Sri Lanka

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Sri Lanka, voted the number one holiday destination in the world, is a jewel of an island in the Indian ocean. A favorite spot for travelers from the time of Marco Polo and Iban Battuta, travelling around Sri Lanka with Mango Vacations is truly the experience of a lifetime. Golden beaches and wild safaris, ancient Dagobah and famous kovils, over 2000 years of culture and history is packed into this byte sized island. Sri Lanka travel agency Mango Vacations, provides all its guests with tailor made vacation & Sri Lanka tour packages by which to experience Sri Lanka.

Colombo

Colombo is a city that makes you feel home no sooner you reach it. Known to Roman, Arab and Chinese traders for 2000 years as well as Indian traders from Calicut and Gujarat also made it their rendezvous point with the Arabs from the Gulf of Oman. The natural point of convergence for traders from the remotest recesses of the past today it is a vibrant city frequented by visitors both on holiday in Sri Lanka or a Stopover in Sri Lanka on their way to the heart of Asia. Colombo withstood the turbulence of European conquest with its ancient charm and elegance. In the process it became the seventh largest sheltered port in the world in 1907. Its demography mirrors its captivating history with a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian ethics. Many great landmarks within its Municipality display this colorful history.

The picturesque Gangaramaya Temple with its Sacred Enclosure of Higher Ordination built on the Dutch built Beira Lake, the Sri Kailasnathasr Hindu temple that overlooks the Colombo Fort Railway yard, the Dewatagaha Mosque where a 19th century Sufi saint is entombed, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolvendaal Dutch Reformed Church and the Anglican St. Michaels Church built of stone, mortar and wood narrate the story of a city that still stands on the crossroads of evolving history. The Port of Colombo is one of the world’s largest artificial harbors, that is still under expansion. It is a major Indian Ocean seaport. As the main commercial hub of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the preferred location for the operations of both foreign and local banks, insurance companies and global investment and financial service providers. The part of the city known as the Fort was first built by the Portuguese as their protected enclave. It was modified by the Dutch. The British had little use for its fortifications after its total conquest of the island. It is now an important commercial center with many offices, five-star hotels, attractive shops and banks. The 19th century Clock Tower was once a lighthouse. Other historic landmarks are the President’s House and Gardens which was the residence of the British Governors from the time of the Dutch occupation. The Dutch left some remarkable imprints behind.

Most of them can be seen in the Dutch Museum located in the fort in a well preserved building of the Dutch period. The Mount Lavinia Beach is one of the sought after resort areas only 2kms away from Colombo. The hotel that bears the name was once the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor who built it as his weekend retreat in 1805. The oldest hotel east of Suez is at one end of the Galle Face green, a wide promenade popular with all residents and visitors. Colombo has some of the oldest residential properties with ornate arcades, wide verandahs and painted ceilings of colonial buccaneers, bankers and barons who made their fortunes in trade shipping and plantations. They are of such antiquity that they need to be protected however prohibitively expensive to be lived in. Today they form one of the most extravagantly comfortable strings of Sri Lanka Boutique hotels in the whole region. The dream home away from home for a holiday in Sri Lanka which may well turn in to a prolonged vacation in Sri Lanka.

Rainforests

Rainforests are incredible places that cover only 6% of the surface area of the Earth, however more than half of the world’s plant and animal species live in them. The reason they are called rainforests is that they receive a high amount of rainfall annually. Consisting of tall, dense jungle, the climate inside a rainforest is hot and humid. At one time in Sri Lanka rainforests consisted of over 26% of the land area, however, today only 2% is left of forest cover. Hence it is no surprise that all rainforests on the island have been declared protected areas with Sinharaja designated as a World Heritage site. The title of World Heritage Site is granted by UNESCO and it means that the area has been listed as a place of special significance to the common heritage of humanity. It is therefore in the interest of mankind to preserve and protect such sites. The rainforests of Sri Lanka are treasure troves of biodiversity and beauty. Most of the island’s rainforests are located on the western and southern slopes of the mountains of Sri Lanka and they are well worth a visit. The three most famous rainforests in Sri Lanka are Peak Wilderness, 250 km2, Knuckles, 175 km2, and the Sinharaja World Heritage Site, 90 km2. The elusive Loris, the majestic elephant, and fierce-eyed leopards are found within these rainforests.

Peak Wilderness Sanctuary

The third-largest natural reserve in Sri Lanka, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is a tropical rainforest that derives its name from the surrounding areas of Adams Peak, Horton Plains, Pidhurutalagala, and Hakgala. In 2009 the world’s rarest toad, the Adenomus kandianus which was thought to be extinct for 133 years, was rediscovered in this rainforest.

Hill country

Before tea was introduced to the island Pearl fishing was the mainstay of the island’s economy. Georges Bizet’s opera The Pearl Fishers, first performed in Paris in 1863 is set in Ceylon. In 1863 Sri Lanka then referred to as Ceylon was famous for Pearls. Tea came later. Before Tea, the British Tried Coffee. The entrepreneur James Taylor imported the first tea plants from Cathay in 1863. It was in 1863 that the Opera “the Pearl Fishers” by Georges Bizet set in Sri Lanka was first performed in Paris. An “opera seria” was being enacted in the hill country of the British colony. The central hills were then cleared for tea plantations. Despite the rapacious advance of colonial commercial exploitation, the largest and the least disturbed remaining areas of the montane rain forests of Sri Lanka are a treasure trove of nature. It is regarded as a global super-hot spot for conservation.

The carpets of thick emerald-green tea bushes that cover the mountain slopes are the reason for the paved roads that wind their way up to Nuwaraeliya, the convenient base for your discovery of the hill country. The Nile explorer Samuel Baker who trekked through these pristine forests long before these paved roads writes “– One fact I wish to impress upon all–that the coloring of every description is diminished and not exaggerated, the real scene being in all cases a picture, of which the narration is but a feeble copy.” The exquisite perfection of nature that blended high peaks reaching to the clouds with Verdant Mountain slopes, cascading waterfalls, and glittering streams were an irresistible lure to the British.

Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is one of the island’s most famous ancient cities, firmly in place on any tours in Sri Lanka. The ancient ruins predating the Christian era puts Anuradhapura in the pantheon of human history along with Athens, Alexandria, and Patalipurhra. It depicts the trajectory of the Sinhalese civilization from the time it was founded in the 4th century BC. The Mahavamsa, the historical chronicle affirms that the city was founded in 380 BC. The capital city of Sinhala Kings of Sri Lanka suffered, survived, was razed to the ground, and was rebuilt like most other cities whose prosperity and the envy of rulers in its proximity was a recipe for recurring disasters and innovative engineering in reconstruction.

The past grandeur is narrated by a fascinating collection of ancient ruins some of which have been painstakingly restored. The remote part of a majestic capital and a monastic city of benevolent kings, despotic monarchs, retreating rulers, and heroic conquerors reach out to you from Sri Lanka history. The Dagoba – Thuparamaya was built by King Devanam Piya Tissa in the 3rd century BC to enshrine the clavicle of the Buddha, considered a sacred relic that was gifted to the King by the Mauryan Missionary Emperor Asoka. The city was conquered and sacked by Pandyan kings in the 9th century. The destruction in AD 993 by an invading Indian King brought an end to the city as the capital of Sri Lanka. Close to Anuradhapura is Mihintale, the oldest and the first wildlife sanctuary of all mankind. The story goes that King Devanam Piyatissa was on a deer hunt when he found Arahant Mahinda and by royal edict declared the entire area as a protected reserve a tradition that continues to this day. Other than Mihintale, there are more than 14 protected wildlife parks you can visit on your Sri Lanka trip.

The oldest tree in the world adorns this city of shrines. It was brought from India in the 3rd century BC. Its sanctity rests on it being grown from the Bo Tree (focus religious) in Bodhgaya India. Under the shade of the parent tree, the Ascetic Siddharathe sought enlightenment. The relics of the Buddha enshrined in Stupas or Dagobas have thus determined the topography of Anuradhapura. Your holiday in Sri Lanka needs to be an enriching experience. Find the answer to the question “can man escape his destiny?” Yes. See the Samadhi Statue of the Buddha, matchless in the intense serenity that it radiates. Can a royal bath be made as ornate in its scale and beauty as that of a cathedral? Yes, See the twin ponds. To learn about Sri Lanka is to learn about the genius of man.

Habarana

Habarana is a small picturesque city in the Anuradhapura District in the northern central region of Sri Lanka. The city is famed for its chain of high-class tourist resorts which are extremely eco-friendly and have been built towards the beneficial aspects of the natural environment. It is an ideal destination for safari lovers as it is the starting point for safari tours in the nearby Minneriya Sanctuary which is heavily populated by elephants and other species of wildlife.

It is also the site of a famed organic farm that specializes in high-yield agro-crops. Situated near the ancient rock fortress and castle ruin of Sigiriya and the Dambulla Cave temple, Habarana also attracts those who are interested in the intriguing history of this tiny island as day excursions can be taken to the ancient areas of the country to explore the past lives of great kings and their monuments. It is a renowned paradise for those who love natural history and wildlife and offers some of the most amazing Sri Lanka holiday packages.

Things to do in Habarana

  • Visit Minneriya National Park
  • Visit Kaudulla National Park
  • Visit Ritigala Forest Monastery
  • Visit Hurulu Eco Park
  • Visit Habarana Buddhist Temple

Kandy

Kandy is a city with graceful charm, radiating an ambiance of antiquity that you will find only in a Sri Lanka holiday. Do insist on spending at least two whole days in the city of the last Sinhala Kings of the island, your Sri Lanka tour operator will not hesitate! Cocooned in the comfort of a protected valley in the central hills of Sri Lanka, the city at 500 meters (1640 feet) above sea level is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and a vast array of shrines, and temples dating back to the 14th century. In 1592 Kandy became the capital of the Sinhala kings who repulsed the Portuguese and Dutch invaders. They held out against the British until 1815. The proud city is also home to several monuments, including the Dalada Maligawa the “Palace of the Sacred Tooth Relic”- the symbol of sovereignty of the nation, a must visit site in your Sri Lanka Holiday. The Magul Maduwa – The Audience Hall with its wooden columns is the epitome of Kandyan architecture. It is in this space that the Sinhala chieftains ceded the kingdom to the British Crown in 1815.The City is built with the Temple Palace of the Sacred Tooth Relic at its epicenter. Four shrines – the devales that surround the Temple Palace are dedicated to the Gods Vishnu, Skandha, Natha and Godess Paththini. The God Vishnu is the guardian deity of the Buddhist Island, God Skandha is the god of war, God Natha is an incarnation of the Bhodisathva the next Buddha and Goddess Paththini is the goddess of chastity and health.

The two monasteries Asgiriya and Malwatte house two chapters of the Main Buddhist sect that is referred to as the Siamese school. The two prelates of Asgiriya and Malwatte are vested with the ecclesiastical authority of administering the temple palace – the Dalada Maligawa. Malwatte which literally means floral abode has preserved its impressive hall with its imposing columns and the magnificent painted ceiling. Kandy is the cultural and religious capital of Sri Lanka. The splendor of the great pageant of the “Esala Perehera” reaffirms its sanctity every year. It is a spectacle held usually in the first week of August with the full moon. To include it in your Sri Lanka holiday needs some planning including your Sri Lanka flights. Kandy is virtually hidden behind a thick curtain of natural foliage in the form of lush tropical forests and a 60-hectare botanical garden. This is another reason why you need two days in Kandy in your Sri Lanka Holiday plan. The garden was first conceived by King Kirthi Sri Rajasinghe on the loop of the Mahaweli River that partly encircles Kandy. Under their care and meticulous attention, the Botanical Gardens took shape as the best in Asia. A promenade of palm trees is an unusual example of creative gardening that the English are known for. The palm saplings were brought from Panama in 1903. The garden has plant species from all over the world from exotic orchids to a tree that spreads its canopy to cover 1.600 square meters.

One of the most endearing sights during your Sri Lanka vacation will be the scene of work elephants reposing in the gently flowing Mahaweli River, spraying a steady stream of water with their trunks in carefully orchestrated symphony. In tandem you will hear the Drums and Bells of the Temple palace.

Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya is a settlement of traditional fishing families sitting in comfort on the water’s edge of the Puttalam lagoon. The lagoon, with a water surface area of about 32,750ha – is one of the largest lagoons in Sri Lanka. The scenic attractions include the Kalaoya estuary (one of Sri Lanka’s largest mangrove habitats), the Meeoya estuary, the Dutch Bay, and the Portugal Bay. Kalpitiya and the surrounding little islands have mangroves, seagrass beds, and extensive coral reefs. The combination makes it heaven to be enjoyed a long Sri Lanka vacation of swimming, snorkeling watching whales and dolphins. The brilliant sunset across the azure seas and constantly listening to the hush of nature makes it an exclusive Sri Lanka honeymoon holiday. The air-conditioned chalets that are hidden away in the estuary can be a Tailor-Made Sri Lanka package of exquisite ecstasy. The coastal ecosystems provide vital services for human well-being. They support livelihoods and protect the community from extreme weather. Nature has shaped the cultural and spiritual values of the inhabitants of this peninsular rhapsody of nature. Fourteen wholesome islands and glistening copper-colored beaches await you. The other delight that will enthrall you is the 300 sq.km. marine sanctuary and abundant marine life. The Alankuda Beach is a Sri Lanka luxury that you must experience on a Sri Lanka vacation. It is indeed a Sri Lanka exclusive of a discrete dalliance with Dolphins and Whales from October to May. The grand enticement of the ocean is watching whales and dolphins. The other pleasures that you could indulge in abundance are snorkeling over the spectacular coral formations, deep-sea fishing, kayaking, canoeing, sailing, kiting, and windsurfing.

Batticaloa

The magnificent beaches of Pasikuda and Kalkuda flank Batticaloa as two beautiful consorts protecting a dowager queen. Batticaloa is situated on the east coast of Sri Lanka with a great lagoon and a beach. On moonlit nights a melodious sound emanated from the picturesque lagoon is attributed to its singing fish. Fascinating facets of culture include the small community of descendants of Portuguese soldiers who still cling on to a fast-vanishing dialect of Creole Portuguese that is said to be similar to Medieval Portuguese. The curved coves of the beach of Pasikuda resemble the shiny edge of a serrated sickle.

The white sand is composed of granules so fine, that it gives you the sensation of walking on a warm wooly surface. The longer, darker-hued Kalkuda Bay is one of those whimsical picture-perfect scenes with sailing boats, coconut palms, and azure water that tells you “come wade in” with a naughty wink. Pasikuda, Kalkuda, and Batticaloa offer safe swimming and snorkeling with clean beaches. The small number of visitors makes keeping them clean a given, which you will find out when you travel to Sri Lanka. The Dutch made their first footstep in Sri Lanka here in 1602. The Dutch fort built in 1665 near the Batticoloa Lagoon houses government offices at present. The 6m thick walls of the fort now enclose the government offices still referred to as the “Kachcheri” a Dutch word that has been corrupted in pronunciation denoting an office of some sort. Excavations on the site of the Dutch fort have found evidence of a Buddhist Stupa and Shatra traced to the 1st century BC.

The ancient edifices of St Joseph’s Convent, St Michael’s College compete for attention with the Methodist Church built-in 1838. The Hindu temple of Anipandi Sitivigniswara Alayar with its ornate tower entrance is the most impressive of the Hindu shrines. The descendants of the Portuguese and other foreign mercenaries who speak Creole Portuguese are today carpenters, barbers and fishermen assimilated. They have intermarried yet have preserved such customs as celebrating Christmas and dancing the Kafringa and carry names such as De Lima, Ragel, Berthelot, Andrado, and Sela. Katrina is a type of music that is cherished by the Portuguese descendants of Batticaloa and quite popular with many in Sri Lanka with its strange combination of la Bamba and calypso. You will hear it often at dinner time at some of the Sri Lanka beach hotels. The bands in the luxury hotels of Sri Lanka will play Kafringa if requested. Batticaloa is worth a visit during your Sri Lanka tour.

Colombo

olombo is a city that makes you feel home no sooner you reach it. Known to Roman, Arab and Chinese traders for 2000 years as well as Indian traders from Calicut and Gujarat also made it their rendezvous point with the Arabs from the Gulf of Oman. The natural point of convergence for traders from the remotest recesses of the past today it is a vibrant city frequented by visitors both on holiday in Sri Lanka or a Stopover in Sri Lanka on their way to the heart of Asia. Colombo withstood the turbulence of European conquest with its ancient charm and elegance. In the process it became the seventh largest sheltered port in the world in 1907. Its demography mirrors its captivating history with a mix of Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian ethics. Many great landmarks within its Municipality display this colorful history.

The picturesque Gangaramaya Temple with its Sacred Enclosure of Higher Ordination built on the Dutch built Beira Lake, the Sri Kailasnathasr Hindu temple that overlooks the Colombo Fort Railway yard, the Dewatagaha Mosque where a 19th century Sufi saint is entombed, St. Lucia’s Cathedral, Wolvendaal Dutch Reformed Church and the Anglican St. Michaels Church built of stone, mortar and wood narrate the story of a city that still stands on the crossroads of evolving history. The Port of Colombo is one of the world’s largest artificial harbors, that is still under expansion. It is a major Indian Ocean seaport. As the main commercial hub of Sri Lanka, Colombo is the preferred location for the operations of both foreign and local banks, insurance companies and global investment and financial service providers. The part of the city known as the Fort was first built by the Portuguese as their protected enclave. It was modified by the Dutch. The British had little use for its fortifications after its total conquest of the island. It is now an important commercial center with many offices, five-star hotels, attractive shops and banks. The 19th century Clock Tower was once a lighthouse. Other historic landmarks are the President’s House and Gardens which was the residence of the British Governors from the time of the Dutch occupation. The Dutch left some remarkable imprints behind.

Most of them can be seen in the Dutch Museum located in the fort in a well preserved building of the Dutch period. The Mount Lavinia Beach is one of the sought after resort areas only 2kms away from Colombo. The hotel that bears the name was once the residence of Sir Thomas Maitland, the British Governor who built it as his weekend retreat in 1805. The oldest hotel east of Suez is at one end of the Galle Face green, a wide promenade popular with all residents and visitors. Colombo has some of the oldest residential properties with ornate arcades, wide verandahs and painted ceilings of colonial buccaneers, bankers and barons who made their fortunes in trade shipping and plantations. They are of such antiquity that they need to be protected however prohibitively expensive to be lived in. Today they form one of the most extravagantly comfortable strings of Sri Lanka Boutique hotels in the whole region. The dream home away from home for a holiday in Sri Lanka which may well turn in to a prolonged vacation in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla

The Dambulla Cave Temple is traced to the 1st century BC and is the most treasured cave temple in Asia. It has five caves under a vast rock that overhangs the temple. On the underbelly of the Rock is carved a drip line that keeps the interiors dry. Inside the caves, the ceilings are adorned with intricate patterns of religious images meticulously painted following the natural contours of the rock. Images of the Buddha and bodhisattvas and gods and goddesses are to be seen inside. The cave monastery remains the best-preserved historical structure in Sri Lanka that dating back to the 2nd and 3rd centuries BC. It remains to this day a living Shrine that draws thousands of devotees and curious visitors.

The temple has five caves imaginatively converted to shrines. The caves built at the base of a 150m high rock during the first century BC to 993 AD and between 1073 -1250 are the most inspiring cave temples of the many cave temples in Sri Lanka. You reach the cave temple by walking on the gentle slope of the towering Dambulla rock that gives you a magnificent view of the plains below with the Sigiriya rock fortress emerging out of the flat landscape. No doubt you will have Homeric thoughts because a Sri Lanka Holiday is the most enjoyable odyssey you can make in Asia.

Galle

Galle is a port city that has been known to chroniclers of civilizations mariners and traders from the days of King Solomon. Legends woven about Sri Lanka describe how King Solomon got peacocks and cinnamon through the port of Galle. If not true they may well approximate truth, for the phonetic genesis of “Cinnamon” is traced to Hebrew. The Greek geographer Cosmas Indicopluestas of Alexandria, mentions Galle as an important stop for Ships and Sailors of the Levant as early 6th century of the first millennium. Galle in the Sri Lanka Map has attracted Persians, Arabs, Greeks and Romans from the west and Indians and Malays from Gujarat and Malacca. Galle enters modern history in 1505 when the first Portuguese ship of Lorenzo de Almeida was driven to its inviting bay.

The bay is sheltered by a rocky peninsula which according local lore was a lump of Himalayan soil which the Monkey God Hanuman dropped when he brought medicinal plants and herbs to treat the wounded in a battle in the Hindu epic Ramayana. In a seminal book “Ceylon Under the British” a scholar records in impishly imaginative words “… If the vagaries of the winds brought the Portuguese to Sri Lanka, the lure of Cinnamon kept them there.” So they did, until evicted by the Dutch in 1640. Galle you discover today, will relate that story from every nook and corner as you walk its streets and corridors’ of well-preserved structures that have withstood both time and the price of progress. Today it is a protected world heritage site. It is has again regained its past grandeur simply by staying still within its imposing granite walls of the fort conceding some space to accommodate some world class Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka. This ancient port city was directly in the cross roads of history. It was also the natural stop for ancient mariners who sailed with the help of obliging monsoon winds from China to the Shores of Arabia long before Isabella and Ferdinand decided to bet on Columbus.

You will find the foot prints of Admiral Zeng Ho of China in Galle. The descendants of Arab traders with their quaint settlements and picturesque mosques will surprise you with their disarming charm and recall the wanderlust of Ibn Batuta who arrived on a stopover with no Sri Lanka Map but did leave descriptions of Sri Lanka accommodation. Galle is a monumental rebuke to that Imperial Poet Kipling. The fortified city, built by the Dutch, exists in its original design of the walls with 14 bastions enclosing an area of 52 hectares. It is an ingenious mixture of European architecture and Sri Lankan building traditions. In the structure of the ramparts, coral has been used with granite. The lay out of the streets and homes clearly point to a masterly synthesis of the east and west. In Galle the Dutch builders have made the “twain meet”, long before Kipling uttered those poetic but certainly not prophetic words “never the twain shall meet”. The twain continues to meet every January at the Galle Literary Festival an annual event in Sri Lanka that attracts the cream of Writers from all over. Galle was Global long before the advent of the internet and the web. In fact, from the latter half of the fist millennium.

Hambantota

The narrative of Hambanthota, now emerging as a maritime hub of the Indian Ocean has to start with its name. The port city of today was also the refuge of Malay seafarers who attempted to sail with the westerly winds from the straits of Malacca. The Malay voyagers came in their Sampans on the ancient maritime silk route. The town still has the largest Malay community whose forefathers brought their women along in their pursuit of a permanent piece of vacation in Sri Lanka. The tides of trade in a new world order have again transformed the fortunes of this newest deepwater port city that caters to the constant flow of maritime traffic in both directions between the straits of Malacca and the Arabian sea. Hambanthota marks the transition from the wet zone to the dry zone that opens into the plains of shrub jungle. The topography of the south of the island is in throes of a great transformation with an International airport now under construction.

To the curious, it may be of note that the two largest sanctuaries that are rich in avifauna, Bundala and Kumana are in close proximity to Hambanthota. Migratory birds from Central Asia, Siberia, and the Himalayas nest in them. The wide-bodied birds of Boeing and AirBus will want the same tail winds that the Siberian and Himalayan birds rely on when on their Sri Lanka flights. Tissamaharama which derives its name from the impressively large Stupa built-in 3rd Century BC is about forty minutes from Hambanthota. The historic town is the base for you to visit the Yala National park by 4X4 safaris. The manmade lake with its huge flocks of egrets, along with gentle breezes may convince you to take a boat trip around the lake.

A half-hour away is the famous Kataragama shrine dedicated to God Skanda, son of Shiva and god of war and wisdom. The origins of the present shrine are obscured amid history so ancient that legend takes over. The shrine is sacred to both Buddhists and Hindus. What is fascinating is that there is an old pilgrim route that connects Jaffna in the north of Sri Lanka with the shrine that is only a few miles from Kirinde, a Sri Lanka beach resort that is at the end of the south coast. Katharagama is a unique meeting point of two closely connected yet separate religious traditions, Buddhism and Hinduism that have co-existed on the island for two millennia and more. Of greater interest is the priceless opportunity of exceptional diving of the world-renowned ‘Great Basses’ wreck and the Little Basses reef. A 24 cannon battleship that was sent by the Moghul Emperor Aurangzeb to the Far East wrecked in a storm is in quiet repose on the sea bed off the Great Basses. Like to dive for Moghul coins during your Sri Lanka Holiday?

Peak Wilderness Sanctuary

The third-largest natural reserve in Sri Lanka, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary is a tropical rainforest that derives its name from the surrounding areas of Adams Peak, Horton Plains, Pidhurutalagala, and Hakgala. In 2009 the world’s rarest toad, the Adenomus Kandianus which was thought to be extinct for 133 years, was rediscovered in this rainforest.

Sinharaja World Heritage

A national park and biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka, the Sinharaja rainforest is of global importance and has been named a World Biosphere Reserve as well as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Part of Sri Lanka’s lowland rainforests, this reserve is a goldmine of endemic species including reptiles, birds, mammals, insects, and trees. It is difficult to part from these magnificent forests with their exceptional ensemble of flora and fauna. In order to truly embrace the natural beauty of Sri Lanka, it is essential that you undertake a forest trek through these incredible rainforests.

Nuwaraeliya

Discovered and developed as a hill sort for its collection of forests and meadows and the salubrious climate Nuwaraeliya became a quaintly cloned English village. The red-roofed Post Office, the granite edifice of the Hill Club, an 18hole Golf Course, a picturesque lake, and a Race Course made it a surreal Surrey village with many famous attractions and hidden treasures that are away from the tourist beaten track. They await your discovery. Nuwaraeliya is conveniently covered under the shadows of the tallest mountains of the island with all attractions of scenic beauty, adventure, and curious conundrums of nature within easy reach. Hiking and Trekking are not possibilities. They are opportunities not to be missed. Nuwaraeliya is a convenient base to explore the curious conundrums of nature found in the central hills of Sri Lanka. It has a unique arrangement of plateaus, ridges intermountain basins, and valleys. Its four mountain ranges are Pidurutalagala2, 524-metre (8,281ft) Krigalpoththa (2,388 m (7,835ft) Thotupola Kanda 2357m 7,737ft) Adams peak (2,243 metres7,359ft) Namunukula (2016-metres 6617ft) the Haputale ridge and Horton plains.

Ella

Ella is a small sedentary town. 50kms from Nuwaraeliya. With its single street bazaar, it is more than a village and less than a Town if not for its mesmerizing location. Its famous attraction is the Ella gap. It is best that you learn of it from one of its earliest admirers. Sit James Emerson Tennant Colonial Secretary 1845-1850. “Perhaps there is not a scene in the world which combines sublimity and beauty in a more extraordinary degree than that which is presented at the Pass of Ella, where, through an opening in the chain of mountains, the road descends rapidly to the lowlands, over which it is carried for upwards of seventy miles, to the south coast of the island “

The topography that he describes is a magnificent view that you will enjoy no end from the Ella Gap. You will gaze down on a vast amphitheater that opens to the coastal plains in the south while to the north you will see ridge after ridge and peak after peak. Ella has some of the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka. The places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little Adam’s Peak, and Bambaragala Peak. It offers great possibilities for Hiking, Trekking, and Cycling with Crisp, cool and dry winds keeping you active and alert. You may be pleasantly surprised by an abrupt fog that may descend on you. It will leave as abruptly with the same disdain for, civility. The view from the Ella gap will have a lingering effect on you. You will know what it to see below with the wisdom of an eagle

Lipton’s Seat

Lipton’s seat is the high light of your wanderings with its magnificent view that was once the delight of Sir Thomas Lipton. It is the highest point of the mountain range, where the famous Tea planter of Ceylon, Sir Thomas Lipton used to admire & enjoy the panoramic view from the Fiefdom he built for himself at Haputale. Do not dally too long. You will miss your Tea and Tiffin if the mist sets in. Elle is a picturesque little town that you must visit that is only.

Pidurutalagala

The easiest approach to Pidurutalagala the highest peak in Sri Lanka (2524m) is a footpath from Nuwaraeliya. The path has been in use since the 19th century. Ernest Haeckel reached the peak on 16th February 1882 and Andreas Franz Wilhelm Schimper repeated the feat on 19TH September 1986. Although the mountain range extends northwest up to Kandy, you have to be content with the forest reserve that is left on the slopes of Pidurutalagala up to Le Vallon tea plantation in Galaha. From the top of the rock Dotelagala you will have another fabulous view that will include the Victoria Reservoir past Kandy and Knuckles range beyond while closer to you lays Loolecondera plantation where Tea was first planted by James Taylor in 1863.

Kirigalpoththa

The trek to Kirigalpoththa peak 2388m is undoubtedly the most attractive nature trail for both the curious armature and the disciplined naturalist. It takes about 4 hours and is not easy but absolutely possible. The trail leads to wet grassland, cloud forest, and shrub jungle at its summit. A bewildering array of wildflowers will thrill you during the best months from February to April, for this tryst with true tropical nature that oozes out from natural springs of water that are the source of the Belihuloya and the Walawe River.

Ratnapura

The abundant gem-bearing deposits in Rathnapura mark it as a must-visit site in your Sri Lanka Holiday Map. The Sinhala name is precisely descriptive, meaning the “Gem City. “The flood plains and the mountain ranges that surround it have been a source of an endless supply of white, yellow, pink, orange, purple, and blue star sapphires. The legendary Blue Belle that litters on the British Crown and the star sapphire inappropriately named Star of India on display at the Museum of Natural History in New York are from this repository. The location was also known to wise King Solomon who made his scouts travel to Sri Lanka in search of sapphires for Queen Sheba. Seventeen of the largest blue sapphires in the world have their origins in the Gem City of Sri Lanka. Among them is the Star of India, Blue Giant of the Orient, Queen Mary of Romania, Logan Sapphire, Blue Belle of Asia, Catherine the Great’s Sapphire, and three sapphires named J.P.Morgan. They are on display in museums and collections from the Smithsonian to the State Diamond Fund of Moscow. Sri Lanka also produces rubies, garnets, zircon, spinel, alexandrite, and citrine.

A visit to a gem mine can be an exhilarating encounter during your Sri Lanka Holiday.
The grit and determination on the rugged faces of the miners are awe-inspiring. The hope in their eyes is as sharp as the luster of the sapphires and rubies they seek, in gem pits about 20m deep. The city center is a fascinating scene of the calibrated bedlam of traders buying and selling uncut stones. A glimpse of this scene is sure to add to your all-inclusive Sri Lanka experience.

The places of interest other than the fascinating gem pits and mines are:

  1. The temple named Pothgul Vihare dates back to the 1st century B.C. 450 steep steps lead to its intricate cave paintings and the statue of the Reclining Buddha.
  2. The Gemological Museum is a privately owned museum that provides you with information and some exhibits that explain the different kinds of stones available in Sri Lanka.
  3. The Ratnapura Gem Bureau and Museum is another center for the study of precious and semi-precious stones of Sri Lanka.

Indeed, a place of fascination and wonder, pay a visit to the Gem City and discover a treasure trove from the accessible and familiar to the extravagant and exotic.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee has always aroused interest as one of the largest natural harbors in Sri Lanka. The Portuguese called the bay ‘Bahia dos Arcos’ in their records and described it as a strategic location for Indian Ocean trade routes that could control the entire Gulf of Bengal. Admiral Lord Nelson shared the view of the Portuguese, but the great trading post never came to life. It may yet become one, in a shrinking world and an expanding Asia. At present Trincomalee is of interest to those who seek an idyllic holiday in Sri Lanka. Nilaweli is an uninterrupted stretch of beach that runs north from Trincomalee for nearly 30kms. The Red Rock Beach near Nilaweli is an estuary with some unique pink boulders. A boat can take you to the nearby Pigeon Island, which has some superb coves that shelter the Blue Rock pigeon. The shady beach is a refuge for sunbathers who sun and seek solitude on a Sri Lanka Beach vacation.

For addicts and the adulators of sun, sea, and surf, the Beaches of Trincomalee offers a value experience unmatched from April to November, a fact one must remember in selecting the days of your Sri Lanka Flights. The Thirukoneswaram Kovil is a highly venerated Hindu Shrine that stands on the highest point of the Swami rock that dominates the landscape. The temple is dedicated to Lord Shiva. The Swami Rock is a cliff at the tip of the promontory of the Fort. Located at the mouth of the largest and longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli it was to become a staging post for successive European colonials. One of its landmarks is Fort Fredrick where you can see a century and a half of British fortifications which received some fresh attention during the Second World War. The cliff has a forbidding drop of more than 30 meters to the sea below. It is called the Lovers Leap and is associated with a romantic legend of a maiden who jumped to her death from the sheer cliff edge. She had not wished to suffer the anguish of watching her fickle lover sailing in. All this and more, when you Holiday in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is the south coast’s very own hippy beachside town. Renowned the world over for its great beach parties and lazy hammock lifestyle Hikkaduwa attracts a wide variety of people who are in search of a perfect party cum holiday getaway. Initially, Hikkaduwa was a budget destination for backpackers but now budget accommodation co-exists side by side with more luxurious facilities. Aside from swimming or lazing around on the beach, you can ride the glass bottom boats to catch a glimpse of the famous coral reefs, swim out to the Hikkaduwa rocks that dominate the seascape, or go diving. For the fashion-conscious, the – Galle Road which runs through this popular town – is littered with clothes shops that make custom-sized beach shorts in the bright and bouncy castle. The vibrant atmosphere of this town can only be topped with some chocolate rotti which is a flavored meal be it for breakfast, dinner or just to appease your appetite.

Mihintale

Mihintale, 13km east of Anuradhapura, is where the Buddhist narrative of Sri Lanka began. Over 2000 years ago the Indian Emperor Asoka sent his emissary Mahinda to Lanka with the message of the Buddha. At Mihintale (which means the Mountain of Mahinda) Devanampiyatissa, the King of Sri Lanka encountered Mahinda, heard his story, and converted to Buddhism. The rest as they say is history and for Mihintale it is that history that draws throngs of pilgrims to it. Considered a great monastic city of old, Mihintale commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in May with the Poson Full-moon festival. Mihintale is best experienced by climbing the rock and visiting the surrounding archeological sites. At the foot of the mountain are the ruins of an ancient hospital, while along the flight of stairs up the mountain is the 2nd century BC Kantaka City, the Mandapaya (pavilion), the Lion Bath, the Ambasthala Dagoba, the Aradhana Gala, and at the pinnacle is the 1st Century BC Maha Seya dagoba.

Passikudah

If Kalkudah is renowned for its quiet seas its next-door neighbor Passikudah is famed for its beach as well as its fabulous resorts. Passikudah consists of a crescent-shaped bay of white sand which is surrounded by shallow, calm, and clear aquamarine blue water. Its offshore reef helps to shelter this sandy beach making it the perfect place for water sports such as windsurfing and water-skiing. Boat rides, fishing, and snorkeling are some of the other activities on offer. Passikudah also consists of some fabulous hotels and resorts which are idyllic places for rest and recreation. As Passikudah is located within an easy distance of the main Eastern coastal towns of Batticaloa and Trincomalee this makes trips to Lovers Leap, the Koneswaram Temple, Fort Frederick, or other cultural and historical sites a favorite option for a day out.

Weligama

Weligama or ‘sandy village’ – which is what the name means in the vernacular language – is a picturesque fishing village renowned for its stilt fishermen. A predominate sighting in the sea for passers-by, stilt fishermen practice a unique method of fishing where they balance on 50m poles in shallow water and cast their lines out to sea. Although Weligama is a quieter tourist destination with stretches of uninhabited beaches as of recent it has become a noted surf spot with several famous surfing points. Its proximity to Mirissa makes it a good place at which to relax after a couple of hours spent whale watching on the high seas. It is also the location of the holiday island Taprobane, the Dondra Lighthouse built during the British Colonial era, and numerous cinnamon and rubber plantations. The adventure continues with devil dancers and snake farms as well.

Bandarawela

Bandarawela is a picturesque mountain resort located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Due to a higher altitude, it has a cooler climate throughout the year. Linked to a royal and colonial past blended with a lush forestation has made this town a base for eco-tourism. The history of this area commences from the time of the great Sinhalese King Valagamba who fell back and regrouped in the Dhowa region to fight against the Chola invaders of India. During the British colonial era, the city rapidly developed due to the vast tea plantations and modern infrastructure. Many features belonging to this colonial period can still be seen as most of the buildings were built under British architectural influences. The pleasant climate and rich historical background have made this town a major tourist attraction.

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa is an ancient city with some very well preserved ruins despite the damage inflicted by invaders, is a must-visit place in the itinerary of an all-inclusive tour of Sri Lanka. This metropolis of antiquity was created in the 12th century by the Sinhala monarch Parakramabahu the 1st and is an astonishing urban settlement. The striking harmony between its buildings and its natural surroundings attests to civilization at its zenith with a sure grasp of aesthetic sensitivity and architectural design.

The Chula invaders from South India who launched successive invasions practiced Brahmanism, whilst the Sinhalese Kings were devoted Buddhists. The Hindu shrines and Buddhist monasteries that stand in silence emanate the zealotry of the invader and the determination of the defender. Monasteries that sheltered monks from Ramanna Desha (present-day Myanmar) testify to the close ties that existed between the two Buddhist kingdoms during the Polonnaruwa period. The conquering Cholas constructed monuments to their religion Brahmanism, and temples to Shiva where fine bronze statues were found which can now be seen in the National Museum, Colombo – a place if you are interested in antiquity while on your Sri Lanka Holiday. When the Sinhala King moved to the new capital of Polonnaruwa, the sacred Bodhi Tree could not be moved from Anuradhapura.

Thus, the Sacred Tooth Relic became the repository of Sinhala Sovereignty. The “Atadage” the Temple of the Tooth Relic is the most impressive structure among the remains of Polonnaruwa. The Gal Vihara, the Stone Reliquary, with its enormous rock sculptures is undoubtedly one of the greatest achievements of Sinhalese art. Polonnaruwa city is where you can see the island’s greatest historical treasures. It is still of great economic significance as a contributor to agriculture. The enormous reservoir called the Parakrama Samudraya (Sea of Parakrama) was built by King Parakramabahu on the 1st (1153-1186 AD) The large expanse of water dominates the entire Citadel of Polonnaruwa and its environs with its retaining wall, 14kms in length and 12m in height. The manmade reservoir covers a surface area of 15 sq.km.

Sigiriya

Sigiriya is both a palace and a fortress of stunning splendor and is a tribute to its ingenious builders. Lest we forget the King who wanted a Sri Lanka Holiday deal in a palace built on the flat top of a rock with a terrace and a mirror wall. The entrance is at mid-level, through the Famous Lion gate that gives Sigiriya its name making it the perfect tailor-made holiday in Sri Lanka. The frescoes of Heavenly Maidens -some twenty, sensuously captivating beauties who have survived out of nearly 600 dates to the time of the playboy King Kashyappa, narrate in paint the pleasures of a pristine past of a land that you have chosen when you decided on your Sri Lanka vacation. Sigiriya is an architectural marvel and a classic example of urban planning in the first millennium. A park laid out on a symmetrical plan to appease Royal indolence and water retaining structures with ingenious surface and subsurface hydraulic systems will surprise you, as most of them function to this day.

What will enthrall you most are the frescoes and the mirror wall graffiti. Together they narrate a story painted and etched of the genius of a people who lived and loved with a passion. They surpass the guest comments you will read of the most fastidious Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka.

The Frescoes – are drawn in a style considered unique. They radiate an ethereal beauty that seduces your senses with a grace that is exquisite despite its antiquity. The Mirror Wall- It is said the Mirror Wall was so polished that the King could see himself when he passed through the ornate terrace in the sky. Its surface suggests that it is made of some form of porcelain. The mirror wall has verses dating from the 8th century wherein they wrote on love, irony, loss, and grief. The Gardens of Sigiriya is one of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world. The Lion’s Mouth – is the entrance to the palace, with its giant paws still intact. A guide for you to imagine the enormous edifice that it once was and still is on the Sri Lanka Map.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a small fishing village on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. The discovery of the bay by surfers has made Arugam Bay one of the sought-after surfing spots in Sri Lanka tourism. The beautiful bay with its gorgeous sweeping sand with amazing swells and long consistent breaks is one of the top ten surfing destinations in the world. The spectacular view, the sugar sandy beaches, and the surrounding tropical forests with choice wildlife give it an ambience that falls a little short of being extravagantly exotic. This makes it a perfect place to unwind and allow the sea to seduce you in to snorkeling, swimming, and surfing with a sigh of satisfaction that you planned your holiday well. The surfers will find three points on the stretch of beach that attracts surfers from around the world from April to October. Pottuvil Point which is an hour and a half away by a cab or a tuk tuk is considered by seasoned surfers to be out of a dream of. It is a deserted stretch of sandy beach strewn with huge boulders at the edge.

Arugam Point is the main break at Arugam Bay and attracts the most number of surfers during the surfing season. Crocodile Rock is the third and the last of the three. An added attraction here is the possibility of your sighting crocodile, water buffalo, elephant, peacock, eagle, or kingfishers that frequent the lagoon. This surfer’s paradise has side walk cafes that serve delicious rice and curry and accommodation ranging from luxury holiday resorts to cheap Sri Lanka holidays. Any Sri Lanka Tailor made holiday which includes Arugam Bay is a sure experience, be it for surfing or relaxation.

Kitulgala

Kitulgala is a small town perched on the hills that slope down to the gushing waters of the Kelani River. The road that snakes its way up the central hill country bifurcates the little town that is one with the myriad charms of its surroundings. It is directly accessible from Kandy, Nuwara-Eliya, Ratnapura, and Colombo. discovery of fossils connected to the pre-historic man in nearby Beli Lena caves and the filming of “Bridge over River Kwai” where David Lean chose the river nearby to narrate the cruelty of modern man makes Kithulgala a place to see in any Sri Lanka holiday deals. Known to be the largest cave in Sri Lanka, the excavations at Beli Lena have unearthed skeletal remains of the pre-historic “Balangoda man” (Homo sapiens Balangodensis) believed to be more than 32,000 years old.

White Water Rafting is what attracts the seekers of adventure. The river at its scenic middle section consists of 10 level two, and level three rapids. They are separated by a quietly flowing patch of the river. The higher part is more of a challenge that is recommended to the more experienced. It is a picturesque little riddle of a town and village that you can unravel at leisure enjoying every moment of this Eden Resort in Sri Lanka. A Sri Lanka tour has many such places where you can unwind by bike or hike, Kitulgala being one such place.

Matara & Tangalle

Matara is at the mouth of the Nilwala River further south of Galle. Its name is descriptive of its location –the great ford. Both under Portuguese and Dutch occupation it was an important commercial center. With sandy beaches, fragrant spice plantations, and green paddy fields Matara is a bustling town sandwiched between sandy beaches and the pastoral countryside. It has a well-preserved Dutch fort facing the Indian Ocean, built by the Dutch in 1640. It is a fortification of a Portuguese garrison. The fort has many structures from the Dutch and British periods. The oldest of the colonial past that still invites attention is the Dutch church. The 40M high lighthouse was built in 1890 to guide the ships plying the busy sea lane in an age before Radar is 6kms away. Nearby is the historic shrine dedicated to the Hindu deity Vishnu worshipped by Buddhists as the God entrusted with the mission of protecting Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Polhena which is 3kms away offers unspoiled beaches. The coral reef provides good snorkeling and swimming. The winds and the waves that offer good surfing prospects make it a Sri Lanka Tourist attraction. A further 48kms to the south is Tangalle, with one of the largest natural bays on the island, protected by a reef. You will find some superb beaches hidden in small coves and bays. These are not beaches that stretch for miles as in other Sri Lanka beaches. The quiet little beach fronts are ideal hideaways amongst the breeze that sweeps across the Tangalle bay.

Negombo

Negombo is a city that offers a sampling of all Sri Lanka attractions. The Negombo lagoon, the sea, the scenic beaches, and a large polyglot community, reflect the essence of the ultimate Sri Lanka holiday experience. Ornate Buddhist temples, Hindu shrines, Christian churches, and Muslim mosques testify to the spiritual harmony of a cosmopolitan community that has seen it all from the age of discovery, trade, and conquest. The Dutch Canal and a Fort stand are ready to testify to its claim to be the first Sri Lankan destination you should visit when the Sri Lanka flight lands at the International Airport which is only 40 minutes away. The facilities for swimming, snorkeling, diving, windsurfing, deep-sea fishing, and scuba diving tell you why holidays in Sri Lanka are a compact package that gives you both multiple pleasures and value. Negombo had its early beginnings as a trading port for Arab traders who came to Serendib (Sri Lanka) in search of cinnamon. The trading post survived the three European conquests, adjusting itself to the vicissitudes of both political control and trading opportunities. In the process, Negombo evolved into a melting pot of diverse cultures, languages, religions, and communities.

All three languages – Sinhala, Tamil, and English – are spoken. The facilities for visitors range from upmarket exclusive Sri Lanka Boutique hotels and five-star resorts to the budget accommodation sought by youth who seek the most for the least in cheap Sri Lanka holidays. If you happen to be a lover of seafood, you have arrived almost at a point of no return. The ocean and the lagoon provide the delicacies and the Negombo fish market probably has no equal in this part of the world for both its selection and the ingenuity of its fishmongers. The people of Negombo belong to several castes and communities who are acclimatized to the cultural crossroads they happen to be in.

Pinnawala

Pinnawela is a beautiful village on the banks of a river near Kegalle, a town that is between Colombo the commercial capital, and Kandy the cultural capital. The pictorial village is the world’s only elephant orphanage that cares for the largest elephant herd in captivity. It shelters many baby elephants, as well as a blind elephant and one crippled. The Sri Lankan species Elephas Maximus Maximus is the largest of the Asiatic elephant genus and has patches with no skin color on its ears, face, trunk, and belly. They are the darkest of all Asiatic elephants. Seeing this large herd of these behemoths is a great experience you can have on a Sri Lanka trip. In February 2011, the Elephant Orphanage of Pinnawela recorded the birth of the 55th baby elephant in its 40year existence. The count stood at 86 with the latest addition.

The orphanage was founded in 1972 at the Wilpattu National Park and was relocated in 1976 into a 10-hectare coconut plantation on the banks of the Maha Oya River. The herd visits the river twice a day, the sight of the herd frolicking in the river is deemed as a ‘must see’ for visitors. The breeding program in the Orphanage was started in 1982. The breeding commenced with two males and three females. The male and female pair named Vijaya and Kumari has produced three calves at intervals of five and four years. The Orphanage also produces paper made of elephant dung. The process is industrially feasible and commercially viable. The Elephant dung Paper is branded as “Pachyderm.” It provides an income to the villagers who are conservation enthusiasts fully integrated into the elephant orphanage that is the nucleus of a thriving village economy, all a part of a Holiday in Sri Lanka.

Adam’s Peak

The base of this famous triangular-shaped mountain could be reached from Nuwaraeliya in a leisurely drive of one and half hours. The sinuous trail to Adams peak sacred to four religions Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian is a journey past the 80m St. Clair falls, 98m Devon falls, and some of the best tea growing plantations. Buddhists believe that the large foot imprint in the shrine atop Adams peak was left by the Buddha. The Hindus worship it as that of Lord Shiva. The Moslems consider it to be that of Adam. The Christians think the footprint is that of St. Thomas the Apostle who prayed on top of this summit. To the physical fir, it is an immensely gratifying experience best undertaken during the pilgrim season from December to May. The ascent is best undertaken around 2 am to reach the summit before Sun Rise. The endless steps do end when you climb the 7260 feet with tired feet. You stand in solemn silence while watching the muted magnificence of the giant triangular shadow of the Peak falling on the dull dense forests of peaks, valleys, and plains that extend to the shores of the island. The sudden rush of the rapture will quietly be replaced with the awesome realization of the mysteries of nature that attempts to replicate celestial eclipses here on earth. The shadow of the Mountain will gradually recede with the rising sun into its bosom. The Mountain Bell will toll signaling that another day has dawned while you were in communion with the heavens. Nuwara Eliya gives you the best access to the nature trails to the Cloud Forests of Sri Lanka.

Rainforests

Rainforests are incredible places that cover only 6% of the surface area of the Earth, however more than half of the world’s plant and animal species live in them. The reason they are called rainforests is that they receive a high amount of rainfall annually. Consisting of tall, dense jungle, the climate inside a rainforest is hot and humid. At one time in Sri Lanka rainforests consisted of over 26% of the land area, however, today only 2% is left of forest cover. Hence it is no surprise that all rainforests on the island have been declared protected areas with Sinharaja designated as a World Heritage site. The title of World Heritage Site is granted by UNESCO and it means that the area has been listed as a place of special significance to the common heritage of humanity. It is therefore in the interest of mankind to preserve and protect such sites. The rainforests of Sri Lanka are treasure troves of biodiversity and beauty. Most of the island’s rainforests are located on the western and southern slopes of the mountains of Sri Lanka and they are well worth a visit. The three most famous rainforests in Sri Lanka are Peak Wilderness, 250 km2, Knuckles, 175 km2, and the Sinharaja World Heritage Site, 90 km2. The elusive Loris, the majestic elephant, and fierce-eyed leopards are found within these rainforests.

Knuckles

The Knuckles Mountain range includes sections of Kandy and Matale with the Mahaveli Valley separating it from the Central Hills on the South and East while the Matale valley does the same on the West. It was named Knuckles because the mountain range looks like a clenched fist. Its importance lies in its clear water, cloud forests, and unique flora and fauna.

Hill country

Before tea was introduced to the island Pearl fishing was the mainstay of the economy the island. Georges Bizet’s opera The Pearl Fishers, first performed in Paris in 1863 is set in Ceylon. In 1863 Sri Lanka then referred to as Ceylon was famous for Pearls. Tea came later. Before Tea, the British Tried Coffee. The entrepreneur James Taylor imported the first tea plants from Cathay in 1863. It was in 1863 that the Opera “the Pearl Fishers” by Georges Bizet set in Sri Lanka was first performed in Paris. An “opera seria” was being enacted in the hill country of the British colony. The central hills were then cleared for tea plantations. Despite the rapacious advance of colonial commercial exploitation, the largest and the least disturbed remaining areas of the montane rain forests of Sri Lanka are a treasure trove of nature. It is regarded as a global super-hot spot for conservation.

The carpets of thick emerald-green tea bushes that cover the mountain slopes are the reason for the paved roads that wind their way up to Nuwaraeliya, the convenient base for your discovery of the hill country. The Nile explorer Samuel Baker who trekked through these pristine forests long before these paved roads writes “– One fact I wish to impress upon all–that the coloring of every description is diminished and not exaggerated, the real scene being in all cases a picture, of which the narration is but a feeble copy.” The exquisite perfection of nature that blended high peaks reaching to the clouds with Verdant Mountain slopes, cascading waterfalls, and glittering streams were an irresistible lure to the British.

Horton Plains

Horton Plains is a plateau with a unique and fragile ecosystem located 2,150m above sea level. These tranquil grassy woodlands endlessly swept by crisp, sharp, biting winds are home to endemic highland birds, leopards, and Sāmbhar deer. Horton Plains covers a land area of 3,160 hectares (12.2 sq. mi). It contains the most extensive part of the cloud forest in Sri Lanka. Considered the most prized watershed in the country it holds the headwaters of three major Sri Lankan rivers, the Mahaweli, Kelani, and Walawe. The plateau drops abruptly by 1650 meters at the “Worlds End” the only plausible description that fits the frightening abyss below, often covered by a mystic mist. On a clear day, it offers a spectacular view that extends up to the distant Indian Ocean.

Haputale

Haputale is 44Kms from Nuwaraeliya. The tiny town precariously perched on a mountain ridge at an elevation of 1579 meters is ensconced in the southern end of the Central Highlands. It has a justifiable repute for a climate that is both invigorating and restful. Its great attraction is that it offers an unimpeded view of the plains that extend to the coastal plains of the south and the east and the mountains to its north. It is hemmed in by the mountains of Horton plains, Hakgala, and, Namunukula among several other peaks. Turn again and you have another breathtaking view of the foothills that extend to the Southern parts of the island right down to the sea. Under the cloudless sky of a bright day, you may devour the sight of a pale blue border of the ocean. The terrain of Haputale tempts you to do many things – walking, hiking, and trekking in the surrounding hills.

Adam’s Peak

The base of this famous triangular-shaped mountain could be reached from Nuwaraeliya in a leisurely drive of one and half hours. The sinuous trail to Adams peak sacred to four religions Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian is a journey past the 80m St. Clair falls, 98m Devon falls, and some of the best tea growing plantations. Buddhists believe that the large foot imprint in the shrine atop Adams peak was left by the Buddha. The Hindus worship it as that of Lord Shiva. The Moslems consider it to be that of Adam. The Christians think the footprint is that of St. Thomas the Apostle who prayed on top of this summit. To the physical fir, it is an immensely gratifying experience best undertaken during the pilgrim season from December to May. The ascent is best undertaken around 2 am to reach the summit before Sun Rise. The endless steps do end when you climb the 7260 feet with tired feet. You stand in solemn silence while watching the muted magnificence of the giant triangular shadow of the Peak falling on the dull dense forests of peaks, valleys, and plains that extend to the shores of the island. The sudden rush of the rapture will quietly be replaced with the awesome realization of the mysteries of nature that attempts to replicate celestial eclipses here on earth. The shadow of the Mountain will gradually recede with the rising sun into its bosom. The Mountain Bell will toll signaling that another day has dawned while you were in communion with the heavens. Nuwara Eliya gives you the best access to the nature trails to the Cloud Forests of Sri Lanka.

Namunukula

Namunukula at 2036m is a peak that stands in Isolation almost always taking refuge in clouds in the eastern part of the Uva basin that you say in eagle eye view earlier from atop Lipton’s seat at Haputale. The recommended approach to this seemingly reluctant and elusive mountain terrain is through the Spring Valley tea plantation. You have already seen the Namunukula mountain range from the Elle gap which is 19kms away. Before you reach the foothills of the Mountain range with its nine peaks as its name implies you have a pleasant trek of 6kms through a maze of Rhododendrons and giant trees. Some extremely good primeval forest cover has been preserved on this range. As you climb the giant trees become stunted at about 3-5m forming a dense canopy. The peak itself is covered with shrub jungle allowing a panoramic view of the eastern and southern coasts of the island.

The other two trails to the Second highest peak Kirigalpoththa and the third-highest Thotupola Kanda begin from Horton plains.

Thotupola Kande

Thotupola kande 2.357m the third highest peak of Sri Lanka is easily reached by a footpath from Horton plains from February to April and from July to September. This trail allows you into the deepest recesses of a cloud forest with the least resistance. Although it is the third highest peak the elevation gain is so gradual that the height you reach is only felt by the equally gradual sharpening of the bite of the winds that buffet you. The stunning view of the surrounding savannas and patches of dense forests is by all accounts a rapturous rendezvous with mother earth. The primitive man worshiped mountain peaks for a good reason.

Jaffna

Jaffna is one of the oldest human settlements in the peninsular region of Northern Sri Lanka. The city was the epicenter of a decade-long conflict that has now ended. An old resident says in his blog “the quiet nostalgia for a gratifying past puts a faint smile on the granite brought in for reconstruction.” Reconstruction of the city and the return of its residents to the once-vibrant economy is captured on canvas by an acclaimed artist. He notes “…continual transformation is the process that cities need to endure when they emerge into new life once again.” That canvas unfolds before your eyes on your Sri Lanka vacation when you visit the Jaffna peninsula and the colorful offshore islands that surround it. Once the 2nd largest Sri Lankan city, it was also an important Portuguese colonial hold. The Dutch Fort that still dominates the Jaffna skyline is spread over an area of 22 hectares within the city limits. The star-shaped Jaffna Fort built-in 1680 by the Dutch is considered the best example of Dutch fortifications in Asia.

On Delft Island (Neduntivu islet) 35kms from the city is the Delft Fort built by the Portuguese. Behind the Fort is a beautiful beach with exquisite shells. A ferry service connects the largest island in the Palk straits with the mainland. The architecture of the Kandaswamy Kovil in the Nallur quarter of the city has been built in the South Indian Dravidian style. The shrine which stood on the site before its destruction by the Portuguese dates back to the 10th century. At Kantarodai, there are about 100 miniature dagobas or stupas crowded into an area of about one hectare. The diameter of the largest stupa is approximately 4 meters. These are believed to be 2000 years old. Nagadeepa is a small island an hour’s journey by boat from the city. The Buddhist temple recently restored is a temple revered by Buddhists of Sri Lanka who believe that it was visited by the Buddha.

Bentota

One of the top 10 beaches in Asia according to the list compiled for Forbes Best Beaches in Asia Awards 2010, Bentota, which is found next to Beruwala, is a great place for family holidays. Five-star holiday resorts flank the beachfront and the Bentota River winds its way through the area. However, it’s not only famous for its pristine beaches but also several exciting water sports such as windsurfing, para-sailing, and jet skiing. Thrilling river safaris along the river grant visitors access to cinnamon plantations, nature resorts, and temples that are further inland. An unmissable experience would be a visit to the residencies of two of Sri Lanka’s most famous personalities. Geoffrey Bawa, the internationally renowned Sri Lankan architect built his country estate Lunuganga in Bentota, while his brother Bevis Bawa an equally famous landscape artist designed Brief, a 5-acre landscaped garden. Both are open to the public and a visit to the Bentota would not be complete without a visit to Lunuganga and Brief.

Kalkudah

Located around 35km north of Batticaloa is Kalkudah, the Tamil word for rock-bay. One of the finest beaches on the island, Kalkudah Bay is carved out of Sri Lanka’s eastern shoreline. This beach is tucked away behind a stretch of coconut trees and mangroves sans the hustle and bustle of daily life. Even the northeast monsoon cannot influence its tranquil state as a headland of boulders shelters it from the storm. Calm seas and a quiet beachfront make it the perfect spot at which to swim, snorkel or sunbathe. The fishermen provide visitors with a glimpse of life on the east coast and the opportunity to taste the best in seafood that the East Coast has to offer. In search of more than your double dose of serene seas and tropical heat? Go to Kalkudah which offers the sun, sea, and sand to all its visitors and residents alike.

Nilaveli

A 30km stretch of beach is found to the north of the Eastern coastal town of Trincomalee. At the center of the strip is the famous Nilaveli beach which contains all the elements of a paradise island. At Nilaveli a sleepy holiday by the sea or a fun-filled holiday schedule is both possibilities. A few hundred meters offshore from Nilaveli beach is the much-frequented Pigeon Island which derives its name from the blue rock pigeon which breeds on the island. The coral reefs make snorkeling as well as diving two popular activities while swimming or fishing at Red Rocks Bay and Kuchchaveli add to the myriad opportunities by which to sample the surrounding seas. Aside from the popular historical sites at Trincomalee, there is the ancient vantage at Tiriyaya which dates back to the 7th or 8th Century and according to lore contains a hair relic of the Buddha.

Unawatuna

Unawatuna is now not just famous for being voted one of the best beaches in the world but for the timeless slogan ‘I love UNA’ which is symbolic of its popularity among tourists and locals alike. A sleepy seaside fishing village about 10 minutes south of the famous Dutch Colonial fort of Galle, Unawatuna has become the ultimate beach and party destination in Sri Lanka. Packed into the stretch of beach which is known as the Unawatuna Bay, are great restaurants, affordable and snazzy accommodation along with some equally fantastic weather. Unawatuna has become a home away from home where ayurvedic massages, lazy swims, beautiful coral reefs, and a variety of fish and turtles all cohabit with each other in peace and harmony. For those in need of an escape from the chaos of work or some much-needed rest and recreation, Una is the place to be.

Beruwela

Beruwala has the noteworthy distinction of being home to Sri Lanka’s first settlement of Muslims and is thus an indicator of Sri Lanka’s pluralist and multicultural past. Nearly 60km from the capital Colombo, it is one of the largest and most popular holiday resort regions on the islands. Large stretches of golden sands are fringed by coconut trees on one side and the vast Indian Ocean on the other side making it an idyllic holiday destination. Gems and ayurvedic massages are popular among tourists as is the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery further down the coast and shopping in the island’s capital Colombo. A notable architectural feature in the coastal village of Beruwela is the white minarets of the Kechimalai Mosque. Located at the northern edge of the town this mosque is considered to be the oldest mosque on record on the island and is well worth a visit.

Balapitiya

Balapitiya is a coastal town in Sri Lanka, in the South West region. It is a small fishing village that is untouched by mass tourism. Located 2 hours away from Colombo, this location is famous for beach stays and family getaways. While in Balapitiya you can choose to simply relax on the beach, enjoy fishing or take a trip to the nearest locations like Aluthgama to see the mask making, Galle to visit the UNESCO heritage sites, Kosgoda to visit the turtle hatcheries, or go to Bentota to enjoy the water sports.

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