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DESTINATIONS
COLOMBO
Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital, is its only true city. It lies one hour’s drive south of the Bandaranaike International Airport and stretches about 12 km along the coast from the Fort area in the north to its southern beach suburb of Mount Lavinia.

Colombo’s port was influential as early as the 5C when ships from Rome, Arabia, and China traded with Sinhalese kings for food supplies, spices and jewels.

Colombo has a scattering of pubs, nightclubs and hotel bars that come alive especially on Friday and Saturday nights and feature live bands or DJ music

Global warming has made weather patterns less reliable, but essentially the main south-west (“yala”) monsoon brings rain to the west (including Colombo) and south-west coasts and hill country largely between May and July

Colombo is a compact blend of old and new. A modern skyline is growing alongside colonial-period buildings and rudimentary shops. Ancient temples, Hindu Kovils, churches, and mosques are found in the heart of the city and the suburbs. Museums, art galleries, golf courses and gyms, spas and salons, bars, restaurants, night clubs and live music all add to Colombo’s appeal.

Attractions

  • Lionel Wendt Art Centre

    A major art centre and theatre in Colombo. It combines live theatre and art exhibition, with two exhibition galleries and a theatre with over 600 seats
  • Arcade Independence Square

    A shopping complex in the city of Colombo in Sri Lanka, housed in a group of renovated buildings including the former Jawatta Lunatic Asylum and the former Western Provincial Council Building.
  • Galle Face Green

    Galle Face is a 5 ha ocean-side urban park, which stretches for 500 m along the coast, in the heart of Colombo.
  • Dutch Hospital

    Old Dutch hospital, which is Colombo’s oldest building and now a shopping and dining ‘precinct’. Well-known names of Colombo’s retail, entertainment and catering sectors have set up shops.
  • Independence Memorial Hall

    A national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka
  • Pettah Floating Market

  • National Museum

    A Built in 1877, is a treasure trover of articles depicting Sri Lanka’s cultural and historical past and present including regalia of the last king.
  • Gangaramaya Temple

    Gangaramaya Temple is one of the most important temples in Colombo, Sri Lanka, being a mix of modern architecture and cultural essence. The temple is known for having a young elephant, Ganga, chained at the back, unable to walk, has no elephant company, and sways sideways.

NEGOMBO
Negombo is a city on the west coast of Sri Lanka, north of the capital, Colombo. Near the waterfront, the remains of the 17th-century Dutch Fort now house a prison. Negombo Lagoon, lined with fishermen’s huts, feeds into the Dutch-era Hamilton Canal. The canal leads south to Colombo. Neoclassical St. Mary’s Church, completed in the 1920s, features a ceiling decorated with vivid religious paintings.

Attractions

  • Fish market

    A fresh fish market, literally, on the beach shore. The endless rows of dried fish against the Negombo sky makes a startling sight.
  • Muthurajawela Bird sanctuary

    A national monument in Sri Lanka built for commemoration of the independence of Sri Lanka

CHILAW
Chilaw is a large town in Puttalam District, North Western Province, Sri Lanka. It's governed by an urban council. The town is located, 80 km away from the capital Colombo via Negombo.

Attractions

  • Manawari Hindu Temple

  • Munneswaram Hindu Temple

    An important regional Hindu temple complex which existence at least since 1000 CE.

KALPITIYA
The paradise lagoon stretches to miles with the real holiday getaway, the world best known kite surfing peninsula so called kalpitiya which wonders the magic of Indian ocean, the home for the blue whale and the forest by the sea and lagoon lives the tuskers.

Spend your unforgettable holiday experience with our team who provides adventure expeditions on sea and rivers leaving no foot print,blending with nature .

Attractions

  • Whale & Dolphin watching

  • Kite surfing

    Season starting from December to April but the kalpitiya peninsula contains with famous locations which is active for more than 10 months a year,Dream Spot Vella islands ,Chruch Island and many other lagoons makes it the best kite Surfing experience from beginners to pro athletes.
  • Sea Kayaking

    Kalpitiya Lagoon Placed 150 km north of the capital, Colombo, the Kalpitiya region is one of the most beautiful coastal areas located in the Western Province of Sri Lanka. Kalpitiya is a peninsular that separates the Puttalam lagoon from the Indian Ocean and is a marine sanctuary with a diversity of habitats ranging from bar reefs, flat coastal plains, saltpans, mangroves swamps, salt marshes and vast sand dune beaches
  • Fishing villages

  • Unspoiled islands

  • Lagoon

    The peaceful lagoon located at the kalpitiya is a high ranked destination of Sri Lankan attractions.

ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province, Sri Lanka and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sri Lankan civilization. It was the third capital of the Kingdom of Rajarata, following the kingdoms of Tambapanni and Upatissa Nuwara. The city, now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the center of Theravada Buddhism for many centuries. The city lies 205 km north of the current capital Colombo in Sri Lanka's North Central Province, on the banks of the historic Malvathu Oya. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world and one of the eight World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. It is believed that from the fourth century BC until the beginning of the 11th century AD it was the capital of the Sinhalese. During this period it remained one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia. The ancient city, considered sacred to the Buddhist world, is today surrounded by monasteries covering an area of over sixteen square miles

Attractions

  • Ruins of ancient shrines and buildings

  • Sri maha Bodhiya

    Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is a sacred fig tree in the Mahamewna Gardens, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka. It is said to be the southern branch from the historical Sri Maha Bodhi at Buddha Gaya in India under which Lord Buddha attained Enlightenment.
  • Lakes

  • Wilpattu national park

    There are approximately 30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park which include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri, Spotted Deer, Buffalo and Mongoose.

JAFFNA
Jaffna in contemporary Sri Lanka could be surmised as the epitome of the Hindu-Tamil culture in Sri Lanka. However from the archaeological evidence available it could be confirmed that in the ancient times Buddhist culture had spread to the north as well as to other places of Sri Lanka.

Attractions

  • Delft Island

    Delft Island was built by the Portuguese on the island of Neduntheevu in the Palk Strait in northern Sri Lanka.
  • Nallur Kovil

    Nallur Kovil originally known as, Kandaswamy Temple was founded in 948 ad. According to the Yalpana Vaipava Malai, the temple was developed at the site in the 13th century by Buwanika Bahu, a minister to the King of Kotte
  • Nagadeepa

    Nagadipa or Nainativu is one of the islands belonging to the cluster of islands in the Palk Bay off the Jaffna Peninsula
  • Jaffna Fort

    The Jaffna Fort and the buildings that had come up during the occupation of the island by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British shows the architectural features relevant to those periods of construction.

TRICOMALEE
Trincomalee is a port city on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka. Set on a peninsula, Fort Frederick was built by the Portuguese in the 17th century. Within its grounds, the grand Koneswaram Temple stands on Swami Rock cliff, a popular vantage point for blue-whale watching. The holy complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva. Nearby Gokanna Temple has panoramic views over the city and the coastline.

Attractions

  • Koneswaram Temple

    A classical-medieval Hindu temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Trincomalee.
  • The Kanniya Hot Springs

    A site with hot wells located in Trincomalee, Sri Lanka. There are seven wells in a square shape. Wells are only 3 to 4 feet deep and you can clearly see the bottom.
  • Water sports

    Dashing into the water is your dream then try water sports in Sri Lanka is the place to be. It will give you ample opportunities to have fun, relaxation and your own bit of enjoyment too. Indulge in some extreme thrilling experience of snorkeling, kite surfing and scuba diving which will leave you truly refreshed.
  • Whale watching

    Trincomalee is rapidly emerging as another internationally important whale-watching destination. Blue whales in particular plus smaller numbers of sperm whales can regularly be seen around six to eight nautical miles east of Trincomalee, Dolphins (mainly Spinner) are also regularly seen.
  • Fishing

  • Scuba diving

    Scuba Diving operators generally have small boats (for about 6 divers) and larger boats for about 15 divers. You can reach these Scuba Diving Sites within 10 to 45 minutes depending upon the distance to the location from the shore.

POLONNARUWA
Polonnaruwa is the main town of Polonnaruwa District in North Central Province, Sri Lanka. Kaduruwela area is the Polonnaruwa New Town and the other part of Polonnaruwa remains as the royal ancient city of the Kingdom of Polonnaruwa. The second most ancient of Sri Lanka's kingdoms, Polonnaruwa was first declared the capital city by King Vijayabahu I, who defeated Chola invaders in 1070 to reunite the country once more under a local leader. The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa has been declared a World Heritage Site

Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s splendid medieval capital was established as the first city of the land in the 11th Century, A.D. It replaced Anuradhapura, which was plundered, made desolate and laid hopelessly bare to the invading armies from South India.

The area around Polonnaruwa is one of the best in which to spot Sri Lanka’s legendary elephants, with Minneriya and Kaudulla national parks being the places to head for. Both parks are centred on extensive tanks where elephants congregate in increasingly large numbers towards the end of the dry season, particularly during the famous “Gathering” at Minneriya National Park. The two parks are linked by an important “elephant corridor”, designed to allow the animals to move from one park to the other as the fancy takes them.

Attractions

  • Ancient City

    Three Kings dominate the chronicles of the city and the period. The city reached a dazzling but pitifully brief zenith in the 12th century and though ravaged by invasion in the centuries that followed, much evidence remains of the old grandeur and glory.The ruins of the ancient city stand on the east shore of a large artificial lake, the Topa Wewa Lake, or Parakrama Samudraya (the Sea of Parakrama), built by King Parakramabahu I (1153-86), whose reign wasPolonnaruwa‘s golden age. Within a rectangle of city walls stand palace buildings and clusters of dozens of dagobas, temples and various other religious buildings.A scattering of other historic buildings can be found to the north of the main complex, outside the city walls and close to the main road to Habarana and Dambulla
  • Museum

    Most of the ruins of Polonnaruwa are protected within a specially fenced-off archaeological site north of the modern town. Tickets to the site have to be bought from the excellent Polonnaruwa Museum, well worth a visit for its insightful displays on life in the ancient capital, and some fine exhibits including a number of superb Chola bronzes recovered from the site.
  • Minneriya National Park

    The largest national park in North Central Province of Sri Lanka. The area was designated as a national park on 12 August 1997, having been originally declared as a wildlife sanctuary in 1938.
  • Kaudulla National Park

    Kaudulla Park reports as one of largest wild Asian Elephant Gathering in World.

SIGIRIYA
Sigiriya or Sinhagiri is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high.

Attractions

  • Lions Rock

    The ancient city of Polonnaruwa was once a great kingdom of Sri Lanka. Today you can visit leisurely and spend your vacation nearby the city of Polonnaruwa instead of a worthy journey in Sri Lanka.
  • Village tour

    Kaudulla Park reports as one of largest wild Asian Elephant Gathering in World.
  • Hot ballooning

  • Herbal Treatment


DAMBULLA
Dambulla is a large town, situated in the Matale District, Central Province of Sri Lanka, situated 148 km north-east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. Due to its location at a major junction, it is the centre of vegetable distribution in the country. Major attractions of the area include the largest and best preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the area also boasts the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the Iron wood forest, or Na Uyana Aranya.

Attractions

  • Dambulla Cave Temple

    Dambulla Cave temple is one of the UNESCO world heritage among five UNESCO world heritage sites in Srilanka.

    Access is along the gentle slope of Dambulla rock, which offers panoramic view of the surrounding and flat lands and also the rock fortress Sigiriya from 20Km away.

    This is the largest & best preserved cave temple complex in Srilanka. The rock towers 160m over the surrounding plains. There are about 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attraction spread over five caves which contains 153 Buddha statues, 03 statues of Kings, 04 Statues of gods and goddess where some of the Buddha statues were hewn out of the rock. These caves carved with a drip line to keep the interior dry.

    This cave temple dates from the second & third century BC. The king Valagamba converted these caves in to monastery as a thankful worship as he was served refugee for 15 years after he was exiled from his Kingdom by a rebellion & south Indian invaders. However after reclaiming his capital (Anuradhapura) king built this temple and many other kings added to it later. There is a Brahmi inscription over the entrance to the second cave which confirms that it was a dwelling before it was converted to a monastery. By 11 th Century Dambulla cave temple became major religious center in Srilanka. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and built 70 more statues in 1190. During 18 th century the caves were restored & painted by the Kandy kingdom and it has been repainted several times during the course of the history.

    Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best preserved ancient edifice in Srilanka.
  • Herbal Spa


Matale
Matale often written as Mathale, is the largest town of Matale District of the Central Province, of Sri Lanka. It is 142 kilometers from Colombo and near Kandy. Surrounding the town are the Knuckles Mountain Range, the foothills were called Wiltshire by the British.

Attractions

  • Riverston

    Located approximately 30 km from the Matale town, when travelling on Matale – Girandurukotte road, rather windy with quite a few hairpins turns but in good condition, offers great views all around with a mini worlds end, lot less travelled by main stream tourists.
  • Spice garden

    Sri Lanka has always been renowned for its spices. Over 15 different spices call Sri Lanka home and many of them are traded in the international spice market. Cinnamon especially is endemic to Sri Lanka, and highest quality ‘true cinnamon’ can be obtained here. around with a mini worlds end, lot less travelled by main stream tourists.

Kandy
Kandy is a large city in central Sri Lanka. It's set on a plateau surrounded by mountains, which are home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforest. The city's heart is scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), which is popular for strolling. Kandy is famed for sacred Buddhist sites, including the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, celebrated with the grand Esala Perahera annual procession.

Attractions

  • Temple of the tooth

    Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a Buddhist temple in the city of Kandy, Sri Lanka. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former Kingdom of Kandy, which houses the relic of the tooth of the Buddha.
  • Gem and Jewelry shop visit

  • Royal botanical garden

    These stunning gardens were once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty. Today, even commoners are allowed in to enjoy the most impressive and largest (60 hectares) botanic gardens in Sri Lanka.
  • Cultural show

    Held in Kandy town, this cultural show depicts various forms of Kandyan dancing which was once native to the area but has now spread to different regions of the island

Nuwaraeliya
Nuwara Eliya is better known as Little England of Sri Lanka. The climate, surroundings, and architecture of this area are different than other villages. Due to its cooler climate, it is the most important area for tea production in Sri Lanka. Exploring tea plantations is not the only thing to do in Nuwara Eliya.

Attractions

  • Waterfalls

    Waterfalls are one of the most fascinating of natural phenomena. The mesmerizing sight of freefalling water, the thunderous roar as it hits the rocks below, and the curiosity of what lies behind the aqueous curtain, all contribute to this fascination.
  • Tea plantations

    Nuwara Eliya is known for her impressive lush green tea plantations.
  • Gregory lake

    Gregory Lake was created in 1873 by the British era Governor at the time, Sir William Gregory, supposedly for the purpose of providing electricity. However the lake was mainly used for leisure and recreation after it was built. At its peak of fame, Gregory Lake was the most prominent attraction in the area and was used a place to relax by many visitors.
  • Horton plains

    Horton Plains in Sri Lanka, is the coldest and windiest location in the country. It consists of ecosystems such as Montana evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island.

Ella
Ella is a small town in the Badulla District of Uva Province, Sri Lanka governed by an Urban Council. It is approximately 200 kilometers east of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 1,041 meters above sea level. The area has a rich bio-diversity, dense with numerous varieties of flora and fauna.

Attractions

  • Little Adams peak

    Little Adams Peak whether considering the word ‘Little’, it is named after the sacred Adams Peak regarding the similarity between the two mountains. Therefore the mountain was called as Little Adams Peak.
  • Nine arches

    The Nine Arch Bridge in Ella is on the Demodara loop and spans 91 meters at a height of 24m. The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated.

Udawalawe
Udawalawe is a small town located in the southern part of the Ratnapura District in Sri Lanka. It is situated in close to the district's boundary with the Hambantota District and Monaragala District.

Attractions

  • National Park

    Framed by soaring highlands on its northern boundary, the Uda Walawe National Park is one of the world's best places to see wild elephants. Largely comprised of grasslands and bush forest, it's also one of the best national parks in Sri Lanka for game spotting.
  • Elephant transit

    Elephant Transit Home (ETH) takes care of orphaned elephant calves – until they are independent and able enough to be released back to the wild.

Yala
Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. Its home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species. Inland, Sithulpawwa is an ancient Buddhist monastery. Nearby caves contain centuries-old rock paintings. Southwest, Magul Maha Viharaya also has ancient Buddhist ruins. Both are pilgrimage sites.

Attractions

  • National Park

    Yala National Park is a huge area of forest, grassland and lagoons bordering the Indian Ocean, in southeast Sri Lanka. Its home to wildlife such as leopards, elephants and crocodiles, as well as hundreds of bird species.
  • Bundala Bird sanctuary

    Stretched along the southern coast of Sri Lanka and located close to Hambantota, is Bundala National Park, the country’s foremost destination for bird lovers.

Kataragama
Kataragama is a pilgrimage town sacred to Buddhist, Hindu and indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. People from South India also go there to worship. The town has the Kataragama temple, a shrine dedicated to Skanda Kumara also known as Kataragama deviyo

Attractions

  • Hindu Pilgrims


Tangalle
Tangalle is a large town in Hambantota District, Southern Province, Sri Lanka, governed by an Urban Council. It is one of the largest towns in southern province. It is located 195 km south of Colombo and 35 km east of Matara. It has a mild climate, in comparison to the rest of the district, and sandy beaches.

Attractions

  • Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary

    Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary is a one of oldest and main bird sanctuary in Sri Lankan.
  • Beach

    Tangalla was originally a small fishing village, and fishing is still the main income for many of the locals. Tangalla suffered grievously from the tsunami in 2004, and rebuilding has been very slow. The beaches are not exactly packed with tourists and are very peaceful.

Mirissa
Mirissa is a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka, located in the Matara District of the Southern Province. It is approximately 150 kilometers south of Colombo and is situated at an elevation of 4 metres above sea level. Mirissa's beach and nightlife make it a popular tourist destination

Attractions

  • Beach clubs and restaurants

  • Whale watching

    Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do in Sri Lanka during your holiday. Mirissa is the best place to start your whale and dolphin watching tour in Sri Lanka.

Galle
Galle is a city on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It’s known for Galle Fort, the fortified old city founded by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. Stone sea walls, expanded by the Dutch, encircle car-free streets with architecture reflecting Portuguese, Dutch and British rule. Notable buildings include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. Galle Lighthouse stands on the fort’s southeast tip.

Attractions

  • Unawatuna beach clubs and restaurants

  • Dutch fort

    According to a statement by UNESCO the Galle fort (Dutch fort) was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criterion number four for such recognition.

Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa is a seaside resort town in southwestern Sri Lanka. It’s known for its strong surf and beaches, including palm-dotted Hikkaduwa Beach, lined with restaurants and bars. The shallow waters opposite Hikkaduwa Beach shelter the Hikkaduwa National Park, which is a coral sanctuary and home to marine turtles and exotic fish. Inland, Gangarama Maha Vihara is a Buddhist temple decorated with hand-painted murals.

Attractions

  • Relaxing on the beach

    This fun coastal town, 14 km away from Galle was the first (1960’s) of Sri Lanka’s beautiful beaches to be discovered by tourists.
  • Sea Corals

    The coral sanctuary found along the coast of Hikkaduwa is a large shallow body of water enclosed by a reef, decorated with layers of multi colored corals, and is home to countless numbers of vibrantly colored fish.
  • Mangrove river safari

    According to a statement by UNESCO the Galle fort (Dutch fort) was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criterion number four for such recognition.
  • Fish spa

    According to a statement by UNESCO the Galle fort (Dutch fort) was recognized as a World Heritage Site for its unique exposition of an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries which is the criterion number four for such recognition.
  • Turtle hatchery

    The sea turtle hatchery of Hikkaduwa is a cool conservation farm for sea turtles - it's got a variety of turtle species and info about their struggle for survival. .
  • Moonstone mine visit


Bentota
Bentota is a resort town on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast. Its long Bentota Beach stretches north, where it becomes a sandy strip known as Paradise Island, parallel to Bentota Lagoon. Coral-rich dive sites include Canoe Rock. On Bentota River, centuries-old Galapota Temple has a large Buddha statue. Southeast is Lunuganga, the estate and gardens of architect Geoffrey Bawa. Northeast is his brother Bevis's Brief Garden.

Attractions

  • Relaxing on the beach

    Bentota is known around the globe for its beaches which are described by visitors as golden in color. Situated near the major towns of Galle and Kalutara, near the Bentota River, Bentota has been popular among tourists and both local and foreign tourists can be seen in the beaches of Bentota easily.
  • Water sports

  • Diving

  • Mangrove river safari

  • Fish spat

  • Turtle hatchery

    The sea turtle hatchery of Hikkaduwa is a cool conservation farm for sea turtles - it's got a variety of turtle species and info about their struggle for survival. .

Mt Lavinia
Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, population 245,974 is the largest suburb of the City of Colombo, and covers an extent of 2109 hectares. It lies south of the Colombo Municipal Council area and separated from it by the Dehiwala canal which forms the northern boundary of DMMC.
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