Tag: sri lanka

Canoeing in Kalu Ganga

Kalu Ganga excursions are part of the eco-tourism industry which is popular in Sri Lanka. The country is blessed with fascinating natural environments that are waiting to be explored. Visitors to the country will be amazed by the diversity of the landscape in such a small island. There are beautiful coastal areas, chilly mountains, scenic rivers, picturesque waterfalls and a whole lot more to travel to, all within the same country. A delightful way to spend your day out in the sun is by taking a Kalu Ganga canoeing trip. Located just outside the Ratnapura district is the alluring Kalu Ganga. The waters are deep and tinted brown; they are relatively calm which means that it is safe to ride on a canoe.

At the beginning of your canoeing trip you will encounter the riverside village of Kiriella. It is easy to navigate through the waters because they are not rough and choppy. Once you pass Kiriella you can catch a glimpse of the Ratnapura town. Ratnapura is popular for the gem industry and the name translated refers to the ‘City of Gems’. Since it is a provincial district the atmosphere is rather laidback. Most of the people in Ratnapura live alongside the river as it provides water for the fields and fish for the community. When you go downstream you may witness some locals involved in fishing. There are also people who travel from one end of the river to the other side via a raft.

The lush vegetation surrounding the river is something to look forward to seeing. You will see beautiful pink lotuses and on the riverbed and rows of tall bamboo trees. If you are a bird lover you will enjoy spotting the various birds that dwell along the riverside. Since the river runs from Ratnapura to Kalutara a Sri Lanka beach hotel on the South Coast will provide access to it. A Kalutara hotel is an ideal option especially those that offer river safaris at an affordable rate for guests. Mermaid Hotel & Club can be recommended for tourists who are searching for a calm and quiet place to stay in. Set in a cosy fishing village, the hotel has luxurious rooms with amazing views of the beach.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Dambulla Cave Temple

Visiting Sri Lanka on a leisure holiday? Then first and foremost base yourself at one of the hotels in Sigiriya Sri Lanka such as Aliya Resort & Spa. Ideally located resorts in Sri Lanka ensure ease of access to prominent local attractions.
A scared site home to the world’s most highly praised cave complex consisting of colourful rock paintings and Buddha images, Dambulla Cave Temple is a significant historical and religious landmark in the island of Sri Lanka. Also referred to as the Dambulla Cave Temple, is it located in the central part of the country. Being Sri Lanka’s best-preserved and largest cave complex, the rock soars to a height of about 160 metres over the landscape. There is said to be over 80 documented caves around with its top attractions being spread over five caves containing paintings and statues.

Kumana National Park

If you love watching birds, spending your days exploring nature and getting away from busy city life, then make sure to visit Kumana National Park when next in Sri Lanka. One can look to stay at Sri Lanka boutique hotels along the island’s South Coast such as Saman Villas which offers an idyllic escape by the sea. This luxury hotel Sri Lanka has to offer also features the very best in contemporary comforts to make your holiday all the more memorable.

Located near the famed Yala National Park, the Kumana National Park is where one will find wetland areas as well as a tropical thorn forest which provide this sanctuary its distinct character. The park which attracts a large number of wading birds and migratory waterfowl is a premier site on the island for bird watching. Travellers visiting between April and July have the chance to see a range of migratory birds as they make their way to the Kumana swamp. Those on safaris at Kumana also have a chance to spot other wildlife including elephants and if you’re lucky, even leopards.

 

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Elephant Safaris in Sri Lanka

Known for its exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka is most associated with the elephant which roams freely in several of the island’s national parks which are ideal places for an exciting safari. Nature lovers planning a holiday in Sri Lanka should definitely look to visit one of these parks. Sri Lanka Holiday Travel offers a number of Sri Lanka tour packages including one that takes you to national parks where one can embark on a safari.

Elephant safaris in Sri Lanka not only let you observe these gentle giants, but also afford an opportunity to see them interact with each other in their natural habitat. One of the foremost places for such an outing is the Minneriya National Park where every year between July and October one can witness what is known as “The Gathering” where one can see herds of more than 300 elephants at the Minneriya water tank. Another site well known for elephant safaris is the Udawalawe National Park, while not to be missed is a safari at the Yala National Park where apart from elephants one has the chance to spot leopards too.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Knuckles Mountains

Located in the Central Highlands of Sri Lanka between Matale and Kandy districts, the folds and peaks of this extensive range of mountains stand, resembling the knuckles of a clenched fist which has in turn earned it its name. There is much to explore within these mountains and there are also plenty of hotels Sri Lanka has to offer in the environs which enables you to experience these mountains at ease. Earl’s Regency is one of the most preferred Kandy hotels which allow you all the comforts and peace of mind for such adventure. Harbouring a variety of flora and fauna mostly endemic to Sri Lanka and to the Knuckles Mountain Range, these scenic mountains are considered to be a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka. Referred to as The Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist enclosed mountain range by Sinhalese residents of the olden days, the Knuckles Mountain Range is characteristic of thick layers of cloud that often robes the striking landscapes.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered.

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Hot Air Balloon Experience

Ever wondered what the paradise island of Sri Lanka looks like from way up top? Well thanks to hot air balloon tours you need not wonder anymore! An ideal place to visit for those who love to travel Sri Lanka is full of enchanting landscapes, rich natural beauty and historical sites that make such hot air balloon rides that much more special. If you are looking to discover the very best of this island make use of the Sri Lanka tours offered by Elegant Travels which take you to some spectacular sites.

For a unique perspective of Sri Lanka, sign up for a hot air balloon tour that takes you to heights ranging from 500 to 2000 feet, set amidst some awe-inspiring views. While some excursions take place in the Cultural Triangle where one can see such sites as the majestic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, others take place along the South Coast where one may see the stunning Galle Fort and the country’s famed beaches. A flight at sunrise is a perfect opportunity to catch the first rays of the sun gently spreading across the landscape bathing everything in an ethereal glow. It is an ideal activity for the entire family or even for those looking to enjoy a romantic experience with that special someone.

Deep Sea Diving

Plunge into the aquamarine blue off the western coast of Sri Lanka in Beruwala, and explore a world of wonders lingering beneath the waves. Secure diving equipment and guides as part of an experience at any of the Sri Lanka boutique hotels dotting the coastline, and Saman Villas presents a quality choice of a luxury hotel Sri Lanka. Perhaps the best time of year to go diving off the south western coast is during the months of November through May. Be advised that the current is strong, so limit your dives to the morning and afternoon, before the pull gets any stronger. Strong currents also mean the area will be teeming with exotic marine life in voluminous shoals flitting and playing around you so bring your underwater camera to capture these moments! The best dive sites are located around an hour and a half away from the shore, and you can rent a boat to take you out there; inquire at your hotel front desk for more details. The water is crystal-clear, and the sun penetrates its depths up to 30 metres. And keep on the lookout for the magnificent whale shark as they swim in these waters during the season.

Camping in Yala National Park

If you love wildlife safaris, camping adventures and catching glimpses of exotic animals in their natural habitat then make sure you head to the Yala National Park the next time you are in Sri Lanka. Apart from camping you can also look to stay at one of the Yala National Park hotels such as Jetwing Yala which makes an ideal base from which to explore this stunning natural sanctuary. It is amongst the leading hotels Yala Sri Lanka has to offer and features a range of contemporary comforts too.

Camping in Yala National Park is a great way to fully experience the site’s breathtaking landscapes and observe wildlife that call this natural haven home. One of the best places to spot leopards, Yala provides some truly unforgettable adventures that let you see a variety of species including the iconic Sri Lankan elephant as well as wild buffalos, sloth bears, spotted deer and crocodiles. The park is also popular amongst bird watchers since there is much avifauna here such as the endemic Sri Lanka junglefowl and the Sri Lanka grey hornbill. Camping gives you an ideal opportunity to not only spot many of these animals, but also soak up the atmosphere of the park amidst untamed natural beauty.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Leopard Watching in Wilpattu

Nature lovers and all leisure travellers visiting the charming island of Sri Lanka has a plethora of places to visit among which, Wilpattu National Park is a highlight. When in search of Sri Lanka beach resorts a desirable choice is Palagama Beach Kalpitiya, one of the most unique Kalpitiya hotels. Relatively larger than Yala National Park and having a fascinating history, Wilpattu park is renowned for being ideal for spotting leopards. The journey in the park itself is an exciting experience, bringing your inner daring explorer. The majority of leopard spotting in the park has been recorded near its water basins or villas. Thus take part in a leopard safari to catch a glimpse of these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Sigiriya Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination because of its pristine beaches, fascinating wildlife and rich heritage. There are hundreds of historical sites to visit while in Sri Lanka, and although all are interesting and beautiful in their own way, only a few can match the historical value and beauty of Sigiriya.

Sigiriya is a rock fortress situated in the Matale district of Sri Lanka. It was built by the Sri Lankan rebel king Kasyapa around 477AD when he seized power from his father, and its architecture and art give locals and tourists alike a glimpse of the nation’s rich culture during that period. One of the most famous attractions that one can see on a visit to this magnificent rock fortress, are the frescoes depicting beautiful women holding flowers. They are painted directly on the rock, and it is believed that around five hundred of these frescoes were originally painted. However, only around twenty-one are still visible. Nevertheless, these frescoes are still beautiful, and the locals regard them as a very important part of the island’s history.

Another famous attraction in Sigiriya is the mirror wall. This wall is covered in graffiti dating back centuries, and are mostly poems written in an older dialect of Sinhala, one of the country’s official languages. Although the main purpose of Sigiriya to function as a defensive structure, the king made sure that he was comfortable living atop this fortress, building many bathing pools that received water through a well-planned pipe structure, verdant garden spaces, and a magnificent palace. Now, the ruins of the palace can still be visited through an ancient stone staircase flanked by two gigantic lion paws carved out of the rock – the remainder of a massive lion statue that served as the entrance to the palace, as well as the ruins of a city within the fortress. Sigiriya offers tourists a glimpse of Sri Lanka’s rich and vibrant culture, and after visiting this magnificent rock fortress it is easy to understand why it was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is a very important part of Sri Lanka’s colourful history, and to truly be able to appreciate the magnificent culture and heritage of Sri Lanka, a trip to Sigiriya is an ideal place to start.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful island to discover and explore, as its myriad natural, manmade, and cultural wonders can definite attest. Anyone who wants to indulge in a bout of travel sri lanka should consider booking quality and competitive Sri Lanka tours offered by agents such as Elegant Travels in order to truly enjoy the splendour of this magnificent island.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+