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Temples and Sacred Sites of Sri Lanka

Temples and Sacred Sites of Sri Lanka

by | Sep 4, 2023 | Blog, Cultural Tours

Sri Lanka is a diversified country as far as religions and ethnicities are concerned. Four major religions are practiced by the numerous distinct ethnic groups that make up the population of Sri Lanka.

The country has its unique architecture that enhances the nation’s rich culture.  Take a spiritual journey to Sri Lanka to immerse yourself in the rich heritage of Sri Lanka and to visit the religious sites and the most important temples in the world. This blog will take you through some of the most breathtaking places that represent worship and Religious significance that you must visit while in Sri Lanka. 

 

 

The Temple of the Tooth Relic, commonly known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is situated in the well-known city of Kandy. The temple houses a relic of the tooth of Buddha, which is home to the Buddhists in Sri Lanka. Every year, thousands of worshippers from all over the world come to Sri Dalada Maligawa and pay their respects and receive blessings. The best time to visit the Temple is during the ceremony, where the temple comes alive with the drumming and its rituals.

Sri Dalada Maligawa is one of the most fascinating tourist sites in Sri Lanka. The mesmerizing Esala Perahara is a charming traditional procession that goes on for ten days exhibiting the ancient glory of the Country. This procession falls between July and August every year. 

Gangaramaya Temple –  Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple is situated in the heart of  Colombo and incorporates Sri Lankan, Indian, Thai, and Chinese architectural influences. Seema Malaka known as the meditation hall is part of the Gangaramaya temple, located in  Beira Lake.  This temple is a great place to visit, if you do not have the time to visit the cultural triangle, as you can get the feel of our ancient temples.  A significant collection of antiques from various temples can also be seen.

 

Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is also known as Sri Pada, in the central province of Sri Lanka. Most Buddhists make an attempt to visit this temple every year as they believe a spectacular indentation at the top resembles the footprint of Lord Buddha. This majestic mountain is at its best during Sunrise and the climb through the night to see the Sunrise along the lit-up stairs is an amazing experience. The Pilgrim season falls between the full moon days of December and May. 

 

Anuradhapura 

This is the first ancient capital of Sri Lanka that was flourishing between the 5th Century BC and the 10th Century AD. The oldest tree in the World with a recorded history[ Srimaha Bodhi], The massive Reilc Temples standing up to over 500 feet[ Sthupa], The twin pods, The Samadhi Buddha, the preserved Moonstone are some of the highlights of this ancient Capital. If you are in to Archeology, you can easily spend a couple of days here.

 

Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa was the medieval Capital of Sri Lanka from the 10th  to the 12th Century AD which was the golden era of ours. The ruins here are well preserved and are in good shape as these are a lot younger than the first Capital Anurathepura. Polonnaruwa is the most visited ancient city as it is easier to visit the monuments in a short time because they are located closer to each other. Some of the stone work here is mind blowing and the fine details on the statues are beyond imagination. The best temple here is the Rock temple called Gal Viharaya where there are four statues of Buddha chiseled out of a single piece of rock. 

 

 

 

 

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil

Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is one of the most famous and significant Kovils in Sri Lanka, located around 3 kilometers from Jaffna town which the Capital of the Northern Province. . The grand arches and vivid colors are the most captivating architecture of this Kovil. Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil is dedicated to Lord Murugan, the god of war, love, and beauty. The Kovil gives both religious and social perspectives to its’ Hindu devotees who come to pray and get the blessings.

 

 

 

Thirukoneswaram Kovil

The Thirukoneswaram Kovil is a traditional and ancient Hindu Kovil complex situated in Trincomalee in the North- East. The Kovil is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant Hindu temples and it is devoted to Lord Shiva. The Kovil is located on top of Swami Rock and the stunning views of the Bay of Bengal from the Kovil may amaze you. 

Many Hindu pilgrims come to Thirukoneswaram Kovil during the year to have their blessings while enjoying the breathtaking views and nature of this sacred location. 

 

 

National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka, Ragama

The National Basilica of Our Lady of Lanka is a very popular religious destination for Roman Catholics and is situated on the outskirts of Colombo. The church houses the statue of Our Lady of Lanka, making it one of the most significant pilgrimage destinations for Sri Lankan Catholics. The church is built within a large and majestic structure with a lovely interior with the windows with stained glass and beautiful carvings. The statue of Our Lady of Lanka is placed in a unique shrine in the church, and many pilgrims looking for blessings and healing come to this church as there is a belief that the church owes miraculous powers.

 

Exploring Sri Lanka’s Rich Bird Life

Exploring Sri Lanka’s Rich Bird Life

by | Sep 15, 2023 | Adventure Travel, Blog, Travel Tips, Wildlife Safaris

Srilanka is a bird watcher’s paradise. From vibrant endemic species to majestic migratory visitors, the country offers a tapestry of winged wonders. If you are a birdwatcher or a nature enthusiast, there will never be a dull moment for you. Come join us on an exploration of Sri Lanka’s diverse avian treasures, where each fluttering wing paints a unique story of nature’s beauty in perfect harmony.

The island’s diverse habitats, including mountains, rainforests, dry zones,s and wetlands are home to a stunning array of birds.  Here are some of the common  birds you can find in Sri Lanka:

 

Grey-headed Fish Eagle (Ichthyophaga ichthyaetus) – This majestic raptor can be spotted in the dry zone in Yala, Bundala, Udawalawa, Kaudulla  and Wilpatthu National parks..

Indian Pitta (Pitta brachyura) – The Indian Pitta is a migratory bird. It is known for its vibrant plumage with a mix of blue, green, and orange hues. It visits Sri Lanka during the winter
months and it can be found in the dry and wet zones

 

Malabar Pied Hornbill (Anthracoceros coronatus) – The Malabar Pied Hornbill is found in the dry zone and lowland rainforests. They are common in Yala and Udawalawa areas.

 

 

 

 

Painted Stork (Mycteria leucocephala) –  The Painted Stork is a large wading bird. It consists of a beautiful pink and white plumage. It is commonly found in lagoons and wetlands, where
it uses its distinctive long bill to catch fish.[Yala, Udawalawa, Wilpatthu]

 

 

Spot-billed Pelican (Pelecanus philippensis) – The Spot-billed Pelican is found in the wet and dry zones. This is a common bird that you even see in your car. 

 

Sri Lanka Blue Magpie (Urocissa ornata) –  The Sri Lanka Blue Magpie is endemic to Sri Lanka. It’s a striking bird with a deep blue and white plumage. Its long tail and vibrant colors
make it a sought-after species for birdwatchers.

 

Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot (Loriculus beryllinus) – The Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot is a charming small parrot. It’s known for its green plumage and red bill, and it’s frequently seen in the
canopies of rainforests and wooded areas.[Sinharaja rain forest]

 

Sri Lanka Junglefowl (Gallus lafayettii) – The Sri Lanka Junglefowl is the national bird of Sri Lanka. It’s an iconic species native to Sri Lanka. The male boasts vibrant colors with a striking blue neck, while the female exhibits more subtle shades of brown. This bird is commonly found in forested regions across the island.

 

 

Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush (Myophonus blighi) – The Sri Lanka Whistling Thrush is an elusive bird that is native to the mountains of Sri Lanka and is known for its hauntingly beautiful whistling calls. It prefers the mossy rocks and streams in the highlands.

 

White-bellied Sea Eagle (Haliaeetus leucogaster)– A majestic seabird, the White-bellied Sea Eagle is known for its impressive wingspan and striking white underbelly. It can be spotted near coastal areas, soaring gracefully above the waters.

But wait! That’s not all! These are just a few examples of the diverse birdlife found in Sri Lanka. The key to witnessing the diverse range of birds lies in knowing where to go. So where can you go? Well, you must know by now that from rainforests and wetlands to coastal areas and mountains, the country’s varied landscapes provide a habitat for an impressive array of bird species. With destinations like Anawilundawa Wetland Sanctuary, Bundala National Park, Horton Plains National Park, Kitulgala, Kumana National Park, Minneriya National Park, Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve, Udawalawe National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Yala National Park, you have an incredible range of options to explore. So, plan your next vacation to this beautiful island. We can guarantee that you will be rewarded with unforgettable bird-watching experiences that will leave you in awe of nature’s wonders.

 

“Wings of freedom, soaring through the skies.”

Sri Lanka’s Tea Culture and Tasting Experiences

Sri Lanka’s Tea Culture and Tasting Experiences

by | Sep 4, 2023 | Blog, Cultural Tours, Food and Drink

History of Tea in Sri Lanka

The British first introduced Coffee to Srilanka and turned the nation into one of the world’s top producers of coffee. But due to a fungus disease, Coffee production in Sri Lanka started to dip and the British very quickly swathed on to Tea in 1865. The key figure in making this move was James Tailor who had extensive knowledge about flora in this part of the World. Even today Srilanka is one of the major Tea exporters in the World and Srilanka produces some of the best Tea in the World

 

Visits the Iconic Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka

When you get to the hills of Srilanka, you get to see thousands of acres of Tea that looks like a green carpet over the hills. There is a popular trail called Peako trails through the Tea plantations, which covers a distance of  300 KM  in 22 stages which is the longest walking trail in Sri Lanka. If you are not into trekking, there are a lot of shorter walks to get the feel of the Tea plantations.   

 

Nuwara Eliya or Little England is home to the best Srilankan tea that grows above 5000 feet from sea level. There are several Tea factories you could visit to see the journey from leaf to cup. You will not realize, how much hard work goes into your cup of tea until you see it. You can learn about the different types of tea such as BOPF[ Broken orange Peako finings], POB [Broken orange Peako] OP [ Orange Peako] FP [Flowery Peako], and white Tea.  The Damro Tea factory is the most popular spot among visitors as they do a very clear demonstration and offer you different types of tea to try.       

 

Ella-   This is the border between the Hill Country and the mid-country. The tea grown around Ella is a bit on the stronger side and most of his Tea is exported to the Far- East. 


The Halpewattha Tea Factory–   is the best place to visit around Ella.

The low country tea –  We grow tea in the low country as well, but this is not that known in your part of the World as you need to drink this tea with milk and sugar as it is very strong our main market is in the middle and Far East. The best area to explore low-country tea is around Deniyaya, closer to the Singharaja rain forest.       

Indulge in Different Types of Ceylon Tea

Green Tea – Green tea is made from freshly processed tea leaves. They are not going through an oxidation process. Most of the time, the flavors of green tea can be changed from region to region and may frequently give distinct tastes.  

 

Black Tea – Black tea is the most popular tea in the world going through a process of heating the leaves for several hours after being plucked. The outcome is a strong and delightful tea and the majority of tea lovers are more interested in black tea.

 

Purer Tea – This tea is slightly wet and stored underground to obtain a fantastic flavor with a strong taste. The amazing thing about Pu-erh tea is that it tastes similar to wine and gets even better as it gets older. In addition to these teas, you can also experiment with the exquisite flavors of
White Tea and
Oolong Tea, as well as a variety of other alluring types of tea.

 

“Come to Sri Lanka to Taste a Cup Full of Tea Bliss”