Yala National Park

                  The second largest national park in Sri Lanka, Yala is situated in the Southeast part of the island in the dry, semi-arid climate region, bordering the Indian Ocean. The number of mammals recorded at Yala is as high as 44 while it also boasts of one of the highest leopard densities in the world. None other than the majestic Sri Lankan elephant and the leopard, take pride of place at this amazing national park.

Accommodation- in terms of hotels, the spacious and modern Yala Village takes precedence while the “Tree tops jungle lodge”, “Galapita” and the “Thippola bunglow” offer interesting and eco-friendly accommodation.

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   Kandy 

Kandy-a major tourist destination-is also known as the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nestled in the hills at an altitude of 488 m, it is located at a distance of 115 km from Colombo. 

                                                         

              Kandy has a rich history. It was originally known as Senkadagala pura after a hermit named Senkada who lived there. Many of Sinhalese people call it Mahanuwara meaning the Great City. The name Kandy was derived by the colonial rulers from the word Kanda in Sinhala, meaning a hill. Kandy was the stronghold of the Sinhalese kings, who promoted and protected the local culture until the city fell to the British in 1815.

Today a bustling commercial city, Kandy is famous for the Kandy Perahara-a huge cultural pageant that takes place in the month of July or August. It is one of the most colorful processions of the world. Thousands of drummers and dancers accompanying a parade of ornamented elephants perform in the streets of Kandy. The leading tusker carries the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha, while the spectators pay homage to it. The procession moves along the streets for seven consecutive nights and concludes on the day of the August full moon.

City Travel Guide

The Temple of Tooth: 

     

        Also known as Dalda Maligawa, it is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimage sites in the world. Here, one of the Buddha's teeth is kept. The temple was built in the 17th century. A golden canopy has been added recently. Daily rituals are performed three times a day-at 4.30 a.m., 10.30 a.m., and 6.30 p.m. respectively.


Gadaladeniya Temple:

     

     Built in 1344, the temple is situated on a hilltop at a distance of 15 km from the town. The temple is inspired by Dravidian architecture and gives a spectacular view of the surrounding countryside. 






Peradeniya Gardens:

                The garden-a paradise for nature lover- was built in 14th century during the reign of king Vikrama Bahu III. The best-known attraction of the garden is the orchid House, which houses more than 300 varieties of exquisite orchids. A spice garden located here gives you a first hand account of the trees and plants used in the traditional Ayurvedic medicine. 

Embekke Temples:

                    This 14th century temple is famous for the intricate wooden carvings dedicated to God Katargama. Almost the entire structures of some wooden buildings are decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient rest house with similar pillars carved in stone. 

Lankatilaka Temple:

         

   Lankatilaka temple dates back to 14th century. It is built on the summit of a rock called Panhalgala. The temple provides a magnificent panoramic view of the surrounding hills, paddy fields and the diverse vegetation around it. 







Knuckle Mountains:

           

  The Knuckles range is about 90 square miles in extent and is a detached block of the central highlands separated from the main highlands by the the Dumbara Valley. There are 35 peaks rising to more than 3000 feet (915 m) in the Knuckles range. It has a rich variety of flora and fauna. 

Hanthana Mountains: 

           

           Hanthana Mountains are spread on the outskirts of Kandy and are a source of many rivulets and streams. They are an ideal destination for the trekkers. 








Udawatte Kele

  :

             Udawatte Kele is a primeval forest located above the Dalada Maligawa. It is also known as the Forbidden Forest of the Kings of Kandy. It contains a variety of trees such as Talipot trees, cinnamon, olive, rattan cane, betel, bo-trees, kitul palms, jak, mara, betelnut and arecanut.

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Nuwara Eliya 

Nuwara Eliya meaning "city on the plain or "city of light" is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. It is one of the major tea producing areas in the world. The tallest mountain in Sri Lanka "Pidurutalagala" oversees this beautiful city. It is the most visited hill country

History

           

            Nuwara Eliya is said to have been founded by a couple of British officers who apparently got lost while elephant hunting. The British governor Sir Edward Barnes was notified about the town and he himself decided to reside at Nuwara Eliya and subsequently creating a health resort that was internationally renowned. The town was later the ultimate destination for English pastimes such as golf, fox hunting, polo, etc. Nuwara Eliya also has an archeological importance as well in which pre-historic human remains are found. The city is has a good reflection of the colonial period even new hotels are furnished according to the colonial era.

Modern Day Nuwara Eliya

                       Nuwara Eliya is now a modern, busy city with department stores, fast food chains. Nevertheless the further away you are away from the busy town the more you will be revisiting the past. Tourists will find a variety of recreational activities to do in this beautiful city, Nuwara Eliya is known to have the best 18-hole golf course in Asia and that's not all horse-riding, boating, bird-watching and hiking are few of the many fun things you can do.

Tea Production

          Sri Lanka is produces a significant share of the world's best tea and in the mean time is also one of the world's largest exporters of tea. Since the introduction of tea to Sri Lanka in mid 19the century Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry.

Waterfalls

       

    


    Little England" is also home to some beautiful waterfalls such as Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and Laksapana Falls. Trekking and hiking expeditions usually evolve around these land marks.

Climate

         

   

     Natives usually tend to visit the hill country during the summer time, just to escape the excess humidity that accompanies with the heat since Nuwara Eliya has a average temperature of 16 degrees and sometimes can decrease to extreme conditions such as 3 degrees due to the high altitudes.

Seetha Eliya

             

                Seetha Eliya is a village in which the Seetha Kovil is located (Hanuman Kovil) and is found on the way to Badulla. The Temple is said to be built where the king Ravana hid princess Seetha from Rama. 

Horton Plains

         

    
                  Horton Plains is yet another national park in Sri Lanka located at the highest plateau in the island. The park is very famous among nature lovers. However within Horton Plains are the World's End exhibiting an abrupt drop of 1000m offering a breath-taking view of land including tea estates.

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COLOMBO 

                                                    Colombo-the capital of Sri Lanka-is the largest city and main port of Sri Lanka. It is also the commercial and financial center of Sri Lanka. A bustling metropolis, the city is an attractive blend of old and new. It has the lazy charm of the bygone era combined with the verve and vivaciousness of a modern city. Colombo is an ideal location to start the Sri Lanka sojourn.

City Travel Guide

The Fort:
               

        Originally a fort during the Portuguese and Dutch periods but now a major commercial center of the country and housing major offices, big hotels, some of the better shops, airline offices, banks, main post office, immigration office, travel agents and restaurants. Within Fort are several places of tourist interest, which can be conveniently seen on foot. 

Pettah: 

           Adjacent to Fort is Pettah-Colombo's leading bazaar district. It has narrow cobbled streets lined with shops and street stalls that offer the most fantastic bargains and the most unimaginable range of goods varying from bright printed fabrics, suitings, undergarments, children wear, footwear and handbags to electrical goods, semi precious jewellery, watches, rare first edition books, cutlery and other household items. Each criss-crossed lane of Pettah leads to the main street and each has developed its own specialized characteristic. For example, household goods are found on Keyzer Street. Prince Street is famous for glass, mirrors and electrical items. Malwatte Avenue sells English, Sinhala and Tamil music cassettes.

Galle Face Green:
             

                  A promenade on the sea face stretching one and a half kilometers, it is a relic of the British era. Laid out in 1859 it was used for horse racing. Today it is the largest open space in Colombo and a famous picnic spot.

Slave Island:


                        On the south of Fort, is a long, narrow island-where the slaves had their night quarters-called Slave Island. Today the spot is surrounded by the remains of the former Beira Lake and is home to many office buildings, hotels and stores. 







Mount Lavinia  

     Mount Lavinia is a beach just 12 km from Colombo. It was a famous beach even during the colonial times. The Governor's House built in 1805 by Sir Thomas Maitland now forms part of the famous Mount Lavinia Hotel. 

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara: 

           

        It is a famous Buddhist temple and is believed to be at the spot where the Buddha preached 2000 years ago. It has an excellent carving of a reclining Buddha, and is the site for an annual perahera (religious procession) in January. 




Dehiwala Zoo: 

       

      It is about 11 acres in extent and has very fine collection of fauna from all over the world. The highlight of the show is the elephant show, which is held every evening. 





National Museum: 
             

               Housed in a grand colonial building, the National Museum is the custodian of Sri Lanka's cultural heritage. Among its exhibits are a vast collection of half a million books, more than 4000 archaic palm leaf manuscripts, rock sculptures from the ancient cities, bronze brassware and royal weapons of Sri Lankan kings, fascinating paintings of by gone eras and an excellent collection of antique demon masks. The most interesting among the exhibits are the regalia of the Kandyan Kings dating back to the 17th century. 

The Viharamahadevi Park:
               

                Located next to the National Museum, it is Colombo's largest park. The park is famous for its flowering trees, water channels and fountains. 








Wolvendaal Church: 


               

  It is Colombo's oldest Dutch church. Its floor tiles are made from tombstones from the Dutch church in the Fort, and were brought here in 1813. 






 Hindu Temples: 

               There are several Hindu temples, which are called Kovils in Colombo. In the Sea Street in Colombo are several Hindu temples, the Ganeshan, the Old Kathiresan and the New Kathiresan with their colourful Gopurams (doorways). Other important temples are the Shiva Subramania Swami temple on Slave Island and the Sri Muthumariamman temple.

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   ANURADHAPURA 

                                       

                   Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO.

History Anuradhapura

                                                                       On the contrary to the historical data that indicates that the city is founded in the 5 century BC archeological data puts that date back to far as the 10 century BC. However it was King Pandukabhaya who planned the layout of the city and made it his capital in the 4th century BC. He constructed many reservoirs and shrines.
The city reached its highest magnificence by the beginning of the Christian era. The city boasted some of the most complex irrigation systems in the ancient world.

The ruins in Anuradhapura

                                    Ruins are the only remains of what Anuradhapura used to be. Ruins generally have three classes of buildings: 
1.Dagobas ( bell-shaped masses of masonry)
2.Monastic Buildings
3.Pokunas ( bathing tanks/ tanks that supply water for drinking)

Major Tourist Attractions at Anuradhapura

The Eight Great Places For Veneration.

1. Sri Maha Bodhi – It is the sacred Bodhi Tree ( Fig Tree ) which is believed to be a direct descendant from the original Bo tree under which The Lord Buddha reached his enlightenment. 

2.  Ruwanwelisaya – It is the stupa built by King Dutugamunu. The stupa is considered as one of the world's tallest monuments.

3. Thuparamaya – It is another dagaba in Anuradhapura. Following the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka it was the first dagaba to be built in Sri Lanka which also enshrines the collarbone of the Buddha.

4. Lovamahapaya – Also known as the Brazen Palace or Lohaprasadaya. This building was also built by King Dutugamunu. 

5. Jetavanaramaya – The Jetavanaramaya is yet another stupa which was initiated by King Mahasena. A part of a sash or belt which was used by the Buddha himself is believed to be enshrined here.

6. Abhayagiri Dagaba - This ruin is considered one of the most extensive ruins in the world and has a roof made of gilt bronze or tiles of burnt clay. The Abhayagiri Dagaba attracted scholars in the ancient times from all over the world.

7. Mirisaveti Stupa– Another masterpiece built by King Dutugamunu.

8. Lankarama – This stupa was built by King Valagamba.

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NILAVELI 

                                       

Nilaveli (Open-land of the moon-shine) is located north-west of the Island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka renowned for its soft white sand and breath-taking bays. Nilaveli is famous for recreational water sports such as scuba diving.

Nilaveli Beach

                                            One of the finest beaches in Sri lanka, the pearly sands, the breath-taking coastline this is a tangible proof of serenity in our island. It is so unique that the feeling you experience when you see it, is unique itself. One can really connect with nature at this beach at an intense level. This is a place where most people come to take a break from the hectic lives and rejuvenate. 

The beach is ideal to visit durin April and October. The Sun is at its most intense during this period so that you can work out on your tan. Watersports are also a huge feature in this beach, surfing and windsurfing are the major excursions undertaken here. This is a must in everyones itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka.

Water Sports

                                       

        Water sports such as wind surfing and diving are very famous among tourists and even locals. Sun bathing is also a really great option if you want to work out on your tan. Snorkelling is also done along the small rocky islands just abit further away from the coast.

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    Kitulgala

                           

                  Kitulgala is lovely little town on the banks of Kelani River, particularly famous for White Water Rafting. The town derives its name from strangely prehistoric-looking kitul tree, which abounds the region in vast numbers. Many of the resorts here have colonial aire and originally built for visiting colonial masters. Kitulgala is a nice place for those people who want to take a break in the lap of the mountains.

Adventure Sports

                     

           

            Adventure lovers often visit Kitulgala to enjoy the game of whitewater rafting which is arguably the best in Sri Lanka. Several movies have also been shot in the place, most famous of which is David Lean's award winning classic ‘Bridge on the River Kwai.' Movie lovers can visit the place to enjoy the original location where the movie was shot. Kitulgala sits prettily among the low waving hills carpeted by lush vegetation.

White Water Rafting 

                   

          Organisers of Whit Water Rafting segregate the Kelani east of Kitulgala into three sections. Most of the adventure seekers take the scenic middle section, which consists of 10 level two, and level three rapids, which are seperated by tranquil water. The upper section is most challenging. Between rapids number of calm stretches is few. Only experienced groups take this section. On the contrary, the lower section is calm enough for the uninitiated to introduce themselves to white water rafting.

Bridge on River Kwai 

                           The movie ‘Bridge on River Kwai’ was shot in Kitulgala in its entirity. Impressed by attributes of Kitulgala film director David Lean picked up Kutulgala as the location for bridge construction and destruction scenes. One can stroll down to the place where the movie was shot.

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