| |
 |
Places of Interest |
 |
| |
Every
location of Sri Lanka speaks of the endless treasures of this
beautiful island succumbed to the splendor of the Indian Ocean.
Our proud heritage is engraved in the square stone pillars
of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The sublime peace that echoes
around the Sri Maha Bodhi fills the soul of the weary traveler,
enfolding him in utter and pure joy. At dusk the soft beams
of the suns rays fall upon the holy earth, suffusing the beaches
with a golden hue. The sun, the sand and the sea combine to
create such splendour.
While Colombo speaks of classy sophistication and economical,
technological development, our rural villages will greet you
with innocent hospitality and the much-loved Sri Lankan smile.
The Northern District of Trincomalee is a
virgin beach for tourism, while the soft sands of the beaches
of Galle invite the tired feet of our tourists. The hills
of Kandy and Nuwara Eliya envelope you in a fresh mist of
mountain air and dense forests.
The rock fortress of Sigiriya speaks of the the pride and
prestige of the ancient Sri Lankan Kings who reigned the ‘Lion
Mountain’. The concept of 'Wewai Dagobai' (i.e. Reservoir
and Buddhist shrine) has arisen in our ancient villages, establishing
the links between Buddhism, culture and irrigation. It is
still portrayed by golden paddy fields surrounded by the rippling
waters of the our massive lakes. Walk along the happening
streets of Colombo; Relive the old world charm of Kandy, Anuradhapura,
Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa; Enjoy the cool climes of ‘little
England’ (Nuwara Eliya) and get into the wild side of
things at the Yala National Park.
|
| |
| |
Anuradhapura
is located in the North-Central part of the island.
It was the first capital and undoubtedly the grandest
city of ancient Sri Lanka. It is the home of two World
Heritage sites. Many places of historical and archaeological
interest could be visited.
Ruwanweliseya (2nd century B.C.) is the most famous
of all the 'Dagoba's in Sri Lanka. ‘Samadhi’
Buddha (3rd century B.C.) is one of the most famous
statues, depicting the Buddha in a state of ‘Samadhi’
or deep meditation. Isurumuniya Rock Temple (3rd century
B.C.) is well known for its rock carvings.
|
|
| |
| |
The
5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a World Heritage
site, built by King Kasyapa (473-491AD). Also known
as the ‘Lion Rock’, it is a site of unusual
beauty rising 200 meters from the jungle. The rock was
the innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare fortified
town. A moat, rampart, and extensive gardens including
the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock.
View the world-renowned frescoes which are in a sheltered
pocket of the rock that could be approached by a spiral
stairway.
|
|
| |
| |
Negombo
situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name
once has been a trading port for Portugese and Dutch
and is a ideal place for those who want quick access
to and from the airport. Attractions in the city are
the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of
the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply
route to the Dutch administration, old churches and
fishing villagers. The 100km long canal running through
the town is still being used and is an attraction for
those who want to see the country from a different perspective.
The stretch of road towards Kotchchikade comes to life
at dusk (most shops are open at daytime too) with many
handicrafts and curio shops, gem shops, restaurants
and internet cafes catering for tourists. |
|
| |
| |
Colombo,
like many capital cities in developing countries, is
fast changing its face. Skyscrapers arise from where
old buildings once stood. Yet in some parts, the old
world charm is retained. Places of interest are the
Pettah Bazaar, the old parliament in Fort, Hindu and
Buddhist Temples and residential areas where you find
the stately homes of the affluent.
|
|
| |
| |
Lavishly
spacious old-world Sri Lanka architecture evokes an
aura of ease and relaxation inviting you to this humble
city of lush coconut palms and fragrant frangipani.
Its golden tropical beach lies just 2 ¼ hours
from the Colombo Airport. The Bentota Ganga curves to
the south before turning to flow northward into the
Indian Ocean where river and sea form a narrow spit
of land.
The wide Bentota River and its lagoon-like hinterland
are ideal for boat trips. The Bentota Art Center introduces
tourists to the intricacies of local handicrafts. |
|
| |
| |
Found
in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached
the height of its development in the 18th century, before
the arrival of the British. It is the best example of
a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East
Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural
styles and South Asian traditions.
|
|
| |
|
|
Yala
is the largest national park in Sri Lanka and is the
home of wild elephants, wild boar, buffalo, leopard,
bear, deer and crocodiles. You can also see large flocks
of migratory and indigenous birds.
|
|
| |
| |
Nuwara
Eliya, because of its invigorating mountain climate
and scenery, is Sri Lanka’s most popular hill
resort. Nuwara Eliya is also the centre of Sri Lanka’s
hill country, producing a significant share of the world’s
finest tea. Nuwara Eliya also has one of the finest
18 hole golf courses in South Asia.
|
|
| |
| |
Kandy
was the last capital reigned by kings of Sri Lanka and
is a World Heritage site. The name Kandy conjures visions
of splendour and magnificence. Many of the legends,
traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive.
Visit the Kandy town and the Bazaar, the Arts &
Crafts Centre, the Gem Museum & Lapidary. You may
thereafter visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. |
|
| |
| |
Polonnaruwa,
which was the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka, was built in
the 11th and 12th centuries AD, and is a World Heritage
site. Here you can see the ruins of the Royal Palace
and the Gal Viharaya, where three splendid statues of
the Buddha in ‘Upright’, ‘Sedentary’
and ‘Recumbent’ postures are carved out
of rock.
|
|
| |
|
|
Trincomalee
is a tropical city on the east coast of Sri Lanka. With
one of the finest harbors in the world, Trinco enjoys
warm weather all year round and beautiful beaches. It
also hosts a famous Hindu temple, as well as great hotels.
"Tea is the chief export; hides and dried fish
are also shipped. Trincomalee is a railroad terminus
and an important road junction and is noted for its
rice and coconut plantations. There is some pearl fishing."
|
| |
|
|
|
Retire
to comfortable natural surroundings, after long and
stimulating excursions to places of archaeological,
cultural or wildlife interest. Tropical jungles calm
waters and mountain rock countryside of Kandalama, offer
the eco-friendly visitor, absolutely luxury, naturally. |
| |
|
|
|
Pinnawela orphanage is situated northwest
of the town Kegalla, halfways between the present capitol
Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy in the hills
of central Sri Lanka. It was established 1975 by the Sri
Lanka Wildlife department.
This 24 acres large elephant orphanage is a also breeding
pace for elephants, twenty elephants were born since
1984, and it has the greatest herd of elephants in captivity
in the world. |
| |
|
|
|
Dambulla is
sited on a gigantic rock which towers more than 160m
above the surrounding land. The Rock is more the 1.5km
around its base and summit is at 550km. The caves were
the refuge of King Walagamba (Vattagamini Abhaya)
When he was exile for 14 years. When he return to the
throne at Anuradapura in the 1st century BC, he had
magnificent rock temple built at Dabulla.
The site has being repaired and repainted several times
in the 11th, 12th and 18th centuries. |
| |
|
|
|
Situated in the Hill capital Kandy.
This visit to this garden will provide spectacles at extraordinary
beauty and absorbing interest for any nature lover and
casual visitor.Peradeniya garden gives you a first hand
introduction to the trees and plants used for the traditional
Ayurvedic medicine. Mahaweli river, Sri Lanka's longest
river surrounding this garden gives an added beauty to
this garden. |
| |
|
|
|
Uda Walawe, in Sri Lanka's south-central
sector, is the area which most resembles an African game
park. Wildlife reports say there are about 500 elephants
in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100.
Leopards, buffalo, deer and sloth bears keep them company
along with mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, water monitor
lizards and crocodiles. A half-day tour is the best way
to see the 30,821 hectares of protected area parked on
the Uda Walawe Reservoir. |
| |
|
|
|
The Horton Plains National Park is
the only National Park situated in the Hill Country and
falls within the Nuwara Eliya district and is 200 km away
from Colombo. Panoramic scenic beauty of the Hill Country
could be witnessed within the Park. The famous `Worlds
End' is a major attraction within the Park. |
| |
|
|
|
Hikkaduwa is
a very popular beach destination just a few hours from
Colombo on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka. Tourists
can enjoy days relaxing at the beach and dining on delicious
Sri Lankan and western food. Fresh fish is the specialty.
Glass bottom boats offer fantastic views of coral reefs
just off shore. For thoses interested in diving, complete
diving facilities are available. |
|
| |
| |
|
|
