| Srilanka |
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| For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors. The beach thing may be a cliche, but don't miss them. White, palm fringed beaches adorn much of Sri Lanka's coastline, making it a place to relax and chillout, encounter turtles and watch stunning sunsets. Then head to the hills to cool off amidst tea plantations, waterfalls, ancient cities and temples. Rainforests, rugged mountains and world-class surf breaks are enough to tempt any adreneline junky. Get up close and personal to leopards, bears and elephants on the many safaris on offer or just sit and marvel at the wealth of birdlife. The people are friendly, the food is delicious and costs are low. |
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| Set in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation of Sri Lanka has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature's beauty remains abundant and unspoilt. Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within such a compact location. Within a mere area of 65,610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,330 kilometres of coastline - much of it pristine beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, to a culture that extends back to over 2,500 years. With the end of the three decade long war Sri Lanka is seeing a sudden burst in infrastructure development and a of a new Sri Lanka rising. Today post-war Sri Lanka is seeing a rapid and wide spread infrastructure development within rural and urban areas as never seen in the country before. |
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| Kandy |
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| Kandy, nestled in the hills at an altitude of 488 m, it is located at a distance of 115 km from Colombo. Kandy has a rich history. It was originally known as Senkadagala pura after a hermit named Senkada who lived there. Many of Sinhalese people call it Mahanuwara meaning the Great City. The name Kandy was derived by the colonial rulers from the word Kanda in Sinhala, meaning a hill. Today a bustling commercial city, Kandy is famous for the Kandy Perahara-a huge cultural pageant that takes place in the month of July or August. It is one of the most colorful processions of the world. Place of Interest : The Temple of Tooth, Gadaladeniya Temple, Peradeniya Gardens, Embekke Temples, Lankatilaka Temple, Knuckle Mountains, Hanthana Mountains, Udawatte Kele, Hindu Shrines, Buddhist Temples. |
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| Dambulla |
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| Dambulla is a small town located at a distance of 19 km from Sigriya on the Sigriya-Kandy road. Dambulla has over 80 caves in the surrounding and some of them have been used by the monks as meditation locations. Major attraction is the Dambulla Rock Temple consisting of five cave temples dating back to the 1st century BC. The temples contain many statues and paintings. Hindu statues are believed to be of the 12 century AD and the latest paintings are of the late 18-century. Iron Wood Forest and Rose Quartz Mountain was declared as a human sanctuary by King Dappula in 10 century AD. Trees believed to have been planted by those who sought sanctuary here, later on turned into a vast plantation of Iron wood forest. Apart from the biodiversity of the site, it is also geologically important because of the Rose Quartz mountain range in the garden |
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| Colombo |
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| Colombo, the commercial and political heart of Sri Lanka is a fascinating mix of old and new, with a central cluster of high-rise office blocks and hotels overshadowing red-tiled colonial-era buildings and sprawling street markets which overflow with high piled fruit and vegetables, colourful silks and cottons, and deliciously fragrant spices. Colombo is full of historical and cultural treasures. There are many magnificent Buddhist and Hindu temples, great museums and the attractions of an international harbor city. Colombo is a shoppers paradise. you'll find many international franchises and up-market shopping centers. As the capital city, a vibrant nightlife has developed within Colombo. Dining, dancing and casinos provide a range of entertainment. The Fort and Cinnamon Gardens regions of the city provide a lot of the nightly entertainment. |
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| Pinnewala-Elephant Orphanage |
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| This is a unique place for visitors as this may be the only place on the planet that one can see such a large herd of captive elephants from weeks old to more than 50 years old. Pinnawala Elephant Orphange, the conservativation breeding center run by the National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka was established in 1975. There daily rituals begin at 7am in the mornings after they are fed and given milk they are taken to the river 'Ma Oya' . Here they drink bathe and are brushed in the shallow pools of this flat rocky river. There are nearly 90 elephants in the orphange presently. Sama, a 22 years old lost her leg due to a mine blast during the separatist war, tugs along the herd to make it to the river and one can see how the other herd members wait for her to join them in this ritual. |
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| Nuwara Eliya |
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| Nuwara Eliya - situated in the central mountains at an altitude of over 6000 feets - is the premier hill resort of Sri Lanka. Overlooked by Mt. Piduratalagala, the highest peak of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya's literal meaning is the City Of Light. Developed by Britishers as an exact replica of the British town, Nuwara Eliya produces some of the country's best tea. With an average temperature of 10 C, Nuwara Eliya provides respite from the hot and humid temperature of the plains. Major tourist attractions are Horton Plains, a National Park where sambhar and leopard are frequent sights and Hakgala Botanical Gardens famous for its collection of roses and the rare fernery. The town is an excellent getaway for trekkers and nature lovers. The town's attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. |
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| Bentota |
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| Facing the Indian Ocean, a tropical lagoon and a major river Bentota offers water sports possibilities nowhere else to be found. Apart from swimming, body-surfing or diving in the sea, you can jet-ski, windsurf, parasail or enjoy a romantic river safari on the river and lagoon. Being one of the most established beach resorts in Sri Lanka, Bentota is known for its professional touristic infrastructure. The many 5* hotels are often build in fantastic locations and even if you don't stay there drop in for a tea and enjoy the scenery. Especially for families Bentota is a well sought after destination. Safe swimming conditions combined with fun water sport and exciting excursions are providing for the ideal background for a relaxed holiday in Sri Lanka. Bentota, Sri Lanka is 90 km from Sri Lanka's international airport and 60 km from Colombo. |
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