| Tourist Interested Places in Sri Lanka | Main Business City in Sri Lanka | Beaches in Sri Lanka | Cultural Sites in Sri Lanka |
| Hill County in Sri Lanka | National Parks in Sri Lanka | Special Interest Locations in Sri Lanka |
 

 

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SRI LANKA FACT FILE

 
Country : Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka
Gained Independence in : 1948
Administrative Capital : Sri Jayawardhanapura, Kotte
Commercial Capital : Colombo
Area : 65,610 sq km   (25,322 sq miles)
Length : 445 km
Breadth : 225.3 km (278 meters)
Population : 19 million
Population in Colombo : 1.5 million

Main Ethnic Groups

:
 Sinhala   74%
 Sri Lankan Tamils  12.75%
 Indian Tamils  5%
 Moor                    7%

 Others                

 0.8%
Language :

Official language is Sinhala. Sinhala is a language of Indo-Aryan origin and is the language of the majority. Tamils & Muslims speak Tamil. English is widely spoken by all communities.

Currency : Sri Lankan Rupees
Religious Groups :
 Buddhist  69
 Hindu              15.5
 Islam  7.6
 Christian  7.5
 Others  0.1
Literacy Rate : 89%
Average Life Expectancy : 70-80 years
Topography :

Flat coastal and Northern areas Hills and mountains in the Central and Southern Central areas

Average Temperature :
 Colombo   30.60 C to 24.10 C
 Kandy  29.00 C to 20.20 C
 Nuwara Eliya  20.20 C to 11.50 C
 Beach  29.00 C
Rainfall :
 March – April  Inter Monsoonal
 May – September  South West Monsoon
 October – November  Inter Monsoonal
 December – February  North East Monsoon
Average Rainfall : 39” – 197”
National Flower :

“Nil-Manel” Flower (Blue Water Lily) Found in abundance in the marshes and waterways of the rural area.  It is a water lily that is also found in other tropical countries.

National Tree : “Na” Tree (Ceylon Iron Wood)
National Bird : “Wali Kukula” (Jungle Fowl)
Longest River : Mahaweli (207 miles/333 km)
Highest Waterfall :

Bambarakanda (790 ft/241 m) (it breaks off at 3 points by hitting onto a rock before it drops down)                    Diyaluma Falls  (560 ft/171 m) (highest single drop)

Widest Waterfall : St. Clair (241 ft/73 m)
Highest Mountain : Pidurutalagela   (8281 ft/2524 m
Clothing :

Cottons and light clothing in Colombo and other coastal and dry areas.  Light woolens in Kandy and the Hill Country.

 

 

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Tourist Interested Places in Sri Lanka

 
ACTIVITIES LOCATIONS OFFERED

 BIRD WATCHING

 ADAM’S PEAK WILDERNESS SANCTUARY (SRI PADA)

 BANDARAWELA
 BELIHULOYA
 KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE
 BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK
 GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
 HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK (MAHA ELIYA)

 KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK

 KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK

 MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
 WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK
 WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
 YALA NATIONAL PARK
 ARUGAMBAY
 KALPITIYA
 BUTTALA
 KALU GANGA
 POLONNARUWA
 SIGIRIYA
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

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 CAVING

 BANDARAWELA

 BELIHULOYA

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 CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING
 HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK (MAHA ELIYA)
 BANDARAWELA
 BELIHULOYA
 KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE
 POLONNARUWA
 SIGIRIYA

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 CYCLING AND MOUNTAIN BIKING
 HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK (MAHA ELIYA)
 BANDARAWELA
 BELIHULOYA
 KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE
 POLONNARUWA
 SIGIRIYA

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 HIKING/ TREKKING
 ADAM’S PEAK WILDERNESS SANCTUARY (SRI PADA)
 BANDARAWELA
 BELIHULOYA
 KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

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 HOT AIR BALLOON RIDES
 (JUST OUTSIDE) UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
 SIGIRIYA
 DAMBULLA

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 KAYAKING AND CANOEING
 BELIHULOYA
 ARUGAMBAY
 KALU GANGA

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 NATURE TRAILS
 ADAM’S PEAK WILDERNESS SANCTUARY (SRI PADA)
 BANDARAWELA
 BELIHULOYA
 KNUCKLES MOUNTAIN RANGE
 HORTON PLAINS NATIONAL PARK (MAHA ELIYA)
 BUTTALA
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

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 NATURE WEDDING AND HONEYMOON PACKAGES
 BELIHULOYA
 SIGIRIYA
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

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 OFF ROAD 4WD JEEP ADVENTURES
 BELIHULOYA
 GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
 KALPITIYA

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 RAINFOREST EXPLORATIONS
 ADAM’S PEAK WILDERNESS SANCTUARY (SRI PADA)
 SINHARAJA RAINFOREST

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 SNORKELLING AND SCUBA DIVING
 KALPITIYA
 TRINCOMALEE
 ADDITIONAL SOUTHWEST LOCATIONS (AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)

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 SURFING
 ARUGAM BAY, HIKKADUWA, MIRISSA
 ADDITIONAL SOUTHWEST LOCATIONS (AVAILABLE ON REQUEST)

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 TURTLE WATCHING

 KALPITIYA

 REKAWA

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 WATER SKIING
 BENTOTA

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 WILDLIFE SAFARIS
 BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK
 GAL OYA NATIONAL PARK
 KAUDULLA NATIONAL PARK
 KUMANA (YALA EAST) NATIONAL PARK
 MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
 UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
 WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK
 WILPATTU NATIONAL PARK
 YALA NATIONAL PARK

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 WINDSURFING
 BENTOTA

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 WHITE WATER RAFTING
 KITULGALA
 

 

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Main Business City in Sri Lanka

 

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and has a fascination of its own. Nearly every visitor to Sri Lanka begins or ends his stay in Colombo. More than anywhere else in the country it’s a city where the old and new co-exist.
There are high-rise complexes and colonial mansions, supermarkets and street bazaars, flashy western fashions and traditional sarongs, speedy sports cars and one-man rickshaws. Most of the remnants found in Colombo today are the legacy of the British, Dutch and Portuguese. Horseracing was a regular activity on the seaside Galle Face Green. Today, most of the hotels are gathered around this same Green, now minus the horses.
Places of interest – Vihara Maha Devi Park and the colonial style brilliant white Town Hall; the Museum which houses many rare treasures; the parliamentary complex at Sri Jayawardhanapura, the administrative capital, a unique work of architecture set on an island. The Bandaranayake Memorial International Conference Hall with its spacious gardens and right opposite is the colossal statue of Lord Buddha. Galle Face Green; the Zoological Gardens – reputed to be one of Asia’s finest; handloom and handicraft shops.  There are plenty of Night Clubs and Casinos to keep you busy in the night.
 

Beaches in Sri Lanka

 

ARUGAMBAY, is the most famous surfing location in Sri Lanka and its popularity has grown on an international level to make it a key location on the international surfing circuit.  Although the surf is not in the same league as that found in Hawaii and Australia, the bay offers good all-round right-breaking waves of up to 1.6 meters, making it an ideal place for beginners, and with a consistent water temperature of 24-28 0C, there is no need for wetsuits!  As an alternative to surfing, early morning canoe rides in the lagoon are an exciting way of observing lotus flowers, mangroves and the bio-diversity of birds in an incredible setting.  When taking the very narrow channels, with walls of vegetation to each side, one can encounter bathing elephants a few meters from your canoe. For the more cautious customer, it is possible to restrict canoeing to interconnected large ponds that will take you right up to the ocean.

Beruwela is a famous Beach Resorts with large number of Hotels, providing star class facilities. The Beach is safe and nice as a coral reef break the waves. Beruwela is famous for water sports in the sea and the Bentota River. Sailing, Water-skiing, Para Sailing, water scooters, Boat rides up stream of the river, are available as well as Ayurvedic treatment. Kechchimale Mosque is one of the oldest in Sri Lanka.
On the South coast of Sri Lanka lies the city of Bentota.  The general area of Bentota is interesting for birds.  On the shore Sea birds and Wanders are often found.  Including the rare Indian Heron and Vegetation along the river harbors many local species as well as winter migrants.  Many interesting sightseeing tours are possible from here, such as the Turtle Hatchery, Mask factory, Galle Fort, Mini Zoo, Garden brief, Boat trips on Bentota River etc.

HIKKADUWA, a town teeming with life, exudes a character almost of its own.  It is patronized largely by low-budget travelers attracted here by the lovely beach and the pre-ponderance of sheao rest houses and eating-places.  Many of them are located at the south end of the town in Narigama.  Sri Lanka’s answer to Bali’s Kuta Beach.  Bright batiks, masks, jewelry and other crafts are sold all along Hikkaduw’s Galle Road  strip.  But several higher quality establishments, catering to the more moneyed visitors, are also located in this town. 

Surfers find the break at Hikkaduwa to their fancy.  A large number of visitors take to the water with snorkel and mask to view the underwater attractions of the country’s best known coral gardens.  Glass-bottomed boats are available for hire to those not inclined to make a dive.

KALPITIYA, despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area of Kalpitiya in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there is a multitude of things to see and do! With the small close-knit fishing community dominating the lives of the local people, visitors can get a real insight into the working life away from the city. After watching the night fishing boats return in the morning, a visit to one of the fish markets offers the opportunity to choose the evening meal direct from the fresh catch! The Dutch Fort and St Peter’s Kerk church in the town itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka’s rich history and colonial past. Leisurely boat rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of watching the colorful evening sunset. For keen scuba divers and snorkellers, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka (‘bar reef’) is only an hour’s boat trip from Kalpitiya. This beautiful reef is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering sightings of manta rays, reef sharks and Grouper the occasional turtle!

REKAWA, is a small fishing village located about 10 km east of the south coast town of Tangalla. Asian Adventures works closely with the TCP (Turtle Conservation Project) in their ‘Turtle Watch’ programme on the Rekawa beach where visitors can observe the ancient ritual of turtles coming ashore and laying eggs. This pioneering conservation programme was started in 1996 to protect sea turtles in their natural habitat while providing an alternative source of income to people formerly dependent on the illegal collection of turtle eggs. Five out of the seven species of marine turtles that are familiar (but endangered) come to nest in this part of the Sri Lankan coastline, making it an ideal location to marvel at one of nature’s most fascinating processes!

TRINCOMALEE, (more commonly known as ‘Trinco’) is located on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka and offers some of the country’s most attractive beaches such as ‘Uppuveli’ and ‘Nilaveli’. Fine white-sand and crystal clear water provides an irresistible combination that won’t fail to disappoint any visitor! Snorkeling around the famous Pigeon Island just off Nilaveli beach is widely recognized to be a ‘must-do’ activity during a stay in Trinco.  Windsurfing is also a very popular activity in the area. Away from the beaches, the town has one of the most interesting and complex colonial histories in the whole of Sri Lanka, with its ownership changing between the king of Kandy, the Dutch, the British and the French on a number of different occasions! Even during the recent war, the area’s beauty continued to attract many travelers and since the peace resolution in 2002, visitors have increased in their numbers.

 

 

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Cultural Sites in Sri Lanka

 

Anuradhapura has been the greatest city of all. It remained the capital of Sri Lanka for about 1400 years. Its ruin’s today displays infinite details of rare beauty, delicately set in the world’s mightiest masses of monumental masonry second only to the Pyramids of Egypt. The best time to visit Anuradhapura is during "Poson Poya" June - the most sacred place is the "Sri Maha Bodhiya".  Worship at the bo tree has continued unbroken for 23 centuries.

Famous for a 1st century B.C. Cave Temple complex, which is an archaeological treasure. The rock temple is a series of caves (05), which has a painted area of more than 20,000 sq. ft of stunning Buddhist murals. A huge 47 ft. rock cut of a sleeping Buddha dominates the main cave.

Polonnaruwa – Sri Lanka’s medieval capital [11th-12th century A.D] is a well-preserved metropolis of buildings and shrines. The majestic King’s council chamber, the rock cut Lotus Bath, the statue of one of Polonnaruwa’s great king’s, Parakramabahu and the rock cut sculptures of the Gal Vihare (temple) are a few of this capital’s memorable sights. The Gal Vihara of Polonnaruwa is a brilliant structure best known for it’s Buddha sculptures. It was once known as the northern shrine, “Uttararama” of Parakramabahu. However, its modern name “Gal Vihara” simply means Rock Temple.  It comprises of four mid-12th century statues of Buddha, cut from a single granite wall, and is ranked as one of the best masterpieces of Sri Lankan Art.  A “Sea of Parakrama”, a vast 12th century man-made reservoir also dominates the city.

Sigiriya is a fascinating fortress, which was a stronghold of a fifth century king who murdered his father. The red stone rises 600 feet from the green scrub jungle it is famous for its frescoes painted within a sheltered rock. Only 19 out of the 500 painted in the 5th century remain. The Lion stairway, the mirror wall and the water gardens are amongst Sigiriya’s other highlights.
 

 

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Hill County in Sri Lanka

 

Kandy – the royal city, nestling amidst the mid-country hills was the last seat of the Sinhalese King, Sri Wickremarajasinghe.  Every visit to Sri Lanka should include its second largest city, Kandy; the Sinhalese cultural and spiritual centre – made even more appealing by its comfortable climate. It is the home of the sacred temple in which is enshrined the Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Kandy is also famous for its art and crafts and ancient dance forms. Visit the beautiful Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya on the banks of the Sri Lanka’s longest river.

It’s biggest attraction is the annual Kandy Esala Perahera (an elaborate religious procession to honour the sacred tooth relic of Lord Buddha), a magnificent elephant procession – which fills the town to bursting point with tourists from all over the world. Thousands of dancers and more than 100 elephants make it one of the highlights of the Sri Lankan year.

The three 14th century temples of great importance are a short distance from Peradeniya, namely; Gadaladeniya Vihara, Lankathilaka Vihara and Embekke

The British rulers modeled Nuwara Eliya on an English Village in the early 19th century, with homes and buildings in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. It is based on 1890 meters (6199 ft) above sea level. Cool rugged and picturesque, it is set in the heart of the tea country. Throughout the surrounding you will come across beautiful waterfalls cascading hundreds of feet down mountainsides. One of the biggest attractions in Nuwara Eliya is the 18-hole golf course, one of Asia’s finest.

A few miles from Nuwara Eliya is a prominent peak, Hakgala. At its foot lies the "Hakgala Botanical Gardens". The gardens are smaller and less exotic than those at Peradeniya, but at 5600 feet elevation the species of flora are quite different. The sheer rock of Hakgala (“Jaw Rock"), which rises 1500 feet straight up above the gardens, is said to have been carried here from Himalayas in the jaws of Hanuman, the mythical monkey General who helped Prince Rama rescue Princess Sita from the demon king Rawana in the Ramayana epic.

Adam’s Peak Wilderness Sanctuary (Sri Pada), the key attraction is the peak itself. The 2,243-meter peak has a great significance for various different religions. The huge footprint at the summit is believed by Buddhists to be that of Lord Buddha (‘Sri Pada’), whilst Christians suggest that it was where Adam first set foot on earth, and Hindus claim that it belongs to Lord Shiva. As a result, the peak has been a pilgrimage centre for over 1000 years. Whatever its religious significance, this famous landmark offers some breathtaking views of the hill country. The majority of climbers begin their ascent at night in order to arrive at the top in time for a sunrise spectacular when the mystical shadow of the peak is perfectly cast across the clouds. It is one of those truly unique moments that will live on in your memory long after the aches and pains from the climb have gone! In addition to Adam’s Peak itself, the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary offers some superb nature trails through tropical rainforests, across rivers and past lush tea plantations.

Kital-Ella, is situated in a pretty hillside near BANDARAWELA, Kital - Ella is named after the Sinhalese word for a particular tree called “kitul” and waterfall, which means”Ella”. It is situated approximately 10 km from Bandarawela town.

In a very attractive location overlooking the ‘Namunukula’ mountain range. At an altitude of 1,230 meters, the area has an extremely pleasant climate, with warm (but not humid) days and cool nights. The environment is remarkably varied with something to satisfy everyone’s taste. One can choose to wander through the lush tea plantations, paddy fields and vegetable plots, marvel at the many waterfalls or explore the dense forests of pine trees. For the more adventurous, the area offers some fantastic bike and hiking trails with unbeatable views of the surrounding mountains and into the famous ‘Ella Gap’.

 

 

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National Parks in Sri Lanka

 

Bundala National Park, covering an area of 6216 hectares, is located about 250km southeast of Colombo in the Hambantota district. The park falls within the southeastern arid zone of Sri Lanka, with a general climate that can be classified as hot and dry.  The terrain is generally flat with sand dunes bordering the coastline, and vegetation consists mainly of dry thorny scrublands and lagoons. A total of 383 plant species have been recorded from the park, including 6 endemics and 7 species considered as nationally threatened. It is also home to 32 different species of mammals, 5 of which are classified as threatened. For keen birdwatchers, the complex wetland system harbours a rich bird life (approximately 197 species), including several species of migratory species. This has led to the declaration of the park as Sri Lanka’s first ‘Ramsar’ wetland – one of great international importance especially for migratory species.

Gal Oya National Park, lies in the southeast of the island and to the west of Ampara. It was established in 1954 by the Gal Oya Development Board mainly to protect the catchment area of the ‘Senanayake Samudra’ Reservoir, and then handed over to the department of Wildlife Conservation in 1965. About 45% of the park is covered by forest and savanna areas take up a further 33%. The 25,900-hectare park has about 32 species of mammals including common langur, endemic toque macaque, leopard, sloth bear, elephant, wild boar, water buffalo and 3 species of deer.  For birding enthusiasts, approximately 150 of Sri Lanka’s 430 species of birds have been observed in this region.

Horton Plains National Park, is undoubtedly one of the world’s best nature reserves. It is characterized by a beautiful landscape of rolling hills, covered in upper mountain forest and wet patana grasslands. In general, the forests are seen on the hilltops or upper slopes, and the grasslands in the valleys and lower slopes, eventually giving way to wetland habitats. Spanning approximately 10,000 hectares the park is also home to a wide variety of flora (57 species, 29 endemic to Sri Lanka) and 24 species of mammals such as elk, deer, giant squirrel, wild boar, hare, porcupine and leopard. For bird enthusiasts, there are 87 species (14 of which are endemic), including many migratory birds. The Plains also feature many interesting attractions such as ‘Baker’s Falls’, ‘Chimmini Pool’ and the famous ‘World’s End’ (a 3700 ft sheer drop that offers fabulous views of the tea estates below and all the way out to the distant southern coastline).

Kaudulla National Park, Declared opened in 2002, is Sri Lanka’s newest National Park. Situated around the ancient Kaudulla tank, the park provides a 6656-hectare elephant corridor, only 6 km from off the main Habarana–Trincomalee road. With fantastic opportunities to see many elephants at close range, the park has become a popular destination for wildlife safaris and also viewing leopards, sambar deer and the occasional sloth bear! You can also experience a catamaran rides on the tank.

Kumana National Park, (a.k.a. ‘Yala East’) Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, the 18,149 hectare is a well-known bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost. One of the most significant features of the park is the ‘Kumana Villu’ - a 200-hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the ‘Kumbukkan Oya’ through a half-mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants. The very rare black-necked stork has also been spotted. Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger YALA (West) park, such as elephants and leopards. The vegetation in Kumana consists mainly of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees and the karan fern, as well as the open marsh area. * For bird watching enthusiasts, this park is an ‘absolute must’.

Minneriya National Park, Located between Habarana and Polonnaruwa, the 8,890 hectares National Park consists of mixed forest and scrub areas and is home to sambar, leopards and elephants. However the central feature of the park is the ancient Minneriya Tank (built in 3rd century AD by King Mahasena). During the dry season (June to September), this tank is an incredible place to observe the elephants that come to water and graze, as well as the huge flocks of birds (cormorants and painted storks to name a few) that come to feed in the shallow waters.

Udawalawe National Park, is located approximately 200 km southeast of Colombo. The 30,821-hectare dry zone game park has an annual rainfall of 1,524 mm and an average temperature of 29.40C. It is most famous for elephants (about 400 in total). During a visit, it is not unusual to see herds – adults and young, feeding and bathing or playing in the water! In addition to this main attraction, the park is home to many water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar, monkeys and the occasional leopard, and an exciting location for bird enthusiasts. A 4WD open-top safari is the only way to see all the wonders this protected reserve has to offer, and our experienced and knowledgeable nature guides will make this an unforgettable experience.

Wasgamuwa National Park, located in the districts of Matale and Polonnaruwa and bordered by the ‘Mahaweli’ and ‘Amban’ rivers, stretches an impressive 36,948 hectares. It was declared a National Park in 1984, making it the only one in the Central Province. Home to a huge variety of flora and fauna (23 species of mammals – including elephants and bears, 143 birds, 8 amphibians, 17 fresh water fishes, 17 reptiles, 50 butterflies and 150 plants), this park is truly a paradise for the nature lover. With many small scale ancient tanks and several other ruins and ancient religious sites the park has significant historical importance. For keen hikers, it is also home to the ‘Sudu Kanda’ mountain range (about 470m above sea level).

Wilpattu National Park, is located 26 km north of Puttalam (approximately 180 km north of Colombo), spanning an area that runs inland from the northwest coast towards the ancient capital of Anuradhapura (50 km to the east of the park).  Covering an impressive 425 sq miles, the park is Sri Lanka’s largest. Having reopened in 2003 it is now an increasingly popular eco-tourism destination. Wilpattu is a fairly thick dry zone jungle interspersed with a number of flood plain lakes banked with delicate white sands. It boasts an impressive variety of flora in huge expanses of forest, and varied wildlife, including deer, elephants, wild boar, sloth bears and leopards. Wilpattu National Park is world renowned for leopards.

Yala National Park, lays 24km northeast of Tissamaharama and 290km from Colombo on the southeast coast of Sri Lanka, spanning a vast 97,878 hectares over the Southern and Uva Provinces. The vegetation in the park comprises predominantly of semi-arid thorny scrub, interspersed with pockets of fairly dense secondary forest. Small patches of mangrove vegetation are found along the coastal lagoons.

The park is renowned for the variety of its wildlife (most notably its many elephants) and its fine coastline (associated with beautiful coral reefs). It boasts of a large number of important cultural ruins, bearing testimony to earlier civilizations and indicating that much of the area used to be populated and well developed.
 

 

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Special Interest Locations in Sri Lanka

 
Galle the seaside town is famous for its well-preserved 17th century Dutch Fort, lace making and ebony carvings. The journey to Galle is along the Palm fringed coast passing Ambalangoda, famous for its mask makers and Hikkaduwa with its incredibly beautiful coral gardens and exotic tropical fish. Seafood is a specialty all the way. Another interesting place to visit is a Turtle Hatchery.

Hambantota is the largest town on the south-eastern coast and is a well sheltered fishing port. Just outside the town are saltpans where seawater is left to evaporate, then carried by rail to salt factories. The town also boasts the best curd (a local yoghurt made out of buffalo milk) and traditionally eaten with honey.

Negombo (North of Colombo) the major beach resort on the coast north of Colombo is Negombo, popularly known as the Fishing Village. Here is an old world atmosphere of 17th century churches that line the highway and forts. The feast of St. Anne is celebrated here in late July in a carnival atmosphere. Like many other coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Negombo was an important spice port long before the Portuguese set foot on the island.   The Negombo Lagoon is a good place to watch the Karava fisherman at work. These fishermen bring their daily catch of fish, crabs and prawns to the fish market. During the day they are seen mending their nets on the beach.

South Coast (Mount Lavinia, Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwela, Aluthgama, Bentota, Induruwa, Kosgoda, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Unuwatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Dikwella, Tangalle) All of these towns have very good beaches and have an array of hotels to choose from. Along the coast there are a variety of activities including water sports, a visit to the botanical gardens, river boat rides (Bentota); a visit to a turtle hatchery (Bentota, Induruwa & Kosgoda); glass bottom boat rides to see corals, snorkelling, diving and surfing (Hikkaduwa), or visiting a mask museum & factory and lace factory. (Ambalangoda – just before Hikkaduwa.) Of course, seafood is predominant throughout.

 

Buttala, the area surrounding Buttala is part of the Monaragala district in southeastern Sri Lanka. According to the 5th century Buddhist chronicle “Mahavamsa”, Buttala itself was situated on the northern border of King Dutugemunu's Ruhunu Kingdom as a defense base to be used on his way to Anuradapura, making it a location of considerable cultural and historical importance. The landscape is tremendously varied with abandoned chena fields, irrigation tanks, dense tall dry zone forests, thorny scrub jungle, many flowering trees and rare tropical woods (such as the protected ebony tree). The region also provides an ideal base from which to explore the famous Yala National Park. The park was originally a reserve for hunters, but it was declared a protected area in 1900, a sanctuary in 1909, and a national park in 1938. It is a fascinating agglomeration of protected areas and consists of a variety of different ecosystems; essential for the diverse wildlife that inhabits it.

Dambana, is a remote jungle village of indigenous people, situated about 300km from Colombo. The population of these indigenous ‘Veddha’ people now consists of only about 350 families, a number significantly reduced from a once thriving community.  The ‘Veddha’ are so influenced by the imposing dominant culture that they risk losing their traditions and what has been their livelihood for centuries. However, they remain determined that their way of life will continue into future generations. The Chief himself told us on a recent visit to the village that his main worry is that he may not be able prevent the ‘Veddha’ traditions from dying out during his own lifetime. Visitors to this fascinating village have the opportunity to meet and chat with the people who live there, learn about their traditions, and gain a unique insight into their way of life. Your visit will also be of a direct financial benefit to the community, as well as paying them a rent for the campsite and a fee for their involvement in the programme

Kalu Ganga, is a relatively slow flowing river for most of the way, so there is no need for any specialist canoeing skills. Along the route you will be able to see many vegetation types and changing landscapes. Just passing the populated Ratnapura town area, the riverbank environment becomes more scenic and peaceful, with lonely sand collectors’ houses surrounded by thick vegetation and palm trees! During most of the ride the only noises you will hear are the birdcalls and the sound of your paddle dipping into the calm water. For a bit more adventure, it is possible to continue down the river where you will negotiate some basic rapids.  The journey finishes at the west coast town of Kalutara, which is famous for its impressive ‘Gangatilaka Vihara’ (Buddhist shrine), fine basket ware and the best mangosteens in Sri Lanka!

Sinharaja Rainforest, is a world heritage site, which can also be described as a Tropical Lowland Rainforest, it is undoubtedly a rich treasure trove of nature with a great diversity of habitats and a vast repository of Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world. Bird Watching in this ecosystem is particularly interesting because it is home to 95% of the endemic birds of Sri Lanka! Named as a world heritage site in 1989, this lowland evergreen rain forest is steeped in deep legend and mystery. The word ‘Sinharaja’ means, Lion (Sinha) King (Raja), and it is popular belief that the legendary origin of the Sinhala people is from the union between a princess and the lion king who once lived in the forest!

The story of Mihintale is a story etched deep in the national consciousness. It was at Mihintale that, King Devanampiyatissa while on a deer hunt with his attendants encountered the grandest event in the history of this land – the advent of Buddhism. The Mihintale Mountain, less than 13 km from Anuradhapura has never ceased to fascinate both local and foreign visitors since it is the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Visitors can join in the ascent of one of the world’s most antiquated stone stairway climbing 1840 steps to reach the summit.

The main tourist attraction in Matale is the handicrafts and Spice Gardens where one can view various spices that have been grown. A guided tour explains the herbal and medicinal value of these spices.  Matale is also known to have some of the best craftsmen in the country. Having learnt the work from their ancestors, these talented craftsmen strive to create works of art making use of the traditional methods to suit the modern day living styles. Apart from spices and handicrafts, the colourful batiks (a traditional Sri Lankan form of hand painted designs onto cloth) are also a great attraction.

Pinnawela is situated 52 km away from Colombo. It is an orphanage for baby elephants created by the Department of National Zoological Gardens. The orphanage was established to feed, nurse and house young elephants found abandoned by their mothers. Other inmates are those displaced from their natural environs by development projects or those found wounded. It has been recorded that a few baby elephants have been bred here in captivity.

Visit the gemming area, panning of gems, watching men at work with their age-old customs and rituals. Experience the thrill of unearthing a priceless treasure. Visit a gem cutting and polishing centre and the gem museum. View an exhibition of Sri Lankan Gems.

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