Sri Lanka tour packages can be designed to include Spa Retreats for Ayurvedic therapeutic care, Yoga and meditation practice and lessons. Boutique Hotels, luxury spa retreats on the beach and in rural settings can be a part of your Sri Lanka holiday.??
An ancient system of medicine that is more than 5000 years old has now evolved in to a discipline of holistic medicine as Sri Lanka Ayurveda. The name says it all. “Ayur” is Life, and “Veda “is Science. The ancient Life Science that is practiced in Sri Lanka is an amalgam of both Ancient Indian and Sri Lankan traditions perfected by Sages and Rishis with insight gained by observation, experiments and learning over the last five millennia.Ayurvedic therapeutic care is offered in many Sri Lanka Beach Resorts and Sri Lanka luxury hotels. It is a non invasive system of medicine focused on prevention and rejuvenation. A wholesome interaction with nature and the environment lengthens the life span of those who follow Ayurvedic advice. Preventive and curative care is the purpose of medicine. Ayurveda offers more. Sri Lanka Ayurveda offers therapeutic care for physical, mental, social and spiritual relief. The perfect harmony of this interaction will improve your physical well being. Good health will be the cream on top of the cake you will take home after your travel to Sri Lanka on your Sri Lanka Vacation.
Yoga helps you to make your body extremely agile. The flexibility of the spine and joints and the elasticity of muscles improve the blood circulation. Yoga disciplines your mind and body. By concentrating on the rhythm of breathing you discover the art of relaxation. The discipline of Yoga will ensure a balanced food intake. You will be resistant to disease and immune to infections. The effortless regimen triggers positive thinking. It does not matter whether you are on a Sri Lanka tour package or in any one of the up market boutique hotels in Sri Lanka. Go a little further in your Sri Lanka vacation. Learn Yoga.
Meditation is not a religious ritual. With meditation you control your mind. Concentration gives you a mastery over mind and events. It alters your body metabolism. It regulates your heart beat and blood pressure. It has a positive effect on the brain chemistry by reducing or inducing cerebral secretions that determine your demeanor and mental reactions. Modern science has discovered its benefits. Many professionals whose daily routine is to gape in to the abyss of uncertainty and anxiety have rediscovered the pleasures of a restful mind by meditation. Meditation centers some of which are easily accessible from your Sri Lanka Bungalows or Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka offer lessons on meditation.
Sri Lanka has a coast line of 1600 kms with numerous coves, bays and lagoons. The splendor of the ocean trapped in a tranquility in bays, the rich marine life nurtured by nature in the mangroves of a lagoon, the palm protected shade of a cove, and the foam dripping waves that that are in a constant and the unending miles of wide swathes of sand bordered by clear blue water of the Indian ocean make a beach holiday Sri Lanka a repast so priceless that it can be only nature that can offer it. Sri Lanka vacation offers it all. They include windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing and scuba diving. The true ‘scuba diving’ experience can be enjoyed at some of the most exotic places such the Great Basses where you could hunt for Surat coins from a sunken trader of the Mogul Emperor Aurang Zeb. The two weather systems of the monsoon winds makes a Sri Lanka beach holiday a year round prospect whenever you decide to delight in the these tropical beaches. The north east winds make the south western coast sunny and the sea unhurried to wake up from November to March. The South West winds make the East Coast waters calm with the constant sun shine happily in agreement.
This beach receives increasing prominence in the Sri Lanka map of beach resorts. The beach lies in languid desolation flanked by the sea on one side and the lagoon on the other. More of wide sandy beach fronts are to be found on the islands in the sea and the lagoon.
The beach resorts are mostly to the north of Negombo town. The long stretches of beach are replete with many enticements on land and water. The collection of well appointed resort hotels see to be in a conspiracy to lure you in to wind surfing, diving, and swimming instead of sun bathing watching the string of distant fishing boats that keep the Chefs of the luxury hotels Sri Lanka busy with their daily catch.
The pleasant beach front that is the closest to the metropolis of Colombo combines the leisure of a beach resort with the conveniences of suburban Colombo.
The golden brown beach of Kalutara offers a range of facilities from five star resorts to quiet retreats away from the maddening crowd. The fairly long stretch of beach offers good swimming.
Its main attraction is the tranquil bay with the palm shaded beach that suggests that an Eden resort cannot be far way. The Town Mosque with its prominent Minaret is a living narrative of the wanderlust of the ancient Arab traders who anchored their dhows in this bay. It has excellent water sport facilities.
The equanimity of the sea in Benthota is never lost unless provoked by the rudeness of the south west monsoon winds. Mercifully that aberration of wind behavior is confined to the months May to July. The gentle demeanor of the sea and the wide golden hued sandy beaches makes it the home of some of the renowned luxury hotels in Sri Lanka.
It is a popular resort town with a character of its own with some of the best surfing waves you will find in holiday Sri Lanka.
It is a fishing village. Once sleepy, now fully awake with its catamarans to take you out to the sea for deep water fishing. Protected by its reef the sea is unhurriedly calm for swimming and snorkeling.
The curvaceous beach offers a splendid view of the bay that the town is proud of. The waves that seem to reach heights that they are not expected to reach provide a heaven for the surfers who flock there.
It radiates an alluring charm that is distinctly its own in the south west coast. From November to April it is definitely the best location to see whales – sperm whales, pilot whales and killer whales. The whales do not deter the Dolphins who frequent these waters.
If you are a surfing addict in search of rough waves that dares to defy you this is the sea front you seek. If in addition you are fond of roaming Elephants, mischievous monkeys and crocodiles, you are definitely home.
It is indisputably ranked as the best beach in the east offering all you wish in the form of marine life, sports and leisure on peaceful beach fronts.
Elephant holidays are becoming extremely popular as everyone after all loves an elephant. They are sociable and intelligent giants with great family values. They are also huge and catching a glimpse of these giants out in the wild is certainly not an opportunity to be missed. Sri Lanka is home to 10% of all Asian elephants and considering the length and breadth of the island that is a pretty amazing fact as it amounts to around 5000 wild elephants.
However with regards to Elephants that is not Sri Lanka’s only claim to fame. The Minneriya National Park is the locale for a spectacular gathering of elephants from July to October during the dry season in the North Central and Eastern provinces. As it is a period of drought there is a lack of water in the region and it is this that brings nearly 300 elephants to the Minneriya Tank. Water is an essential component of an elephant’s survival as on average a fully grown elephant drinks about a 100 liters of water a day. In the 3rd Century AD the Minneriya Irrigation Tank was built by one of the ancient Sinhalese kings, Mahasena within what we now call the Minneriya National Park. This ancient tank has become a refuge for elephants because during the dry seasons they cannot drink water from waterholes in the forests since they evaporate into cracked mud patches. Hence the reason they all come to the Minneriya Tank which collects water during the time of the Monsoon and thereby becomes the source of water for herds of thirsty elephants during the long months of the drought. Wildlife experts explain that during this time the elephants assemble together in order to drink water and feed on the grass which grows on the bed of the tank.
The Minneriya Elephant gathering is not the result of elephant migration but instead the outcome of a number of different wild elephant herds meeting together in the same place. They come from a host of different locations in the North Central Province making this large assembly of Wild Asian elephants an extremely unique and unusual global occurrence. In fact Lonely Planet has ranked, what is now commonly referred to as ‘The Gathering’, 6th on their list of the world’s best wildlife spectacles. This gathering is also considered to be the largest in South Asia and is extremely popular with visitors who want to witness this annual event. Visitors are spectator to herds and herds of elephants who eat, drink and frolic on the dry tank bed at Minneriya. For some lucky elephant enthusiasts they may even catch a glimpse of one or two tuskers.
Wildlife enthusiasts on an elephant safari to Minneriya will also catch sightings of different species of deer, monkeys and maybe even a leopard or two. Likewise the bed of the tank is a hotspot for birds. Painted storks, egrets and the white, dark bellied fish eagle frequent the tank in hope of catching some fish in its shallow waters. The gathering is at its best during August and September so don’t waste any time in making a reservation with Darshana tours (Private Driver Sri Lanka) for an elephant adventure.
Bundala National Park is the first Sri Lankan wetland to be declared a Ramsar site under the Ramsar Convention on Wetlands. Located 250km south of Colombo in the district of Hambantota, this thorny scrub jungle with its beaches, sand dunes and lagoons has become known for its varied biodiversity. 197 different species of birds along with 32 different mammal species makes it a popular reserve for birdwatchers and wildlife enthusiasts. In fact Bundala National Park is considered a niche bird watching experience due to the large numbers of Greater Flamingos who migrate there from Siberia and the Rann of Kutch in India. The Greater Flamingo arrive in Bundala between August and April and up to 2000 of them were counted during one migratory period. A small herd of elephants, wild boar, sambar, the spotted deer and the grey langur monkeys are some of the other animals that can be spotted in the heat of Bundala.
Over 2000m above sea level is Horton Plains, Sri Lanka’s highest plateau and what has been referred to as one of the most ‘awesome and forbidding regions’ of the country. Located in the central hill country 20km south of Nuwara Eliya the plains are difficult to access but it is well worth the trek. This magnificent landscape with its untamed grasslands, patches of dense forest, lakes and waterfalls is a sight for sore eyes. Inhabited by a variety of wildlife the plains are home to wild boar and the sambar deer while the shaggy bear-monkey and the endemic toque macaque can also be spotted on occasion. Horton Plains National Park also consists of attractions such as Bakers Falls, Chimney Pool and World’s End. World’s End with its 880m sharp drop downwards is reputed for being the finest view in Sri Lanka and is at the end of the Horton Plains plateau.
After Independence Sri Lanka’s first significant irrigation project is the Gal Oya Valley project. Within it was built the biggest reservoir in the country, the Senanayake Samudra which is considered the key feature of the Gal Oya National Park. In fact the Gal Oya National Park has the distinction of being the only park in the country where boat safaris are also an option. Catching sight of elephants swimming across the lake being one of the most exciting aspects of the boat safari. That is if you are not already impressed with the picturesque hill-forests, the leopards, water buffaloes, wild boar, crocodiles, and different species of deer that inhabit the park. There are also many little islands on the Senanayake Samudra which are dwelling place of numerous birds species. It is estimated that from 430 bird species on record in Sri Lanka a 150 of them reside at Gal Oya.
The latest attraction in eco-tourism, Kaudulla National Park was opened in 2002 and is the newest national park and wildlife reserve in Sri Lanka. Situated within easy access of the Cultural Triangle, Kaudulla is about 6km from the Gal Oya Junction on the Habarana – Trincomalee road. The name of the park is derived from being situated near the historic Kaudalla Tank of the ancient King Mahasena. Jeep safaris are the preferred option by which to visit the park and August to December have been ear-marked as the best months during which to do so as around 250 elephants inhabit the park during that period. A 6656-hectare elephant corridor between the Minneriya National Park and the Somawathie Chaitya has also been established in the park. The dry evergreen forests of the park are home to 24 mammal species, 25 reptile species and a 160 species of birds. Leopards, fishing cats, sloth bear and the endangered rusty spotted cat are favorites among visitors to Kaudulla.
Located in the South-East corner of Sri Lanka, and neighbouring the Yala National Park, the Kumana National Park is Sri Lanka’s foremost bird sanctuary as it houses a diverse range of endemic and migrants birds. An ideal camping and safari spot, Kumana is a favorite location for bird watching devotees. From sightings of the very rare migratory Black Necked storks, Yellow Footed Green pigeons and the Greater Racket-tailed Drongo to the more frequently seen Eurasian Spoonbill, Purple Heron and Wood sandpiper Kumana is abound with a total of 255 species of birds as well as mammals such as the European Otter, Golden Jackal and a few elephants. Of equal interest are ancient 1st and 2nd century cave inscriptions which have been discovered within the vicinity of the park. The famous Pada Yatra pilgrims consisting of Hindu and Buddhist devotees annually cross Kumana by foot in their pilgrimage to Kataragama.
Between Habarana and Polonnaruwa are the scrub forests of the Minneriya National Park. A haven for sambar deer, toque macaques and leopards, the park is now a world renowned destination site. This is due to the fact that on the shores of Minneriya’s nearly 2000 year old man-made lake the world’s largest gathering of elephants takes place. This spectacular sight occurs within the boundaries of the Minneriya National Park during the dry season from July to October. With nearly three hundred elephants gathering every evening it is no surprise that Lonely Planet has ranked it at number 6 for being one of the world’s best wildlife spectacles. The ‘Gathering’ (as it has come to be known) is a result of the lack of waterholes during the drought. Unable to receive their daily intake of water the elephants make their way to the Minneriya tank making it an event not to be missed.
The oldest and largest national park in Sri Lanka, the Wilpattu National Park is located on the West Coast of the island and consists of what is mostly thick secondary forest combined with small clearings . However unlike semi-arid Yala, Wilpattu is more lush and scenic with a variety of vegetation to be found in different parts of the park. The park is unique for its high concentration of villus (basin like natural tanks) which provide water to herds of wild animals and flocks of birds. Noteworthy is the fact that crocodiles also make their home in this villas. However Wilpattu’s fame is derived primarily from its leopard and bear population. It is quite a common occurrence to see leopards relaxing or drinking water from the many villus found in the park . The primitive nature of Wilpattu makes it all the more exciting to experience with January to May being considered the best time to visit.
Tucked away in the southeastern corner of the island and 300km away from the capital Colombo is Sri Lanka’s most visited national park, generally referred to as Yala. Considered by the BBC to be one of the best wildlife destinations in Asia, the park is made up of five blocks of which only two are open to the public. The high density of leopards in Block 1 means it is frequently visited but until 1938 Block 1 was reserved for hunters and only thereafter was it made a conservationist reserve. Yala is also a favorite spot for seeing elephants grazing in the scrub jungle or ambling across the road. One of the most beautiful sights at Yala is the wonderful mating dance of the fabulous peacock. Most travelers consider it well worth the lengthy journey when they are rewarded by the peacock in this fashion. Undoubtedly a wildlife safari at its best.
Situated south of the central hill country the Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 after the Udawalawe Reservoir was constructed causing the displacement of the wild animals in the area. The third most popular park in the island, Udawalawe is an important habitat for aquatic birds and Sri Lankan Elephants. With around 600 elephants in the park, Udawalawe is reputed to be one of the best places in the island to spot these giant creatures. In 1995 the intriguing Elephant Transit Home was founded and provides shelter and a home to around 25 baby elephants who were orphaned in the wild. UdaWalawe is also inhabited by crocodiles, foxes, 30 varieties of snakes, spotted and sambar deer as well as hundreds of buffaloes and a few leopards. There are three camp sites and four bungalows along the reservoir and the Walawe Ganga if you want to experience an authentic life in the wilds.
The name ‘Wasgamuwa’ came about from the words ‘Walas Gamuwa’, Walasa or walaha being the Sinhalese term for sloth bear and Gamuwa the term for wood. The park was named as such because at one time it had a large quantity of Sri Lankan Sloth bears. At present it is still inhabited by these endangered animals although catching sight of them is not quite as easy. Surrounded almost completely by rivers as it borders the Mahawelia and Amban river, the park is an exciting place at which to see some interesting bird species. For instance the endemic Red-Faced Malkoha is found in Wasgamuwa as is the Yellow Fronted Barbet. With over a 150 species of flora the park is high in biodiversity. Its historical significance is also made apparent as it contains the ruins of the Dathota, Malagamuwa and Wilmitiya irrigation tanks and Kalinga Yoda Ela canel built by Parakramabahu I.
Kitulgala is best known for the 1957 Academy Award winning film, The Bridge on the River Kwai which was filmed on the Kelani River. A rain forest area affected by both monsoons, Kitulgala, also known as the Kelani Valley Forest Reserve, is perhaps the wettest place in Sri Lanka. It was established in order to protect the Kelani River’s drainage basin. In terms of wildlife Kitulgala has a considerable number of elusive endemic birds such as the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Spot-winged Thrush, and the Ceylon Scimitar Babbler. The river contains endemic fish and amphibians while the mammal life includes the Grizzled Indian Squirrel. However currently the name Kitulgala has become synonymous with white-water rafting. When a person suggests that they go to Kitulgala a weekend of adventure which certainly would include some fabulous meals, a jungle walk and camping in the wild outdoors is what come to mind.
The Sinharaja Rainforest is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a designated Biosphere Reserve located in the south-west lowland wet zone of Sri Lanka. It was first declared a forest reserve in 1875 but has been of mythical and historical importance for the people of Sri Lanka for centuries prior to that. The word Sinharaja , which translates directly as Lion (Sinha) and King (Raja) is the last remaining tropical rainforest in Sri Lanka with 60% of the trees being endemic. It is also the location for over 50% of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals, butterflies as well as reptiles, rare amphibians and insects. Visitors to Sinharaja are constantly amazed by the amazing assortment of life that they encounter when exploring this biodiversity hotspot. Spineless Forest Lizard, a Sri Lankan Rose or a Bamboo Orchid are just a snippet of the extraordinary animals and plants found here.
A favorite hot spot on the East Coast is Pigeon Island, one of only two marine national parks in Sri Lanka. Situated just 1km away from the popular coastal town of Nilaveli, Pigeon Island is named after the Blue Rock Pigeon, which is an endangered bird species native to the island. It was in 1963 that the islands were first declared a sanctuary as a protective measure for the birds while in 2003 it was declared a National Park. The area is divided into large pigeon island and small pigeon island. It is also famed for having some of the best remaining coral reefs in Sri Lanka as the coral reefs which circle large pigeon island are nearly 200 feet in length and 100 meters in width. Aside from the 300 different coral reef fish found in its waters there are also juvenile and adult Black-tip reef sharks and sea turtles making it an underwater adventure to experience.
Once the scene of fierce battles during the civil war in Sri Lanka, Mullativu is now in the process of getting a facelift as the northern part of the district, has been turned into a Wildlife Sanctuary. More than a 100,000 acres in northern Mullativu has been designated a wildlife sanctuary especially for elephants. According to the Government the sanctuary was established in order to solve the increasing conflict between wild elephants and humans, a result of deforestation which destroyed the natural habitat of the elephants. This led to elephants going in search of food in areas inhabited by villages and led to a number of human as well as elephant deaths. A 100 years ago there were 15,000 elephants roaming in the wild but at present the number remains at between just 3000-4000 causing concern among wildlife conservationists. Thus by demarking the northern jungles of Sri Lanka as a National Park the goal is to conserve the remnants of Sri Lanka’s natural habitats.
Ayubowan! (May you live long!)
Hi! My name is Darshana, you can call me (Dara). I am from Negombo, Sri Lanka, and touring Sri Lanka is my life because sharing my culture is essentially important to me. Having been employed for several years in a 5-star hospitality business, I have grown to appreciate the personal touch people look for when traveling. Therefore, I have carefully compiled a small, exclusive list of safe, private drivers fluent in English, friendly and fun, knowledgeable in all the sites and communities of Sri Lanka, and we have a combined touring experience of over 10 years together! We know this has been a long year and a half for the world over because of COVID-19. It’s time to break out of isolation and get back to learning about each other and sharing experiences again. Please relax and enjoy the scenery in style in one of our fully air-conditioned, clean, and comfortable rides.
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In Sri Lanka – a drum beats, an elephant trumpets and a mystical Buddhist chant fills the air all in one little moment. This captures the essence of a magical island nation with all its beauty as well as its complexities. Here is a land which traces its lineage back to the beginning of time and here is a country within which there is so much to discover and experience. The ruins of ancient civilizations stand testament to a great past while man-made tanks belonging to centuries long gone continue to amaze modern day scientists. The jungles are home to wild leopards and the oceans are filled with dolphins and whales. Modern fast-paced cities amidst traditional rituals and customs. Culture and technology, beliefs and development. When writing about Sri Lanka in the 14th century, Oderic, a Franciscan Monk went on to say there were many ‘miraculous things’ of which he could not write. Even in the 21st century this little island continues to amaze and hold traveler’s captive by the range of possibilities available is such a compact space.