Review: Katunayake, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa & Kandy

Planning a trip to Sri Lanka and thinking about hitting Katunayake, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy? So, that’s quite the itinerary, yet these places are pretty fascinating spots that really give you a glimpse into what the island nation is all about. I’d say the following is what I think after touring there.

Touching Down in Katunayake

Katunayake, home to Bandaranaike International Airport, is typically the first place you’ll see in Sri Lanka. It’s almost more of a transit point than a destination, that, even so, it does offer a gentle introduction to the country. Right off the bat, the humidity hits you, and it’s intense, I guess. Outside the airport, you’ll likely find people waiting to whisk travelers away to other corners of the island. So, it is not super teeming with must-see tourist spots itself, Katunayake offers you hotels for a quick recharge before your travels further inland.

Sigiriya: Climbing the Lion Rock

Next up is Sigiriya. Sigiriya is just a trip that is memorable. Seriously. Seeing the ancient rock fortress just rising out of the flat landscape is something else. So, they call it Lion Rock, you know? The climb to the top can be quite the workout, yet the views? Oh, the views, actually, they’re breathtaking, in a way. Along the way, you’ll pass these ancient frescoes, that is quite interesting, too; it is quite incredible that they’ve survived for so long. It is almost best to head there pretty early in the morning. This way, that’s better, considering there’s far less heat to deal with.

Dambulla: Cave Temples Beckon

Just a relatively short drive from Sigiriya, you’ll find Dambulla, actually, a place known for its cave temples. What’s special here? Well, these temples are filled with statues and paintings, each telling a story, yet they really give you a sense of Sri Lanka’s art, that I felt anyway. I remember this giant golden Buddha just outside the complex, arguably, a little much. So, when you’re wandering around these caves, just take your time and really soak up all the detail, is that you get a great sense of calm when you go there.

Polonnaruwa: Exploring Ancient Ruins

Polonnaruwa is such a place with historical charm. So, if you’re interested in old kingdoms, this place will certainly fascinate you, that, basically, is my understanding of it. I would argue that there are many well-preserved ruins here of temples and palaces; it might be a good idea to grab a guide so you really grasp everything you are viewing. Renting a bike might be pretty awesome. Touring the whole site this way? Arguably, very cool and breezy!

Kandy: Culture and Serenity

Ending in Kandy is so good for relaxation because the vibe here? Way more chill. And so the Temple of the Tooth is here. The Temple of the Tooth is such a significant place, too; apparently, it houses a tooth of Buddha! In the evening, I want to tell you, I really recommend experiencing a cultural show. They have cool dancers in the show and just so much music! If you want views of the entire area? Consider walking round Kandy Lake, in a way it’s magical in certain lights, that’s what I found anyway.

Things You Might Want to Know

• Best Time To Visit? It would seem that you want to be in the dry season for sure! That would tend to be from December to March, that’s on the west and south coasts and the central highlands, that, actually, covers most of these spots.
• How to Travel Around? Actually, trains and buses work. Otherwise, you can rent yourself a car, that could work too. Renting one gives you way more freedom, of course, that way.
• What About Food? Anyway, make sure that you try Sri Lankan food! This can include rice and curry (with variations of curry, of course!), and I mean really spice it up with “hoppers”.
• Money? This, actually, might be important to mention. This is Sri Lankan Rupees; I believe the ATMs tend to be easy to find. Credit cards too. But you, obviously, might still want to bring money.

Some Things to Keep in Mind

Sri Lanka can really captivate you, in that, I can say I loved being there and really saw something quite awesome with my own two eyes. From when you land at Katunayake to the calmness felt at Kandy, each place you are looking at, while traveling to Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, tells a different story. Basically, just prepare, be open, that the amazing wonders and smiles that await you are real! It might be the best trip you could ever take.