 Sri Lanka is an island of no great size, yet it has smiling people who are well known for their hospitality. The highly developed tourism sector presents a wide variety of attractions/choices to the discerning visitor to the country. Legend as well as history record that Sri Lanka has always delighted visitors to its shores. Beautiful beaches, impressive landscapes, wonderful ruins, a rich culture and charming people. – No wonder Sri Lanka is a small miracle. Sri Lanka is located in Southern Asia, island in the Indian Ocean, south of India.
When?
As per the climate of Sri Lanka, December to March for Hilly areas, the south and west coast, and you can go in the ancient cities region and the east coast. These seasons are best to travelling in Sri Lanka.
How to Reach
?
The only way to enter Sri Lanka is by air. Colombo is the international gateway for direct flights from Europe, Asia, Australia and the Middle East. There are several flights available between Colombo and Chennai, Trichy, Thiruvananthapuram and Mumbai.
Visa
Indian National get Visa on arrival.but must hold return confirm ticket, foreign exchange.
Currency
Currency of Sri Lanka is Sri Lankan Rupee. One Sri Lankan Rupee consists of 100 cents. Travelers Cheques and foreign currency can be exchanged at various commercial banks and hotels.
Shopping
Don't visit to Colombo for mall style shopping. Colombo offers wide range of handicrafts and other items on sale. Government-run 'Laksala' emporium is one of the best places to buy handicrafts like batik, lacquerware, handloom cloth, painted wooden masks etc. In addition, there are the Handloom Emporium, the Sri Lanka Handloom Emporium and the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Exchange. Daily use chores -including some excellent spices, teas and fruit flavoured teas, spices, ceramics and clothing can be purchased at Liberty Plaza, Colombo's main shopping district. One can purchase plenty of imported goods in Colombo for it is a free trade zone.
Things To Do in
Sri Lanka
Colombo
Colombo is the largest city and capital of Sri Lanka. It is also the commercial and financial center. The place has number of historically places, beautiful beaches and modern life for more entertainment. Sri Lanka is one shop to passing their vacations for any purpose. The ideal location to start the Sri Lanka visit is Colombo.
Town Hall
Colombo Town Hall, as opposed to the Old Town Hall, is an imposing neoclassical building built in 1927. It faces the Viharamahadevi Park. The white-domed Town Hall is said to have been modelled after the Capitol Building of Washington, D.C.
Independence Square
Independence Square and its surroundings considered to be one of the most prestigious locations in Colombo are to be converted into an exclusive haven for cultural activities, recreation and academic and research excellence.
National Museum
It is the biggest museum in Sri Lanka. It has intriguing collection of antique porcelain, manuscripts, royal regalia, antique furniture, masks and other pieces.
Kandy
Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka is a major tourist destination. ( 115kM from Colombo at 465 meters above sea level). Famous for the Temple of the Tooth and many other temples the city could be called the cultural capital of the island.
Gadaladeniya Temple
This 14 century temple is situated about 15Km from the town. The structure of the temple is influenced by the South Indian architecture and built on a rock. The stupa is on a high stone platform.
Embekke Temples
The main attraction is the intricate wooden carvings of this 14th century shrine dedicated to God Kataragama. There is also a Buddhist temple on location. Almost the entire structures of some wooden buildings are decorated with dancers, musicians, wrestlers, legendary beasts and birds. Nearby are the ruins of an ancient rest house with similar pillars carved in stone.
The Royal Botanical Gardens
Once a pleasure gardens of a Kandyan Queen this 40ha land is a beautiful park with numerous tropical foliage and the best in the island. The Commander of the allied forces in Southeast Asia Earl Mountbatten had the headquarters in the garden during the Second World War.
Galle
The capital of the southern province is a city with a colourful history. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The beautiful beach of Unawatuna is just 6km south east of the city
centre.
Dutch Reformed Church
Built by a Dutch Army officer at the site of a previous Portuguese church and completed in 1754 the church is situated close to the new entrance to the fort. The church contains record of marriages since 1748 and baptism from 1678. The other significant of the building id there are no pillars inside the building and the weight of the roof is supported by the walls.
Ahangama / Midigama
Home to a unique type of fishing technique. Silt fishing is a popular fishing method in the area and a very beautiful scenery to watch especially during sunset. Ahangama is also a popular surfing location and relatively less crowded than the surfing location to the north.
Dutch Fort
Portuguese built the first fort to withstand attack from the Sri Lankan kingdoms to the north. Dutch who captured the coastal cities from the Portuguese improved the defence system of the fort, widening the moat on the landside, improving the ramparts and the bastions. British who captured the city did not make many changes as they shifted the part to the northern town of Colombo and therefore the atmosphere of Dutch days are preserved to date. The Dutch entrance to the fort with it VOC with 1669 carved in the inner archway is still in use. Still there are many old Dutch buildings intact and, but unfortunately except for those in the private hands. The ramparts and the bastions still bring to life the old world.
Koggala
Hometown of a famous local writer Martin Wickramasinghe. The museum of Folk, Art & Culture built in his honor at his old residence has an excellent display of local folk items. They include the costumes of folk dancers, sports items, household items and furniture and vast arena of the folk life of the early 20th century. Take a boat trip in the lagoon and Kogggala Lake to see many of its small islands, which is a popular destination for bird watching.
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