9 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka By Lasith

 

1. Where the Elephants Roam

Sadly not as much anymore.  Over hunting during the British colonial period has left the Sri Lankan Asian Elephant endangered.  Recent conservation efforts attempt to rebuild the local elephant population and visitors have several opportunities to see and interact with these majestic animals.



National Parks like Wasgamuwa allow you to capture a glimpse of these animals in the wild, while conservation centers like the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, the worlds largest heard of captive elephants, give you a chance to get up close and personal.

 

2. Magnificent Remains from Ancient Times

Sri Lanka’s documented history dates back over 2,500 years to 543 BC when King Vijaya became Sri Lanka’s first monarch.  Remains of architectural wonders from ancient Sinhalese kingdoms are still present today.  Most notable are those of the 5th century rock fortress “Sigiriya” built in the shape of a crouching lion.

 

3. Rich Colonial Heritage

For over three centuries parts of Sri Lanka had remained under the rule of various colonial powers.  Beginning with the Portuguese in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch in the 17th and the British in the 18th and early 19th centuries, they have each left behind their legacy.  From the Dutch Fort in Galle to British architecture in Nuwara Eliya, remnants of Sri Lanka’s colonial past are found dotted across the country today.

 

4. Golden Sands and Sunny Beaches

As an island nation, Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Oceana.  A trip to Sri Lanka is not complete without surfing, body boarding or just laying under the sun on its golden beaches that have been a tourist mainstay for years.

 

5. Explore Nature and Wildlife

A fast growing destination for eco-tourism, Sri Lanka’s 22 national parks, including 2 marine, are home to several indigenous species of flora and fauna.  Trek through national parks in Horton Plains to see some scenic waterfalls and blossoming flowers or Wasgamuwa to spots deer or leopards.

 

6. Land of Buddha

Although a largely diverse population, nearly 70% of the country is Buddhist.  Since the introduction of Buddhism to the country by King Devanampiya Tissa of the 3rd century BC, it has been an integral part of the country’s culture.  A tour of the country is not complete without a visit to some of the ancient and modern, life sized Buddha statues and temples.
The Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy is revered by Buddhists worldwide and is said to hold a relic of the Buddha’s left canine tooth.

 

7. Colorful People

The locals pride themselves on their Sri Lankan hospitality.  This is not just something you taste in the spicy curry dishes, but also in the beaming smiles.  During my travels I chatted with several locals, such as Laal the rock fisherman, who was happy to chat and share his life with me.  During your visit, I certainly recommend taking a little time to meet some of the people you pass by.

 

8. The Home of Tea

Sri Lanka is one of the world’s largest tea exporters with over 20% market share by volume.  “Ceylon Tea” is also one of the few commodities that command a premium, fetching about 50% more than competitors at auction markets.  Surprisingly however tea is not native to Sri Lanka and was a gift by British colonists such as the famed tea grower Sir James Lipton.  Today, Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s highlands is the world’s tea capital.

 

9. A Photographer’s Paradise

Be sure to pack your favorite camera during your visit – A combination of sunny, yet cloudy skies and lush green landscapes, truly makes Sri Lanka a photographer’s paradise!

Source - 9 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 30 pictures from Lasith Lansakara of Discovering Serendipity

www.loneyplanet.com

Kandy Tour

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• Kandy Photo Gallery

 

Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. ( 115kM from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level). Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island.
Kandy Perahera, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha's tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets is a must see itenary if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains.
he city established in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended. This bustling market town is rich in cultural diversity has plenty of iteneries to offer to the tourists from songs dances and handy crafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy is a good transit point to the cultural triangle to the north or hill country to the south. The city is also a good source of souvenirs or to experience many cultural performances at it's various hotels in the city.

The Temple of Tooth
The main attraction of the city and also the most sacred Buddhist establishment in Sri Lanka is where one of Buddha's tooth is being kept. Built in the 16th century but improvements and additions have been done to this structure until the fall of the Kandy kingdom. A golden canopy was added recently. Daily rituals are being carried out at various offering times to the shrine. A dress code applies for entering the temple. The magnificence has been enhanced by the octagonal pavilion.



Hindu Shrines
Adjacent to the Temple of the tooth are three of the four major Hindu shrines taking part in the Kandy Perahera. Shrines are dedicated to Gods Vishnu and Natha and Goddess Patthini. The forth shrine is further towards the town. Visitors to these shrines could witness the Hindu religion customs though most of the worshipers today are Buddhists. Hindu shrines taking part in the Buddhist pageant is a good example of the Sinhala and Tamil co-existence that lasted for centuries. Four of the last Sri Lankan kings were of south Indian origin.




Lankatilaka Temple
Lankatilake temple is a magnificent building built on rock at a scenic location which also has fine paintings










Gadaladeniya Temple
This 14 century temple is situated about 15Km from the town. The structure of the temple is influenced by the South Indian architecture and built on a rock. The stupa is on a high stone platform.








Embekke Temples
The main attraction is the intricate wooden carvings of this 14th century shrine dedicated to God Kataragama. There is also a Buddhist temple on location. Almost the entire structures of some wooden buildings are decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient rest house with similar pillars carved in stone.









The Royal Botanical Gardens
Once a pleasure gardens of a Kandyan Queen this 40ha land is a beautiful park with numerous tropical foliage and the best in the island. The Commander of the allied forces in Southeast Asia Earl Mountbatten had the headquarters in the garden during the Second World War

Kandyan Dancing

The Kandyan dance has become most distinctively Sinhalese and is readily associated with the idea of a National Dance. This development can be explained by the fact that the Kandyan Kingdom was the last of the Sinhala kingdoms to fall under foreign rule (1815). Whilst elsewhere in the Island the Dance sank into indifference encouraged by neglect or began to manifest sympto

ms of corrupt form and body, in the Kandyan kingdom, the Dance flourished under Royal patronage and, like other crafts, was cared for with great interest. The systematization of the dance forms was possible and the oral tradition had time to spread amongst the villages. The Dance, apart from being kept alive, also maintained a purity which gives it its unique quality. This same purity, however, did not make the Dance an adequate vehicle for theatrical modes of presentation, confrontation and entertainment. 

One might also observe that the religious organization and institutionalization of the clergy and their code of conduct prohibits the encouragement of or indulgence in Nacca (dance), Gita (song) and Vadita (music). This same discipline was encouraged amongst the pious laity too. Thus Buddhism remains the religion amongst the great religions that does not encourage either dance or music. In this way the Dance developed away from the devotional system of, for instance, the Indian Bharata Natyam. However, the close link maintained between the Court and the Clergy (the Sangha) made it inevitable that the Sangha should indirectly condone the encouragement of the Dance by the kings. The Sinhalese tradition was thrown back onto a social factor prior to its Buddhist conscience but developed with it, through it, around it and also by-passed it.

Adam’s Peak Tour

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• Adam’s Peak Tour Photo Gallery

Sri Pada
Hill climb of a different type to witness a spectacular sun rise or just for the thrill of the panoramic views of Sri Lanka or for pleasure . Not just a trail but a prilgimage to a summit secred to all of the world's major releigions. The most popular hill trail in Sri Lanka to 2200m above sea level. The season is between December and April when the summit is not misty and relatively dry. There are two popular starting points from the directions of Hatton or Ratnapura.
Easily recognisable from many areas of the western / southern parts of the country because of it's triangle shape summit as well as from the sea to the west. Secret to Christians Muslims as well as Hindus while to Buddhist it is one of the places where Buddha has visited and left a footprint. Today it has been covered by a boulder. The first climbs dates back to 1000AD by then king Vijayabahu I who had built resting places for travellers. Travellers like Ibn Batuta a Arab pilgrim (1304-1377), and Marco Polo (1254-1324) have recorded visiting the summit.


The Climb
The sunrise is spectacular and the scenic beauty of the climb is superb. Most people climb to watch the sunrise from the summit and therefore start at late night. There are several resting places along the routes. Both routes are well lit and marked.

Sigiriya, Dabulla, Trincomale Tour

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• Sigiriya & Dabulla Tour Photo Gallery

Sigiriya
Built in the 5 century AC this magnificent complex of geometrically laid gardens, pools, fountains (still working today) as well as oldest surviving murals of maidens has been a palace of the King Kasyapa.
Built on top of a 200m high rock, the entrance to the climb once has been through a lions head. Only the huge paws remain today. Half way up the rock are beautifully drawn painted bare breast Maidens whose existence is still a mystery. Which should be the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriaya, is a must see item in Sri Lanka. The occupation of the gigantic fortress ended when Kasyapa killed himself in a battle with his brother.




Dabulla
Dambulla is a part of the Cultural Triangle declared by UNESCO is on the main road from Sigiriya to Kandy about 19Km from Sigiriya. There are over 80 caves in the surrounding and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain the statues and the paintings. Since it's founding in the 1 century BC by King Valagamba, many improvements and additions have been carried out to the sculptures and paintings over the years. Hindu statues are believed to be of the 12 century AD and the latest paintings are of the late 18-century. The temple is a perfect location to view evolution of the ancient Sri Lankan arts. Dambulla is a unique and important historical site because of the amalgamation of the material from many eras.




Trincomale Beaches
Nilaweli and Uppuveli 16 kM and 6kM north of the city respectively are among the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Knee deep shallow seas spreads out hundreds of meters towards the sea. An ideal place for sun bathing and snorkelling.








Swami Rock
A shear rock outcrop called Swami Rock, several meters high above the sea is the tip of the Fort Frederick thus named by the British. having being occupied by the Dutch and the Portuguese. The massive Hindu temple dedicated Koneswara has said to have been stood here until it had been destroyed by the Portuguese. A modern temple is now built around the same location. Within the Swami Rock is Lover's Leap where a Dutch Officer's daughter had leapt after a broken affair. 

Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala Tour

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• Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Tour Photo Gallery
• Yala Tour Photo Gallery

Kandy
Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. ( 115kM from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level). Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island.

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Nuwara Eliya
Situated at around 2000m above sea level and surrounded by lush tea plantations Nuwara Eliya is the main hill resort of Sri Lanka and the heart of the tea industry. Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters the town is still very much an English town with many English style bungalows and buildings. Nuwara Eliya is a good escape for those who miss cool breeze in tropical Sri Lanka at any time of the year. Local tourists flock to this town in their 'season' from March to May when it is the hottest duration for the town, April being the busiest.
Nuwara Eliya offers many activities for tourists including visits to tea plantations golfing, horse riding, boating, hiking and of course exploring the beauty of the landscaped gardens, waterfalls and plateaus.

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Yala
Ruhuna National Park at Yala is Sri Lanka's most popular wild life safari destination. Situated about 300kM from Colombo the 1250 sq kM park is home to leopards, crocodile, elephant, deer, sambar, bear, wild bore, wild buffalo and peacock and may varieties of birds including migratory birds such as flamingos. The uniqueness of the park is it's many different habitat diversities such as dense jungles, lagoons and open park areas, a beautiful sea front and rocky outcrops

Yala Tour

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• Yala Tour Photo Gallery 

Yala
Ruhuna National Park at Yala is Sri Lanka's most popular wild life safari destination. Situated about 300kM from Colombo the 1250 sq kM park is home to leopards, crocodile, elephant, deer, sambar, bear, wild bore, wild buffalo and peacock and may varieties of birds including migratory birds such as flamingos. The uniqueness of the park is it's many different habitat diversities such as dense jungles, lagoons and open park areas, a beautiful sea front and rocky outcrops.

Months of January and May are peak month for best of the vegetation and the dry season is from June to October. Hiring of four wheel drive jeep a must for those who want to wonder in to its many trails to explore the national park.
There are many archaeological sites within the park and the ancient monastery of Sithulpahuwa situated at a beautiful rocky platform is among it's most visited sites.
Salt pans at Palatupana is a popular location for bird watching.
The leopards is the largest member of the wild cats found in Sri Lanka and Yala is probably the best location to view these beast in their natural habitat.

Sigiriya, Dabulla, Polonnaruwa & Anuradapura

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• Sigiriya & Dabulla Tour Photo Gallery
• Polonnaruwa & Anuradapuraya Tour Photo Gallery

Sigiriya

Built in the 5 century AC this magnificent complex of geometrically laid gardens, pools, fountains (still working today) as well as oldest surviving murals of maidens has been a palace of the King Kasyapa.
Built on top of a 200m high rock, the entrance to the climb once has been through a lions head. Only the huge paws remain today. Half way up the rock are beautifully drawn painted bare breast Maidens whose existence is still a mystery. Which should be the eighth wonder of the world, Sigiriaya, is a must see item in Sri Lanka. The occupation of the gigantic fortress ended when Kasyapa killed himself in a battle with his brother.



Dabulla
Dambulla is a part of the Cultural Triangle declared by UNESCO is on the main road from Sigiriya to Kandy about 19Km from Sigiriya. There are over 80 caves in the surrounding and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain the statues and the paintings. Since it's founding in the 1 century BC by King Valagamba, many improvements and additions have been carried out to the sculptures and paintings over the years. Hindu statues are believed to be of the 12 century AD and the latest paintings are of the late 18-century. The temple is a perfect location to view evolution of the ancient Sri Lankan arts. Dambulla is a unique and important historical site because of the amalgamation of the material from many eras.



Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa lies 216 km northeast of Colombo, 140kms northeast of Kandy and 104kms southeast of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka's medieval capital (11th - 12th Century AD) is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. The majestic King's Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, the Gal Viharaya (rock temple) and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa's great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of this capital's memorable sights. The Sea of Parakrama - a vast 12th century man-made reservoir dominates the city. Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area, and their development is easier to follow




Pottuvil and Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay, 3km (2 miles) south of the small fishing village of Pottuvil, had a reputation as a surfer's paradise before the area became unsafe due to incidents in and around Pottuvil and on the roads leading to it. It has long, empty beaches and a wide lagoon which is a haven for numerous bird species.







Anuradapuraya
Anu-radha-pura Kingdom lasted one thousand and five hundred years from 380BC. This city is home to many of the earliest grandest monuments of Sri Lanka. A popular destination of Sinhalese Buddhist's prilgimages because of its many ancient Buddhist monuments.
Anuradhapura has been made royal capital by the king Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. It remained residence and royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings till the year 1000 AD when it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree. This tree was grown from a sapling of the very tree under which more than 2500 years ago the Buddha found enlightenment





Aukana Buddha
The 13 meter high statue carved out of solid granite, goes back to the 5th century, to the reign of King Dathusena. (about 50km south of Anuradhapura)
On a rainy day, it is said, that one can see droplets of water falling off the tip of the statue's nose hitting the ground exactly between the toes.- a testament to the architectural accuracy of the sculptor. The brick enclosure around and above was built recently to protect it from weather.









Guard stone at Thuparama
Thuparama is considered to be the oldest dagoba in Sri Lanka and is believed to enshrine the collar bone relic of Lord Buddha.
The guard stones like these are generally found in pairs at the entrance to temples, palaces and other revered sites.












Isurumuniya Lovers
Isurumuniya temple built in the 3rd century B.C. is noted for its rock carvings. The best known among these is the "Lovers". Many a poet and song writer has taken inspiration from this carving to write their masterpieces. It is believed that the carving may represent Saliya the son of the great king Dutugamunu and the low-caste maiden whom he loved









Ruwanveli Seya
Popularly regarded as the greatest, and certainly the most popular among the Buddhists, of the stupas at Anuradhapura, Ruwanveli Seya, is the pride of the Great Emperor Dutugamunu. Raised in the 2nd century B.C. this dagoba is supposed to have the perfect water bubble shape. Among the many statues in the courtyard there is one that is of a larger-than-life man. This is considered to be the king himself watching his work from a respectable distance.






Mihintale
The temple of Mihintale is where Thero Mahinda, the son of Great Indian Emperor Asoka introduced Buddihism to the king of Sri Lanka Thissa.
Mahinda's sister Theri Sangamitta carried a off shoot of the the ', the holy Bo tree that gave shelter to Buddha to attain Nibbana. Sri Maha Bodhi' The Bo tree was planted at Anuradhapura, where it still grows as the oldest tree with a recorded history in the world.











Jethawana Monastery
The monastery complex is built where it is believed to be the cremation grounds of the Mahinda Thera who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka. Founded by King Mahasena (276-303AD) the stupa at 120m high was the third tallest monument in the world at the time of the fall of Roman Empire.