Follow 'Who is the Mole?' to Sri Lanka!

'Who is the mole?' has started again and almost naturally attracts many millions of viewers. This time, the success program has settled in the particularly beautiful Sri Lanka, which is located on the south side of India. The island nation that is slightly larger than the Netherlands and has almost 22 million inhabitants, the majority of whom are Sinhalese, is located in the Indian Ocean and is separated from India by Palk Strait and the Gulf of Mannar. None other than the legendary Marco Polo said of Sri Lanka that this is the most beautiful island in the world. And he had a point! The white beaches, the flourishing inland nature, the panoramic tea fields and lonely mountain peaks: all laced with the authentic Sri Lankan culture and traditions. No wonder WIDM decided to include its heart-pounding series here. We decided to follow the mole to this beautiful island. Care to join us?

Colombo and Galle

Sri Lanka is a country to explore and discover. Once you have arrived in the capital with the (impossible) name Sri Jayewardenapura Kotte you have the choice to go inland, visit the cities or wander to the wonderful beaches along the coast. If you opt for the cities, make sure you visit Colombo, the most attractive city in the country. This sweltering place is located on the west coast and immediately embraces you upon arrival. Beautiful, old and colorful buildings centered on the two towers that belong to the Sri Lankan World Trade Center. A trip to the bustling harbor is an absolute must. As well as a visit to the Jami-Ul Alfar Mosque. Of historic beauty, St. Paul's Church Milagiriya, a centuries-old church, is located in the heart of the city.

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In addition to Colombo, the port city of Galle is a beautiful place. Galle is a city with unique characteristics. This originally Dutch settlement is located in the southwest of Sri Lanka and is completely 'walled'. In the 17th century it was the Dutch who colonized Sri Lanka. This is still clearly visible in Galle in the old buildings and old Dutch churches. The entire city, reminiscent of a fortress, is on the World Heritage List. Galle was badly hit by the 2004 tsunami, but has now slowly been rebuilt into an atmospheric town.

Anuradhapura

The city of Anuradhapura is located north of Colombo and is best known as the sacred center of Sri Lanka. According to the myth you will find a branch of the Tree of Enlightenment here. It was at this tree where the Buddha became enlightened. Of course, for the many Buddhists in Sri Lanka, there is not much more sacred than a branch of this tree, according to some even the oldest tree in the world. The city is a historic capital from the time of former kings and queens. Here you will find 'stupas', Buddhist buildings, for example the Ruwanweliseya stupa. The well-preserved ruins are still a sight to behold and show part of Sri Lanka's impressive history. Together with Dambulla, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya, Anuradhapura forms the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka.

Nuwara Eliya, Horton Plains

The Horton Plains is a magnificent area in the high plateaus of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by fragrant tea plantations and lush green fields, Nuwara Eliya, also known as the City of Light, is here. The town is located at 1.884 m altitude, a beautiful spot in the vast area of ​​the Horton Plains. The Botanical Gardens here are the highest botanical gardens in the world. In Horton Plains National Park you will find World's End, a plateau with a fabulous view at a precipice of 870 m. On the way to World's End, be sure to stop at Baker's Falls, without a doubt one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the country. In the park itself you will find many wild animals and birds. If you're lucky, you might spot leopards and playful macaques!

Kandy

Kandy is the last capital of the Sinhalese kingdom. The city was founded in the 14th century BC. and after all this time is still one of the main attractions of the country. The buildings rise like imposing statues from the ground along slopes and on hills. Kandy is still regarded as the cultural and spiritual center of Sri Lanka. Not to be missed is the Dalada Temple. Here lies the most important relic of the country, namely the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha Siddharta Gautama, the Enlightened One. Do not think that you will actually see the buddha's fang. He is hidden in no fewer than seven golden chests. If you really want to see the tooth up close, make sure you're there when this sacred relic is transported through the city on a real elephant during the annual ten-day parade.

Palace of Sigiriya

In the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka you will find Sigiriya, a small village with only 1.000 inhabitants. Nevertheless, a stopover at this town is an unforgettable experience. Because here, on top of the very special Lion Rock, is the palace of Sigiriya. You can still see remnants of the royal palace here, such as the outbuildings, baths and gardens. The rock is a unique phenomenon in itself and towers high above the jungle. You can go all the way up via several stairs, past murals and frescoes. The palace of Sigiriya shows that nature and construction can come together in perfect symmetry. The view from the rock is also breathtaking, wow!

Yala National Park

Of course there are several national parks in this Asian country, but Yala National Park stands out. No less than 44 different species of mammals snoop around here. Yala is the largest nature reserve in Sri Lanka and therefore has the greatest versatility. Elephants, water buffalo, antelope, crocodiles, cobras, macaques, jackals, turtles: you can encounter them all during one of the excursions through the park. Leopards in particular roam around here a lot. Nature here is still untouched and pure. At a short distance from the park you will find the town of Hambantota, which is also worth a visit. Geological phenomena such as geysers and hot springs are common here. It would of course be even better if you would come across the Mole here. But I fear that he or she will remain well hidden in this country that is still a well-hidden secret for many travelers. And hopefully it stays that way!

Also read: How much does traveling in Sri Lanka cost? | Everything about budget and costs
Also read: Itinerary Sri Lanka in 2, 3 or 4 weeks | All must-sees and travel tips
Also read: 8x the most beautiful things you must see in Sri Lanka