DESTINATIONS

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Galle is a major city in Sri Lanka situated on the South Western tip,119 km from Colombo. Galle is the provincial capital and largest city of Southern province. Galle remain the best examples of fortified city built by Europeans in South and South East Asia. Galle is one that has impressive and irreplaceble number of heritage sites and only living old city. The prominent land marks in Galle include the Old Dutch Fort, the city's natural harbour, the maritime museum, St Mary's cathedral founded by Jesus priests, one of the main temple. Galle is home to the Galle 

international cricket stadium which is considered to be one of the most picturesque cricket grounds in the world. Important natural geographical features in Galle include Roomassala in Unawatuna,a large mound like hill that forms the Eastern protective barrier to Galle harbour.                                 

• The Old Dutch Fort.          

The Old Dutch Fort in Galle is a world heritage site which contains the colonial period buildings and constructions. Galle Fort covers an area of 36 hectares.Encloses several museums, clock tower, lighthouse. Around 473 private dwelling identified inside the fort. Out of them 100 buildings were built before 1850. By the time the Galle fort has been declared as a world heritage site in1988.         

• The Jungle Beach.              

One of the more secluded beaches in the Southern coast, Jungle Beach is an idyllic stretch of golden sands that allow you to admire the grandeur of the Rumassala Hill on one side, and the stunning Indian Ocean on the other side from the beach, it is possible to view the Galle fort in the distance and witness the sunset.                                

• Stilt fishing.                           

Stilt fishing is one of the most interesting traditional fishing methods of Sri Lanka.  "Ritipenna" is the Sinhala term for stilt fishing.It is practiced by most fishermen along the southern cost of Sri Lanka. This art is popularly seen in areas such as Ahangama, Koggala, Kathaluwa and Thalarambe. Although approach looks primitive and ancient, stilt fishing is actually a recent tradition.                           

• Whale watching.             

Go in search of whales on this 4 hour morning whale watching cruise from medicine after early morning hotel pickup and cruise on to the Indian Ocean aboard a comfortable boat with an expert skipper and crew. Watch for species such as blue, sperm, killer, humpback and pilot whales in the waters, snap once in a lifetime photos and look out for other marine creatures including dolphins and sea turtles.                        

• Snorkeling                         

Add a dose of under sea adventure to your Sri Lanka vacation with this private snorkel in Mirissa. Ideal for novice and seasoned snorkelers wanting to try something different. Accompanied by instructors and provided equipment, training.

• Mask Museum visit.           

Sri Lanka's traditional art and culture scene brims with uniqueness. Representing it in all authenticity for decades is Ambalangoda Mask Factory and Museum. Head to the workshop and watch the artisans work their magic on a piece of wood. The carvings and the traditional colours breath life into them.                       

• Madu River Boat Safari.         

Madu River is a wetland near the small town "Balapitiya" along the Colombo Galle highway. This is the point where the estuary of the Madu river. The river flows through a terrain where it creates large number of islands and the eco system creates a beautiful wetland.              

• Turtle Conservation Centre.                            

Turtle Conservation Project is marine turtle conservation site that aims of protecting the sea turtles that visit the coastline.As Sri Lanka's beaches attract 5 out of the 7 endangered turtle species. 

   Moonstone Mines in Meetiyagoda.                      Unlike other moonstones, Sri Lankan moonstones are extremely rare, displaying a milky-white colour tinged with a shade of blue. Walk through one of these Moonstone mines to see how this beautiful stones are excavated.                    

• Yala National Park.              

Yala National Park is located on the border of the Southern and Uva provinces. The park covers 979 square kilometres and is located about 300 km from Colombo. The park consists of five blocks two of which are now open to the public. Yala national park is the most visited and second largest national parks in Sri Lanka.The national park features a diverse eco-system that includes monsoon forests, dry monsoon forests,thorn forests,marine and freshwater wetlands,marshes and sandy beaches along the cost. Yal National Park has one of the dense populations of leopards in the world.                           

• Thissamaharama.                

Thissamaharama is one of the pleasent town in the Southern cost.It is located 264 km South of Colombo in Hambanthota district in the Southern province. The town mainly serves as a starting point for visits to Yala National Park and Katharagama.Thissamaharama was the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century BC. Few buildings from that period survived.They are, Thissamaharama Raja Maha Viharaya, Thissamaharama Stupa,Yatala Vehera,Thissa Wewa.

Ella is a small town in the Badulla district of Uva province, governed by a local government authority. It is approximately 200 km East of Colombo and its situated at an elevation of 141 m above sea level. The area has a rich biodiversity dens with numerous varieties of flora and fauna. Ella is surrounded by hills covered by with cloud forests and tea plantations. The town has a cooler climate than surrounding lowlands, due to its elevation. The Ella gap allows views across the Southern plains of Sri Lanka. Ella is full of amazing things to do, from hiking the green mountain peaks to jumping in refreshing waterfalls. The town has a bustling atmosphere with plenty of great cafes and restaurants to enjoy after a day in nature.          

•  9 Arch Bridge.                      

 Ravana falls is a stunning waterfall situated in the hill town of Ella Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular waterfalls in the country. Ravana falls is about 82 feet in height and cascades from an oval shaped concave rock out crop. A part of the Ravana Ella wildlife sanctuary, the fall is bounded by a thick blanket of forests and is considered as one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The waterfall can get extremely powerful druring the rainy and sit to resemble an areca flower with withering petals, but it's size is reduced dramatically during the dry season.                         railway construction department of Ceylon government railway. rThe 9 Arch Bridge spans 91 meters ,at a height of 24 meters .The beautiful nine arches make it very picturesque spot especially as it located in  a dense jungle and agricultural setting.  Behind the railway, a forest is blooming and below tea leaves are being cultivated. It is truly otlne of the most amazing places to visit in Sri Lanka.                                    

•  Ella Rock.                              

Ella rock is a dramatic peak situated near Ella in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best hiking and trekking sites in Sri Lanka. It is known as a quiet challenging hike, the view from the top of the rock is thrilling. One can see the little Adam's peak In front, the petite village at the bottom and enormous ranges all around. Hiking to Ella rock is considered to be one of the biggest accomplishments for hikers and trekkers. While the views from the top of Ella rock are breathtaking. It take about more than 4 hours to trek up and down.            

• Little Adam's Peak            

Little Adams Peak is the mini version of Adam's Peak, the pilgrimage mountain site of Central Sri Lanka also known as "Sripada".It is one of the popular places of hiking and trekking in Sri Lanka and among the must-visit places in Ella. Located at an altitude of 1141 meters ,the Little Adams Peak got its name after its big brother the holy mountain Adams Peak, because of the similar shape. It  provides less exhausting and more pleasent alternatives as a hiking spot to those who cannot hike on a mountain as big as Adam's Peak. During the trek one can enjoy the view over the valley relax and connect with other travelers. Climbing up the little Adams Peak in Ella is one of the favorite activities of the tourists on their Sri Lankan holiday.                                 

•  Ravana Waterfall.                

 Ravana falls is a stunning waterfall situated in the hill town of Ella Sri Lanka. It is one of the popular waterfalls in the country. Ravana falls is about 82 feet in height and cascades from an oval shaped concave rock out crop. A part of the Ravana Ella wildlife sanctuary, the fall is bounded by a thick blanket of forests and is considered as one of the widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka. The waterfall can get extremely powerful during the rainy and sit to resemble an areca flower with withering petals, but it's size is reduced dramatically during the dry season.                        

• Damodara Railway Loop.     

Demodara Loop is a spiral railway loop and is a piece of cutting-edge civil engineering. This railway line is said to be the only one of its kind in the world.                             

• Nil Diya Pokuna.                   

Nil Diya Pokuna is an under water pond situated in a cave complex in Ella, which is believed to have been built by king Ravana. The pond is 80 meters deep inside a mountain cave in Karandagolla. The cave has a rabbit hole entrance through which the pond can be reached. Ideal place to have a cave adventure .Must take a guide to find the way.

    Nuwara Eliya is a city in the hill country. It is belong to Central province of Sri Lanka and drive approximately 170 km from the main commercial city Colombo. Elevation of Nuwara Eliya is 1868 m from the sea level. It is called "little England" of Sri Lanka, supposed to be one of the coolest places in the island. All around Nuwara Eliya  you will see evidence of the British influence houses like country cottages or queen Ann style mansions. New hotels are often built and furnished in the colonial style. In the kings period Nuwara Eliya was a jungle and protected area, but after 1815 when British able to capture entire country, then city was founded by Samuel Baker, the explorer of Lake Albert and the upper Nile in 1846. Foreigners like you, who visit Nuwara Eliya are lucky to experience totally different climate compare to the other parts of the country and around Nuwara Eliya, there are lot of attractions to visit.         

• Horton Plains                       

Horton Plains is a popular tourist destination with World's End being the key attraction. It is positioned at the Eastern boundaries of the upper mountain forest range of Central Highlands of Sri Lanka. The plateau of Horton Plains which is at a nominal elevation of 2100 m also bears the second and third highest peaks of Sri Lanka. The area of the Horton Plaines is 31.6 square Kilometres and is about 8% of the total upper montane forest and grasslands of Sri Lanka. The rain water of Horton Plains plateau is drained through tributaries to many rivers. It was late named as Horton Plains after the British governor Robert Horton . Horton Plains received the status of national park on 16th march 1988 and received the status of a mixed cultural and natural world heritage site on 2nd August 2010

• Nuwara Eliya Post Office.               

Post office is located in the centre of Nuwara Eliya and is one of the oldest post offices in Sri Lanka. It was built and inaugurated in the year 1894.The Nuwara Eliya post office building displays a Tudor-era designing in keeping with the architectural style of many of other colonial building within the town. Complete with a red brick exterior and clock tower spiraling out of the corner of the building, the building show cases a glimps of old world Ceylon and serves as a major tourist attraction in little England.                

• Victoria Park.                         

The Victoria Park is situated in the middle of the Nuwara Eliya city and it is one of the must visit destination. This Park was named to honour the 60th jubilee coronation of Queen Victoria in the year 1897. Originally the park was the research field of Hakgala botanical garden. It contains a lot of colourful flowers and large varieties of plants and trees available. This place is famous for bird watching and you can see several types of endemic and migrant birds.                                   

• Lake Gregory         

Lake Gregory is a man made lake located in the heart of Nuwara Eliya, constructed by British governor by the name of Sir William Gregory in 1873.It is a wetland converted into a beautiful lake. It's a lovely spot for people to relax with many activities and a massive park lining it. Spanning 225 acres, lake Gregory is the place to go for water activities in Nuwara Eliya, with the park serving as a great spot for picnics, jet skis, swan shaped paddling boats, speed boats are also available and you could take part in some wind surfing here as well.                        

• Hakgala Botanical Garden                 

Hakgala botanical  garden is one of the five botanical gardens and the second largest garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is contiguous to Hakgala strict nature reserve. The garden has a cool temperature climate because of altitude and is 1620 m above the sea level. The garden was established in 1861 as an experimental cultivation of Cinchona a commercial crop thriving at the time. Once after tea replaced the cinchona, it was turned into an experimental tea cultivation . There are over 10000 species of flora planted here and during the spring season the garden is famous for number of species of orchids and roses .              

• Moon  Plains - Sandathenna.                   

One of the best places to have a panoramic view of mountains in Sri Lanka. You are supposed to reserve a safari jeep to ascend moon plains. It is one of the best attractions in Nuwara Eliya with different kind of experience to the travellers. The main attraction of moon plains is the Mini Worlds End at the edge giving a 360° view of the surrounding peaks and towns. It is a wide open area with the chances of seeing wild boars, cows, buffaloes, deer and also total 105 birds species are recorded in the area of which 16 are endemic to Sri Lanka. At the view point you will be able to see the peak point of 9 mountains in Sri Lanka on a clear day.              

• Nuwara Eliya Race Course .                     

Nuwara Eliya race course is the only remaining horse racing venue in Sri Lanka. It is situated in 1868 m above sea level and supposed to be the highest elevation race course in the world. The track has a circumferences of 1800 m with a 333m straight. John Baker the brother of Samuel Baker is credited for introducing horse racing to Nuwara Eliya. The inaugural meeting at Nuwara Eliya was held in 1875 and was organized by the Nuwara Eliya Gymkhana club. In August 2011 the sports ministry took over the ownership of the Nuwara Eliya race course from the Sri Lanka turf club.

• Nuwara Eliya Golf Club.       

The Nuwara Eliya golf club founded in march 13th 1889 is one of the oldest golf club in Asia. The course opened in 1889 with 9 holes and was upgraded and expanded to 18 holes in 1893.The course covers approximately 40.5 hectares of land. Founded primarily for their rest and recreation by the British planters who cultivated the land for tea in Nuwara Eliya district to this day it caters to some of the customs and traditions of the country's colonial past. Nuwara Eliya Golf Club has accommodations with a restaurant, free private parking, a bar and a shared lounge.                   

• The Grand Hotel.                  

The Grand hotel is a 4 star Boutique Hotel in Nuwara Eliya, that was built in the style of Elizabethan-era manor house. The Grand hotel has 154 rooms, number of restaurants, bars and a billiards room. The original building a single story bungalow called "Barnes Hall was constructed as the holiday residence of sir Edward Barnes, the 5th governor of Ceylon in 1828.In1890's the second story was added to the building. In 1930's the third story was constructed with its Mock Tudor Facade.In1990's the archaeology department of Sri Lanka identified the Grand hotel as a national heritage property.

British governor has said that "Kandy is the most beautiful city in the most beautiful country in the world. "Kandy is situated in the hill country region 116 km from main commercial hub Colombo. It can be reached by motor vehicles, trains and air. The city is surrounded by Knuckles, Dumbara, and Kadugannawa mountain ranges. Mahaweli is the longest river in the country, it flows like a loop around the city.The temperature is between 24 -29 celsius throughout the year. So it's cool than Colombo. The elevation of the Kandy above the mean sea level is 500 m. Kandy is supposed to be the second capital of Sri Lanka after Colombo. Kandy is a living city. UNESCO has declared Kandy as a living world heritage site in1980.There are 33 buildings named as world heritage site, UNESCO symbol has been demonstrated on these buildings. The famous Temple of the Tooth Relic-most venerated object in Buddhist world, Kandy lake, Peradeniya botanical garden, university of Peradeniya, the 2nd world war cemetery, are the special places situated in Kandy. Kandy also famous for industries silver, brass, copper and jewellery industries, gems, wood carvings, Kandyan arts and crafts, Dumbara mats are very popular.                            

• Dalada Maligawa-Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.            

A visit to the temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a must when you are in Kandy. The most revered site in Sri Lanka, it is locally known as Sri Dalada Maligawa and is a place  of worship established in the 16th century A.D. Situated adjacent to the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, the shrine over looks the vast expanse of the Kandy lake. Preserving the relic of Buddha in this haven of refuge, it was declared that who ever houses and protect it, is automatically given the power to rule the country. The artefact serves as a significant symbol of Sinhalese is identity and pride. Everyday thousands of white-clad pilgrims make their way to this hallowed space bearing lotus blossoms and Frangipani for their offerings and prayers known as poojas. As most venerated place in Sri Lanka, there are some rituals and ceremonies conducted for the sake of the Sacred Tooth Relic. They are ,daily thewawa,nanumura mangalyaya, hatharapoya,aluth sahal mangalyaya, new year festival, karthika festival etc.                                         

• Kandy Esala Perahera.      

The most important ceremony in Dalada Maligawa is Kandy Esala procession during the month of July and August. This is the biggest cultural pageant in Asia. This is for the rain god Parjanya except rain on time. It includes more than hundred of caparisoned elephants, torch bearers, flag bearers, dancers. whip-crackers. Particular casket not taken out for this pagent, special replica casket call Perahera casket taken for this pageant.                             

• Royal Botanical Gardens-Peradeniya.            

As natural lovers you should visit perfect places in Sri Lanka. They are botanical gardens. Surrounded by lush greenery everywhere and wide range of collections and cultivations of flora. Sri Lanka has a long history from 3rd BC, our kings used pleasure gardens.In 1371 when king Wikramabahu 3 in Kandy Kingdom near Mahaweli river established a garden for ascended the throne and kept court. The royal botanical gardens established in 1821,six years after the final occupation of the kandyan Kingdom by the English. The site is less than 5.5 km from Kandy on the Colombo road and occupies loop of the river Mahaweli which surrounds it on all sides except the south where it is bounded by the main road. The area 61.25 hectares in extent, is about 460 m from sea level. More than 4000 species of plants including woody trees, palms, ferns, orchids and shrubs currently present within the garden.     

The Knuckles Mountain Range is one of the most interesting and important place in Sri Lanka,as well in the world and so also called the Knuckles Conservation Forest.It is an UNESCO designated World Heritage Site.The range is home up to 1033 plants species of which 15% are endemic,128 birrds species of which 17 are endemic,31 mammal species,20 amphibians and 53 different reptiles species which some characters as the leaf nosed lizard which is also endemic to this range.The higher montane is robbed in thick layers of cloud.In addition to its aesthetic value,the range is of great scientific interest.It is a climatic microcasm of the rest of Sri Lanka as the conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif.At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forest, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna.Knuckkles mountain is considered as one of the biggest trek in the country.

Sembuwaththa Lake is a tourist attraction situated at Elkaduwa in the Mathale district of Sri Lanka,adjacent to the Campbell's Lane Forest Reserve.Sembuwaththa Lake is a man-made lake created from natural spring water.Along side the lake is a natural swimming pool.It is believed to be 9 m to 12 m deep.Currently the lake belongs to the Elkaduwa Plantations and produces electricity for the nearby villages.

Dumbulla cave temple is one of the great place  located at the centre of the country.The history of Dambulla Cave Temple goes back to the 1st A.D.This is the largest best preserved cave temple in the country.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding, major attractions are spread over 5 caves. These caves consists  paintings and statues. These paintings and statues are related to Buddha and his life. These caves consist with 150 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri lankan kings,4 statues of gods and 22400 square feet ceiling paintings.These paintings are considered as the largest cave paintings in the South East Asian region. The paintings and murals are the most important artistic heritage of Dambulla.Folk artists coming from traditional families called "Siththara", did these paintings.The technique of painting is "tempara" and dry plaster which is thin and made of clay mixed with fine sand.Dambulla cave temple is regarded as one of the most important centres of Buddhist pilgrimage in Sri Lanka.

John Still - a civil servant in the colonial period said that"this is the largest art gallery in the world".Sigiriya is a well planned multifaceted Royal city.The history of sigiriya goes back to 3rd B.C.Sigiriya was used as a monastery complex. According to the historians, there are 21 caves and they were occupied by monks and ascetics.In 5th A.D., this site was selected by king Kashyapa for his new capital.He wanted to be a god and live like a god king.King Kashyapa built this well-planned Royal city with a palace on the summit of the 200 m high rock.He established buildings,parks, ponds, pathways,covering an area of more than 15 hectares enclosed by ramparts and moats. According to the archaeologists, Sigiriya is a unique combination of 5th century urban planning,landscaping, hydraulic management, engineering,architecture paintings,culture and poetry.

Mineria National Park is located in Sri Lanka's North Central province, 182 km from Colombo.  The major cities closest to Minneriya National Park are Habarana and Polonnaruwa.Minneriya National Park,which is part of the elephant corridor that connects Kaudulla and Wasgamuwa national parks,provides visitors with the opportunity to see elephant herds all year.And is a home to the world's largest known  gathering of Asian elephants.According to the reports they are as many as 700 elephants. The park is an important habitat for Sri Lanka's two endemic monkeys ,large mammals and endangered species such as the Sri Lankan leopard and sloth bear,gray slender loris, large water birds, jungle fowls, hanging parrots,grey horn bills, amphibians, and reptiles.

Polonnaruwa was the medieval capital and the second Kingdom of Sri Lanka which lasted for 3 centuries.At the end of 10th A.D., the power in Anuradhapura were very weak.Kings from Chola Dynasty captured Anuradhapura and destroyed and established the capital in Polonnaruwa because they could escape their enemies in India, Polonnaruwa was a second home for some singhalese kings and it had been prosperous area with the large tanks with good irrigation system. But the Chola dynasty didn't last long. Singhalese lineage was returned to the throne when King Vijayabahu 1  defeated the cholas in 1070.It was to be the beginning of 150 glorious years of Polonnaruwa. The city peaked during the reign of King Parakramahu (1153-1186) who unified Sri Lanka and overseas and the expansion of Polonnaruwa.He built magnificent temples, palaces, and pools as well as a comprehensive irrigation system that is still in use today.Next most important thing was Nissankamalla.He also contributed to the country in many ways.In 1215 A D.a tyrant from Kalinga,India,invaded the country and destroyed everything.That was the end of the Polonnaruwa Kingdom. During the British period in 19th A.D, discovered an abandon city inside the Polonnaruwa .Now Polonnaruwa ancient city declared as World Heritage site by UNESCO in 1982.Here are the historical places in Polonnaruwa you should visit. Palace complex of king Nissankamalla,Pothgul Viharaya, King Parakramahu statue, Palace complex of king Parakrambahu,Sacred Quadrangle, Rankoth Vehera,Shiva Devalaya, Lankathilaka, Baddaseema Prasadaya, Kirivehera,Galvihara.

Pasikuda is the pin up of picture postcard beaches thanks to its soft white sand and translucent waters.Most days are cloudless,the ocean is warm and water charity is very good which makes it ideal for snorkeling,diving,sailing and a host of other water sports.The curve of Pasikuda bay means that swimming can be enjoyed throughout the year.Pasikuda is a relatively new destination in Sri Lanka for luxury beach holidays and the  resorts lining Pasikuda, all benefits from generous manicured gardens, wide-open beach front and the most surreal ocean views. The original village of Pasikuda with its guest houses,hawker stalls and fishing boats infuse local flavour to the south of the bay.During the high season jet skies, kayaks and sailing boats occupy the water.

Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is known as a surfers paradise and one of the best beaches in Sri Lanka.It is one of those areas in the world you have to visit at least once in a lifetime.With world famous Yala National Park as its neighbour.Arugam Bay is lucky to surrounded by load of wild life like monkeys,elephants and crocodiles.It's important to know that the busy season in Argam Bay runs from June until August.The waves in this season world famous. Big companies like Red Bull organise competitions here.