Pinnawala elephant orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in a 25 acre coconut property adjoining the Maha Oya River.

The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

The orphanage which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clearly to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle.

Sri Dalaga Maligawa

The Temple of Tooth at kandy is the final location of the sacred tooth of the lord Buddha which was brought to srilanka during the reign of king “keerthi sri Megawarna” by prince “Dantha” and Princess “Hemamala” from the kindom of kalingu India.

It became the palladium of srilankan kings and was preciously guarded in a special shrine built within precincts of royal palace where the capital was located.

Sri Dalada Museum

This museum occupies the upper two floors of the Alut Maligawa building and contains a stunning array of gifts donated by several presidents and Buddhist leaders from across the world to the Temple of the Tooth. Letters and diary entries from the British time reveal the colonisers’ surprisingly respectful attitude to the tooth relic.

Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara

Hidden away in Kandy's leafy outskirts is the little-visited, but fascinating, Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara cave temple, constructed (with the help of some obliging boulders) in the 18th century. The interior of the cave is painted head to toe in slightly faded, but captivating murals.

These fine Kandyan-era paintings depict scenes from the Jataka stories (tales from the previous lives of the Buddha). In among these are some out-of-place paintings depicting men with guns. These are likely to have been inspired by the first firearms to have arrived in Sri Lanka. Alongside the paintings is a large reclining Buddha. Visitors are likely to be shown around by one of the five resident monks.

Kandy Lake

Dominating the town is Kandy Lake. A leisurely stroll around it, with a few stops on the lakeside seats, is a pleasant way to spend a few hours, although diesel-spurting buses careening around the southern edge of the lake can mar the peace somewhat.

The nicest part to walk along is the area around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Due to some past cases of harassment, single women should not walk here alone after dark.

Duruthu Maha Perahara(Dalada Perahara)

The month of Esala (July), during which period this annual pageant is usually held, had been considered a month of celebrations and festivity, both among Indians and Sri Lankans. Even from the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BC, the Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha's Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon.

Esala is also considered to be the beginning of the raining season (Vassana) when the monks commence their Retreat. Also, this month is considered to be the period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held, (eg Pattini puja) as recorded in the text 'Pattini-Halla'. Being considered a 'chaste' month, the period is held sacred for the availability of water, hence prosperity.

Several records have been left behind by dignitaries and other visitors to the island such as Robert Knox, John Davy, etc. The description of the perahara. These accounts provide much evidence as to the constitution and organization of the present day perahara. Yet many features seem to have been added and some changed to suit the time and the available resources and conditions.Dalada procession and the social traditions are linked so much together; the month of Esala has been named as the procession month, because of the Esala feast. In the 18th century at the time of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe the four Devala Peraharas and Dalada Perahara were amalgamated and were made series of Peraharas. The procession is a complex procedure in which various customs are involved.

The preliminary preparation for the perahara commences at the beginning of every year. Immediately after the Wesak and Poson pageants steps are taken to inform the owners of elephants the number of tuskers and elephant required measures of repair the dresses worn by the elephants and prepare new dress if required. Measures are taken to repair the required implements like oil torches etc and to fulfill the requirements to make the perahara a success. The astrologer attached to the Sacred Tooth (Nakath Mohottala) is required to prepare an auspicious time for pageant to be inaugurated. Later a meeting of state official and delegates of voluntary associations with the patronage of the Mahasangha is summoned to discuss matters pertaining to services to be executed to make the perahara a glorious event.

Kumbal Perahera (Kumbal Procession) - The first procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic stars with the Kumbal Perhara. This is the first Kumbal Perhara shown to the infants to drive away Evil Spells and Illwill. It is a tradition that the procession parades the streets of Kandy for five days. But the Kumbal Perahara is popular and remains as an unfinished procession or a semi procession. The reason is that Nilames do not work in this procession. But the Drummers and Tuskers take part without any ceremonial costumes.

Randoli Perahera (Randoli Procession) - This could be seen only with the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic and parade the streets for whole five days which is a tradition. In the days of the Kings the Chief Queen of the Kings paraded in this procession in Palanquins. As the participation of the Queens was not proper to the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic they were stopped but a palanquin is taken in the procession as an honor to the Queen. Today it is taken as the last item of the procession.

Maha Randoli Perahera (Grand Randoli Procession) - The Maha Randoli Perahara is the last Procession. It is the grandest event of the festival. The Tuskers come with garlands and decorated with ceremonial costumes. The Diyawadana Nilame adds a novel glamour to the procession by wearing newly stitched costume.

Spice Gardens

Sri Lanka has always been reknowned for its spices. Over 15 different spices call Sri Lanka home and many of them are traded in the international spice market. Cinnamon especially is endemic to Sri Lanka,and highest quality ‘true cinnamon’can be obtained here.

However if a visitor does not know the right places to purchase spices it is very easy to be duped for low quality spices or pay unnecessarily exorbitant prices. Visiting Sri Lanka which is a land of spices, without seeing those spices being grown would indeed be a pity too. So can both both, touring spice plantations and buying the best spices be done at the same time? The answer is –Yes!

Reasons you should visit the Spice Gardens of Sri Lanka:

1. The gardens introduce you to the different spices in Sri Lanka and their uses.

2. They also allow you to see how the spices are grown, harvested and produced.

3. High quality spices, traditional remedies and natural cosmetics made with spices are available for purchase at very fair prices.

4. The Spice Gardens are also quiet, peaceful places to spend some time close to nature.

5. The gardens give a chance to try out amazing aromatic meals complete with the spices that tease your senses are a favourite here as well.

6. The gardens are usually open for visitors, though some may charge a minor entrance fee. So it’s a great way to spend your holiday if you are on a budget.

Not all spices are grown in a single garden, of course, since various climates and soil types are necessary for cultivation of the different spices. Therefore taking a guide or finding a formal tour package with a guide and transport method is a good idea.

Traditional Wood Carving

Handicraft of woodcarving in Sri Lanka has a long history. The tradition of woodcarving in Sri Lanka is visible at Carving shops. At these Shops, miniature replicas of the low-relief wood carving done by the traditional woodcarvers can be bought at fair prices. The three dimensional carvings of ebony Elephants, Buddha are popular in Sri Lanka. Wood-carved decorative panels are used widely in Sri Lanka in the trade of interior decoration too.

Wood carving is a form of working wood by means of a cutting tool (knife) in one hand or a chisel by two hands or with one hand on a chisel and one hand on a mallet, resulting in a wooden figure or figurine, or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object. The phrase may also refer to the finished product, from individual sculptures to hand-worked mouldings composing part of a tracery.

Batik Gallery

Sri Lanka’s Batik making industry was only established firmly in the last century or so though records show that it was done earlier as well. Nowadays it is a small scale industry that provides job opportunities for many talented artisans.

Many colourful Genuine Batik shops and stalls can be found in Kandy. The shops sell Batik designed clothes (including some beautiful beachwear), wall decorations, table cloths, bed sheets and etc. Most are made of cotton, but some are made of silk.

Gem Gallery

visit a gem and jewellery gallery where you may inspect the dazzling stones at close quarters using a loupe, learning to distinguish quality based on colour, size, luster, and the absence of imperfections. Finally you will see the stones being set in to jewellery.

Come discover a whole world of Gem and jewellery.

Royal Botanical Garden

Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya are about 5.5 km to the west of the city of Kandy in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It attracts 2 million visitors annually. It is near the Mahaweli River.These stunning gardens were once reserved exclusively for Kandyan royalty.

Highlights include a fine collection of orchids, a stately avenue of royal palms, the extraordinary, aptly named cannonball fruit tree and 40m-high Burma bamboo. Another big hit is the giant Javan fig tree on the great lawn, with its colossal central trunk and umbrella-like canopy of branches. Peradeniya is 6km from central Kandy.

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

p >Gangaramaya is one of the oldest Buddhist temples in Colombo, started by the famous scholar monk Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera in the late 19th Century. After the Venerable Sri Sumangala, his chief pupil Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera took on the administration of the temple.

It was he who laid the foundation to convert the little temple to an institute of international reckoning.

The next chief incumbent was the Ven. Devundara Keerthi Sri Sumangala Jinaratana Vacissara Thera, the teacher of the Ven. Galboda Gnanissara, who worked to make the Gangaramaya what it is today: much more than a temple in the conventional term, but a place of worship, a seat of learning and a cultural centre.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara

Kelaniya Temple built on the banks of the Kelaniya River is one of the most sacred sites of Sri Lanka. It is believed Buddha together with 500 Arahats (Supremely enlightened beings) visited Kelaniya on the Wesek day of the Buddhist Era 2531 and expounding of the Dhamma, the Buddhist doctrine to the inhabitants of the island.

Buddha’s timely visit to the island resulted in quelling an imminent war between two kings named Chulodara and Mahodara over a jewel–encrusted throne.

Buddha having preached the doctrine on the disputed throne offered to him ensued lasting peace between the two kings. The great stupa built upon the site enshrining the throne was since then called Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara.History of Kelaniya Temple

Kelaniya Temple believed to had been built in the era prior to the chronologically recorded history of Sir Lanka (since 543 B.C) was renovated by Prince Uttiya, brother of King Devanampiyatissa following the arrival Arahat Mahinda in 307 BC. According to the Mahawansa, King Devanampiyatissa’s brother Uttiya renovated the vihara for the first time. Prince Uttiya also built the first ever residential quarters of the Buddhist monks (Sanghawasa) there.

The ancient temple was destroyed time and again by the Dravidian invaders from Southern India. Each time the temple had been reconstructed. The medieval temple was destroyed by the Portuguese in 1510 yet reconstructed by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha in the year 1967. New Temple was initiated in 1927 and completed in 1946 under the patronage of philanthropist Mrs. Helena Wijewardene.

Isurumuniya Viharaya

This charming rock temple, dating from the reign of Devanampiya Tissa (r 307–267 BC), is set around a lovely lotus pond, the corner of which is carved with images of elephants playfully splashing water. The central temple has some particularly fine mural paintings.

Climb around the back to the rock summit to see the bell-shaped stupa and a pair of Buddha footprints etched into the rock.The small museum features the famous ‘lovers’ sculpture, which dates from around the 5th century AD and is carved in the artistic style of the Indian Gupta dynasty of the 4th and 5th centuries. Photos are tolerated, despite signs to the contrary. Another belief is that this couple represent the god Siva and goddess Parvathi of Hindu belief.

The vihara also has another stone slab which depicts a court scene which is thought to be the court of king Dutugemunu. Both these stone slabs are thought to be originated in the 8th century. The vihara itself is built on a rock and the sacred tooth relic of Buddha has been originally kept here when it arrived to the island from India in the 312 AC.

Mihinthalaya

This sleepy village and temple complex, 13km east of Anuradhapura, holds a special place in the annals of Sri Lankan lore. In 247 BC King Devanampiya Tissa of Anuradhapura was hunting a stag on Mihintale Hill when he was approached by Mahinda, son of the great Indian Buddhist emperor, Ashoka.

Mahinda tested the king’s wisdom and, considering him to be a worthy disciple, promptly converted the king on the spot. Mihintale has since been associated with the earliest introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka.

Each year a great festival, the Poson Poya, is held at Mihintale on the Poson full-moon night (usually in June) to commemorate the conversion of Devanampiya Tissa.

Mihintale Mountain, with the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, began to serve as a residential area for the venerable monks headed by Arahath Mahinda Mahathera.But soon, with the royal patronage, the sanctuary housed a multitude of with monastic buildings-stupas, uposathgharas, bodhigharas- to serve the monks. Sixty eight cave dwellings provided the monks shade and shelter. Mihintale, the sanctuary for many thousands of laymen as well as holy men, had all the facilities and amenities for basic living.

Anuradhapura (Atamasthanaya)

Anuradhapura, the first capital of the Sri Lanka flourished for almost 1500 years starting form the 4th century BC. In the middle of 3rd Century BC, after 236 years of passing away of Buddha, Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka and from that point onward a great civilization was built upon the teaching of Buddha.

Today Anuradhapura is one of the most sacred cities for the Buddhists all over the world and it is filled with Ancient Dagabas, monasteries, palaces, man made water tanks and royal parks.

There are 8 main places of worship known as ATAMASTHANA. Sri Maha Bodhiya, Ruwanveliseya, Thuparama, Lovamahapaya, Abhayagiriya, Jetavanaramaya, Mirisavetiya and Lankaramaya.These are considered the most important places that a Buddhist pilgrim must visit in Anuradhapura.

Aukana Buddha Statue

Aukana Buddha statue is located at 30km northwest of Dambulla close to ancient Kala Weva man-made rainwater reservoir.It rise to a height off 11.36 meters, is the tallest ancient Buddha statue in Sri Lanka.

Aukana Buddha Statue in Asisa Mudra or the “posture of blessing” is carved out of a rock boulder.

The statue is carved in the round connected to the back to the rock boulder.The delicate and skillful carving of the Buddha’s robe humanizes and chastely reveals the underlying form of his body, while the face’s impassive expression projects an aura of spiritual supremacy.

It is said that the degree of alignment of the statue is such that raindrop on the nose would drop straight down to small depression carved between the toes. Aukana Buddha Statue is a masterpiece of a colossal Buddha Statue by an unknown sculptor: the serene expression of the statue, the gracefully carved robe with neat pleats brings in delicateness that could hardly be moulded into a rock. The impassive expression of the face reflects the supreme spirituality.

The difference in opinion of the experts of the dating of Aukana Buddha statues was finally resolved following the discovery in the year 1952, of an inscription on a granite slab built onto the northern wall of the shrine. The statue was sculpted in the second half of the 8th century AD when Mahayana Buddhism threatened to take root in Sri Lanka.

Ritigala

Ritigala is an ancient Buddhist monastery and mountain in Sri Lanka. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE.This one of the three strict nature reserves in Sri Lanka and is about 5 Sq. km in land extent.

Historically, this has been called as Arittha Pabbatha (the mountain of Aritta) which can be translated as 'Dreadful Rock' or 'Safety Rock' or even 'Riti trees' growing upon it. Around 3rd Century BC, Aritta , who was the Chief Minister of King Devanampiyatissa, who later was ordained as the First Sri Lankan Monk and became an Arahath, spent his monastic life at Ritigala.

There are many monastic ruins of stones, terrace ways, circular terraces, a stone bridge, and remains of a giant stone banked pond built across a water stream.

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Sigiriya (Rock Fortress)

Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka's single most dramatic sight. Near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancient civilisation, thought to be once the epicentre of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa

And there are spellbinding vistas across mist-wrapped forests in the early morning.Sigiriya refuses to reveal its secrets easily, and you'll have to climb a series of vertiginous staircases attached to sheer walls to reach the top. On the way you'll pass a series of quite remarkable frescoes and a pair of colossal lion's paws carved into the bedrock. The surrounding landscape – lily-pad-covered moats, water gardens and cave shrines – only add to Sigiriya's rock-star appeal.

Moon Plains

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Moon Plains ( also known as Sandatanne, Sandagalatanne) is the latest attraction open to public in Nuwara Eliya. This area is now classified as an Agricultural and Environmental Tourism Zone by the Municiple of Nuwara Eliya and was declared opened in 25th March 2014.

The plains is located few kilometers off Nuwara Eliya town and is accessed passing the the Government Potato seed Farm at Sita Eliya.The main attraction of Moon Plains is the mini Worlds End at the edge giving a 360 Degree view of the surrounding peaks and towns. The plains is home to Elk, wild buffaloes, dear and many types of birds. This area is also visited by leopards.

tea plantaions

Tea production is one of the main sources of foreign exchange for Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon).It employs, directly or indirectly, over 1 million people, and in 1995 directly employed 215,338 on tea plantations and estates.

In addition, tea planting by smallholders is the source of employment for thousands whilst it is also the main form of livelihoods for tens and thousands of families.

st clair's waterfalls

Most conveniently seen by the travelers on Hatton – Talawakelle Road, the twin waterfalls of St.Clairs cascades over three rock outcrops into a massive pool. The beautiful and most popular fall, located among tea gardens, carries a large volume of water, and is the widest waterfall in the country.

The fall is situated over 500 m. away from the road, and one needs to walk down among the tea bushes at a steep gradient in order to reach it.

Located on the Kotmale Oya, this fall will be affected by the proposed Upper Kotmale Hydro Power Project, but for the benefit of the public a limited quantity of water will be released to prevent complete disappearance of the fall.

Devon Falls

Devon Falls is one of the most popular waterfall in the country specially due its clear view from the popular Hatton Nuwara Eliya Road. The best view is from Dimbula where a special viewpoint is located with parking facilities.

On the other side of the road is the famous Mlesna Tea Center where you could have a fresh cup of tea could be had. Almost Everybody who travels on this road to Nuwara Eliya is bound to at least break rest here before continuing the journey.

Devon waterfall will be one of the most effected waterfalls and the Government has ordered relevant authorities that enough water will be released so that the St. Clair’s waterfall will maintain a continuous flow of 47,250 m3 (1,668,618 cu ft) of water for 10 hours and 30 minutes daily, between sunrise and sunset.

HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDEN

Hakgala Botanical Garden is one of the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka. The other four are Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, Henarathgoda Botanical Garden, Mirijjawila Botanical Garden and Seethawaka Botanical Garden. It is the second largest garden in Sri Lanka. The garden is contiguous to Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve.

Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated on the Nuwara Eliya - Badulla main road, 16 km from Nuwara Eliya. The garden has a cool temperature climate because of altitude and is 1620 meters (5,400 feet) above the sea level. From December to February it has a cold climate, while the slightly warm climate persists from April to August.

Gregory Lake

Gregory Lake was created in 1873 by the British era Governor at the time, Sir William Gregory, supposedly for the purpose of providing electricity. However the lake was mainly used for leisure and recreation after it was built. At its peak of fame, Gregory Lake was the most prominent attraction and was used a place to relax by many visitors.

Recently the hilly district of Nuwara Eliya received a complete facelift by the government. With these renovations, the Gregory Lake area, which is located right in the center of the Nuwara Eliya town, has been converted into a sort of Lake Park with many recreational activities.

Now visitors can follow the ancient British era tradition of relaxing picnics on the shore of the lake, or more modern leisure activities such as rides in swan shaped paddle boats, normal boatrides, pony rides along the shore, water walking balls, watersports such as jetskis, windsurfing and etc. As such with these many attractions Gregory Lake is a family friendly historic location of SriLanka, attracting many holiday makers who visit the country.

Vegitable and Fruit Markets

Even if you’re not looking to buy a truckload of bananas, these huge wholesale markets in Dambulla/Kandy/Nuwaraeuya offers a fascinating look at the vast range of produce grown in Sri Lanka.

What you see being carted about with manic energy (be careful and stay out of everybody’s way) will be sold in Colombo tomorrow.

These Places provide opportunities for wholesale traders to purchase fresh fruits and vegetables, directly from producers and provide facilities for consumers to purchase food items at cheaper prices.

Udawalawa National Park

For over four decades since its inception, the Udawalawe National Park has successfully attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors, including both local and foreign tourists, while prolifically contributing to the development of the entire tourism sector of Sri Lanka.

The Udawalawe National Park was designated and established as the fifth national park of Sri Lanka on the 30th of June, 1972. This officially designated the Udawalawe region as a national park in addition to a wildlife sanctuary under the Fauna and Flora Protection ordinance of Sri Lanka.

The water reservoir of Udawalawe National Park, encompassing a total surface area of nearly 3,500 hectares, is the largest reservoir in the vicinity and it is referred to as the “Walawe reservoir”.

The total area of Udawalawe National Park is almost 31,000 hectares and this makes the park one of the most expansive parks in the island. The most common type of environment witnessed in Udawalawe is the dry grassland and scrubland.

Extensive regions of tall grass, scrubs, as well as trees are common sights at Udawalawe. These are the most favourite environment conditions of the elephants at Udawalawe for a substantial portion of the year. Even though grasslands, scrublands, and similar types of plains are predominantly witnessed in the park, mountainous and rocky areas are also not uncommon.

Bentota Beach

Bentota located along the South West coastline in Sri Lanka, while being 60 kilometers from Colombo. Bentota is extremely popular among the international travelers for its top class touristic facilities and services.

Bentota Beach is an ideal destination for family vacations mainly due to its protected swimming conditions. It is also a fantastic location for numerous water sports activities such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, diving, body-surfing, windsurfing and parasailing. Deep sea fishing is also a popular activity; however it depends largely on weather conditions. Another attraction is the Bentota River which is more of a beautiful tropical lagoon where visiting couples can enjoy a romantic river safari.

Bentota Beach is one of the finest and most magical beaches along the South West coastline and is also listed among the best in the island.

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is situated about 4 kilometers south east of Weligama. Mirissa beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I the world, quitter calm deserted and hot. Beach is set in a small fishing village with beautiful scenery.

It is a peaceful sandy beach with crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It is also a well-known area for whale and dolphin watching. This beach boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best and most stunning sunrises which creep up from the horizon to greet you and back again on the other side to form a breathtaking and memorable sunset.

It’s a low-key, peaceful spot that was once limited to just backpackers but is now becoming a more popular destination as travelers seek out quieter alternatives.

Negombo Beach

Negombo beach is referred to as the golden mile, conveniently located just 15 km away from Sri Lanka’s international airport. There was once a small fishing town that grew to become the country’s first beach resort.

It was used as a main export harbor for cinnamon by the Portuguese, Dutch and British and it still bestowed with historical buildings. The town itself shows its interesting colonial past which was heavily influenced by the Catholic Church.

There are plenty of beachside restaurants, hotels and shops. The fine sandy beaches and peaceful ocean make Negombo a top destination for relaxation beach activities. The beautiful and unspoilt sandy beach of Negombo, is primarily maintained and upgraded by the nearby hotels with the aim to provide the best beach vacations in Sri Lanka.