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Sigiriya |
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| The spectacular rock, Sigiriya (190 Km from Colombo) came into prominence in the 5th century AD when it become the capital of Kashyapa the parricide king Kashyapa was an aesthete and transformed this 200 m rock and much of the land surrounding it, into an incredible complex of palace, fortress and gardens. The Sigiriya palace complex is a world heritage site and an impressive monument to 5th century aesthetic sensitivity and engineering skill. |
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| Polonnaruwa |
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| The mediaeval capital, Polonnaruwa is situated about 216 Km South East of Anuradhapura, Parakrama Bahu the greatest is generally considered the architect of this lovely city. The remains of the Royal Citadel council chamber, prince's bathing pool and the Gal Vihare, a stone temple with its colossal sculptures of the Buddha in a quiet grove of trees as well as the still functioning Parakrama Samudra, a man made reservoir, large than our Colombo harbour, are on easy distance from each other. The new museum has an excellent scale model of the ancient city as it was. |
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| Kandy |
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| Kandy is historically the last bastion of our Sinhala kings and resisted foreign invaders for 300 years until ceded to the British in 1815. This tranquil and pretty town is built around an artificial lake and surrounded by hills. Kandy is 100 Km North East of Colombo and the focus of the annual Esala Perarhera a stunning procession composed of hundreds of elephants, dancers, whip crackers, standard bearers, temple dignitaries and pilgrims. The Perahera emanates from the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa, which houses Sri Lanka's most important religious relic - the sacred tooth of the Buddha. |
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| Nuwaraeliya |
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| Nuwaraeliya is situated in the central mountains, at 2000 m above sea level. Blessed with a salubrious climate and beautiful geography, this hill country town is a mere 180 Km from hot and humid Colombo. Nuwaraeliya came into prominence in British colonial times when forests were felled and plantations of coffee and later, tea were planted, our very finest teas, in fact are grown in the hills, whose well-cared for tea-carpeted slopes are a dramatic contrast to the naturally wild topography. Our highest peak, Piduruthalagala (2524 M) is located here. Most visitors find Nuwaraeliya and its environs very bend in the road. |
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| Negombo |
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Located 40 Km North East of Colombo, Negombo is a major beach resort. This old fishing village is close to the international Airport at Katunayake and historically interesting because of its Portuguese and Dutch connections. Negombo is called 'Little Rome' locally because the majority of the people who live there are Catholics.. Descendants of the 17th century convert of the Portuguese. The Dutch typically left a fort, a cemetery, several old buildings and a system of canals, still in use today. Sailing wind surfing and water - skiing are the sports offered but do take a ride on a 'catamaran' with the Karma fisherman. The Negombo lagoon has an excellent reputation for crab prawn and lobster. |
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| Galle |
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| In this coastal town, situated 110 Km from Colombo the Dutch presence is still visible Galle was an ancient port and our first international commerce, and trade centre today, Galle is the bustling provincial capital and administrative centre of the South, it is famous for its lovely Unawatuna Bay, where the sea is reef protected and therefore safe for swimming, the old Dutch 'star' fort (A world Heritage Site) covering 36 hectares, the well - preserved Groote Kerk church, Dutch government house, the new oriental Hotel (1684), old bell tower and a tide - based sewage - system also introduced by the Dutch. In Galle they still make the Dutch 'Pillow - lace' and do fine ebony carving and Gem polishing. |
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| Hambantota |
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| 237 Km from Colombo, Hambantota in Sri Lanka's dry zone is best known for its beautiful crescent shaped bay and its salt pans..a very ancient industry still thriving. The slat pan lines the main road for over 16 Km. |
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| Hikkaduwa |
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| National daily newspapers are published in English, Sinhala and Tamil languages and Magazine type editions during weekends. A comprehensive selection of international publications, newspapers, journals and magazines are available at newsagents, bookstalls and in hotel foyers. |
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| Kalutara
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| More or less synonymous with rush and reed ware, Kalutara was also a famous spice - centre in the 16th to 18th centuries. There are fine beaches, safe swimming; this coast is excellent for water sports and there are several good ayurvedic centres, as well. Most travellers pause at Gangatilake Vihare, on the main road to make a small offering for a safe journey. |
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| Dambulla |
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| Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass containing cave temples which date back to the 1st century and contain over 150 Buddha statues carved from the solid rock. One cave has more than 1500 paintings of the frescoes here are over 2000 years old. There is also a colossal recumbent figure of the Buddha carved out of rock, some 14 metres long. |
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| Anuradhapura |
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| Sri Lanka's first capital, dating back to the 4th century BC was until centre of political power. Today Anuradhapura is one of the world's most important archaeological sites. The ruins are well over 2500 years old and include temples, shrines monasteries, palaces, parks, bridges, bathing pools and of course several man made reservoirs. The city is most significant for Buddhists, for it also contains the Sri Maha Bodhi the oldest historically documented tree in the world, which was grown from a branch of the tree under which the Buddha meditated and obtained enlightenment. |
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| Colombo |
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| Colombo was a well known entrepot in prehistoric times. It is still our largest city and commercial capital, presenting an intriguing mix of past, present East and West. Situated 34 Km from the Airport Colombo is well worth a day - trip and not at all difficult find your way around. In North - Colombo is the Fort, the oldest area, which includes the excellent natural harbour. The central Bank and the official residence of the President, give this area a certain formal charm other places worth visiting are the Vihara Maha Devi park, the national museum, Art Gallery, Buddhist temple, Hindu Kovils, Mosques and Churches. The Dehiwela zoo is also a popular attraction with early evening performances by the elephant circus. |
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| Trincomalee |
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| The best-known town on the east coast of Sri Lanka is Trincomalee. Sunny weather throughout the year; mile after mile of broad, white, sandy beaches, sheltered bays and a warm and calm sea are the features that draw sun and sea-lovers to Sri Lanka's eastern seaboard's main city. From time immemorial, Trincomalee's main attraction, however, is a large, safe and one of the best natural harbours of the world. |
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| Bentota |
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| Bentota Resort complex is a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open - air theatre showing folk and mask dancing with clusters of palms overlooking everything. |
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