Monday 29 June 2009
Sunday 28 June 2009
Saturday 27 June 2009
This summer Sri Lanka offers the adventurous holiday maker an exciting array of options. The Indian Ocean island is rapidly becoming a destination of choice for those who want a stimulating vacation to recharge their batteries and energise their outlook.
Whether it's wandering calmly over the lush central highlands, hanging in a wicker basket as you gaze over the breathtaking views passing lazily beneath you, or the more high-octane thrills of crashing down tumbling river flows in a white water raft, Sri Lanka promises experiences that will persist in the memory long after the thrill of the activity has subsided.
"With peace finally prevailing after almost three decades of strife, Sri Lanka is an ideal getaway for regional travellers being only three and a half hours flying time away from the Gulf," said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
"It's not all necessarily adrenalin pumping stuff as for the more leisurely inclined explorer, there are pastimes that will allow you to experience the wonders of this tropical isle without so much as breaking into a sweat including hiking tours that take in the varied landscapes of the island and can be conducted at a gentle pace opening up the colourful and abundant array of plants, bird species and other wildlife to be found across the countryside," remarked Ms. Al Mansoori.
Cycling and mountain biking are another way to get about, with undemanding trips available for those who wish to visit the ancient ruins and temples of a country whose history and heritage stretches back thousands of years. Pedalling unhurriedly through the country lanes, you can hear the rustle of the forest come alive and enjoy the whiff and heady scent of flowers in bloom. For those who prefer a greater exercise challenge, the undulating roads of the hill country make for a more intense cycling workout.
If heights are your thing, you can spend some time around the central highlands, home to Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka's tallest mountain. Here you can paraglide, flying over the forests and lakes like a bird, or indulge in rope sports, abseiling down sheer cliff faces close to magnificent waterfalls.
Hot air ballooning is also an extremely popular activity in this part of the island and offers a unique way to explore the country as you silently float over the lakes and forests, you can spy deer and elephants who are oblivious to your presence, along with the occasional bemused farmer who has happened to glance upwards!
Water features as a significant part of Sri Lanka's inland landscape, with turbulent rivers, spectacular falls and calm lagoons for the intrepid enthusiast to enjoy. White water rafting is one of the longest established adventure sports on the island, with rivers providing thrills, glorious scenery and the chance to view life in the villages en route.
The most popular area for rafting is along the Kelani River in Kitulgala, close to where the classic film 'Bridge on the River Kwai' was shot. Canoeists and kayakers can also explore the various waterways, with professionals able to run some extremely challenging rivers that run through the forests.
With all this activity available inland, it's easy to forget that Sri Lanka also has some magnificent beaches, with one at Unawatuna being acclaimed as one of the world's top 10. Being a relatively small island, you will never be far from the azure waters and bronze sands of the coast and if lying down and absorbing the rays isn't for you, you can try your hand at surfing in waters that average a blissfully warm 27°c. Arugam Bay, on the east coast, has long been established as a surfing hotspot, with sufficiently high waves to attract international contests. When conditions are ideal, it is possible to catch a wave that will carry an experienced board rider 800 metres.
When the season finishes at Arugam Bay, it's just opening up at Hikkaduwa, on the west coast, about 100km from Colombo. The waves here are around 2 metres high and of sufficient interest to attract international surfers during the season. If your interests lie under the water, you can scuba dive and snorkel at a number of resorts, exploring coral reefs and old Dutch shipwrecks that are home to vividly coloured tropical fish and other aquatic life. If it's faster paced water sports that you want, you can hire out jet skis, learn to wind surf or try your hand at water skiing.
Taking a break from all these sporting activities, the capital Colombo offers all the attractions of a busy city, with star-rated hotels, shopping malls and a vast array of restaurants and clubs that cater for all tastes. A relaxing day can be had at the renowned Hakgala Botanical Gardens, with 27 acres overflowing with roses and ferns and at the Peradeniya Gardens in the city of Kandy, where you will also find the ancient Temple of the Tooth. If you are keen to discover the origins of your morning cuppa, the central highlands feature tea estates where you can learn how the world's most popular brew travels from luxuriant bush to your breakfast table.
Regardless of whether it's excitement or relaxation that you crave, Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and history is sure to leave you as captivated and charmed as the countless travellers who have visited throughout the ages. The island is only four hours flying time from the UAE and travelling there is easy with SriLankan Airlines. The operator flies to Colombo from Dubai ten times a week and runs a daily service from Abu Dhabi. The operator has been voted Central Asia's Airline of the Year for two consecutive years.
Whether it's wandering calmly over the lush central highlands, hanging in a wicker basket as you gaze over the breathtaking views passing lazily beneath you, or the more high-octane thrills of crashing down tumbling river flows in a white water raft, Sri Lanka promises experiences that will persist in the memory long after the thrill of the activity has subsided.
"With peace finally prevailing after almost three decades of strife, Sri Lanka is an ideal getaway for regional travellers being only three and a half hours flying time away from the Gulf," said Heba Al Ghais Al Mansoori, Middle East Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau.
"It's not all necessarily adrenalin pumping stuff as for the more leisurely inclined explorer, there are pastimes that will allow you to experience the wonders of this tropical isle without so much as breaking into a sweat including hiking tours that take in the varied landscapes of the island and can be conducted at a gentle pace opening up the colourful and abundant array of plants, bird species and other wildlife to be found across the countryside," remarked Ms. Al Mansoori.
Cycling and mountain biking are another way to get about, with undemanding trips available for those who wish to visit the ancient ruins and temples of a country whose history and heritage stretches back thousands of years. Pedalling unhurriedly through the country lanes, you can hear the rustle of the forest come alive and enjoy the whiff and heady scent of flowers in bloom. For those who prefer a greater exercise challenge, the undulating roads of the hill country make for a more intense cycling workout.
If heights are your thing, you can spend some time around the central highlands, home to Mount Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka's tallest mountain. Here you can paraglide, flying over the forests and lakes like a bird, or indulge in rope sports, abseiling down sheer cliff faces close to magnificent waterfalls.
Hot air ballooning is also an extremely popular activity in this part of the island and offers a unique way to explore the country as you silently float over the lakes and forests, you can spy deer and elephants who are oblivious to your presence, along with the occasional bemused farmer who has happened to glance upwards!
Water features as a significant part of Sri Lanka's inland landscape, with turbulent rivers, spectacular falls and calm lagoons for the intrepid enthusiast to enjoy. White water rafting is one of the longest established adventure sports on the island, with rivers providing thrills, glorious scenery and the chance to view life in the villages en route.
The most popular area for rafting is along the Kelani River in Kitulgala, close to where the classic film 'Bridge on the River Kwai' was shot. Canoeists and kayakers can also explore the various waterways, with professionals able to run some extremely challenging rivers that run through the forests.
With all this activity available inland, it's easy to forget that Sri Lanka also has some magnificent beaches, with one at Unawatuna being acclaimed as one of the world's top 10. Being a relatively small island, you will never be far from the azure waters and bronze sands of the coast and if lying down and absorbing the rays isn't for you, you can try your hand at surfing in waters that average a blissfully warm 27°c. Arugam Bay, on the east coast, has long been established as a surfing hotspot, with sufficiently high waves to attract international contests. When conditions are ideal, it is possible to catch a wave that will carry an experienced board rider 800 metres.
When the season finishes at Arugam Bay, it's just opening up at Hikkaduwa, on the west coast, about 100km from Colombo. The waves here are around 2 metres high and of sufficient interest to attract international surfers during the season. If your interests lie under the water, you can scuba dive and snorkel at a number of resorts, exploring coral reefs and old Dutch shipwrecks that are home to vividly coloured tropical fish and other aquatic life. If it's faster paced water sports that you want, you can hire out jet skis, learn to wind surf or try your hand at water skiing.
Taking a break from all these sporting activities, the capital Colombo offers all the attractions of a busy city, with star-rated hotels, shopping malls and a vast array of restaurants and clubs that cater for all tastes. A relaxing day can be had at the renowned Hakgala Botanical Gardens, with 27 acres overflowing with roses and ferns and at the Peradeniya Gardens in the city of Kandy, where you will also find the ancient Temple of the Tooth. If you are keen to discover the origins of your morning cuppa, the central highlands feature tea estates where you can learn how the world's most popular brew travels from luxuriant bush to your breakfast table.
Regardless of whether it's excitement or relaxation that you crave, Sri Lanka's rich cultural heritage and history is sure to leave you as captivated and charmed as the countless travellers who have visited throughout the ages. The island is only four hours flying time from the UAE and travelling there is easy with SriLankan Airlines. The operator flies to Colombo from Dubai ten times a week and runs a daily service from Abu Dhabi. The operator has been voted Central Asia's Airline of the Year for two consecutive years.
Wednesday 24 June 2009
TOP UK SURFERS RETURN TO SRI LANKA FOR 2009
The UK Pro Surf Tour has announced it will be returning to Sri Lanka in July this year for the �Sri Lanka Champion of Champions Surf Contest� at Arugam Bay. Renowned as one of the best �point breaks� in the world, Arugam Bay is situated on the East coast of Sri Lanka, which is now accessible as a result of the recent end to the civil unrest in the country.
The 2009 Championships, which take place on July 1-6, will see 48 surfers fighting it out to become the ultimate champion including some of UK�s top professional surfers, international stars and local Sri Lankan surfers.
Dave Reed, UK Pro Surf Tour director stated: �It�s good to be going back to Sir Lanka again and we are looking forward to some great waves and seeing world class surfers competing in Arugam Bay. The competition is a fantastic opportunity for competitors from around the world to discover what I believe to be one of Sri Lanka�s greatest assets - the excellent surf and spectacular beaches.�
Commenting on the return of the event, Sanjika Perera, UK & Ireland Director of Tourism - Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau said: �The last time the championships were held here was just after the Tsunami in 2005 and they played a crucial role in reviving the area.
�We are very happy that the UK Pro Surf Tour is returning as this will help to raise awareness of the available tourism opportunities waiting to be discovered on the East coast of the island.
The 2009 Championships, which take place on July 1-6, will see 48 surfers fighting it out to become the ultimate champion including some of UK�s top professional surfers, international stars and local Sri Lankan surfers.
Dave Reed, UK Pro Surf Tour director stated: �It�s good to be going back to Sir Lanka again and we are looking forward to some great waves and seeing world class surfers competing in Arugam Bay. The competition is a fantastic opportunity for competitors from around the world to discover what I believe to be one of Sri Lanka�s greatest assets - the excellent surf and spectacular beaches.�
Commenting on the return of the event, Sanjika Perera, UK & Ireland Director of Tourism - Sri Lanka Tourist Promotion Bureau said: �The last time the championships were held here was just after the Tsunami in 2005 and they played a crucial role in reviving the area.
�We are very happy that the UK Pro Surf Tour is returning as this will help to raise awareness of the available tourism opportunities waiting to be discovered on the East coast of the island.
Anuradhapura Kingdom
Anuradhapura Kingdom was built by King Pandukabhya, son of Princess Unmada chithtra. The city was the first of it's kind with well designed sanitary system, Gardens, Irrigation and Water supply systems, Temples, cemeteries and burial grounds, etc. The city was then became the capital city of Sri Lanka and flourished under many subsequent Kings ruled for centuries.
Anuradhapura Kingdom was highly vulnerable to invasions from South India and suffered usurp of throne several times, by invading Kings from south India. Singhalese Kings have managed to defeat the invaders after reorganizing the troops, although the invading kings ruled in the mean time. One such historic battle held Between King Dutugamunu and South Indian King, Elara. In that, King Elara was defeated and King Dutugamunu ruled the country in single sovereignty.
The Anuradhapura Kingdom was under constant threat from south Indian kingdoms. The King Mahinda V ascended to throne in 982 A.C, and was the last Sinhalese king to rule the country from Glorious city. At this time the South Indian realm Chola, became very powerful under the Great Rajaraja (985- 1018 A.C) and conquered Sri Lanka. The King Mahinda was captured and imprisoned in South India.
The South Indians ruled the country for next 75 years. They shifted the Capital city to Polonnaruwa due to strategic reasons after considering the vulnerably for attacks from both native Sinhalese people and other south Indian Kingdoms.
Wednesday 17 June 2009
"Anuradhapura The Birthplace of Sinhala Civilization"
The Sri Mahabodhi Tree
It is hard to believe; but without a shadow of doubt—that this small tree with limbs so slender that they must be supported on iron crutches, is the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world (2,200 years).
A branch of the very Bo beneath which (at Buddha Gaya in North India) the Buddha himself found Enlightenment, was brought to Sri Lanka in the 3rd Century B.C. by the Princess/religieuse Sanghamitta; a sister of the saint Mahinda.
It has never since been without its hereditary attendants and the care, to the very end, of the country’s kings. As lately as the reign of the last of them (Sri Vikrama Rajasingha, whom the British captured and deported); a wall was built by royal command to repair the platform on which it grows. In 1966 it was enclosed in a golden railing.
TOP
Loha Prasada - The Brazen Palace
A roof of copper over this primordial skyscraper bestowed upon it, its name. This work of Duttha Gamini is known to have burned down only 15 years after its building; which leads to the surmise that it was largely a wooden structure.
The 1,600 pillars (40 x 40) that now mark the site are historically ascribed to king Parakrama Bahu the Great (1153—1186 A.D.) of Polonnaruwa. The original building was of 9 graded stories and is said to have had one thousand rooms.
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The Mahathupa - Ruwanweli Dagaba
The Mahathupa (Great Thupa) is today known as the Ruvanveliseya Dagaba. This is the centre piece of The Maha vihara (Great Monastery). The Maha vihara, because of it's long history of guarding the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, and because its monks kept the most sacred shrines at Anuradhapura, was the most important monastery of the city. Although not it's true height and original form, the fine white Ruvanveliseya Dagaba, guarded by a 'wall of elephants', still looks magnificent.
A dagaba or thupa (relic chamber), is a dome which is built over sacred relics, the bodily remains of the Buddha. King Duttha Gamini had already built the Mirisavati and his magnificent Brazen Palace, but he wanted something bigger and better for his greatest work.
It is said that this cost the king 6.4 million coins in wages, and that the workers received food and clothing and a considerable 'extras' for the work.
On top of this beautiful 'bubble' shaped Mahathupa was a ruby as big as a man's fist, and today the Burmese people have donated a rock crystal, which is 2 feet high (60cm) to replace it.
TOP
The Thuparama Dagaba
The Thuparama was the first Buddhist building at Anuradhapura. It was built by King Devanampiya Tissa to enshrine the Buddha’s collar bone. Originally of the “paddy heap” shape, its present “bell” shape dates to reconstruction in the 1840s. The graceful monolithic pillars surrounding it once upheld a circular roof making the shrine a Vata Dage (Circular—Relic—house) a characteristically Sinhala architectural feature.
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The Jetavana Dagaba
To the east of the Mahathupa lies an enormous brick dagaba, the Jetavana. The dagaba was originally built to a height of 400 feet (120 Metres), making it the 3rd largest building in the world at that time. The two taller buildings were the biggest of the Egyptian pyramids, built two thousand years before.
Mahasena built this massive dagaba in the 3rd Century AD, in a apparent show of strength and support to the Sagaliya sect of the Buddhist order which he followed. This was against strong opposition from the powerful and established orthodox Maha vihara order.
The dagaba is recorded to having a concrete base, and foundations of brick 26 feet deep (12m).
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The Abhayagiri Monastery & Dagaba
Established by King Vattagamini in 88 BC, the Uttravihara (Northern Monastery) is now known as the Abhayagiri Monastery. This was a result of the King being jeered by a Jain hermit, while fleeing from from the South Indians, after losing his throne. He spent 14 years 'in the wilderness'.
When he returned to power, he destroyed the Jain Monastery, and around the the Jotiya shrine, he built a Buddhist monastery.
It was the largest monastery in Sri Lanka for about 600 years. It housed 5000 monks in its grounds of more than 500 acres (235 hectares), and was at the time the most powerful institution in the country after the king.
Here in the grounds of the Abhayagiri you will see some of the most beautiful architecture and sculpture in Anuradhapura. Since the chronicle of the Northern Monastery has not survived. and the Great Chronicle does not devote much space to it's rival monastery (the Great chronicle was written by an orthodox Maha vihara monk - the monks of the Abhayagiri were labeled as 'Heretics').
The Abhayagiri Dagaba itself was the work of King Gajabahu (114 - 136). and it reached a height of 370 feet (115m), and although rather smaller than the Jetavana dagaba, was the second largest stupa in the world. It is one of the eight holy shrines of the Buddhists.
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The Samadhi Buddha
Samadhi is a state of deep meditation, and the Lord Buddha is represented in this position after gaining enlightenment. This 4th Century AD statue of the Buddha in meditative pose is acknowledged worldwide as a masterpiece. The Indian Nationalist leader, Nehru, derived strength from contemplating his statue, during his imprisonment by the British.
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The Kuttam Pokuna - The Twin Ponds
The twin ponds are a magnificent example of landscape architecture built on a grand scale. The ponds are in fact not twins at all, pond (b) being longer by 40 feet than pond (a). The stone molding of the baths and the flights of steps leading to the water are graceful and austere, but above all natural. Apart from their beauty, the twin ponds are very functional. Water which is fed through an inlet is cleaned and purified several times over; before the cool water gushes out into the pond through a lions-head spout.
Besides this spout is a Naga stone, perhaps the best in Sri Lanka. The water eventually drains away from pond (b).
TOP
The Mirisavati Dagaba
King Duttha Gamini celebrated the seventh day after his victory with a water festival at the Tissa tank. Nearby on the shore he planted his spear (the King’s spear, generally containing a Relic of the Buddha, was the royal standard in battle) and laid his clothes.
Here he built his first Dagaba, enshrining in it his spear with its Relic—in expiation, as he himself explained, of his impiety in having once eaten a relish (miris) “without a thought of the Brotherhood”. The Vahalkadas (frontispieces) are particularly striking.
Major archaeological research, conservation and excavations are being conducted in Anuradhapura by the Archaeological Department and UNESCO in a project known as the ‘Cultural Triangle’.
Tuesday 16 June 2009
Facts at a glance
Facts at a glance
Country Name Sri Lanka
Size 65,525 sq km
Location An island off the south-eastern cost shores of India, 880 km north of the equator, in the Indian Ocean.
Capital Sri Jayawardenepura
Commercial Capital Colombo
Government
Sri Lanka is a free, independent and sovereign nation with a population of 20,926,315 (July 2007 est.). Legislative power is exercised by a Parliament, elected by universal franchise on proportional representation basis. A President, who is also elected by the people, exercises executive power inclusive of defence. Sri Lanka enjoys a multi party system, and the people vote to elect a new government every six years.
National Flag
National Flag of Sri Lanka is the Lion Flag. A Lion bearing a sword in its right hand is depicted in gold on red background with a yellow border. Four Bo leaves pointing inwards are at the four corners. Two vertical bands of green and orange at the left end represent the minority ethnic groups. It is an adaptation of the standard of the last King of Sri Lanka.
National Anthem
"Sri Lanka Matha" composed by late Ananda Samarakoon.
Click on the Speaker Icon to listen to a few bars of the Anthem
National Flower The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata).
Population 20,926,315 million
Population growth rate 1.3%
Population Density 309 people per sq km
Life Expectancy at Birth 74 female, 64 male
Literacy rate :-
Female 87.9
Male 92.5
Highest waterfall
bambarakanda 241 meters
Highest Peak Piduruthalagala 2524 m
Longest river Mahaweli 335 Km
Rainy Season S W Monsoon( May to August )
NE Monsoon (November -Feb)
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil and English are widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages where it might be Sinhala only or Tamil only.
Ethnic Groups
Sinhalese- 74 per cent; Tamil- 18 per cent; Muslim -7 per cent; Burgher (descendants of Dutch and Portuguese colonist) and others- 1 per cent
Religions
Buddhism- 70 per cent; Hinduism- 16 per cent; Christianity- 7 per cent; Islam-7 per cent
Climate
Low Lands – tropical, average 27C
Central Hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon is from December t0 January. Sri Lanka climate is ideal for holiday-makers throughout the year.
Annual per capita GNP US$870
Industries
Processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco.
Agriculture - Products
Rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, roots, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, meat
Currency
Sri Lanka follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs.10,20,50,100,200, 50, 1000 & 2000. Coins are issued in values of Cts. 25 and 50 and Rs.1,2,5 and 10. The intervention currency continuously will be the US Dollar.
Visa
Residents from permitted countries are issued visas on arrival. Consult your local Sri Lanka embassy, consulate, tourist office or your travel agent.
Working Days Five working days (Monday to Friday)
Business Hours Government offices 9.00 am. -5.00 pm, Monday to Friday
Banks 9.00 am. to 1.00pm. or 3.00pm
Monday to Saturday
Post Office 8.30am- 5.00pm
Monday to Friday
8.30am – 1.00pm on Saturday. The Central Mail Exchange, at D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, (Telephone : 2326203) is open 24-hours.
Tuesday 9 June 2009
Learn why Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for your next business event.
Accessibility
Sri Lanka is a hub in Airline traffic with many international airlines operating to Sri Lanka. National Carrier, SriLankan Airlines operates to over 25 Countries covering over 45 cities, using modern Airbus fleet.
Other airlines operating to Sri Lanka include Singapore Airlines, Emirates, Thai Airways, Royal Jordanian, Gulf Air, Austrian Air, Checz Airlines, Malaysian Airlines, Indian Airlines, Kuwait Airways, LTU, Qatar Airways and Cathey Pacific.
Value for money
In Comparison with many other competing destinations, visitors have confirmed that visiting Sri Lanka is value for money as all the packages come to you at a reasonable cost. Do contact our industry members for prices for various packages depending on your requirements.
Facilities
Visitors from well over 80 countries could visit Sri Lanka without having prior visas. They receive visa on arrival for a period of one month free of charge. The modern Airport in Colombo has arrangements for visitors to spend least amount of time through procedures and controls unless they wish to spend time in the duty free shopping lounge.
Sri Lanka offers all modern facilities for Conferences, Exhibitions and Events with state of the Art Conference and Exhibition Centers, Conference Hotels, Excellent Telecommunication systems, Convenient transport system, Up-to-date Banking system, and Broad Band Web / Email facilities.
These facilities are complimented with Dedicated Conference Departments, Special Services for MICE Travelers and Conferences Delegates, Special Hospitality Desks and Cuisine from Eastern to Western.
Diversity
Sri Lanka is a unique destination which offers diversity of attractions from Beaches, Mountains, Wild Life to Ancient cities. Visitors and Conference delegates have the option of selecting one or more locations for their event. We recommend that you visit Sri Lanka Tourism webpage http://www.srilankatourism.org for detailed description of diversity in Sri Lanka.
Saturday 6 June 2009
Dolphin/Whale Watching
Whale and Dolphin watching is a seasonal activity and sightings are certain on the west coast in locations from Kalpitiya which is a lesser known paradise within a paradise, its natural beauty, close knit fishing community, fresh sea food, the Dutch Fort and St.Peter's Kirk Church provide intersting and varied possibilities for the visitor.Whale & dolphin watching tours are arranged by the Kalpitiya Luxury Camping
and the ideal season is November to March. The east coast off Trincomalee is preferable from June to September. Whale and dolphin sightings are additionally available in the western coastal cities of Alutgama, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean. The above areas have an abundance of hotels which provide the necessary
Whales that can be seen here include:-
Common Blue Whales , Bryde's Whales , Sperm Whales , Killer Whales , False Killer , Dwarf , Melon Headed Whales , Cuvier's Beaked Whales and if lucky, the elusive Indian Blue Whales.
Dolphine that can be seen include:-
Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Fraser's Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Dolphins and the Bottlenose Dolphins.
Whale and Dolphin watching is a seasonal activity and sightings are certain on the west coast in locations from Kalpitiya which is a lesser known paradise within a paradise, its natural beauty, close knit fishing community, fresh sea food, the Dutch Fort and St.Peter's Kirk Church provide intersting and varied possibilities for the visitor.Whale & dolphin watching tours are arranged by the Kalpitiya Luxury Camping
and the ideal season is November to March. The east coast off Trincomalee is preferable from June to September. Whale and dolphin sightings are additionally available in the western coastal cities of Alutgama, Ambalangoda and Hikkaduwa. Sri Lanka is situated within the International Whaling Commission's protected zone in the Indian Ocean. The above areas have an abundance of hotels which provide the necessary
Whales that can be seen here include:-
Common Blue Whales , Bryde's Whales , Sperm Whales , Killer Whales , False Killer , Dwarf , Melon Headed Whales , Cuvier's Beaked Whales and if lucky, the elusive Indian Blue Whales.
Dolphine that can be seen include:-
Spotted Dolphins, Spinner Dolphins, Fraser's Dolphins, Risso's Dolphins, Common Dolphins and the Bottlenose Dolphins.
Friday 5 June 2009
Thursday 4 June 2009
New place in the sun, Great wind surfing
Since the Sri Lanka civil war is coming to end after 30 years. This ideal wind surfing paradise in the east coast of Sri Lanka is a hidden treasure.
you come for surfing, between May and September is the period when the wind is at its strongest. Arugam Bay on the east coast is, in particular, the Sri Lanka's best beach for surfing especially the surfing season (between April and September) when the town and the beach get the most crowded. Some beaches, however, in the southwestern coast such as Hikkaduwa are also popular for good surfs; in fact, Hikkaduwa is a long time favorite for international surfers. Surfing gears such as surfboards, boogie boards, and wetties can be hired in the shops beside the beaches. Second hand gears are also available.
If you head east to Arugam bay its one of remote beach of your own. Up and coming after tsunami and end of civil war this beach provide you the best to offer. Tranquility, isolated from rest of world, friendly local population seen outsiders after many years offer friendly atmosphere since they all happy experience of new visitors to the great sandy beaches of Island of Sri Lanka.
you come for surfing, between May and September is the period when the wind is at its strongest. Arugam Bay on the east coast is, in particular, the Sri Lanka's best beach for surfing especially the surfing season (between April and September) when the town and the beach get the most crowded. Some beaches, however, in the southwestern coast such as Hikkaduwa are also popular for good surfs; in fact, Hikkaduwa is a long time favorite for international surfers. Surfing gears such as surfboards, boogie boards, and wetties can be hired in the shops beside the beaches. Second hand gears are also available.
If you head east to Arugam bay its one of remote beach of your own. Up and coming after tsunami and end of civil war this beach provide you the best to offer. Tranquility, isolated from rest of world, friendly local population seen outsiders after many years offer friendly atmosphere since they all happy experience of new visitors to the great sandy beaches of Island of Sri Lanka.
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