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Sri Lanka, is a
sparkling jewel in the Indian Ocean, has
welcomed visitors over more than twenty-five
centuries. This is a country of rich
and varied landscapes, of lush green
jungles, cloud capped mountains, gentle tea
slopes, rushing rivers, tumbling waterfalls,
neat rubber plantations, coconut groves and
sun-drenched unspoilt beaches. Its
deep history is documented in magnificent
masterpieces of architecture, art and
sculpture, whilst ancient fortresses and
places of worship add testimony to the rich
culture.
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Sri Lanka offers a holiday experience for
everyone. There is the simplicity of relaxing around the pool or
on the beach at one of the many fine hotels, to journey back in time and
travel by train on the Viceroy Express through the highlands, climb the
steps of the mighty rock at Sigiriya and discover the fortress many
regard as a wonder of the world, or choose the excitement of white-water
rafting, kayaking, rock climbing, fishing, or perhaps a round or two of
golf or a safari in one of the national parks is more your style. |
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Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital is an
intriguing mix of old and new, east and
west. European colonial mansions,
Buddhists and Hindu temples. mosques, quaint
old gem and handicraft boutiques, noisy
bazaars and colourful street markets
contrast with the modern high rise
buildings, shopping malls and deluxe hotels. |
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Lanka's two thousand year history can be
seen in the stone and plaster of an
abundance of impressive monuments in ancient
capitals and fortresses. |
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Kandy the capital of
the highlands, is set amid the lush
mountains by the side of the Mahaweli River.
A cultural centre, it is famous for the
Temple housing the Sacred Tooth Relic of
Lord Buddha. Moated, turreted and
shinning in its golden-roofed glory, the
temple is a dine example of ancient Buddhist
heritage. Kandy is also renowned for
its magnificent Royal Botanical Gardens and
just outside the town is the challenging
golf course at Victoria Golf Club. |
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Nuwara Eliya is a scenically
beautiful hill resort developed by the
British in the 19th century to the design of
an English country village. Here you
can take 'afternoon tea' in style perhaps
after completing a round of gold on the very
testing course laid out by the Gordon
Highlanders stationed here in 1889.
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Sigiriya is the stunning 5th century
rock fortress hideaway of a fugitive king.
This citadel of unusual beauty rising 200
metres from the scrub jungle was the
innermost stronghold of the 70 hectare
fortified town. A moat, rampart and
extensive gardens including the water
garden, a UNESCO World Heritage site, ring
the base of the rock and the world-renowned
frescoes of the 'Heavenly Ladies' still
glowing with colour can be reached by a
spiral staircase. |
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Polonnaruwa, a well
preserved medical capital, holds many
treasures, among then the Gal Vihare
sculptures, the Lotus Bath, the Stone Book
and the Parakrama Samudraya, a 12th century
irrigation lake.
Built in the 1st century BC,
Dambulla Rock Temple is a World
Heritage site and the most impressive of Sri
Lanka's cave temples. The caves
contain 150 Buddha images, the largest a
colossal figure carved our of rock spanning
14 metres. |
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The best way to see
Sri Lanka is to take a tour, these can vary
in length but a suggested short tour could
be:
Colombo & Kandy - 2 nights / 3
days
Day 1 Arrive in
Colombo. In the afternoon take a city
tour. See the ancient Clock Tower, the
old Parliament, a Hindu and a Buddhist
temple.
Day 2
Leave Colombo for Kandy. En route
visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala.
This orphanage is home for about 60
elephants. Visit during feeding times,
when there is the opportunity to see baby
elephants being bottle feed and having their
daily bath. From Pinnawala continue to
Kandy, the last capital of the Sri Lankan
kings. Here, many of the legends,
traditions and folklore are still lovingly
kept alive. Drive around Kandy Lake
and visit the town, see the bazaar, the arts
and crafts centre, a gem museum and a
lapidary. In the evening visit the
Temple of the Tooth relic and after a
cultural show featuring traditional Sri
Lankan dancing.
Day 3
Return to Colombo visiting the Peradeniya
Botanical Gardens en route. The
gardens are home to an amazing variety of
trees, plants and flowers. |
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With combinations that could include:
culture, beaches, national parks, golf and
white water rafting there are many
different holiday options available in Sri
Lanka or you could combine it with another
destination to form a two centre holiday.
Combine a 2 or 3 night short break in Sri
Lanka with 3 nights in the
Maldives.
Each of the 1200 coral islands which make up
the archipelago of the Maldives is beautiful
with soft white sandy beaches encircled by a
glistening sea. The ambience is
relaxed, just right for sunbathing on the
beach or diving in the translucent lagoons
enclosed by coral reefs and home to a myriad
of sea life. |
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White Water
Rafting |
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well known for its white water rafting the
sport is certainly catching on fast.
With many rivers arising in the central
mountains and flowing downhill for most of
length, the island has several good
locations for the sport. With a wide range
and grading of rapids there is something for
first- timers and experts alike.
Kitulgala in the hill country, southwest of
Kandy provides an ideal base from which many
white water rafting tours take place.
Tours can be arranged for anything from 1
hour to a half day including lunch. |
Prices on request
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Local Information |
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Time Difference |
Local Currency |
Local Language |
Average flying time |
Weather |
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GMT / UTC + 6 |
Sri Lankan Rupee |
Sinhala / Tamil |
5 hours 10 mins |
Click here for
details |
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