Blog

I must go down to the seas again, for the call of the running tide
Is a wild call and a clear call that may not be denied
~SEA FEVER, JOHN MASEFIELD


There is something about the beach and its sea that draws people in. The tranquility and the rush of excitement is something to be relished. Sri Lanka as an island is blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world. One of the best things about Sri Lanka’s beaches is that; while it could be pouring on one coast,...

When travelling along the main road from Colombo to Trincomalee, Polonnaruwa and Batticaloa, that small city you find yourself drawn to will be Habarana. Even though it is not a destination in itself, Habarana city is a safe haven for most tourists as it holds some of the best hotels the country offers.
Being in close vicinity to many places with that of cultural...

The Second World War is by far the most gruesome time that history has ever recorded. Unlike the other battles between powerful countries, the First and the Second World War affected almost every country that was then under the British and other European colonies.

Their name liveth for evermore

The Kandy war cemetery (formerly known as Pitakande...

Without doubt the era of the Kingdom of Anuradhapura is one of the most important time periods in the history of Sri Lanka. The era began with the rule of King Pandukhabaya in 337 BC and ends with the reign of King Kassapa VII in 1055 AD.

Now a World Heritage Site, this ancient city of Anuradhapura is considered sacred to the Buddhist world. It is recorded in history that the kings and queens of the late Anuradhapura period...

The Pinnawala orphanage is the first ever animal orphanage that was dedicated to the care and protection of the majestic beasts that are elephants. Established by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation in 1975, the priority of the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage has always been to feed, nurture and house orphaned baby and adult elephants found lost in the wilderness. In most of these scenarios, the mother of the baby elephant has been killed or there have been accidents of elephants...

As the last kingdom of Sri Lanka, the Kandyan city boasts history and culture, and the tourists that visit Sri Lanka always make it a point to stop by this beautiful city. Kandy is one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka, and houses some of the best hotels in the island.
There are many sites in Kandy that attracts and draws tourists in. They vary from cultural and religious significance to the history and beauty, the Kandyan Kingdom offers.

Most interesting places to see in Kandy:

If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka and love hiking, then Ella should definitely be on your bucket list. Being a major tourist spot in Sri Lanka, Ella offers breathtaking views and great hikes for tourists.

The nine arch bridge, located between Ella and Demodara stations is one of the most unique attractions in Sri Lanka. The bridge with its b...

Home to Sri Lankan Tamil culture, Jaffna is one of the most rewarding places to visit in Sri Lanka. From the imposing Hindu temples to the stretches of scenic coastline, Jaffna offers many interesting places for curious travelers.


Following are some of the most intriguing places in Jaffna:


Jaffna Fort

Built using cut blocks of coral that can be clearly seen in the blocks; the Jaffna fort is the second largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka. The southern side of the fort is bou...

One of the most exhilarating adventures Sri Lanka offers is the World’s End at Horton Plains National Park, Nuwara Eliya. The park itself is a spectacular view with its montane grassland and cloud forest; however, the sheer cliff with a drop of 4000ft at the end of the Horton Plains plateau is what makes...

The culture of Sri Lanka is distinctive and contributes to the identity of the country. With religion playing an important role in molding the customs and traditions of Sri Lanka, the country’s close connectivity with neighboring India and the colonization by the Portuguese, the Dutch and the British has brought forth a burst of colorful cultural diversity.

Having customs and rituals passed down from generation to generation for more than 2000 years, Sri Lanka has become one of the main tourist attractions, popular for its...

One of the most cherished festivities celebrated by the Sri Lankan Tamils; this year’s Thai Pongal lands on the 15th of January, marking it the first day of the month of Thai on the Tamil traditional calendar. Thai Pongal is a thanksgiving ceremony where the farmers show gratitude to the spirits, the sun and the far...

Popularly known as the Little England of Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya is one of the most serene and must-visit places in the island. Located in the central highlands, the road that leads to Nuwara Eliya from Colombo via Kandy offers some of the most scenic and beautiful views of the country together with tea plantations, vegetable plots and green hills.

Nuwara Eliya gives off a British country village vibe with its pretty rose gardens, red telephone boxes and colonial bungalows. Tourists...

Located in the southwestern coastal belt of the island, Bentota with its pristine sand and wide blue ocean is one of the most visited and popular beaches in Sri Lanka. Famous for its watersports during the October to April season, Bentota offers a wide range of activities from swimming, body surfing and diving to je...

Sri Lanka celebrates 71 years of Independence on the 4th of February 2019. After being under the British and colonial rule; this long and hard won victory is celebrated nationwide with beautiful displays of dances, cultural performances, parades and with every household hoisting the Sri Lankan flag.


EUROPEAN INVATIONS

In 1505, with the Portuguese fleet commanded by Lourenco de Almeida landing...

The Lion Rock of Sri Lanka is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the country, drawing hundreds of tourists from around the world every year. The now UNESCO listed world heritage site, was first used as a monastery during the 3rd century BC and was eight centuries later, turned into a royal palace. <...

Adam’s peak is one of the best mountain treks Sri Lanka offers, however the 5500-step climb can be quite the challenge. The climb, typically started in the middle of the night comes to an end with the breathtaking view of the sunrise over the mountain peaks, and gives a mysterious view of the triangular shadows cast by the mountain.
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One of the most welcoming coastal towns in Sri Lanka, Galle offers a picturesque view and a wide range of activities for tourists to enjoy. Built during the early European Invasions, Galle was a major trading port and is today a UNESCO listed world heritage site that has become famous for its Dutch Fort. With...

As one of the many impressive waterfalls found in Nuwara Eliya, the 30m high cascading waters of the Lovers Leap falls has become a popular tour destination, due to the beauty and romantic folklore surrounding it. The mystic fall tells the story of a prince who, while hunting, gets lost in the wood...

Tourists who visit Sri Lanka during the month of April are rewarded with the bursting merriments and the vibrant colors of the Sinhalese and Tamils celebrating New Year’s. Even though many countries welcome their New Year on the 01st of January, Sri Lanka along with a few other countries follow different calendars with varied New Years.

The Sinhala and Tamil new year celebrations (Aluth Avurudda or P...

As opposed to the buzzing noise of the southern coast, Trincomalee with its beautiful white sand and swaying palm trees offers a more quiet and serene experience for beach lovers. Being one of the finest natural harbors in the world, the old city of Trinco found on the east coast of the island is charming, affordable and is full of interesting people and places to see.

Things to do in Trinco:

Nilaveli Beach
Nilaveli with its soothing turquoise waters can be easily listed as one o...

“the hoarse gurgling roar gathers in volume, then suddenly a pillar of water churned into a dazzling whiteness gushes out somewhere up the cliff and for the moment you stand aghast”
– R.L. Brohier, Seeing Ceylon 1965

The Hummanaya blowhole found in the Hambantota district is one of Sri Lan...

For those safari lovers out there, the Yala National Park offers a massive forest and grasslands to spot Sri Lanka’s fauna. Known to have a higher leopard density than anywhere else in the world, the National Park has the telltale signs of a lost civilization that makes the safari both an intriguing and...

Eight of Sri Lanka’s most visited places have been listed as UNESCO world heritage sites. Among them is the beautiful and ancient rock temple complex of Dambulla. Widely known as the Ran Giri or the Golden Temple for its gilded interior and intricate paintings, Dambulla is the largest and best preserved cave temple...

Almost all of Sri Lanka’s food is made with generous doses of spices and traditional recipes altered, blended and made better with time. As a tropical island, Sri Lanka has no shortage of fresh fruits, vegetables, fish, coconuts and precious spices; and the mouthwatering aroma and the even better taste of the Sri Lankan cuisine speaks for it.

With its pristine beaches, heritage sites and beautiful tea estates, Sri Lanka is truly a pearl, and if you’re visiting don’t leave the count...

Located on the southern coast of the island, the horseshoe bay of Hiriketiya can be classified as a well-known secret. Well-known among the locals and tourists who venture from the sleepy beach of Dickwella to the Hiriketiya Bay, and a secret to be discovered by those who don’t. Hiriketiya with its great...

The train ride in Sri Lanka can easily be identified as one of the best in the world, and is a main highlight in the country. The railways was first built by the British in 1864 as an arrangement to transport coffee and tea from the Hill Country to Colombo. Today the Sri Lankan railway is a complex and efficient network that takes cargo an...

The best way of interacting with Sri Lankans and getting an insight into their daily lives would be to visit the flea markets. Buzzing with locals selling, buying and bargaining their fresh produce, crafts and spices; the Sri Lankan flea markets are especially crowded and thriving in the early mornings and late afternoons.

The best and must visit flea markets in the country:


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One of the biggest days in the Buddhist world, Vesak is a cultural and religious festival celebrated around the world in Buddhist dominated countries. Recognized as Buddha’s day, Vesak is celebrated on the day of the full moon in May to commemorate the birth, enlightenment and the passing away of the Lord...

One of the most rewarding hikes for the seasoned traveler is the Alagalla Mountain Range. Bordering the Central and Sabaragamuwa provinces of the country, the mountain range is famous for its historic significance, panoramic views and the adventurous hike.

The Alagalla mountain range gets its name from the potato shaped rock found at the peak. The 3740 ft. high su...

Happiness comes in waves. Apart from the cultural and historical significance, architecture, breathtaking scenery and delightful cuisine; Sri Lanka is well known for its beaches and surfing. And the best thing about surfing in Sri Lanka is the year round waves. The different monsoon seasons divide the island into to two halves from November to May for the south coast and from April to October for the east coast, making Sri Lanka a paradise for...

If you’re looking for a country to spend your well-deserved holiday in, then Sri Lanka should definitely be at the top of your list. Be it a romantic getaway, a family adventure or a backpack trip, Sri Lanka is the perfect destination as it offers so much for so little.

Popularly kno...

With a tropical climate and relative isolation, Sri Lanka’s biodiversity is remarkable and amazingly varied. Having a birdlife comprising of more than 400 species; including 33 endemic to the country and over 200 migrant birds, Sri Lanka is any birder’s delight. With December declared as the National Bird Month by the Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka, the best time to pl...

Recognized for having one of the world’s greatest wildlife sights: the elephant gathering, the Minneriya National Park is ninety kilometers of wetlands, low-canopy montane forests, rocky outcrops and grasslands, as well as majestic beasts and an extensive birdlife that brings absolute joy to the safari lover.
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With a population close to one million, Colombo is by far the most developed and largest city in the country. Known to be the political and commercial hub of Sri Lanka, Colombo makes for an excellent start – or finish for a tour, and still lives up to its 19th century “garden city of the east” moni...

Pineapples are known to be the universal sign of hospitality. So it’s no surprise that despite it being a non-native to Sri Lanka, the delicious fruit has quickly taken over the island’s cuisine and has left a significant impact on the country’s aesthetics. First introduced during the Europea...

As one of the oldest zoological gardens in Asia, the Dehiwala National Zoo has an extensive collection of both indigenous and exotic animal and birdlife. Opened in the early years of the 20th Century, the zoo was at first more focused on entertainment and satisfying public curiosity rather than conservation. However, over the years, the Dehiwala Zoo has become a pioneer of the open zoo concept in Asia, and has been realized a...

For a small island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka enjoys the second most number of public holidays in the world. This is given to the fact that the island’s population is made up of beautiful multiethnic people coming from different religions and cultural backgrounds. With every full moon declared a public poya holiday in honor of Buddhism, Sri Lanka has a total of 25 official annual holidays and a number of spectacular festivals that celeb...

Getting its name from the many surrounding “Mee” trees, this quaint little village is by all means sheltered and near isolated from the outside world. With no means of mobile or data connectivity, Meemure is a secluded paradise made up of cool natural pools, towering mountains, fabulous wat...

Located on one of the largest bays in Sri Lanka, Tangalle is a lazy fishing town in the Hambantota District and is often the gateway to the many wide-open beaches of South-East Sri Lanka. With its beautiful palm fringed bay and soft turquoise waters, the city makes for an excellent beach stop, and presents its visitors with a few interesting things to do.

Having been hit...

Dating back to the early 1600’s the Old Colombo Dutch Hospital served as a top-end hospice for the soldiers and personnel of the then Dutch East India Company. Today the beautiful colonial era building is one of the oldest structures in Colombo, and has been refurbished into its o...

Tucked away in between the two ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, the Ritigala mountain is bound by numerous legends and myths that make visiting the mountain all the more intriguing and adventurous. Covered in a blanket of haze and a thick forest for over a two mile radius, Ritigala is rich...

For a small Island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka offers plenty of interesting things to do. Hiking to the top of the second highest waterfall in the country is one of them. With epic views throughout the exhilaratingly satisfying hike and cool natural ponds to swim on top of the 220-meter fall, Diyaluma is a paradise for the adventurous traveler.
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Sri Lanka has a long and interesting past of kings coming into power and with them a number of great monarchies rising and falling. The ancient city of Polonnaruwa ranks second in this long line of Kingdoms. First established in the 10th century under the name Jananathapuram by the Cholas, Polonnaruwa wa...

Placed in between the magnificent Indian Ocean to the west and the Puttalm lagoon to the east, the Kalpitiya peninsula is a tight-knit fishing community located just about 170km from Colombo. Made up of fourteen unspoilt islands and golden sandy beaches, Kalpitiya is one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Sri Lanka and is remarkably untouched by the growing tourism indu...

Be it amazing tea plantations, beautiful beaches or fallen kingdoms, Sri Lanka never fails to impress and has something in store for everybody. Blessed with year round sun, friendly people and a rich cultural heritage; this small island is a paradise for holidaymakers and wandering travelers alike.

o SURFING IN SL
Blessed with some of the finest beaches in the world, the best thing about surfing in Sri Lanka is that surfer...

I followed my heart, and it led me to the beach.
-Unknown


Passikudah is without doubt one of the finest beaches in Sri Lanka. Located on the east coast of the island, the beautiful palm fringed beach is a delight for beach lovers and is well known among both locals and tourists alike. With white-go...

Even as a small island, Sri Lanka is full of ancient archaeological sites that fascinate and compel people to visit and explore them. Over the years, these sites have played a significant role in giving an insight to the country’s foundation, its people and their history. The Rajangana ruins or, now more famously known, Haththikuchchi...

Among the lesser known attractions in Sri Lanka is the ancient Buduruwagala temple. Located a few away from Wellawaya in the Monaragala district, the temple complex dates back to the 10th century, where it is believed to have belonged to the Mahayana School of Thought. But what makes this temple so interesting and unique is the seve...

Found just about 5km away from the scenic city of Kandy, the much loved Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were once reserved only for the royalty of the Kandyan Kingdom. Dating back to 1371 when King Wickramabahu III kept court at Peradeniya, the Botanic Gardens were officially established in 1843...

In the recent years Sri Lanka has become increasingly popular for dolphin and whale watching excursions. Being situated within the zone of the Bay of Bengal and the Indian Ocean; where 26 out of the 80 known whale species are found, Sri Lanka has become the ideal place to indulge in this thrilling, yet humbling activity. While you can embark on...

Home to a colony of rock pigeons that gives the island its name, the Pigeon Island National Park is one of the only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. With hundreds of these wild birds inhabiting the island, it was once used as a shooting range during the colonial era. Today, however Pigeon Island has become i...

Among the beaches in the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Weligama exudes a subtle charm that attracts all beach lovers. Notorious for its stilt fishermen, a practice passed on from generations, the picturesque coastal town holds a number of things to do; from exciting boat rides along the bay to...

Over the years Sri Lanka has become increasingly popular around the world. With hundreds of tourists visiting and revisiting the country every year, one must stop to realize what is so special about this small island. Here are some of the best reasons why both Sri Lankans and foreigners love the pearl of the Indian Ocean so much.

The Geographic Diversity
What's not...

With lots of green and a cool countryside atmosphere, Ella is easily one of the favorite tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. And among all the exciting things to try while there, the Ella Rock Hike is simply the best. While the climb up the Ella Rock can be quite strenuous and time consuming, the panoramic views of th...

Located a few kilometers away, adjacent to the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress is the considerably overlooked Pidurangala Rock. But while it’s not as culturally significant or historically appreciated as Sigiriya, climbing Pidurangala is definitely worth it and the views from the top are just as beautiful – it...

The Gangaramaya Temple is one of the oldest and largest Buddhist temples in Colombo. First established by the renowned scholar monk Hikkaduwa Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera, Gangaramaya dates back to the late 19th Century and has since grown in both religious and cultural significance. Today the...

One of the oldest and recognized archeological sites in Sri Lanka, the Mulkirigala Rock Temple is located 16km northwest of Tangalle and is home to seven ancient cave temples. Much like the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the Dambulla Golden Temple, Mulkirigala takes a significa...

Recognized throughout the island for its religious significance and cultural value, Kataragama is considered to be one of the holiest places in Sri Lanka where Hindu, Buddhist and Muslim devotees visit on religious pilgrimage. Located 19km inland from Tissamaharama, the small town...

Travelling along the Puwakpitiya – Thummodara road in Avissawella brings you to the beautiful and calm Seethawaka Wet Zone Botanical Garden. Easily reached from Colombo, Seethawaka gardens are the latest addition to the five botanical gardens in Sri Lanka and was first opened to t...

Sri Lanka is an island that is intertwined in folklores and legends, making all the must visit sites in the country twice as interesting to see. The Rumasalla Mountain in Unawatuna; the place where the beautiful sea meets the jungle, is one of them. Most commonly identified as the “Mythical Mountain of Sri Lanka”, Rumasalla is made of coral reefs, s...

With clear blue skies and the beautiful sea, Koggala is essentially a small coastal town located at the edge of a lagoon in the Southern coast of Sri Lanka. Popular for having one of the longest stretches of beaches on the island, this quaint town is bounded on one side by the reef, and on the other side by the Koggala Lake; which has over the years attracted ma...

A small town located in the west of the road from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, Kithulgala is definitely one of Sri Lanka’s finest locations, and has become increasingly popular among adventurous souls in the past few years. Tucked away amidst the thick rainforest and the beautiful Kelani River; the...

Surrounded by hills covered in cloud forests and tea plantations, Haputale is another of Sri Lanka’s spectacular towns, with a cool climate and rich biodiversity. Approximately 193km away from Colombo, the town is located 4695 ft. high above sea level in the Badulla district and clings to a narrow mountain ridge. Though small and busy with the local hub...

Widely known as one of the must visit places on earth, the pearl of the Indian Ocean is one beautiful island that never disappoints. From marvelous archeological sites, mist covered mountains and sandy beaches to flea markets, commercial hubbub and an insight into the daily lives of the local...