Jaffna Srilanka

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NATURAL ATTRACTIONS Jaffna’s natural characteristics range from semi - deserts of sand dunes reaching heights of 12- 15 meters at Manalkattu to numerous expanses of water. The waterscape offered by the Jaffna lagoon, which is dotted by several islands is outstanding; the outriggers and catamarans of flamboyant colours that are sailing in the lagoon make a beautiful picture of the calm blue waters. The long stretches of unspoilt, secluded beaches (like Casuarina beach and Kalmunani point near Jaffna, Thondamannar, Senthankulam and Keeramalai) are ideal for sunbathing, swimming and water skiing, as well as for sailing. A drive along the causeways linking the chain of Jaffna islands (like Kayts, Karaitive and Pungudutivu) is rewarding for the beautiful sunset is affords with austere palmyrah palms stand silhouetted against the glorious sky. Other islands like Nagadeepa and Delft are reachable only by ferry. Such a natural setting to Jaffna with its considerable water front has the potential to be developed as the “Venice of Asia” Delft, about 32 Km, south - west of the Jaffna peninsula is the outer most inhabited island. Its shore line is unique in that coral rock stands out on the beach and out at sea above the water, having peculiar and fantastic formations. Its beaches are unspoilt and the waters are shallow. It is rich in natural habitat, where one could hear the cries of sea birds, heighing of ponies, mooning of cattle, bleating of goats, and the boom of the surfs with a mix of gentle whisper of the wind. To a visitor interested in bird watching, the Jaffna islands will prove fascinating, with considerable presence of grey partridge, curlew, plover, ring dove, Indian courser, great stone plover, reef heron, lapwings, egrets and many more. It also offers fascinating bio - diversity. CULTURAL ATTRACTIONS The culture of the Jaffna peninsula has been moulded by its harsh climate, and by the protean Hindu religion, its mythology and legend. The well at Puttur, which the inhabitants believe as bottomless, is some 45 meters deep and legend has it that Rama, the hero of Epic Ramayana of Indian fame, stopped here and plunged his arrow into the soil, whence water came spurting out and he quenched his thrust from this spring that never dies. The island Kayts, according to legend, is said to be the location, from which one of the three Magi came bearing gifts for the infant Jesus. It is also believed that ships of king Soloman traded at the Kayts’ harbour. There are several Hindu temples of outstanding architectural characteristics in the peninsula, of which those at Nallur in the mainland and Nagapoosani Kovil at island Nagadeepa are the most popular. Hindu religious festivals have an atmosphere all its own. It is a feast of music, dance and colour. The last day of festival is marked by a colorful procession. There are numerous heritage sites dating from the pre - Christian time to colonial era. The Buddhist site at Kantarodai near Chunnakam dates from Pre - Christian times to about the 12th century A. D Sangalitoppu at Nallur was the residence of the provincial rulers of Jaffna, before the advent of Portuguese. Several remains including an ornamental entrance arch to the palace complex, depicting colonial influences, still survives. Despite the Jaffna fort, which is the major heritage attraction of the peninsula, there are several monuments and sites of the colonial era. The island of Delft has monuments (like its castle) that still reflect Portuguese characteristics in a skeletal form. There are smaller Dutch forts at Elephant pass, Kayts, Pooneryn and at he small islet of Hammenhiel. The remains of Dutch Church with it Portuguese origin still stands at Chankanai. Considered as architecturally, the only one of its kind in the Island, it was constructed of coral masonry with its foundations going back to 1640’s. Apart from such cultural attraction, Jaffna peninsula is also a place of pilgrimage. The fresh water spring on the beach at Keeramalai are said to contain healing water and is a popular pilgrim destination. The island Nagadeepa is said to have been hallowed by a visit of the Lord Buddha. The Sinhala Buddhists from south visit the Buddhist temple in this island to pay homage to their Master. This island is also a popular pilgrim destination of the Hindus, and the Hindu temple of Nagapoosani and the Buddhist temple that stand side by in this island showcase the religious tolerance. Katchchativu and Palaitivu are popular destinations of Christian pilgrimage where Catholics from Sri Lanka as well as from neighboring India come there in thousands. Therefore, for the local visitor, the extra-ordinary landscape features of Jaffna, with palmyrah trees, arid climate, and the presence of Hindu, Buddhist and Christian shrines are the main attractions. Apart from developing Jaffna as a major destination of tourism in Sri Lanka, it has the potential to build the ethnic and religious harmony of this war torn country. For a foreign visitor, the contrasting landscape features, cultural and bio-diversity, the monuments of colonial era, etc. provide opportunities for eco - tourism and nature-culture tourism. Therefore from an international point of view, if promoted and marketed properly, Jaffna has all the potential to be developed as a major tourist destination in South Asia by tailoring it into a showcase which combines beach/marine experience and cultural legacy. The improved connectivity in the near future by air and land for tourists will also facilitate such a Development, The close connectivity to Trincomalee of eastern sea board and even to Southern India will further enhance to develop tourism. Since the war has come to an end, with higher level of security and safety, Jaffna is slowly becoming conducive to develop tourism.HISTORICAL PLACES IN JAFFNA  *Nallur Kovil in Jaffna In the list of places of historical importance in Jaffna, Nallur Kumaran Hindu temple stands prominent to many others due to its cultural and religious significance. Nallur is considered the capital of the old Jaffna kingdom. Situated on the Point Pedro road, in close proximity to Jaffna town, this Hindu Kovil was first built in 948 A.D by Bhuvanekabhahu, Chief Minister to Chola Kulangai Arya for Lord Kumaran in Kurukkal Valavu in Nallur. In 1450, Senbaha Perumal, a warrior in King Parakramabahu’s army came from Anuradhapura to conquer Jaffna, and destroyed the temple. However, after about seven years, Senbaha Perumal who regretted his deed built the temple in Muthirai Chanthai. Again during the Portuguese invasion, it met the same fate as of 1450 A.D. and it was reconstructed in 1734 in Muthirai Chanthai. Under Dutch reign, because of the effort taken by Krishna Subbiah, a Brahmin and Ragunatha Mapana Muthaliyar, a government official in 1749, the Kumaran temple was reconstructed in its original site in Kurukkal Valavu with little changes of its architecture. *Dambakola Patuna Rajamaha Viharaya Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi of Anuradhapura, the oldest tree in the world, is among the sacred eight places of worship (Atamasthana) of Buddhists all over the world. It is the southern sprout of the original Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi at Bodhgaya in India. The sapling was brought here by Sangamitta Therani, the only daughter of King Dharmashoka of India and the sister of Arhat Mahinda who introduced Buddhism to Sri Lanka during the reign of King Devnampiyatissa (306BC-266 BC). Dambakola Patuna (Jambukola Pattana), located about 20 km from Jaffna town and 10 km from Kankasanthurai is the place where Sangamitta Therani, with the sacred sapling, landed. It was later planted in Anuradhapura Mahamewna Uyana. * Nagadeepa ViharayaThe island of Nagadeepa lying about 24 km away from the mainland was once inhabited with people belonging to Naga clan. According to the chronicles, a great battle erupted between two Naga kings, Chulodara and Mahodara over the claim of a gem-studded throne. Chulodara is the son of Mahodara's sister and the battle developed after the gem throne was given to Chulodara with the demise of the father of Mahodara who wanted to have the throne in his possession. God Sumana, a protective deity reached Lord Buddha at Jetavanarama in Sravasti to inform of this war to break out soon. Lord Buddha arrived in the island of the Nagas in the 5th year after enlightenment, preached the virtues of non-violence to the two kings and settled the dispute over the gem throne between the uncle and the nephew who offered the gem-studded throne to Lord Buddha. Later, that throne was enshrined in a stupa for Buddhists’ veneration. The arrival of Lord Buddha occurred on the Bak (April) Full Moon Poya day. Since then Buddhists gather to this sacred island to commemorate Lord Buddha's arrival. Veteran artist Solius Mendis, in his paintings at the Kelaniya Temple, describes how the Nagas became followers of Lord Buddha. According to legend, God Sumana was a resident of Nagadeepa in his previous birth and had offered some leaves from a tree to Pachcheka Buddhas to clean their alms bowls. This merit made him a deity in his next birth. *Jaffna LibraryThe first stage of construction work of the library started in 1933 according to Indo-Saracenic style designed by famous architect Narasimhan from Madras, India. It began as a private collection but with the help of primarily local citizens, it became a full-fledged library soon. The Library also preserved archival material written in Palm leaf manuscripts, original copies of regionally important historic documents and newspapers that were published hundred of years ago in the Jaffna peninsula. It thus became a place of historic and symbolic importance to Sri Lankan Tamil people. After about twenty six years of work, the first major wing of the library was opened in 1959 by then Jaffna Mayor Alfred Duraiappah. Prominent Indian librarian S.R. Ranganathan served as an advisor to ensure that the library was built to international standards. The Jaffna library became the pride of the local people as even researchers from India and other countries began to use it for their research purposes. * Jaffna FortHistoric Jaffna Fort, situated on the south of the Jaffna peninsula at the water’s edge of the lagoon is the second largest existing historic Fort in the country. This was originally built by the Portuguese in 1619 and later during the second half of the 17th and the 18th centuries Dutch who invaded the island after Portuguese re-built and expanded to facilitate their commerce. This was fortified thick and high ramparts and a wide and deep moat around it. The layout resembles a geometrically regular pentagon, which is defined by the ramparts with a bastion at each corner of the pentagon. Beyond these defense works is the star-shaped moat, the outline of which roughly follows the bastion and rampart walls. Unlike the Dutch forts at Galle and Colombo, which were fortified towns, the Jaffna Fort had an almost exclusively military and administrative function. The fort is the only surviving example in Sri Lanka, where its inner defenses has a geometrically regular pentagonal layout. *Kandarodai TempleThe name of Kandarodai derives from its original name Kadurugoda, according to historians. Kandarodai can be reached after traveling about 10 km beyond Manippai from Jaffna town. One can see remnants of 61 small dagabas scattered in an area of about ½ acre land of palmyrah trees. Only the foundations of some dagabas are left today. Keen observations convince visitors that those small structures are constructed with ash-coloured stone. The constructions of theses dagabas bear different features from other Buddhist dagabas elsewhere since they do not distinctively have a square shape part named Hathares Kotuwa but ring-shaped structures known as Pesa Walalu built one above the other are seen next to the global structures. Dr. Paul E. Pieris who first discovered these dagabas says the constructions are more than 2000 years old. A Buddha statue, Bodhisaththa statue, a stone scripture and some coins believed to have been used in the 1st and 2nd centuries were found during archeological excavations in this area. They are at present kept at the Jaffna museum. It is legendary that the relics of 60 Arhats who passed-away due to a famine while preaching Dhamma and practicing meditation in Jaffna peninsula are about 2000 years before deposited in those small dagabas. There is a record that a special dagaba with Lord Buddha's relics were also in this premises. Their bodies had been cremated and the ashes deposited in the small dagabas constructed later by a noble person lived in the area, but no name or any other information has been found in records. *Elephantpass Monument *Keeramalai Pond *Gen Densil Kobbekaduwa Monument *Bottomless Well *Mawadipuram Kovil

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Horton Plains

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Horton Plains in Sri Lanka, the coldest and windiest location in Sri Lanka consists of ecosystems such as Montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands and aquatic ecosystem. At an altitude of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site on 30th July 2010. The escarpment with a depth of 900 meters called World’s End and Baker’s Falls are the highlights of the Horton Plains.

Ecological importance of Horton Plains

Horton Plains, its surroundings, forests and the adjoining Peak Wilderness constitute Sri Lanka’s most important catchment area of almost all major rivers. The plains are also of outstanding scenic beauty and conservation importance, containing most of the habitats and endemic plants and animals representative of the country’s wet and Montane zones. The western slopes support the most extensive area of Montane cloud forest surviving in the island. Horton Plains is not merely a destination for nature tourists. Since the rich biodiversity of Horton Plains is still grossly underexplored, it affords invaluable opportunities to those engaged on educational and research activities. Protecting Horton Plains is a call of duty for all Sri Lankans.

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Ratnapura

Ratnapura which can be literally translated as 'The City of Gems' is located at the foot of Sri Pada or Adam's Peak. It is known for gem mining and natural beauty. You can shop for precious gems or visit deep mines. If you prefer natural beauty, Ratnapura would offer a string of waterfalls and lush forests. Sri Pada, Uda Walawe National Park and Sinharaja Forest are places where one can witness nature in full glory. All three spots give shelter to diversified wildlife. You will undoubtedly enjoy refreshing and tranquil atmosphere. 



Gems of Ratnapura
They say that King Solomon purchased a wonderful ruby for the queen of Sheba from Ceylon (former name of Sri Lanka). Marco Polo (1293 AD) wrote about a rybt at Anuradhapura..."a flawless ruby a span long and quite as thick as a man's fist". Land of Sri Lanka has produced three largest blue sapphires of the world, including the 'Blue Bell' which bedecks the British crown and the 'Star of India', displayed at the New York Museum of Natural History. 

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Pinnawala

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was first established by the Sri Lankan Department of Wildlife Conservation  wild. The in 1975 for feeding and providing care and sanctuary to orphaned baby elephants that were found in theorphanage was first located at the Wilpattu National Park, then shifted to the tourist coTmplex at Bentota and then to the Dehiwala Zoo. From the Zoo it was shifted to Pinnawala village on a 25-acre (10 ha) coconut plantation adjacent to the Maha Oya River.

The primary residential care area is on the east side of Highway B199, Rambukkana Road. The main site also has some restaurants / refreshment stands, and management buildings including sleeping sheds and veterinary facilities. The elephant bathing and viewing area along the Oya River is directly opposite on the west side of the highway.

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ELLA SRILANKA

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Colombo SRILANKA

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Colombo is the commercial and business center of Sri Lanka located on west cost. The city blends together with old colonial type building, high-rise commercial buildings and hotels. It is filled with shopping malls, airline offices bazaars and interesting tourist attractions. Some of the finest structures built during the colonial times still preserved in one part of the City. Colombo is home to majority of Sri Lankan corporate and Government offices. Hotels of Colombo city is located centrally which will make the visitors more convenient. Visitors have the choice of number of star class hotels with spectacular scenic view of the ocean among them “Galle face Hotel” and “Taj Samudra” which opens up to gall face green and to the ocean.

Colombo city is full of popular tourist attractions such as National Museum,Galle Face Green, Beira Lake,Cargills & Millers building, Independence Square, Viharamahadevi Park, Colombo Fort, Pettah bazaar, Beach Waadiya, Churches, Mosques and Temples of Colombo City,Railway museum and Mount Lavinia beach

Climate

Only major change in the weather of Colombo is during the inter monsoon season which is from May to August and October to January. During this time heavy rain fall can be expected.

The National Museum of Colombo

The National Museum of Colombo was established in 1877 by the British Governor Sir William Gregory which is the largest Museum in Sri Lanka. It has a good collection of historical work. This is an ideal place to understand the island’s richest past. The Museum is open from 09 am to 5.00 pm Monday to Friday.

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Trincomalee SRILANKA

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Places to Visit in Trincomalee

If you are visiting the east coast of Sri Lanka Trincomalee is a must visit town. Because of the war it wasn’t accessible for many years, but after the war it has become one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka. The tourist industry is booming and hotels and resorts are coming up at a rapid rate. The reconstruction of the road to Trincomalee and the introduction of the sea plane service made the town even more accessible. It’s around 250Km from Colombo and if you leave in the morning you can get there in about 5-6 hours. Below are some places to visit in Trincomalee when you reach there.

Nilaveli Beach

Nilaveli beach, a must visit place in TrincomaleeThe most popular attraction in Trincomalee. Situated about 10Km from the Trincomalee town it is one of the most beautiful white sand beaches in the world. If you manage to visit when the sea is calm you can see the clear blue water and it’s a breathtaking site.

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Unawatuna beach

Located some 5 km southeast of the Galle town is the Unawatuna beach. It is situated not next to the main road, like so many other parts of the Southern beach, but somewhat away from the hustle and bustle of the busy Galle-Matara main road. This makes it an ideal location for the peace loving tourist to have a quite dip in the great blue ocean.

This is a paradise built for the young, as many youth from around the world come here to spend a few days on the white sands under the golden sunshine. At night one can grab a cool beer from a seaside restaurant and feel against the cold breeze that sweeps across the Indian Ocean. The reefs make this a safe swimming spot but at the same time not so good for those who are ever watchful for strong currents to surf.

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Yala National Park

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National Park

Yala National Park is located in the south eastern region of Sri Lanka and extends over two provinces of Hambantota district of southern province and Monaragala district in Uva province. The entrance to the park is at Palatupana, 12km from Kirinda. The distance from Colombo to the entry point of Palatupana is 305 km.

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Polonnaruwa

• Gal Viharaya.

  Since I was a child I remember the famous video of Duran Duran and its wonderful Buddhas, well here my dream came through as i saw them live and in color. The Gal Vihara is a majestic group of Buddhas all cut from one long slab of granite, Four images of different sizes are carved out of a cliff about 56 yards long and falls away gradually at each end. Nearly 15 ft. of rock has been cut away to form the three large images and the cave. For me it was a very rewarding experience.

     

  

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Sigiriya

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Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura – Points of Interest

Sri Mahabodhi Tree

Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Anuradhapura

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.

Loha Prasada – The Brazen Palace

Lovamahapaya also known as Lohprasada (Brazen Palace) - Anuradhapura

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.

Mahathupa – Ruwanweli Dagaba

Ruwanwelisaya Stupa, Anuradhapura

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Hikkaduwa

About 30-40 years ago, Hikkaduwa was simply a fishing village.  However, since the early 1980's it has became one of the major tourist attractions of Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa is famous among tourists for its natural attractions: wide, clean beaches, coral garden, ocean with crystal clear water and hot sun are just to name a few. Combined with an active nightlife, many tourists come to Hikkaduwa for water sports such as surfing, boogie-boarding, snorkelling and scuba diving.  Kite-surfing and wind-surfing are also growing in popularity.

100 km from Bandaranaike International Airport, Hikkaduwa is accessible by train and bus and is central to many of the other wonderful tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The peak season for tourism in Hikkaduwa is from October to April.

Great restaurants, shops, Internet and e-mail facilities, tour operators and travel agencies are plentiful in Hikkaduwa.  Motorbike, surf and boogie board rentals, and PADI diving schools are a few of the other facilities readily available.

Surfing in Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a main surfing destination in Sri Lanka and annually attracts surfers from Australia, UK, Japan, Italy, Israel, U.S.A., and many more. There are 3 to 4 surf points with clear, warm water in the Hikkaduwa area. Most of the surf points are reef breaks. All spots have a deep bottom & flat reef.

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Nuwara eliya

Nuwara Eliya is a mountain resort town in Sri Lanka. This city is blessed with a very charming climate, fabulous climate, awestruck views of valleys, meadows, mountains and lush greenery. Nuwara Eliya is famed as the city of lights. This tea capital of Sri Lanka is perched at an altitude of 1889 meters and is the most thronged after tourist destinations of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya houses innumerable waterfalls and mountain scapes. Nuwara Eliya is also acclaimed as one of the favourite tourist destinations especially for its misty climate and glamorous scenic beauty.
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nuwara-eliya-horton-plains Places Of Interest

Horton Plains:
The Horton Plains is the highest plateau land in the whole island of Sri Lanka. Th Horton plains also takes the credit of being a national park. This park is full of lush greenery and forests. While touring in the Horton plains one comes across enchanting and strange green world of wildlife and flora which captivates the tourists with its undying charm. There are a lot many endangered species of wildlife found in the Horton plain national park. The most prevalent ones are the Leopard, Sambhar and the most endemic purple faced Langur. The most thrilling sight in the Horton's Plain is the place famous to be the end of the world. The Horton's plain here drops off to a deadly height of 700 meters . This is a paradise for trekkers.

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Kandy

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