Top beautiful natural sights in Sri Lanka

The teardrop island of Sri Lanka is full of natural wonders. From huge rocks in the middle of forests, to herds of wild elephants and rolling hills, Sri Lanka has plenty to offer the nature lover. You will find a wide range of ecosystems here, too. There are coastal beaches, dry forests and rainforests. There are foggy hills and mountain ranges. There are lakes big and small, and also tons of tea plantations. Here is a look at some of the natural sights of Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya

A visit to this place will show you a 1600 years old Sigiriya Fortress which was built by King Kasyapa. This massive compound is protected by two moats and three ramparts. It is once known to be the private residence of King Kasyapa. It is 165 km from Sri Lanka. If you are interested in ancient places, this is one of the best tourist places to visit in Sri Lanka.

Adams Peak

The next destination is one of the most mesmerizing Sri Lanka tourist places and is known as Adam’s peak. Adam’s peak is amongst the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. Climb the slopes at night to watch a breathtaking sunrise at dawn that would be hard to forget.

A biodiversity hotspot and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is difficult to match the spectacular views from Adams Peaks in the whole of Sri Lanka. The name itself of this place is unique and so is the destination. This place is situated in middle Sri Lanka and that one thing for which it is known is called Sri Pada. Sri Pada is basically considered as the footprints of Buddha.

Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the place to go to see big cats in Sri Lanka. The park is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world, and it is also an important sanctuary for Sri Lankan elephants and aquatic birds. Monkeys, crocodiles, and other critters run around the park’s grassy plains and forest areas. The park is located on the southeast coast of the island.

World's End Nuwara Eliya

One of the most jaw-dropping experience you can ever have in Sri Lanka is the World’s End on the Horton Plains. Enjoy a tuk-tuk ride to the Horton plains from Nuwara Eliya.

You can see animals such as leopards and deer. Experience the amazing flora and fauna which will be an amazing experience.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

If there is one thing in abundance in Sri lanka, it is flora-fauna. The home of lions, Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers. The reason why you should visit this place is that you will find a variety of endemic birds and mammals.

Sinharaja is also the last viable area of tropical rainforests in Sri Lanka and hence an important biodiversity hotspot. No wonder it has been recognized as a UNESCO world heritage site. It is also bordered by the rivers on both sides.

Bentota

An extraordinary experience amidst an ordinary setup lies 65 kilometres from Colombo and is named Bentota beach. Soak yourself in the ordinary golden sand while enjoying the marvellous sound of the mighty Indian Ocean crashing against the shores.

The mesmerizing view of the sea will leave you speechless. If you are planning to break the monotony of the routine just try your hands at adventure sports found alongside the palm trees. You should not miss to visit this Sri Lanka tourist place as it is quite popular amongst tourists.

Mirissa

Lie back in a hammock under the sun or float in the clear, turquoise water of this small, beachside village. Beautiful hideaway beaches and a thriving nightlife scene make Mirissa a hot spot for tourists, but because tourism did not take off until the mid-1990s, the area is still quite down to earth. Mirissa is also world renowned for its fantastic areas for whale and dolphin watching.

See more: Have a nice weekend in Sri Lanka

Source Internet

Do not miss these curries from Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s national dish is unmistakably rice and curry. Rice and curry does not simply include one type of curry, but several kinds. This meal is a great big platter made up of rice and at least three different curries around it placed near the rice. Rice and curry dishes are customarily eaten by hand, an art easy to master after a couple of tries.

Crab Curry

Sri Lanka is paradise for seafood lovers. A juicy crab curry is a must-try for those who do not mind getting dirty. It is a finger-licking experience! Crab curries are omnipresent on menus all over the country. They are prepared by cooking the crab in a paste of spices and coconut milk. After you have broken the crab apart and extracted all the meat, be sure to mop up the flavorful gravy with some bread (such as pol roti). Ministry of Crab, in Colombo's historic Old Dutch Hospital complex, is devoted to the crustacean. It is the hottest place for all things crab, including traditional Sri Lankan crab curry.

Parippu (Lentils Curry)

Parippu aka the humble lentils curry is a must-have when you travel to here. Sometimes, it is part of our every single meal. A good parippu curry is served alone with almost everything in Sri Lanka. Perfectly scented in coconut gravy, the light-red Mysore Dhal (Masoor Dal) turns into a pleasing yellow colour with a few pinches of turmeric. Often spiced up with chilli powder, mustard seeds and saffron, chopped garlic, onions and curry leaves are used as flavouring-enhancers.

Haalmesso Sudata (Dried Sprats Curry)

Dried sprats, mildly treated with Sri Lankan spices are cooked with rich coconut milk until the gravy gives a thick, creamy texture. The gravy is best enjoyed with roast paan and loaves of bread (known as kade paan in Colombo) making it one of the popular staples of Upali’s menu. It is also quite popular in Sri Lankan households to add boiled potatoes and sliced tomatoes which gives a whole different taste and appearance.

Jackfruit Curry

The jackfruit sure looks a bit strange but it is an ever-present feature in curries in Sri Lanka, where it grows in abundance. Even before the jackfruit has ripened, it is made into curry. This type is known as polos (baby jackfruit or green jackfruit). Once cooked, its texture resembles pulled pork. Ripe jackfruit is called kos, and it is made into a very different tasting curry called kiri kos maluwa. In contrast to the hot and spicy polos maluwa, this curry is mild and creamy with thick coconut milk and fewer chiles. Eat it with rice or roti.

Ambul Thiyal (Sour Fish Curry)

The most amazing thing about this curry is not its taste, which is beyond delicious, but that’s pretty obvious. It is the fact that this curry can stay at room temperature for a week without going bad. The trick?

Tamarind, or goraka as it is called in Sri Lanka, used to marinate fish prior to cooking is a natural preservative. Ambul thiyal is a dry curry with a slightly sour taste. It originated in the South of the island but overtime became typical Sri Lankan food.

Beetroot Curry

Along with usual chicken and fish curries, or dhal curry, there is one particular vegetable-based curry. Even though it isn’t the most common, it really is quite spectacular. The beetroot is cut into thin slices and cooked in the usual delicate spices of vegetable curries. The special flavour of beetroot curry is crunchy, sweet and spicy all at once and you literally cannot eat just one bite.

Read more: Most breathtaking natural sights in Sri Lanka

Source Internet

November in Sri Lanka: What to do and see

Sri Lanka is a paradise of pleasant distractions and pursuits. The country offers many things to explore and discover. Every visitor to Sri Lanka can have a taste of local experience even from the simplest wayside tea kiosk or among the green bounty of paddy fields. 

Here is a guide to five things to do while traveling to Sri Lanka on November; get a feel of local entertainment, embark on a culture-voyage to the rhythmic beat of the drum, experience a spiritual carnival of piety and a journey in indulgence with nature.

• Get taste of Sri Lankan coffee

Colombo has been swept by a coffee culture that has a blend of Sri Lankan and international brands. Coffee is the most consumed beverage universally, it is not surprising that prime area of Colombo 3, 4, 5 and 7 are alight with many cosy coffee shops boasting international coffee blends and brands. The compulsory classics of espressos, cappuccinos and lattes are served in these coffee shops that often have separate breakfast, lunch and dinner menus and sweet dessert of brownies, tarts and cakes.

• Visit Gangaramaya Temple

One of the top 10 things to do in Sri Lanka is to visit the gorgeous Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. While all the temples in the country have something unique to offer in terms of art and architecture, the Gangaramaya Temple is one step ahead of them all. An epitome of artistic brilliance that has stood the test of time, this Buddhist temple reflects a fusion of Indian, Chinese, and Thai style of architecture.

• Get acquainted with Sri Lankan dance

The jingle and jangle of bells accompanied by the rhythmic and acrobatic prowess of the Sri Lankan dancers adorned with colourful costumes is another encounter with the country’s roots. The diverse dance forms of Up-country, Low-country and Sabaragamuwa have all originated from an elaborate ritualistic dance known as the ‘Kohomba Kankariya’.

Most Sri Lankans have learnt at least a few steps or dances as children and students, and the local dance traditions are very much alive as a form of leaning and entertainment, with many dance troupes and academies spread throughout the country. It is not difficult to master the movement and coordination of hands and feet in rhythm to the sound of the drum, in fact it will be another indulgence in Sri Lanka’s culture and ethos.

• Explore the tea hills

Sri Lanka is one of the most important tea producers in the world and its hill country is stunning.  Colonial towns dot the landscape surrounded by tea plantations. One of the best places to sip tea is in Nuwara Eliya and Kandy.

The vegetation is lush and green and the rolling hills make for an awesome site. Pretend you are in jolly old England for a few days.  Stay in old plantation homes, drink tea and eat baked goods.

Read more: Worth-trying dishes in Sri Lanka

• Take the train

One of the things you must things to do in Sri Lanka is to ride the trains. Sri Lanka's trains are like stepping back in time. They chug slowly along through hills and valleys. It is the slow journey that makes it special.

Looking out over the mountains and tea plantations rival any view in the world and the people that you meet on the train will be remembered forever. So if you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka make sure this makes your to do list and take the time to travel by train. It will be an experience you will remember and cherish forever.

Source Internet

The best beach resorts in Sri Lanka

Accommodation in Sri Lanka has been transformed in recent years. Initially, Sri Lanka’s beach resorts were aimed primarily at the package holiday crowd and traditional travel operators and were only located on the west coast. But the past decade has brought a major change, with the growth of villas, boutique hotels, and small independent hotels offering a huge array of choices. 

Amanwella, Tangalle

The Amanwella resort is located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, approximately 15 minutes by car from the village of Dickwella. The resort is situated amongst a coconut grove facing onto a white sand beach. Most suites are dotted along the hillside and connected by pathways that also lead down to the main public areas, infinity pool and beach. The Ocean suites enjoy clear views of the ocean and feature a six by four meters private pool. The resort is contemporary in design and constructed with many traditional materials, including Sri Lankan roof tiles and hand-hewn stone.

Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon, Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa has always been known as the party center of Sri Lanka. Famous with the young crowd, surfers, young families and backpackers, Hikkaduwa is a great hang-out spot. Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon is an artful resort full of murals and other great decor. Trance music is the center of attention here, as well as the laid back beach lifestyle.

Dolphin Beach Resort, Ilanthadiya

Not your usual beach resort, Dolphin Beach is more of a glamping experience. With two styles of luxury tent, a communal dome for sundowners and an infinity pool overlooking the beach, this hotel has it all for eco-lovers and peace seekers. Dolphin Beach is located on Kalpitiya Beach, a bit off the beaten path but well known by the kite surfing crowd. Activities at the resort include kite surfing, scuba diving, water skiing and whale watching.

Read more: Best wellness retreats in Sri Lanka

Jetwing Blue, Negombo

Jetwing Blue is located at Negombo, a popular resort town on Sri Lanka’s Western coast. Surrounded by graceful palms, the Jetwing Blue features a total of 112 guest rooms. The hotel was built in 1970, and then named Blue Oceanic Hotel, it marked the beginning of Jetwing Hotels. It has grown from a small 6 room hotel to one of the most prominent beach resorts in Sri Lanka.

Source Internet

Best activities to do in Galle, Sri Lanka

Galle, on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, is where heritage has become hip. Galle is surprisingly unlike anywhere else in Sri Lanka. It's an ideal place to relax in style. Here are the top things to do in Galle.

Go on a Heritage Walk Through Galle Fort

Galle Fort is undoubtedly the city's prime attraction. It's large, 130 acres to be precise, and the most enjoyable way of exploring it is to wander about on foot. In fact, this is one of the top things to do in Sri Lanka. For curious travelers who aren't content with simply getting lost in the fort's lanes, Galle Fort Walks conducts personalized guided tours that provide fascinating insight its history. There are two options to choose from: Standard or Extended. The standard 90-minute tour covers all the architectural and cultural highlights, tailored to suit guest interests. The extended 150-minute tour goes into detail about colonization in Sri Lanka and its impact. End the day with a magical sunset walk along the fort's ramparts.

Learn About Sri Lanka's Maritime History

History buffs can expand their knowledge by visiting the newly restored Maritime Archaeology Museum (not to be confused with the National Maritime Museum), which occupies a 1671 Dutch spice warehouse on Queen Street. It's an attractive little museum, with four galleries that showcase the country's extensive maritime history from as far back as the prehistoric age. Sri Lanka was in the middle of an international trade route, so it's particularly interesting to see how various cultures were brought together. Exhibits include replicas of ships and relics from shipwrecks in the area.

Take a Look Inside the Dutch Reformed Church

This seemingly modest white church, near the entrance to the fort on Church Street, is not what you might expect inside. Its floor is covered with Dutch gravestones! Not only that, its walls are adored with plaques commemorating the deaths of late Dutch commanders of Galle, and there are burial chambers in its garden. The Dutch Reformed Church belongs to the Protestant religion and was created in the Netherlands during the turbulent Protestant Reformation in the 16th century. The Dutch brought the religion with them to Sri Lanka and the church is one of the oldest Protestant places of worship in the country. Its foundations were laid in 1682 but construction wasn't completed until 1755.

Dine on Delicious Food

The Old Dutch Hospital adjoining Galle Fort has been converted into a classy dining and shopping precinct. It's a great place to commence your culinary voyage in Galle, and is also a standout spot to see the sunset as the top floor has sea views. A Minute by Tuk Tuk is a quirky favorite serving contemporary Sri Lankan food with a deck overlooking the water. Elegant Sugar Bistro and Wine Bar has an eclectic menu (try the iconic crab kottu) and an extensive range of fine wines.

Shop for Snazzy Souveniers

Make sure you have plenty of space in your suitcase because Galle Fort is filled with irresistible things to buy! There are several upmarket tea stores in the Old Dutch Hospital, with Withered Leaves in particular standing out. Orchid House Boutique has reasonably-priced jewelry, tea and handicrafts (most items are designed by the owner) and Jo Jo on Pedlar Street sells quality gems and jewelry. Barefoot, at the intersection of Pedlar and Church streets, is famous for bright textiles and homeware. Karma Collection on Leyn Baan Street has a gorgeous range of goodies including fashion, art, and accessories. Olanda Furniture, in a Dutch colonial house on Leyn Baan Street, specializes in antiques. The Old Railway is worth venturing to outside Galle Fort for bespoke clothes, crafts and jewelry. It also has a cafe.

Explore a Local Market

Step outside laid-back Galle Fort and you'll definitely know you're still in Sri Lanka. There are vibrant action-filled local markets to explore, for those who are up for an adventure. They provide excellent opportunities for photography too. On Main Street you'll find the 300 year-old Dutch Market, where fresh produce is sold. There are spice shops further along the street. Early risers can also catch the fish market alongside the beach, which comes to life with a cacophony of activity after the fishing boats return with the day's catch.

Get a Massage

What better way to top off your trip than with a rejuvenating massage but don't bother with the rather overrated Spa Ceylon. Sampath, at Spa Sandeshaya on Lighthouse Street, will work wonders to get rid of any tension with his acclaimed deep tissue massage. The Fort Spa on Church Street and Olu Spa in the Old Dutch Hospital are also recommended for a comprehensive range of treatments.

See more: Most breathtaking natural sights in Sri Lanka

Source: Internet

The ideal places to shop in Colombo, Sri Lanka

If you are planning on spending your vacation in Colombo, Sri Lanka, then you are sure in for a treat. Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka is known to provide visitors a wide range of activities to make their stay extremely enjoyable. One of the favorite activities is shopping.

Barefoot

Photo @Barefoot

Designer Barbara Sansoni is beautifully laid out shop, located in an old villa, is justly popular for its bright hand-loomed textiles, which are fashioned into bedspreads, cushions, serviettes and other household items. You will also find textile-covered notebooks, lampshades and albums, and a large selection of stylish, simple (but not cheap) clothing. There is also a lovely courtyard cafe.

Good Market

The Good Market is the best shop in the city as it sells all sorts of organic products, from snacks, to produce and skin and hair treatments. All products are sourced locally and follow strict organic guidelines. Every Saturday, the Good Market sets up a pop-up market at the Colombo Racecourse with lots of vendors, such as small business owners, that sell handmade products from all over the island.

Arpico Supercentre

Arpico supercentre is a great place to shop for your daily essentials and a host of other goods that you might need during your stay. This leading supermarket chain has a number of outlets in Colombo and the suburbs so you can grab anything you need from the nearest store.

Odel

Odel is one of the most established hot spots in Colombo for shopping. It is the Sri Lankan equivalent to Myers or David Jones, an elegant department store. In the recent past it has taken a new face and likely to become possibly the largest mall in time to come. There are lots of little interesting shopping discoveries to find in Odel.

Paradise Road

Another amazing shop for special home products is Paradise Road. Apart from gorgeous minimalistic house linen, their hand-painted mugs and plates are a favourite. Their canvas bags printed with the Sinhala alphabet and woven pillow covers are also beautiful. On the second floor, you will find a room filled with only white dinner plates and bowls.

Arcade Independence Square

Another massive restoration of a colonial landmark! In this case, the sprawling colonial 'hospital for the insane' has been reborn as an upscale mall after spending the last few decades in bureaucratic decrepitude. It has dozens of upscale international chains, a good food court and some high-concept eateries. Between expenditures, rest up in the gardens.

Ridhi

A small shop that carries silver jewellery if you are looking for a piece to take home with you. It has some great designs of jewellery from rings to entire sets of jewellery. The speciality of this store is that the designs are a mix of local traditional designs combined with contemporary styles.

Dilmah T-Lounge

Dilmah is one of the most famous teas in Sri Lanka and they have a couple of shops in Colombo where they sell all of their tea varieties. From the classic English Breakfast to Earl Grey, Dilmah offers an extensive collection of loose leaf tea and pyramid tea bags. Not only do they have the largest selection of teas in Colombo, they also sell books published by the Dilmah foundation. You can find books about Sri Lankan birds, butterflies and more. The gift boxes are perfect for taking back home, along with their special coloured sand clocks to make the perfect tea.

See more: Take the chance to discover Sri Lanka

Source Internet

Top adventurous activities in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is the perfect destination for thrill-seeking travelers. Find out the best things to do on an adventure trip to this tear-drop shaped island in South Asia.

Climb to the Top of Sigiriya

Probably the country’s most iconic and recognizable landmark, Sigiriya (translating to “Lion’s Rock” in Sinhalese), is a 5th-century fort and palace. Along the 1,217 steps to the top of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, you’ll learn about the previous inhabitants of the rock, walk between a pair of giant, carved lion’s paws (great spot for a photo opp), pass by monks’ ancient paintings on the rock, and ultimately, reach the top where you’ll be rewarded with sprawling views of the valley below. Plan to make a visit to Sigiriya your first stop in the morning, as close to the park’s opening time as possible (7 a.m.)—not only will you beat the heat, but you’ll also beat the crowds. Even by 9 a.m., the park is pretty packed, and the single-file staircase to the top becomes a clogged funnel of people shuffling to the summit. Early risers will get gorgeous sunrise views and people-free photos.

Go on Safari

Going on safari is a given if you’re looking for adventure in Sri Lanka, but the tough part is deciding when and what type of safari to choose. One of the most popular spots is Yala National Park in the southern part of the country. Here, you’ll spot crocodiles, several species of birds, elephants, and—if you’re lucky—one of the evasive leopards. (Be sure to look up in the tree branches as well for these guys.) For a different experience, book a boat safari in Gal Oya National Park. Just as it sounds, this safari takes you on the water to cruise around in small boats that hold about 10 people. You’ll spot various bird species and also elephants on the rocks and islands around you. If you’re short on time, or just want to make sure you secure your elephant sighting before your return flight, head to Minneriya National Park. Up until 1997 when it was converted to a national park, this was an elephant sanctuary, and it’s considered one of the best places in Sri Lanka (and in the world) to spot large herds of elephants. It’s possible to spot groups of 20 or more at once, so get your cameras ready!

Go Whale Watching

Blue whales are endangered, so they’re typically pretty rare to spot; however, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the Southern Hemisphere (and the world) to spot them. The most popular place to go whale watching to search for the elusive blue whale (or one of the many other whale species in the area) is in Mirissa, a town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. There, November to April are prime whale watching season before monsoon season occurs in May through September and the waters become too rough. If spotting a blue whale is on your Sri Lanka bucket list, be sure to book a tour with a responsible tour company (one option is Raja and the Whales) that follows regulations for approaching whales and limiting the impact made on their environment.

Hike in the Knuckles Mountains

This mountain range (also known as the Dumbara mountain range) in central Sri Lanka gets its name from its appearance that looks like a clenched fist, and it’s home to several great hiking trails, especially due to its beautiful flora and fauna. You can hike to gorgeous caves and waterfalls, as well as spectacular viewpoints like Mini World’s End, but you’ll need a guide to assist you along the trails—lack of marked or mapped trails and unpredictable weather can make a solo visit dangerous. Since Kandy is a close and common starting point for many hikers, you can find local guides there, and many hotels can assist with that.

Bike Through the Country’s Best Sights

Sri Lanka’s varied terrain offers a variety of bicycling options—you can pedal alongside rice fields and local villages, you can test your endurance biking through the rolling hills of tea country, or you can ride a route that takes you through some of the country’s top historical and cultural highlights. For the latter, consider cycling the route of the Cultural Triangle, which winds through Buddhist temples, UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient cities, and more. The three corners are Kandy (a large city surrounded by tea plantations and home of the sacred Temple of the Tooth); Anuradhapura (the first ancient capital, dating back to 380 B.C. known for its well-preserved ruins); and Polonnaruwa (the second capital city after Anuradhapura that’s known for amazing archeological structures and for being the location of Disney’s Monkey Kingdom). Sigiriya is also on this route. Cycling around the Cultural Triangle to add some adventure to the sights you should visit on a trip.

Go Surfing

Sri Lanka has several great surfing spots, most of which span the country from the southwest to the southeast, and choosing the best area mostly depends on when you’re visiting due to the country’s distinct wet (monsoon) and dry seasons. On the east coast, head to Arugam Bay from May to October during the region’s dry season. The southern and southwestern coasts are experiencing dry season from November to March, so during those times, you can visit the popular surf areas of Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, or Midigama. Head further up the western side of the island for one of the most popular kite-surfing destinations, the Kalpitiya peninsula, where you can kite-surf in the calmer lagoon or cross to the other side of the peninsula to test your skills in the waves of the Indian Ocean.

See more: Explore the amazing destinations in Sri Lanka

Source: Internet