Welcome to Sri Lanka……..

Hanging like a tear-drop off the southern coast of India, Sri Lanka is quite simply one of the most beautiful countries in the world. Home to palm-fringed beaches, a cool and crisp mountainous interior where acres of tea and almost everyting grows and a lush green jungled hinterland where elephant and leopard roam free. Its no surprise that it sits firmly on most 'must visit lists'

An overwhelmingly traditional people, the Sri Lanka live life with great enthusiasm and follow thier buddhist beleifs with equal zest celebrating thier numerous temples and sacred sites relics and religious festivals with equal extravagance. 

The 200-meter high Sigiriya Rock Fortress was built in the fifth Century by King Kassyapa-1^st and served as a Royal Citadel for more than 18 years. An astonishing feat of achievement in today’s age, let alone in the fifth century BC!

We suggest you pause periodically on your ascent to admire the Great Lion Paws, mirror wall, Sigiriya graffiti and the famous Sigiriya frescoes. At the summit you will be rewarded with breathtaking 360-degree view of the surrounding jungle and hills and remarkable vestiges of the former fort. The climb to the summit requires reasonable fitness but you can always visit the lower platforms if the full ascent concerns you.

Predominantly influenced by Buddhism, the Kingdom of Anuradhapura was the first of Sri Lanka's great capital cities. According to the ancient Sinhalese Chronicles, like the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, was also founded around the fifth century BC.

Surviving over two Millennia, the twin brilliant-white, great, dome-shaped stupas, equal in size to the great pyramids of Giza stupas greet visitors from afar but the real attraction here is the ancient masterpiece of sculpture, the 'Samadhi' of Lord Buddha.

Polonnaruwa: An interesting blend of archaeological monuments, Polonnaruwa was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka. The iconic man-made reservoir, appropriately named “Parakrama Samudra”, is still circumnavigated by devotees. Look out for the famous Gal Vihara or “Rock Temple” where you will see four colossal statues of the Buddha cut into the stone, reflecting peace, serenity, and strength.

The Minneriya National Park: Located in the North Central region of Sri Lanka is one of the best places to see the Sri Lankan Elephant up close, all year round. If lucky you may also spot other mammals, birds, butterflies, reptiles, and amphibians. The park is important habitat for the two endemic monkeys of Sri Lanka - the Purple-faced Langur and Toque Macaque.

The park is also home to the impressive Minneriya Tank, a reservoir built by an ancient civilisation, which even today attracts large herds of elephants, deer, and water buffalo to its shores, particularly during the dry season (June to September). It is during this time that Minneriya National Park gains fame for the “the Gathering”, when you as many 300 wild elephants around the reservoir. We recommend a late evening or very early morning visits.

Built during the 16th century, the ‘Temple of the Tooth’ houses the sacred relic of the Buddha in a two-story inner sanctum, making this the most important shrine for Buddhists in Sri Lanka.  The best time to visit is at ‘Thevava’ when Lotus and Jasmine flowers are offered to the relic, accompanied by the sound of drums and other instruments. You guide will help you time your visit with Thevava.

Spread over 147 acres and bordered by the Mahaweli River the botanical gardens were originally designed as a pleasure gardens for royal queens. Today they are home to over 4,000 species of plants, ferns, shrubs, palm trees, spices and medicinal plants.  As expected, vast numbers of birds and butterflies can be found here to the absolute delight of ornithologists and Lepidopterologists. 

We recommend taking time to admire the collection of over 300 varieties of orchids, the giant bamboo and double palm trees, many of which were imported to the island and hundred years of years ago.  Tiny little shops at the periphery of the gardens produce and sell an array of essential oils, which you might enjoy sampling.

The closest resort to the international terminal and most convenient for your onward journey, Negombo is home to some of the most picturesque fishing villages and we recommend a wander on the beach at sunset, when local Karava fishermen mend their nets and prepare their boats ahead of night fishing trips.

A strip of restaurants and cafés behind the beach at Lewis Place, is a great place to sample local seafood and catch up on a lively local atmosphere, particularly after dark.

The Maldives experience is all about relaxation, relaxation, relaxation……  while surrounded by calm blue waters, shimmering white sand, swaying palms, amazing service and great food and wine. For those who enjoy activities a host of activities are offered by different resorts ranging from water sports from snorkeling, diving, whale & dolphin watching, island hopping to visits into nearby local villages. 

We recommend speaking with our specialists to find just the right resort to suit your needs.  They will be able to advise on what is available where. But as a rule of thumb, the smaller islands offer a quieter, more intimate experience while the larger resorts offer much more immersive experiences with plenty of activities to keep you busy.  Then of course there are the resorts best suited for families, where the young ones are independently catered for and well-looked after, while you enjoy some down time.