Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
Sri Lanka, the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
If you are planning a holiday that allows you to explore a mix of adventures and experiences, choose the pearl of the Indian Ocean. This place is rich with culture, heritage, beautiful beaches, thick rainforests, wild life that is beyond expectations, luxury hotels with diverse platforms of differentiations, food to die for and hospitality to treasure for a lifetime. Known as Ceylon in the past and as Sri Lanka now, this is truly a paradise isle.
Green in the Edge, Green in the Middle and Green All Around
Out of the bondages of a long lasting civil war which prevailed in the Northern tip of the island for over 2 decades, until two year ago, now the country has regained its charming and peaceful asmosphere. Recently named as one of the top 10 world tourists destinations, this is a place where the world traveler can become serenaded by nature and nurture both. From green palms that surround the entire coastal region to the misty hill country covered with famous Ceylon tea, the greenery is utterly breathtaking and refreshing. The “Sinnharaja” rainforest located at the heart of the country is one of the rare virgin rainforests in the world, home to rare species of flora and fauna.
Sri Lankan Flora and Fauna
If you are a wild life enthusiast or a bird watcher, then you must trek the jungles of Yala, Wilpatthu and Udawalawe where the range and diversity of flora and fauna will overwhelm you. In these national parks, you will see elephant heard that roam free and the elusive leopards camouflaged with the wild. From deer to black bears and king cobras to beautiful peacocks, Sri Lankan wild life is amazingly enthralling. A number of bird sanctuaries are home to many indigenous birds and the forests are rich with wild orchids and butterflies of many shades. With many wild life and bird sanctuaries dotting the country, this is a wild life lover’s dream destination. Numerous streams and waterfalls that start from the central hill region of the island rush through mountains, meadows and sloping rocks, winding towards the sea.
Heritage sites and Historic Places of Interest
For those who are interested in archeology, history and heritage, Sri Lanka is a destination that will be mind blowing. Rich with a documented history that is dating back 2,500, here is a place where you can visit remnants of the kingdoms of a bygone era or religious sites, statues and structures that make you want to draw parallels with the Egyptian pyramids. The craftsmanship and structural engineering prowess evident in these ruins and artifacts of the olden kingdoms can amaze any visitor. Sigiriya rock fortress built by king Kassapa in 479-497 A.D is a UNESCO world heritage site and proposed as 8th wonder of the world. This is a masterpiece of town planning, garden designing, architecture, art and engineering, all combined on top of a 200 meter high, sheer rock rising. Climbing this rocky formation and visiting the site is one of the most exhilarating experiences which both foreign and local visitors to the site can enjoy.
Misty Hills, Cool Climes and Much More
This is a destination that gives you variety in terms of places, activities, and even the climate to enjoy. Although placed right under the equator, the high elevations of Nuwara Eliya, the central hill regions allows you to enjoy cool and misty weather as if you were in “Little England”, as the place was fondly referred to by the British who colonized the island in the past. With horse riding, golfing, trekking and a host of other activities, you will enjoy your stay in the hills as much as the times you spend in other parts of the country. If you are interested in rafting through rapids and canoeing in backwaters, the country is rich with many waterways to offer exciting excursions. Hot air balloons to visiting elephant orphanage at Pinnawela where over 200 orphaned or injured elephants are being rehabilitated will be a once in a life time experience.
Sandy Beaches and Aquamarine Seas
Sandy beaches of Sri Lanka are world renowned for its pristine beauty. Down South and in the East coast offer a fantastic beach holiday experience to discerning travelers, looking to enjoy the sunny side of life. From whale watching to water sport and catching super surf waves to ride, your beach holiday in Sri Lanka will be a one of luxury and excitement. With virgin beaches in Arugambe, Pasi Kuda and Jaffna opening its hospitality to the world, Sri Lanka’s tourism diversity has reached its pinnacle now. Add to the list, a chance to go coral reef watching with a glass bottomed boat or scuba or deep sea dive to enjoy marine life. If you are in down south coastal areas, there are turtle conservation projects where thousands of marine turtle hatchlings are released to the sea with the help of visitors. Once you are done with all these excitement, the azure colors of the Indian ocean and the swaying palms fringing the coast will lull you to a relaxed slumber, in this cradle of natural beauty.
Hotels in Sri Lanka
A wide range of accommodations ranging from star class resorts to spas, exclusive boutique hotels, budget hotels and bungalows are available for visiting foreign travelers. There are some world class properties, combined with legendary Sri Lankan hospitality that can provide the most indelible holiday experience to a traveler. Most hotels in Sri Lanka are a part of the Eco tourism drive, putting remarkable efforts in to environmental sustenance and preservation while reducing their environmental footprints. Most excursions involve amazing opportunities to mingle with and enjoy the natural beauty and nature. If you are interested in enjoying the therapeutic benefits of traditional ayurvedic medicines that can cure many chronic ailments, book yourself to a star class Ayurvedic health spa and allow for cleansing and rejuvenating your body, mind and soul.
When in Sri Lanka, the options are wide open and diverse. So, next time you plan out a holiday, step in to this isle of lush natural beauty, and enjoy a holiday worthy of treasured moments.
Muditha Premarathne Thebuwana contributes travel related articles courtesy of holidayhorizon.net. You can visit our website for a wide variety of interesting and informative travel information on various travel destinations from around the world. Travel writers from around the world bring their writing together at holidayhorizon blog. Visit us for valuable travel tips, holiday planning and honeymoon destinations as well as world class Sri Lankan holiday destinations.
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