SRI LANKA HOLIDAYS   >   ASIA 


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.

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

Capital City of Sri Lanka: Colombo


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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.

Hotels in Sri Lanka / Hostels



  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 travel guide with clear maps and detailed coverage of all the best attractions Sri Lanka has to offer. Get the low -down on one of the worlds most beautiful islands, with in-depth coverage of Sri Lanka's superb beaches, magnificent wildlife, verdant tea plantations and majestic Buddhist remains. The guide includes practical information on getting there and around, plus reviews of the best Sri Lanka hotels, from serene oceanside Ayurveda retreats to atmospheric colonial-era tea estate bungalows, and Sri Lanka restaurants, bars and Sri Lankan shopping for all budgets. You'll find introductory sections on Sri Lanka food, drink, health, cultural customs and outdoor activities as well as specialist Sri Lanka tour operators and colour inserts on tea, Buddhism and the islandÂ's highlights with inspirational colour photography throughout . Rely on expert background on everything from the history of the ancient Buddhist kingdoms through to the contemporary political scene in Sri Lanka and traditional Sri Lankan dance. Explore all corners of this fascinating country with the clearest Sri Lanka maps of any guide. Make the most of your holiday with The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka
Paperback: 472 pages; Publisher: Rough Guides; 3 edition (1 Oct 2009); ISBN-10: 184836069X; ISBN-13: 978-1848360693.

 
Sri Lanka travel guide.

Sri Lanka (Lonely Planet Country Guides)
Michael Kohn and Ethan Gelber 
In this guide : Complete national-parks table leads you to the best elephant-spotting, Detailed research on safe travel, Unique Green Index directs you to sustainable listings.
Paperback: 332 pages; Publisher: Lonely Planet Publications; 11th Revised edition edition (1 Aug 2009); ISBN -10: 1741048354; ISBN-13: 978-1741048353.

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

   

  Airline Tickets Sri Lanka / Bargain Flights 
Cheap flight tickets Sri Lanka / Price comparison possible.

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 ]


Links 

  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 | Overseas | Distircts | 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, Arts & Culture, Events

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)

  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

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


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