Immerse yourself in the tranquility of Sri Lanka, a land where diverse experiences intertwine. Trek through verdant hills and embrace the cool embrace of mountain towns. Ascend a sacred peak revered by many faiths, or delve into the heart of a cultural center, where ancient traditions come alive. Journey back in time amidst captivating ruins, or marvel at a majestic rock fortress, a testament to human ingenuity. Witness vibrant expressions of faith and cultural heritage, and be captivated by the diverse tapestry of wildlife roaming free in sprawling national parks. Explore a UNESCO World Heritage Site teeming with life, and find your solace on pristine coastlines, each offering something unique, from serene relaxation to exhilarating adventures. Sri Lanka awaits, a haven for every soul seeking a transformative experience.
⦁ Described as the oldest known National Park in the world of deadly carnivores.
⦁ Boasts a natural forest with diverse wildlife thriving due to favorable conditions such as plentiful edible vegetation, tropical weather, and abundant estuaries.
⦁ Emphasis is placed on the importance of being silent in the park to avoid disturbing wild animals. Listening to Nature to naturally interact with fascinating creatures who are on their own subjective lives simply following instinct.
⦁ Recently accessed natural forest in Sri Lanka, declared a National Park in 1984 to protect displaced wild animals during a development project is home to numerous wild-wilderness-country creatures – WWCC with their ‘tribal’ families.
⦁ Located in the North Central part of Sri Lanka, known for lush greenery and a variety of wildlife, particularly sloth bear, crocodile, elephant & rare amphibians.
⦁ Situated in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka and renowned for the incredible elephant migration during the drier months of June to September.
⦁ The park hosts as many as 300 elephants congregating around the ancient Minneriya water tank, providing a vital water source.
⦁ Located in the southeast of the island, adjacent to Bundala Bird Sanctuary and Yala National Park.
⦁ Internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds, with over 197 bird species.
⦁ Features a diverse landscape of lakes, estuaries, lagoons, ponds, dunes, and waterways.
⦁ Known for attracting transit birds on intercontinental flights, including species from Siberia, Mongolia, Australasia, Africa, Eurasia, SEA–Pacific Rim and India.
⦁ Home to the two–legged avian darlings, mammals, reptiles, amphibians, fish & numerous wildlife, including civets, giant squirrels, crocodiles, and marine turtles.
⦁ Uda Walawe National Park is non-touristic, unusual and a cut above the well traversed Yala or Wilpattu Wildlife National Parks for leopards, black leopards & wild cats.
⦁ Home to 34 endemic bird species and other diverse wildlife.
⦁ Elephant herds abound in this remote park. In order to enable the survival of orphaned baby elephants, an Elephant Transit Home has been established here to feed & care for those who once starved without sufficient greens to eat & water to drink in the wilderness.
⦁ There are more chances of spotting the wild leopards, black leopards, wild cats and other wildlife in this park than in other parks, because it’s away from the usual routes of most tour itineraries.
⦁ A tropical rainforest reserve and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⦁ The only one of its kind in the geophysical area of the south Indian Peninsula & this Island nation , the closest other Rainforest is the Taman Negara in the Malaysian Peninsula .
⦁ The Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve supports and sustains an abundance of wildlife including reptiles ( lizards & turtles) , mammals ( deer & buffalo) , amphibians ( salamander & iguana) & birds ( myna, flamingo, parrot, pigeon, peacock, pelican, pheasant & ducks ) in addition to numerous varieties of lush green tropical & temperate vegetation on the higher elevated hills of this forest.
⦁ It is a natural forest in the Dry Zone of the northwest, where animals thrive in the ideal conditions with abundant edible vegetation, tropical & dry weather and with many estuaries and lagoons.
⦁ The park lay undisturbed by visitors for many years until the end of the conflict in 2009 , and had a chance to thrive during that time.
⦁ Remote from townships , peacocks, monkeys & elephants somehow seem to thrive as they appear on the scene as soon as one enters the park. Others materialize sooner or later as one goes deeper into the forest passing herds of deer, sambar, gazelle, bear, porcupine, wild boar, buffalo, crocodile, iguana, squirrel, fox, leopards , wild cats & an assortment of birds.
⦁ We encourage visitors to appreciate the intricate ecosystems and diverse life forms in these national parks while respecting the natural environment and wildlife.
| Species | Total Existing | Just Visiting | Endemic | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Birds | Mammals | Reptiles | Amphibians | Fish (Approx.) |
| 520 | 480 | 34 | ||
| 126 | 104 | 22 | ||
| 181 | 162 | 19 | ||
| 120 | 13 | 107 | ||
| 190 (Est) | 100(Est.) | 90 (Est.) |
⦁ Described as the hill capital of Sri Lanka and a former capital during the reign of the last monarchy of Ceylon.
⦁ Home to the Consecrated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⦁ Visit Kandy Lake and the Kandy Arts Center with daily cultural dance performances.
⦁ Visit the well-landscaped cemeteries of British defense forces and the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya.
⦁ Located within the cultural triangle of the country and considered the first capital of ancient Sri Lanka.
⦁ The eight Buddhist temples commonly visited in Anuradhapura, including Jaya Sri Maha Bodiya, Thuparamaya, and Ruwanwelisaya.
⦁ Visit attractions such as the gardens, stone carvings, paintings, ancient ruins, and the alluring third ‘Stargate’ discovered at Ranmasu Uyana Royal Park.
⦁ Another UNESCO World Heritage Site within the Cultural Triangle, known for it’s captivating attractions of ancient Sri Lanka.
⦁ Visit the Gal Vihara complex with sculptures of standing Buddha, reclining Buddha, and Buddha in the lotus position carved from a single rock hill.
⦁ Other attractions include the Vatadage, Royal Palaces, Kiri Vehera Dagoba, and Medirigiriya Ancient Hospital.
⦁ It is recommended for a specially trained guide to accompany visitors and provide historical information.
⦁ Features the Rangiri Cave Temple, the largest cave temple globally, designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
⦁ Houses ancient murals, artworks, and thousands of Buddhist paintings and carvings dating back to the 2nd Century BC.
⦁ Thousands of pilgrims visit to pay homage to Buddha statues and the exhibition of murals.
⦁ Accessible from the Colombo-Anuradhapura main road, with a moderately challenging climb passing through lush greenery.
⦁ Located near the Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Pidurangala, it is possible to fly in hot air balloons over the area.
⦁ A UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the Rock Fortress of King Kasyappa during the 5th Century AD.
⦁ The fortress may have been occupied by King Ravana around 5,000 BC, and features advanced hydraulic systems and a palace garden.
⦁ It also features a Lion’s mouth entrance, frescoes, mirror walls, and a rooftop with amenities like dining facilities and bathing places.
⦁ Witness the intriguing nature of Sigiriya’s architecture and discover its history.
⦁ The mountain ranges in the centre of the island of Sri Lanka rise up to over 2400 meters above sea level , enabling a cooler climate compared to the coastal regions.
⦁ The spiral fractal shapes of these mountain ranges can be clearly seen from satellite images of the country , and the highlands support the growth of tea, rubber & other crops like spices.
⦁ The geological and topographical terrain of the Central Highlands enable over 3000 viewpoints from where panoramic views can be made of the vast plains towards the shores of the coast.
⦁ These highlands contain the highest number of hills between 1400 and 2400 meters above sea level in any tropical country on the planet.
⦁ A colonial fort originally built by the Portuguese as a rudimentary trading post and later rebuilt by the Dutch East India Company as a strategic defense & trading post.
⦁ The British who defeated the Dutch in their war overseas remodeled the fort to suit their needs and maintained it as a trading post
⦁ The colonial architecture of the settlements within the fort are appealing and numerous, along with stone paved roads and ancient churches, it is a pleasant location for strolling around.
⦁ All the administrative buildings built by the colonials are still being used & maintained by the local authorities of the southern province.
⦁ The only one of its kind in the geophysical area of the south Indian Peninsula & this island nation.
⦁ The closest other rainforest is the Taman Negara in the Malaysian Peninsula across the ocean.
⦁ The Sinharaja Rain Forest Reserve supports & sustains an abundance of wildlife in addition to numerous varieties of lush green tropical & temperate vegetation on the higher elevated hills of this forest.
⦁ Considered a sacred holy site for devotees of all religions in Sri Lanka.
⦁ It houses shrines for worship, connecting with the Buddha and ancient deities such as Murugan/Skanda.
⦁ The Kiri Vehera temple, painted in white limestone, is a prominent structure.
⦁ The Holy Kataragama Procession (Perahera) is held annually in July, involving devotees from various religions.
⦁ Miraculous events can be seen during the procession, such as walking on fire without harm, taking showers of boiling milk and water, and piercing the body with needles without bleeding.
⦁ Foreign travelers have a fascination for the lack of scientific explanations for these occurrences.
⦁ The source of water of spiritual significance which is taken to other holy processions around the island.
⦁ The central highlands are a UNESCO World Heritage Site with gorgeous mountain ranges, ridges, viewpoints, gaps, valleys and gorges.
⦁ There are panoramic views of valleys, plantations, and settlements, and the elevation provides a cool temperate climate away from the coasts.
⦁ The high altitude contributes to the distribution of water to rivers, creeks, and other waterways.
⦁ There are anomalous mountains in the region, including Danigala Alien Mountain, thought to have been settled by aliens.
⦁ Ella is a popular destination for hiking, climbing, and trekking, known for its nature trails, fragrant flowers, and friendly animals.
⦁ The area features popular hills like Little Adam’s Peak, Eagle Rock, and Ella Rock, known for its challenging trek.
⦁ Ella Rock is a 7 km hike with changing vegetation and spectacular views, somewhat resembling Machu Picchu.
⦁ Learn about the historic significance of Ella Rock and its strategic placement for wartime defense.
⦁ Nuwara Eliya is a tranquil settlement in the central highlands with a “Little England” ambiance.
⦁ Formerly an area full of British tea plantations, it features properties with splendid British colonial architecture and is high grown tea country.
⦁ Visit Queen’s House, reflecting British architecture, and take part in activities like paddling a catamaran on Lake Gregory, or playing golf.
⦁ Kitulgala is known for white water rafting, abseiling, camping, and hiking, and is on the route to the Horton Plains National Park.
⦁ It is an ideal setting for white water rafting, with the Kelani River offering intriguing rapids and beautiful forest surroundings.
⦁ The area is non-touristic, quiet, and camp-friendly environment with abundant fresh flowing water.
⦁ Adam’s Peak is a solitary cone-shaped hill known as Sri Pada, a popular pilgrimage destination for people of all religions.
⦁ On the summit is a large footprint claimed by various religions, including Buddhists, Christians, Muslims, and Hindus.
⦁ The pilgrimage is a seasonal event between December and May, attracting thousands of local pilgrims.
⦁ Take in the mystical and breathtaking views during sunrise and sunset, with the shape of the hill resembling a pyramid.
A popular destination for its awesome, tantalizing and warm surf. It is a pretty wide, long & deserted shoreline to get horizontal, kick back, relax & unwind. Its close proximity to the Blue Lagoon (Nil Kalapuwa), tangy Seafood, the Capital Colombo & the airport highway makes it even more attractive. Plenty of water sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing are attractions to this mesmerizing ‘long beach’ of the west coast.
Colonial & Christian influences have left behind numerous pretty monuments & buildings designed with attractive architecture & grace to match the architecture of the entangled Buddhist, Dravidian, Arab & prehistoric culture of the resplendent isle. The large blue lagoon, turquoise to blue green Sea, estuaries, creeks & streams enable a substantial catch of fish in order to supply an increasing demand for seafood by large hotels in Negombo, its suburbs & adjacent settlements.
The Old Dutch Hamilton Canal passing through from the north to the south enabled convenient transport of seafood from the very olden days. Still it is an alternative mode of transport of goods, seafood & people, especially when the highways get jammed.
Dikwella, meaning long beach in Sinhalese, is an emerging beach destination on the southeast coast of the Island for having a ball on an alluring seashore full of enjoyable attractions. Certainly a dazzling beach including a stirring surf, fun filled watersports activities, balmy sunshine, white sand, aquamarine sea & a long wide shore of a bay. A beautiful palm fringed shore with up and coming huts to kick back, relax and unwind. Juice bars, ayurveda massage parlors, yoga & meditation retreats are slowly coming up to meet the modern and healthy demands of foreign travelers who want to enjoy a short vacation of their lives on a beach, and here at Dikwella we welcome you to an authentic experience, true to the expression ;’life’s a beach’ !.
A short stroll to the east from here, takes one to find yet another tranquil beachfront known as Hiriketiya, which has been affectionately shortened to simply sound like ‘Hiri’ by the foreign guests’ who found it for its promise. It is now slowly getting popular for its remarkable surf, sand and palm fringed ‘sandwalk’ around a half circular curved cove bay area with friendly locals to interact with. Other deserted shores interfacing the Indian Ocean, Arabian Sea & the Bay of Bengal are : Tangalle (Tanning Rock), Nilwella (Blue Beach), Weligama (Sandy Village), Kalpitiya (Time Park), Hambantota (proposed new Capital), Kirinda, Talalla, Dondra, Ahangama, Talpe, Dodanduwa (Orange Isle), Kosgoda, Induruwa, Moragalla, Ventura Beach, Kalutara, Waskaduwa, Panadura, Lunawa, Angulana, Mt. Lavinia, Crow Island Beach, Preethipura, Uswetikeiyyawa, Bopitiya, Waikkaal, Iranawila, Chilaw, Mannar, Delft Isle, Kayts, Point Pedro, Casuarina, Mullaitivu, Pottuvil, Panama etc.
Well known for its pristine honeycoloured beaches, turquoise ocean, views of metaphoric watersports in the sea, lake, lagoon, river & estuaries area. Bird watching amidst the water hides is an exciting adventure. Bentota is home for numerous five star resorts, hotels & Ayurveda wellness retreats for healing, convalescence, health & beauty treatment which includes the chic Robinson Resort in an atoll across the lagoon, lake, river & the sea. Plenty of estuaries in the area attract birds to sing, fish, fishing enthusiasts & wildlife including iguana & numerous varieties of turtle, tortoise & crocodiles. Saman Villas by the Laccadive Sea, Gardens of Bevis Bawa, Kosgoda Turtle Sanctuary, River Safaris, Kayaking, Canoeing, Boat rides to Cinnamon Isle are some attractions here. Plenty of boat rides take the discerning traveler bird watching throughout the numerous estuaries in the vicinity as the river & lake discharge its contents to the sea while the sea reciprocates on high tide.
Great place for banana boating, water sports like jet skiing, speed boating, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, Kite Surfing, seaplane rides, windsurfing, scuba diving, snorkeling, lagoon fishing, bird watching & observing small creatures getting into their regular synchronization, as there are millions of creatures such as crickets, frogs, fruit flies, dragonflies & fireflies who get into sync every night. There are a small number of stilt fishermen in their meditative angling in this incredibly organic bio diverse settlement. ‘A fisherman was observed to be catching far more fish than several others in the vicinity, when the others went to check how he was excelling, they found that he was using barbequed worms as bait’.
Powerpark is what it means in Sinhalese, this deserted but marvelous shore is a Non Touristic destination as not many visitors are aware of this fabulous beach paradise on the way to Galle heading down south on the ‘Indian Ocean Boulevard’ (Galle Road) far from the highway.
Alluring silicone sand, blue water, brisk sunshine, surfable surfs & palm fringed bay of tranquility attract no one in particular. It is deserted and empty indicating that there are only a few families of fishermen with their boats parked on the sand to be seen.
Awesome Enticing Beachfront of glorious silicone, scenic islands like Seenigama (Candy Village), Coral Gardens, Moonstone mines, & the tranquil lake in Hikkaduwa are the popular attractions. Seagulls, Larks & Crows are flying all over the seashore ‘waving’ & chirping to welcome the visitor. One doesn’t miss this magnificent sight of the birds amidst the picturesque Hikkaduwa beach in this paradise. The black crow or Raven cawing to signal anything edible to their mates. This noisy black bird is the oldest known garbage picker provided by nature, since the time of the ancient kings and before.
‘Hikka’ as it is simplified by foreign guests, is one of the first destinations for foreigners traveling to Asia to check out in Sri Lanka, what attracted them was this golden sandy shore, sunshine, the variety of corals, blue-green colored Sea, cheap cabanas, food & elegant music which led to ‘HikkaRocks’. It became popular in the seventies during the time of rock & roll, hippie culture & the turning point towards alternative schools & thought.
Aquamarine sparkling bay packed with silica sand, coconut palms & corals with great surfs on the horizon, though light enough for a variety of water sports, sunshine, golden sand under the palms for sunbathing, tanning or simply kicking back to unwind, this is a magnificent shore.
Not too far about 90 meters to the south is Dalawella Beach which is almost entirely deserted, if one wants more privacy far from the crowds, here it is.
No large resorts yet, but sufficient restaurants, yoga, ayurveda massage spas and juice bars to serve large crowds of beach enthusiasts lined on the elegant shady palm fringed coast, which is pretty cool.
Water Sports such as scuba diving, snorkeling, windsurfing, kite surfing, fishing, & diving are popular on the breezy shore. Magical sunsets, fireflies, & wicked beach parties attract most visitors to overstay on this exceptional beachfront.
Beachfronts around Palm Island, Rumassala, Coco Bay, Unawatuna Bay & the deserted Dalawella beaches in the vicinity of Galle are wonderful pristine beaches like natural swimming pools spread out between about 2 to 9 km south from town. Great places for snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, sun bathing, sun tanning & other watersports activities of uncanny beaches. Kaluwella (Black Sand Beach ) is also a deserted tranquil beach with clean black sand 4 km north from town.
Galle township is a somnolent but splendid old town on the south-west coast of the magical Isle. Formerly the capital of Ceylon, with a natural harbor during the time of the Portuguese period before the British changed the Capital to be Colombo. Apart from the dazzling beaches at Unawatuna Bay, Kaluwella (black sand shore), etc. it is full of attractions including the Madhu River for boat excursions into the nature & natural turtle farms on the shores.
The Galle Dutch Fort ( A UNESCO World Heritage Site ), a lively medieval township, is one of numerous attractions to visit. Originally built by the Portuguese, it was renovated by the Dutch & restored by the British replete with green & granite ramparts, cannons, dungeons, stone bunkers & Stone Park benches. A stroll down the stone paved roads springs one the feeling of being in Rome, the architecture of the old buildings of this Fort are predominantly European. The old fashioned courtyards & sidewalks of the built up area of the little town offer the eyes, the comfort of ‘space’ to enjoy what one looks at & ‘see’ it. Stone parapet walls serve to classify the distinct areas of the ramparts, so are the massive walls on the perimeter of the fort, built wide & high enough to protect its ‘residents’ from any attacks by adversaries back in the days. There are dungeons built in the basements to contain trespassers or prisoners. On the green grassy ramparts there are canons placed at strategic locations for defense purposes. From the eastern rampart, one can see the picturesque Galle International Cricket Stadium.
One of the most adored destinations for Spotting Blue Whales & Dolphins as the density of these exciting creatures is pretty high just across the horizon from Mirissa & the vicinity. Ferry Boats take discerning visitors from the fascinating beachfront out into the Ocean for Whale watching where the size of a heart of a whale can be not less than the size of an average car, to give you what dimensions to expect and playing with dolphins a few hundred meters into the Ocean.
A sparkling beach with golden sand, southern sunshine, balmy ocean temperature with a cool breeze is ideal for suntanning, walking, and simply dipping in the warm blue-green water. Challenging & Tall surfs attract many to indulge in Surf boarding & other water sports all across the bay with special guidance & training offered for wanna-be surfers to quickly learn how to surf over the gleaming waves.
The ‘Surfers Paradise’ of Sri Lanka, but twice as unpretentious. The discreet atmosphere here welcomes one to expect less surfers & beach enthusiasts since it is certainly difficult to get there, as there aren’t any direct roads to reach this hideaway on the east coast. So it is still non-touristy with Incredibly Extensive Golden Beaches to trudge, sunbathe, sun tan, watch the surfing or just chill out. The laid back atmosphere enables one to relax & perhaps read a book or just kick back & unwind. Tall waves attract surfers from all over the world, especially from down under. Plenty of seafood at budget prices for the perceptive traveler to indulge.
Crocodile Rock, Peanut Farm, Pasarichenai&Pottuvil Point Beaches are almost deserted as surfers aren’t attracted to those beaches. Lagoon Safari is not too far to see a large variety of wildlife & indulge in riding on Elephants. There are splendid beach parties with cool music in the night to have lots of fun. Those who prefer a quiet night can watch how the frogs, crickets & fire flies get into sync either gnawing, screeching or lighting on & off, having begun to do what they adore to do after sunset, gnawing, screeching or lighting randomly at various places, only to sync later. These are some anomalous creatures that get into sync like flocks of birds or shoals of fish happen to suddenly turn altogether simultaneously. This phenomenon of synchronization is a show that awaits the discerning traveler. The Mangrove bushes enable fireflies to proliferate. All others just adore their habitat.
A few kilometers south is another deserted beach known as Panama Beach with wide golden sandy shores to kick back & get horizontal.
A Sensational beach located on the Northeast coast of the Island, north of Trincomalee is this gorgeous beachfront to relax & unwind. Tranquil and deserted, the golden sand, blue-green water, calm waves rolling over a shallow depth invites the discerning to take a walk in the crystal clear water of the bay while simply taking a dip into the warm sea.
Hardly any fishing boats in the vicinity to bother as the shore is too shallow for such ‘floatables’ in this haven for seagulls, turtles, fish, wild prawns, oysters, lobsters, crabs, calamari and other exotic creatures. Various atmospheric seasons determine which of the numerous species of creatures will frequent or proliferate, to be caught by fishermen.
Kick back, relax & unwind on this magnificent shore that is especially devoured by honeymoon couples for its serene beauty & tranquility.
Further south of Trincomalee is the splendid Marble Beach, pretty calm, quiet and tranquil to simply lie down horizontal, relax, chill & unwind.
Yet another emerging destination for Surfing with tall surfs, like Arugam Bay, it is located further north on the East coast south of Nilaveli Beach. Impressive tall surfs, in this immaculate shoreline of pebbles, golden sand & almost green crystal clear Sea water attract the discerning surfer. Due to its unusual, uncommon & ‘not so well known’ name tag, most travelers who R & R here would want to keep it discreet, vetoing the almost deserted Beach to get crowded. Plenty of beach parties make it a happening destination fully worth going the distance & the crooked way to get there is certainly value for money, as those with two minds aren’t gonna come. So if somehow you manage to get there, keep it modest, discrete and have the fun with the least aggregate of holidaymakers to bump into on this tantalizing shore.
Watersports activities are picking up, as it is becoming a great place for snorkeling, scuba diving, jet skiing, kite surfing, windsurfing, sun bathing, sun tanning & other activities of ‘a life’s a beach’ destination.
