Tag: sri lanka

Nightlife in Negombo

For those of you who want to experience the thrills of Negombo, there is no better time than to head out at night to any of the town’s exciting nightclubs, pubs or restaurants. Whether you are by yourself or with your partner, the town serves as the perfect getaway to kick back and take in the excitement of the nightlife in Negombo. However if you simply want to sample the area’s popular seafood cuisine, there are countless options to choose from.

Out of all the nightclubs in Negombo, Lords Night Club found on Poruthota Road, should be high on your list of places to visit. Offering a selection of local, Chinese and Indian dishes to snack on, Lords is tipped as the best club in town if you also want to sip on a refreshing cocktail in your own time. You could also try the Captain’s Rest which is part of the complex at Lords for a memorable experience while in Negombo.

Additionally the Rodeo Pub in Ethukala, Negombo with its famed light night cuisine is simply the most captivating of setting for you to spend a late night out with your loved one. However if it is seafood that you crave for, then a trip to Bigou which is a Swiss-managed restaurant will do your appetite a world of good. For a touch of European hospitality, visit the Ebony & Ivory while the Serendib Beach Disco Bar will offer you ample space to dance your cares away well into the night. Cap it all off by heading over to the Sherry Land Pub and Restaurant which is now in its 23rd year in existence. With a luxurious pub and family restaurant at its disposal, visitors are sure to enjoy themselves with an assortment of chilled beverages to choose from.

While you enjoy Negombo’s popular nightlife, an ideal place to retreat to would be a Negombo beach hotel. Offering guests a mesmerising escape by the coast, Jetwing Sea which is a Sri Lanka beach resort will pave the way for you to savour the sights and sounds of one of the country’s most sought after of vacation destinations.

River Rafting

Those in search of the most idyllic river rafting destinations would do well to make their way towards the central highlands of Sri Lanka. Adorned with the rich ambience of local country life, holidaymakers are served with an array of options to choose from. Out of all the places that warrant a visit, the area of Kitulgala should be your starting point from where you can dive headfirst into adventure. Combining the twists and turns and ups and downs of the Kelani River, river rafting along this stretch is considered to be a riveting experience. Comprising of tricky rapids and enchanting panoramas of the surrounding forest, you are offered a mesmeric tour of Kitulgala while trying to fight off the danger of being thrown overboard.

A river rafting tour in Kitulgala will challenge the skilled of rafters to those trying to grasp at the fundamentals of this adventure sport, out in the wilds of the emerald isle. As you are tossed from side to side, pay close attention to your guide who will be shouting out commands so as to make the journey that mush more fruitful and enjoyable. Adorned with Grade 2 & 3 rapids such as the Virgin’s Breast and Killer Falls, Kitulgala which once served as the location for the award winning movie, ‘Bridge on the River Kwai’ will prove to be a memorable experience for the whole family.

However those of you who are searching for more hair-raising experiences, why not try taking on Sri Lanka’s largest river which is the Mahaveli that flows through the central part of the country and offers adventurers a choice of Grade 2 and Grade 6 drops which are sure to entice you to go just that extra bit more. For the more daring of thrill seekers perhaps the Grade 5 rapids of the Kotmale River would serve as an ideal escape right into the heart of adventure while a rafting journey along the waters of the Kalu Ganga will welcome you to the highs and lows of a variety of rapids. The peaceful setting of the Walawe Ganga is simply perfect for a quiet time alone with the family. Watch out for large herds of elephants at the Udawalawe National Park while you move through its easy Grade 2 rapids.

Known for a range of luxurious and comfortable airport transfers Sri Lanka has to offer, Malkey Rent A Car with its outstanding Sri Lanka car rental services will be the ideal foil for you to embark on a mesmerising and inspired tour of the country’s river rafting destinations.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Diving and Snorkelling in Kalpitiya

Blessed with rich coral and marine life, the waters surrounding Sri Lanka’s south coast offer plenty of opportunities for exciting snorkelling and diving excursions. Kalpitiya is one of the best locales for such activities, which can be enjoyed by those planning Sri Lanka travel excursions here. If you are looking for Sri Lanka tours that give you a chance to go diving then make use of Jetwing Travels that offer such tours along with various other excursions throughout the island.

When heading down to the island’s south coast make sure you visit Kalpitiya where you can tryout both snorkelling and diving. These clear blue waters are home to both colourful corals and a diverse array of fish that brighten up the vivid world beneath the waves. One of the most famous spots here is the Bar Reef which is a marine sanctuary where apart from corals you will also find such species as Parrotfish, Butterflyfish, Manta Rays and Reef Sharks. Kalpitiya Ridge, Bull Dog Reef, Trevally Pass and Moray Ridge are among the other sites of interest in the fascinating underwater world around Kalpitiya.

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+

Yala National Park

One of the best places in the world for a thrilling leopard safari, the Yala National Park in Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable adventure in the wilds of this enchanting island. Those planning tours to Sri Lanka and looking to explore this national park can sign up for a wildlife tour offered by Sri Lankan Dreams. This tour company also has a variety of other Sri Lanka tour packages that take you to the island’s many famed sites of interest.

Spanning an area of more than 100,000 hectares, the Yala National Park is divided into five separate blocks, with block one being the most visited due to the high number of Sri Lankan leopards found in the area. The sight of leopards roaming free in this stunning natural sanctuary is truly a sight worth seeing, though there is much more to witness in the park as well. Home to Sri Lankan elephants, sloth bears, toque macaques, wild water buffalo and not forgetting a large variety of endemic birds, the Yala National Park is the perfect spot for an exciting wildlife safari in Sri Lanka.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Snorkelling in Unawatuna

Unawatuna is a coastal town situated in the South of Sri Lanka that has long been popular with those interested in marine life as well as the adventurous visitors wanting to try their hand at diving and snorkelling. Lately however the town has acquired a name for its weekend parties that are highly in demand.

Although situated next to the historic town of Galle with its harbour, the waters in and around Unawatuna are protected by unique twin reefs. One reef shaped as a bay is protected by another shallow reef. This feature ensures that reef fish and marine life attracted to the reefs are commonly found and the calm waters caused due to the reef allow for excellent snorkelling opportunities.

There are many beaches in Unawatuna each of which offers its own unique type of underwater world for the underwater enthusiasts. The Unawatuna Bay along which most of the hotels and home stays are hubs of activity and the PADI dive centre is one of the favourite places that see amateurs and professionals return all year around. The Jungle Beach although somewhat secluded is also quite popular and is ideal for those wanting the best out of snorkelling. Bright yellow, blue and camouflaged black and brown fish of all shapes and sizes and other sea creatures jostle together in a colourful symphony that is a wonder to witness.

The months from October to April are usually the best for visibility; however the ideal warm water temperatures mean that snorkelling can be done during other months as well. Taking a trained expert with you especially on these occasions is advisable due to the sudden rains and winds that the monsoon seasons can cause.

Snorkelling gear can easily be obtained either for purchase or rent from any of the diving schools that line up the coastal areas. Although you may visit Sri Lanka with the idea of enjoying water sports, there may be other activities you would like to pursue. For this type of discerning traveller there are many sri lanka tour packages to choose from. Well known agents or tour operators such as Shanti Travel Sri Lanka are able to balance your interests and match you to an ideal tour with their sri lanka tailor made tours that will complete your stay in Unawatuna.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

A day at the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala

Elephants are magnificent creatures that have roamed our lands for centuries. To witness them in their natural habitat, one should head over to the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala located in the Kegalle District. The sanctuary affords care and protection for orphaned wild elephants that are found in the nearby jungles. Indulge in air taxi Sri Lanka of which Cinnamon Air, operators of air taxi tours Sri Lanka offers ample opportunities for travellers to head over to the premise.

Large crowds of locals and foreigners are seen during the feeding of elephant calves and bathing sessions at the Maha Oya which are the major attractions at the orphanage. Pinnawala is home to over 70 elephants and acts as a breeding ground where some of the elephants are later handed over to private owners and Buddhist temples. Experience the majesty of these beasts at their ‘home away from home’ in Pinnawala.

Mask Museum, Ambalangoda

The emerald isle is blessed with an array of exotic escapes offering visitors a taste of local tradition. The Ambalangoda Mask Museum incorporated in 1987 is no different as it showcases valuable insights into the town’s popular trade of mask making. Discover the colours of this thriving town by choosing from a range of Sri Lanka boutique hotels to stay at. Spoil yourself in the finer things in life that Saman Villas Bentota, a luxury hotel Sri Lanka located in Aturuwella, Bentota has in store.

Unravel the mysteries of local dance and legend in the comfort of the museum which also houses a library and workshop from where guests can explore the many treats that adorn its fine walls. Depicting heroes, demons, gods and goddesses, each mask stands testament to an area that has etched its name in local arts and crafts. The ‘Sanni’ and ‘Raksha’ are amongst Ambalangoda’s exquisite collection.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Piduruthalagala Mountain

When holidaying in Sri Lanka make sure to venture out into the wilds and be greeted by the mesmeric surroundings of this exotic landscape. Located north east from the town of Nuwara Eliya, the Piduruthalagala Mountain is a must visit for ardent nature lovers. Choose the perfect getaway and the most sought after of accommodation that Sri Lanka hotels are renowned for. Heritance Tea Factory which is one of the Nuwara Eliya hotels that scatter the area is where one can begin to explore the mystery of Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain peak.

Standing at 2524 meters above sea level, the Piduruthalagala Mountain or Mount Pedro serves as a sanctuary for travellers on the lookout for an exciting trek. Numerous endemic species of flora and fauna reside at this mountain for it affords a cool climate while providing breathtaking panoramas of the countryside. Move past streams and through heavy mist as you approach Piduruthalagala.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Minneriya National Park

Declared a Wildlife Sanctuary in 1938 and then upgraded to a Wildlife Park in 1997, Minneriya National Park houses the historic Minneriya reservoir that dates from the 3rd century CE. During the area’s dry season, the park is a very special place as elephant herds from Matale, Trincomalee and Polonnaruwa districts come to enjoy grazing and quenching their thirst here. Together with two other reservoirs close to the park, Minneriya forms one of Important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka.

While the park’s diverse range of large and small mammals, birds, amphibians, reptiles, fish and butterflies is undoubtedly interesting to all nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts, the most iconic attraction is the large number of elephants that congregate here, which is known as the ‘ elephant gathering’ and this is globally celebrated as one of the largest gatherings of mammals, specifically Asian Elephants, in the wild. The magnet that sets off this seasonal movement of elephants is the succulent grasses on the dry parts of the reservoir bed and the easy access to water. The ‘gathering’ takes place from mid-July and lasts until end-October, but peaks in August and September. The best time to view the elephants is in the evening when they emerge from the surrounding jungle in little groups that slowly forms a large herd that is sometimes said to number 300. Not only can visitors have a rare sighting of elephants in family groups, but they are also seen at their natural best, gamboling and cavorting in the water.

For wildlife enthusiasts, the park’s other attractions, endemic species such as the purple-faced langur and toque macaque, the Sri Lankan leopard, the Sri Lankan sloth bear, the gray slender loris and many other endangered and endemic species that are the park’s other inhabitants are of interest as well. For fervent birders, the host of large water birds as well as migrants and many residents that are found in and around the Minneriya reservoir makes a visit here truly worthwhile. Flocks of cormorants, pelicans, grey herons and other water birds are busy foraging for food around the water while jungle fowl, parrots, babblers, bulbuls and other endemic varieties favour the forest and scrub areas around the reservoir. Crocodiles, pythons and water monitors are among the reptiles that prey on the animals coming to the reservoir for water. Combined with the natural beauty of the surroundings, viewing the wildlife in the park is truly an exceptional experience.

To discover these and more natural treasures on the island, take advantage of some well-tailored holiday packages Sri Lanka has to offer its visitors for a stimulating and pleasurable travel experience. Shanti Travel Sri Lanka is a renowned travel company, which offers some competitive Sri Lanka tour packages that enable visitors to explore the country’s culture, heritage and the beauty of its landscapes.

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.

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Hot Air Ballooning in Sri Lanka

While a sightseeing tour of Sri Lanka on land offers plenty of adventures, there is nothing quite like seeing this enchanting island from a bird’s eye perspective! Hot air ballooning in Sri Lanka is fast becoming a popular recreational pursuit and one that takes place in the country’s Cultural Triangle. Travellers wanting to explore this part of the island on specially planned Sri Lanka tours can enlist the services of Jetwing Travels. Helping to organise your Sri Lanka travel adventure, this trusted tour operator provides plenty of opportunity for you to go on thrilling excursions.

When in the Cultural Triangle make sure to sign up for a hot air balloon adventure that takes place in destinations such as Dambulla, Uda Walawe and Sigiriya. A typical tour begins just after dawn which gives you a chance to witness the majestic beauty of the sunrise, as the first rays of the morning sun gently bathe the landscapes below. It is easy to feel humbled by the sheer natural beauty that surrounds as you drift over lush greenery, cultural sites, villages and wildlife, with the striking Sigiriya Rock Fortress in the backdrop. This intimate setting is also perfect for those in search of a romantic getaway with that special someone as you share memories that will last a lifetime.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+