Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala, although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge (and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene). Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.

This Price inclusive of
2 persons white watter rafting
Lunch at Kitulgala Restaurent
Transportation from Airport to Kitulgala & back to Airport or Colombo Hotel

The need to conserve the environment was deeply ingrained in traditional Sri Lankan society: in the 3rd c. BC, the country’s first Buddhist monarch established the world’s first wildlife sanctuary. Today, this tradition continues with 13% of Sri Lanka conserved as national parks, reserves, sanctuaries and jungle corridors.
Sri Lanka possesses a high degree of biodiversity. Indeed the island (together with the Western Ghats of India) has been identified by Conservation International as one of 34 world biodiversity hot spots. In addition, The Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the country’s last viable area of primary tropical rainforest has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. What’s remarkable is the high proportion of endemic species.

A safari in one of the 14 national parks offers the chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s 91 mammals (16 endemic) - elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted deer, hog, mouse- and barking-deer, wild boar, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, loris, giant squirrel, and monkeys such as the macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey and grey langur.

The island is an ornithologist’s paradise, with over 233 resident species, (33 endemic) - but migratory species stretch the number to an astounding 482. There are 171 reptiles (101 endemic including two crocodile species). Thankfully, only five of the 83 snake species are lethal. In recent years there has been a surge in the discovery of amphibians, so that by the time you read this, the figure of 106 (90 endemic), will no doubt have risen.

The above price is only for the transportation from Airport to Yala National Park & drop to Airport by a private car with English speaking Chauffer

Arugam Bay is situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's South-East coast. The Bay is located 220 km due East of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 2004 tsunami.Due to its popularity among tourists thearea has managed a slow recovery by private initiatives only.The main road through town has not been repaved yet.By April,2008 no help has been received from any official source or International organizations.


The curved sandy bay is wide and long. There are no big hotel complexes towering over the beach, which at many places is lined with a multitude of brightly coloured fishing boats. That there are empty spaces between restaurants and guesthouses is striking when you have been used to seeing how crowded and developed most west and southern coast beach spots are.

During May to October, which is dry season on the east coast, the bay becomes safe for swimming, and best for surfing. There are some beautiful coral reefs and an unbelievable number of tropical fish to be seen in and around the area where the best snorkelling, on a calm day, is on the southern tip of the bay.

There are no dive shops in Arugam Bay but you may be able to organize a tour with qualified PADI instructor in advance. There are some Dutch and Portuguese shipwrecks to explore that are home to a wide variety of marine life.

Of course surfing IS Arugam Bay, and the area offers a variety of right-hand point breaks that delight even the most experienced surfers. Access to surfing spots can be arranged from guesthouses where you will also be able to hire surfboards if you don’t have your own.

Two kilometres from Arugam Bay is the beautiful mangrove ecosystem of the Pottuvil Lagoon. The tour, by traditional outrigger canoe, lasts two hours and lets you get very close to the abundance of wildlife the mangrove has to offer.

There are two national parks close to Arugam Bay. Lahugala is 12km from Pottuvil - you will probably pass through it on your way to Arugam Bay. Here you can see very large herds of elephants at dawn or at sunset. Yala East, 25km away, also contains elephants and some leopards. To the north-east of the park you can visit Kumana Bird Sanctuary.

Near Pottuvil Point in the jungle is the Magul Maha Viharaya, a 2,000-year-old Buddhist temple that was reconstructed in the 14th century and contains ruins that include a palace and a monastery.

The above price is only for the transportation from Airport to Arugambay & drop to Airport by a private car with English speaking Chauffer.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve is a national park and a biodiversity hotspot in Sri Lanka. It is of international significance and has been designated a Biosphere Reserve and World Heritage Site by UNESCO.

The hilly virgin rainforest, part of the Sri Lanka lowland rain forests ecoregion, was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its inaccessibility, and was designated a World Biosphere Reserve in 1978 and a World Heritage Site in 1988. The reserve's name translates as Kingdom of the Lion.

The reserve is only 21 km from east to west, and a maximum of 7 km from north to south, but it is a treasure trove of endemic species, including trees, insects, amphibians, reptiles, birds and mammals.

Because of the dense vegetation, wildlife is not as easily seen as at dry-zone national parks such as Yala. There are about 3 elephants and the 15 or so leopards are rarely seen. The commonest larger mammal is the endemic Purple-faced Langur.

An interesting phenomenon is that birds tend to move in mixed feeding flocks, invariably led by the fearless Greater Racket-tailed Drongo and the noisy Orange-billed Babbler. Of Sri Lanka's 26 endemic birds, the 20 rainforest species all occur here, including the elusive Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal and Sri Lanka Blue Magpie.

Reptiles include the endemic Green pit viper and Hump-nosed vipers, and there are a large variety of amphibians, especially tree frogs. Invertebrates include the endemic Common Birdwing butterfly and the inevitable leeches.

Ecotourism

Some define “ecotourism” simply as tourism focused on the natural environment. Some think eco-tourism consists of travel to fragile, pristine, and usually protected areas that strives to be low impact and small scale. Others say it requires local community engagement.

Amazingly, “ecotourism” was first used in print as late as 1982, in the title of a UN booklet, Ecological Tourism (Ecotourism). It’s defined in the Oxford English Dictionary as “Tourism to areas of ecological interest (typically exotic and often threatened natural environments), esp. to support conservation efforts and observe wildlife; spec. access to an endangered environment controlled so as to have the least possible adverse effect.”

Ecotourism has been known by other names: alternative tourism, sustainable tourism, community-based tourism, volun-tourism, among others. Definitions and criteria vary widely. Ecotourism and alternative tourism are umbrella expressions, although alternative tourism does not necessarily prize responsibility, just the move away from purely recreational mass tourism, whereas ecotourism does not exclude mass tourism.

Sustainable tourism is more specific, focusing on economically, socio-culturally and environmentally sustainable tourist activities. No impact should be permanent or irreversible. Sustainable tourism has been recognized by some United Nations agencies as an effective economic tool for, and measure of, sustainable growth – especially in the world’s poorer countries.

Community-based tourism necessarily implies the participation of local communities as the planners, managers and primary beneficiaries of sustainable tourism enterprises that support, dignify and respect local culture and resources.

Volun-tourism is a relatively new concept that sees visitors volunteering with local organisations, making sure that they give back as much as they can to the land offering them temporary hospitality.

Nature tourism
Nature tourism, on the other hand, is often defined as visiting a natural site such as a coral reef, rain forest, or wet land to enjoy its natural beauty. It denotes tourism dependent on natural resources. This does not include conventional beach tourism. Importantly, the definition of nature tourism is broader than that of ecotourism, which requires that travel is in an environmentally friendly fashion. Some nature tourism concerns viewing fauna and flora, or participating in adventure sports activities in which enjoyment of natural beauty is combined with physical exercise and general exhilaration.

Your perfect wedding in PARADISE…….A ceremony on the white sandy beaches with the Indian ocean lapping at your feet….A Royal Kandyan wedding in the cultural capital Kandy. Feel like a royal prince and princess from an age gone by on your wedding day. Wear the wonderfully specialand dazzling traditional costumes and feel the festivity pulsate through your being as drummers and Kandyan dancers set the backdrop.
Tie the knot as a crimson sun sets over a dry zone lake with a cacophony of birdsong ushering in the future. The ceremony can be at the lake’s shore or even out on the lake on a pontoon. The Nature Perfect Wedding; commit to your partner while standing on a cliff overlooking the breathtaking Knuckles Valley and enjoy a few days being cut off from the world in a romantic and secluded lodge. The lodge has not electricity and only candle light and of course the starry sky will illuminate the scene…It’s your day, get married where you like and how you like, wearing
whatever it is that makes you happy…

· BRIDAL BOUQUET, HEADDRESS & BOUTONNIERE
· PREPARATION OF DOCUMENTATION
· CERTIFIED COPIES OF MARRIAGE
· LICENSE, LEGAL FEES, MINISTER/ REGISTRAR
· SERVICE OF PERSONAL WEDDING CO-ORDINATOR
· DECORATED LOCATION OF WEDDING CEREMONY
· KANDYAN DANCER'S ,DRUMMER'S ASHTAKA ,JAYAMANGALA GIRLS AND PORUWA
· PROFESSIONAL PHOTOGRAPHER INCLUDING PRINTS AND VIDEO
· BOTTLE OF SPARKLING WINE OR CHAMPAGNE WITH CANAPÉS
· TWO TIER WEDDING CAKE
· FRUITS, FLOWERS, & BOTTLE OF WINE IN THE ROOM
· SRI LANKAN SWEET MEATS
· LIVE MUSIC
· CANDLE LIGHT DINNER BY THE OCEAN
· FACIAL FOR BRIDE
· SPARKLING WINE BREAKFAST IN ROOM THE FOLLOWING MORNING
· 10% DISCOUNT AT THE SEAFOOD RESTAURANT ON THE BEACH DURING FULL STAY
· FREE USE OF GYM, SAUNA AND TENNIS DURING THE DAY
· GOING AWAY- ELEPHANT OR BULLOCKCART
· RIVER SAFARI WITH CHAMPAGNE BREAKFAST
· DECORATED ROOM ON WEDDING NIGHT
· GIFT FROM THE HOTEL
· UPGRADE TO A SUITE ON AVAILABILITY

DOCUMENTATION REQUIRED
· BIRTH CERTIFICATES OF BRIDE & GROOM
· PASSPORT OF BRIDE & GROOM
· NAMES OF THE PARENTS OF BRIDE & GROOM
· IF DIVORCED LEGAL DOCUMENTATION ( DIVORCE CERTIFICATES )
· THE COUPLE SHOULD BE IN THE HOTEL 4 DAYS PRIOR TO THE WEDDING

Colombo was once considered a garden city, one of the most verdant in the East. Even today, if you get the opportunity of seeing the capital from the air, you will be surprised by the pockets of green that still exist despite the tide of development. So here is a guide as to where to experience green Colombo and, as importantly, what to look for there.

If you live in Colombo, when was the last time you strolled unhurriedly the length of a side road, pausing to listen for birdcalls, trace the unpredictable path of a butterfly’s flutter, or admire the colourful variety of the trees? When was the last time you walked, rather than drove, between nearby destinations, choosing to enjoy some of the green with which Colombo is graced? When was the last time, faced with a moment of leisure, you escaped to an outdoor urban retreat and fantasised about a Colombo cooled by shade trees, softened by the singing of birds and mellowed by a peppering of clean parks, safe recreation areas for children, and perhaps even lakeside esplanades? Because few people opt for walking there isn’t the realisation of how much nature Colombo actually does have to offer the resident and visitor, and how easily accessible its flora and fauna are. Today, the streets of Colombo are not places in which people often idle. Nevertheless, havens do exist, most of them tantalisingly tranquil, where the ecologically aware can indulge their senses and be amply rewarded.

WHERE TO GO
Beira Lake, The recently restored Beira Lake covers the districts of Colpetty, Slave Island and Maradana (Colombo 3, 2 and 10). The part of the lake most easily enjoyed from the shoreline promenade is the Colpetty enclosure, framed by Sir James Pieris Mawatha (east), Perahera Mawatha (south) and Navam Mawatha (north). Of note are the little cormorant and spotted-bill pelican populations. The latter is a nationally threatened species.

Galle Face Green, a wide spread of land was originally used by the British army as a parade ground - and an execution place for mutinous soldiers. Today this open space serves as an ideal spot for lovers who hide from gazing crowds and the sun behind umbrellas; a playground for children with roadside vendors selling brightly coloured balloons, kites, toys, soft drinks and ices; an arena for professional to debate issues of the day; and a popular hangout for teenagers. During the evenings, one can enjoy the colourful kites flying in the sky and eat from the varied vendors who sell banana chips and fried lentils. Gale Face has no barriers; over the years many political rallies and musical extravaganzas have been hosted at the venue. Used for horse racing a century ago, and the promenade along the sea, which stretches for nearly a mile, was built in 1859 by the British Governor Sir Henry Ward for 'the ladies and children of Colombo'. Thanks to his foresight, the Green retains much of its old charm, with no buildings to mar the beauty of the wide open space.

Viharamahadevi Park Once known as Victoria Park, this British-landscaped oasis was established as a botanical garden and conservatory for tropical species. Colombo’s richest display of woody plants, it is still an excellent habitat for birds, butterflies and some mammals (rodents, palm squirrels, and flying fox bats). The park abuts Town Hall, in Cinnamon Gardens (Colombo 7), between Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha (south) and Dharmapala Mawatha (north).

Kanatta General Cemetery & Ridgeway Golf Links, These adjacent expanses of green, also known as Borella Cemetery and the Royal Colombo Golf Club, are retreats for both animals and human appreciators of nature. Situated in Borella (Colombo 8), east of Elvitigala Mawatha (Baseline Road) and south of Bauddhaloka Mawatha, the cemetery is open to all. Permission must be requested for entry to the golf links southeast of the cemetery and accessed via Venerable Pelpola Vipassi Himi Mawatha.

Avenue Plantations In Cinnamon Gardens between Vihara Mahadevi Park and Borella Cemetery, the rural allure of the original Dutch plantations was retained by the British and new exotic trees were added to the indigenous mix. Today, serene thoroughfares like Wijerama Mawatha and Gregory’s Road are shaded by towering foliage and enlivened by birds and butterflies. Large villas along Albert Crescent and Horton Place have visible home gardens as they are called, which foster the sense of nature with fruit-bearing and flowering vegetation.

Talangama Tank This beyond-the-city-frontiers wetland—whose surface is often covered with the lily-like leaf of the lotus yam—east of Battaramulla is well worth the effort to get to. Pictorial posters designed by the University of Colombo’s Field Ornithology Group of Sri Lanka and the Overseas School of Colombo describe the area’s abundant flora and fauna.

The Dehiwala Zoo is one of Colombo’s special attractions and is spread over 37 acres. Set amongst trees, shrubs, flowers and lakes, approx. 2000 animals can be viewed. The zoo has a Reptile House Aviary, Nocturnal House, Butterfly Park and Swan Pond. The Mini Medura Aquarium displays over 500 species of fish. Visitors can also enjoy watching the Seal and Elephant show that is held daily in the evenings.

The Muthurajawela Marsh is Sri Lanka’s largest saline wetlands. Situated north of Colombo, it is spread over 3100 hectares and is full of mangroves and varied species of butterflies and birds. The marsh is popular for bird-watching enthusiasts.

What to look for

Trees
Banyan (Ficus benghalensis) This tall and sprawling evergreen, sacred to Buddhists and Hindus, spreads a wide canopy and is notable for the roots dropped from and supporting its branches. (Sinhala: maha nuga; Tamil: arl)

Bo Tree or Peepul (Ficus religiosa) Broad and tall, the deciduous bo tree with its distinctive heart-shaped leaf with a long pointed tip is venerated by Buddhists and usually encircled by a shrine. (Sinhala: bo; Tamil: aresu)

Cluster Fig (Ficus racemosa) A tall tree with an irregular ragged crown, its trunk of pinkish-brown bark is often buttressed. In season, clusters of large, red, inedible figs weigh down its branches. (Sinhala: attikka; Tamil: atti)

Flamboyant or Flame Tree (Delonix regia) Originally from Madagascar, this deciduous tree takes its name from its brilliant orange and scarlet flowers. Its characteristic flat canopy and sinewy branches are easy to identify. (Sinhala: mai mara; Tamil: mayaram)

Rain Tree (Albizia saman) Of Central American origin, this tree’s tall trunk is partially hidden by a dense canopy and, in season, clusters of pink powder-puff flowers. Its olive-green, pinnate leaves droop and fold with changes in humidity at dusk and before rain. (Sinhala: para mara; Tamil: enal vakai)

Pihimbiya (Filicium decipiens) A dark brown, lightly furrowed bark and long leaflets with winged stems set apart the round-crowned pihimbiya. One little piece of its timber built into a roof is said to bring good luck. (Sinhala: pihimbiya; Tamil: chittirai vempu)

Ceylon Ironwood (Mesua ferrea) Sri Lanka’s national tree is found in front of Town Hall with, in season, its large, white, yellow-centred flower. The slender lance-shaped leaf is dark pink when young and shiny green with a white underside when mature. (Sinhala: na; Tamil: nagakuram)

Margosa or Neem (Azadirachta indica)The light green, serrated-edge leaflets, feathery foliage and sparse crown of the medium-tall margosa are its identifying features. Juice from its leaf is antiseptic and an excellent insect deterrent. (Sinhala: kohomba; Tamil: arulundi)

Birds
House Crow (Corvus splendens) A common urban scavenger, smaller and peskier than the jungle crow, with a smoky grey neck and glossy black wings. (Sinhala: kolamba kaputa; Tamil: oor kakam)

Rock Pigeon (Columba livia) The standard urban dove-like bird with a dark grey mantle and wings. (Sinhala: gal parawiya; Tamil: mada pura)

Common Myna (Acridotheres tristis) Distinguishable from the crow by its yellow beak, mask and legs, as well as its squeaks and chatters. (Sinhala: maina; Tamil: nakanam patchi)

Jungle Crow (Corvus macrorhynchos) The bold all-black bird whose caw-caw is common throughout Colombo. (Sinhala: kalu kaputa; Tamil: kakam)

Red-Vented Bulbul (Pycnonotus cafer)This bird has a black head, mottled brown body, bright vermilion under tail-coverts, and loud calls ranging from a tchreek to something similar to “ginger beer”. (Sinhala: kondaya kondakurulla; Tamil: konday kuruvi)

Indian Koel (Eudynamys scolopacea) Like a crow in all ways, the Indian koel has a long tail and call (hueeyo hueeyo) and leaves its eggs to be raised by crows. (Sinhala: koha; Tamil: kuyil)

Common Tailorbird (Orthotomus sutorius) Fabled for its nest of stitched-together leaves, this bird with a beige head, dark greenish back and white belly holds its tail upright and has a high tiwer or twik birdcall. (Sinhala: battieca; Tamil: thaiyarkaran kuruvi)

Rose-Ringed Parakeet (Psittacula kramerii) Large flocks of this green-bodied myna-sized bird shriek from the trees. The long, graduated tail and rose-pink neck ring may be harder to spot. (Sinhala: mala girawa; Tamil: kili)

Cricket is the most famous sport in Sri Lanka and also Sri Lanka is known because of Cricket Famous Cricketers Like Sanath Jayasuriya, Aravinda Desilva, Murali,Mahela, Sangakkara, are few of the well known cricketers in Sri lanka at the moment there is no international Cricket played in Sri lanka but in 2011 Word Cup there are about 10 Matches will be played in Sri Lanka If you are interested I can arrange a budget package for you

This is a special service from Hotels combined those who are travelling to Sri Lanka book a hotel by using the following link & get a discounted price

Probably the best way to experience the Sri Lankan wilderness first hand… We operate basic nomadic campsites at a large number of locations across the island including inside several of Sri Lanka’s national parks. Most campsites are perfectly located beside rivers or lakes with breathtaking views of the great outdoors. Simply sit beside your tent and observe Sri Lanka’s wildlife on its own turf. All camp acommodation will be in two-person insect and waterproof tents.

National Park Campsites

Yala National Park

Udawalawe National Park

Wasgamuwa National Park

Bundala National Park

Kumana National Park

Wilpattu National Park

Horton Plains National Park

Sinharaja Rainforest

Hill Country Campsites

Belihuloya

The Knuckles Range

Beach Campsites

Kalpitiya

Rekawa (Tangalle)

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales in their natural habitat. Sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins are also regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa on the south coast. Since the continental shelf is at its narrowest close to Dondra Head, Sri Lanka.s southernmost point, the deep water provides ideal feeding ground for migrating whales from November to April.

Sri Lanka.s birdlife is astonishing: ornithologists and birdwatchers flock here to take in such dazzling encounters as a flamboyant peacock strutting like a courtier, trying to impress the hens with his shimmering tail feathers, and a White-bellied Sea Eagle swooping from his perch on a half-submerged tree, diving low over an inland tank to pluck a fish from the water. And not forgetting a Sri Lankan Paradise Flycatcher flitting from perch to perch its amazingly long tail feathers bobbing behind it like a chestnut ribbon.

Hornbills are seen nesting in hollowed tree trunks, completely sealed in except for a small hole sufficient only for their partners to insert food, while noisy flocks of parakeets speckle the blue sky green. In Sinharaja Forest Reserve and other wet zone forests, mixed feeding flocks feature prominently, with many species travelling together through the forest plucking insects from the air, pulling grubs from tree-trunks and sipping nectar from flowers.

Even when confined to the city, birdwatching is an option. Sunbirds dart low through garden groves while stocky-beaked Barbets flash pale green in the higher branches. Koels and Coucals seem to compete with one another for top volume, their raucous morning calls rousing many from slumber. Crows, so common as to be often overlooked, are always worth watching as they bicker and badger one another over food scraps and nesting materials.

Even more evocative is the blood-curdling shriek of the Spot-bellied Forest Eagle Owl, locally known as the ulama or .devil-bird.. This is the largest and rarest of Sri Lanka.s dozen owl species and part of a rich avifaunal community of 482 species that are either residents or visitors to the island, including 26 endemic species.

Some of the delights of a Sri Lankan beach.
Where beaches are concerned you will be spoilt for choice in Sri Lanka. Beaches totalling 1,340km fringe the island, from the long-established tourist destinations of the southern coast, to the vast beaches of the deep south, and the less-visited expanses of the north and east. No matter what time of the year, you can find a beach that is in season and just waiting to welcome you to its warm sands.


The Indian Ocean is the world’s third largest. Occupying an area of 73.6 million square kilometres between Africa, Asia, Australia and Antarctica, and amounting to approximately 20% of the earth’s water surface, the Indian Ocean includes the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the Bay of Bengal, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Malacca, and the Mozambique Channel. The Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India is one of the ocean’s shallowest parts.

The Indian Ocean is affected by the north-east monsoon from December until April and the south-west monsoon from June to October, giving Sri Lanka two tourist seasons, one on the west coast and the other on the east coast. During monsoon time, when visibility is often reduced to 60m, the sea is usually rough. Sometimes the colour of the ocean changes from its recognizable turquoise to a bottle green and navy blue, depending on the intensity of the clouds above. When the sunshine breaks out, azure tones appear as the angry clouds chase over the sea making it a patchwork quilt of colour. In season, though, the sea is bright blue and crystal clear.

A wide coral reef largely surrounds Sri Lanka’s coastline making it ideal for diving. An underwater journey into the Indian Ocean rewards you with glimpses of a totally different world, full of astounding colour and life. Home to a variety of tropical fish and coral reefs, the ocean waters also lay claim to some historic wrecks that offer exploration opportunities. The more laid-back activity of snorkelling is a popular past-time in many southern coastal areas, particularly the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary, and on the east coast around Pigeon Island off Nilaveli, near Trincomalee. Marine life to be seen includes big fish such as barracuda, whale shark, tuna as well as four species of turtle.

The gentle swell of the Indian Ocean waves offer great opportunities for surfing. There are first-class waves in Arugam Bay on the east coast, and along the south coast at Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. However, in other places the calm water of the Indian Ocean just laps onto the sandy shore, such as at Unawatuna, near Galle, and Nilaveli, making them safe for swimming and especially good for families with young children.

Wind-surfing can be enjoyed at many places along the coastline from Negombo to Tangalle. Bentota is the unofficial water-sports capital of the island because aside from its rolling surf and beautiful sandy beaches, it also has a river where beginners can gain experience before heading into the ocean. Trincomalee on the east coast offers a fantastic alternative for wind-surfers when the south-west monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas.

In Negombo and Hikkaduwa, the increasingly popular thrill-seeking sports of wake-boarding and kite-surfing are beginning to take off.

Finally, please remember to respect the Indian Ocean at all times. Always beware of the strong currents that often run parallel to the coast. Newcomers to the island should remember that it is rare to find a lifeguard at the beach in Sri Lanka or any flags indicating safe places for swimming. Less confident swimmers should ask a local for their advice or just test the waters carefully and make sure someone knows you have gone out for a swim or dive.

While it will be impossible to see everything Sri Lanka has to offer in a single trip, given below is a selection of the country’s highlights: outstanding religious and cultural sites, memorable scenery and wildlife, and spectacular festivals.

Adam’s Peak
One of Sri Lanka’s foremost pilgrimage sites, this soaring summit bears the revered impression of what is said to be the Buddha’s own footprint and offers the island’s most magical and enigmatic views.

Ayurveda
Sri Lanka’s ancient system of holistic health care uses herbal medicines and a range of traditional techniques, from gentle massages and steam baths to blood-letting treatments with leeches and fire.

Anuradhapura
From immense dagobas to mysterious forest monasteries, this vast ruined city bears witness to the great Sinhalese civilization which flourished for almost 2000 years.

Bawa Hotels
With their memorable blend of modern chic and traditional design, the hotels of architect Geoffrey Baw exemplify contemporary Sri Lankan style at its most seductive.

Bentota
The pleasantly unspoilt southern end of Bentota beach is home to the island’s finest select of luxury beachside hotels.

Birds
Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s classic bird watching destinations, with species ranging from delicate bee eaters and colourful kingfishers to majestic water birds and strutting peacocks.

Cricket
Join the crowds of cricket-crazy spectators for a test match in Colombo, Kandy, Dambulla or Galle.

Ella
Sri Lanka’s most beautiful village, offers verdant walks amongst the surrounding tea plantations and a marvellous view through the Ella Gap to the plains below.

Gangarama Temple (Colombo)
The Gangaramaya Temple is a place of worship and learning. Featuring a Vihara (temple), the Cetiya (Pagoda) the Bodhitree, the Vihara Mandiraya, the Simamalaka and the Relic Chamber, it also has a museum, a library, residential hall, a three-storied Pirivena, educational halls and an alms hall. Since 1890, it contributed greatly to the traditions of Viharas and Pirivenas.

Galle
Sri Lanka’s most perfectly preserved colonial townscape with sedate streets of personable Dutch villas enclosed by a chain of imposing ramparts.

Kandy
Beautifully situated amidst the central highlands, the historic city remains the island’s most important repository of Sinhalese culture, illustrated by the Esela Perahera festival and the Temple of the Tooth Relic.

Kandy Esala Perahera
One of Asia’s most spectacular festivals, the Perahera parades magnificently caparisoned elephants accompanied by ear-splitting troupes of Kandyan drummers and assorted dancers and acrobats.

Kandyan dancing and drumming
Observe traditional Sinhalese culture at its most exuberant, with brilliantly costumed dancers performing limb-twisting feats of acrobatic dancing. The dancers are accompanied by energetic drumming.

Kataragama
Join the crowds thronging to the colourful nightly temple ceremonies at this remote pilgrimage town, held sacred by Buddhists, Hindus and Muslims.

National Museum, Colombo
Established in 1877, the National Museum is the oldest and largest Museum in the country. Housed in a fine colonial-era building, the museum is famous for its collection of ancient royal regalia, Sinhalese artwork (carvings, sculptures et al.), antique furniture, china, and Ola manuscripts. The museum contains: more than 4.000 palm leaf manuscripts; ancient and medieval jewellery; rare collection of traditional masks; wood and ivory carvings; temple frescoes; ceramics objects including VOC plates of the Dutch period; stone sculpture and lithic inscriptions.

Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage
One of the island’s most popular attractions, Pinnewala is home to the world’s large troupe of captive elephants, from dignified elderly matriarchs to the cutest of babies.

Pettah
Colombo’s colourful and chaotic bazaar district offers an exhilarating slice of Asian life, crammed with markets selling a bewildering assortment of merchandise from cheap saris to sackfulls of chillies.

Polonnaruwa
Home to the island’s finest collection of ancient Sinhalese art and architecture, from the giant Buddha statues of the Gal Vihara to the remarkable religious buildings of the Quadrangle.

Rice and Curry
Eat your way through the classic Sri Lankan feast with its mouth-watering selection of contrasting dishes and flavours.

Sigiriya
Sri Lanka’s most remarkable sight, this towering rock outcrop is home to the fascinating remains of one of the island’s former capitals, complete with ancient graffiti, elaborate water gardens, a giant lion statue and perfectly preserved frescoes of voluptuous heavenly nymphs.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve
Sinharaja is Sri Lanka's last existing tropical rainforest. More than 60% of the trees are endemic and many of them are considered rare. There is much endemic wildlife, especially birds, but the forest is also home to over 50% of Sri Lanka's endemic species of mammals and butterflies, as well as many kinds of insects, reptiles and rare amphibians.

World’s End
Marking the point at which the hill country’s southern escarpment plunges sheet for almost a kilmoeter to the plains below, the dramatic cliff offers one of the finest of the hill country’s many unforgettable views.

Whales and wildlife
Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to see blue whales in their natural habitat. Sperm whales, killer whales, pilot whales and dolphins are also regularly spotted on whale watching trips organized from Mirissa on the south coast. Since the continental shelf is at its narrowest close to Dondra Head, Sri Lanka’s southernmost point, the deep water provides ideal feeding ground for migrating whales from November to April.

Elephants may be the most celebrated of Sri Lanka’s diverse wildlife, but they represent just one actor on a crowded ecological stage. For instance, this is one of the best places in the world to see the elusive leopard, and one of the only places where this big cat is top predator – the king of the Sri Lankan jungle. With striking markings, a sleek, powerful body, and graceful movements, the leopard is thrilling to observe.

Yala National Park
Sri Lanka’s most popular and rewarding national park is home to birds, monkeys, crocodiles and elephants, as well as the island’s largest population of leopards.

Sri Lanka is indeed a Small Miracle, a country offering travellers with a number of unforgettable experiences. What is essentially that much more special is the country’s rich heritage, from a culture that dates back to around 125,000 BC. Numerous excavations and digs have unearthed the remnants of a colourful and sophisticated culture including stone tools unearthed date back several tens of thousands of years. The oldest trace of modern man in Asia, Balangoda Man,
and the earliest evidence of steel-making in the ancient world, were uncovered here. Many of these historical artefacts and national treasures are displayed at the varied museums scattered across the island. The National Museum is in Colombo and displays a variety of ancient royal regalia, Sinhalese artworks (carvings, sculptures et al.), antique furniture, Chinaware, and Ola manuscripts (ancient parchments). Other popular museums are situated in Galle, Anuradhapura and Koggala.

National Museum,Colombo (Closed on Fridays)
Situated in Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, it is the first public museum to be established in Sri Lanka (1877). It is best known for its collection of antiques and objects displaying the cultural heritage of Sri Lanka, the museum national treasures and artifacts from all parts of the island. A section of the first floor houses the Puppetry and Children's Museum. It also houses a library with a collection of about 500,000 books and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts.

National Museum of Natural History(Closed on Fridays)
Situated in the same premise as the National Museum, it is also accessible from Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7. It displays the Natural Heritage of Sri Lanka. At the museum there are sections dedicated for each area. In the Discovery Room, you can find the mounted skeleton of an elephant.