Tag: sri lanka

Wild Life Safaris

As you drive or trek into the many hectares of the national parks in Sri Lanka that are open to the public, you will discover just why the country is such a popular place to visit amongst nature enthusiasts. Yala, one of the country’s largest national parks is probably the most popular of them all. A river gurgles and twists itself before ending in the gorgeous blue ocean waves of the eastern sea of Sri Lanka. The pearly white sands are a perfect haven to curl up, lounge and drown in the rays of the sun. Within a natural enclave created by trees that kiss the sky are elephants, leopards, wild boar, sloth bears, herons and peacocks.

A safari in Sri Lanka often includes an overnight stay within the park territory, giving you the opportunity to observe the activities of nocturnal species and occasionally elephants can be heard trumpeting as they move around after dusk. Wilpattu, Singharaja, Bundala and Udawalawe or the Kithulgala rainforest which is located closer to the country’s capital city are all well loved destinations by nature lovers.

The Sinharaja rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is bound to create a memorable experience for those who like to trek into jungles. Sinharaja is home to many Sri Lankan endemic fauna and flora and has been the centre for many studies carried out by environmentalists. The location and landscape at Udawalawe make it one of the most appropriate places to see elephants up close and to feed the friendly deer.

Sri Lanka is synonymous with tea, gems, beautiful beaches, the hill country, hospitable people and not to forget wildlife safaris. During any season that you choose to travel to the tiny island nation, there is bound to be many venues to opt for. Sri Lanka tour packages will give you a basic guide as to whether the safaris along the eastern coast are better at a particular time or whether sticking to the mid country jungles is the best option. Regardless of the choice you make, all holiday packages Sri Lanka come wrapped in all its finery. For convenience, peace of mind and an unforgettable island experience, get in touch with Shanti Travel Sri Lanka as they have great deals and itineraries.

Elephant Back Safari

The island of Sri Lanka is home to an exotic array of wildlife that can be experienced by choosing Sri Lanka tour packages that take you to the country’s national parks. Such holiday packages Sri Lanka can be organised with Shanti Travel which provides tours that lets you appreciate the island’s stunning natural biodiversity. A unique way of engaging in some distinctive sightseeing is by taking an elephant back safari which lets you ride this majestic beast into the wilds! As you ride through the jungle you will be able to see a wide range of birds and other species amidst breathtaking landscapes. Taking place in such areas as Habarana, Kaudulla and Sigiriya, some elephant back safaris also let you bathe and feed these gentle giants.

Kottawa Rainforest Reserve

Sprawled across 37 acres in the heart of the emerald isle’s southern coast, lies one of its most secluded nature reserves. Located along the road to Udugama this tranquil quarter of Galle in Sri Lanka is known as the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve and serves as one of the island’s most verdant lowland rainforests. Travellers to the region in search of luxurious Galle hotels can choose Jetwing Lighthouse for all their accommodation needs. Providing guests the best in modern amenities in the ‘Down South’ area of the island, this stylish rest is one of the finest Sri Lanka hotels on the coastal belt.

Relatively unknown to the visiting multitudes to the island, the isolated Kottawa Rainforest Reserve is well worth the visit for nature lovers in search of breathtaking natural beauty off the beaten track.

Displaying all the features of a lowland rainforest, the area’s vegetation mainly consists of wet evergreen trees that tower above the canopies of other plants that struggle to feed off the sun’s ray due to the dense foliage above. The lack of sunlight penetrating the lower reaches of the rainforest has lead to a great propagation of Dipterocarpus variety plants and other fern species which occupy the forest bed in addition to orchids that depend on large tree trunks for nourishment.

An impressive 170 species of trees are believed to inhabit the Kottawa Rainforest Reserve of which a hundred have been identified as those endemic to Sri Lanka alone. More than 80 non-endemic tree species are also found in the rainforest and have been labelled with their botanical name for easy identification. As a part of the Kottawa Kombala Conservation Forest which occupies an impressive 1,800 hectares, the Kottawa Rainforest and Arboretum is a highlight for wildlife enthusiasts touring Galle; the Kottawa Arboretum showcases well over 70 species of winged beauties from all across the world.

The endemic bird species which have been identified to number around a dozen include the spot-winged thrush, yellow-fronted barbet, grey hornbill, brown-capped babbler and the Sri Lankan spurfowl. Stunning butterflies are another attraction at the venue as Tree Nymph, Birdwing and Blue Oakleaf butterflies are abundantly found here. Giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys and toque monkeys are also frequently spotted in addition to non-venomous Sri Lankan snake varieties and lizards.

Diving in Passikudah

Located in a hidden stretch in the Eastern borders of the beautiful island of Sri Lanka, Passikudah is certainly a treat both on the surface and under. With shallow waters stretching several meters into the ocean, the Passikudah beach has come to be famously known as Natures very own shallow pool. Now the Eastern Sri Lanka is slowly blossoming with a whole new vigor that is making it on par or perhaps even better than the rest of the island.

For many the name Passikudah barely rings a bell and the reason is simple; for years this tiny little town was occupied by the rebellions. Destroyed and damaged, the many wonders of Passikudah that was once cherished by locals had become the forgotten treasure of the island. With the end of the internal conflict in the island, Sri Lanka blossomed with a whole new vigor and ardor. The many zones in the island that were neglected due to war became the primary focus of the government and private funders. Passikudah was one such town; known for its sparkling blue shallow ocean Passikudah is paradise for a long lazy splash and also quite famous for snorkeling. Of late diving has become a popular activity in this town. With perfect water, with a clear and a warm soothing temperature, the underwater world is not short of wonder in Passikudah. Schools of fish swim pass you and corals garland your way as you swim through the many wonders of the aquatic zone. Passikudah Sea is the underwater Eden in Sri Lanka that is quite interesting to explore if you are a good swimmer, you need not be a professional; the ocean in Passikudah is calm and ever so welcoming.

For all the intricate information and equipment that you need for diving choose the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa as your hotel to come home to. This is a new and the finest resort in Passikudah. Maalu Maalu has all the information and items you need when it comes to water sports in the area. This is one Sri Lanka Spa Resort that boasts as a perfect authentic Sri Lanka resort with a touch of luxury and class.

Umanga Kahandawaarachchi is a passionate travel writer who writes under the pen name, Maggie Tulliver. Her field of writing covers a wide array of content and articles related to travel and hospitality industry.

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Jungle Trekking in Sri Lanka

Blessed with a diverse natural heritage, Sri Lanka features a variety of jungles that offer some truly unforgettable trekking excursions. Those looking to explore these areas and other natural sites while on a Sri Lanka travel adventure can make use of the trekking and hiking tours offered by Jetwing Travels. These exciting Sri Lanka tours take you to areas of stunning natural beauty seemingly lost in time. The mountainous central region is one of the best places for trekking and such sites as the Knuckles Mountain Range, Belihuloya and the Horton Plains National Park provides plenty of thrilling excursions. Not to be missed is a jungle trek through the Sinharaja Rainforest, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in flora and fauna.

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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Outdoor Adventures at the Knuckles Mountain Range!

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, the Knuckles Mountain Range in Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable outdoor adventure. Independent travellers wishing to drive to this mountainous region can make use of Sri Lanka car rental services such as those offered by Malkey Travel & Tours (Pvt) Ltd. This reputed Sri Lanka car hire company provides a range of well maintained vehicles to choose from for your travels. An ideal place for camping and trekking, the Knuckles Mountain Range is so named because when viewed from a far, it resembles knuckles of a fist. As you wander through the lush forests, shrouded with mist you will come across a diverse cross section of flora amidst pristine landscapes with waterfalls, small villages and rivers. It offers a true escape into nature and lets you get away from it all!

Historical Sites In Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura is a historic city located in the island of Sri Lanka. Situated some two hundred kilometres from the capital of Colombo, it is a highly popular tourist destination within the country. It served as the capital of the tropical island for over one thousand years and while its glory days maybe over the city still has a lot to offer. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, Anuradhapura is full of historic buildings waiting to be explored.

The Sri Maha Bodhi is probably the most well-known tree in the land. The tree was grown from a branch from the actual Bodhi tree under which the Buddha gained enlightenment. The offshoot was brought to the island by Sanghamitta, the daughter of the Indian king, Asoka, and it was planted here by king Devanampiya, the then king of the island. Venerated by Buddhists, it remains an important Sri Lankan landmark.

The Aukana Buddha is a thirteen metre tall granite statue of Buddha dating to the 5th century. It is located outside of Anuradhapura and is a magnificent example of early Sri Lankan architecture. The Thuparama Temple is thought to contain a clavicle of Buddha. Many believe that the Thuparama Temple is the oldest dagoba in the country. The Isurumuniya Temple is another popular spot renowned for its intricate stone carvings, the most well-known of which is the Isurumuniya Lovers.

One can hardly visit Anuradhapura without stopping by Ruwanveli Seya. Built in the 2nd century, the temple is a stunning piece of architecture. There are many statues found here including one that is thought to be of King Dutugamunu, the emperor who ordered the construction of the Ruwanveli Seya. Other popular spots include Mihintale, Ritigala, and the Jethawana Monastery.

While the island becomes increasingly popular as a tourist destination the local government is improving infrastructure such as roads and public transport to keep pace. However, Sri Lanka travel can still be difficult and uncomfortable. To avoid delays and ensure comfort tourists should consider joining Sri Lanka tours provided by a reputed outfit like Jetwing Travels. They take care of the nitty-gritty of travel so one can focus on what is important.

 

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.

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Scuba Diving in Negombo

Negombo is an idyllic coastal town located in the western coast of the tropical island of Sri Lanka. A massive city, it is located roughly forty kilometres from Colombo, the country’s capital. Negombo is known for its bustling fish markets, gorgeous beaches, and active night scene. It is also the place to try out a variety of water sports such as surfing, jet skiing, snorkelling and scuba diving.

Negombo has twelve major scuba diving spots and all of them are suitable for novices except for two. Adams Peak does not have an extensive coral network but is rich in aquatic fauna. Home to Lion Fish, Bullseye, Glass Fish, Cardinal Fish and Snappers it presents a terrific opportunity for taking photographs underwater. Barracuda Point is named after the fierce ocean predators that are found there. This gorgeous diving spot is also home to Sting Rays and Scorpion Fish. Bandara Rocks is known for its excellent visibility and a profusion of lobsters and cuttlefish. Ahas Yatra Gala is another terrific diving spot. Although one can find a plethora of aquatic life here, the main draw of Ahas Yatra Gala is the wrecks of fighter planes from World War II.

Thanthiri Gala is a somewhat shallow diving spot which nevertheless has a large network of coral. Standard Reef, with a maximum depth of around fifteen metres, offers good visibility. Route 66, also called the Oceanic Highway, is an underwater coral lined path that trails north. Lobster Reef is named after the creatures found here in large numbers and is another terrific diving spot. The other two diving spots suitable for novices are Muttiyan Gala and Hanova, where one can also try diving at night. Both Diyamba Gala and Derana Gala are more suited for divers with some experience.

Since Negombo is located so close to the airport it is convenient to stop here for a few days either on the way from or to the airport. Tourists looking for a good Negombo hotel can try the Jetwing Blue. Situated by the sea it is one of the best Sri Lanka hotels around and is sure to make one’s stay memorable.