UdaWalawe National Park
UdaWalawe, in Sri Lanka's south-central sector, is the area which most resembles an African game park. Wildlife reports say there are about 500 elephants in the park and they often roam in herds of up to 100. Leopards, buffalo, deer and sloth bears keep them company along with mongooses, bandicoots, foxes, water monitor lizards and crocodiles. A half-day tour is the best way to see the 30,821 hectares of protected area parked on the UdaWalawe Reservoir. Go in the early morning or late afternoon


Minneria National Park
Sitting in the centre of the cultural triangle, Minneria is a good alternative to the busier parks in the south and it's easy to weave in a day here between visiting the ancient cities. The dry season, preferably from June to September, is the best time to visit the 8,890 hectare park when the ancient tank, the lake that dominates the area, dries out and the grasses and shoots push through. During this time it is possible to see herds of up to 150 elephants feeding and washing, as well as toque macaques, sambur deer and leopards. The hungry bird flocks include cormorants and painted storks. Minneria, closest by car to the ancient city Polonnaruwa, was upgraded from a nature reserve to a national park because of the increased number of tourists coming to see the elephants.


Sri Lanka's World Heritage Sites – Sinharaja
Sri Lanka’s tropical rain forest is not the largest in the world. Indeed, it covers no more than about 40 square miles. But this primeval forest, a UNESCO world natural heritage site, is fiercely protected and breathtakingly beautiful.

The forest lies about 20 miles inland from the historic southern coastal town of Galle, and straddles a series of mountains and ridges in the country’s wet zone. It is not easily reached, and that has helped it to remain a naturalist’s delight.

The Sinharajah reserve is home to more than half of Sri Lanka’s endemic species of mammals and butterflies as well as many kinds of colourful birds, insects, reptiles and amphibians. The majority of the straight and lofty trees providing this protective canopy in this virgin rainforest are also known only to Sri Lanka.


Wilpattu National Park

Wilpattu national park was once the premier game park in Sri Lanka. Back in the early 1980s, it boated more than 200 game wardens, and a regular stream of visitors, before it was eventually closed because of the separatist conflict between government forces and the Tamil Tigers.

Wilpattu – south of Anaradhapura -- was reopened in 2003 amid great excitement.

But even if you don’t spot a leopard, you should see deer, water buffalo, an array of stunningly beautiful birds, swarms of butterflies, iguanas and probably elephants. You can visit for two hours or take a full-day safari across to the west coast.

Turn a corner in Wilpattu’s gently undulating, sandy plains and at least you are unlikely to run into a rush hour of safari jeeps. Take the chance to visit while Wilpattu has such a tranquil, escapist feel.


Yala National Park
Yala's world's densest leopard populations. But don't expect to see them prowling around like out of control locusts - there are only 35 of them. For the best viewing of this endangered subspecies, Panthera Pardus kotiya, which is only found in Sri Lanka, visit the park from February to July.

Yala, a nature reserve and national park with a total protected area of 126,768 hectares, is the best place to see a variety of wildlife because of its scrub plains, lagoons and rocky sections. The ideal time for elephants is February to July and the park's other main residents, seen with the help of a guide and a four-wheel drive, are the sloth bears, sambur deer, spotted deer, wild boar, crocodiles, monkeys and buffalos.

The park, used by hunters until it became a conservation block in 1938, closes in the dry season, usually early in September. It also has remains from 1st and 2nd century Buddhists and a 12,000-strong monastic community.


Bundala National Park
This wetland sanctuary combines 20km of beach, lagoons and scrub which host more than 150 bird species. The lagoons prove popular with crocodiles and on the land there are elephants in herds of up to 60, civets and giant squirrels. From October to January the area, near Tissamaharama on the south coast, also receives visits from the endangered marine turtles who lay their eggs on the shore.


  

 

Sri Lanka, famous for it’s “Ceylon Tea” is an island of just 66,000sq km located north of the equator at the southern tip of India. The country enjoys a rich cultural heritage dating back 2500 years which is evidenced by architectural wonders, rock fortresses, ancient relics and colourful festivals. The country’s natural environment includes cool climes of mountains, golden beaches, culture and heritage and national parks all within a few hours of each other.

Sri Lanka’s strategic location on the world’s major shipping routes has ensured that the economy has long been driven by trade. Since 1977 the concept of free trade has evolved to an extent that Sri Lanka is now South Asia’s most open economy.

    
   
Colombo
Sri Lanka's capital up to recent times, Colombo is a fascinating city, not only for a comfortable blend of east and west, but also for a cozy mixture of the past and present. It is still the commercial centre of the country. Situated 34 km. from the International Airport, Colombo has been a flourishing seaport for centuries. Today the bustle of the harbour mingles with the activity of its busy commercial, banking and shopping areas. The original trading settlers - the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankans. Colombo, with its population of over half a million is divided into fifteen zones. While in Colombo attractions worth seeing are:- Buddhists temples, Hindu temples, Mosques, Christian churches, Parliament building, Parks, Zoo, Museums and Art Galleries. A half day tour covers 40 km. and includes visits to a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, the Zoo and the residential areas.

Kandy
Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Major restoration work is in progress here by the UNESCO - aided Central Cultural Fund. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and about 80 to 100 elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley 8 km. from Kandy, where descendants of the ancient craftsmen still create items of rare elegance in metal and wood. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings. Don't miss the Peradeniya Gardens begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King, with its amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased. Sri Lanka Holiday package is never complete without Kandy . You can stay in some of the best colonial style Sri Lanka hotels. Of late there are many new 3-5 star hotels and you can view them on tsww-holidays.com in the Sri Lanka hotels section..

Nuwara Eliya
Set in the heart of the tea-country, this beautiful town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church and the famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated at 1890 metres above sea level, the air here is cool and fresh - a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo. Close to Nuwara Eliya are Horton Plains, Sri Lanka's highest and most isolated plateau. Nature lovers will revel in this wide, patna grass covered plain, the haunt of many wild yet harmless animals and the home of many species of birds. Bridle paths will take you to the precipice known as World's End - a sheer drop of 1050 metres. Acres and acres of tea with its lush green foliage extend miles across the hills and no visit to the hill country is complete without a visit to a tea estate and the chance to purchase some of the world's finest flavoured tea - our major export crop. Both Hill stations are always included in most Sri lanka Tours. The best colonial style Sri Lanka hotels are located in Nuwara Eliya.

Anuradhapura
Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are:- The Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba.

Mihintale
Population : 22,000 / District : Anuradhapura / Typical Weather : Warm & Sunny / Dist. from Colombo : 217 km Situated 11 km. east of Anuradhapura is Mihintale, regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 metres wide, leads to the summit with its splendid view of the surrounding countryside.

Polonnaurwa
Population : 106,000 / District : Polonnaruwa / Typical Weather : Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo : 216 km The island's medieval capital (11th to 13th century A.D.) is situated 216 km. from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is larger in size than the Colombo harbour. See also the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impresive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height.

Sigiriya
Population : District : Matale Typical Weather : Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo: 169 km This rock fortress was built by king Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO - sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya's 5th century Water Gardens to their former glory. Staying in this part of Sri lanka offers a great experience.

Some of the best eco Hotels of Sri lanka are located here.

Dambulla
Population : 56,000 District : Matale Typical Weather : Warm & Sunny Dist. from Colombo : 148 km Like Sigiriya, Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that King Valagam Bahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Some of the frescoes are over 2,000 years old and there is a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the living rock, some 14 metre long. Some of the best eco Hotels of Sri lanka are located in this area.

BEACHES
The beaches of Sri Lanka are some of the best you can see with golden sand and very clean. Some of the best Sri Lanka Hotels are located along the entire coast of the country.

Every Sri Lanka holiday package includes a stay at the beach. The accommodations range from 3-5 star and are the pride of the Sri lankans. You can stay in some of the best colonial style Sri Lanka hotels.

Negombo
A characteristic fishing town 37km. north of Colombo, it is a mere 6 km. from the International Airport. Set amid lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea food in plenty. Old world fishing craft like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran bring seer, skipjack, herring and mullet, pomfret and amber - jack while lobster and prawns are caught in the lagoon.

Beruwela
56 km. south of Colombo, Beruwela marks the beginning of a 130 km. stretch of beach where resort development has taken immense strides in the past few years. Good bathing may be had in the bay all year round.

Bentota
62 km. south of Colombo, the Bentota Resort Complex is a romantic rendezvous of river and sea with several hotels, railway station, post office, shopping arcade, cafeteria and an open air theatre showing folk and mask dancing with clusters of palms overlooking everything. Its has an ideal setting for a Fun Holiday

  
 
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