Sri Lanka - Experience the Exotic!

A tiny island nation dotted with gorgeous beaches, Buddhist temples, heritage sites and ancient ruins; Sri Lanka offers the ultimate holiday experience to the travelers across the globe. Its rolling surf, golden beaches, lush hills, teeming wildlife, intriguing history and exotic heritage sites; all come together for a mindboggling Sri Lankan experience!

The History
From its deep roots in the glorious Sinhala dynasty to its era as a European colony under the Portuguese, Dutch and finally the British till its independence in 1948; Sri Lanka’s rich cultural legacy and heritage edifices are myriad reminders of its colorful past.

The Culture
The fabric of Sri Lanka’s cultural tapestry is finely woven with the warp & weft of its rich Sinhalese ancestry with patterns of Buddhist & Tamil traditions and the final glazing of the European culture- all blending in seamlessly to create the beautiful Sri Lankan culture.

Major Destinations

Colombo- The Vibrant Capital
The modern capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is an exotic blend of past & present. On one hand the city bustles with skyscrapers, nightclubs and shopping malls; on the other the quaint colonial buildings depict its vivid past.

Major Attractions of Colombo

• Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
• Colombo National Museum
• Viharamahadevi Park
• National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka
• Galle Face Green
• Clock Tower cum Lighthouse

Dambulla- A Heritage Storehouse
Tucked away in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, Dambulla is a treasure trove of historical monuments and cultural heritage.

Major Attractions of Dambulla

• The Rock Temple of Dambullla /Dambulla Cave Temples
• Dambulla Golden Temple
• Minneriya National Park
• Pidurangala Rock
• Sigiriya Fortress Ruins

Galle- Ruins of the Colonial Past
This historical city with its imperial Dutch-colonial buildings, magnificent fort and ancient churches; is a beautiful ballad of the past. Delightful architecture, charming cafes, quirky boutiques, heritage hotels and pristine beaches lure the travelers to this UNESCO-preserved Heritage Site.

Major Attractions of Galle

• Mirrissa Beach- Whale Watching
• Japanese Peace Pagoda
• Wildlife Safari at Sinhala Forest Reserve
• Jungle Beach
• Galle Fort
• Flag Rock
• Dutch Reformed Church
• Lagoon Canoeing at Unawatuna

Kandy- Taste of the Tropics
The last home of the Sri Lankan monarchy and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Kandy is one of the most sacred Buddhist pilgrimages in the world. Its lush mountains and ambient climate are a pleasant escape from the tropical heat of Sri Lanka.

Major Attractions in Kandy

• Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
• Kandy Lake
• Ceylon Tea Museum
• Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
• Degaldoruwa Rock Temple.

Ella- Call of the Hills
This rustic hamlet in the Uva Province of Sri Lanka is a nature lover’s haven. Blessed with dreamy mountains, tea carpeted slopes, cascading waterfalls and spectacular view points; Ella is just perfect for relaxing and rejuvenating in the hills.

• Ella Rock
• Ravana Waterfalls
• Little Adam’s Peak
• Nine Arches Bridges
• Dhowa Cave Temple or Dhowa Raja Maha Vihara

Wildlife in Sri Lanka
This tropical island is a natural paradise! Its well-populated national parks and wildlife reserves are most exotic in Asia. Let’s check out some of the best preserved National Parks of Sri Lanka:

• Yala National Park.
• Udawalawe National Park
• Minneriya National Park
• Bundala National Park
• Kumana National Park
• Wilpattu National Park

Fairs and Festivals of Sri Lanka

• Aluth Avurudda- Sinhala and Tamil New Year
• Vesak Poya- Celebrating Buddha’s birth, enlightenment and nirvana
• Vel- A major Hindu festival dedicated to Lord Skandha.
• Kandy Esala Poya Perahera- Festival of the Sacred Tooth Relic
• Poson Paya- celebrating the advent of Buddhism in Sri Lanka
• Kataragama Esala Perahera- a major Hindu festival

Food in Sri Lanka
Heavily influenced by Indian and South-East Asian cuisines, Sri Lankan cuisine is marked by distinctive spices and fresh local produce. Coconut, rice and sea food are the staple foods. Be sure to try spicy hot curries, fiery chutneys, hoppers, and the spicy “Kothu” during your Sri Lankan travel.

Shopping in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a shopper’s delight! Ceylon tea, fragrant spices and precious & semi- precious stones, especially sapphire & moonstone have been a lure for travelers since the ancient era. Artistic Buddhist souvenirs, traditional Rakshas masks, Ayurvedic natural oils & beauty products and handlooms textiles are also much bought Sri Lankan memorabilia.

Come, join us in this tropical paradise for a perfect vacation. Bask on its golden beaches, indulge in water sports, hike its many trekking trails, visit the sacred temples & exotic ruins, go for exciting jungle safaris- your imagination is the only limit!