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Inquiries: araliyalankatours@gmail.com +94775320459 |
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Inquiries: araliyalankatours@gmail.com+94775320459 |
Ancient Greek geographers called it “Taprobane”, Arabs Called it “Serendib”, later European mapmakers called it “Ceylon”, it’s all about an island lying in the Indian Ocean. Now it is called Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is multi ethnic country, majority is Buddhists, where Dharma of Lord Buddha practise all around island. Peaceful surroundings, smiling faces, good-hearted natives, greater hospitality you can’t get anywhere from the world. It's the place you haven't been yet, that you should.
Sri Lanka is relatively a small isle (area of 65,610 km2), but you can do a lot in a short. Country blessed with 1340km long coastal line with golden beachfronts, 8 UNESCO world heritage sites, national parks, tropical rainforests, picturesque highlands, different climate and cultures, all you can experience within few hours of travel. Probably this is the reason travelers like most and called Sri Lanka as Wonder of Asia !
Sri Lanka is a tropical country, so it has a tropical climate. Island is a year round destination for vacationers. If one part of the island is limed due to bad weather, other part is likely to having good weather condition. Weather around country is affected by two monsoon seasons, which are Southwest season (May - September) and Northeast season (December - February).
Normally central highlands have a mixed weather. North and East coasts good in May to September, South and West coasts good in December to mid of April and it is considered as the peak season in Sri Lanka tourism.
Average temperature usually varies 28 - 32 0C in the coastal areas and 16 - 20 0C in the central highlands. Normally country has a high humidity, average of 80% year round.
Since weather cannot be predicted best to take rain wear any time of the year. All visitors to central highlands should take warm wears.
Kandy is the last royal capital in Sri Lanka located 115km away from Colombo. It is the home of Temple of The Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the most sacred places of the Buddhists in the world. City is a world heritage site declared by UNESCO. This elegant market town is rich in cultural diversity has plenty of choices to the travelers experience Ancient Temples, Kandy Dances, Handy Crafts, Adventure Activities, Botanical Gardens etc. “Esala Perahara” in Kandy (One of the oldest and grandest Buddhist festival) places a big part in Kandy culture. Each year numbers of foreigners gather to gazing that Ceremony.
Hikkaduwa is one of the most popular destinations in Sri Lanka, Located in down south, almost 100km away from Colombo. Hikkaduwa coral reef is the most beautiful coral reef found in Sri Lanka and the first coral reef to be declared a Marine National Park. It is the second best surfing spot in the country. Visitors have wide range of choices of accommodation, food, shopping and fun. Place is ideal for young visitors because of its vibrant nightlife and fun and entertainment. There are many shops selling Masks, Batik, Gem, Antiques, Jewellery etc. Everything here provides the care free stay.
Another popular tourist destination located in down south, 160km away from Colombo. Whale Watching is the famous activity take place in the area. But its breathe taking sandy beach is ideal for surfers and divers. This secluded beach is the perfect place to sit back, relax and forget about all the hustle and bustle of your routine busy life.
These two adjoining coastal cities located 65km away from Colombo. Bentota is renowned for water sports that exploit the sea, river and lagoon. “Galapata Vihara”, “Kande Viharaya”, “Lunuganga Garden” are some popular tourists attractions in this area. Nightlife is quite mellow. Turtle Hatchery is an exciting visit here, release a baby sea turtle into the ocean in the evening and gazing how it waddles its way to across the sand is an amazing experience.
This is the coolest city in Sri Lanka also known as “Little England”. Town ambience does have an old English country village feel. Located in hill country Central Province, 162km away from Colombo. Town offers a lot of options for travelers. Explore the nature trials (Botanical Gardens, National Parks, Waterfalls), visiting tea plantations and factories, Golfing, Hose Riding, Water Sports in Gregory lake, Trekking etc.
The North Central Plains of Sri Lanka which belongs to the dry zone of the island is mainly covered in thick shrubbery forests and isolated mountainous outcrops which are surrounded by flat land. These north central plains which are known as “Rajarata” (Translation: King’s Land) along with the Kandyan Kingdom is popularly known as the Cultural Triangle of the island nation of Sri Lanka. A tour within the Cultural Triangle will help you understand the ancient Buddhist Culture of Sri Lanka and the intense devoutness the natives demonstrate.
The Cultural Triangle is concentrated with many Buddhist Temples, Sculptures, Ancient Monasteries and Stupas while some of them date as back to over 2000 years. The area also covers some of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Kandy. There are a number of monolithic rock formations that are have been ideally transformed into places of worship.
Apart of “Adam’s Peak” and “Sri Dalada Maligawa” this is the next important pilgrimage site in the country. Located in 207km away from Colombo to the South East. It is the house for famous “Katharagama Devalaya” and “Kiriwehera”. Area is multi religious and quite busy in the all year round specially in the Perahara (procession) season held on July. “Perahara” rich in fireworks, drummers, traditional and kawadi dances. Well known “Yala”, “Bundala” and “Udawalawe” National Parks are located in this area. Parks are ideal for Bird Watching, Elephant and Leopard Watching, Nature Trials and Day and Night Safaris. It will be a nice experience for kids to watching feeding to baby elephants at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.
Beautiful coastal city situated in East coast, 257km away from Colombo. City is popular among the international because of world famous Trincomalee harbor. City more tends to Tamil culture. Top tourists attractions are “Koneshwarm Kovil”, “Kinniya Hot Water Spring”, “Marble Beach”, “Nilaveli Beach” and “Pigeon Island”. Beautiful beaches are ideal for Relaxing, Whale & Dolphin Watching, Diving, Snorkeling and Swimming. An overnight stay in a beach resort and lay in a hammock will surely give you an unforgettable life experience.
This coastal city is situated in west coast close to Bandaranaike International Airport. It is located in the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. City has several buildings that date back to the Dutch and Portuguese colonial era, it is known as “Little Rome”. Major tourist attractions in the area are “Negombo Lagoon”, “Dutch Fort” and “Negombo Beach”. Tourism plays a big part in the city’s economy. City is blessed with every type of hotels, stunning beaches, scenic surroundings and handicraft shops. Fishing, Diving, and Water Sports are the popular tourist activities in the city.
Kalpitiya is a recently developed tourist destination located in western coast, 174km away from Colombo. Kalpitiya peninsula and its 14 islands today very famous among beach lovers. Sandy Beaches, Coastal Plains, Bar Reefs, Mangrove Swamps and Salt Pans made Kalpitiya Unique Marine Sanctuary. Water Sports, Diving, Boat Trips in lagoon, 4WD Jeep Ride along beaches, Whale and Dolphin Watching are few popular activities in the area. Anyone wants to feel the life of rustic fishing community this is the place, visitors can get a real insight into working life of them. Hotels and the surrounding perfectly fit for relaxing as well.
Ayurvedic Treatments
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Bird Watching
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Cycling
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Deep Sea Fishing
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Hiking & Trekking
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Hot Air Ballooning
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Jungle Camping
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Kite surfing
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National Park Safari
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Para-Motoring
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Photographing
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River Safari
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Scuba Diving
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Snorkeling
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Surfing
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Water Sports
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Whale & Dolphin Watching
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White Water Rafting
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Adam’s Peak (Sri Padaya) is a scared pilgrim site specially for Buddhists. Because they believe imprint of the summit is the footprint of Lord Buddha, each year thousands of Buddhists participating to this pilgrim trek from all over the world. Pilgrimage season starts from December and it lasts until May. Adam’s Peak and trek is very popular among tourists because of breathtaking views across its surrounding. Specially witness the amazing spectacle of sunrise from mountain tops is an amazing experience. Site area is a sanctuary, it encompassed with Horton Plains National Park and Wilderness Mountain peaks. You have to climb approximately 5200 steps most of the way there are plenty of rest stops. On the way you pass spectacular waterfalls, tea plantations, streams, archeological places etc.
Different nations in the world celebrate new year in different ways. In Sri Lanka both Sinhalese and Hindus celebrate their new year “Aluth Awurudu” on 13th and 14th of April every year. And it is the main festival in Sri Lanka. It represents the both Traditional and Cultural values in the country and it is unique as it is nowhere celebrated in the world. Festive season is the prosperous time of the year. Householders repair their houses, housewives cook traditional meals (Kawum, Kokis, Aggala, Aluva some are popular terms), people buy new cloths and gifts for their relatives, the sound of Raban (traditional drum) and the Koha's (a bird) cry chime around the country symbolize that the entire country is ready for a new year. There are numbers of customs and rituals associated with this festival. New Year commence with bathing on the last day of the “old year” (12th). Then “Nonagathaya” (neutral period). During this period, people keep off from all types of work and engage in religious activities. Next the beginning of new year. In every home people boiling milk in a newly earthen pot and cook milk rice symbolizing prosperity. There is exact auspicious time to perform each ritual, everyone do the rituals on same time. Season is filled with joy and happiness. In every city youths organize new year celebration festivals to enhance the friendship among people. Festivals filled with new year games, some are unique to Sri Lanka. Tug-of-war, Kotta Pora (Pillow Fight), Kannaa Muttie (Breaking the clay pot), Climbing Grease Pole are some of them. Foreigners are welcome to the festivals. You can get this experience if you visit during April.
Vesak is one of the main festivals in Sri Lanka. It has both religious and cultural influence. It is the main festival of Buddhism, Buddhists in all over the world celebrate this. Festival celebrates excessively in Sri Lanka. Festival lasts for a week. It is celebrated on the day of full moon in May (this year it is scheduled on 29th of April). During the festive season many religious and cultural activities are organized. Sri Lankans decorate their houses, public places and streets with colourful lights, Vesak lanterns etc. They go to the temples, worship Lord Buddha, offer flowers, light lamps, engage in charity works etc. During that period several Vesak sites will be organized in major cities around the country. Each site consists Colourful Vesak Lanterns, Big Vesak Pandols(Toran), Vesak Dansals (those give foods free to people), Vesak Cultural Shows, Vesak Devotional Song Shows (Bakthi Gee) etc. Night ride along the decorated cities will give you fey feeling. Day time you can go to “Dansal” and taste local meals free of charge.
The Kandy Esala Perahera (procession) is a grand festival held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. Kandy Perahara has been a tradition over centuries. It is a ten days festival. This year festival was scheduled to hold on 17th of August to 27th of August. The Esala Perahera actually comprises of five separate Peraheras. Each Perahara consists of traditional Sri Lankan dances (kandyan dances, whip-dances, fire-dances, cultural dances), heralded by thousands of kandyan drummers, majestic elephants and tuskers and other cultural elements. Because of its splendor each year thousands of tourists gather Kandy to watch Perahara. If you plan to tour Sri Lanka during that season it is not a waste of allocating your time to watch this pageant. Best time to see Esala Perahera is on the last two nights. You can witness the Perahara with us. We arrange everything including private seats to view the Perahara. Limited number of seats are available. Lateness leads to worry, so hurry up and book your package.
Yala combines a strict nature reserve with a national park, located in Tissamaharama 290km away from Colombo. Yala is the second largest National Park in Sri Lanka. Park has a protected area of nearly 130,000 hectares of land consisting of light forests, scrubs, grasslands, tanks and lagoons. Yala is home to 44 varieties of mammal and 215 bird species. Few of them are leopards, majestic elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles, spotted dear, sambars, jackals and peacocks. Yala is considered as one of the 70 important Bird Areas in Sri Lanka. Some species are endemic to Sri Lanka. Wild safari in this park is very popular among travelers and they mostly visit here to see Elephants and Leopards. The months of May-August are the best months to watch elephants, months of January- July for leopards. Travelers are inspired to visit this park of flora and fauna and entertain their holidays purposely.
Love to see Asian elephants, this is the place to go in Sri Lanka. Udawalawe located in 170km away from Colombo, in the boundary of wet and dry zones, is the third most visited national park in Sri Lanka. Park covers the area of 30,821 hectares (comprises grasslands and thorn scrubs) and it is mainly for Asian elephants and Birds. Wild safari is very popular activity inside the park and large herds of elephants roam free. Other animal species sambar deer, spotted deer, wild boar, water buffalos, crocodiles, peacocks and occasional leopards can be seen in the park. Best time to see elephants either morning or evening. Park is open year round and welcome to visit anytime of the year.
Horton Plains is a unique natural attraction in Sri Lanka, can be introduced as one of the best nature reserves in the world, located in the highest plateau of the country (Nuwara Eliya) 170 km away from Colombo. Place is popular for its beautiful landscapes and rare plant and animal life. This UNESCO World Heritage site spreads across over 3,169 hectares, at an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level. Horton Plains is very rich in biodiversity. It has wide variety of flora and fauna. Park is home to 29 endemic flora species and 14 endemic bird species. Sambar deer, wild boar, bear monkey, toque monkey, leopard, porcupine and wild rabbit are some of the mammal species in the reserve. Horton Plains forest reserve is the most important catchment area of almost all major rivers in Sri Lanka. Other name connected with Horton Plains is World’s End. Morning hike to World’s End is a very popular hiking activity among both locals and tourists. This short hike covers panoramic views of beautiful landscapes, waterfalls, clean streams flowing through valleys, endless grass lands with tiny wildflowers, rolling hills. Best time to visit there is early in the morning (before 10.00 am) because after that time clouds descend to the ground level and area becomes submerged in the mist.
Knuckles mountain also called “Dumbara Mountain” is one of the scenic nature attractions in Sri Lanka, located between Kandy and Matale. This unspoiled 18,512 hectares spread nature reserve is home to a higher percentage of the islands biodiversity. Over 20 species of amphibians, 31 species of mammals, 130 species of birds, 53 species of reptiles can be seen in the reserve. Most of them are endemic and can only be seen in the Knuckles. It has five main mountain peaks and all itself gives different spectacular sceneries once you get there. Because of that reasons Knuckles is a top trekkers attraction in Sri Lanka. Trekkers have a great opportunity to hike across dense forests, unpolluted rivers, tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and terraced paddy fields. Visitors can access Knuckles via three routes, Meemure , Rattota and Riversten. Always be prepared for rains and leeches and get an experienced guide if you go there.
Sigiriya, UNESCO World Heritage site is situated in Dambulla, 180km from Colombo. Ancient palace and fortress complex has significant archaeological importance and attracts thousands of tourists every year. Locals consider this as the eighth wonder of the world. Before Sigiriya became a kingdom, Sigiriya rock base served as a monastery since 3rd century BC. Many caves have Brahmi Inscriptions dating back from 3rd century BC to 1st century AD. In the second half of the 5th century king Kasyapa decided to construct a royal residence here. It was designed in a shape of huge stone lion, whose feet have survived up to today but the upper parts of the body were destroyed. Citadel called as Sigiriya because of its shape. Fortress complex includes remnants of a ruined palace, surrounded by an extensive network of fortifications, moats, vast gardens, ponds, canals, alleys and fountains. Wonder is, these water fountains still functioning even after 1600 years. King Kassapa had reverted his fortress to an ecological wonder by having royal pleasure gardens, water gardens, fountain gardens and boulder gardens made at the palace premises on the rock summit. The most renowned is the Sigiriya rock paintings (frescoes) of Sigiri Damsels locally called as “Sigiri Apsaras” painted on a western rock face cavity. Another striking feature is mirror wall which is covered with graffiti and inscriptions from the 7th to the 10th centuries AD. Buildings and gardens of Sigiriya show that the creators of this amazing architectural monument used unique and creative technical skills, advanced architectural and engineering skills.
Sri Dalada Maligawa houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, is possibly the most sacred Buddhist shrine in the world. It is venerated not only by Buddhists in Sri Lanka but by Buddhists all over the world. Dalada Maligawa located in Kandy which is the last royal capital of Sri Lankan kings. Temple complex first built as a two storied building during 1592 – 1603 DC. It has been decayed over years and today existing Maligawa was built by sinhalese last king Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe (1797 – 1814 DC). Temple complex prominently displays traditional Kandyan Architecture. Entrance to the temple complex is through “Maha Vahalkada”. There are two walls on the sides of “Vahalkada”. Outer wall is called “Walakulu Bamma” (wall of clouds), inner wall is called “Diyareli Bamma” (wall of water ripples). After passing the “Vahalkada” and the moat, you come to a “Makara Thorana”. Next is the tunnel “Ambarawa”. Passing this you come to the ground floor of the temple complex. Lower floor of the building called “Pallemaluwa”. This inner chamber is fortified with a large wooden door and decorated with bronze and ivory. The area in front of the door is called “Hevisi Mandapaya” (drummers courtyard) where the daily rituals are carried out. The Tooth Relic is kept in the upper floor in a chamber called “Vadahitina Maligawa” The door of this chamber is covered with gold silver and ivory. The Tooth Relic is encased in seven gold caskets studded with precious stones. The outer casket is studded by precious stones offered to the tooth relic by various rulers. Next to the relic is “Perahara Karanduwa” relic chamber displayed in the annual Kandy Asala Perahara (procession).
Blue whale is the largest creature in the world existing today. To see them, Mirissa is one of the best places in the world. Nowadays whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa is one of the most exciting excursions among travelers. Around Mirissa coast you can see blue whales, bride´s whales, sperm whales, fin whales, occational killer whales, and common dolphin species, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins, risso's dolphins and striped dolphins. Sometimes you can see turtles and various fish species, for example bluefin tuna and flying fish. Best time to go for whale watching from November to April as ocean is warm and calm during these months. Even from May to October whales can be spotted as well but ocean can be rough.