Sri Lanka’s Capital Colombo, a port city, with a rich colonial heritage, on the Western coast is a potpourri of races, religions and cultures. Colombo displays the best and worst the country has to offer. The city is a contrast itself, with mansions, lush gardens, fine dining options, shopping malls packed with expensive designer brands standing next to urban slums; diesel fumed congested roads and street markets.
Despite its small size just 37.31 km² Colombo offers a varying selection of experience ranging from taking a tuktuk ride, a visit to Pettah market and eating Kottu to playing a round of golf and having high tea at one of the colonial style hotels overlooking the Indian Ocean.
With many boutiques filled with international brands and local art and fabrics Colombo is the best place to do the last minute shopping and then it’s best to retire to Galle face, Colombo;s playground for some Kottu or Wade.
Play A Round Of Golf At The Royal Colombo Golf Club
The immaculately manicured greens of the Royal Colombo Golf Club have attracted golfers for 129 years, a slice of golfing history. Visitors welcome.www.rcgcsl.com.
The immaculately manicured greens of the Royal Colombo Golf Club have attracted golfers for 129 years, a slice of golfing history. Visitors welcome.www.rcgcsl.com.
Hotel Show 2014 is recognized as the largest hospitality trade exhibition held in South Asia which has driven its way over the past 16 years to support exhibitors to meet their business expectations and upgrade the standards of the hospitality industry in the region. This exhibition is expected to be the ideal showcase for hotel supplies and services in South Asia that brings together thousands of brands from all around the world to suite the new generation.
Hotel Show will feature several events concurrently such as a Street Food carnival, Ice Carving Competitions, Cocktail competitions, Culinary Competitions to create more hype in the hospitality industry. This array of events will attract large numbers of industry professional not only to visit the exhibition but also to be involved directly with Hotel Show 2014 with the objective of making Hotel Show the most successful exhibition in the region..
Sri Lanka Tourism Participates at Korea World Travel Fair
KOTFA 2014
KOTFA is the leading Travel Fair organized by the Korean World Travel Fair Committee, that is being held annually in Korea having participation of more than 500 travel related organizations from over 60 countries (KOTFA 2013 Report) and the only travel fair being held in Seoul, Hosted by the Korean Tourism Association.
KOTFA 2014
KOTFA is the leading Travel Fair organized by the Korean World Travel Fair Committee, that is being held annually in Korea having participation of more than 500 travel related organizations from over 60 countries (KOTFA 2013 Report) and the only travel fair being held in Seoul, Hosted by the Korean Tourism Association.
Sri Lanka had continued to inspire and heal many who travelled to its shores ever since its existence was known to the world. Many who set foot on the island had considered it a part of a divine existence, Sri Lanka still continues to wrap its charm around its visitors, capturing their imagination with sights, sounds and flavors. Sri Lankan cuisines are a hidden treat to many while Ayurveda and meditation continues to heal the bodies and minds worn out with the cares of life.
The country’s native healing system, Ayurveda has been perfected over more than five thousand years. Based on herbs and diet, it was region’s only treatment method until the introduction of Western Medication in the 19th Century.
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The country’s native healing system, Ayurveda has been perfected over more than five thousand years. Based on herbs and diet, it was region’s only treatment method until the introduction of Western Medication in the 19th Century.
With a history expanding over 3000years, Sri Lanka holds some of world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theaters intricately carved and modeled out of stone lay and abandoned and forgotten with time amidst the soaring jungles.
Of all the ancient cities of Lanka, the most famed and most exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s third and the longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the Fourth Century BC up to the turn of the eleventh Century and was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia.
Of all the ancient cities of Lanka, the most famed and most exquisite is the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka’s third and the longest serving capital and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world is also one of the most sacred cities of World Buddhists. It was the capital of Sri Lanka from the Fourth Century BC up to the turn of the eleventh Century and was one of the most stable and durable centers of political power and urban life in South Asia.
Sigiriya, a fifth century AD fortress and a water garden displays some of the most futuristic elements of landscaping and some of the oldest murals recorded in the country.
With varying climates and Geography packed into a small island Sri Lanka offers a range of adventures from the top of the mountains to the depths of the oceans.
Other than taking a dip in the oceans or snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are the most popular beach sports in the country. Scuba diving has long history in the country. Today the oceans filled with coral gardens, multitude of exotic fishes and ancient wrecks Sri Lanka offers one of the best diving experiences in the world. Although comparatively new to the country surfing too has made its mark in the Southern and Eastern coasts of the island for the last twenty five years. The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations while white water rafting, Kayaking and canoeing are some of the relatively new water sports practiced in the country.
Startled by the noise of a sudden burst of gas keeping the balloon aloft, a couple of peacocks take flight directly below the balloon’s basket, their outrageously long iridescent blue and emerald tail feathers streaming behind like a psychedelic jet stream. Several deer dart nervously across a clearing below, but the small herd of elephants continues feeding, utterly unfazed by this aerial intruder.
Balloons that travel with the wind, make for one of the most surreal and tranquil sensations of flight. Following the initial adrenaline rush of the take off, one could settle down to absorb the wonder of the colorful earth below.
Other than taking a dip in the oceans or snorkelling, scuba diving and surfing are the most popular beach sports in the country. Scuba diving has long history in the country. Today the oceans filled with coral gardens, multitude of exotic fishes and ancient wrecks Sri Lanka offers one of the best diving experiences in the world. Although comparatively new to the country surfing too has made its mark in the Southern and Eastern coasts of the island for the last twenty five years. The sea around Sri Lanka is also one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations while white water rafting, Kayaking and canoeing are some of the relatively new water sports practiced in the country.
As the waves plummet the sides of the boat and the sea birds call above your head, the ocean’s scent and the thrill of the chase is exhilarating.
Shark, Marlin, Tuna, the big names in deep-water game fishing roam Sri Lanka’s deep seas. Closer to shore the calmer waters teem with a variety of species, and the hospitable local fishermen are only too willing to invite visitors to join them on their daily or nightly excursions off the coastline.
The ocean around Sri Lanka whispers of tales bygone, ones of regal maritime visits, of bandits and pirates and journeys of explorers and spice merchants. As you plunge into the warm waters and dive below, these stories come to life. The crystal clear waters of the Indian Ocean with a visibility of 20 meters (65ft) provide perfect conditions for diving. With wrecks as dated as the 18th Century dotting the seas, deep reefs and reef walls provide enthralling explorations for scuba divers. For the less adventurous on-shore coral reefs are ideal for snorkelling. The abundant marine life found around the island is surpassed only at Hikkaduwa in the southern coast where the reef is thought to contain more species of fish than the Great Barrier Reef.
Take a demanding trek high in the mountain rainforest of the Knuckles Range, and see the valuable spice – cardamom - growing in the forest, catch sight of rare orchids and birds, and enjoy the exhilaration of exploring spots where few have been before. Traverse virtually unexplored country in the southeast, past the renowned Yala National Park where leopards prowl and elephants roam, past the bird-rich Kumana wetlands and into a region where literally hundreds of ruined temples and maybe even cities lie awaiting discovery in the forests.
As the multi-coloured hot-air balloon drifts silently above the forest, adventure takes on a whole new meaning.
Startled by the noise of a sudden burst of gas keeping the balloon aloft, a couple of peacocks take flight directly below the balloon’s basket, their outrageously long iridescent blue and emerald tail feathers streaming behind like a psychedelic jet stream. Several deer dart nervously across a clearing below, but the small herd of elephants continues feeding, utterly unfazed by this aerial intruder.
Balloons that travel with the wind, make for one of the most surreal and tranquil sensations of flight. Following the initial adrenaline rush of the take off, one could settle down to absorb the wonder of the colorful earth below.
Surf’s up in Sri Lanka! The east coast’s Arugam Bay is the best –kept secret among serious surfers, through gaining popularity worldwide not only for its waves but also for the pristine and beautiful beaches that surround it. Sri Lanka is a surfer’s paradise anytime of the year. Once the season ends at Arugam Bay, at another surfing hotspot especially for recreational surfers the season begins, along the southern coast in Hikkaduwa, Wewala and Narigama.
The golden shores of Sri Lanka are the most idyllic in the tropics. With 1,300 kilometers of palm-fringed beach right around the island, swimming in the ocean is a thrill that must be indulged in. The beaches of the west and south coasts are ideal for serious and recreational swimmers between April and November. For those seeking an added bonus, a swim in the Southern coast of Hikkaduwa might result in a once in a lifetime thrill of swimming with the rare leatherback or olive ridley turtles when they approach the shore at high tide.
The whale watching season in Kalpitiya and Mirissa is in full swing by January every year with whales and dolphins parading their presence in the Sothern and North-Western oceans of Sri Lanka.
In the oceans around Kalpitiya sperm whales, Blue Whales, pigmy sperm whales and pilot whales gather in large pods of fifty to hundred members, some in water as shallow as 30 meters, with large concentration gathering around Dutch reef. The whales are accompanied by large pods of Spinner Dolphins who could be found within a just one hour boat ride from Kalpitiya harbour. Other than the most common, the spinner dolphins, other species including Risso’s Dolphin, Bottlenose Dolphin and Striped Dolphin too makes appearance although not as frequently or in such large numbers.
Meanwhile Blue whales, Bryde´s whales, Sperm whales, Fin whales, bottle nose dolphins, common dolphins and spinner dolphins grace the waters of Southern Seas of Sri Lanka from Weligama to Mirrissa and can be found within just eight to ten nautical miles from Mirissa harbor.
Despite its small size Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world whether in plants or animals and is included among the top five biodiversity hotspots in the world. Of the ninety-one species of mammals found in Sri Lanka Asian elephants, sloth bear, leopards, sambar and wild buffaloes engages the majority of the attention of wildlife enthusiast. Yet the rarest mammals of Sri Lanka are the red slender Loris, Toque Macaque, and Purple-faced Langur, who according to IUCN clarifications are endangered due to habitat loss.
Meanwhile the ocean around Sri Lanka is home to large families of cetaceans including the mighty blue whales, sperm whales and lively dolphins. Altogether 26 species of cetaceans rule the waters surrounding the country, making it one of the best locations for whale and dolphin watching.
With nearly 1600 km of of palm fringed Coastline baked to perfection surrounding the country Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for beach bums worldwide. May it be windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing, scuba diving or jut lazing around for the perfect tan, Sri Lanka offers it all.
The two monsoon winds providing rain to the two corners of the country at various periods, makes Sri Lanka’s beach holiday a year round prospect. The north east winds make the south western coast sunny and the sea calm from November to March. The South West winds make the East Coast waters quiet with the constant sun shine happily in agreement.
Uppaveli is another beautiful and serene beach close to Trincomalee, which offers plenty of comfortable accommodation in the area, for those who can’t seem to get away from bliss.
The two monsoon winds providing rain to the two corners of the country at various periods, makes Sri Lanka’s beach holiday a year round prospect. The north east winds make the south western coast sunny and the sea calm from November to March. The South West winds make the East Coast waters quiet with the constant sun shine happily in agreement.
SEE MORE.....Pristine
Beruwala and Bentota are popular exotic beaches along the Colombo- Galle road located about 65km from Colombo. The Bentota lagoon stretches parallel to the beach adding a vista of tranquillity, with its tropical greenery and islets rich in bird life. Beruwala and Bentota are havens to tourists with accommodation to suit every budget, a range of Ayurveda treatments, and an array of water sports leaving the adventurer spoilt for choice! This tourist destination offers you water skiing on the rivers or estuaries, snorkelling, scuba diving, wind surfing, parasailing, fishing and a host of other activities to suit your mood.
Pasikuda and Kalkuda are unspoilt beaches in the East coast of Sri Lanka, close to the town of Batticaloa. The white sands, clear blue water, and the stillness of the sea are both captivating and unparalleled by far. Pasikuda is known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world. After the 2004 Tsunami and with the end of the Civil war, these beaches have regained its popularity among the locals and tourists alike.
Just 7kms from the Bandaranaike International Airport, at the tip of the Negombo lagoon lies the busy Negombo beach. Lush coconut palms and mangroves run along the beach, while the age old catamarans, outrigger canoes, and the more modern trawlers gently bounce at sea. Negombo is a famous fishing village that is equally proud of its Dutch fort and other Dutch period architecture.
The Kosgoda beach is a popular destination for marine life enthusiasts, as it is home to many marine turtles and turtle hatcheries. The marine turtles come ashore at night and lay their eggs in tiny holes. Then they cover up their eggs and return to the sea before dawn. Many turtle hatcheries have been set up along the coast to protect the eggs and turtles from predators. The hatcheries care for the turtle hatchlings till they are about 2-4 days old and then released back to the sea. October to April is the main laying season, but some eggs can be found at Kosgoda throughout the year.
Trincomalee is a world renowned natural deep water harbour, located 257kms Northeast of Colombo. The bay is large and secure and is accessible by all types of crafts in any weather. The Trincomalee beaches are popular for whale watching, fishing and scuba diving. Apart from its tranquil beaches, the city boasts of the largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka, its naval bases and its air force base.
Nilaveli is a quiet pristine beach on the Northeast coast of Sri Lanka. It is a tranquil haven with soft waves, purewhite sand, and the soothing sound of the sea.Uppaveli is another beautiful and serene beach close to Trincomalee, which offers plenty of comfortable accommodation in the area, for those who can’t seem to get away from bliss.
The coastline from Weligama to Tangalle bay is known for its rugged rocks, sandy beaches and lush coconut groves and is rated as one of Asia's Best Beaches by Forbes magazine. As you approach Weligama along the southward coastline from Galle, you will encounter Sri Lanka's famous stilt fishermen -a unique method of fishing adopted by the local fishermen. A long pole with a crossbar is buried into the seabed close to the shore, and the fisherman swims or wades into the sea and perches himself on this pole. This method of fishing is used when the tide brings the fish in this particular
The delightful sandy beach of Mirissa was once a well-kept secret, but not surprisingly, more guesthouses, inns and bungalows are now opening up to visitors. Mirissa boasts a safe, gently sloping beach where the sea is free from rocks, with coconut palms growing right to the edge of the sand as if in imitation of a postcard of the perfect tropical beach. Off the coast of Mirissa, the gentle giants of the sea Blue Whales frolic with bottlenose Dolphins, Sperm Whales and Humpbacks.
One the most picturesque beaches that has made it to the list of ‘top 10 most beautiful beaches in the world’ as voted by the Discovery Channel and Mark Ellingham, the founder of 'Rough Guides'. Unawatuna is located on the southward Galle coast; a semi-circular beach of golden sands and soft rolling waves, perfect for relaxing, swimming and diving. Unawatuna is protected by a natural reef and also provides some interesting wreck sites for those in the mood for a dive.
Hikkaduwa, almost 100 kilometres south of Colombo, has long been known as Sri Lanka’s most popular beach resort, famed for its surf and coral reef as well as its wide range of accommodation, food, fun and shopping. This is perhaps the only coastal region where that special holiday feeling dominates town, with shops selling resort wear, renting out bicycles, offering courses in scuba diving and selling all kinds of local souvenirs, batik fabric and jewellery. Today it’s a favourite with the younger visitor and the vibrant nightlife also attracts young Sri Lankans looking for out-of-town fun and entertainment on the weekends.
Many people claim that the beaches around Tangalle have the softest sand and the safest sea along the entire south coast. Tangalle seems set to become the most exclusive of the beaches along the south coast, and offers a chance to scuba dive around the coral reef protecting its four kilometres of sandy beach, and to explore a couple of wrecks. You could also watch nesting marine turtles drag themselves ashore at night to lay their eggs at Rekwalla.
Located 314km from Colombo, Arugam Bay is an internationally acclaimed hot spot for surfing. The very first international surfing competition was held by the International Surfing Association (ISA) in the summer of 2004 at Arugam Bay. The surfing season in Arugam Bay begins in April and ends in October. It’s not just the surfing, but the coral reefs, the abundance of tropical fish and the lovely sceneries of mangroves, jungles, lagoons, rivers, rice fields and sand dunes make Arugam Bay a sight to behold.
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