PLACES OF INTEREST

 
WASGAMUWA NATIONAL PARK
Wasgamuwa National park stands unique among the most of national parks in Sri Lanka and the only national park in the Central province where one could see elephants in their natural habitat
YALA NATIONAL PARK
Ruhuna National Park at Yala is Sri Lanka's most popular wild life safari destination. Situated about 300kM from Colombo the 1250 sq kM park is home to leopards, crocodile, elephant, deer, sambar, bear, wild bore, wild buffalo and peacock and may varieties of birds including migratory birds such as flamingos. The uniqueness of the park is it's many different habitat diversities such as dense jungles, lagoons and open park areas, a beautiful sea front and rocky outcrops

There are many archaeological sites within the park and the ancient monastery of Sithulpahuwa situated at a beautiful rocky platform is among it's most visited sites.

Salt pans at Palatupana is a popular location for bird watching.

The leopards is the largest member of the wild cats found in Sri Lanka and Yala is probably the best location to view these beast in their natural habitat
BUNDALA NATIONAL PARK
This is the latest addition to the National Parks. All species of water birds resident on the country and the migrant birds inhabit this Park.
There more than 400 species of birds are found in Sri Lanka, indigenous varieties as well as migrants which include peacock, the flashy jungle fowl, the serpent eagle, flamingo, bee-eater, many types of parrots, king-fisher, pond heron, malabar pied hornbill, spoonbill

Bundala wild life sanctuary where birds are seen in abundance. If you want to see migratory shorebirds in their thousands Bundala ramsar wetland is an ideal place.

UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
The Park is situated around a reservoir of the same name in the south central area. Animals that could be seen in herds are elephants and dear species, wild buffaloes, wild boar, monkeys and a variety of other species such as crocodiles, peacocks, and if you are lucky the bear and the leopard.

Udawalawe national park in the south central region of Sri-Lanka (Dry Zone) This national park extends in 30821 ha in land .A mixture of abandoned teak plantation grassland and scrub jungle. Once you arrive at the entrance to the park you board special 4 WD open safari jeeps and enter the park .Once inside you wind your way through some of the many paths the trekker guide will show you, close encounters with elephants, deer wild buffaloes, wild boar, monkeys and other species like peacock ,crocodile is a sight to see.

Its is guaranteed you see elephants at close range may be even a loner who would brush a side the jeep, you would get good photographic opportunities, bird life is good as you see species such as large prinia, common tailorbird, purple, sunbird scaly breasted munia, common wood shrike black headed cukoo-shrike, getting out of the jeep is not advised as many elephants lay camouflaged behind the tall grass.
MINNERIYA NATIONAL PARK
The Park is situated around a reservoir of the same name in the south central area. Animals that could be seen in herds are elephants and dear species, wild buffaloes, wild boar, monkeys and a variety of other species such as crocodiles, peacocks, and if you are lucky the bear and the leopard.

The extent of this National Park is about 8889 hectares. There are wetlands in this National Park, which have international importance. It’s on the banks of the Minneriya reservoir, which was built in the 4th century A.D. Minneriya is a hide-out for many elephants, where you could see herds of elephants approximately 50 to 60 in a herd. Animal and plant species, which are plenty in the dry zone, are found in this Park. Meanwhile wild elephants, samburs, donkeys, apes, Indian mouse, deer, mongoose, leopard, bats and reptiles like crocodiles, pythons, monitors and various amphibians and local and immigrant bird species are plenty in this Park. Bamboo trees, which are rare in other parks, are found in plenty in this park and wild elephants can be seen conveniently. The significant feature is that going close to them can see these elephants.

NEGOMBO
 

Negombo situated by the shores of a lagoon by the same name once has been a trading port for Portugese and Dutch and is a ideal place for those who want quick access to and from the airport. Attractions in the city are the old Dutch fort gate built in 1672 now a part of the prison, the Dutch Canal which was then a supply route to the Dutch administration, old churches and fishing villagers. The 100km long canal running through the town is still being used and is an attraction for those who want to see the country from a different perspective. The stretch of road towards Kotchchikade comes to life at dusk (most shops are open at daytime too) with many handicrafts and curio shops, gem shops, restaurants and internet cafes catering for tourists.

ANURADHAPURA
Anu-radha-pura Kingdom lasted one thousand and five hundred years from 380BC. This city is home to many of the earliest grandest monuments of Sri Lanka. A popular destination of Sinhalese Buddhist's prilgimages because of its many ancient Buddhist monuments.

Anuradhapura has been made royal capital by the king Pandukabhaya in 380 BC. It remained residence and royal capital for 119 successive Singhalese kings till the year 1000 AD when it was abandoned and the capital moved to Polonnaruwa. You will see some of the most famous as well as the tallest dagoba of Sri Lanka, remains from palaces, temples, monasteries, ceremonial baths and the temple of the holy Bo-tree. This tree was grown from a sapling of the very tree under which more than 2500 years ago the Buddha found enlightenment
POLONNARUWA
Polonnaruwa lies 216 km northeast of Colombo, 140kms northeast of Kandy and 104kms southeast of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka's medieval capital (11th - 12th Century AD) is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. The majestic King's Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, the Gal Viharaya (rock temple) and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa's great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of this capital's memorable sights. The Sea of Parakrama - a vast 12th century man-made reservoir dominates the city. Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area, and their development is easier to follow
SIGIRIYA
Polonnaruwa lies 216 km northeast of Colombo, 140kms northeast of Kandy and 104kms southeast of Anuradhapura. Sri Lanka's medieval capital (11th - 12th Century AD) is a well-preserved city of ancient dagobas, moonstones, beautiful parks, massive buildings and stunningly beautiful statues. The majestic King's Council Chamber, the Lotus Bath, the Lanka Thilaka Viharaya, the Gal Viharaya (rock temple) and the statue of one of Polonnaruwa's great kings, Parakramabahu, are a few of this capital's memorable sights. The Sea of Parakrama - a vast 12th century man-made reservoir dominates the city. Although it is nearly 1000 years old, it is much younger than Anuradhapura, and in much better repair. Moreover, the monuments here are located in a more compact area, and their development is easier to follow

MIHINTHALE
Mihintale regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps, 5m wide, leads to the summit with its splendid views of the surrounding countryside.

Mihintale is a rocky hill 11 kilometers east of Anuradhapura. It was here that in the year 247 B.C. King Devanampiyatissa became converted to Buddhism in his encounter with Mahinda. Mihintale, called the "Mountain of Mahinda" soon became a great monastic city composed of 4 rocky forested hills. Today, an aura of seclusion still lingers here, despite a thriving bazaar at the foot of the hills and the thousands of pilgrims who flock there. Every person who wishes to reach the dagoba at the summit of this sacred mountain must climb 1,840 steps to do so.

DAMBULLA ROCK CAVE TEMPLE
The 1st century BC Caved Rock Temple in Dambulla contains the most outstanding collection of Buddha’s images in Sri Lanka. The walls are covered in paintings of images of Buddha during his different reincarnations as well as depicting some historic episodes. The Golden Mountain Temple was a monastic settlement as early as the 2nd century BC which is now among the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. The rock rises over 400 ft. above its surroundings and consists of 5 cave temples spread out of about 50 acres. There you could see one of the richest collections of 154 Sri Lankan sculptures in the form of a large number of Buddha images in standing, seated & recumbent postures as well as a few outstanding figures of gods. Well preserved MASSIVE WALL AND CEILING PAINTINGS covering 22,000 sq. ft. has made this temple complex more important to the world
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.
Kandy Perahera, the pageant of the temple of tooth where Buddha's tooth is kept is held either in July or August each year to parade the golden caskets is a must see itenary if one is visiting Sri Lanka during these months. The final night procession is the most spectacular event of the country. More than 50 elephants parade the city accompanied by the drummers, dancers and chieftains.
he city established in the 15th century was the last royal capital where 2500 years of royal rule ended. This bustling market town is rich in cultural diversity has plenty of iteneries to offer to the tourists from songs dances and handy crafts to ancient temples and adventure activities. Kandy is a good transit point to the cultural triangle to the north or hill country to the south. The city is also a good source of souvenirs or to experience many cultural performances at it's various hotels in the city.

PINNAWALA
See baby jumbos wondering around their cramped foster home or bottle fed and bathed by their human foster fathers at Pinnawala, about 90Km from Colombo towards Kandy is the home to some 60 or more elephant orphans. A place you will really enjoy and never forget. Most orphans are accustomed to their curious human visitors are harmless.

Started in 1972 the Elephant Orphanage was relocated to at the present site in 1975 Bathing time at Ma Oya just in front of the orphanage is sharp at 10.00am and 2.00pm. Feeding time is about and hour earlier.
NUWARA ELIYA
Situated at around 2000m above sea level and surrounded by lush tea plantations Nuwara Eliya is the main hill resort of Sri Lanka and the heart of the tea industry. Once a pleasure retreat of the European planters the town is still very much an English town with many English style bungalows and buildings. Nuwara Eliya is a good escape for those who miss cool breeze in tropical Sri Lanka at any time of the year. Local tourists flock to this town in their 'season' from March to May when it is the hottest duration for the town, April being the busiest. Nuwara Eliya offers many activities for tourists including visits to tea plantations golfing, horse riding, boating, hiking and of course exploring the beauty of the landscaped gardens, waterfalls and plateaus

HORTAIN PLAINS


A national park, Sri Lanka's highest plateau is an excellent excursion and a paradise for nature lovers, hikers and bird watching. The grassy plains still host many other wild lives. Also within the park are the World's End, a shear drop of 1000m offers a breathtaking view of the land below on clear days, Bakers Falls and and trails for hikers.

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.

The southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourists and comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves northeast and the sea becomes calm with blue skies. The earliest European administrative centre of Sri Lanka was the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo. The City of Galle had been the European administrative centre over 4 centuries.

HIKKADUWA


Hikkaduwa is one of the earliest tourist beaches of Sri Lanka famous for its sandy beaches and superb waves for surfing. Once a popular coral reefs at Hikkaduwa are now nearly extinct. There are many hotels and guest houses to suit any budget with varying quality and comfort.
Your itenaries at Hikkaduwa may include hiring a glass bottom boat for coral viewing, surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving or simply relaxing in the beach.

KATARAGAMA
Kataragama a popular pilgrimage destination frequented by adherents of all religions in Sri Lanka. The main shrine devoted to Skanda popularly described in eulogies as God having six faces and twelve arms whose assistance is sought for worldly gain. The history of the shrine dates back to 2 century BC. The annual procession held in July or August is the main event of the shrine with fire walkers and Kawadi dancers. Offering to the got are made at 4.30am 10.30am and 6.30pm daily.

Kataragama has a network of hotels, guest houses as well as free pilgrim rests.

RATHNAPURA
The gem-mining centre of Sri Lanka is also a major crossroad between southern plains and the hill country to the east. A bustling market city servicing most of the surrounding towns. Many of the prominent gem dealers in Sri Lanka operate from this town. Scenery around the town is excellent and charming.
There is a route to Sri Pada from Ratnapura direction. Excursions include Sinharaja Forest and Uda Walawe Wild Life Park. The route towards hill country is beautiful. The surrounding area is a popular trekking destination and a good place for bird watching. Visit traditional gem mining and cutting operations