A CAPTIVATING ESCAPES FROM TRADITIONAL HOLIDAY EXPERIENCES!

Kalpitiya

Kalpitiya, an isolated, immaculate region amidst the North-West coast of Sri Lanka, embraced with pure, pristine beaches, unparalleled to many. Entrenched towards the peripherals of the Island, Kalpitiya is the peninsula that detaches the Puttalam lagoon from the Indian Ocean, which is home to a numerous variety of marine life. A combination of breathtaking lagoons, amazing sunsets beyond the horizon, enticing coastline along clear turquoise waters where the dolphins and the whales dwell in the midst of unscathed coral reefs, highlights Kalpitiya as the epitome of natural elegance.

 

 

Bolgoda

Bolgoda, belongs to the south-west region of Sri Lanka; has emerged as a new found tourist destination which awaits the arrival of high-spirited, exploratory travellers. Bolgoda speaks fervently of its lake which was discovered and extensively used for passenger and cargo transportation way back in the 1600’s during Dutch colonialism. Bolgoda Lake is believed to be the largest natural lake in the Island, spreading over two-thirds of Kaluthara District consisting of both fresh and brackish water which in most parts will be as deep as 20-50 feet.

 

 

Nuwara-Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, situated in the central highlands of Sri Lanka at an altitude of 1,868mtrs is only a mere 180km from the capital, Colombo. Also known as “City of Lights”, this land is blessed with picturesque landscapes, purling streams and a temperate climate which has undoubtedly made this a place of heaven & haven combined.

History of Nuwara Eliya stretches back to the Eighteen Hundreds when discovered by Dr. Major John Davy, during a hunting expedition, from which point the ‘unknown progressed to be the known’ by the development strategies implemented by then British Governor Sir Edward Barnes. This is a land where prosperity manifested itself and naturally became a prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters of Ceylon. Then, acclaimed as “Little England” is yet considered to be a vital location for ‘Tea Plantation’ in the Island; can certainly be depicted as an ‘English Village’, almost. Hemmed by “Pidurutalagala”, “The Great Western” and “Hakgala”, three of the highest mountains in Sri Lanka, the temperature can go as low as 3°C yet quick to warm up during the day with the rise of the tropical sun.

One can be enthralled by numerous activities available in the hill country of Nuwara Eliya, of which, Trekking, Hiking, Horse racing, Hill climbing, Motor racing and Golf are known to be the most significant attractions of all. Hills are wooded with cypress and eucalyptus, gardens with daisies and roses in abundance, amongst the fruits and vegetables galore.

Though all this seems improbable, we ARE describing a part of Sri Lanka, the isle that is drenched in serendipity of joyous surprises.

The Cultural Triangle

The Cultural Triangle, connecting three ancient capitals, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy is home to five of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. This cluster brings together regions between North Central and Central, clasping Sigiriya and Dambulla into it. Aptly named as the Nation’s Cultural Triangle, the ancient cities boasts of possessing archaeological ruins in abundance, dating back to the 4^th Century B.C., now protected by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites. These monumental treasures of History, provides a glimpse into the life and advanced civilization that existed over 2000 years ago.

 

 

Sacred City of Anuradhapura                

 

Founded by ‘Anuradha’, a follower of King Vijaya, was later abandoned to the mercy of the wilderness in the year 1073. The ‘Lost’ city was discovered once again and restored by the British in the 19^th century, prominently stands proud as the greatest monastic city of ancient Sri Lanka. ‘Basawakkulama’ is one of the largest man-made tanks in Anuradhapura whilst ‘Nuwara Wewa’ is highlighted as a three mile long reservoir covering a ground area of 3180 hectares and holds around 1500 million cubic feet of water, sight of which is refreshingly breathtaking. A tour around the city will enable you to absorb invaluable facts of the eight locations of veneration locally referred to as the ‘Atamasthana’, depicting the reasons for being named ‘Sacred’. ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’, jewel in the crown of the ‘Sacred City’, enclosed by golden railings is a sapling from the ‘Bo tree’ (Peepal tree) of ‘Buddha Gaya’ in northern India which sheltered ‘Buddha’, whilst he attained supreme enlightenment. The ‘Maha Stupa’ better known as ‘Ruwanweliseya’, is the third largest ‘stupa’ in the country, built in close proximity to the ‘Sri Maha Bodhi’ is illuminated as the sun sets in and glows such as a firefly in the dark. Abhayagiri Dagaba, Thuparamaya, Jetavanarama, Mirisaveti Stupa, Lovamahapaya and Lankaramaya are the remaining of the eight ancient relics clustered around the highlights.

 

Ancient City of Polonnaruwa

This sparsely populated medieval capital of Sri Lanka was the reigning empire of King Parakramabahu in the 12^th century. Polonnaruwa testifies to the existence of several civilizations and unusual structures complimenting the very natural settings they have been set upon. ‘The sea of Parakrama’, a creation of King Parakramabahu is the massive man-made lake rightfully named as ‘Parakrama Samudraya’. This irrigation tank spreads across 5600 acres in water is the life-blood of the farmers of the past and present. The evidence of opulence and glory of Royalty is revealed by the remains of monuments, statues, landscaped gardens, structures and temples crafted in the surrounding area of the legendary lake. Most eminent of all is the rock carved sculpture rising to a height of 3.5m is believed to be that of King Parakramabahu himself. The Palace of the King, once a seven storey royal citadel fortified by walls and ramparts of extraordinary thickness, had been an ornately decorated edifice. ‘Gal Vihara’, a rock temple of ancient monastic splendour is a cluster of colossal Buddha statues; carved to form 23ft tall standing and 46ft long reclining figures of Buddha. These and many more archaeological treasures of monuments and historical architecture built in this mystical city, unravel the mysteries of ancient civilization, their lifestyle and marvels of design & craftsmanship. The single storey modern Museum inspired by the legacy of Polonnaruwa, offers a numerous collection of scale replicas and artistic impressions of the discoveries together with original artefacts, appreciated and admired by travellers around the world.

 

Sacred City of Kandy

The hill capital of Sri Lanka sheltered amidst soaring mountains and surrounded by the magnificent ‘Mahaweli River’ which is the longest and the pride of the Nation. Starting off from the western side of the hill country, spreading across 335km, ending in east at Trincomalee, the river covers an area which is almost equal to one-fifth of the Island in size. This flamboyant city, rich in culture, flourishing in art & tradition and smothered in tasteful architecture is a favourite of the discerning traveller. The climate is pleasantly temperate and rather cooling by evening, expressing a haunting sensation amidst the scenic views that highlights the city. Kandy is speckled with many temples and shrines belonging to the ‘Kandyan’ era, of which ‘The Sacred Temple of the Tooth’ (Sri Dalada Maligawa) situated at the heart of the city, is the most sacred and significant place of worship. Visit Kandy in the month of July/August and be enthralled by the glamour and glory of the city as the streets are brightly illuminated and is bustling with tourists and locals from all around to witness the grandeur of the ‘Esala Perehara’ (Kandy Perehara). This is considered as one of the most symbolic events in this Buddhist kingdom where the Tooth Relic of the Buddha is ceremoniously paraded on a majestic elephant along the streets of Kandy to invoke blessings upon the gathered devotees. This is followed by Kandyan dancers & drummers in traditional costumes, over hundred elephants adorned in lavish garments and accessories moving graciously to the beat of the drums, jugglers, fire-breathers, stilt walkers and various other talented artistes; all performing diligently in this profoundly choreographed dazzling procession.

 

Sigiriya & Dambulla – Cities of supreme ancient craftsmanship

The ancient City of Sigiriya was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it symbolizes the culture and civilization that existed centuries ago. Sigiriya is the domain of the eminent ‘Sigiriya Rock Fortress’ (Lion’s Rock), recently pronounced as the 8^th Wonder of the World by UNESCO, is a magnificent archaeological treasure rising 1,214ft above sea level. Situated in the district of Matalé, the Lion’s Rock dating back to the 5^th Century AD signifies the existence of King Kashyapa and his monarchy. To this day, ruins of once landscaped terraced gardens, reservoirs and other monuments of aesthetic importance surrounds the fortress whilst, frescoes painted on the face of the rock covers an area of about 140mtrs in length, transforming into a colossal picture gallery.

Dambulla, 19 kilometres off Sigiriya is considered as a uniquely significant historical site and a major contributor to the splendours of the ‘Cultural Triangle’. There are over eighty caves found in the vicinity of Dambulla of which, ‘The Golden Temple of Dambulla’ is the momentous of all discovered by King Valagamba back in the 1^st century BC. Amongst the many frescoes of supreme artistry, sculptures and paintings found within the five caves of the Golden Temple, most remarkable sighting would undoubtedly be the numerous statues of Lord Buddha, together with a 15 metre long gigantic recumbent monument of Buddha.

 

East Coast & Trincomalee – Sun, Sand and Sea

The East-Coast of Sri Lanka, extending from Yala Wildlife Sanctuary in the East, Arugam Bay to the South and all through Batticaloa, to the ends of Nilaveli, Trincomalee (Trinco), is surrounded by glorious palm fringed beaches coated in white sand and home to many spectacular Coral reefs embedded beneath crystal clear deep blue-seas. Trincomalee holds supremacy on the East Coastal region of Sri Lanka, with its turquoise-blue waters embraced by untarnished soft sandy beaches, ever so inviting, making it impossible to resist. Fort Frederick, a historical landmark of ‘Trinco’ providing access to one of the finest natural harbours in the world was built in 1624 by the Portuguese, can be found on the peninsula protruding from the town of Trincomalee.

Nilaveli amidst Trinco

Nillaveli, 20Km from the town of Trinco is made up of flawless sandy beaches and awe-inspiring bays renowned for high-spirited water sports. A kilometre offshore from Nilaveli is a diver’s paradise named as Pigeon Island, which derives from the inhabitants of the blue rock pigeons that colonize the Island in hundreds or more. Declared a National Park by the Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1963, the coral reef outlined Island remains to be a sanctuary to various colourful coral beds & reef fish, living in abundance.