Sigiriya Rock

Are you somewhere around Dambulla area in Central Province, Sri Lanka? Or are you checking places which give thrilled moment and also to view some famous heritages? If so, it’s a great opportunity to have a rock climbing as well to discover one of world’s famous and one of Sri Lanka’s main heritages, which is located near Dambulla, Sri Lanka and also Sigiriya Rock is one of great ancient cities in Sri Lanka, which proudly stands there with a unique shape and is 200m in height. Even though it is well known as a King Kashyapa’s Fortress as well as Kingdom, Sigiriya Rock has long history, which dates go back from 3rd Century BC to 1st century AD, where it was occupied by monks to dwell and had been inhabitant by folks.  

Because of power greediness, King Kashyapa had killed his father and was scared to his life and escaped from his brother, Prince Mugalan and finally he opted this picturesque place as his fortress as well as his Kingdom in the 5thcentury AD.  During his 18 years’ reign time (from 477 AD to 495 AD), he added various marvels and beautiful things to this rocky site, which are still visible to prove the worthy of this heritage. According to the history, after 18 year, King Kashyapa had a war with his brother, prince Mugalan, and then King Kashyapa had killed himself.

During King Kashyapa’s 18 years ruling time, he added many things which were impacted to value this significant look of Sigiriya Rock and due to his amazing work, he is recognized as a sovereign with supreme thoughts put into reality to create a Sri Lankan elegant wonder with high quality art and engineering skills that could even challenge the outer world constructions at that time. Even today, travelers are able to discover the amazing water technology at the summit of this rocky site as well as beautiful rock paintings called Sigiri Damsels (locally known as 'Sigiri Apsaras' ). Royal pleasure gardens, boulder gardens, rock sculptures, mirror wall, audience hall and moats and parts of ancient fortress are some of main attractions of Sigiriya Rock.

However, this extraordinary site, Sigiriya Rock can’t be known as a historical site only, but also, it’s one of best picturesque and breath-stealing viewed rock.  And Dambulla area and Matale district is well known for many other historical places and is rich in lush world including Knuckles Mountain Range, Dambulla Rock Temple, Hunnas Waterfall and Pleasure Island, that anyone can get lost with Sri Lanka’s uniqueness, history as well as amazing nature, while experiencing and relaxing at best Hotels in Sri Lanka, especially at Hotels in Sigiriya.

Pasikuda Beach – An Idyll for Making Your Toes Happy

Checking a best dramatic landscape with a ring of white sand, to spend your holiday? Out of many spectacular and beautiful beaches around the world, Pasikuda Beach is an attractive beach in Asia, located in Batticaloa, Sri Lanka. Not only the picturesque sights, but Pasikuda Beach is a perfect family-friendly sandy spot also with wide sand, calm waves and easily accessible amenities. So, for the travelers who are seeking a beach which has picturesque views and is family-friendly beach, Pasikuda Beach will be idylls to enjoy.

Beautiful Pasikuda lies between Kalkudah and Indian Ocean, with thirty five kilometers from Batticaloa town in Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. With shallow and crystal clear water, golden bay, coral reefs, palm trees and white sand and how great this nature creation makes pleasure to spend the leisure time freely, of not having to look both ways to cross the street before feeling the sand between the toes of yours! One of significant thing of this Pasikuda Beach is that it let beach lovers to walk 50m out to sea and parents can let their kid to enjoy at this beach also. And throughout the year, the beach is crowded by local as well as foreign beach lovers due to it’s a nest place to have many water activities such as kite surfing, boogie boarding to surfing, snorkeling and sailing across in a canoe, while it is able to have a safe environment for swimming. As Pasikuda Beach is with the attraction of surfing the waves, pulling off cool systems, jumping high off the wave and spinning in the air, during the seasons, it is a popular beach of water surfing sportsmen and women as well as it is an ideal destination for the beginners in water surfing too.

If you’re looking for have your next warm-weather escape, this is an unspoiled beach with many unobstructed views, Pasikuda Beach is the perfect destination to experience sun bath and also it is a best holiday venue to have diving to surfing, opt of abundant displays of marine life, to walk along the long shallow coastline and enjoy the pristine sandbank.

Therefore, to return home with “got-there-first bragging rights”, add Pasikuda Beach for your Sri Lanka’s journey! And, not only this captivating destination, but there are many other attractions can be discovered in Batticaloa also, including Kalkudah Beach, Kallady Beach and Batticaloa Fort. All these wonders in eastern Province can be enjoyed while relaxing at best and affordable Hotels & Accommodations in Batticaloa, out of endless selection of Hotels in Batticaloa which are culturally and architecturally distinctive.

Get Inspired by Nature - Horton Plains

Horton Plains – One of best place that you can gaze the breath-stealing views of Sri Lanka. This unique bio diverse travel destination is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, which immerses you with nature and is in the highest plateau of the country and is 32km away from Nuwara Eliya and it is 2100m-2300m in altitude. Horton Plains, a unique ecological zone was stated as a national park in 1988 and it is the only national park in the hill country of Sri Lanka.
 
While this beautiful landscape is covered by Kirigalpoththa, Sri Lanka's second highest mountain (2,393m) and by 2,359 meters high Thotupola Kanda, Sri Lanka's third highest mountain, it stores rain water and feeds some of major rivers “Mahaweli, Kelani and Walawe rivers” of the country and the beautiful Belihul Oya, Bogawanthalawa Oya and Agra Oya are some of reservoirs which are cradled by Horton Plains. And this Horton Plains is one of the most important catchment zones in Sri Lanka which is rich with various types of plant life and animal life. Montane forest, endemic plants including Royal Purple Binara (Exacum macranthum) Flower, flora, mammal species such as Barking Deer, Giant Squirrel, Bear Monkeys, Wild Boar, Wild Hare and Sri Lanka’s Leopard and Fishing Cats and 52 species of endemic birds and also 11 species of migrants species can be seen here.

Yellow Eared Bulbul, Sri Lanka White Eye, Whistling Thrush, Dull Blue Flycatcher, the Mountain Hawk Eagle, Majestic Sambar are common endemic bird views of Horton Plains that can be captured to your camera. In addition to the wildlife and plant life, Horton Plains is popular for the sheer precipice of World's End with the 870 meters drop, which is almost 5km along a flat path. And also travelers can view the beautiful Baker's Falls also. Rolling mist, crystal clear streams meander through the grasslands, cold nights, strong winds and wildlife infuse the atmosphere with a captivating sense of mystery in Horton Plains and “November to February” is the best time to explore this beautiful unique nature attraction.

In addition to this World Heritage – Horton Plains National park, which is declared by UNESCO in 2010, Victoria Park, Hakgala Botanical Gardens and Kande Ela Forest Park are some of other bio diverse attractions in Nuwara Eliya, that all makes a sense of the rich eco-tourism in Sri Lanka while you fancy yourself in nature and tasting the delicious foods in Sri Lanka, experiencing the rich cultural events by staying at best Hotels in Sri Lanka, especially at Hotels in Nuwara Eliya.

Exploring the Richest Beach Paradise – Nilaveli Beach

Are you looking for one of world’s best destinations for your next warm-weather getaway? Nilaveli Beach is one of most spectacular, charmed and beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka, among an infinite number of beaches around the world, which immediately envelops you in natural splendor to spend your holiday in a sandy spot. This finest unspoiled beach offers great experience to the travelers with pristine white dusty calm waves, wide sand, the abundant displays of marine life around Nilaveli and picturesque sights.
The admirable and attractive Nilaveli Beach lies about 275km away from Colombo city and is located about 15km north of Trincomalee, Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This amazing beach is well known for one of the cleanest sand beaches in Asia as well as one of the purest white sand beaches in Asia.  Nilaveli Beach is one of Sri Lanka’s ideal places for travelers to have crystal blue sea water bathing due to calm waves. And this magical east coast shoreline is popular for sun baths, sea bathing, surfing, snorkeling and diving. Though all water activities on Nilaveli Beach can be enjoyed throughout the year, it is crowded from April to October by thousands of both local and foreign beach lovers. While plenty of bending palms over the golden sand enrich its’ beauty, this untouched premier beach is a perfect destination for having Scuba diving, fishing, whale watching activities and other various water sports. 
Therefore, Nilaveli Beach is one of best travel destination and a tropical paradise in Eastern province, Sri Lanka to spend your holidays and leisure times that impressing yourself with fine sand and tranquil blue waters, while relaxing at best and affordable Hotels in Trincomalee, out of all-inclusive Hotels in Sri Lanka, which are culturally and architecturally distinctive, featuring a variety of food, music and live entertainment. And, not only this captivating destination, but there are many other attractive beaches can be discovered and enjoyed in Eastern Province also, including Kalkudah Beach, Kallady Beach, Arugam Bay Beach and Pasikuda Beach. Don’t miss to add all these spectacular destinations in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka, that gives an unforgettable pleasure! - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/56973/exploring-the-richest-beach-paradise-nilaveli-beach#sthash.768O2l8W.dpuf

Laxapana Waterfall

Laxapana Waterfall is an enchanting waterfall in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka. At 129 meters high, it is the 08th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and also it is recorded as the 625th highest waterfall in the world. This is much-loved waterfall captivating all who visit her. This beautiful waterfall is formed by Maskeliya Oya. People have returned, generation after generation to take in the spirit and presence of this Special place.

The name “Laxapana” derives from two Sinhala words, which is “Laxa” and “pahan or pashanav”. The literarily meaning of “Laxa” is “hundred thousand” and meaning of “pahan or pashanav(pana)” is “rocks”. So, the meaning of “Laxapana” is a “hundred thousands of rocks”. This Laxapana Waterfall was known as “Veddha Hiti Ella (Vedahiti Ella)” at early days, which means that indigenous local tribesmen’s lived place. And there are few legends of thisLaxapana Waterfall. One legend is that residents believe this place where Buddha mended his saffron robe when he was visiting Sri Pada. And also it is said that a golden receptacle appears beneath the bed of the water, when there is less water at drought times and locals have believed this wonder brings rain to this area. However, this amazing Laxapana Waterfall is located in an attractive location which has many hidden caves natural tunnels. It were used by early Sri Lanka’s inhabitants are contained at the surrounding mountains of this Laxapana Waterfall. However, travelers can enjoy many fascinating views of this waterfall.

Especially at the cement step path to the base of this waterfall, travelers can enjoy a spectacular view of the surrounding Laxapana valley. Once travelers go down towards the lower slopes, they can hear a thunderous roar at a distance. This famous waterfall has plenty of flat rock pools at the wide base. Hence, Laxapana Waterfall is one of ideal locations to relax and revive in Sri Lanka. And the other most eye catching thing of this Laxapana waterfall is the white lace like waters fall down beautifully enveloping the base in a magical mist. Therefore, travelers those who travelers who wish to get a little wet and who love to have hiking, Nuwara Eliya and Ratnapura areas are some of best areas in Sri Lanka and this Laxapana Waterfall is one of the best destinations. And there are many other noteworthy things of bio diversity to see and enjoy there including Bambarakanda Waterfall, Bakers Waterfall, St. Clairs Waterfall and Diyaluma Waterfall. And there is wide range of eco-friendly affordable and best Nuwara Eliya hotels and Ratnapura Hotels available, out of endless selection of Hotels in Sri Lanka. So, let this pearl refresh and restore you, allowing a quality of nurturing and stopping time to be experienced! - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/56955/laxapana-waterfall#sthash.o6WYxrIi.dpuf

Keep Waterdrops falling on your head - Bambarakanda Waterfall

Are you excited to discover the wonderful and the tallest nature creation more than just a pretty waterfall in Sri Lanka? Bambarakanda Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and it’s one of best picturesque waterfalls that impress travelers with its might, height and its dramatic location. This spectacular waterfall is located in Badulla district, Sri Lanka and it is 241 meters in height. And it has been recognized as the 299th highest waterfall in the world. Due to its impressive height, incredible scenery and awe-inspiring power of water, it has been more popular among worldwide travelers.

This Bambarakanda Waterfall is formed by a stream called “Kuda Oya” which starts from Horton Plains above. The path of this Bambarakanda Waterfall also gives the excitement to the tourists due to it has winds and snakes its way across a dramatic scenery with massive mountain ranges and lush plains stalking the route. And also this path has a calm sight with many streams and rivers. So, through the lush greenery and crossing a quaint bridge that shines over a cascading stream, travelers will have a short walk to this beautiful Bambarakanda Waterfall. At this beautiful destination, travelers can enjoy and experience the non-stop spray of icy water. Not only that, but they also have a rock pool at the base of this waterfall during the dry season. During the dry season, it’s a bather friendly waterfall.  Noisy sound of falling water of this waterfall during it is in full swing and high spray of the water which reminding the cooling power of water are some of significant things of this Bambarakanda Waterfall. And the beauty of the majestic cascading falls which are created and heightened by the gushing water nonstop bouncing off rock shelves on its way down is one of best view of this Bambarakanda Waterfall.

Therefore, travelers who wish to feel the power of the planet's mightiest waterfalls, Bambarakanda Waterfall in Sri Lanka will be a best travel destination. Would you like to view and enjoy any other waterfalls which give indescribable feeling of pleasure; by its constant beating, it quickens the circulation and provides a fine glow all over the body; and has, besides, in Sri Lanka? Bakers Waterfall, Devon Waterfall, St Clairs Waterfall and Diyaluma Waterfall are some of them. And there is wide range of eco-friendly affordable and best Nuwara Eliya hotels and Ratnapura Hotels available, out of endless selection of Hotels in Sri Lanka. Thus, be hastening, it’s time to get hooked easily on one of roaring natural wonders; Bambarakanda Waterfall!

Sri Lanka Tourism to highlight the 1706th Esala Perahera at Japan JATA World Expo 2015

JATA Tourism EXPO 2015 Japan, internationally recognized as one of the largest travel events in the world which presents Japan as a tourism nation to the world that not only attracts the leisure sector but also other industries will take place on the 25th of September 2015 in Tokyo. The Sri Lanka as a country which has highest number of celebrations in a country will highlight one of the most colorful and grandest Buddhist festival in the country is known as the Esela Perahera at JATA Tourism Expo 2015. The Sri Lankan contingent of 26 key industry tourism professionals who will represent the country that has recorded a flat arrival growth as at end August 2015 with 25,973 visitors. We must now focus correct the market to attract a fifty thousand by end Mid year 2016 said Chairman Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau Dr. Rohantha Athukorala. More popularly known at JATA it is considered one of the ideal forums to showcase varied destinations and for for travel professionals to exchange travel information and conduct one-to-one business meetings, while inspiring consumers said the official website of JATA 2015. The 2015 edition is said to attract150 countries and regions and has the potential to directly interact with the 150, 000 visitors said the conference organizer which is why Sri Lanka is taking a unique positioning said Dr Athukorala. We will show case the Kandy ‘Esala Perahera’ recorded as one of the oldest parades in the world is held yearly and believed to commemorate the first teaching given by Lord Buddha after he attained enlightenment.  This years edition saw 153 of elephants and tuskers that were robed, illuminated and parade the streets in discipline leaving any spectator awestruck. Elephants- one of Sri Lanka’s Big five mammals; majestic gentle who add nothing but splendor to this grand festival. The show stopper of the parade is theTusker who walks in supreme grace and great pride carrying the glorious golden casket called the ‘Karaduwa’ sheltered with a canopy which contains the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. The musicians, dancers and all participants of the parade are those taking over their duties fromgeneration after generation. Families are bound by their faith and dedication to participate in this event year after year despite their residence and other career obligations said The communique from the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau. We now need to tell this wonderful story to the world said Chairman Dr Athukorala.  The 2015 edition attracted around 15,000 visitors with over 25 media teams covering the perahera. A live feed of the event was transmitted to over 52 countries through the Asian Sat 5 satellite. The Kandy Dalada Maligawa, the Governing body for the perahera and the temple in which the sacred tooth relic is kept, had a live stream of the event on their official website as well as youtube and all other social media said Athukorala aiming to replicate the marketing model in Japan. 

Sri Lanka Tourism showcase “One Island, Thousand Treasures”

Sri Lanka Tourism gathered momentum at the recently concluded IFTM Travel and Tourism Fair in Porte De Versailles –Paris, France, by making strong marketing statement for the country by showcasing the destination under the theme “Sri Lanka – One Island, Thousand Treasures”. The 37th edition of the world's third largest travel show IFTM Top Resa 2015 took place in Paris Porte De Versailles from 27th September to 02nd October 2015. The Sri Lanka delegation at IFTM Top Resa was led by the Deputy Minister of Tourism & Christian Affairs Hon. Arundika Fernando and The Ambassador of Sri Lanka in France H.E. Mr. Tilak Ranaviraja along with the high ranking officials from the Ministry of Tourism ,Embassy of Sri Lanka in Paris and Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau. Representing Sri Lanka, 46 travel trade representatives from top 20 travel and tourism agencies and hotel sector took part in this event. At the IFTM total number of 31,763 trade professionals from 163 countries participated displaying 1,560 brands occupying 492 stands at 31,000 m2 of exhibition space.  - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/91761/sri-lanka-tourism-showcase-one-island-thousand-treasures-at-iftm-travel-fair-paris-france-2015#sthash.9laGUDB3.dpuf.

The event was followed by a cultural evening showcasing traditional Sri Lankan dance performances with a networking session for French Travel Agents and media. - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/91761/sri-lanka-tourism-showcase-one-island-thousand-treasures-at-iftm-travel-fair-paris-france-2015#sthash.9laGUDB3.dpuf

QATAR AIRWAYS LAUNCHES THE FIRST-OF-ITS-KIND TRAVEL FESTIVAL, ITS BIGGEST PROMOTION EVER -

Choose from dream deals including flight offers up to 40% off, 2-for-1 companion fares, group & family offers and hotel & car rental discounts  This is no ordinary sale DOHA, Qatar – Qatar Airways has launched a first-of-its-kind Travel Festival offering travellers an exceptional choice of dream deals suited for a variety of travel needs.  The Qatar Airways Travel Festival has something for everyone, with exclusively designed packages including discounts of up to 40%, companion fares for 2-for-1 tickets, family and group discounts, access to special discounts on car rental and hotel deals and much more.* All passengers who book online via qatarairways.com/travelfestival during this seven-day period will be automatically entered into a draw to win one of the 150 prizes being given out per day. Prizes include seven million Qmiles over the seven-day period, complimentary flights, upgrades to Business Class, hotel packages, discount shopping vouchers to spend across all Qatar Duty Free boutiques, and car rental discounts. With the addition of triple Qmiles for bookings made through the Qatar Airways website, everybody is a winner in the Qatar Airways Travel Festival.*  The Travel Festival will be available for sale from 11 - 17 January 2016 for travel between 19 January through to 15 December 2016. Offers applicable on Economy and Business class return airfares to more than 150 destinations including Europe, the Middle East, Indian Sub-continent, Asia Pacific, Africa, and the Americas.  Passengers may book online at qatarairways.com/travelfestival, by visiting any Qatar Airways’ sales office or through appointed travel partners.  Qatar Airways Chief Commercial Officer, Dr. Hugh Dunleavy, said: “The Qatar Airways Travel Festival is an amazing opportunity for travellers to choose the best deal for themselves among a variety of exclusively designed packages.  At Qatar Airways, we aim to inspire travellers to go beyond the ordinary. We offer our customers a chance to go anywhere they dream and to do it with the world’s best airline.” *Terms and conditions apply. Seats and subject to availability and blackout dates apply.  Please review at time of booking at qatarairways.com - See more at: http://www.dailymirror.lk/102473/qatar-airways-launches-the-first-of-its-kind-travel-festival-its-biggest-promotion-ever#sthash.xIuBKDFs.dpuf