Pinnawala elephant orphanage

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is situated northwest of the town of Kegalle, halfway between the present capital Colombo and the ancient royal residence Kandy. It was established in 1975 by the Sri Lanka Wildlife Department in a 25 acre coconut property adjoining the Maha Oya River.

The orphanage was originally founded in order to afford care and protection to the many orphaned Elephants found in the jungles of Sri Lanka.

The orphanage which boasts to have the largest herd of captive elephants in the world is very popular and visited daily by many Sri Lankan and foreign tourists. The main attraction is clearly to observe the elephants bathing which is quite a spectacle.

Sri Dalaga Maligawa

The Temple of Tooth at kandy is the final location of the sacred tooth of the lord Buddha which was brought to srilanka during the reign of king “keerthi sri Megawarna” by prince “Dantha” and Princess “Hemamala” from the kindom of kalingu India.

It became the palladium of srilankan kings and was preciously guarded in a special shrine built within precincts of royal palace where the capital was located.

Sri Dalada Museum

This museum occupies the upper two floors of the Alut Maligawa building and contains a stunning array of gifts donated by several presidents and Buddhist leaders from across the world to the Temple of the Tooth. Letters and diary entries from the British time reveal the colonisers’ surprisingly respectful attitude to the tooth relic.

Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara

Hidden away in Kandy's leafy outskirts is the little-visited, but fascinating, Degal Doruwa Raja Maha Vihara cave temple, constructed (with the help of some obliging boulders) in the 18th century. The interior of the cave is painted head to toe in slightly faded, but captivating murals.

These fine Kandyan-era paintings depict scenes from the Jataka stories (tales from the previous lives of the Buddha). In among these are some out-of-place paintings depicting men with guns. These are likely to have been inspired by the first firearms to have arrived in Sri Lanka. Alongside the paintings is a large reclining Buddha. Visitors are likely to be shown around by one of the five resident monks.

Kandy Lake

Dominating the town is Kandy Lake. A leisurely stroll around it, with a few stops on the lakeside seats, is a pleasant way to spend a few hours, although diesel-spurting buses careening around the southern edge of the lake can mar the peace somewhat.

The nicest part to walk along is the area around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Due to some past cases of harassment, single women should not walk here alone after dark.

Duruthu Maha Perahara(Dalada Perahara)

The month of Esala (July), during which period this annual pageant is usually held, had been considered a month of celebrations and festivity, both among Indians and Sri Lankans. Even from the lifetime of the Buddha in the 6th century BC, the Esala festival was held to commemorate the Buddha's Conception, his Renunciation and the First Sermon.

Esala is also considered to be the beginning of the raining season (Vassana) when the monks commence their Retreat. Also, this month is considered to be the period when ritual performances to the protective divinities are held, (eg Pattini puja) as recorded in the text 'Pattini-Halla'. Being considered a 'chaste' month, the period is held sacred for the availability of water, hence prosperity.

Several records have been left behind by dignitaries and other visitors to the island such as Robert Knox, John Davy, etc. The description of the perahara. These accounts provide much evidence as to the constitution and organization of the present day perahara. Yet many features seem to have been added and some changed to suit the time and the available resources and conditions.Dalada procession and the social traditions are linked so much together; the month of Esala has been named as the procession month, because of the Esala feast. In the 18th century at the time of King Keerthi Sri Rajasinghe the four Devala Peraharas and Dalada Perahara were amalgamated and were made series of Peraharas. The procession is a complex procedure in which various customs are involved.

The preliminary preparation for the perahara commences at the beginning of every year. Immediately after the Wesak and Poson pageants steps are taken to inform the owners of elephants the number of tuskers and elephant required measures of repair the dresses worn by the elephants and prepare new dress if required. Measures are taken to repair the required implements like oil torches etc and to fulfill the requirements to make the perahara a success. The astrologer attached to the Sacred Tooth (Nakath Mohottala) is required to prepare an auspicious time for pageant to be inaugurated. Later a meeting of state official and delegates of voluntary associations with the patronage of the Mahasangha is summoned to discuss matters pertaining to services to be executed to make the perahara a glorious event.

Kumbal Perahera (Kumbal Procession) - The first procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic stars with the Kumbal Perhara. This is the first Kumbal Perhara shown to the infants to drive away Evil Spells and Illwill. It is a tradition that the procession parades the streets of Kandy for five days. But the Kumbal Perahara is popular and remains as an unfinished procession or a semi procession. The reason is that Nilames do not work in this procession. But the Drummers and Tuskers take part without any ceremonial costumes.

Randoli Perahera (Randoli Procession) - This could be seen only with the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic and parade the streets for whole five days which is a tradition. In the days of the Kings the Chief Queen of the Kings paraded in this procession in Palanquins. As the participation of the Queens was not proper to the procession of the Sacred Tooth Relic they were stopped but a palanquin is taken in the procession as an honor to the Queen. Today it is taken as the last item of the procession.

Maha Randoli Perahera (Grand Randoli Procession) - The Maha Randoli Perahara is the last Procession. It is the grandest event of the festival. The Tuskers come with garlands and decorated with ceremonial costumes. The Diyawadana Nilame adds a novel glamour to the procession by wearing newly stitched costume.

Spice Gardens

Sri Lanka has always been reknowned for its spices. Over 15 different spices call Sri Lanka home and many of them are traded in the international spice market. Cinnamon especially is endemic to Sri Lanka,and highest quality ‘true cinnamon’can be obtained here.

However if a visitor does not know the right places to purchase spices it is very easy to be duped for low quality spices or pay unnecessarily exorbitant prices. Visiting Sri Lanka which is a land of spices, without seeing those spices being grown would indeed be a pity too. So can both both, touring spice plantations and buying the best spices be done at the same time? The answer is –Yes!

Reasons you should visit the Spice Gardens of Sri Lanka:

1. The gardens introduce you to the different spices in Sri Lanka and their uses.

2. They also allow you to see how the spices are grown, harvested and produced.

3. High quality spices, traditional remedies and natural cosmetics made with spices are available for purchase at very fair prices.

4. The Spice Gardens are also quiet, peaceful places to spend some time close to nature.

5. The gardens give a chance to try out amazing aromatic meals complete with the spices that tease your senses are a favourite here as well.

6. The gardens are usually open for visitors, though some may charge a minor entrance fee. So it’s a great way to spend your holiday if you are on a budget.

Not all spices are grown in a single garden, of course, since various climates and soil types are necessary for cultivation of the different spices. Therefore taking a guide or finding a formal tour package with a guide and transport method is a good idea.

Traditional Wood Carving

Handicraft of woodcarving in Sri Lanka has a long history. The tradition of woodcarving in Sri Lanka is visible at Carving shops. At these Shops, miniature replicas of the low-relief wood carving done by the traditional woodcarvers can be bought at fair prices. The three dimensional carvings of ebony Elephants, Buddha are popular in Sri Lanka. Wood-carved decorative panels are used widely in Sri Lanka in the trade of interior decoration too.

Wood carving is a form of working wood by means of a cutting tool (knife) in one hand or a chisel by two hands or with one hand on a chisel and one hand on a mallet, resulting in a wooden figure or figurine, or in the sculptural ornamentation of a wooden object. The phrase may also refer to the finished product, from individual sculptures to hand-worked mouldings composing part of a tracery.

Batik Gallery

Sri Lanka’s Batik making industry was only established firmly in the last century or so though records show that it was done earlier as well. Nowadays it is a small scale industry that provides job opportunities for many talented artisans.

Many colourful Genuine Batik shops and stalls can be found in Kandy. The shops sell Batik designed clothes (including some beautiful beachwear), wall decorations, table cloths, bed sheets and etc. Most are made of cotton, but some are made of silk.

Gem Gallery

visit a gem and jewellery gallery where you may inspect the dazzling stones at close quarters using a loupe, learning to distinguish quality based on colour, size, luster, and the absence of imperfections. Finally you will see the stones being set in to jewellery.

Come discover a whole world of Gem and jewellery.

Bentota Beach

Bentota located along the South West coastline in Sri Lanka, while being 60 kilometers from Colombo. Bentota is extremely popular among the international travelers for its top class touristic facilities and services.

Bentota Beach is an ideal destination for family vacations mainly due to its protected swimming conditions. It is also a fantastic location for numerous water sports activities such as snorkeling, jet-skiing, diving, body-surfing, windsurfing and parasailing. Deep sea fishing is also a popular activity; however it depends largely on weather conditions. Another attraction is the Bentota River which is more of a beautiful tropical lagoon where visiting couples can enjoy a romantic river safari.

Bentota Beach is one of the finest and most magical beaches along the South West coastline and is also listed among the best in the island.

Mirissa Beach

Mirissa is situated about 4 kilometers south east of Weligama. Mirissa beach is one of the most beautiful beaches I the world, quitter calm deserted and hot. Beach is set in a small fishing village with beautiful scenery.

It is a peaceful sandy beach with crystal clear waters ideal for snorkeling. It is also a well-known area for whale and dolphin watching. This beach boasts some of Sri Lanka’s best and most stunning sunrises which creep up from the horizon to greet you and back again on the other side to form a breathtaking and memorable sunset.

It’s a low-key, peaceful spot that was once limited to just backpackers but is now becoming a more popular destination as travelers seek out quieter alternatives.

Elephant Safari

Get ready for an amazing elephant safari as you enthrall in this 4 hour activity, starting at around 10 AM The ride would take you over the main road, the pathways, villages, jungles, swamp and river.

Post this embark on a boat ride to visualize local village life. Learn the unique ways and the culture of the locals during a village tour.

Sri Lankan Cuisine

Foods in Sri Lanka can be hot or very mild or can be combination being very much a question of individual preference. Sri Lankan food is unique for their Culture. Many Sinhala food items are derived from Chena cultivation. Sri Lankan cuisine plays a vital role in the islanders’ life from the most auspicious Sinhala/ Hindu New Year to normal day-to-day practices.

They make milk rice and special sweets with coconut milk, floor and Honey at cultural festivals. It is recognized as one of the sixty- four types of art, “Siu Seta kalawa”. The curries come in many verities of colors and flavors blended in Sri Lankan Hot Spices has a great ayurvedic value when used in curries.Making liberal use of local fruit, such as coconut and jackfruit, seafood and an arsenal of spices, Sri Lankan cooking delivers an abundance of incredible dishes.

Here are some you shouldn't miss. Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry),Kottu (also, kottu roti),Kukul mas curry (chicken curry),Parippu (dhal curry),Hoppers (appa or appam) Also, string hoppers (indi appa or idiyappam),Polos (green jackfruit curry),Wambatu moju (eggplant/brinjals pickle),Kiribath with lunu miris, Pol Sambol (coconut relish) etc

Visit Cultural Show

The Kandy Dance cultural show is one of the most famous evening events in this city of heritage, and is a major highlight of any trip. Starting in the evening, show captivates your ears and eyes with spectacular displays of local culture and art.

Covering various aspects of Sri Lanka’s traditions, expect to see drummers, fire dancers, and more in a cultural spectacle that should not be missed.

Canoeing

Canoeing in Sri Lanka is an experience that will be etched in your memories forever. The scenic rivers and lakes are sure to mesmerize you as you drift away in to the distant magical waters.

Snorkeling/Scuba Diving

An underwater experience that will reveal the bounteous magic of the Indian Ocean, Snorkeling is a must-try on the western and eastern coasts of Sri Lanka.

Guided by professionals, find yourself swimming alongside the manta rays and sea turtles and discovering a spectacular water world you will probably not see anywhere else.

Blue Whale/Dolphin Watching

Whale and dolphin watching in Mirissa/Trinco/Kalpitiya is one of the most exciting water activities you can do in Sri Lanka during your holiday.Delight in this amazing Blue Whale watching tour, witness these huge sea animals leaping out of the water in an experience like never before.

The complete activity will take around 2-4 hours, depending up on the sight of the whales.

Turtle Watching

Turtle watching is an activity, which will test your patience and your love towards mother-nature. Watch the female turtles come ashore to lay their precious eggs, watch the delicate turtle hatchlings take their first walk on the beach. It’s a moment you’ll never forget.

Cycling

Breathe in the fresh air and enjoy some clean, unspoiled exercise as you hire a bicycle and ride along the trails of the green hills of Sri Lanka, or the cultural cities of the North Central Province or the quaint villages of the South.

Nothing brings you closer to the Sri Lankan culture as you experience the local hospitality- and beauty- firsthand.

City Tour

offers unmatched experiences and exclusive glimpses into Sri Lanka's premier city of "Old & New"

Colombo Lighthouse, The Prison Cell of the last Sri Lankan King, Lighthouse with Clock Tower designed by Lady Ward (built before the Big Ben in London),

Galle Face Promenade with cannons of World War II, South Expansion of the Colombo Harbour, York Street with remnants of British Colonial Architecture,Slave Island area, famous Hindu Kovil with a uniquely carved gopuram, the scenic Beira Lake in the heart of the city, the War Memorial, Public Library, National Museum, Nelum Pokuna Theatre, Vihara Mahadevi Park, Colombo Town Hall, and many more historical and important landmarks and places that make an interesting tapestry of the life within the city limits of Colombo