Sri Lanka Tourism

Visit Sri Lanka Year

Ayubowan!! Hello world!!! Are you ready to discover an enchanted island, blessed with over a thousand treasures?  All of us in sunny Sri Lanka would like to extend a warm welcome to all of you to discover our island’s diversity in all its glory in 2011. Officially declared as the “VISIT SRI LANKA” year by His Excellency President Mahinda Rajapaksa, the year 2011 promise to be a spectacular show of Sri Lanka’s natural, cultural and historic diversity, as never witnessed before.

Adding to Sri Lanka’s natural and cultural heritage will be a breathtaking line up of first-time events that are sure to mesmerize even the most seasoned traveler.

“Refreshingly Sri Lanka Visit 2011” Kicks off in Wadduwa

Sri Lanka Tourism’s ‘Refreshingly Sri Lanka Visit 2011’ campaign was launched with 12 refreshing themes for 12 months of the year. January is for “Pristine Beaches of Sri Lanka” and the first program of the month was a beach conservation day conducted covering popular beach destinations in the island. The main event was held at Wadduwa beach.(Daily Mirror)

More British tourists arrive

Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the country this year compared to last year according to statistics published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. 

Up to November this year 569,849 tourist arrivals have been recorded. This is an increase of 47% over 2009. Last week the tourism officials welcomed the 600,000th tourist, a British national, to Sri Lanka during 2010. 

The British High Commission in Colombo says tourists arriving from Britain have increased following the UK government's decision to lift the restrictions against travel to Sri Lanka. There are no travel restrictions to any part of Sri Lanka now. 

From January to November 95,320 British tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2010, a 30.8% percent increase over the 72,868 that visited in the same period last year. The British tourist arrivals this year accounted for 17% of the total visitors to the country. In 2009 too, 19% of the total tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka were from the UK. 

British tourists were the second highest number to visit Sri Lanka in 2010 - next to India. A total of 111,129 tourists from India visited Sri Lanka that year. 

The High Commission expects the arrivals from the UK to surpass 125,000 by the end of this year. 
Commenting on the statistics, Deputy High Commissioner Mark Gooding has said that the historical connections between the UK and Sri Lanka mean lots of British nationals want to come to the island, a former British colony, each year. 

Sri Lanka has seen a significant increase in tourist arrivals in the country this year compared to last year according to statistics published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. 

Up to November this year 569,849 tourist arrivals have been recorded. This is an increase of 47% over 2009. Last week the tourism officials welcomed the 600,000th tourist, a British national, to Sri Lanka during 2010. 

The British High Commission in Colombo says tourists arriving from Britain have increased following the UK government's decision to lift the restrictions against travel to Sri Lanka. There are no travel restrictions to any part of Sri Lanka now. 

From January to November 95,320 British tourists visited Sri Lanka in 2010, a 30.8% percent increase over the 72,868 that visited in the same period last year. The British tourist arrivals this year accounted for 17% of the total visitors to the country. In 2009 too, 19% of the total tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka were from the UK. 

British tourists were the second highest number to visit Sri Lanka in 2010 - next to India. A total of 111,129 tourists from India visited Sri Lanka that year. 

The High Commission expects the arrivals from the UK to surpass 125,000 by the end of this year. 
Commenting on the statistics, Deputy High Commissioner Mark Gooding has said that the historical connections between the UK and Sri Lanka mean lots of British nationals want to come to the island, a former British colony, each year. 

Overview of Sri Lanka Tourism Industry

Sri Lanka has always been a tourist destination. In the past, due to its strategic location, Sri Lanka attracted many merchants and explorers. Its uniqueness and size earned it the name 'Taprobane' and 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean'.

Today, this Small Miracle offers leisure and business travellers a spectrum of attractions. The commercial cities, Colombo, Kurunegala and Kandy offer business travellers an array of business opportunities and trade options. The sandy white beaches and attractive underwater life that surrounds the Island give visitors a chance to unwind and relax in a warm and comfortable setting. The beautiful rain forests, mountain ranges and scenic plantations can be visited within a few hours (approx. 4-5 hours travel time), and visitors can also visit the wildlife sanctuaries that are located in this Small Miracle. The Sri Lankan government together with the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (SLTDA) is committed to the development and growth of the local Tourism industry. The country’s Board of Investment (BOI) offer potential foreign investors lucrative incentives to start up tourism establishments. Sri Lanka is an island to be explored! Discover its uniqueness and enjoy an experience of a lifetime.

Events & Festival Calendar of Sri Lanka  

January

Every full moon day in Sri Lanka is known as poya, a Buddhist public holiday in which adherents dress in white to visit the temple from dawn until dusk to pray, meditate and listen to religious discourse. The 12 poya days each year are individually named and concern the life of the Buddha and Buddhism. Duruthu Poya, the initial full moon day of the Gregorian calendar, commemorates the Buddha's first of three visits to Sri Lanka. The Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya or Kelaniya Temple, near Colombo, hosts a perahera, literally .procession., to mark this symbolic event. The perahera is a spectacular aspect of Sri Lanka.s festivals in which an array of traditionally-attired dancers, drummers, whip-crackers, acrobats, and enrobed elephants, participate. For visitors it's one of Sri Lanka's most appealing cultural attractions. Thai Pongal, the Hindu harvest festival, is celebrated on January 14 in Hindu homes and temples throughout the country. Worship at the kovil (temple) is mandatory for adherents to the faith. Special rituals are held at home too, such as the cooking and ceremonial consumption of traditional sweetened rice called pongal. An observance of a creative nature, kolam, involves making intricate floor motifs with flour. In rural areas, a sequel known as Madu Pongal follows. Domestic animals are washed and fed, auspicious red colour smeared on their foreheads, and finally they are garlanded with marigolds. February Independence Day, celebrating independence from Great Britain in 1948, falls on February 4. Parades, dances, processions and national games are organized all over the island. But the main event is held in Colombo, attended mostly by politicians. Milad - Un- Nabi ( Holy Prophet's Birthday ) Muslims celebrate the birth of the most important Prophet in Islam by listening to speeches about his life and his teachings  Medin Full Moon Poya Day Commemorates the visit of The Buddha to his home to preach to his father King Suddhodana and other relatives and show them the path to enlightenment and final deliverance Started in 1979, the Gangaramaya Navam Perahera has since developed into one of Sri Lanka.s finest. Held at night on Navam Poya at the Gangaramaya Vihara in the heart of Colombo, it.s a popular tourist attraction that can be viewed from stands located along the roadside of the procession's route. For more information see www.gangarama.com The fascinating preparations, particularly the arrival of over 100 tame elephants at Viharamahadevi Park during the daytime, can also be observed. March The Hindu festival of Maha Sivarathri, or .The Great Night of Shiva., is celebrated in late February or early March in Hindu homes and temples across the country. This is the most important religious festival of the year for Shaivites, who comprise the majority of Sri Lanka.s Hindus. It is a deeply symbolic occasion: poojas are held at kovils during the day and can be witnessed by visitors, and every Hindu household keeps an all-night vigil.   April Sri Lankan New Year, which occurs usually on the 13th and 14th of April, is a non-religious festival celebrated by the whole population. Originally a harvest thanksgiving, it does not begin at midnight on the designated day, because, like many events in Sri Lanka, the precise (.auspicious.) timings are decided upon astrologically. It.s believed New Year commences not when the old one ends, but a few hours later. The interval between the old and the new is called nona gathe, or .neutral period., during which all activities cease. When the New Year commences, fresh activities begin: a fire is lit and new clothes are worn. Then comes the gana-denu, or .give and take. in which money is exchanged. The festival culminates when oil is mixed with a herbal paste and a respected elder anoints the head of each family member. Over the festive period traditional games, both indoor and out, such as kotta pora (pillow fighting) and havari hengima (hiding the wig) are played in homes and villages, bringing together families and communities. Many shops are closed for up to a week over New Year as people travel en-masse with gifts and specially prepared festive food to offer to family and friends.   May The most important Buddhist full moon day is in May . Vesak Poya - which marks the Buddha.s birth, enlightenment and passing away (Pariniwana). Large pandals (bamboo frameworks) hung with pictures depicting events in the life of the Buddha are erected in the streets, illuminated by flashing coloured light bulbs. Roadside dansalas (stalls) offering free food and soft drinks to passers-by are notable features of the event. Among the many striking Vesak decorations are intricate paper lanterns of different shapes and sizes, and little clay coconut oil lamps (pol-thel pahana) that flicker throughout the island. Visitors to Sri Lanka at this time will not fail to witness and be moved by the beautiful displays of lanterns outside every Buddhist home, business and temple.  June Poson Poya is second in importance to Vesak since it commemorates the introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka in 247BC. The focus of this festival is the ancient capital of the country, Anuradhapura, and the mountainous MihintaleTemple, reached by 1,840 steps, where King Devanampiyatissa was converted to Buddhism in the third century BC. During Poson, the mountain is illuminated and devotees climb the steps in their thousands to pay homage to the event. July Sri Lanka.s most prominent festival is the magnificent Kandy Esala Perahera, held in the hill capital of Kandyover 10 days in late July to early August and climaxing on Esala Poya. The perahera.s origins date back to the third century BC, but the modern event originated in the mid-18th century when the Kandyan king decreed that once a year the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha, kept at the Dalada Maligawa, or .Temple of the Tooth., should be displayed in a procession for the people to venerate. Today, thousands - including many visitors - flock to Kandy during this dazzling ten-day festival, where, under a star-studded moon-filled sky, the streets of the city appear as flowing threads of fire, colour, and stylized motion, mostly created by flaming torches and enrobed and light bulb-encrusted elephants led by the Maligawa Tusker, on whose back is a gold casket containing the relic. The air is filled with the pulsating throb of a multitude of drums, the ethereal-sounding wail of wind instruments, the wicked crack of whips, even the occasional trumpeting of an elephant. There is quieter participation too, from stilt walkers, acrobats, and the most aesthetically pleasing and traditionally important of all the performers, the dancers.  The Nallur Festival in Jaffna in August is the island's longest festival. Spanning 25 days of vibrant chariot processions, drumming, dancing and acts of self-mortification, held in honour of the war god Skanda. The Hikkaduwa Beach Festival brings this town to life at the end of July for four days of beach-based activities, cultural events and musical shows for the whole family. International DJs, local dancers and musicians headline the event. During the day this famous beach hosts many fun activities - sandcastle building competitions, kite flying, beach rugby, and even movies, to keep everyone entertained. August In the southeast of the island, the sacred site of Kataragama is brought to life with its unique annual Esala festival, which commemorates the victory of the six-faced, 12-armed Hindu war god, Skanda, over an army of demons at Kataragama. Naturally, many Hindu devotees make the pilgrimage to the shrine, but Buddhists, Muslims and some Christians also honour this god. During this 10-day festival pilgrims demonstrate their sincerity by performing astonishing acts of penance and self-mortification. These include walking barefoot atop hot coals and spearing themselves with hooks. At Dondra, Sri Lanka's southernmost point, just five kilometers from Matara, a notable festival dedicated to Lord Vishnu featuring low-country dances, traditional rituals, a perahera and a handicrafts fair, is held in July. During the same month and commencing on the Esala Poya day is a seven-day festival with a perahera in Unawatuna, near Galle, where thousands of devotees descend on the village and beach. At Bellanwilla, just south of Colombo, another perahera takes place during the week-long poya festivities held at the historic Rajamaha Vihara.Hindus celebrate a festival known as Vel in July to mark the triumph of Lord Murugan (another aspect of the war god Skanda) over evil powers. A magnificent silver-plated chariot bearing a statue of Lord Murugan leaves a kovil in the Pettah district of Colombo and is pulled to a shrine in another district, Bambalapitiya, followed by musicians and devotees smashing coconuts and singing songs of praise to Lord Shiva. Along the route there are stalls selling sweet delicacies, souvenirs, and handicrafts to passers-by. The Munneswaram Temple, three kilometres from Chilaw, is another focus of celebration for Hindus in July as they celebrate with fire walking in devotion to Lord Shiva while another small festival is held at the seaside shrine ofUdappuwa. Riding Holidays from Club Hotel Dolphin The Premadasa Riding School together with Club Hotel Dolphin will commence a series of riding holidays for holiday enthusiasts both Sri Lankan and in house foreign guests. The programmes are scheduled to start in July – August. There will be special events for children. In addition, an Amateur Dressage competition will be organized by the hotel on August 31, 2009 Elephant Gathering Almost three hundred of wild elephants gather each evening during this season along the banks of the Minneriya Tank for food, water, shelter -- and match-making. Asian elephants are renowned as highly social animals and the reservoir or tank meetings demonstrate their complex group dynamics in action.  The atmosphere gives an ideal setting for a world phenomenon, where a high concentration of Asian elephants can be found at a single location during July to October each year. Hotels in the Minneriya area use the “Gathering” – as it is known- to organize safaris to the Minneriya National Park during the season "The Gathering” giving tourists the chance to observe the elephants feasting and frolicking on the water's edge.  Hotels in Sigiriya, Dumbulla, Habarana and Giritale, in close proximity to the Minneriya Park could be earning a billion rupees collectively in revenue during the Gathering season.

Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka

All the holidays of your life will remain incomplete without touring one of the most beautiful island country of the world, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is in the south of Indian subcontinent in the Indian Ocean. The country has a rich and diverse history, at one point of time Buddhism triumphed, but now or rather for the last couple of centuries it can been a peaceful coexistence of Buddhism, Islam, Hinduism and Christianity. Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka range from Hindu temples, Buddhist stupas, monasteries, Buddhist temples, forts, relics of ancient dynasties and civilizations, marine sanctuaries, underwater ecosystem, botanical gardens and parks and the trappings of a modern society.

Some of the tourist attractions in Sri Lanka are really very interesting. For example when you visit the Koneswaram temple or the Nallur Kandaswamy temple, you will get an idea of how the Hindu temples are revered by both the Hindu Tamils and the Buddhist people. In these temples Hindu Gods are enshrined and regularly worshipped. On specially auspicious days, the temples overflow with devotees. The temples are not only places of worship but are witnesses of the intermingling of different faith and civilization in the island. One of the greatest temple of reverence for both Buddhists and Hindus is the Temple of the Tooth in which one of the tooth of Lord Buddha is enshrined. The solemn atmosphere reverberates with peace and goodwill, the path shown by the Lord himself so many thousands of centuries ago.

Forts and museums are great tourist attractions in Sri Lanka. Some forts like Galle Fort offers rich insight into the history of Sri Lankan civilization, or rather how the history of Sri Lanka has evolved. Here you can spend hours delving deep in to the past of the country. Another great attraction for all the visitors is the plethora of botanical gardens and natural parks and sanctuaries. Some of them are really breathtaking and the infinite variety of flora and fauna are always a matter of joy to nature lovers.

Forty three percent growth

Sri Lanka's tourists arrivals at the end of October has shown a 43 per cent growth in comparison with figures last year, Sri Lanka Tourism Chairman Dr.Nalaka Godahewa said yesterday. Addressing the media alongside Economic Development Deputy Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardene he said that tourist arrivals at the end of October had come close to 500,000.

According to him during the last 10 years annual tourist arrivals had been below 400,000. However, at present the monthly arrival is between 50,000 - 60,000, he added. "The dawn of peace acted as a catalyst to spur tourist arrivals to the country. It also helped Sri Lanka to utilize its full potential to supplement healthy growth," he added.

Outlining plans for the future Dr.Godahewa said that Sri Lanka Tourism would embark on a major promotional program under the theme "Visit Sri Lanka" during 2011 to attract more tourists. He said that under sub themes such as "Beach" for January,"Sports" for February etc. various initiatives would be adopted every month to spur tourism. He noted that the idea was to get the support of all stakeholders involved in the process. In addition plans are afoot to establish tourism villages, at least one for each Province, he added. Dr.Godahewa said that with the above initiatives and with ones in the pipeline Sri Lanka was well on track to achieve its goal of 2.5 million tourist arrivals by 2016.

Daily news

Sri Lanka's Commitment To Tourism

 The Honourable Mahinda Rajapaksa was elected as Sri Lanka’s fifth President in 2005. A lawyer, human rights activist, former government minister and Prime Minister of the 13th Parliament of Sri Lanka, he is dedicated to bringing peace and economic prosperity to all communities in Sri Lanka, ushering in the future while upholding the traditions of the past.

His vision is to change Sri Lanka to be a modern state whilst fostering the national heritage and culture with peaceful co-existence among the communities of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and others, instilling economic growth and prosperity; and maintaining friendly relationship with all nations.

In keeping with his goals and aspirations for a better Sri Lanka, the president developed the long term development programme called the ‘Mahinda Chintana’. The programme underwent an intensive consultative process involving sectoral Ministries and other relevant government agencies.

The Mahinda Chintana and Tourism

Tourism is a vital area in the Mahinda Chintana Policy Framework. It has been identified as capable of effectively driving the country’s socio economic development. The programme’s vision for the tourism sector is to make Sri Lanka the foremost leisure destination in the South Asian Region. The programme believes the human resources and natural and cultural endowments values and ethos will be fundamental in transforming Sri Lanka into a centre of excellence and offer tourists the highest values of authentic experiences in its unique setting.

Key objectives include

1.       Achieve 2.0mn tourist arrivals by 2016.

2.       Target up scale Free Independent Travellers (FITS), who are comparatively high spenders.

3.       Make tourism Sri Lanka’s third largest foreign exchange earner

4.       Transform tourism to be the fastest job creator and help reduce unemployment numbers.

The Mahinda Chintana Policy Framework

The government of Sri Lanka is committed to ensuring a controlled and planned development of tourism is carried out. High priority will be given towards sustainable tourism development, which involves cleaner, wholesome production, protection of indigenous flora and fauna as well as archaeological and cultural treasures.

The programme hopes to move the industry from mass tourism to concentrated marketing, particularly on high income earners. In order to promote upscale tourism, market segmentation and diversification will be carried out. The diversified segments would include nature tourism, adventure tourism, agri-tourism, culture tourism, community tourism, sports tourism, eco tourism, and wellness tourism. Targeted markets include Japan, China, Korea and Australia.

The Sri Lankan government will be primarily involved in providing a policy environment conducive to the private sector to operate all tourism services. It will also act as a facilitator and regulator at the national level.

Moreover, the government will provide attractive incentives to attract local and foreign investors. Project approving procedures will be simplified and relevant stakeholder agencies will be brought under a strong network for purposes of speedy investor facilitation.

The Mahinda Chintana is committed to ensuring strict laws and regulations are set out by the Central Environment Authority, Wildlife Department, CCD, UDA, Department of Immigration etc in order to ensure proper compliance with standards and specifications.

Domestic Tourism

The Mahinda Chintana will focus on developing Sri Lanka’s fast emerging domestic tourism sector. Providing low cost holidays with substantially high quality accommodation facilities will be the central focus. Developing lesser known attractions will be another focus point of the programme.

Strategy

The Mahinda Chintana has developed a lucrative strategy that will be used to achieve forecasts. Key highlights of the plan are as follows;

1.       Develop Sri Lanka as a regional hub in the tourist industry

By promoting Sri Lanka as a regional hub, the government hopes the country will benefit from future development activity. The commencement of a second international airport and a new harbour are likely to contribute to this.

2.       Resorts Development

The government hopes to develop the Arugambay, Hambantota and Kalpitiya areas in addition to the Dedduwa, Galle, Panama and Negombo areas. The resorts will host varied activities and offer concessions for both international and local tourists.

3.       Marketing Promotion

The government will assist the Tourism Board to aggressively promote the country in fast, emerging markets. The overseas offices will hire marketing professionals to carry out varied advertising campaigns. The overseas offices will also any and all adverse publicity is mitigated.

4.       Accommodation Facilities and Other Infrastructure

The country’s infrastructure needs to be developed if it hopes to achieve its targeted room capacity of 30,000 by 2015. Government support will be received to improve existing hotel room quality and construct many small and large scale private sector led recreational and hotel room construction projects.

5.       Roads and Railways

The government will help improve existing road networks and develop existing roads to hotels located in various parts of Sri Lanka. The laying of new railway tracks will be pursued as well.

Source : www.sltda.lk

Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions

Sri Lanka Tourism announced a new campaign at the World Travel Market 2011 in London which focus on eight key products, with wildlife to be heavily promoted for the first time. 

The first seven promote Sri Lanka's heritage, beaches, sports and adventure, wellness, scenery, friendly people and festival tourism. 

But wildlife tourism has not been exploited enough up until now

"The product we are going to start talking about aggressively is wildlife. "In Sri Lanka, you can see both the largest mammal on earth, the elephant, and the largest mammal in the sea, the blue whale, in one day," he added. 

The tourist board hopes to promote nature tourism, with a focus on bird watching and butterflies. 

International arrivals this year is around 700,000, up from 580,000. By 2016, the country hopes to attract 2.5 million annual visitors within the next three years.

Sri Lanka
An extraordinary mixture of peoples and cuisines from India,  Malaysia, Arabia and Europe, high class Western gourmet dinning, an abundance of sea food, a garden of amazing vegetables and trees groaning with exotic fruits;  a medley of Portuguese baila music and Indian/Buddhist  rhythms, temple drums and Kandyian dancing. Night clubs, discos, casinos.

An abundance of cricket, football, rugby, golf, tennis, snorkeling, surfing, scuba diving, canoeing, fishing, jet skiing, horse riding, parasailing, rowing, white water rafting, water skiing, windsurfing ,yachting, wild life photography and sanctuaries, safaris, bird watching, eco trails… or ..doing absolutely nothing !


A relaxed friendly lazy life style marked by the famous Sri Lankan smile. The friendliest people on Earth observed George Bernard Shaw and one of the most handsome.

The Brussels-Colombo direct charter flight operated by Jetairairfly and Thomas Cook began during the weekend providing a fresh boost to post-war tourism. The charter will operate until April next year.

"Sri Lanka is today one of the safest destinations in the world a tourist can expect to fly to" Sri Lanka's Ambassador to Belgium, Luxembourg and the EU Ravinatha Aryasinha said at a departure ceremony for the inaugural flight held on Saturday at the Brussels International Airport.

The Ambassador who noted that "tourist arrivals to Sri Lanka from Belgium had increased by 82.8% up to September this year, said this compared well with the 50% increase recorded from Europe, and the 44% recorded from around the world, in the same period."

Commending Jetairairfly and Thomas Cook for being one of the first European collaborations to

Re-commence direct flights to Sri Lanka, he said it will be a huge boost to the marketing of the destination not only in Belgium, but also in the entire BENELUX region (Belgium, The Netherlands and Luxembourg) and would result in an exponential growth in tourists to Sri Lanka from these countries. He urged the visitors to Sri Lanka, to on their return, share their experience with others, so that more will be encouraged to make the journey, which will strengthen the people-to-people bonds between Europe and Sri Lanka. (Courtesy DM)

The New York Times recently Ranked Sri Lanka as No 1 of the 31 places to visit in 2010  (www.nytimes.com)

"Elephants roam freely, water buffaloes idle in paddy fields and monkeys swing from trees. And then there’s the pristine coastline. The miles of sugary white sand flanked 

by bamboo groves that were off-limits to most visitors until recently..."

Not to miss sights

While it will be impossible to see everything Sri Lanka has to offer in a single trip, given below is a selection of the country’s highlights: outstanding religious and cultural sites, memorable scenery and wildlife, and spectacular festivals.

Adam’s Peak
One of Sri Lanka’s foremost pilgrimage sites, this soaring summit bears the revered impression of what is said to be the Buddha’s own footprint and offers the island’s most magical and enigmatic views.

Ayurveda
Sri Lanka’s ancient system of holistic health care uses herbal medicines and a range of traditional techniques, from gentle massages and steam baths to blood-letting treatments with leeches and fire.

Anuradhapura
From immense dagobas to mysterious forest monasteries, this vast ruined city bears witness to the great Sinhalese civilization which flourished for almost 2000 years.

Wadduwa
The pleasantly unspoilt southern end of Wadduwa beach is home to the island’s finest select of luxury beach lands.

Birds
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s classic bird watching destinations, with species ranging from delicate bee eaters and colourful kingfishers to majestic water birds and strutting peacocks.

Cricket
Join the crowds of cricket-crazy spectators for a test match in Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla or Galle.

EllaSri Lanka’s most beautiful village, offers verdant walks amongst the surrounding tea plantations and a marvellous view through the Ella Gap to the plains below.

Gangarama Temple (Colombo)
The Gangaramaya Temple is a place of worship and learning. Featuring a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Simamalaka and the Relic Chamber, it also has a museum, a library, residential hall, a three-storied Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall. Since 1890, it contributed greatly to the traditions of Viharas and Pirivenas.

Galle
Sri Lanka’s most perfectly preserved colonial townscape with sedate streets of personable Dutch villas enclosed by a chain of imposing ramparts.

Kandy
Beautifully situated amidst the central highlands, the historic city remains the island’s most important repository of Sinhalese culture, illustrated by the Esela Perahera festival and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Kandy Esala Perahera
One of Asia’s most spectacular festivals, the Perahera parades magnificently caparisoned elephants accompanied by ear-splitting troupes of Kandyan drummers and assorted dancers and acrobats.

Kandyan dancing and drumming
Observe traditional Sinhalese culture at its most exuberant, with brilliantly costumed dancers performing limb-twisting feats of acrobatic dancing. The dancers are accompanied by energetic drumming.

Kataragama
Join the crowds thronging to the colourful nightly temple ceremonies at this remote pilgrimage town, held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.

National Museum, Colombo 
Established in 1877, the National Museum is the oldest and largest Museum in the country. Housed in a fine colonial-era building, the museum is famous for its collection of ancient royal regalia, Sinhalese artwork (carvings, sculptures et al.), antique furniture, china, and Ola manuscripts. The museum contains: more than 4.000 palm leaf manuscripts; ancient and medieval jewellery; rare collection of traditional masks; wood and ivory carvings; temple frescoes; ceramics objects including VOC plates of the Dutch period; stone sculpture and lithic inscriptions.

Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage
One of the island’s most popular attractions, Pinnewala is home to the world’s large troupe of captive elephants, from dignified elderly matriarchs to the cutest of babies.

Pettah
Colombo’s colourful and chaotic bazaar district offers an exhilarating slice of Asian life, crammed with markets selling a bewildering assortment of merchandise from cheap saris to sackfulls of chillies.

Polonnaruwa
Home to the island’s finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture, from the giant Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara to the remarkable religious buildings of the Quadrangle.

Rice and CurryEat your way through the classic Sri Lankan feast with its mouth-watering selection of contrasting dishes and flavours.

SigiriyaSri Lanka’s most remarkable sight, this towering rock outcrop is home to the fascinating remains of one of the island’s former capitals, complete with ancient graffiti, elaborate water gardens, a giant lion statue and perfectly preserved frescoes of voluptuous heavenly nymphs.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's last existing tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the forest is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.

World’s EndMarking the point at which the hill country’s southern escarpment plunges sheet for almost a kilmoeter to the plains below, the dramatic cliff offers one of the finest of the hill country’s many unforgettable views. 

Whales and wildlife 
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales in their natural habitat. Sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins are also regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa on the south coast. Since the continental shelf is at its narrowest close to Dondra Head, Sri Lanka’s southernmost point, the deep water provides ideal feeding ground for migrating whales from November to April.

Elephants may be the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, but they represent just one actor on a crowded ecological stage. For instance, this is one of the best places in the world to see the elusive leopard, and one of the only places where this big cat is top predator – the king of the Sri Lankan jungle. With striking markings, a sleek, powerful body, and graceful movements, the leopard is thrilling to observe. For more information on wildlife

Yala National Park
Sri Lanka’s most popular and rewarding national park is home to birds, monkeys, crocodiles and elephants, as well as the island’s largest population of leopards.                                                                                                                                              

(Courtesy srilanka.traval) 

Main Cities

Anuradhapura	Colombo	Dambulla	Galle
Hambantota	Hikkaduwa	Jaffna	Kalutara
Kandy	Kurunegala	Matara	Negombo
Nuwara Eliya	Polonnaruwa	Ratnapura	Sigiriya

Information on Sigiriya

By Jessica McCombe, eHow Contributor

updated: June 14, 2010

Lion Rock

Sigiriya, located in Sri Lanka, has been described by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau as "part hedonistic pleasure palace, part fortress and part sacred complex," and is one of the oldest tourist attractions in the world. A UNESCO World Heritage site since 1982, the complex consists of an enormous rock, the summit of which was once covered with buildings and surrounded by gardens. Although there are various theories about the historical function of the site, Lonely Planet notes that the "visible ruins today suggest a significant urban site complete with relatively sophisticated architecture, engineering, urban planning, hydraulic technology, gardening and art."

King Kasyapa's Fortress Palace

1. The first theory about the creation and purpose of Sigiriya connects the complex to the reign (from 477 to 496 AD) of King Kasyapa. According to legend, Kasyapa built the structures atop the summit of the rock after murdering his father, King Dhatusena (walling him up alive) and seizing power from his half-brother, Mogallana. The palace and fortress were built to protect the usurper from the avenging armies of Mogallana.

Buddhist Monastery

2. Lonely Planet outlines a different theory about Sigiriya supported by "archaeological, literary, religious and cultural evidence, rather than local legend." This theory proposes that Sigiriya functioned as a "long-standing Mahayana and Theravada Buddhist monastery built several centuries before the time of King Kasyapa." As early as the 3rd century BC, the site operated as a hermitage and had developed into an important monastery by the 10th century AD (and abandoned after the 14th century).

Frescoes

3. Remnants of plaster and pigment remain throughout the site. Although only a fraction of the approximately 500 images remain, the frescoes of Sigiriya "represent the earliest surviving examples of a Sri Lanka school of classical realism" according to Discoversrilanka.com. The still-visible images of women have been variously interpreted as "Heavenly Maidens," ladies of the Kasyapan court, "Lightning Princess and Cloud Damsels" and, according to Lonely Planet, Tara Devi, a Mahayana Buddhist goddess.

Mirror Wall Graffiti

4. According to DiscoverSriLanka.com, a path runs up the western and northern sides of the Sigiriya rock to "provide access to the seeming inaccessible summit." This path is protected by a 9 1/2 foot high plaster wall so highly polished and glazed that "even today, after fifteen centuries of exposure to sun, wind and rain, one can see one's reflection in it." Called the Mirror Wall, it displays the writings of visitors to the Sigiriya complex between the 7th and 11th centuries AD. As the graffiti is translated, it offers scholars a valuable historical resource.

Lion Rock

5. When climbing the pathway of the rock to the summit, a platform emerges halfway up the north side. Here once sat the giant lion that gave Sigiriya, "Lion Rock," its name. In order to reach the summit of the rock, travelers had to pass between the lion's paws and through its mouth. DiscoverSriLanka.com notes that "based on the ideas described in some of the graffiti, this Lion staircase could be visualized as a gigantic figure towering majestically against the granite cliff, facing north, bright coloured and awe-inspiring." Today, only the paws and several steps remain.

36 percent increase in tourist arrivals

Sunday observer 

The number of tourist arrivals in Sri Lanka has recorded a 36 percent increase compared to last year, Deputy Economic Development Minister Lakshman Yapa Abeywardena told the Sunday Observer .

The Government anticipated a target of 500,000 tourist arrivals by the end of this year. According to the latest statistics, the number of arrivals is likely to reach 650,000.

Sri Lanka has been placed in the category of 32 countries which could be visited freely due to the Government defeating the three-decade-old terrorism.

In addition, the travel ban imposed on Sri Lanka by some European countries has been lifted owing to the peaceful atmosphere created in the country.

All these have immensely helped promote the tourism industry, he said.

According to the Deputy Minister, over 30 leading hotels in Sri Lanka had received hundred percent bookings for November and December this year. Therefore, we are confident that we could reach the target of 650,000 tourist arrivals by the end of this year,” he said.