Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is the ancient capital of Sri Lanka from the 4th century BC to the beginning of the 11th century AD, is famous for its well-preserved ruins depicting ancient civilization in Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site lies 205km north of the current capital Colombo in the North Central Province, in the midst of large reservoirs, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya.

This ancient city, sacred to the Buddhists, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over 16 square miles (40km²). Since Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the 3rd century B.C, the city became one of the 10 largest cities on the subcontinent with vast monastery complexes and reservoirs and great stupas – some of the tallest amazing buildings in the old world. The sacred Bo tree known as the Sri Maha Bodhi is believed to have been planted in 288 B.C. grown from a cutting of the original fig tree under which the Buddha attained enlightenment. It is presently the holiest site in Anuradhapura venerated by Buddhists and non-Buddhists alike and is believed to be the oldest authenticated tree in the world. Apparently, a special caste was designated to care for this priceless tree, and ever since their descendants have looked after it.

One could spend days discovering the ancient history of Sri Lanka, exploring the picturesque countryside and watching the many pilgrims dressed in white paying homage to the Sri Maha Bodhi tree and spending hours of meditation at the holy shrines or walking along reservoir bunds. One almost feels that one’s inner self is lifted beyond this world, a rare experience in one’s life.

Colombo

Colombo is the largest city of Sri Lanka and the commercial, industrial, cultural and defector capital of Sri Lanka. Colombo is a busy and vibrant place with many mixtures of modern life and colonial buildings and ruins with a population of about 752,993 in the city limits. Because of its large harbour and its strategic position along with the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. The main city is home to majority of Sri Lanka’s corporative offices, entertainment venues and restaurants. Famous landmarks in Colombo include the Galle Face, the Viharamahadevi Park, Mount Lavinia beach as well as the National Museum of Sri Lanka. Galle Face is a ribbon of green space located in the heart of the city along the Indian Ocean coast, as well a popular destination. The Viharamahadevi Park is an urban park located next to the National Museum of Colombo. It is the oldest and largest park in Colombo and features a large Buddha statue.

Dambulla

Dambulla is situated in the Matale District, Central Province of Sri Lanka, at a distant from 148 km north-east of Colombo. It is home to the World’s most acclaimed Cave complex of magnificent Buddha Images and Rock Paintings of vivid colours and shapes constructed and painted from around 3rd Century BC. The rock of Dambulla is the centre of a Buddhist cave-temple complex established in the 3rd century BC and occupied continuously until today and it is the major attraction of Dambulla. This cultural landscape is one of the extraordinary and unique complexes. The cave – temple, rock paintings in five caves and 157 statues of various sizes. Dambulla bears witness in its richly layered composite nature to the use of the entire site for close to four millenni. Another interesting fact is that the Archeologists state that this cave and other numerous caves around the main rock had been in use for dwelling in pre historic times too from the evidence found so far.

Galle

Galle Fort is in Galle, which is located at the extreme southwest corner of the island, in the southeast coast of Sri Lanka. Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese. The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the “Ramparts of Galle. The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Site under criteria iv.

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated on the main road of Nuwara Eliya-Badulla, 16 km from Nuwara Eliya. The garden has a cool temperate climate because of its altitude is 5,400 feet above the sea level. The temperature ranges from 3°C to 15° C, while the lowest recorded was 3° C. The Gardens (27ha) were established in 1860 as an experimental Cinchona plantation from which the anti-malarial drug quinine is derived. Hakgala Botanical Garden, about 28 hectares in extent further, lies under the shadow of the Hakgala Rock. This massive rock towers to a height of about 2,200m behind the gardens and the surrounding forest reserve like a solitary giant. Today Hakgala’s gardens of roses, shrubs, ferns & montane woodland are delightfully located in salubrious environment, with small streams running across & wooden bridges built over them with birds flying all over.

Hikkaduwa

In the early 1960s, Hikkaduwa, a small fishing village was transformed into an unbelievable hub of international tourism becoming Sri Lanka’s most sought after holiday destination along the western coast. Easy to reach within a short drive from Colombo, the beautiful white sandy beaches, colourful coral reefs and excellent surf attract people the world over.

Hikkaduwa also is a major fisheries harbor and one can enjoy the sight of hundreds of fishing craft at its landing site just where the town begins. This makes the place attractive to those who seek fresh fish cooked to varying recipes. It’s a matter of hopping into any eating place.

Even off the beaches, Hikkaduwa has a lot to offer by way of picturesque temples, a scenic fresh-water lake where you still can see outrigger fishermen, tranquil village life at just a small walk down the road and much more.

Kandy

Kandy is a major city in Sri Lanka, and the the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination located at 115kM from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level and the third world heritage capital city of Sri Lanka. This hill capital is at the heart of the islands history and identity and no visit to Sri lanka is complete without a stop -over Kandy. The temple of the sacred tooth relic of Buddha is the most revered Buddhist temple in Sri Lanka. And it is located in the Royal palace complex. Since ancient times the relic has played an important role in the local politics because it is believed that whoever holds the relic holds the governs of the country. Kandy was the last capital of the Sinhalese kings and is a UNESCO world heritage site partly due to the temple.

Matale Spice Garden

The spice gardens offers to you a memorable visit to various spice plantations in Sri Lanka. Just 25 km from the hill capital of Kandy, the Matale spice gardens are among the best on the island. Spice Gardens at Matale gives interesting insights into spice production in Sri Lanka. You will be introduced to different spices and shown how some of these spices are grown and processed. The importance of spices in the minor export crops of Sri Lanka consist of Fragrant clove, cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, mace and pepper, for which Sri Lanka has been farmed since ancient times, thrive in the hills. Visitors may buy spices, traditional remedies and cosmetics, taste a herbal brew and in some venues, enjoy the full flavors of Sri Lankan spices.

Minneriya

Minneriya National park is located in midst of three agricultural towns in Sri Lanka, Habarana, Polonnaruwa and Minneriya at a distant of 182km from Colombo. The national park is a heavenly area elephants coming from the neighboring jungles to enjoy the lush grass fields on the bank of the Minneriya reservoir, especially during the dry season. Reports of elephant sightings range from 100 to a surprising 700. The lowest temperature and the highest of the park are 20.6C and 34.5C respectively. The national park’s faunal species includes 24 species of mammals, 160 species of birds, 9 species of amphibians, 25 species of reptiles and 26 species of butterflies and more.. The tourists visit Minneriya largely because of the elephant, especially in dry season . r a bath.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a city, in the hill country of the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The city name meaning is “city on the plain” or “city of light”. The Nuwara Eliya city has a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft). Due to its highland location, the city of Nuwara Eliya has a with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. The town’s attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. The slow-growing tea bushes of this highland region produce some of the world’s finest Orange Pekoe tea, and several tea factories around Nuwara Eliya offer guided tours and the opportunity to sample or purchase their products. One of the distinctive features of Nuwara Eliya’s countryside is the widespread growing of vegetables, fruit and flowers usually associated with temperate Europe.

Polonnaruwa

The second most ancient kingdoms in the Sri Lakan history. It comprises, besides the Brahmanic monuments built by the Cholas, the monumental ruins of the fabulous garden-city created by Parakramabahu I in the 12th century. The ruins of the ancient city stand on the east shore of a large artificial lake, the Topa Wewa Lake, or Parakrama Samudra created by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86), whose reign was Polonnaruwa’s golden age. Today the ancient city of Polonnaruwa remains one of the best planned archaeological relic sites in the country. One recent scientific observation is that of its climate changes: historically, Polonnaruwa had a tropical climate most of the year. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage site by UNESCO.

Sigiriya

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress of Sri Lanka is situated in Matale district near to Dambulla. It can be reached along Colombo- Habarana highway and turning towards East from Inamaluwa. Then proceeding about 10 km from Inamaluwa and passing Kimbissa Township one arrives at Sigiriya. The Rock itself has its unique identity on its shape not found anywhere else in the island and can be recognized miles away from the distance. The site of the ‘Lion Mountain’ was visited from the 6th century AD, by passionate admirers. At the summit of the rock is the fortified palace with its ruined buildings, its cisterns and its rock sculptures. At the foot of the rock are the two quarters of the lower city which are defended by a massive wall: the eastern quarter (perhaps postdating the 5th century), which has not been sufficiently excavated. Noteworthy for its terraced gardens embellished by canals and fountains, as well as for numerous monumental remains which have been disengaged from the forest which had invaded the ruins. Sigiriya today is a UNESCO listed World Heritage Site . It is one of the best preserved examples of ancient urban planning and one of the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka

Sinharaja Forest

The Sinharaja Forest reserve, a World Heritage Site, is the last remaining primary tropical rainforest in the wet zone of Sri Lanka which the country can boast of. It spans over an area of 11,250 hectares of forest land. The elevation of the forest expands from 90 to 1170 meters from sea level, presenting a large diversity of plant and animal species. More than 60% of vegetation is endemic and many are considered rare.

There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds. This forest reserve is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies, several species of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians. However, one cannot observe wildlife easily due to the dense vegetation. Commonly sighted animals include the giant squirrel, dusky-stripped jungle squirrel, purple-faced monkey and torque macaque. The red-faced malkoha, green-billed caucal, blue magpie and Sri Lankan spur fowl are some of the endemic birds seen within this forest reserve. There are no elephants and one is really fortunate if one can sight one of the 15 or so leopards that live within the reserve. Of Sri Lanka’s 26 endemic birds, 20 rainforest species can all be seen here. A variety of wild orchids abound in it.

Uda Walawe National Park

Situated 170 km southeast of Colombo, the Uda Walawe National Park which is a wildlife reserve covers an area of approximately 30,821 hectares in the dry zone where the long dry season is characteristic feature. This Park comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs and many valuable species of trees especially teak. The grasslands make it an open habitat.

This popular reserve is inhabited by more than 400 wild elephants. The open habitat makes is easy for visitors to view these elephants at close range. There are leopards, spotted deer, sambhur, wild boars, gray langurs, Toque Monkeys, golden jackals, water buffaloes and crocodiles and 30 varieties of snakes. The open parkland attracts birds of prey. Uda Walawe National Park includes a wide diversity of bird life.

Nature lovers and sight seers generally travel through the park in jeeps which are the most convenient form of commuting within the park. There are also popularly arranged elephant safaris for visitors. The slow flowing river lined with large shady trees make the park ever more attractive.

Yala

Yala National Park is the most visited and second largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park covers 979 square kilometres (378 sq mi) and located about 300 kilometres from Colombo Sri Lanka. The park is well known for its variety of wild animals. Yala plays a very significant role in conservation of a large number of flora and fauna in the country. It is important for the conservation of Sri Lankan Elephants and aquatic birds as well. The park situated in the dry semi-arid climatic region and rain is received mainly during the northeast monsoon. It is one of the 70 Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka. Yala harbours 215 bird species including six endemic species in Lanka. The number of mammals that has been recorded from the park is 44, and the Yala one of the highest leopard densities in the world. It also boasts a large number of important cultural ruins, bearing testimony to earlier civilizations and indicating that much of the area used to be populated and well developed

“ Testimonials ”

…This was first trip in Sri Lanka. Trip was very nice, because we got a good driver and guide. With your knowledge and kind help we enjoyed very much all the places we visited. Also we enjoyed the food. It was very best. Thank you, you was very help and good guide…

 

Mr F Misses – Holland

…Our trip is in Sri Lanka was really nice and funny. In as days we have seen wonderful Temples, lots of Animals, Beautiful beaches. We have over 3000 photos. Thank you for your kindness and availability. You’ve bben a good driver and it was enjoyable to make the trip with you…

 

Alessandra & Iacoro – Italy

…Chathura, Thank you for making our trip non forgettable. You were one excellent driver and very nice person….

 

Mr Shehri & Abdulrahman – Saudi Arabia