sri lanka - The Adventure Travel Site

Enjoy A Bumpy Yala Safari Ride to Satisfy Your Adventurous Thirst

Sri Lanka is often cited as one of the premier safari locations in Asia. The island has a number of national parks that harbour an array of fascinating wildlife – both big and small. Among these, Yala National Park is perhaps the most popular and with good reason too!

Where is Yala

Yala lies to the southeast of Sri Lanka and is bordered by the Indian Ocean. Specifically, it is around 300km away from Colombo, but the journey is relatively easy due to Sri Lanka’s highly-developed road network. There are several parks adjacent to Yala as well, all of these in tandem create a hotspot for some of the island’s wildest denizens.

Dan arndt, Wetland – Yala NP, CC BY-SA 4.0

When to Go on Safari

Most Yala hotels, such as the Cinnamon Wild Yala, always keep their guests informed that there are two peak times to go on safari – dawn and dusk. The cool air means that animals are more active during these times, so you’re more likely to spot Yala’s fascinating denizens.

Thilinakaluthotage, කැලේ අයුතිකාරයා, CC BY-SA 4.0

Interconnected Ecosystems

Yala National Park is made up of a number of unique ecosystems that all intertwine together. Habitats range from dense scrub forests, open grasslands, dense woods, and placid lagoons. Watering holes, in particular, are fascinating biomes that often attract a litany of different animals.

The Park’s Wildlife

By far, Yala’s most famous attraction is its leopards. In fact, the park has one of the highest densities of wild leopard in the world! Now, as you keep your eyes peeled for this elusive big cat, don’t miss out on all of Yala’s other iconic characters – there are the majestic Asian elephant, the ill-tempered buffalo, and skittish chital to name a few.

© Mahoora Tented Safari Camps (https://www.mahoora.com/) / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons, Leopard in Yala National Park, CC BY-SA 4.0

A Handy Guide to Colombo

A cosmopolitan city beside the coast, Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and offers plenty to see and do. Here are some of the best places to visit and fun experiences that await.

Key Attractions

When it comes to sightseeing, there’s plenty to explore while staying at hotels in Colombo, Sri Lanka; those interested in history and art can visit the Colombo National Museum and the National Art Gallery. The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple and nearby Seema Malakaya are two sacred Buddhist sites of interest, while the Independence Memorial Hall and the Viharamahadevi Park are popular attractions too.

AKS.9955, Seema Malaka side view 01, CC BY-SA 4.0

Beachside Getaways

For fun times by the shore, Mount Lavinia Beach in the city’s suburbs is a must-visit site. Located across from the property of Berjaya Hotels & Resorts, this beach is popular for relaxation and recreation. Also worth heading to are Wellawatte Beach and Galle Face Green, a large public park beside the ocean.

Retail Therapy

The One Galle Face and Colombo City Centre malls offer lots of shopping and feature international brands such as Armani Exchange, Charles & Keith, Mango and Aldo. Majestic City and Crescat Boulevard are amongst the other popular malls in Colombo, while the Pettah market provides bargains galore.

Foodie Favourites

No trip to Colombo is complete without savouring delectable local cuisine. Here are some of the top dishes in Sri Lanka one can try;

• Rice & spicy curry (meats or veggies)
• Kottu roti (a stir-fried dish with cut up godamba roti)
• Hoppers (bowl-shaped crispy pancake)
• Samosa (deep-fried snack)
• Isso wade (deep-fried snack with prawns!)

Ji-Elle, Sri Lanka-Egg hoppers, CC BY-SA 3.0

Dig into the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya

Once a safe haven for a king with an artistic turn of mind, Sigiriya rock fortress is an intriguing historical site.

Time your climb

You should plan to climb the rock as early as possible to avoid the heat of the day. Book a Sri Lanka resort nearby and make your way to the site early in the morning. For example, from Habarana Village by Cinnamon, you can reach the site under 30 minutes by car.

A little bit of history

King Kashyapa, who loved art and fine living, built his palace complex atop a monolithic rock pillar in the 5th century. He sought to escape potential enemies and live a life of indulgence. Engineering feature of the palace complex is just as fascinating as its art.

Explore the gardens

This amazing structure was once full of beautiful gardens. The water garden on top, in particular, had been laid out with immaculate precision to consist of various ponds and fountains.

Check out the frescoes

Subject to much controversy and dispute amongst archaeologist, Sigiriya frescoes depict exquisite, bare-chested damsels carrying bunches of flowers.

The mirror wall and its poetry

In its heyday, the mirror wall would have been a gleaming surface for poets and visitors to scribble their snippets in admiration of the genius of the rock fortress.

Beach Travel in Marawila

Located around 30km away from Negombo Beach, Marawila is a secluded stretch of coastline that is perfect for travelers who appreciate a bit of seclusion and privacy. Take in the picturesque sights of pristine beaches, lush tropical plantations, and tranquil lagoons all in quiet comfort.

Relax at the Beach

Undoubtedly, Marawila’s white sandy beaches are its star attractions. As mentioned, most of the beach areas are secluded, letting you relax and bask in the tropical sun in peace. That being said, the area isn’t completely deserted by any means, you will find a number of cafes and clubs dotted around if you’re looking for some company.

Go Exploring

Marawila is located in close proximity to a number of exciting travel destinations – particularly some of the island’s premier natural hotspots. Sri Lanka’s largest national park the Wilpattu is only a couple of hours’ drive away, and then, of course, there is Negombo town to the south. Any reputed Marawila beach hotel in Sri Lanka will include these destinations in their itineraries – like Amagi Beach for example – so be sure to consult with them too!

Take a Dive

The calm blue waters that lie beyond Marawila’s beaches are home to an impressive array of marine life, especially in the coral reefs found in the shallows. Jump in the water and go snorkeling to get up close and personal with a fantastic variety of fish and other sea creatures.

Try Some Toddy

Marawila has a thriving community of local toddy tappers, often spotted atop coconut trees going about their business. Toddy itself is a mildly alcoholic drink that bears a similar taste to cider. So then, after a long day spent at the beach or exploring, why not relax, unwind and sip some freshly brewed toddy?

Most Thrilling Wildlife in Sri Lanka

From tropical rainforests to the coastal wilderness, Sri Lanka is teeming with wildlife, some species found nowhere else. Here is a destination for the avid bird watchers and pachyderm lovers alike.

Butterfly Sinharaja Rainforest| Img by: Kelum Chathuranga via Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

Yala

When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, holiday packages that include a visit to Yala National Park should be given most consideration, especially if you wish to catch a glimpse of the elusive Sri Lankan leopard. Situated along the south-eastern coast of the island it’s a haven for wildlife enthusiasts.

Sinharaja Rainforest

Considered by many as the last home of the Sri Lankan lion, a diverse array of wildlife and plant species can be found here. Nestled in clouds it is only accessible by foot, a knowledgeable guide can be the decisive factor on this awe-inspiring trek. Tour operators such as Tangerine Tours offer comprehensive tour packages to visit this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Udawalawa National Park

One of the three recognized subspecies of the Asian elephant roams across the ranges of the island. But nowhere will you see such a concentration of these gentle giants as in Udawalawe National Park. It is truly a paradise for the Pachyderm lover.

Horton Plains National Park

One of the most unique eco-systems in the country, this plateau is teeming with herds of Sambar Deer and Wild Boar. Horton Plains is also home to the endemic Bear Monkey, Toque Monkey, and the Long-tailed Squirrel. No visit to the island is complete without a trip to this Shambala hidden in the highlands of Sri Lanka.

Intrigued by history, art and food, Lavinia Woolf is a writer who is passionate about the extraordinary and writes of the exhilarating and enchanting. Google+

Why Sri Lanka is Ideal for Adventurous Travellers

Sri Lanka is the perfect vacation location for adventure-seeking travellers. There is plenty to do and most of it does not involve putting your life in mortal danger. Here are a few of the most adventurous experiences in Sri Lanka.

Wildlife Safaris

Sri Lanka has three major wildlife reserve, famous of which is Yala which is home to the largest density of Sri Lankan leopards in the world. There are also sloth bears, elephants, crocodiles and sambhurs not to mention the very many species of birds.

That’s only on land, at sea, there are all year round sites for dolphin and whale watching.

Kody8958, Play time for young elephants, CC BY-SA 4.0

Picturesque Train Rides

The three major long-distance train lines; Colombo – Jaffna, Colombo – Kandy – Ella and The Southern Coastal Line are some of the most picturesque train rides in the world. Hang out of the open doors for the best views and some breath-taking photography.

Chandimal Pathirage from Gampaha, Sri Lanka, Udarata Manike, CC BY 2.0

The Surf Party

The South and East of the country are not only packed with pristine beaches each more magical than the next, there are some great places to surf and really take on the waves. Surf all day and party all night for these beaches come equipped with a wild nightlife.

An Adrenaline Pumping Climb

Scale the beautiful blue-tinged mountains on a hike through the wilds or climb for the history and architectural wonder as it is in the case of Sigiriya and its rock fortress or Adam’s Peak; a holy site for all four major religions in the country.

There is plenty of adventure to be had and sometimes in the case of high-flying long-distance bus rides, you don’t have to go looking for it. Plan the perfect adventure in Sri Lanka with tour operators like Tangerine Tours.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Most Thrilling Wildlife Safaris in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a dream destination for those who love wildlife and this island nation is home to sanctuaries where one can see truly exotic species living wild and free.

Leopard Safaris

Yala is undoubtedly the premier spot for leopard safaris in Sri Lanka. Such safaris are organised by local adventure specialists the likes of Nature Odyssey and give one a chance to see this majestic and endemic predator along with a host of other animals; these include elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles.

Whale Safaris

When it comes to safaris in Sri Lanka, wildlife tours don’t have to be only on land! The waters off the coast of areas such as Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Mirissa are where one can spot sperm whales, blue whales and killer whales, not forgetting countless dolphins too.

Elephant Safaris

Many of the national parks in Sri Lanka are great for elephant safaris, though the most popular is arguably the Minneriya National Park and for good reason; from late June to September the park is where one can witness “The Gathering” when hundreds of elephants can be seen in and around the reservoir.

Birdwatching Safaris

While spotting birds may not be your idea of “thrilling”, it certainly can be; just ask those who have enjoyed birdwatching at the Kumana National Park! This bird sanctuary hosts thousands of migrating birds, especially from April to July. Spoonbills, herons, pelicans, egrets and little cormorants are just some of the species that can be spotted here.\

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Koneswaram Kovil, Trincomalee

The temple of Koneswaram has been renovated over the years and brought to the status it is today. The Hindu temple crawls over the edge of a cliff which is called Swami Rock and is the reason that Trincomalee got its name.

The Temple of a Thousand Pillars

It is estimated that the original Koneswaram temple which was known as the Temple of a Thousand Pillars was constructed circa 400 B.C. The legend has it that it was the mythical King of Lanka, Ravana had it built so his mother could offer her prayers to Shiva as her illness kept her from travelling to Mount Kailash in India. The original temple was also said to feature a thousand pillars each plated in gold, but it was destroyed and pushed into the sea by Portuguese invaders.

Getting There

The ruins of the former temple were found at the bottom of the ocean by divers including stone obelisks and idols which were restored into the new temple. You can see them and the solitary pillar from the original temple. Koneswaram is at the southernmost tip of the crescent that makes up Back Bay. It is only about 20 minutes’ drive from most resorts in Trincomalee.

There’s plenty to see on the way as you must drive through Fort Frederick. The last leg of the journey must be made on foot. You can see remnants of ancient history relative to the temple. If you are staying at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon, leaving the resort around 8 or 9 in the morning would give you ample time to explore before the sun gets too unbearable.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Story of Sigiriya

In Sri Lankan history, King Kashyapa I is known famously as the king who murdered his father and built a rock fortress in fear of retaliation from his brother. This story is just as fascinating as the attraction itself!

Staying in Sigiriya

Before reading on for more, do make sure you book a Dambulla resort or hotel in Sigiriya Sri Lanka that’s within easy reach of the rock fortress. Staying at properties the likes of The Paradise Resort & Spa make it convenient to plan a morning climb to the summit of Sigiriya.

The Tragedy of Sigiriya

Now back to the story! Kashyapa was the elder son of King Dhatusena, the warrior king who repelled Indian invaders and established peace in the kingdom of Anuradhapura. As he was not born of the royal consort as his brother Mogallana, Kashyapa was not the heir to the throne despite being the eldest.

Betrayed by Family

The king’s nephew General Migara instigated Kashyapa to usurp the throne. There was resentment between Dhatusena and the general, though the real reason is not known. This led to Kashyapa ordering his father killed in a murderous rage. And it was Migara that had King Dhatusena plastered into the wall of his irrigation tank.

The Aftermath

Kashyapa’s brother fled in terror and Kashyapa was devastated by his father’s death. He heard from Migara that Mogallana was amassing an army in India and that might have been what triggered Kashyapa to move his capital to Sigiriya; however, alternate stories say he was just trying to complete a project started by his father.

The End of a Legend

Mogallana did come back to claim his rightful place and had Kashyapa remained in his impenetrable fortress, he would not have lost the battle. But heeding Migara’s words, he came down to the plains to fight his brother. The story goes that something spooked Kashyapa’s royal elephant causing it to turn away from the front and Migara seeing this told the gathered soldiers that their king had fled. Kashyapa on seeing his army scatter fell upon his sword and died.

Auburn Silver is a travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

The ancient rock fortress

Sigiriya is a must visit for those visiting Sri Lanka, as it is an ancient marvel. The extensive network of gardens and reservoirs, together with the rich history make this site a truly memorable visit to everyone.

The formation

It’s believed by archaeologists that during the prehistoric times the rock was uninhabited. The rock was formed from the magma of an extinct volcano and provided different shelters, such as caves.

The entrance

The entrance to this ancient palace is flanked by the stone paws of a lion, which inspired the name ‘Lion Rock’. Previously, the entrance to the castle was through the mouth of a lion, however, the head collapsed, leaving only the paws.

The gardens

As you leave your hotel in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka, the likes of The Paradise Resort & Spa to explore the ancient marvel, make sure you spend time at the gardens. These gardens are some of the oldest in the world, and an example of amazing urban planning.

The frescoes

One of the best-known features of Sigiriya are the frescoes you’ll find. These colourful murals depict damsels holding flowers, but only a few remain today. These murals are the subject of a lot of adoration, which can be seen until today.

The history

King Kasyapa chose Sigiriya as his royal residence, as he was afraid of potential attacks from his brother, the rightful heir to the throne.

Caleb Falcon is a travel writer who specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+