-belilena-cave-kitulgala-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-belilena-cave-kitulgala-kegalle/","name":"Belilena Cave, Kitulgala","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-belilena-cave-kitulgala-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"History buffs and cavers; 30,000-year-old prehistoric shelter above Kitulgala","tags":["heritage","belilena","prehistoric","cave","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-beruwala-bay-beach-kalutara","url":"/destinations/spot-beruwala-bay-beach-kalutara/","name":"Beruwala Bay Beach","district":"Kalutara","district_slug":"kalutara","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-beruwala-bay-beach-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Calm-water swimmers and snorkellers; sheltered bay inside the reef","tags":["beach","beruwala","swim","attraction"],"locations":["kalutara","western"]},{"spot":"spot-bopath-ella-falls-ratnapura","url":"/destinations/spot-bopath-ella-falls-ratnapura/","name":"Bopath Ella Falls","district":"Ratnapura","district_slug":"ratnapura","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-bopath-ella-falls-ratnapura.jpg","for_what":"Families and swimmers; easy picnic waterfall 12 km from Ratnapura town","tags":["view","bopathella","waterfall","kuruwita","attraction"],"locations":["ratnapura","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-brief-garden-bevis-bawa-kalutara","url":"/destinations/spot-brief-garden-bevis-bawa-kalutara/","name":"Brief Garden (Bevis Bawa)","district":"Kalutara","district_slug":"kalutara","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-brief-garden-bevis-bawa-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Garden and sculpture lovers; tropical estate of artist Bevis Bawa","tags":["heritage","briefgarden","bawa","garden","attraction"],"locations":["kalutara","western"]},{"spot":"spot-buduruwagala-ancient-monastery-monaragala","url":"/destinations/spot-buduruwagala-ancient-monastery-monaragala/","name":"Buduruwagala Ancient Monastery","district":"Monaragala","district_slug":"monaragala","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-buduruwagala-ancient-monastery-monaragala.jpg","for_what":"Archaeology fans; giant rock-carved Mahayana figures in jungle setting","tags":["heritage","buduruwagala","rockcarving","ancient","attraction"],"locations":["monaragala","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-bundala-national-park-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-bundala-national-park-hambantota/","name":"Bundala National Park","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-bundala-national-park-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Birders and photographers; flamingos, pelicans and crocodiles in coastal lagoons","tags":["wildlife","bundala","birding","ramsar","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-casuarina-beach-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-casuarina-beach-jaffna/","name":"Casuarina Beach","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-casuarina-beach-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Swimmers and families; the north's calmest, clearest bathing beach","tags":["beach","casuarina","swimming","beachday","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-chundikulam-national-park-kilinochchi","url":"/destinations/spot-chundikulam-national-park-kilinochchi/","name":"Chundikulam National Park","district":"Kilinochchi","district_slug":"kilinochchi","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-chundikulam-national-park-kilinochchi.jpg","for_what":"Serious birders; flamingo lagoons on the Jaffna-Kilinochchi border","tags":["wildlife","chundikulam","flamingo","birding","attraction"],"locations":["kilinochchi","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-coconut-tree-hill-and-parrot-rock-mirissa-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-coconut-tree-hill-and-parrot-rock-mirissa-matara/","name":"Coconut Tree Hill and Parrot Rock, Mirissa","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-coconut-tree-hill-and-parrot-rock-mirissa-matara.jpg","for_what":"Photographers and sunset chasers; palm viewpoint over Mirissa bay","tags":["view","coconutreehill","parrotrock","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-colombo-lotus-tower-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-colombo-lotus-tower-colombo/","name":"Colombo Lotus Tower","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-colombo-lotus-tower-colombo.jpg","for_what":"View seekers and photographers; 360-degree city and ocean views from the deck","tags":["view","lotustower","viewpoint","skyline","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-colombo-national-museum-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-colombo-national-museum-colombo/","name":"Colombo National Museum","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-colombo-national-museum-colombo.jpg","for_what":"History buffs and rainy-day visitors; regal artefacts and Kandyan-era exhibits","tags":["heritage","museum","history","colombo","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-crocodile-rock-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-crocodile-rock-ampara/","name":"Crocodile Rock","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-crocodile-rock-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Hikers and wildlife spotters; viewpoint with elephants below","tags":["view","crocodilerock","viewpoint","elephants","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-dalawella-turtle-beach-galle","url":"/destinations/spot-dalawella-turtle-beach-galle/","name":"Dalawella Turtle Beach","district":"Galle","district_slug":"galle","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-dalawella-turtle-beach-galle.jpg","for_what":"Families and turtle lovers; calm beach where turtles swim close to shore","tags":["wildlife","dalawella","turtles","snorkelling","attraction"],"locations":["galle","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-dambadeniya-ancient-kingdom-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-dambadeniya-ancient-kingdom-kurunegala/","name":"Dambadeniya Ancient Kingdom","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-dambadeniya-ancient-kingdom-kurunegala.jpg","for_what":"Ruins explorers; ramparts, palace foundations and temple of a 13th-century capital","tags":["heritage","dambadeniya","ruins","history","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-deegavapi-stupa-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-deegavapi-stupa-ampara/","name":"Deegavapi Stupa","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-deegavapi-stupa-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and history fans; ancient stupa of the Solosmasthana","tags":["heritage","deegavapi","stupa","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-delft-island-neduntheevu-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-delft-island-neduntheevu-jaffna/","name":"Delft Island (Neduntheevu)","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-delft-island-neduntheevu-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Offbeat explorers; feral ponies, coral walls and Dutch ruins on a flat coral island","tags":["wildlife","delft","wildhorses","island","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-dimbulagala-rock-monastery-dimbulagala-raja-maha-vihara-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-dimbulagala-rock-monastery-dimbulagala-raja-maha-vihara-polonnaruwa/","name":"Dimbulagala Rock Monastery (Dimbulagala Raja Maha Vihara)","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-dimbulagala-rock-monastery-dimbulagala-raja-maha-vihara-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"Monastery and viewpoint seekers; hilltop dagoba with sweeping plains views","tags":["view","dimbulagala","monastery","viewpoint","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-diyaluma-falls-and-upper-diyaluma-pools-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-diyaluma-falls-and-upper-diyaluma-pools-badulla/","name":"Diyaluma Falls and Upper Diyaluma Pools","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-diyaluma-falls-and-upper-diyaluma-pools-badulla.jpg","for_what":"Adventurers and swimmers; waterfall viewpoint plus natural infinity pools above","tags":["hike","diyaluma","waterfall","naturalpools","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-dondra-head-lighthouse-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-dondra-head-lighthouse-matara/","name":"Dondra Head Lighthouse","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-dondra-head-lighthouse-matara.jpg","for_what":"Lighthouse fans and view seekers; Sri Lanka's tallest lighthouse at the island's southern tip","tags":["heritage","dondra","lighthouse","southernmost","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-dunhinda-falls-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-dunhinda-falls-badulla/","name":"Dunhinda Falls","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-thudugala-ella-waterfall-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Waterfall lovers and photographers; short forest walk to a misty plunge fall","tags":["hike","dunhinda","waterfall","badulla","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-elephant-pass-memorial-and-causeway-kilinochchi","url":"/destinations/spot-elephant-pass-memorial-and-causeway-kilinochchi/","name":"Elephant Pass Memorial and Causeway","district":"Kilinochchi","district_slug":"kilinochchi","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-elephant-pass-memorial-and-causeway-kilinochchi.jpg","for_what":"History travellers crossing the A9; the gateway causeway into Jaffna","tags":["heritage","elephantpass","warhistory","a9","attraction"],"locations":["kilinochchi","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-elephant-rock-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-elephant-rock-ampara/","name":"Elephant Rock","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"surf","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-elephant-rock-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Beginner surfers and sunset watchers; mellow break by the rock","tags":["surf","elephantrock","beginnersurf","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-fort-frederick-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-fort-frederick-trincomalee/","name":"Fort Frederick","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-fort-frederick-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"History and viewpoint walkers; colonial fort with deer and bay views","tags":["heritage","fortfrederick","colonialhistory","trincomalee","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-gal-oya-national-park-boat-safari-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-gal-oya-national-park-boat-safari-ampara/","name":"Gal Oya National Park Boat Safari","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-gal-oya-national-park-boat-safari-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Wildlife travellers; Sri Lanka's only boat safari with swimming elephants","tags":["wildlife","galoya","boatsafari","elephants","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-gal-vihara-rock-temple-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-gal-vihara-rock-temple-polonnaruwa/","name":"Gal Vihara Rock Temple","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-gal-vihara-rock-temple-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"Art and history lovers; face the four rock-cut Buddhas, highlight of Polonnaruwa","tags":["heritage","galvihara","buddhastatues","unesco","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-galle-face-green-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-galle-face-green-colombo/","name":"Galle Face Green","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"city","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-galle-face-green-colombo.jpg","for_what":"Everyone at sunset; families fly kites and snack along the ocean promenade","tags":["city","galleface","sunset","streetfood","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-galle-fort-and-lighthouse-galle","url":"/destinations/spot-galle-fort-and-lighthouse-galle/","name":"Galle Fort and Lighthouse","district":"Galle","district_slug":"galle","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-galle-fort-and-lighthouse-galle.jpg","for_what":"History lovers and photographers; walk ramparts, lighthouse and Dutch-era streets","tags":["heritage","gallefort","unesco","colonialhistory","attraction"],"locations":["galle","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-gangaramaya-temple-and-seema-malaka-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-gangaramaya-temple-and-seema-malaka-colombo/","name":"Gangaramaya Temple and Seema Malaka","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-gangaramaya-temple-and-seema-malaka-colombo.jpg","for_what":"Culture lovers and first-timers; tour the temple halls, museum and lake shrine","tags":["heritage","gangaramaya","buddhisttemple","colombo","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-great-baobab-tree-mannar","url":"/destinations/spot-great-baobab-tree-mannar/","name":"Great Baobab Tree","district":"Mannar","district_slug":"mannar","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-great-baobab-tree-mannar.jpg","for_what":"Nature lovers and photographers; centuries-old giant tree by the road","tags":["heritage","baobab","mannar","landmark","attraction"],"locations":["mannar","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-hakgala-botanical-garden-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-hakgala-botanical-garden-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Hakgala Botanical Garden","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-hakgala-botanical-garden-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"Garden lovers and photographers; hillside garden of roses and orchids below Hakgala Rock","tags":["view","hakgala","botanicalgarden","orchids","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-henarathgoda-botanical-garden-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-henarathgoda-botanical-garden-gampaha/","name":"Henarathgoda Botanical Garden","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"city","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-henarathgoda-botanical-garden-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"Garden strollers and plant lovers; orchids, palms and the island's first rubber tree","tags":["city","botanical","garden","gampaha","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-hikkaduwa-coral-sanctuary-galle","url":"/destinations/spot-hikkaduwa-coral-sanctuary-galle/","name":"Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary","district":"Galle","district_slug":"galle","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"dive","cover":"/images/covers/spot-hikkaduwa-coral-sanctuary-galle.jpg","for_what":"Divers and marine-life fans; turtle spotting, coral and dive courses","tags":["dive","hikkaduwa","coralsanctuary","diving","attraction"],"locations":["galle","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-horton-plains-national-park-and-world-s-end-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-horton-plains-national-park-and-world-s-end-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Horton Plains National Park and World's End","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-horton-plains-national-park-and-world-s-end-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"Trekkers and photographers; 9 km loop to sheer cliff drops and Baker's Falls","tags":["hike","hortonplains","worldsend","nationalpark","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-hummanaya-blowhole-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-hummanaya-blowhole-matara/","name":"Hummanaya Blowhole","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-hummanaya-blowhole-matara.jpg","for_what":"Families and geology fans; powerful ocean blowhole at Kudawella","tags":["view","hummanaya","blowhole","dikwella","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-iranamadu-tank-kilinochchi","url":"/destinations/spot-iranamadu-tank-kilinochchi/","name":"Iranamadu Tank","district":"Kilinochchi","district_slug":"kilinochchi","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-iranamadu-tank-kilinochchi.jpg","for_what":"Birdwatchers and sunset seekers; vast irrigation reservoir with fishing boats","tags":["view","iranamadu","tank","birding","attraction"],"locations":["kilinochchi","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-isurumuniya-rock-temple-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-isurumuniya-rock-temple-anuradhapura/","name":"Isurumuniya Rock Temple","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-isurumuniya-rock-temple-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"Art lovers and couples; see the famous Isurumuniya Lovers carving at sunset","tags":["heritage","isurumuniya","rockcarving","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-jaffna-fort-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-jaffna-fort-jaffna/","name":"Jaffna Fort","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-jaffna-fort-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"History buffs and sunset walkers; ramparts, moat and lagoon views","tags":["heritage","jaffnafort","colonial","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-jaffna-public-library-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-jaffna-public-library-jaffna/","name":"Jaffna Public Library","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"city","cover":"/images/covers/spot-jaffna-public-library-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Book lovers and history travellers; symbol of Jaffna's cultural resilience","tags":["city","library","tamilculture","jaffna","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-jaya-sri-maha-bodhi-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-jaya-sri-maha-bodhi-anuradhapura/","name":"Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-jaya-sri-maha-bodhi-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"Buddhist pilgrims and history lovers; pay respects at one of the world's oldest living trees","tags":["heritage","srimahabodhi","anuradhapura","buddhistheritage","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-jetavanaramaya-stupa-and-monastery-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-jetavanaramaya-stupa-and-monastery-anuradhapura/","name":"Jetavanaramaya Stupa and Monastery","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-jetavanaramaya-stupa-and-monastery-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"Archaeology fans; stand before one of the tallest ancient brick monuments on earth","tags":["heritage","jetavanaramaya","ancientcity","stupa","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-jungle-beach-and-japanese-peace-pagoda-rumassala-galle","url":"/destinations/spot-jungle-beach-and-japanese-peace-pagoda-rumassala-galle/","name":"Jungle Beach and Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rumassala","district":"Galle","district_slug":"galle","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-jungle-beach-and-japanese-peace-pagoda-rumassala-galle.jpg","for_what":"Hikers and snorkellers; jungle trail to a hidden cove plus hilltop pagoda views","tags":["view","junglebeach","rumassala","peacepagoda","attraction"],"locations":["galle","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-kalkudah-beach-batticaloa","url":"/destinations/spot-kalkudah-beach-batticaloa/","name":"Kalkudah Beach","district":"Batticaloa","district_slug":"batticaloa","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kalkudah-beach-batticaloa.jpg","for_what":"Quiet-beach seekers; golden surf-free stretch with resorts","tags":["beach","kalkudah","quietbeach","swimming","attraction"],"locations":["batticaloa","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-kallady-bridge-batticaloa","url":"/destinations/spot-kallady-bridge-batticaloa/","name":"Kallady Bridge","district":"Batticaloa","district_slug":"batticaloa","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kallady-bridge-batticaloa.jpg","for_what":"Photographers and evening strollers; lagoon panorama at dusk","tags":["view","kalladybridge","sunset","lagoonview","attraction"],"locations":["batticaloa","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-kalpitiya-dolphin-and-whale-watching-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-kalpitiya-dolphin-and-whale-watching-puttalam/","name":"Kalpitiya Dolphin and Whale Watching","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kalpitiya-dolphin-and-whale-watching-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Wildlife lovers; dawn boat trips to spinner-dolphin megapods and seasonal whales","tags":["wildlife","dolphins","whalewatching","boatride","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-kalpitiya-dutch-fort-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-kalpitiya-dutch-fort-puttalam/","name":"Kalpitiya Dutch Fort","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kalpitiya-dutch-fort-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Colonial-history stop between beach hours; 17th-century ramparts and church ruins","tags":["heritage","dutchfort","kalpitiya","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-kalpitiya-kitesurfing-lagoon-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-kalpitiya-kitesurfing-lagoon-puttalam/","name":"Kalpitiya Kitesurfing Lagoon","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"surf","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kalpitiya-kitesurfing-lagoon-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Kitesurfers from beginners to pros; flat lagoon water and steady seasonal wind","tags":["surf","kalpitiya","kitesurfing","lagoon","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-kalutara-bodhiya-and-kalutara-chaitya-kalutara","url":"/destinations/spot-kalutara-bodhiya-and-kalutara-chaitya-kalutara/","name":"Kalutara Bodhiya and Kalutara Chaitya","district":"Kalutara","district_slug":"kalutara","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kalutara-bodhiya-and-kalutara-chaitya-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and riverside walkers; sacred Bo tree and hollow hilltop stupa","tags":["heritage","bodhiya","temple","kalutara","attraction"],"locations":["kalutara","western"]},{"spot":"spot-kandy-lake-bogambara-lake-kandy","url":"/destinations/spot-kandy-lake-bogambara-lake-kandy/","name":"Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake)","district":"Kandy","district_slug":"kandy","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"city","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kandy-lake-bogambara-lake-kandy.jpg","for_what":"Walkers and photographers; easy lakeside loop in the city centre","tags":["city","kandylake","sunsetwalk","citystroll","attraction"],"locations":["kandy","central"]},{"spot":"spot-kandy-view-point-arthur-s-seat-kandy","url":"/destinations/spot-kandy-view-point-arthur-s-seat-kandy/","name":"Kandy View Point (Arthur's Seat)","district":"Kandy","district_slug":"kandy","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kandy-view-point-arthur-s-seat-kandy.jpg","for_what":"View seekers and sunset chasers; panoramic photo stop over Kandy and the Knuckles","tags":["view","kandyviewpoint","sunset","panorama","attraction"],"locations":["kandy","central"]},{"spot":"spot-kandyan-cultural-dance-show-kandy","url":"/destinations/spot-kandyan-cultural-dance-show-kandy/","name":"Kandyan Cultural Dance Show","district":"Kandy","district_slug":"kandy","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kandyan-cultural-dance-show-kandy.jpg","for_what":"Culture fans; evening drumming, fire-walking and costumed Kandyan dance","tags":["heritage","kandyandance","culturalshow","esalaperahera","attraction"],"locations":["kandy","central"]},{"spot":"spot-kanniya-hot-springs-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-kanniya-hot-springs-trincomalee/","name":"Kanniya Hot Springs","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kanniya-hot-springs-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"Culture-curious visitors; seven hot wells and Hindu legend","tags":["heritage","kanniya","hotsprings","daytrip","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-kataragama-sacred-complex-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-kataragama-sacred-complex-hambantota/","name":"Kataragama Sacred Complex","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kataragama-sacred-complex-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and culture travellers; multi-faith shrine complex on the Menik river","tags":["heritage","kataragama","pilgrimage","festival","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-kaudulla-national-park-safari-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-kaudulla-national-park-safari-polonnaruwa/","name":"Kaudulla National Park Safari","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kaudulla-national-park-safari-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"Safari-goers avoiding crowds; quieter elephant park beside Minneriya","tags":["wildlife","kaudulla","elephants","safari","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-keeramalai-hot-springs-and-naguleswaram-temple-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-keeramalai-hot-springs-and-naguleswaram-temple-jaffna/","name":"Keeramalai Hot Springs and Naguleswaram Temple","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"spa","cover":"/images/covers/spot-keeramalai-hot-springs-and-naguleswaram-temple-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Wellness-curious travellers and temple visitors; sacred springs by the sea","tags":["spa","keeramalai","hotsprings","ayurveda","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-kelaniya-raja-maha-vihara-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-kelaniya-raja-maha-vihara-colombo/","name":"Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kelaniya-raja-maha-vihara-colombo.jpg","for_what":"Buddhist pilgrims and art lovers; famed murals and a reclining Buddha image","tags":["heritage","kelaniya","temple","murals","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-kilinochchi-water-tower-war-memorial-kilinochchi","url":"/destinations/spot-kilinochchi-water-tower-war-memorial-kilinochchi/","name":"Kilinochchi Water Tower War Memorial","district":"Kilinochchi","district_slug":"kilinochchi","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kilinochchi-water-tower-war-memorial-kilinochchi.jpg","for_what":"War-history visitors; the town's preserved bullet-marked water tower","tags":["heritage","warmemorial","kilinochchi","history","attraction"],"locations":["kilinochchi","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-kitulgala-white-water-rafting-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-kitulgala-white-water-rafting-kegalle/","name":"Kitulgala White-Water Rafting","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kitulgala-white-water-rafting-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Adventure seekers and beginners; grade 2-3 rapids on the Kelani River","tags":["hike","kitulgala","rafting","kelaniriver","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-knuckles-mountain-range-and-riverston-gap-matale","url":"/destinations/spot-knuckles-mountain-range-and-riverston-gap-matale/","name":"Knuckles Mountain Range and Riverston Gap","district":"Matale","district_slug":"matale","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-knuckles-mountain-range-and-riverston-gap-matale.jpg","for_what":"Trekkers and nature photographers; misty grasslands, mini World's End and waterfalls","tags":["hike","knucklesrange","hiking","riverston","attraction"],"locations":["matale","central"]},{"spot":"spot-kokkadicholai-thanthondreeswarar-temple-batticaloa","url":"/destinations/spot-kokkadicholai-thanthondreeswarar-temple-batticaloa/","name":"Kokkadicholai Thanthondreeswarar Temple","district":"Batticaloa","district_slug":"batticaloa","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-kokkadicholai-thanthondreeswarar-temple-batticaloa.jpg","for_what":"Temple visitors; one of the east's oldest Hindu shrines","tags":["heritage","kokkadicholai","hindutemple","dravidian","attraction"],"locations":["batticaloa","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-kokkilai-lagoon-sanctuary-mullaitivu","url":"/destinations/spot-kokkilai-lagoon-sanctuary-mullaitivu/","name":"Kokkilai Lagoon Sanctuary","district":"Mullaitivu","district_slug":"mullaitivu","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kokkilai-lagoon-sanctuary-mullaitivu.jpg","for_what":"Birdwatchers; quiet tidal lagoon between Mullaitivu and Trincomalee","tags":["wildlife","kokkilai","birding","lagoon","attraction"],"locations":["mullaitivu","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-koneswaram-temple-and-swami-rock-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-koneswaram-temple-and-swami-rock-trincomalee/","name":"Koneswaram Temple and Swami Rock","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-koneswaram-temple-and-swami-rock-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"Temple and view lovers; dramatic clifftop shrine above the ocean","tags":["heritage","koneswaram","swamirock","templeview","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-kumana-national-park-safari-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-kumana-national-park-safari-ampara/","name":"Kumana National Park Safari","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kumana-national-park-safari-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Safari-goers and birders; leopards, elephants and migrant flocks","tags":["wildlife","kumana","safari","birding","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-kurunegala-lake-and-park-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-kurunegala-lake-and-park-kurunegala/","name":"Kurunegala Lake and Park","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"city","cover":"/images/covers/spot-kurunegala-lake-and-park-kurunegala.jpg","for_what":"Evening strollers and families; lakeside walk, birdwatching and paddle boats","tags":["city","kurunegalalake","sunset","family","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-lake-gregory-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-lake-gregory-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Lake Gregory","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"city","cover":"/images/covers/spot-lake-gregory-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"Boaters, cyclists and families; lakeside walks, pony rides and paddle boats","tags":["city","gregorylake","boating","familytrip","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-lipton-s-seat-and-dambatenne-tea-factory-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-lipton-s-seat-and-dambatenne-tea-factory-badulla/","name":"Lipton's Seat and Dambatenne Tea Factory","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-lipton-s-seat-and-dambatenne-tea-factory-badulla.jpg","for_what":"Tea lovers and viewpoint seekers; panoramic estate lookout and factory tour","tags":["view","liptonsseat","haputale","ceylontea","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-little-adam-s-peak-ella-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-little-adam-s-peak-ella-badulla/","name":"Little Adam's Peak, Ella","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-little-adam-s-peak-ella-badulla.jpg","for_what":"Casual hikers and sunset chasers; easy summit with Ella Gap panoramas","tags":["hike","littleadamspeak","ella","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-lunugamvehera-national-park-monaragala","url":"/destinations/spot-lunugamvehera-national-park-monaragala/","name":"Lunugamvehera National Park","district":"Monaragala","district_slug":"monaragala","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-lunugamvehera-national-park-monaragala.jpg","for_what":"Off-beat safari fans; elephant herds and buffalo on quiet reservoir plains","tags":["wildlife","lunugamvehera","safari","offbeat","attraction"],"locations":["monaragala","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-madukanda-vihara-vavuniya","url":"/destinations/spot-madukanda-vihara-vavuniya/","name":"Madukanda Vihara","district":"Vavuniya","district_slug":"vavuniya","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-madukanda-vihara-vavuniya.jpg","for_what":"Buddhist pilgrims; ancient temple linked to the Tooth Relic story","tags":["heritage","madukanda","temple","toothrelic","attraction"],"locations":["vavuniya","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-maha-saman-devalaya-ratnapura-ratnapura","url":"/destinations/spot-maha-saman-devalaya-ratnapura-ratnapura/","name":"Maha Saman Devalaya, Ratnapura","district":"Ratnapura","district_slug":"ratnapura","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-maha-saman-devalaya-ratnapura-ratnapura.jpg","for_what":"Culture seekers; Sabaragamuwa's chief shrine to guardian deity Saman","tags":["heritage","samandevalaya","temple","perahera","attraction"],"locations":["ratnapura","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-maligawila-buddha-statue-monaragala","url":"/destinations/spot-maligawila-buddha-statue-monaragala/","name":"Maligawila Buddha Statue","district":"Monaragala","district_slug":"monaragala","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-maligawila-buddha-statue-monaragala.jpg","for_what":"Buddhist pilgrims and history fans; 7th-century standing Buddha in forest clearing","tags":["heritage","maligawila","buddhastatue","attraction"],"locations":["monaragala","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-mannar-fort-mannar","url":"/destinations/spot-mannar-fort-mannar/","name":"Mannar Fort","district":"Mannar","district_slug":"mannar","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-mannar-fort-mannar.jpg","for_what":"Colonial-history fans; Portuguese-Dutch fort over the causeway entrance","tags":["heritage","mannarfort","colonial","history","attraction"],"locations":["mannar","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-martin-wickramasinghe-folk-museum-koggala-galle","url":"/destinations/spot-martin-wickramasinghe-folk-museum-koggala-galle/","name":"Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Museum, Koggala","district":"Galle","district_slug":"galle","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-martin-wickramasinghe-folk-museum-koggala-galle.jpg","for_what":"Literature and culture fans; folk-life museum in a novelist's home garden","tags":["heritage","martinwickramasinghe","museum","koggala","attraction"],"locations":["galle","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-matale-spice-and-herbal-gardens-matale","url":"/destinations/spot-matale-spice-and-herbal-gardens-matale/","name":"Matale Spice and Herbal Gardens","district":"Matale","district_slug":"matale","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"food","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-matale-spice-and-herbal-gardens-matale.jpg","for_what":"Foodies and wellness travellers; free tours of cinnamon, cardamom and ayurvedic herbs","tags":["food","spicegarden","ayurveda","foodtour","attraction"],"locations":["matale","central"]},{"spot":"spot-mihintale-rock-and-temple-complex-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-mihintale-rock-and-temple-complex-anuradhapura/","name":"Mihintale Rock and Temple Complex","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-mihintale-rock-and-temple-complex-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"View seekers and pilgrims; climb 1,840 steps to the cradle of Sri Lankan Buddhism","tags":["heritage","mihintale","sunset","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-millennium-elephant-foundation-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-millennium-elephant-foundation-kegalle/","name":"Millennium Elephant Foundation","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-millennium-elephant-foundation-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Ethical-travel fans; walk-with-elephants education over riding","tags":["wildlife","elephants","ethicaltravel","kegalle","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-minneriya-national-park-elephant-safari-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-minneriya-national-park-elephant-safari-polonnaruwa/","name":"Minneriya National Park Elephant Safari","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-minneriya-national-park-elephant-safari-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"Wildlife lovers and families; afternoon jeep safari with the Gathering elephants","tags":["wildlife","minneriya","elephantsafari","nationalpark","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-mirissa-whale-watching-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-mirissa-whale-watching-matara/","name":"Mirissa Whale Watching","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-mirissa-whale-watching-matara.jpg","for_what":"Wildlife seekers; blue-whale and dolphin cruises from the harbour","tags":["wildlife","whalewatching","mirissa","bluewhale","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-moon-plains-single-tree-hill-area-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-moon-plains-single-tree-hill-area-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Moon Plains (Single Tree Hill area)","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-moon-plains-single-tree-hill-area-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"View seekers and families; easy hilltop with safari-style viewpoint over tea country","tags":["view","moonplains","viewpoint","sunrise","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-mount-lavinia-beach-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-mount-lavinia-beach-colombo/","name":"Mount Lavinia Beach","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-mount-lavinia-beach-colombo.jpg","for_what":"Beach-day travellers and beginner swimmers staying in the city","tags":["beach","mountlavinia","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-mullaitivu-beach-mullaitivu","url":"/destinations/spot-mullaitivu-beach-mullaitivu/","name":"Mullaitivu Beach","district":"Mullaitivu","district_slug":"mullaitivu","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-mullaitivu-beach-mullaitivu.jpg","for_what":"Solitude seekers; long empty beach for sunset walks","tags":["beach","mullaitivu","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["mullaitivu","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-munneswaram-kovil-temple-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-munneswaram-kovil-temple-puttalam/","name":"Munneswaram Kovil Temple","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-munneswaram-kovil-temple-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Hindu pilgrims and culture travellers; thousand-year Shiva complex with festivals","tags":["heritage","munneswaram","temple","chilaw","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-muthurajawela-wetlands-and-negombo-lagoon-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-muthurajawela-wetlands-and-negombo-lagoon-gampaha/","name":"Muthurajawela Wetlands and Negombo Lagoon","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-muthurajawela-wetlands-and-negombo-lagoon-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"Birdwatchers and nature lovers; boat safaris through mangroves and marsh","tags":["wildlife","wetlands","birds","boatride","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-nainativu-nagadeepa-island-temples-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-nainativu-nagadeepa-island-temples-jaffna/","name":"Nainativu (Nagadeepa) Island Temples","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-nainativu-nagadeepa-island-temples-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and culture travellers; Hindu and Buddhist shrines side by side","tags":["heritage","nagadeepa","nainativu","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-nalagana-falls-dedugala-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-nalagana-falls-dedugala-kegalle/","name":"Nalagana Falls, Dedugala","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-nalagana-falls-dedugala-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Off-beat swimmers and picnickers; quiet forest fall near Dedugala","tags":["view","nalagana","waterfall","swim","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-nalanda-gedige-matale","url":"/destinations/spot-nalanda-gedige-matale/","name":"Nalanda Gedige","district":"Matale","district_slug":"matale","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-nalanda-gedige-matale.jpg","for_what":"History and archaeology fans; quiet fusion temple between Kandy and Dambulla","tags":["heritage","nalandagedige","ancienttemple","history","attraction"],"locations":["matale","central"]},{"spot":"spot-nallur-kandaswamy-temple-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-nallur-kandaswamy-temple-jaffna/","name":"Nallur Kandaswamy Temple","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-nallur-kandaswamy-temple-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Hindu pilgrims and culture lovers; witness rituals in the north's holiest temple","tags":["heritage","nallur","hindutemple","kovil","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-nanthikadal-lagoon-and-causeway-mullaitivu","url":"/destinations/spot-nanthikadal-lagoon-and-causeway-mullaitivu/","name":"Nanthikadal Lagoon and Causeway","district":"Mullaitivu","district_slug":"mullaitivu","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-nanthikadal-lagoon-and-causeway-mullaitivu.jpg","for_what":"Birders and reflective travellers; lagoon of the war's final phase","tags":["wildlife","nanthikadal","lagoon","birding","attraction"],"locations":["mullaitivu","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-negombo-beach-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-negombo-beach-gampaha/","name":"Negombo Beach","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-negombo-beach-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"Beach arrivals and airport layovers; swim, surf-lite and sunset seafood dinners","tags":["beach","negombo","sunset","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-negombo-dutch-fort-and-hamilton-canal-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-negombo-dutch-fort-and-hamilton-canal-gampaha/","name":"Negombo Dutch Fort and Hamilton Canal","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-negombo-dutch-fort-and-hamilton-canal-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"History stop between beach hours; colonial gate, church ruins and canal views","tags":["heritage","dutchfort","history","negombo","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-negombo-fish-market-lellama-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-negombo-fish-market-lellama-gampaha/","name":"Negombo Fish Market (Lellama)","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"market","cover":"/images/covers/spot-negombo-fish-market-lellama-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"Early risers and photographers; watch the day-boat catch auctioned on the sand","tags":["market","fishmarket","localife","negombo","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-nilaveli-beach-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-nilaveli-beach-trincomalee/","name":"Nilaveli Beach","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-nilaveli-beach-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"Beach settlers and families; calm swimming and Pigeon Island departures","tags":["beach","nilaveli","beachday","swimming","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-nine-arch-bridge-demodara-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-nine-arch-bridge-demodara-badulla/","name":"Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-nine-arch-bridge-demodara-badulla.jpg","for_what":"Railway fans and photographers; colonial stone-arch viaduct in jungle","tags":["heritage","ninearchbridge","demodara","trainspotting","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-our-lady-of-madhu-church-mannar","url":"/destinations/spot-our-lady-of-madhu-church-mannar/","name":"Our Lady of Madhu Church","district":"Mannar","district_slug":"mannar","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-our-lady-of-madhu-church-mannar.jpg","for_what":"Catholic pilgrims and festival travellers; major Marian shrine","tags":["heritage","madhu","church","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["mannar","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-pahiyangala-fa-hien-cave-kalutara","url":"/destinations/spot-pahiyangala-fa-hien-cave-kalutara/","name":"Pahiyangala (Fa-Hien) Cave","district":"Kalutara","district_slug":"kalutara","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-pahiyangala-fa-hien-cave-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Fit hikers and archaeology fans; prehistoric cave and giant rock chamber","tags":["hike","cave","prehistoric","attraction"],"locations":["kalutara","western"]},{"spot":"spot-panduwasnuwara-ancient-city-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-panduwasnuwara-ancient-city-kurunegala/","name":"Panduwasnuwara Ancient City","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-panduwasnuwara-ancient-city-kurunegala.jpg","for_what":"Off-beat ruin hunters; 12th-century citadel, moat and restored palace complex","tags":["heritage","panduwasnuwara","ruins","archaeology","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-parakrama-samudra-reservoir-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-parakrama-samudra-reservoir-polonnaruwa/","name":"Parakrama Samudra Reservoir","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-parakrama-samudra-reservoir-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"Engineering and sunset fans; walk the bund of a 12th-century inland sea","tags":["view","parakramasamudra","sunset","reservoir","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-pasikuda-beach-batticaloa","url":"/destinations/spot-pasikuda-beach-batticaloa/","name":"Pasikuda Beach","district":"Batticaloa","district_slug":"batticaloa","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-pasikuda-beach-batticaloa.jpg","for_what":"Families and floaters; famously shallow turquoise bay","tags":["beach","pasikuda","shallowbay","familybeach","attraction"],"locations":["batticaloa","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-pedro-damro-tea-estate-and-factory-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-pedro-damro-tea-estate-and-factory-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Pedro (Damro) Tea Estate and Factory","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"food","cover":"/images/covers/spot-pedro-damro-tea-estate-and-factory-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"Tea lovers and families; working factory tour with tasting over the plantations","tags":["food","ceylontea","pedroestate","factorytour","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-pettah-market-and-jami-ul-alfar-mosque-colombo","url":"/destinations/spot-pettah-market-and-jami-ul-alfar-mosque-colombo/","name":"Pettah Market and Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque","district":"Colombo","district_slug":"colombo","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"market","cover":"/images/covers/spot-pettah-market-and-jami-ul-alfar-mosque-colombo.jpg","for_what":"Bargain hunters and photographers; fabrics, spices, electronics and the Red Mosque","tags":["market","pettah","shopping","attraction"],"locations":["colombo","western"]},{"spot":"spot-pigeon-island-national-park-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-pigeon-island-national-park-trincomalee/","name":"Pigeon Island National Park","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"dive","cover":"/images/covers/spot-pigeon-island-national-park-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"Snorkellers and divers; coral reef, turtles and reef sharks","tags":["dive","pigeonisland","snorkelling","marinenationalpark","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-kegalle/","name":"Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Families and elephant watchers; world's largest captive-Asian-elephant herd","tags":["wildlife","pinnawala","elephants","family","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-pinnawala-open-air-zoo-kegalle","url":"/destinations/spot-pinnawala-open-air-zoo-kegalle/","name":"Pinnawala Open Air Zoo","district":"Kegalle","district_slug":"kegalle","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-pinnawala-open-air-zoo-kegalle.jpg","for_what":"Families skipping the orphanage crowds; open-plan zoo beside the river","tags":["wildlife","pinnawalazoo","animals","family","attraction"],"locations":["kegalle","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-point-pedro-and-sakkotai-cape-jaffna","url":"/destinations/spot-point-pedro-and-sakkotai-cape-jaffna/","name":"Point Pedro and Sakkotai Cape","district":"Jaffna","district_slug":"jaffna","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-point-pedro-and-sakkotai-cape-jaffna.jpg","for_what":"Lighthouse and land's-end chasers; Sri Lanka's northernmost point","tags":["view","pointpedro","lighthouse","northernmost","attraction"],"locations":["jaffna","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-polhena-beach-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-polhena-beach-matara/","name":"Polhena Beach","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-polhena-beach-matara.jpg","for_what":"Snorkellers and families; reef-sheltered swimming with turtles","tags":["beach","polhena","snorkelling","turtles","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-polonnaruwa-vatadage-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-polonnaruwa-vatadage-polonnaruwa/","name":"Polonnaruwa Vatadage","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-polonnaruwa-vatadage-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"Architecture fans; admire the finest stone carving in the Quadrangle","tags":["heritage","vatadage","moonstone","polonnaruwa","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-pooneryn-poonakari-fort-kilinochchi","url":"/destinations/spot-pooneryn-poonakari-fort-kilinochchi/","name":"Pooneryn (Poonakari) Fort","district":"Kilinochchi","district_slug":"kilinochchi","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-pooneryn-poonakari-fort-kilinochchi.jpg","for_what":"Fort and coast explorers; Portuguese ruins on the Jaffna lagoon shore","tags":["heritage","pooneryn","dutchfort","ruins","attraction"],"locations":["kilinochchi","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-pottuvil-lagoon-eco-safari-ampara","url":"/destinations/spot-pottuvil-lagoon-eco-safari-ampara/","name":"Pottuvil Lagoon Eco Safari","district":"Ampara","district_slug":"ampara","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-elephant-rock-ampara.jpg","for_what":"Nature lovers; mangrove boat trips with crocs and birds","tags":["wildlife","pottuvillagoon","ecosafari","mangrove","attraction"],"locations":["ampara","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-puthukkudiyiruppu-victory-monument-and-war-museum-mullaitivu","url":"/destinations/spot-puthukkudiyiruppu-victory-monument-and-war-museum-mullaitivu/","name":"Puthukkudiyiruppu Victory Monument and War Museum","district":"Mullaitivu","district_slug":"mullaitivu","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-puthukkudiyiruppu-victory-monument-and-war-museum-mullaitivu.jpg","for_what":"War-history visitors; monuments and captured hardware of 2009","tags":["heritage","warmemorial","history","mullaitivu","attraction"],"locations":["mullaitivu","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-ratnapura-gem-mines-and-gem-museum-ratnapura","url":"/destinations/spot-ratnapura-gem-mines-and-gem-museum-ratnapura/","name":"Ratnapura Gem Mines and Gem Museum","district":"Ratnapura","district_slug":"ratnapura","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-ratnapura-gem-mines-and-gem-museum-ratnapura.jpg","for_what":"Curious shoppers and geology fans; see pits, washing and sorting, then the museum","tags":["heritage","gems","sapphire","cityofgems","attraction"],"locations":["ratnapura","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-ravana-falls-ravana-ella-badulla","url":"/destinations/spot-ravana-falls-ravana-ella-badulla/","name":"Ravana Falls (Ravana Ella)","district":"Badulla","district_slug":"badulla","province":"Uva","province_slug":"uva","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-ravana-falls-ravana-ella-badulla.jpg","for_what":"Sightseers and legend fans; wide roadside cascade with bathing pools","tags":["view","ravanafalls","ella","ramayana","attraction"],"locations":["badulla","uva"]},{"spot":"spot-rekawa-turtle-beach-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-rekawa-turtle-beach-hambantota/","name":"Rekawa Turtle Beach","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-rekawa-turtle-beach-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Turtle lovers; night-time nesting watches with conservation guides","tags":["wildlife","rekawa","turtles","conservation","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-richmond-castle-kalutara","url":"/destinations/spot-richmond-castle-kalutara/","name":"Richmond Castle","district":"Kalutara","district_slug":"kalutara","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-richmond-castle-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Colonial-architecture fans; Edwardian mansion with 99 doors and teak carvings","tags":["heritage","castle","colonial","history","attraction"],"locations":["kalutara","western"]},{"spot":"spot-ridi-viharaya-silver-temple-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-ridi-viharaya-silver-temple-kurunegala/","name":"Ridi Viharaya Silver Temple","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-aluvihara-rock-cave-temple-matale.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and temple-art fans; 2nd-century-BCE cave shrine with Kandyan murals","tags":["heritage","ridiviharaya","temple","history","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-ridiyagama-safari-park-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-ridiyagama-safari-park-hambantota/","name":"Ridiyagama Safari Park","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-ridiyagama-safari-park-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Families and first-time safari-goers; open-zoo drive-through with elephants and big cats","tags":["wildlife","ridiyagama","safari","familytrip","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-ritigala-forest-monastery-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-ritigala-forest-monastery-anuradhapura/","name":"Ritigala Forest Monastery","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/spot-ritigala-forest-monastery-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"Hikers and solitude seekers; jungle ruins of a strict forest hermitage","tags":["hike","ritigala","forestmonastery","hiking","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-royal-botanic-gardens-peradeniya-kandy","url":"/destinations/spot-royal-botanic-gardens-peradeniya-kandy/","name":"Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya","district":"Kandy","district_slug":"kandy","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-royal-botanic-gardens-peradeniya-kandy.jpg","for_what":"Nature lovers and families; stroll palm avenues, orchid house and riverside lawns","tags":["view","botanicalgardens","peradeniya","naturewalk","attraction"],"locations":["kandy","central"]},{"spot":"spot-royal-palace-complex-of-king-parakramabahu-polonnaruwa","url":"/destinations/spot-royal-palace-complex-of-king-parakramabahu-polonnaruwa/","name":"Royal Palace Complex of King Parakramabahu","district":"Polonnaruwa","district_slug":"polonnaruwa","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-royal-palace-complex-of-king-parakramabahu-polonnaruwa.jpg","for_what":"History buffs and families; wander the seven-storey palace ruins and audience hall","tags":["heritage","royalpalace","parakramabahu","ruins","attraction"],"locations":["polonnaruwa","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-ruwanwelisaya-ruwanwelimaha-seya-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-ruwanwelisaya-ruwanwelimaha-seya-anuradhapura/","name":"Ruwanwelisaya (Ruwanwelimaha Seya)","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-ruwanwelisaya-ruwanwelimaha-seya-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"Culture seekers and photographers; walk the great white stupa at sunrise or full-moon poya","tags":["heritage","ruwanwelisaya","stupa","unesco","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-sea-tiger-submarine-yard-mullaitivu","url":"/destinations/spot-sea-tiger-submarine-yard-mullaitivu/","name":"Sea Tiger Submarine Yard","district":"Mullaitivu","district_slug":"mullaitivu","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-sea-tiger-submarine-yard-mullaitivu.jpg","for_what":"Curious history visitors; beached Sea Tiger craft from the war","tags":["heritage","wartime","submarine","history","attraction"],"locations":["mullaitivu","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-seetha-amman-temple-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-seetha-amman-temple-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Seetha Amman Temple","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-seetha-amman-temple-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"Hindu pilgrims and Ramayana-trail travellers; colourful temple by the stream","tags":["heritage","seethatemple","ramayana","hindutemple","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-sembuwatta-lake-matale","url":"/destinations/spot-sembuwatta-lake-matale/","name":"Sembuwatta Lake","district":"Matale","district_slug":"matale","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-sembuwatta-lake-matale.jpg","for_what":"Swimmers, picnickers and photographers; turquoise lake among tea estates","tags":["view","sembuwattalake","hiddenlake","swimming","attraction"],"locations":["matale","central"]},{"spot":"spot-sinharaja-forest-reserve-kudawa-entrance-ratnapura","url":"/destinations/spot-sinharaja-forest-reserve-kudawa-entrance-ratnapura/","name":"Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Kudawa Entrance","district":"Ratnapura","district_slug":"ratnapura","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-sinharaja-forest-reserve-kudawa-entrance-ratnapura.jpg","for_what":"Birders and rainforest lovers; guided walks among endemic birds and trees","tags":["wildlife","sinharaja","unesco","rainforest","attraction"],"locations":["ratnapura","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-sri-muthumariamman-temple-matale","url":"/destinations/spot-sri-muthumariamman-temple-matale/","name":"Sri Muthumariamman Temple","district":"Matale","district_slug":"matale","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-sri-muthumariamman-temple-matale.jpg","for_what":"Hindu devotees and photographers; colourful gopuram in Matale town","tags":["heritage","hindutemple","matale","festival","attraction"],"locations":["matale","central"]},{"spot":"spot-st-anne-s-church-talawila-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-st-anne-s-church-talawila-puttalam/","name":"St Anne's Church, Talawila","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-st-anne-s-church-talawila-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Catholic pilgrims and festival visitors; major shrine with March and August feasts","tags":["heritage","stannes","talawila","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-st-mary-s-church-gampaha","url":"/destinations/spot-st-mary-s-church-gampaha/","name":"St. Mary's Church","district":"Gampaha","district_slug":"gampaha","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-st-mary-s-church-gampaha.jpg","for_what":"Church-heritage fans; Negombo's 'Little Rome' landmark with vivid ceiling art","tags":["heritage","church","littlerome","attraction"],"locations":["gampaha","western"]},{"spot":"spot-tangalle-beach-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-tangalle-beach-hambantota/","name":"Tangalle Beach","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-tangalle-beach-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Beach relaxers and couples; long golden beach with calm reef pockets","tags":["beach","tangalle","swimming","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-temple-of-the-sacred-tooth-relic-sri-dalada-maligawa-kandy","url":"/destinations/spot-temple-of-the-sacred-tooth-relic-sri-dalada-maligawa-kandy/","name":"Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa)","district":"Kandy","district_slug":"kandy","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-temple-of-the-sacred-tooth-relic-sri-dalada-maligawa-kandy.jpg","for_what":"Culture seekers and Buddhists; attend a puja ceremony and see the sacred casket","tags":["heritage","templeofthetooth","kandy","buddhistheritage","attraction"],"locations":["kandy","central"]},{"spot":"spot-thiruketheeswaram-kovil-mannar","url":"/destinations/spot-thiruketheeswaram-kovil-mannar/","name":"Thiruketheeswaram Kovil","district":"Mannar","district_slug":"mannar","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-thiruketheeswaram-kovil-mannar.jpg","for_what":"Hindu pilgrims; one of the island's oldest Shiva temples","tags":["heritage","thiruketheeswaram","shiva","temple","attraction"],"locations":["mannar","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-thudugala-ella-waterfall-kalutara","url":"/destinations/spot-thudugala-ella-waterfall-kalutara/","name":"Thudugala Ella Waterfall","district":"Kalutara","district_slug":"kalutara","province":"Western","province_slug":"western","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-thudugala-ella-waterfall-kalutara.jpg","for_what":"Families and waterfall dippers; easy jungle walk and bathing pools","tags":["hike","waterfall","swim","nature","attraction"],"locations":["kalutara","western"]},{"spot":"spot-thuparamaya-dagoba-anuradhapura","url":"/destinations/spot-thuparamaya-dagoba-anuradhapura/","name":"Thuparamaya Dagoba","district":"Anuradhapura","district_slug":"anuradhapura","province":"North Central","province_slug":"north-central","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-thuparamaya-dagoba-anuradhapura.jpg","for_what":"Pilgrims and first-time visitors; see the first stupa of Sri Lanka","tags":["heritage","thuparamaya","oldeststupa","pilgrimage","attraction"],"locations":["anuradhapura","north-central"]},{"spot":"spot-trincomalee-whale-watching-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-trincomalee-whale-watching-trincomalee/","name":"Trincomalee Whale Watching","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-trincomalee-whale-watching-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"Wildlife seekers; blue whales and dolphins in season","tags":["wildlife","whalewatching","trincomalee","bluewhale","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-udawalawe-national-park-eastern-edge-ratnapura","url":"/destinations/spot-udawalawe-national-park-eastern-edge-ratnapura/","name":"Udawalawe National Park (eastern edge)","district":"Ratnapura","district_slug":"ratnapura","province":"Sabaragamuwa","province_slug":"sabaragamuwa","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-udawalawe-national-park-eastern-edge-ratnapura.jpg","for_what":"Safari-goers and elephant lovers; reliable herds plus a calf rehab centre","tags":["wildlife","udawalawe","elephants","safari","attraction"],"locations":["ratnapura","sabaragamuwa"]},{"spot":"spot-udawatta-kele-sanctuary-kandy","url":"/destinations/spot-udawatta-kele-sanctuary-kandy/","name":"Udawatta Kele Sanctuary","district":"Kandy","district_slug":"kandy","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"hike","cover":"/images/covers/dest-spot-udawatta-kele-sanctuary-kandy.jpg","for_what":"Hikers and birders; shaded forest trails with monkeys and giant squirrels","tags":["hike","udawattakele","foresthike","birding","attraction"],"locations":["kandy","central"]},{"spot":"spot-unawatuna-beach-galle","url":"/destinations/spot-unawatuna-beach-galle/","name":"Unawatuna Beach","district":"Galle","district_slug":"galle","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-unawatuna-beach-galle.jpg","for_what":"Swimmers and snorkellers; calm reef bay 5 km south of Galle","tags":["beach","unawatuna","swimming","beachday","attraction"],"locations":["galle","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-uppuveli-beach-trincomalee","url":"/destinations/spot-uppuveli-beach-trincomalee/","name":"Uppuveli Beach","district":"Trincomalee","district_slug":"trincomalee","province":"Eastern","province_slug":"eastern","type":"beach","cover":"/images/covers/spot-uppuveli-beach-trincomalee.jpg","for_what":"Budget travellers and seafood fans; relaxed base near town","tags":["beach","uppuveli","beachstay","seafood","attraction"],"locations":["trincomalee","eastern"]},{"spot":"spot-ussangoda-national-park-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-ussangoda-national-park-hambantota/","name":"Ussangoda National Park","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-ussangoda-national-park-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Walkers and photographers; red soil cliffs and sea views on a breezy plateau","tags":["view","ussangoda","redcliffs","viewpoint","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-vankalai-mannar-bird-sanctuary-mannar","url":"/destinations/spot-vankalai-mannar-bird-sanctuary-mannar/","name":"Vankalai (Mannar Bird) Sanctuary","district":"Mannar","district_slug":"mannar","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-vankalai-mannar-bird-sanctuary-mannar.jpg","for_what":"Birdwatchers; Ramsar wetland with flamingos and waders in winter","tags":["wildlife","vankalai","flamingo","ramsar","attraction"],"locations":["mannar","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-vavuniya-archaeological-museum-vavuniya","url":"/destinations/spot-vavuniya-archaeological-museum-vavuniya/","name":"Vavuniya Archaeological Museum","district":"Vavuniya","district_slug":"vavuniya","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-vavuniya-archaeological-museum-vavuniya.jpg","for_what":"History and archaeology fans; regional finds from tank civilizations","tags":["heritage","museum","archaeology","vavuniya","attraction"],"locations":["vavuniya","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-vavuniya-central-market-vavuniya","url":"/destinations/spot-vavuniya-central-market-vavuniya/","name":"Vavuniya Central Market","district":"Vavuniya","district_slug":"vavuniya","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"market","cover":"/images/covers/spot-vavuniya-central-market-vavuniya.jpg","for_what":"Market wanderers and food tasters; the north's multi-ethnic trading town","tags":["market","streetfood","localcraft","attraction"],"locations":["vavuniya","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-vavuniya-kandasamy-kovil-vavuniya","url":"/destinations/spot-vavuniya-kandasamy-kovil-vavuniya/","name":"Vavuniya Kandasamy Kovil","district":"Vavuniya","district_slug":"vavuniya","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-vavuniya-kandasamy-kovil-vavuniya.jpg","for_what":"Temple-town visitors; colourful gopuram in the town centre","tags":["heritage","kovil","vavuniya","tamilculture","attraction"],"locations":["vavuniya","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-vavuniya-kulam-and-mamaduwa-tanks-vavuniya","url":"/destinations/spot-vavuniya-kulam-and-mamaduwa-tanks-vavuniya/","name":"Vavuniya Kulam and Mamaduwa Tanks","district":"Vavuniya","district_slug":"vavuniya","province":"Northern","province_slug":"northern","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-vavuniya-kulam-and-mamaduwa-tanks-vavuniya.jpg","for_what":"Evening strollers and families; the town's reservoirs at sunset","tags":["view","tank","sunset","locallife","attraction"],"locations":["vavuniya","northern"]},{"spot":"spot-victoria-park-nuwara-eliya","url":"/destinations/spot-victoria-park-nuwara-eliya/","name":"Victoria Park","district":"Nuwara Eliya","district_slug":"nuwara-eliya","province":"Central","province_slug":"central","type":"view","cover":"/images/covers/spot-victoria-park-nuwara-eliya.jpg","for_what":"Gardeners and families; roses, orchids and cool-climate flower displays","tags":["view","victoriapark","flowers","familytrip","attraction"],"locations":["nuwara-eliya","central"]},{"spot":"spot-weligama-beach-surf-bay-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-weligama-beach-surf-bay-matara/","name":"Weligama Beach Surf Bay","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"surf","cover":"/images/covers/spot-weligama-beach-surf-bay-matara.jpg","for_what":"Beginner surfers and surf schools; gentle long beach break","tags":["surf","weligama","beginner","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-wewurukannala-buduraja-maha-viharaya-matara","url":"/destinations/spot-wewurukannala-buduraja-maha-viharaya-matara/","name":"Wewurukannala Buduraja Maha Viharaya","district":"Matara","district_slug":"matara","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-wewurukannala-buduraja-maha-viharaya-matara.jpg","for_what":"Buddhist pilgrims and art lovers; giant seated Buddha and tunnel murals of hell and heaven","tags":["heritage","wewurukannala","temple","dickwella","attraction"],"locations":["matara","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-wilpattu-national-park-safari-puttalam","url":"/destinations/spot-wilpattu-national-park-safari-puttalam/","name":"Wilpattu National Park Safari","district":"Puttalam","district_slug":"puttalam","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-wilpattu-national-park-safari-puttalam.jpg","for_what":"Safari-goers and leopard spotters; villu lakes, sloth bears, elephants and birds","tags":["wildlife","wilpattu","safari","leopard","attraction"],"locations":["puttalam","north-western"]},{"spot":"spot-yala-national-park-hambantota","url":"/destinations/spot-yala-national-park-hambantota/","name":"Yala National Park","district":"Hambantota","district_slug":"hambantota","province":"Southern","province_slug":"southern","type":"wildlife","cover":"/images/covers/spot-yala-national-park-hambantota.jpg","for_what":"Wildlife and safari-goers; leopards, elephants and sloth bears","tags":["wildlife","yala","leopard","safari","attraction"],"locations":["hambantota","southern"]},{"spot":"spot-yapahuwa-rock-fortress-kurunegala","url":"/destinations/spot-yapahuwa-rock-fortress-kurunegala/","name":"Yapahuwa Rock Fortress","district":"Kurunegala","district_slug":"kurunegala","province":"North Western","province_slug":"north-western","type":"heritage","cover":"/images/covers/spot-yapahuwa-rock-fortress-kurunegala.jpg","for_what":"History lovers and photographers; ornate stairway, palace ruins and rock-top dagoba","tags":["heritage","yapahuwa","fortress","attraction"],"locations":["kurunegala","north-western"]}]
