Actress Sana Althaf treats her fans to exquisite pictures from Sri Lanka

'Sand under my feet, salt in my hair, the sun in my eyes and my love by my side! " ’Twas a good year, wrote actress and social media influencer Sana Althaf, along with sharing a series of photos from her recent trip to Sri Lanka. Sana and her husband, actor Hakkim Shahjahan, have ended 2025 on a fabulous note, enjoying a relaxing holiday in our neighbouring Sri Lanka. The actress has been sharing pictures of beautiful beaches and many more interesting sights from this fascinating island nation. 

Beautiful beaches are the highlights of Sri Lanka, often termed as the 'Pearl of the Arabian Sea.' Beaches with white sugary sand and turquoise ocean lure tourists from all over the globe. As the country is bordered by the ocean, Sri Lanka is a dream destination for beach lovers. Meanwhile, the hill stations and the mighty mountains add a unique charm to this place. 

Its beautiful beaches
Mirissa, Tangalle, and Negombo are among the famous beaches in Sri Lanka. Mirissa is a quaint coastal town known for its restaurants and cafes that serve mouthwatering local cuisine. It is the right place to visit if you are a rice-and-fish lover. There are lots of restaurants here that serve hot rice with tasty fish dishes. Besides, it is easy to find affordable options for accommodation without burning a hole in your pocket. Mirissa, one of the largest fishing harbours on the southern coast, is known for catching and serving fish such as tuna, mullet, snapper and butterfish. This beautiful coastal town, located around 150 kilometres south of Colombo, is just four metres above the sea level. Tourists often spot extremely friendly dolphins and whales in the clear waters of the ocean here. 

Tangella is a beautiful yet calm beach that isn’t overcrowded. Those who wish to enjoy the soothing sound of the gentle waves or walk peacefully through the sandy beach should visit here. Negombo, meanwhile, may be crowded compared to the other beaches in Sri Lanka. But Negombo beach, which is constantly swarmed with visitors, is vibrant and enchanting. 

Sri Lanka's majestic mountains
Although the beaches here are pretty famous, the real beauty of Sri Lanka lies in the mountains and hills. The majestic mountain ranges, thick forests, verdant meadows and the scintillating valleys draped in mist lure tourists to the province of Ella. The Little Adam’s Peak in Ella is a favourite destination of trekkers and adventure enthusiasts. The small waterfall, with crystal-clear water, on the summit offers a soothing respite to tired hikers. The city of Galle in Sri Lanka is a historic spot, home to many majestic buildings that exude the grace of colonial architecture. Besides, there is a landmark fort here that is listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. 

Kandy's charm
Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, is often crowded with tourists and has a unique charm of its own. The botanical garden in Kandy is home to rare species of flora, including fruit-bearing trees and blooming plants. You could spot playful monkeys dangling on the tall branches of these trees. Compared to other tourist spots in Sri Lanka, food and accommodation are a bit expensive in Kandy. 

Rock fortress, cave complex and Buddhist temples
Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress where nature offers splendid views and a magical ambience. Early morning is the best time to visit Sigiriya as the golden rays of the rising sun cast a spellbinding charm over the majestic structure. Monkeys are often spotted on the way to the fort, but if you are lucky, you may be able to see wild elephants too. 

The stunning cave complex and the golden Buddha in Dambulla, Sri Lanka, are among the most iconic cultural and religious landmarks of the country. This is also a busy spot as hundreds of devotees visit the temple every day. Visitors are required to pay an entrance fee here. You need to walk for at least 15 minutes from the entrance area to reach the cave temple. The gold-plated statue of Buddha is a prominent visual feature that lures tourists to this ancient temple complex. 

Paravi Dupatha, a modern Buddha temple in Sri Lanka; Veragampita Rajamaha Viharaya temple, Matara Bodhiya, the sacred fig tree; Matara Fort, the Dutch Reformed Church, Star Fort, Old Nupe Market, and St. Mary’s Church are some of the significant landmarks that shouldn’t be missed. Besides, Jaffna, Yala National Park, Nuwara Eliya, Udawalawa National Park, Ravana Ella waterfall, Arugam Bay and Galle are the famous tourist destinations in Sri Lanka that visitors from across the world love. Meanwhile, the beautiful beaches in the southern region are pretty renowned for destination weddings. 

How to go?
Flights to Sri Lanka are available from most Indian cities. Airline companies such as Air India, IndiGo, SpiceJet, and Vistara operate regular flights to popular cities in Sri Lanka. The country offers an e–visa valid for up to 30 days to Indian passport holders.