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Holidays Sri Lanka  -  Travel information Sri Lanka

Former Ceylon.

Provinces in Sri Lanka: Central Sri Lanka, North Central, North Eastern, North Western, Sabaragamuwa, Southern Sri Lanka, Uva, Western Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka, the Isle of Serendipity is a tourist paradise with an abundance of tourist attractions like the sunny beaches, glorious ancient cities, salubrious hill country, beautiful fauna & flora, exquisite handicrafts, world renowned gems, traditional dance & drama, colourful festivals, smiling people and not forgetting the mouth watering Sri Lankan cuisine.

Capital City of Sri Lanka: Colombo

car hire, hotels, travel agencies, travel guides, transportation / traveling to sri lanka

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Car Rental Sri Lanka

 Holiday Autos  -    
Holiday Autos offers the best fully inclusive car hire prices. Get cheap car hire quickly and securely online with holidayautos.co.uk, the experts in online car rental.

More Rental Cars? See page Car rental 

Hotels in Sri Lanka / Hostels

Somewhere2stay.com  -  Cheap Holiday Accommodation Sri Lanka

 
The Colombo Plaza [ Landscaped gardens in close proximity to the Business district and all Diplomatic Missions in Colombo ] and Taj Samudra Hotel [ The hotel is located right in the city centre of Colombo opposite the historic Galle Face Green overlooking the Indian ocean.].

 
Centrally located hotels ranging from small family run budget accommodation to world-class five star hotels.

 TFTHostels  -  Seach all hostels, book the cheapest
Hostels, Budget Hotels, Apartments, Guesthouses, B&B, and Campsites.
Hostel search engine. Search all Hostels, find the cheapest. Compare rates, reviews and recommendations. Check availability, specs and location. Book the hostel of your choice by visiting the hostel booking website.

 Ceylon Hotels Corporation 
The Ceylon Hotels Corporation (CHC) is a Sri Lankan government sponsored organization catering to the hospitality industry of Sri Lanka.
 Galle Fort Hotel

National Parks

 Horton Plains  -  hill country with scenic beauty
Hortons Plains is a national park and the highest plateau in the island consisting of grassland scattered with areas of forest, with some unusual high altitude vegetation. The plains are a beautiful mystical place with some trails for walking. The famous "World's End" and "Bakers Falls" are major attractions. The Kirigalpotta, second highest peak and the Thotapola, third highest peak of the country are also situated in the Horton plains.
 Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja tropical rain forest is a vast repository of natural wealth. Singharaja Forest Reserve is one of the biggest rain forests in this part of the region. This tropical rain forest is a living legacy. Bio diversity of the forest is very high and a large proportion of the flora in this forest is endemic to the country and some are found only in the Singharaja Forest. Birds such as Ceylon Lorikeet, Layard's parakeet, Jungle and Spur Fowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Grey Horn bill, Spotted wing Thrush, Rufous and Brown- capped Babbler, Ashy-headed Laughing Thrush, Ceylon Blue Magpie, White Headed Starling, Ceylon Hill Mynha, Legge's Flowerpecker. Easily approachable roads in to the jungle provide easy access to the forest. This important forest is a Man and Biosphere Forest reserve and it is considered as a World Heritage Site.

Travel Agents / Tour Operators

Travelsphere  
Travelsphere is the UK's No. 1 operator of escorted holidays

Thomas Cook 

The Adventure Company
Do you want to see wildlife, go trekking, discover fascinating cultures and ways of life, experience life in a tribal village, see the stars from a desert wilderness... Try one of the activity holidays, travel experiences not to be missed! Adventurecompany.co.uk.

Cosmos 
Cosmos is UK's largest independent tour operator.

Kuoni Holidays 
Type of holidays : All inclusive, Beach holidays, Escorted tours, Family holidays, Spa & Weddings.
Sri Lanka highlights :
** The endlessly photogenic and uniquely dramatic 5th Century rock fortress at Sigiriya, rising sheer out of the jungle plains. Climb to the summit for unbroken vistas in every direction, and don't miss the exquisite cave frescoes.
** The ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa - sprawling complexes of romantically ruined palaces, processional avenues, mansions and temples.
** The enchanting cultural and religious centre of Kandy, blessed with a mild, temperate climate and clear air.
** The vibrantly colourful and historically significant cave temples at Dambulla.
** The charming elephant orphanage at Pinnawela.
** The consistently outstanding food - a 'typical' dinner might consist of seven or eight fragrant and spicy dishes, reflecting the cosmopolitan blend of cultures in the country.

Hayes & Jarvis 
Hayes & Jarvis has been making holiday arrangements for discerning travellers since its formation in 1952 [ [ ATOL 1275 ]

Mosaic Holidays  -  Sri Lanka Hotels, Sri Lanka Tours

  -  Create your perfect trip to Sri Lanka - Flight, Hotel and Car



Cresta Holidays   
Cheap Breaks Sri Lanka [ Colombo ]

 Remembrance Travel

Travel Guides Sri Lanka / Related books

The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka -  Gavin Thomas
The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka is the definitive guide to the island with a full-colour section introducing its highlights; detailed accounts of all the sights, from the bustling street markets of Colombo to the sedate tea plantations of the highlands and great buddhist monuments of The Cultural Triangle. There are candid reviews of the best places to stay and eat, from beachside guesthouses to colonial era hotels and serene ayurveda resorts. The guide also includes detailed coverage of the north and east, until recently off-limits due to the civil war. Finally, there is informed coverage of Sri Lanka's history, religions, art and music.
Paperback 400 pages (November 25, 2004); Publisher: Rough Guides; Language: English; ISBN: 1843531887
Sri Lanka - Footprint Travel Guide -  Edward Aves
Sri Lanka is the "big" destination in South Asia as the island settles back into its tranquil tropical island role. It is now possible to travel to areas, particularly in the north and northeast, which have been inaccessible for a number of years. This totally updated and revised guide provides everything a visitor needs from chilling out on the glorious beaches to exploring the seven UNESCO World Heritage sites. This travel guide to Sri Lanka is designed to enable any visitor to explore the beaches, as well as the island's interior and its religious and historical associations. With details both on and off the beaten track, the book provides an insight into Sri Lanka's history, culture and religions. Full coverage is provided of all the best beaches and beach activities, including watersports, and guidance is given on planning a route around the island. The guide features all activities from wildlife watching to cycling and Ayurveda therapy. Lively, informative listings of where to stay, eat and drink, highlighting eco-friendly lodges and locally run places plus suggested itineraries and routes are also included.
Paperback 416 pages (October 6, 2003); Publisher: Footprint Handbooks; Language: English; ISBN: 1903471788
Sri Lanka; the Bradt Travel Guide -  Royston Ellis
Famed for its sandy beaches and fine teas, Sri Lanka offers so much more. Featuring every aspect of travel in Sri Lanka, this guide covers a complete range of coastal resorts for the tourist looking to unwind whilst a variety of activities and attractions will tempt visitors to explore the more unusual aspects of the island. Sri Lankan resident Royston Ellis offers the insider's view, expanding the options for travellers with temples and shrines, botanical and zoological gardens, steam railways and such gems as the Pinnawela elephant orphanage and the pilgrimage to Adam's Peak.
Paperback 272 pages (May 23, 2002); Publisher: BRADT Travel Guides; Language: English; ISBN: 1841620211

Transportation / How do I travel to Sri Lanka

 Bandaranaike International Airport  -  Colombo Airport
Flight Schedules, Map of Sri Lanka, Health Regulations, Hotels, Tour inside the Airport and more ...

  -  Flights to Sri Lanka
Book cheap flights to Sri Lanka at ebookers and benefit from discounted airfares. View their latest offers and book your flights, accommodation, car hire and insurance online

Flight.co.uk  -  Flight tickets Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka [ CMB ]

  Airline Tickets / Bargain Flights  -  Flights Sri Lanka / Price comparison possible

 Sri Lankan Airlines

Traveling by train is the best way to see the country. Train routes cover the hill country, down south, northern dry zone and most other places of interest. One can travel to Kandy (Hill Capital) by the ways of early 19th century on "Viceroy special", a locomotive consisting of luxury compartments and run by charcoal combustion. 

 Sri Lanka Railway

 The Viceroy Special
A restored steam engine running from Colombo to the heritage sites in central Sri Lanka

Buses run by the state along with privatel coaches and maintain a comprehensive, island-wide network, which makes traveling cheaper and convenient. Air-conditioned coaches operate between cites.

 Map Sri Lanka [ Uni Texas  -  Perry-Castañeda Bibliothek  -  Map Collection ]
  The Rough Guide Map Sri Lanka (Rough Guide Map S.)  
Hardcover 1 pages (January 27, 2005); Publisher: Rough Guides; Language: English; ISBN: 1843532263


Links 

 Travel Insurance

 Sri Lanka Tourist Board
News, Sports, Beaches, Statistics, Fauna & Flora, Accommodation, Sri Lanka Profile, Places of Interest,  Calendar of Events, General Information, Museums & Art Galleries, National Parks/Sanctuaries,  Conference/Incentive Facilities, Tour/Travel Agents, Transportation, Entertainment, Shopping, Overseas.

 Government Sri Lanka  -  GOSL - Official Website of the Government of Sri Lanka

 Colombo  -  Capital City Sri Lanka  -  Colombo Municipal Council 
Colombo is a relatively easy city to find your way around. To the north is the Fort district, the country's business centre, which has department stores, book shops, airline offices, etc. this is the best city to get most of your shopping done.
Colombo is essentially a colonial city, whose rise to pre-eminence did not start until the 19th century and the establishment of British power. Before that it was much less important town than Galle. The Capital, Colombo offered two easy routes into the Kandyan highlands.

 Central Province of SriLanka
The Central Province of Sri Lanka consists primarily of mountainous terrain. Both the hill capital Kandy and the city of Nuwara Eliya are located within the Central Province.
Adam's Peak, Delgoda, Digana, Gampola, Horton Plains, Kandy, Kundasale, Nuwara Eliya, Ohiya
 North Central
Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya
 North Eastern Province
Arugam Bay, Batticaloa, Chenkalady, Jaffna, Manipay, Mannar, Trincomalee
 North Western
Chilaw, Kuliyapitiya, Kurunegala, Marawila, Puttalam, Wennappuwa
 Sabaragamuwa Province
Balangoda, Belihuloya, Ratnapura, Sinharaja Forest Reserve
 Southern Sri Lanka
The Southern Province of Sri Lanka is a small geographic area consisting of the districts of Galle, Matara and Hambantota. Cities: Aluthgama, Ambalangoda, Bentota, Beruwela, Galle, Hambantota, Hikkaduwa, Induruwa, Kataragama [ holy city ], Matara, Tangalle, Unawatuna, Weligama, Yala 
 Uva Province
Badulla, Haputale, Koslanda, Wellawaya
 Western Province
Aturugirya, Battaramulla, Colombo, Dehiwala, Gampaha, Homagama, Horana, Ja-ela, Kalutara, Kelaniya, Kohuwala, Kolonnawa, Kotugoda, Moratuwa, Mount Lavinia, Negombo, Nugegoda, Pamunugama, Panadura, Peliyagoda, Rajagiriya, Ratmalana, Sri Jayawardenapura, Wattala, Welisara, Wellampitiya

 Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. The Sacred Bo Tree , ancient ruins such as the Ruwanweliseya, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha Statue, Kuttam Pokuna and the Mirisavati Dagaba are sites worth seeing.
Several centuries before the Jesus Christ, while the Greek empire was at its zenith, many other regions were emerging from the stone age; Anurdhapura was already and advanced civilization.
 Galle
Galle is situated on the south western tip of Sri Lanka 116 Km. from Colombo, Galle was known as Gimhathiththa long before the arrival of the Portuguese in the 16th Century.
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.
 Kandy
The city of Kandy lies at an altitude of 488.6 meters (1629 feet) above sea level in the center of the island and surrounded by the ranges of mountains. It is still very much a focal point of Sri Lankan culture.
 Kurunegala
Kurunegala is the royal capital for only half a century, starting with the reign of Buvanekabahu II (1293-1302) who was followed by Parakramabahu IV (1302-1326).
 Negombo - resort town
Located 37km north of Colombo and 6km north of the international airport, within close distance to the International Airport is the distinctive fishing town of Negombo. The city is a gourmet's paradise with sea food in plenty. Traditional methods of fishing using the outrigger canoe and the catamaran are still popular, bringing in seer, skipjack, herring, mullet, pomfret, amber, etc. The resort town is home to many fine beach hotels and guest houses to meet any budget.
The Dutch captured it from the Portuguese in 1644, and made it an important center
 Polonnaruwa
The island's medieval capital (11th to 13th century A.D.) is situated 216 km. from Colombo. One of the largest man-made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railings are just a few architectural marvels of the ancient world. 
 Trincomalee
Trincomalee is the ideal destination for beach lovers, with its fine natural harbor and miles and miles of unspoilt beaches with clear blue water. Trincomalee is located 257 km from Colombo. The Nilaveli beach is considered to be one of the most picturesque and finest beaches in the world.

 Dambulla
Dambulla is home to one of the most magnificent cave temples in Sri Lanka. The five caves situated under a vast overhanging rock which dates back to the 1st century BC is uniquely carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock.
 Devon Falls
Named after a famed pioneer coffee planter before the tea revolution came about, the Devon Falls drops 97meters. It is 6Km west of Thalawakelle and there is a special parking and viewing spot at the 20th mile post. An ideal place for a stop over.
 Galle Fort
A world heritage site and the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European invaders. Other prominent landmarks in Galle include the St. Aloysius Cathedral and College founded by jesuit priests.
 Hakgala Botanical Gardens
Hakgala Botanical Gardens is situated at the base of the Hakgala peak, south of Nuwara Eliya. Established in 1860, the garden has a wide range of roses, ferns, orchids .The rock of Hakgala rises 450m above the gardens providing an amazing back drop. The Hakgala natural reserve can be found at the end of the gardens and is home to a variety of wild life including bears, monkeys and bird life.
 Hikkaduwa
Hikkaduwa located 98km down the scenic southern coast of Sri Lanka, is a haven for marine life enthusiasts, with it's coral gardens and the abundance of marine life. Tourists can hire glass bottomed boats or diving gear and explore the fabled delights of the underwater world.
 Laksapana Falls
Laksapana Falls rise from the Laksapana Estate and plunges in to the Maskeliya Oya via Maoussakelle. Travelling through Glencairn and Dickoya would provide wonderful spots to view the water cascading down the mountain.
 Mount Lavinia
Located just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate city suburb with a reputation for sumptuous sea food. The beach is recognized as the most attractive beach close to Colombo. It lies alongside a windswept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sand is soft and the waves calm and clear.
 Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Established in 1816, these gardens are located about 6.5km before Kandy on the side of the Colombo-Kandy highway. The gardens were initially known for it's Coffee and Cinnamon, now it is recognized for beautiful Sri Lankan and overseas species. No vehicle is allowed entry to this 147-acre garden. It is bounded on three sides by a loop of the longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli River.   
 Sigiriya
For 18 years king Kashyapa ruled his kingdom from his fortress on top of this massive rock formation in the 5th century A.D. In a sheltered pocket, which could be approached by a spiral stairway, are the world famous frescoes of heavenly maidens called "Apsaras".   

 Bank of Ceylon
History, Banking Services, Subsidiaries, Local Branch Network, International Branch Network, Exchange & Interest Rates, Account Opening, What's New, Financial Statements and Contact & Inquiries
 Dutch Channel
Een 100 kilometer lange waterweg bij Colombo, die nog door de Hollanders aangelegd is. Dit kanaal verbond kaneeltuinen, kokospalmplantages en kleine dorpjes in het achterland met de havens aan de kust.
Hakgala Botanical Gardens - botanische tuin
Hakgala Botanical Gardens is situated at the base of the Hakgala peak, south of Nuwara Eliya. Established in 1860, the garden has a wide range of roses, ferns, orchids .The rock of Hakgala rises 450m above the gardens providing an amazing back drop. The Hakgala natural reserve can be found at the end of the gardens and is home to a variety of wild life including bears, monkeys and bird life.
 Lanka Chronicle  -  Sri Lanka's first electronic chronicle
 Laksapana Falls 
Laksapana Falls rise from the Laksapana Estate and plunges in to the Maskeliya Oya via Maoussakelle. Travelling through Glencairn and Dickoya would provide wonderful spots to view the water cascading down the mountain.
 Mount Lavinia -
Located just 12 km. south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is an immediate city suburb with a reputation for sumptuous sea food. The beach is recognized as the most attractive beach close to Colombo. It lies alongside a windswept headland jutting into the waters of the Indian Ocean. The sand is soft and the waves calm and clear.
 Peradeniya Botanical Gardens
Established in 1816, these gardens are located about 6.5km before Kandy on the side of the Colombo-Kandy highway. The gardens were initially known for it's Coffee and Cinnamon, now it is recognized for beautiful Sri Lankan and overseas species. No vehicle is allowed entry to this 147-acre garden. It is bounded on three sides by a loop of the longest river in Sri Lanka, the Mahaweli River.

Cuisine  -  Sri Lankan Recipes

Sri Lankans like their food to be spicy. Rice is eaten at least once a day, usually with very hot curry. Despite today's obsession which chilli it it was the Portugese who introduced Red Chilli to Sri Lanka. Until then most preparation had been sweet or used only pepper. Modern day Sri Lankan food has Indian, Portugese, Dutch and even a touch of British flavour mixed in. Don't worry you don't need to add salt to the beer.

Almost every dish is prepared in coconut milk. Dairy milk can be substituted if coconuts are hard to come by. Your nearest Sri Lankan, Indian or Pakistani shop may have all the ingredients for Sri Lankan cooking.

 Recipes of Sri Lanka
In spite of its tiny size, Sri Lanka boasts an amazing variety of food and styles of cooking. The island has a rich heritage of indigenous dishes and its regional cooking is strongly individual and varied.

 Ambul Thiyal [ traditional fish, preferable tuna ? ], Seeni Sambol [ unions, sweet and hot ], Coconut Sambol [ very 'pedis' ]

 Food of Sri Lanka: Authentic Recipes from the Island of Gems door Douglas Bullis en Wendy Hutton
ISBN: 9625937609

History of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country in south Asia, which boasts of a rich cultural heritage spanning over 2500 years. This had been enriched by much other culture, especially from India. Many a kingdom that was established in ancient Sri Lanka, along with various cultural influxes from India has influenced in shaping the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka.

It was Tambapanni to Emperor Asoka of India, Taprobane to the Greeks and Romans, Serendib to the Arab seafarers, Hsi-lan-ch'ih to the Chinese, Ceilao to the Portuguese, Ceylaan to the Dutch, Ceylan to the French and Ceylon to the British.

Independence: 4 February 1948 [ from UK ] 

 History of Sri Lanka  -  WikipediA
 Lanka Library  -  see history & archeology
 VOC-Kenniscentrum
After Batavia Ceylon, 'het kaneeleiland', became the most important settlement. The VOC conquered the coast of Ceylon in many campaigns [ from the Portuguese ] between 1638 en 1658.
Chambers | Ships | overzee | gewesten | products | maps and more
 Avondster  -  in City of Galle  -  see Maritime Lanka
The East Indiaman Avondster in Galle harbour has been excavated recently, the first major project of the Maritime Archaeology Unit of Sri Lanka*. The Avondster was originally an English ship, captured and modified by the Dutch, relegated after a long career to shorthaul coastal voyages, and wrecked in 1659 while at anchor in Galle harbour.

Music, Culture, Language & Entertainment

Sri Lanka's classical architecture, sculpture and paintings is predominantly Buddhist. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa have the most impressive archaelogical legacy, but Kandy is the most thriving cultural centre today. Colonial remnants include Dutch forts, canal and churches and British residences, clubs and courthouses. Galle is the finest colonial city on the island.

Sinhalese dancing is similar to Indian dance but relies on acrobatics, nimbleness and symbolism to unfold its narratives. Kandy is a good place to see `up-country dancing'

Sri Lanka is a country full of rich cultural heritage, which is studded with many significant events, which has occurred in the past.
Events: Duruthu (January), Navam (February), Madein (March), Bak (April), Vesak (May), Poson (June), Esala (July), Nikkini (August), Binara (September), Vap (October), Il (November) and Unduvap (December)

Lonely Planet Sinhala Phrasebook - Margit Meinhold
The extensive food section in this phrasebook allows visitors to sample the true flavours of Sri Lanka, while the cultural information helps to avoid etiqutte faux-pas. There is a section on Sri Lankan English and place names are shown in local script and English.
Paperback 228 pages (January 22, 2002); Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; Language: English; ISBN: 086442597X
 Arts Sri Lanka
 Cultural Survival Trust of Sri Lanka
Started as a organic community of concerned individuals drawn from Sri Lanka and other countries, who were independently engaged in studies of oral traditions, and man-nature relationships among surviving traditional communities.
 Pada Yatra  -  Pada Yatra Foot Pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama
The traditional Pada Yatra foot pilgrimage from Jaffna to Kataragama commencing on Wesak Poya is neither a peace march nor a political rally, but a traditional procession of villagers who represent the rural voice of Lanka
 Lanka Bhumi  -  Sacred Sites of Sri Lanka
 Vedda.org  -  Sri Lanka's Vedda forest dwelling people

Web Portal / Search Engines / Sri Lankan Directories

 atSrilanka  -  A Comprehensive Travel and Tourism portal of Sri Lanka
 Explore Lanka
 News
 Sri Lanka Info
 Sri Lanka Net
 Trips to Lanka

 Kataragama.org  -  website Kataragama Guru Parampara - many links


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