Exploring Caves in Sri Lanka
The island nation of Sri Lanka, known for its breathtaking golden sandy beaches, green hill country, and amazing wildlife, has an enchanting beauty just waiting to be discovered. SriLanka has an incredible treasure of historic caves beyond its well-known wonders. You’ll be amazed by the mystery and majesty of these hidden caves as they are that much fascinating and exciting to see. They offer an image that inspires your inner explorer while revealing Sri Lanka’s extensive history and stunning natural beauty.
Dambulla Cave Temple
The Dambulla Cave Temple also known as the Golden Temples of Dambulla is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The cave showcases the country’s rich historical achievements and it is a well-preserved cave complex in Sri Lanka. You’ll find an incredible collection of 153 Buddha statues, along with three statues of Sri Lankan kings and queens. This is undoubtedly a “must visit site in SriLanka.
Aluvihara Cave Temple
The Aluvihara Cave Temple is a relatively new and the statues and paintings are very well preserved. The books related to the Buddhist preaching have been copied to Ola leaf books here and now there is a library which is home for the collection of unique books written on palm leaves.
Pahiyangala Cave
Pahiyangala Cave is the largest natural rock cave in Sri Lanka and its history runs back to thousands of years. The cave is a fascinating attraction for many tourists and nature lovers. This cave has been home for the old stone aged people who lived during pre-historic times. For those who are interested in culture and archaeology, this cave provides an exciting insight into Sri Lanka’s ancient past.
Ravana Cave
The Ravana Cave is significant historically as the location where the legendary King Ravana hid Princess Sita after abducting her from her husband, Rama, in India. The cave currently serves as an amazing example of King Ravana’s construction ability because it is said that he connected it to a network of tunnels that connected to key locations throughout his vast kingdom. This location, which is just 2 kilometers from Ella, provides a fascinating look into the culture and history..
Waulpane Cave
Waulpane Cave is an interesting underground location where you can see ancient rock drawings painted by people who lived long ago. The cave is dark and mysterious, but it’s a great adventure for explorers and history lovers. The cave walls have vivid paintings that depict historical narratives.
“VISIT SRI LANKA TO EXPLORE NATURE’S HIDDEN TREASURES”
Your Best Family Holiday To Sri Lanka
Srilanka is the ideal family holiday destination as it offers something for everyone. Your family holiday to SriLanka will be a memorable holiday as the kids will love the wild life such as Elephants, Monkeys, crocodiles, Leopards and the Lizards. Your family holiday to Srilanka will never be boring to the kids with activities such as White water rafting, Safaris in Four Wheel drives, Zip liners, Biking through villages and hiking. The wide golden sandy beaches are the best places to relax on your family Holiday to SriLanka. As a specialist family holiday company, we know if the children are happy, the parents are happy too. But there are ancient cities and rich cultural sites for adults too, to enjoy. Most of all, Srilanka is a “very good value for money“ destination for your family Holiday and the hotels are of very high standards and reasonably priced. Don`t think twice to book your family holiday to Srilanka.
Temples and Sacred Sites of Sri Lanka
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 Secret Waterfalls
Sri Lanka is a stunning island Nation with incredible natural beauty and, the amazing waterfalls stand tall among the highlights. Sri Lanka is rich of beautiful waterfalls hidden in the dense forests and mountains. It takes hikes through beautiful scenery and lush green jungles to explore these waterfalls in the wilderness. As most of these Waterfalls are located off the beaten track in isolation, you feel that you are lost in the Tropical rain forests. The waterfalls are very clean and after the hike you could go for a refreshing dip in the water. Do not forget to bring some snacks with you as you will feel hungry after being in the water and having lunch in the forest listing to the flow water is a mystical experience. There are many waterfalls in Srilanka and you can pick and choose the once closer to your route.
Baker’s Falls
This is one of the highest located water falls at over 7000 feet above sea level. Baker`s fall is well tucked in the Horton plains National park. You take a walk through the cloud forests to get to the Baker`s fall. The 20 meter tall fall, sprays the water to the air creating a misty surrounding. The Bakers Falls is home for unique wild life such as the Purple faced Monkey, Horned Lizard, Ceylon White eye and native trees such as Nellu
Bambarakanda Ella
Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in Srilanka which is 860 feet in height. The water lands in to a shallow basin generating a high sound and splashes to the vicinity creating a mystical scene. You can go for a swim in the basin if you wish to soak up the feel of the waterfall.
Diyaluma Waterfall
Diyaluma Falls is the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka situated in the heart of Badulla District. Diyaluma, which in Sinhalese means “rapid flow of water,” more than lives up to its name with an impressive display during the wet season.The area is ideal for camping and you can easily get very close to the fall by a Vehicle.
Dunhinda Waterfall
Dunhinda, one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning waterfalls, falls from 210 feet above the ground. This is located in the lower central hills of srilanka. Dunhinda gets its name from the smoky dew drops spray that covers the area at the base of the fall
Laxapana Falls
The Laxapana Falls is the 8th highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, and the name comes from the Sinhala words “Laxa,” which means a hundred thousand, and “Pahana,” which means rock. The name of the fall itself, describes what it is. You can easily
link the visit to Laxapana with White Water Rafting.
Rawana- Ella
Rawana Ella is the most visited Waterfall in SriLanka due its easy accessibility which is located closer to the famous Ella town. The waterfall is by the side of the Ella- Wellawaya main road. Rawana Ella is one of the widest waterfalls in SriLanka. Come to This Beautiful Island to Experience The Serenity of Sri Lanka’s Waterfalls Where Nature Reveals the Beauty!
Exploring Sri Lanka’s Rich Bird Life
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.