Sunday, August 16, 2009









10 Good Reason To Visit Sri Lanka

1.)Diversity
Sri Lanka is a small miracle partly due to the compact physical diversity of this pearl-shaped island - but, as we shall see, this diversity extends to virtually every aspect of life. Fringed by variously-shaped sublime beaches, from straight expanse to rocky cove, the island possesses a coastal plain containing a host of geographic features such as lagoons, wetlands, rivers and various types of wildlife-rich jungle.



The plain ends in the central area where the land starts to ascend into mist-shrouded mountains, covered in forests of wind-stunted trees (in fact there are seven different types of forest in Sri Lanka), plains known as patanas, and rolling tea plantations. In addition, the hillsides are invariably punctuated by dramatic waterfalls. For its size Sri Lanka has perhaps the largest number of waterfalls of any country.s






2.)People
Sri Lanka is a multi-ethnic, multi-religious and multi-cultural society, a reflection of the island’s encounter with successive foreign immigrants. But it all began with indigenous people, the Veddahs, hunter-gatherers who exist today. The main ethnic groups are the Sinhalese and Tamils, both originally from the Indian subcontinent. Then there are Muslims, who settled in the island from the time it became an ancient trading centre. Similarly, Malays and Chinese were also attracted to the island. The Portuguese and British brought with them Kaffirs from Africa, and the Dutch an assortment of European traders, the Burghers. There are other communities too, the Chetties from South India for example . . . the list is extraordinary.

Whatever their situation in society, the people of Sri Lanka possess a warm and friendly nature reflected in persistent smiling faces and eagerness to help those unfamiliar with aspects of local life. You’ll find that Sri Lankans are very hospitable and take pride in inviting people to their homes, however modest they may be. So don’t be surprised if a driver or guide, or indeed virtually anyone encountered, requests the pleasure of your company. And don’t decline, as Sri Lankan hospitality is taken very seriously!




3.)Cultural Heritage
Sri Lanka’s cultural depth is recognized by UNESCO, which has declared six archaeological World Heritage Sites in the country:
# The sacred city of Anuradhapura
# The ancient city of Polonnaruwa
# The golden temple of Dambulla
# The ancient city of Sigiriya
# The sacred city of Kandy
# The old town of Galle and its fortifications
(The seventh World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka is an ecological example, The Sinharaja Forest Reserve.)

From enormous dagobas (dome-shaped structures) and remains of ancient buildings in the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, to the awesome stairway to the temple at Dambulla and the sensual frescoes of heavenly maidens at the palace at the rock of Sigiriya, visitors can experience these World Heritage Sites within a compact area called the Cultural Triangle.

In the hill country lies the former royal capital of Kandy, home to the Dalada Maligawa or Sacred Temple of the Tooth, which houses the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. With its distinctive architecture, art and music, Kandy is a bastion of traditional culture.

In contrast, experience the colonial heritage of the country by heading south to the mid-17th c. Dutch fort at Galle, the best preserved in Asia. With 14 massive bastions, a grid system of streets, and some original Dutch bungalows, the fort bustles with life just as it did when Galle was the country’s main port. It’s simply one of the most unique attractions in Sri Lanka.

4.)Shopping
Shopping in Sri Lanka can take many forms: haggling with a handicraft-seller while sunbathing on the beach; choosing fruit from the traditional village store, the kadé, while side-stepping sacks of rice; or checking out the bargain-priced latest international fashions (Sri Lanka is a major garment exporter) while enjoying the ambience of a luxurious shopping centre in Colombo.



And there’s much inbetween. Visit a handicraft shop and familiarize yourself with traditional designs such as makara (a mythical animal, lion, swan, elephant and lotus which are most evident in brasswork (boxes, trays, lanterns, vases) and silverware (ornately carved and filigree jewellery, tea-sets) that make excellent souvenirs. In addition, ritual masks, lacquer ware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings are popular.

Last but certainly not least, Sri Lanka has the widest variety of precious stones among the world’s gem producing countries - blue sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, cat’s eye, garnets, moonstones, aquamarines and topazes being just a dazzling handful. What’s more, Sri Lanka naturally has a tradition in jewellery-making, so you can bring your gems to life.




5.)Festivals year round
Sri Lanka’s ancient civilization endows the island with a legacy of colourful festivals relating to the Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian religions. Furthermore, these festivals are commemorated with the flair of a people with a genius for pageantry and ritual.

Every full moon day is a public holiday known as poya. The most important is in May – Vesak Poya - which marks the Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and Pariniwana (passing away). Worth seeing are the illuminated pandals (bamboo frameworks), hung with pictures depicting events in the life of the Buddha.

Sri Lanka’s most tourist-oriented festival is the Kandy Esala Perahera, held in Kandy over 10 days in late July to early August and climaxing on Esala Poya. Perahera means “procession” and that’s exactly what occurs nightly - a magical passing-by of drummers, dancers, whip-crackers, acrobats and robed elephants. A caparisoned tusker carries the reason for the festival, the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha for the people to venerate.




Hindu festivals include Vel, held in Colombo in July, in which God Skanda’s silver-plated chariot and vel (spear) are paraded across the city, and the Kataragama Festival in the deep south, also connected with Skanda, in which fire-walkers participate.




6.)Wildlife
The need to conserve the environment was deeply ingrained in traditional Sri Lankan society: in the 3rd c. BC, the country’s first Buddhist monarch established the world’s first wildlife sanctuary. Today, this tradition continues with 13% of Sri Lanka conserved as national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and jungle corridors.

Sri Lanka possesses a high degree of biodiversity. Indeed the island (together with the Western Ghats of India) has been identified by Conservation International as one of 34 world biodiversity hot spots. In addition, The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s remarkable is the high proportion of endemic species.


A safari in one of the 14 national parks offers the chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s 91 mammals (16 endemic) - elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted deer, hog, mouse- and barking-deer, wild boar, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, loris, giant squirrel, and monkeys such as the macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey and grey langur.

Picture from "THE SRI LANKAN ELEPHANT and MR. ELLIE POOH PAPER"


The island is an ornithologist’s paradise, with over 233 resident species, (33 endemic) - but migratory species stretch the number to an astounding 482. There are 171 reptiles (101 endemic including two crocodile species). Thankfully, only five of the 83 snake species are lethal. In recent years there has been a surge in the discovery of amphibians, so that by the time you read this, the figure of 106 (90 endemic), will no doubt have risen

7.)Adventure and Special Interest Sports
With over 1,600km of coast, Sri Lanka is an ideal location for wind-surfing, water-skiing, surfing, sailing, scuba-diving (including wreck-diving), snorkelling, speed-boating and banana-boating. Prime water-sports sites are located in the Negombo region on the west coast, Wadduwa, Kalutara and Beruwela on the south-western coast, and Bentota, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Koggala, Tangalle and Hambantota on the southern and south-eastern coasts. Water-sports providers are run by local and foreign professionals (including PADI-qualified instructors) and rent state-of-the-art equipment.





Sri Lanka possesses over 100 hundred rivers, together with lagoons and ‘tank’ (irrigation lakes), so there are plentiful opportunities for year-round kayaking and canoeing, perhaps combined with a camping trip. Two popular locations are the Kalu Ganga and the Kelani Ganga (rivers).

The Kelani Ganga near Kitulgala has fast headwaters and rapids ideal for white-water rafting (from November to April only), with names such as Virgin’s Breast, Head Chopper, Killer Fall, Rib Cage and Slot and Drop.




Varied landscape, wildlife, and archaeological sites offers excellent opportunities for trekking. Nature trails of exceptional interest include the Sinharaja rainforest, the cloud-forests of Horton Plains, the Knuckles (mountain range), and Hakgala Strict Natural Reserve.

In addition, para-gliding, rock climbing, cave treks and mountain biking are possible.



8.)Hotels
Sri Lanka has an assortment of accommodation options. Colombo features not only a host of modern five-star hotels but also iconic colonial-era hotels with the charm and romance of a bygone era.

The island is generally blessed with impressive hotels usually situated in stunning settings. The coastal areas, especially the west and south, have innumerable resort hotels, where package tourists mostly stay. Several are designed by Geoffrey Bawa, one of the 20th-century’s foremost Asian architects. Bawa’s vision encompasses a style referred to as ‘tropical modernism’ in which forms of modernism are beautifully softened and enriched by traditional influences and surrounding landscapes. There are also an increasing number of boutique hotels on the west and south coast, mainly centred at Galle.




Hill country towns such as Kandy, Nuwara Eliya and Bandarawela feature colonial era hotels, and for those who venture farther afield, perhaps to indulge in adventure sports, there are beautifully converted colonial homes, tea and rubber plantation buildings, jungle cabins, tree-houses and eco-lodges as well as camping under canvas



9.)Food
The cultivation of many types of rice, spices, vegetables and fruit, coupled with past foreign influences, ensures that Sri Lanka enjoys a varied and select cuisine. As a staple, rice is consumed with an assortment of colourful curries (eggplant, potato, green banana, chicken, fish) that range in potency from delicately-spiced to near-dynamite. Other Sri Lankan staples include hoppers (a pancake-like snack), string hoppers (steamed rice noodles) and pittu (a mixture of flour and coconut). Lamprais - rice and accompaniments baked in plantain leaves - is a legacy of the Dutch. Seafood lovers will rejoice at the fresh fish, prawns, crab, squid and crayfish available. Desserts include buffalo curd eaten with palm-honey, and the Malay-derived caramel-like wattalapam.



Sri Lanka has a wonderful array of snacks, known as short eats, named cutlets, patties, malu pang (fish bun), and kimbula bunis (crocodile-shaped bun!) that are excellent for trips.

Delectable fruit includes the popular mango, pineapple, banana and papaya, but also many lesser-known but distinctive examples such as sapodilla, mangosteen, rambuttan, woodapple, custard apple and beli.



10.) Ayurveda & Spas
Sri Lanka has always been a place that refreshes not just the mind and body, but also the soul and spirit. And for thousands of years, the most popular method used to restore and rejuvenate tired bodies and weary souls has been Ayurveda – the oldest and most holistic medical system available in the world Sri Lanka has been a centre of spiritual and physical healing for 2,000 years. Ayurvedic programmes consist of a range of herbal treatments and various types of baths and massages, together with cleansing and revitalization techniques such as yoga, meditation and special diets.


Sri Lanka now has a number of spas, mainly on the west coast, which not only provide Ayurveda but also other Eastern and Western therapies, such as Thai massage, hydrotherapy, herbal baths, reflexology and beauty treatments. For those seeking spiritual nourishment, meditation courses are also available

This article was totally taken from Sri Lanka Tourism official web site.
photos from google

TRAVEL SRILANKA: Horton Plains - Maha-Eliya in Sinhala-Sri Lanka




Horton Plains - Maha-Eliya in Sinhala-Sri Lanka

is a national park in the highlands of Sri Lanka. It lies at a height of more than 2,000 m in the central highlands, and its altitude means that it has a much cooler and more windy climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C rather than the 26 °C of the coasts. The area was named in 1834 after Lady Anne Horton, wife of Sir Robert Wilmot-Horton, then-governor of Ceylon.[1][2]
In the winter months it is cold at night, and there can even be frosts, although it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher in the sky.

The park can be accessed by from Nuwara Eliya through Ohiya, a small town with a railway station. A road starting at the Ohiya station leads up to the park. It continues across the park and then descends to the town of Pattipola, where there is another railway station.
Hikers can reach the park by a trail starting from the small town of Belihul Oya. This trail climbs all the way to World's End, one of the park's most popular attractions.[3]
The park covers 31.60 km², and is a mixture of highland forest and wet grassland.




This is a key wildlife area. Species found here include Leopard, Sambar (Sri Lankan Sambar Deer) and the endemic Purple-faced Langur. All six highland endemic birds are found here, including Dull-blue Flycatcher, Sri Lanka White-eye, Sri Lanka Wood Pigeon, and Sri Lanka Bush Warbler. Yellow-eared Bulbul and Black-throated Munia are widespread throughout the highlands.
The park also has a well-visited tourist attraction at World's End, a sheer precipice with a 1,050 m (3,445 ft) drop. The return walk passes the scenic Baker's Falls. Early morning visits are essential, both to see the wildlife, and to view World's End before mists close in during the latter part of the morning







Pics of Sri Lanka

http://www.facebook.com/home.php#/album.php?aid=96363&id=108681379525&ref=mf

Friday, August 14, 2009

Article quoted fro Travel Sri Lanka.

TRAVEL SRILANKA: HISTORY OF SRI LANKA

A teardrop-shaped island cast adrift in the Indian Ocean, Sri lanka is filled with cultural and natural treasures. Indians, Portuguese, Dutch and British have all left their marks here, making for a delightful mix of ancient cities, monuments and atmospheric colonial architecture.

At the same time, palm-fringed beaches are never far away and lush mountainous greenery beckons inland. It's clear to see why Marco Polo proclaimed Sri Lanka to be one of the best islands in the world.

Sri Lanka is one of those places where history seems to fade into the mist of legend. Is not Adam’s Peak said to be the very place where Adam set foot on earth, having been sent out of heaven? Isn’t that his footprint squarely on top of the mountain to prove it? Or is it the Buddha’s footprint on Sri Pada? And isn’t Adam’s Bridge (the chain of islands linking Sri Lanka to India) the very series of stepping stones Rama, aided by his faithful ally, the monkey god Hanuman, stepped across in his mission to rescue Sita from the clutches of the Rawana,King of Lanka, in the epic Ramayana?

The first entries in the Mahavamsa – or “Great History” – date back to 543BC, which coincides with the arrival of Prince Vijaya in Sri Lanka. Some 300 years later, commenced the early Anuradhapura Period, with King Devanampiya Tissa as the first ruler. It was in this period that a sapling of the sacred Bo Tree, under which the Lord Buddha attained enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka.

The late Anuradhapura Period, which began in the year 459, saw the reign of King Kasyapa, and the construction of Sigiriya. The Polonnaruwa period, witnessed the transfer of the capital from Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa in 1073. Famed explorer, Marco Polo, arrived in Sri Lanka in the period between 1254 and 1324, and, in 1505, the Portuguese landed, and occupied the island’s coastal regions.

Highlights of History of Sri Lanka

The Portuguese Period
At this time Sri Lanka had three main kingdoms – the Kingdom of Jaffna in the north, the Kingdom of Kandy in the central highlands and Kotte, the most powerful, in the south-west.

In 1505 the Portuguese, under Lorennco de Almeida established friendly relations with the king of Kotte and gained, for Portugal, a monopoly in the spice and cinnamon trade, which soon became of enormous importance in Europe. Attempts by Kotte to utilize the strength and protection of the Portuguese only resulted in Portugal taking over and ruling not only their regions, but the rest of the island, apart form the central highlands around Kandy.

Because the highlands were remote and inaccessible, the kings of Kandy were always able to defeat the attempts by the Portuguese to annex them, and on a number of occasions drove the Portuguese right back down to the coast.
The Dutch Period
Attempts by Kandy to enlist Dutch help in expelling the Portuguese only resulted in the substitution of one European power for another. By 1658, 153 years after the first Portuguese contact, the Dutch took control over the costal areas of the Island.

During their 140-year-rule the Dutch, like Portuguese, were involved in repeated unsuccessful attempts to bring Kandy under their control. The Dutch were much more interested in trade and profits than the Portuguese, who spent a lot of efforts spreading their religion and extending their physical control.
The British Period
The French revolution resulted in a major shake-up among the European powers and in 1796 the Dutch were easily supplanted by the British, who in 1815 also won the control of the kingdom of Kandy, becoming the first European power to rule the whole island. But in 1802, Sri Lanka became a Crown Colony and in 1818 a unified administration for the island was set up.

Soon the country was dotted with coffee, cinnamon and coconut plantations and a network of roads and railways were built to handle this new economic activity. English became the official language, and is still widely spoken.
Coffee was the main crop and the backbone of the colonial economy, but the occurence of a leaf blight virtually wiped it out in the 1870s and the plantations quickly switched over to tea or rubber.

Today Sri Lanka is the world’s second largest tea exporter. The British were unable to persuade the Sinhalese to work cheaply and willingly on the plantations, so they imported large number of South Indian labourers from South India. Sinhalese peasants in the hill country lost land to the estates.
Independence
Between WW I and WW II, political stirrings started to push Sri Lanka towards eventual independence from Britain – but in a considerably more peaceful and low-key manner than in India. At the end of WW II it was evident that independence would come very soon, in the wake of independence for Sri Lanka’s neighbour. In February 1948 Sri Lanka, or Ceylon as it was still known, became an independent member of the British Commonwealth.
Article obtained from Travel Sri lanka.

Grand Ella Motel - Ella

Widely regarded as a honeymooner’s paradise, this breathtakingly beautiful motel is situated on the Colombo Badulla road and is blessed with a year around cool yet comfortable climate of 20-22C which can be enjoyed from any one of its 14 rooms. Guests can also experience breath taking view and the sumptuous cuisine, which the motel is famous for or even take a stroll in the stunningly landscaped sprawling gardens.
For the more adventurous at hear, the Grand Ella Motel is also conveniently situated within close proximity to the famous Rawana Falls, Temples and Caves; Handapangala Elephant Sanctuary and Dunhinda Falls. There is also Adam’s Peak, Demodara Railway Station, Nine Arch Stone Bridge or Ella Rock to visit.
The hotel contains 04 non air-conditioned standard rooms and 10 non air-conditioned superior rooms.

The official website can be found here.

August Horse Races in Nuwaraeliya - 2009

The Sports Ministers Trophy sponsored by Sri Lanka Turf Club, will be held on10th August 2008. The Browns & Co Ltd for the first time is sponsoring a horse race meet which will be held in August 2009. There will be 6 races namely BROWNS CUP , BROWNS TOURS CUP, HAVELLS CUP, EXIDE CUP, OLYMPUS CUP and SHARP CUP. They intend putting out a grand showwith a band in attendance and a fashion show.
Grand prizes will be given for the BEST DRESSED LADY, BEST DRESSED GENT and PHOTOGENIC PERSONALITY.There will be 20 new thoroughbred horses imported from India in action. Gamini Jayaratne, Rajan Sellamuttu, Dr. M D Guruge, Anuka Soza, Anura Delgoda, Isara Dassanayake, Monaro Group, Serendib Racing Syndicate, Shehan Wijeratne and Rohini De Mel have entered their horses.

Details are taken from the main site http://www.srilankatourism.org.uk/events.php
Article from Travel Sri Lanka

"facets" Sri Lanka 2009 - International Gem & Jewellery Show

Sri Lanka, the world's oldest source of the most spectacular gemstones will showcase the beauty and rarity of her magnificent sapphires and dozens of other varieties of gemstones at Facets Sri Lanka, the International Gem and Jewellery Show in September 2009.
Held annually in Colombo since 1991, Facets Sri Lanka made an exciting new beginning in September 2005 when the show moved to a smart new venue, the BMICH Exhibition and Convention Centre in Colombo. Exhibitors increased by more than 50 percent and the show took on a whole new professional and international atmosphere, with smart new booths displaying a greater variety of fine gemstones and exquisite jewellery.

Facets Sri Lanka 2009 promises to be even bigger and better. Exhibitor numbers are expected to grow by a further 30 percent and the Fair will showcase a wide variety of sapphires and gemstones from producers and wholesalers from all the main producing areas of Sri Lanka.
To give the show an international flavour, producers and wholesalers from the main gemstone producing countries in Africa, Asia, South America and Australia are being invited to exhibit their gemstone products at the show.

The official site can be found here.
Article Courtesy the "Daily News Paper"


Knuckles Mountain Range

A wonderful place for hiking and nature tours:

In the central and southern parts of Sri Lanka there are several peaks that are highly ecological and rich in bio diversity. These mountains are preserved as forests and are the starting points of many rivers.


The panoramic views of the Knuckles Range

Knuckles is one the most important bio diversity environments with range of mountains and a great water and wild life resource.

Loved by travellers for it's beauty Knuckles mountains has become a hot spot in eco tourism in Sri Lanka.

The Knuckles Mountain Range covers parts of Kandy and Matale districts and is separated from the Central Hills by the Mahaveli Valley to the South and East and the Matale Valley to the West. Its name derived from its shape of a clenched fist, which forms a scenic wonderland. What makes the Knuckles mountain range unique is the geographical character of its location. Perpendicular to the mountain range that runs from Laggala to Urugala runs three distinct but lesser ranges while there are other minor ranges running parallel to it.

There are a total of 34 clearly identified such ranges with in the 62 square miles that makes up 3000-6500feet in height.

The three properties recommended for tentative listing, namely, Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (19,207 ha), Horton Plains (3 109 ha) and Knuckles Range (1 7,825 ha) are all part of the central highlands of Sri Lanka.

The Knuckles Range, though within the Central Massif and of the same geological origin as the other two properties, is isolated from them by the intervening relatively low-lying Kandy Plateau. The highest peak in the Knuckles range is 1904 m.

In certain parts of Knuckles Range, within the Knuckles Conservation Forest, the natural vegetation occurs as a pygmy forest with trees just over waist high. A good part of the area in all three properties still retains its pristine vegetation cover.

All three properties possess both natural and cultural heritage features of outstanding universal value.

History

Knuckles Mountain Range is important due to the historical value it carries and therefore it can be categorized as one of the valuable heritages in Sri Lanka. The story of Knuckles (Dumbara Hill) goes back into prehistoric periods. It is said that in ancient times it was referred to as Giri Divaina and as Malaya Rata and there is archaeological evidence that speaks of ancient Yaksha settlement in the area.


Mist engulfed mountains


Knuckles range seen over the horizon


Breathtaking scenery

People believe that the name Lanka is derived which much folklore has gathered over the centuries. The Knuckles Mountain Range is an invariable referent in any salutary appreciation of the last kingdom of the Sinhala Kanda Udarata.

The importance of the Knuckles Mountain Range is obtained from several factors. It has a quality to it because of the mountain peaks, the crystal clear and perennial waterways, cloud forests and exquisite fauna and flora. Pregnant with history running into several millennial and a veritable treasure house of cultural heritage, the Knuckles Mountain Range can be considered a as a mirror to the past.

Climate

A remarkable feature of this area is that most of the climatic conditions of Sri Lanka can be found with in the extent of a mountain range. All these hanging climatic conditions can be experienced within half and hour walk through this valley. The location of the hills, the particular effect of the monsoons and the wind factor generate a certain climatic diversity to the area. In fact in these hills one can find characteristics of all the key ecological zones found in the country.

Rainfall

Average annual rainfall lies between 3000-5000ml, and temperature of the region ranges between 5.5 degrees and 35 degrees Celsius. It is through a gap in the mountain that the winds of Southwest Monsoon enter to the Dry Zone. The average wind speed has been measured to be approximately 7.2km/hour and humidity in the range lies between 57%-90%.

Water Resources

Since the main risen in opposition to both the Southwest and Northwest Monsoons, the area enjoys bountiful rainfalls. For this and other reasons, the Knuckles Mountain Range is counted among the richer of the upper watersheds in the country. In fact from these hills flow the richer of the tributaries to the Mahaweli River.

There are three main rivers called the Hulu Ganga, the Heen Ganga and the Kalu Ganga, which begin from Knuckles Mountain Range.

And there are a number of breathtaking waterfalls and small rivers, which can be found in this area. Even today as was in the ancient days water from Knuckles Mountain Range feeds the ancient irrigation works such as Parakrama Samudraya.


Travelon goes to the EAST after a big yawn

Travelon who has been conducting domestic tours within Sri Lanka, has added yet another tour to the East covering many religious sites namely Thiriyaya (North of Nilaweli - with the story of 2 merchants who enshrined the 2 strands of hair of Lord Buddha) Seruwavila, Somawathie and Medirigiriya to mention a few.


The tour commences from Travelon office on 23rd July (Thursday) and will travel via Na-Mala Resort, Dambulla to reach Trincomalee and Nilaweli. After checking-in excursion to Thiriyaya. Early next morning visit to Seruwavila and Somwathie.

Afternoon visit Medirigiriya and overnight at Girithale Hotel overlooking the magnificent Giritale Tank. On the 3rd day it will be more visits to Passekuddha, Kalkudha and Batticaloa where many Sri Lankans were reluctant to travel due to the protracted conflicts in the East which was prevailing at that time.

After lunch at Batticaloa Rest House travel via Samanthurei, Kalmunei to Arugam Bay/ Pottuwil where recently the Wind Surfing Championship was held with many foreign participation. On the 25th night there will be a B-B-Q dinner at the beach of Arugam Bay (Tri Star Beach Hotel).

On Sunday the group will travel back to Colombo via the coastal Belt with lunch served in the Hambantota area. Many Sri Lankans and expats are expected to join the tour since it has been a long time before travelling to East was relatively safe.

The Travelon domestic senior citizens group to Habarana last week is seen here at the Chaaya Village Hotel entrance before their departure to Colombo.


Jetwing Hunas Falls Hotel

Romantic destination in Sri Lanka:

As any couple knows, planning the honeymoon is just as important as planning the wedding day itself. Traditionally the first vacation that you will take as a married couple a honeymoon has become the period of time where a couple can rest after going through the stress and excitement of the wedding ceremony.


Hunas Falls Hotel

If you are looking for a very romantic wedding destination that's something about the famous line.

And they lived happily ever after which the ending is a truly magical fairy tale setting. The Jetwing Hunas Falls Hotel in Kandy is one of the best hotels, which is known for a good preference to experience great hotel accommodation for your honeymoon.

It is located in close proximity to Kandy against the backdrop of a lush green forest, tea estate and the breathtakingly beautiful Hunas Falls.

After my long way to the hotel I was happy to see my lovely honeymoon destination indeed.

The staff was very good and they always treat guests with their lovely smiles. Hunas Falls area is most picturesque and has an excellent climate. The Hunas Fall cascades down through lovely tea country and the water is trapped below in a lake. Fascinating sunsets light up the whole range of mountains for miles around.

Considered to be one of the most scenic spots in the country, guests will certainly enjoy the surrounding scenery when relaxing at this popular hotel. Offering stylish decor, superb amenities as well as contemporary refinement in a casual and relaxing ambiance, the Hunas Falls Hotel is an ideal base for you to explore the vibrant city of Kandy.

This good-looking property features beautifully furnished guest rooms that are facilitated with all modern conveniences to provide guests maximum comfort for a relaxed stay. Most of the rooms offer spectacular views of the surrounding. Set in a relaxed atmosphere, the delightful in-house restaurant serves a varied selection of fabulous cuisine for guests to enjoy. The restaurant situated in front of the lake. At a glance the lake was engulfed by the mist. Then few minutes we could see the clear atmosphere even no sign of the mist.

Hunas Falls Hotel offers excellent and flexible conference and banquet rooms, which are ideal to host business and private functions.

There is also a health centre, swimming pool, tennis court, table tennis as well as a golf course available for the convenience of health and recreation conscious guests. When we entered to the hotel we didn't want to go out side because there were two lovely exclusions inside of the hotel location.

There was a small mountain called Mount Shaheen a.k.a. Vehigala kanda was a rocky escarpment (which is also the habitat of the bird Shaheen Falcon). We climbed to this region could spot the peak of the Shaheen mountain which was accessible via a footpath to this peak.

Then we met the lovely cascading water fall and both of us had a nice bath. The water was so cold but willing to take a bath again and again. There were no outsiders came to this water fall except hotel guests.

The hotel had a large garden and since it was filled full of beautiful flowers we felt that we spent our honeymoon at the botanical garden. It was the unforgettable honeymoon destination and we spent our days peacefully.

Annual KITE FESTIVAL in September

http://srilanka-smallmiracle.blogspot.com/2009/08/kite-festival-september-2009.html

Wednesday, August 12, 2009

Caving: An Insight into Prehistoric Sri Lanka

Caving also known as spelunking in the United States is the recreational sport of exploring caves. In contrast, speleology is the scientific study of caves and the cave environment.
The fascinating activity of Caving is relatively new to Sri Lanka , but with an impressive range of caves located throughout the country it's an unusual experience not to be missed!
Known to the experts as ‘speleology', caving involves the exploration, surveying, mapping and photographing of caves situated around Sri Lanka . With some of Sri Lanka's caves dating back approximately 500 million years, this is an adventure into the prehistoric! Srilankan Expedition provides local experienced guides and all the necessary gear for caving (such as raincoat, head torches, helmets, ropes etc.) making the activity accessible to amateurs and experts alike.


And also the Sri Lanka is rich with having Cave temples as well. Dambulla Cave temple is one of the most popular temple of that kind.

Dambulla cave temple (also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla) is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.
There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There are total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two statues of Hindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

To feel the caving in adventurous placers can be organized by contacting eshanweerasinghe@gmail.com

Tuesday, August 11, 2009

Sri Lanka is becoming a major spot for watching Whales and Dolphins. Dondra Point of down south in Sri Lanka is the main port of Whale Watching in Sri Lanka during December to April. Out of these months December, January and April are the peak months of sightings. During these months there is 98% chances of spotting Sperm Whales and great chances of spotting Blue Whales as their migration path is just off Dondra Point.

We are able to arrange Whale Watching Trips off Dondra Point in a fully insured trawler boat which will last for 3 hours. Also there are good chances of spotting Spinner Dolphins also off Dondra. Ample of accommodation options are available as Dondra point can be reach easily from Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Mirissa and Tangalle which are popular beach locations in Sri Lanka. Mirissa is the closest point to Dondra Point with good accommodation options.
Kalpitiya is the best places if you are interested in seeing Dolphins. During November to March is the best season to go Dolphin Watching off Kalpitiya. At a time you can witness 1000-1500 Dolphins. We can arrange accommodation in basic holiday cottages to nice beach villas in Kalpitiya area. Click here to see the hotels available in Kalpitiya area….
Kalpitiya is 3 1/2 hours drive from Colombo and 2 1/2 hours drive from popular beach location Negombo.

Whale and Dolphin watching is also possible during June to September off the eastern shores such as Trincomalee.

For much more details and for travel arrangements you can contact Eshan Weerasinghe at eshanweerasinghe@gmail.com

The Pearl

Often known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean Sri Lanka has been an excellent destination for tourists all around the world.Sunny beaches, beautiful waterfalls,towering trees and serene forests are some of the attractions.