Tag: sri lanka

Discover Birdlife at Yala

Fondly known by many epithets such as the Resplendent Isle, the island nation of Sri Lanka nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean is a haven for tropical and exotic birdlife and panoramic sceneries. Sri Lanka is home to around four hundred species of birds of which only around twenty are endemic to the island. The remainder is predominantly made up of migratory birds that travel to in search of a tropical climate, away from the harsh Scandinavian, European and Indian winters.

While a number of parks such as the Kalametiya Bird Sanctuary, the Biodhinala Sanctuary and Kumana National Park have been designated as official bird sanctuaries, other national parks such as the Wilpattu National Park, Wasgamua and Yala National Parks are also rich with flourishing bird communities. Visiting the Yala National Park is a must-do when in Sri Lanka and while a rich variety of Yala hotels are available, the national park can be accessed with ease from Cinnamon Wild Yala.

Also known as the Ruhunu National Park, Yala is a famous safari and wildlife destination for tourists and locals alike. Initially established 1938, Yala is home to an amazing variety of bird species as well as other animals. Visitors to Yala will be able to view the Black Necked Stork, the Malabar Pied, the Ceylon Grey Hornbill, the European Bea Eater, the Blue Faced Malkoha, the Yellow Fronted Pied, the Brown Capped Pygmy Woodpeckers, the Lesser Whistling Teal and the Green Bee Eater whose feathers create a camouflage effect as it fades into the greenish and brownish background of the park.

In addition to bird watching, when at the Yala Natoinal Park, visitors can also watch elephants in the wild, beautiful and colourful butterfly species as well as crocodiles and, if they are lucky, leopards. The Park is a wonderful natural getaway, both relaxing and awe-inspiring for any intrepid traveller.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Camping Sites in Sri Lanka

Known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean , Sri Lanka has more than its sandy beaches to offer , home to many world heritage sites , the Sinharaja Rain Forest is any nature lover’s paradise. Having many such national parks and flora and fauna endemic to the country , Sri Lanka is perfect for camping getaway.

There are many organisations that provide such camping excursions however one of the leading Production companies in Sri Lanka , Nkar Film Eye ,organizes camping tours across many locations in the island. They have been a popular choice among travelers.

The best way to experience nature would be to be a part of it, and camping is a perfect way to do so. Some of the most sought after locations for camping are the national parks , some of the camp sites are operated by the Wildlife Department, such as the Horton Plains National Park, Yala National Park , Udawalawe National Park , Wilpaththu National Park and Kumana National Park are the noteworthy options. However there are also camp sites available outside national parks are the summits of Namunukula , Soro Bora wewa, Ella Rock and Kalpitiya beach among others.

There is an option of picking staffed camp site where campers can help the staff with the running of the site or opt for a luxury camp experience. Many camping holidays also include adventure sports activities, safaris, nature trails , bird watching , white water rafting and many more.

Camping holidays can also allow any one visiting Sri Lanka to explore the country sides and the wild as well as visit some historically important sites. Those camping in and around the cultural triangle could find themselves in places such as Sigiriya , Dambulla rock temple , Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa in no time.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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Take a Bullock Cart Ride through the Village

Even with the rapid development witnessed by the 21st century, small villages in Sri Lanka remain largely untouched by the dramatic changes in transportation and lifestyle. A place where time seems to slow down and life becomes uncomplicated, most villages in the island scarcely witness fancy modes of transportation and stick to bullock carts to transport produce and other items from the fields to their homes or to the local village markets as they are cost efficient. A glimpse into this village lifestyle is a valuable insight tourists can obtain when staying at a Sigiriya hotel in the vicinity of the Habarana villages such as Chaaya Village Habarana. One such way, in addition to close proximity, is to indulge in a bullock cart ride through the village while a three wheeler, or in the more popular vernacular, a tuk tuk, would be the best way to explore the city.

A bullock cart ride is undeniably a very traditional mode of travel, but it is a modern way to explore the undisturbed village life in the rural areas. When travelling in a bullock cart, tourists will have the opportunity to travel through lush green paddy fields and observe the manner in which the villagers lead their daily lives. Since the roads are often mere footpaths, travelling by car would be highly uncomfortable, but the bullock cart traverses the well trodden country lanes with ease. The slow paced travel provides tourists with ample time and opportunity to witness the beauty and serenity of the village.

Exploring the nearby villages should also include a visit to a village house where tourists can have the opportunity to taste the delights of a ‘plain tea’ sweetened with a small piece of juggery. This coupled with an authentic Sri Lankan lunch of red rice and curry is bound to leave tourists yearning for the simple life.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.
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Adventure Holiday Experience in Sri Lanka

Adventure tourism is one of the world’s most sought after tourist experiences, and in Sri Lanka ‘adventure’ takes many shapes and forms. An Adventure Holiday includes exploration and travel to remote and exotic destinations, engaging in physical activities, immersion in cultural exchanges and a relationship with nature. An action packed holiday in Sri Lanka is perfect for adventurous families with teenage children. There is an exciting mix of serious adventures including animal safaris, hiking, whale and dolphin watching, Hot air ballooning, canoeing, white water surfing , Elephant Safaris, Fishing, Camping, Biking, Trekking, Rock climbing and many more activities. There are many tour operators in Sri Lanka that will arrange packages to suit each and every traveler, the Walker Tours coordinates and arranges such Adventure Tours in Sri Lanka. Walkers Tours has been in the tourism industry for more than 45 years. Walker Tours offers the highest quality of services and has been awarded many prestigious awards from the tourism industry. There are many professionals who are trained to design impeccable and creative tour packages to suit any kind of traveler. There is a very large fleet of vehicles that are in disposal, and therefore they can accommodate any size group.

Tourists can visit the elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, which is a breeding ground for wild elephants. Currently there are about 87 elephants and is known as the largest herd of elephants in the world, that are living under human supervision. Whale watching can also be done in Mirissa, and there are many chances to see sperm whales, dolphins and blue whales. Tourists can also take part in many water sports that are offered around beaches in the island. Sri Lanka Windsurfing is also a popular water sport among the foreign tourists who visit the palm fringed pristine beaches of Sri Lanka. The action of paddling a canoe with the intention of recreation, sport or even transportation is called ‘Canoeing’ .With over 103 rivers, lagoons, interconnected canals and reservoirs, Sri Lanka provides its visitors a remarkable setting for canoeing.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Boating in the Muthurajawela Marsh

Ceylon has undergone some diverse political and economic changes during the last four centuries due to colonisation. While the Portuguese controlled the coastal belt and handed them over to the Dutch in the late 17th century, the Dutch sought to establish their own legal system in the island. Subsequent to the British conquering the island and bringing the entirety of Ceylon under their control in 1815, the political, economic, social and cultural aspects of the island were significantly influenced leading to the development of the tourism industry in Sri Lanka from the latter part of the 20th century. With the development of the economy and infrastructure, Negombo hotels are greatly sought after due to their location and the easy access from the airport facilitated by the highway. While accommodation is available for almost all budgets, for a high-end luxurious stay, opt for Heritance Negombo.

In Negombo, there are a myriad of attractions and activities that would enthral a newcomer to Sri Lanka ranging from the intricate Dutch canal systems and the energetic local bazaars to the Negombo Beach and the Muthurajawela Marsh. The Marsh itself is quite extensive and covers around six thousand hectares including the Negombo Lagoon. Therefore, Muthurajawela is home to a diverse eco-system that sustains a myriad of wild species ranging from water birds and butterflies to crocodiles and pythons.

A boat ride through the Marsh would also allow tourists to see a number of native fish species including some which are endangered, as well as the Star Tortoise. The natural surroundings of the Marsh, particularly due to the lofty flora, provide the area with canopies and a sense of being in a forest. Given this diversity and the breathtaking natural beauty, a boat ride through the Marsh is an activity one should not miss out on when in Negombo.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers. Google+

Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage

The Island of Sri Lanka is blessed with many wonderful attractions, foremost is the elephant population. Recognising the importance of preserving these magnificent creatures the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage is a refuge and nursery for several adult and baby elephants. Located in Kegalle which is just over a 2 hour drive from the capital Colombo, a visit to the orphanage is one of the thrills to be enjoyed when you book one of the Sri Lanka Holiday Packages on offer. In terms of excellent service and comprehensive customer care you may want to consider Sunshine Travels & Tours.

This tour operator promises you a wide variety of travel adventures around the island paradise of Sri Lanka. Choose a tour package covering the verdant wildlife parks or set-off on a great adventure white water rafting, mountain climbing or trekking the beautiful rainforests of Sri Lanka. The possibilities are endless be it a honeymoon escapade, visit of the cultural triangle, stay around the up-country tea gardens or soaking up the sun around the magnificent coasts; this travel agency promises to deliver. Expect excellent service the assistance of expert tour guides when you book any tour.

Established in 1975 the Pinnawela Orphanage as of 2011 was home to 88 elephants some of which are the 3rd generation to be born here. Animal lovers will love the experience, make it in time for the animals daily bath and you are in for a treat; as the giants do put up quite an impressive show as they bathe, play and enjoy the cooling waters of the river.

Baby elephants are bottle fed at scheduled times, again check and get there in time for some hands on experience of feeding the lovable calf’s, you can walk around the vast sanctuary and watch the bull elephants at work or get up close and personal with the gentler cow elephants.

Remember to take along your cameras and leave time to browse the many souvenir shops displaying lovely mementos of the gentle mammals.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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Kayaking in Kalu Ganga

Known for its breathtaking natural beauty, Sri Lanka offers the perfect getaway in which to enjoy the great outdoors. Since the island has many swamps, rivers, lakes, lagoons and even canals, it is the perfect destination in which to engage in some water based adventure. In Sri Lanka, kayaking provides the ideal way in which to explore these majestic sites. One such place intrepid travellers can try some exciting kayaking would be the Kalu Ganga in Kalutara which can be reached while on an enriching tour organised by Sri Lanka Holiday Travel.

The Kalu Ganga is a river that can be found in the Southern coastal town of Kalutara and provides an idyllic backdrop from which to see the sights of this enchanting town by the sea. This calm river is well suited for kayaking for even novices and takes one a captivating journey past landscapes rich in nature and tranquillity. Those traversing the waters of the Kalu Ganga can also look forward to seeing a variety of bird species as well in their natural habitats. On your travels you will also pass jungles, rubber estates, paddy fields and not forgetting the impressive Gangatilaka Vihara also known as the Kalutara Temple.

Once having explored this river, you can also choose to continue your kayaking excursions at other sites around the island. From the thrilling rapids to excursions at sea, this water sport certainly gives one a chance to soak up the unique natural beauty Sri Lanka is well known for.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry.

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Safari with John Keells Excursions

Where human adventure meeting with the beast of the wild becomes reality

Those who love nature, adventure and outdoor excitement can find a wide array of Sri Lanka adventure tours around the country sponsored and provided by the John Keells Group in liaison with their tour consultants Walkers Tours. Sri Lanka, a small island blessed with diverse climates with thick rain forests, vegetation, flora and fauna and dry land including deserts is ideal for breeding and living for a vast number of animals, reptiles, birds and fish especially rare and endangered species. The island is the breeding home for rare and endangered species such as the marvelous Whales including the Blue whales, Dolphins and Turtles besides being the bane for beautiful giant Elephants including tuskers, Leopards and reptiles and some of the migrant endangered species of birds.

Some of the famous wild life national parks found spread across the island for Safari holidays which are administered by the Department of Wildlife Conservation are Wilapattu, Wasgumuwa, Flood Plains and Somawathiya, Minneriya, Kaudulla and Angammedilla in the North Central Province, Yala, Bundala, Lunugamvehera and Hikkaduwa in the Southern Province, Gal Oya, Kumana, Lahugala Kitulana, Maduru Oya and Pigeon Island in the Eastern Province, Udawalawe in the Sabaragumuwa Province, Horton Plains and Galway’s Land in the Central Province, Horagolla in the Western Province and Mullativu in the Northern Province. Among these Wilpattu stands out as the largest and one of the oldest national parks in Sri Lanka besides being listed as one of the world renowned top national parks for its uncounted Leopard population while Yala comes next as the second largest and the most visited national park in the Island.

Inbound travelers have the option of pre-arranging their Safari tour excursions prior to their visit to the country or during their stay. The expeditions provide Safari jeep tours with experienced drivers for half day and full day safaris. Some of the facilities you may expect as part of the Safari excursion packages are free hotel pickups and drops based on each individual national park, three to four hours of game drive, inclusive of Jeep fees, park entrance fees and all taxes.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Escalating Trends in Sri Lanka Surfing

Sri Lanka has been long known for its idyllic palm fringed beaches where one can soak up the sun and enjoy lazy days by the shore. However, this tropical island paradise is also becoming one of the best destinations in Asia for some thrilling surfing adventures. Arugam Bay is arguably the country’s most well known surfing hotspot attracting surfers from around the world looking to enjoy riding the waves in freedom at such spots as Main Point. Other nearby spots include Pottuvil Point, Whiskey Point and Crocodile Rock. Sri Lanka Holiday Travel offers tours to such surfing getaways, letting surfers experience the very best waves the island has to offer.

Part of this growing trend is the surfing competitions being held in Sri Lanka such as Red Bull Ride My Wave which has taken place in places like Arugam Bay in the East Coast. The South Coast too is home to many surfing areas like Hikkaduwa, Mirissa and Wewala which also draw in enthusiasts looking to catch some ‘killer’ breaks.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Minneriya National Park- nature lover’s paradise

Minneriya National Park which is located between the cities of Habarana and Pollonnuruwa was declared as a National Park in 1997. The park is an ideal place to watch elephant gatherings during the dry season. Home to different habitats and arrays of flora and fauna the National Park of Manneriya is a dream come true for nature lovers and photographers. Travellers planning holidays in Sri Lanka can use the services offered by the well renowned tour provider,Walkers Tours Sri Lanka and enjoy a comfortable tour through the North central province.

The central attraction of the park is the Minneriya Tank built by King Mahasena. During June to September this is an unbelievable place to observe the elephants and the flocks of birds such as the painted storks, pelicans, open bills and many other migratory and local birds. Travellers could also spot the Sambar deer, sloth bears, and the leopards when visiting the park. A feeding ground for the Sri Lankan elephants the reservoir sustains a large herd of elephants at a given time. The landscape of the park is simply magnificent; it consists of wetlands, grasslands and tropical evergreen forests as well as small shrubs areas. Apart from these there are a large collection of reptiles in the park such as the endemic and endangered red-lipped lizard and the skinks.

Uditha Dharmawardhane is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Roland Lefevre. He specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe.

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