Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of
Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place
where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where
nature’s beauty remains abundant and unspoilt.
Few places in
the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of
stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and
unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area
of65, 610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330
kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks
showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea
estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water
bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years.
This is an island of magical proportions, once known as Serendib,
Taprobane, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, and Ceylon. Discover
refreshingly Sri Lanka!
Anuradhapura
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Anuradhapura, most sacred town of Sri Lanka, can be
termed the birthplace of Sinhala civilisation. It was the capital of
Sri Lanka continuously from the 5th century BC to AD 1017. When many
parts of the world were emerging from the stone age, Anuradhapura had
already become an advanced civilisation. Merchants of the city traded
all round the world, people had sophisticated systems of man-made lakes
and canals and structure of the town was well-planned. The place has
been marked by Ptolemy in his first ever map. Famous monk travellers Fa
Hien and Buddha Ghosha of the 5th century have also mentioned
Anuradhapura in their relics, testifying on its glory. |
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Arugambay
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Arugam 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
surroundings tropical forests with choice wild life gives 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. |
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Ambewela
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Ambewela is a small town or a hill station
in Nuwera Eliya. It’s also a well-known dairy company. The climatic
conditions in Ambewela make it a suitable location for dairy farming.
This area is also sometimes called the ‘Little New Zealand’.
Ambewela farms are made up of two farms, Ambewela Farm and New Zealand
Farm. Because of the perfect climate in the hill country, it boasts its
superior breed of cattle, modern technology and top quality pastures
where cattle graze freely. The farms have purebred cattle from
Ayreshire and New Zealand. In order to maintain the quality of milk |
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great care to provide them with a balanced diet and sterilized water.
They are also given excellent healthcare on a 24-hour basis. The
largest grasslands of Sri Lanka are also a part of the Ambewela farms.
In addition to the cattle, it has rabbits, pigs and goats. |
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Benthota
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Bentota is the prime beach resort of the
south-western and southern coastal belts of Sri Lanka. South of the city
of Colombo, the city of Kalutara with its fine beach is the gateway to
south western and southern bay beaches. Kalutara is the next popular
beach. The Beruwala Bay Beach that is just before reaching Aluthgama at
the Bentota Bridge and Bentota Bay Beach just over the bridge are the
most popular twin beaches in the coast. The coast to the further south
and onwards to the Deep South too is replete with lovely topical
beaches.
Calm seas during the season from November to April make
Bentota Beach ideal for snorkeling, diving, sailing, wind surfing,
water-skiing, and deep-sea fishing on a traditional outrigger canoe. |
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Being one of the oldest established beach
resorts in Sri Lanka, Bentota is famous for its professional tourist
infrastructure. The many 5* hotels are often built in fantastic
locations and even if you don't stay there, you will not grudge
dropping in for a tea and enjoying the scenery. Bentota while offering
5* comforts also offers many affordable mid-range and budget places
along the river and along the wide stretch of beaches.
Bentota is a
well sought after destination especially by families. Safe swimming
conditions combined with fun water sport and exciting excursions provide
a marvellous and an ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri
Lanka. |
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Colombo
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Sri Lanka's capital upto recent times, Colombo, is a
fascinating city, not only for a comfortable blend of east and west,
but also for a cosy mixture of the past and present. It is still the
commercial centre of the country. Situated 34 km. from the
International Airport, Colombo has been a flourishing seaport for
centuries. Today the bustle of the harbour mingles with the activity
of its busy commercial, banking and shopping areas. The original
trading settlers - the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all
left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions,
costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been
absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankans. Colombo, with its
population of over half a million is divided into fifteen zones. |
| Colombo, the island's largest city, is noisy, frenetic -
and just a little crazy. Thankfully, the breakdowns, snarled traffic
and power cuts are received with a shrug and a smile. `No problem'
might be the national motto; it's certainly the one phrase everyone
knows and can say. While the city holds less obvious interest than
many other parts of the island, it's still a colourful enough place
and worth a visit to see what makes Sri Lanka tick. |
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Dambulla
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Twelve miles from Sigiriya is Dambulla, a vast isolated
rock mass 500 ft. high and a mile round the base. Here is found the
famous rock-temple dating to the first century BC. The view from the
top of this rock is breathtaking 350 ft. above are a series of five
caves turned into shrines. In the first cave is recumbent image of the
Buddha 47 ft. long, cut out of the rock. There are images of deities
associated with Buddhism. Dambulla is a unique and important historical
site because of the amalgamation of the material from many eras. |
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Dambadeniya
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Dambadeniya is a ruined ancient city
situated in the North Western Province, Sri Lanka on the Kurunegala -
Negombo road. It served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the mid 13th
century. Much of Dambadeniya still lies buried on a huge fortified rock. |
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Hortain Plains
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The most famous place of foreigners in Sri Lanka is
Horton plains. Horton plains are at Nuwaraeliya, Badulla and Rathnapura
districts. There are two main entrances to this plain. Those are
Pattipola entrance via Nuwaraeliya and Ambewela or Ohiya entrance via
Welimada or Bandarawela. Large Savannah plains, Waterfalls, High pure
water, Forests and several natural and high eco diversity areas are
available to visit at Horton Plains. Horton Plains is controlled by
Wild life department of Sri Lanka. Hoton plains are invented by Mr.
Horton who was animal hunter in British governing period. Earlier this
place is identified as ‘Maha Eliya’. Eliya means Plains and Maha means
Big. In this case real meaning of this name is a Large Plain. This area
is high more than 2300m above from sea level. |
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Kandy
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Kandy is a major city in SriLanka, located
in the Central Province Sri Lanka. It is the second largest city in the
country after the capital Colombo. Kandy was the last royal capital of
Sri Lanka and a major tourist destination. Famous for the Temple of the
Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural
capital of the island. 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. |
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Galle
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The port of Galle, thought by some to be the Biblical
city of Tarshish, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch
presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare (89 acre) Dutch Fort, built in
1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts
surround the promontory that forms the older part of Galle, and
shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches.
This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached
from the flow of history. The New Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch
governors in 1684, is a colonial gem with a wonderfully atmospheric
bar. Nearby is a tiny sliver of a beach suitable for a dip, though
most travellers prefer to head along the coast to the fine beaches at
Unuwatuna, Weligama and Tangalla. Plenty of public and private buses
run up and down the 107km (66mi) stretch between Colombo and Galle,
as well as any number of daily express trains. |
The port of Galle, thought by some to be the Biblical
city of Tarshish, splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch
presence in Sri Lanka. The 36-hectare (89 acre) Dutch Fort, built in
1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts
surround the promontory that forms the older part of Galle, and
shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches.
This area has a quiet, relaxed atmosphere that seems almost detached
from the flow of history. The New Oriental Hotel, built for Dutch
governors in 1684, is a colonial gem with a wonderfully atmospheric
bar.
Nearby is a tiny sliver of a beach suitable for a dip,
though most travellers prefer to head along the coast to the fine
beaches at Unuwatuna, Weligama and Tangalla. Plenty of public and
private buses run up and down the 107km (66mi) stretch between
Colombo and Galle, as well as any number of daily express |
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Hambanthota
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Hambantota is located at a distance of 240km (150 miles)
from Colombo. Hambantota, situated on the southeast corner of Sri
Lanka's coastline, is a well-sheltered fishing port with much history
attached to it. Hambantota is also renowned for its rich, creamy curd,
which is made from the buffalo milk. |
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Hikkaduwa
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Hikkaduwa is the island's most developed beach resort.
It has a range of accommodation, good restaurants and pleasant
cafe-lined beaches. There's good snorkelling at an attractive and
easily accessible coral sanctuary, scuba diving at a number of wrecks
in the bay, tours by glass-bottomed boats and pretty good surfing.
It's a relaxed place, similar to many Asian beach resorts popular
with Western travellers. There are also plenty of handicraft shops
catering to tourist whims, a Buddhist temple, a nearby lake with
abundant birdlife. |
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Induruwa
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Induruwa is a small fishing village
stretching along a small creek. The sandy beaches are ideal for long
walks, sun bathing and swimming.
The nearby sweet water lagoons and
the Maadu river with their amazing flora and fauna are making Induruwa
also attractive for ECO tourists and bird watchers. |
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Kaluthara
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Kalutara is a coastal town some 35 km south of Colombo.
It was the spice trade that made Kalutara famous a few centuries ago.
The town is most famous for its mangosteens, which are in season from
May to July, and sold at the roadside in inviting purple-black heaps.
In addition, some of Sri Lanka's finest basket ware can be found at
Kalutara's Basket Hall. Intricate and beautiful geometrical patterns
are used, and the colours are bold. |
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Kalpitiya
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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
includes 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, sea grass
beds and extensive coral reefs. The combination makes it a heaven to be
enjoyed in a long Sri Lanka vacation of swimming, snorkeling watching
whales and dolphins. The brilliant sunset across the azure seas
constantly listening to the hush of nature makes it an exclusive Sri
Lanka honey moon 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, 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 coloured
beaches await you. The other delight that will enthrall you is the 300
sq.km. marine sanctuary and the abundant marine life.
The
Alankuda Beach is a Sri Lanka luxury that you must experience in a Sri
Lanka vacation. It is indeed a Sri Lanka exclusive of a discrete
dalliance with Dolphins and Whales during 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, kite and wind surfing. |
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Kithulgala
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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 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 of 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. |
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Kurunegala
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Kurunegala was Sri Lankas capital for half a century
during the regain of King Buwanekabahu II (1293-1302) housed the Tooth
relic in Dambadeniya Temple. The Ethugala Climb, Dambadeniya, Arankale
Forest, Ridi Vihara, Old Railway Station are attractions. The beautiful
royal citadels in Kurunagala you can visit are Panduwasnuwara,
Dambadeniya, Yapahuwa that has remains fortresses, temples, shrines,
monasteries and hermitages. |
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Matara
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Matara, situated on the south coast of Sri Lanka, is an
old fort town built on the banks of the Nilwala Ganga, literally the
Blue River. This district is well known to mineralogists as a prime
location of zircon, a comparatively soft stone that has a brilliance and
fire approximating that of a diamond. The star shaped fort here is an
unusual and a unique structure. There are several beautiful and less
crowded beaches along the coast between Galle and Matara and the closest
to the town is at Polhena. Another attraction is a 25m high colourful
Buddha statue built at Veherahena Temple. The temple is about 2 km from
the town centre and about 1 Km inland from Pallimulla on the main road. |
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Weligama
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Weligamais a popular tourist destination and hosts
several boutique hotels. The name Weligama itself, in Sinhala, means
`Sandy Village' which is a direct reference to the sandy bay beach. The
loveliest stretch of the bay beach is round the island of Taprobane.
Most often dozens of traditional colorful outrigger boats are seen
pulled up following the night fishing expeditions.
Weligama
beach is famous for its stilt fishermen. In chest-deep water on the
beach, just few meters off-shore, are the stilt fishermen perched on a
cross bar- one on one- of a single pole planted into the sea-bed. These
fishermen, the poorest of the poor, spend hours with their lines cast
out to the sea to catch small fish. |
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Negambo
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The major beach resort in the West Coast is Negombo. The
wide sandy beaches and the safe sea are the major attractions of
Negombo, a traditional fishing town. Besides the beach, the fish market
is worth visiting where busy trading of a variety of fish including
prawns, crabs and seer takes place in the mornings when the fishing
crafts return to the shore with their catch. The most popular fishing
craft is the outrigger canoe called oruwa dug out from a huge log and
is seen in large numbers in the Negombo lagoon. |
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Sigiriya
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The spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya is an
impregnable fortress, a monastic retreat, and a rock art gallery.
Built in the 5th century AD to fend of a feared invasion, it is
situated atop a 200m (656ft) high rock, and at the height of its
glory must have been akin to a European chateau plonked on top of
Ayers Rock. There are water gardens, 5th century rock paintings of
well endowed damsels, a 1000-year-old graffiti wall recording
visitors impressions of the pin-ups, a couple of enormous stone lion
paws and tremendous views.
To get to Sigiriya from Colombo, hop
on a bus that stops at Dambulla, and from there catch any of the
hourly buses going to the rock fortress, a total of 191km (118mi). |
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Pollonnaruwa
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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. Polonnaruwa, is
situated in north-central Sri Lanka (Ceylon), near the Mahaweli River.
It is an ancient Ceylonese capital that was long deserted but has been
revived in modern times. The city, beautifully situated on a lake, was
once the most splendid city of Sri Lanka. 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. |
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Pinnawala
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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 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 40 year 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 in to a 10 hectare coconut plantation
on the banks of the Mahaoya River. The herd visits the river twice a
day, the sight of the herd frolicking in the river 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.
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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 to the elephant orphanage
that is the nucleus of a thriving village economy, all a part of a
Holiday in Sri Lanka. |
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Pasikuda
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The world famous Pasikudah beach in Batticaloa district
along the east coast is a location attractive to both local and
international holidaymakers. With its wide sandy beach and a reef
protected sea it is an ideal place for children, wind surfers and water
skiers.
The village itself is away from busy town life making
it a popular beach retreat. Boat trips are readily available for
viewing the coral reef and the sea is surprisingly shallow and calm for
a long distance within making it a safe place of enjoyment especially
for children. |
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Rathnapura
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Roughly 100km (64 miles) southeast of Colombo on the
outskirts of the hill country, Ratnapura is known as Sri Lanka's
gemstone capital. It is the centre of a number of richly watered valleys
between adam's peak and Sinharaja forest Reserve. The climate here is
wet and humid. ratnapura was the traditional start of the toughest
pilgrimages up to Adam's Peak, and this is reputed to be the best place
for views of the sacred mountain. |
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Trincomalee
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Trincomalee is a natural deep-water harbor, on the
north-east coast of Sri Lanka. On the east side of the town of
Trincomalee, on a cliff known as Swami Rock stands one of the oldest
Kovils (Hindu temple) in Sri Lanka. The present day Tirukonesvaram
Kovil was rebuilt on the site of the Dakshana Kailayam (temple of 100
pillars) - that was destroyed by the Portugese in the 17th century.
The restoration work was completed in the 1960's, and it is a "must
see" site, for the visitors to Trincomalee. Friday evening Puja
(offerings) services are specially colorful. |
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Nuwara Eliya
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Once the favourite hill station of the British, Nuwara
Eliya still retains the vestiges of Empire: a blend of Tudor and
Georgian architecture, gabled roofs, immaculate lawns with rose
bushes and moss-covered gravestones. Soak up the quaint atmosphere by
visiting the Hill Club - by jove, there's a golf course, tennis
courts, even copies of Country Life here - or visit the botanic
gardens and tea plantations in the surrounding hills.
Buses going
to Nuwara Eliya leave Colombo almost hourly, and from Kandy with
regular frequency. You can catch a train although you'll need to get
off at Nanu Oya and catch a connecting bus, or taxi, to Nuwara Eliya
itself as it does not have a train station of its own. |
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Jaffna
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Jaffna city and seaport, northern Sri Lanka, capital of
Northern Province, on a peninsula. The city is the trading center for
the surrounding region in which coconuts, rice, and tobacco are
grown. |
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