Bambarakanda Falls – The tallest Waterfall in Sri Lanka
This site is very much under rated and not visited by most Tourists. The height of the fall is 790 feet, the tallest in Srilanka and 299th in the World. This is definitely a hidden Gem in the Country in isolation. You could go for a swim in the basin [Natural Pool] at the base of the fall which would be a unique experience in the middle of nowhere.
The horse tailed single looped drop is a Photographer`s Paradise. You could hike to the top of the fall to see the streams that feed the falls merging and see the Eastern Plains of the Country.
Horton plains were declared as a national park in 1988 and has been a Unesco World Heritage Site since 2010. The plateau above 6000 Feet above sea level has so much Bio- diversity and is home for many endemic species of Birds to Sri Lanka and the most popular being the SriLankan white eye.
The Horned lizard, or black-lipped lizard, the Purple faced Monkey and the Sambur Deer are often spotted here.
The undulating foot path through the cloud forests and River beds take you to the World`s End which is the Highlight of the Park. On a clear day you get to see the Distance of 100 Miles and drop of 3000 feet.
The Baker’s Waterfall named after the British explorer Sir Samuel Baker, is not tall, but is beautiful with stunning views at different angles. The waterfall is surrounded by a thick forest, tree ferns and montane shrubs.
The best time to visit the Park is from January to March as there is very little rain around. Its best to be at the World`s End early around between 8 and 9 before the Mist settle in for the day.
Set against a backdrop of thick jungle and tea plantations, Ella’s Nine Arch Bridge is one of Sri Lanka’s most stunning sights. It is an amazing sight to see the classic blue Sri Lankan train passing by slowly over the Bridge through the mist. This is an unique experience that will take you back in time..
The history of Nine Arch Bridge
The Nine Arch Bridge has a fascinating history which was built during the British period. The steel and metal that was allocated to build the Bridge had been used by the British Army during the First World War. Granite Rocks and slabs along with Bricks were used as substitutes to move the project forward. The Nine Arches Bridge stretches to nearly 300 feet at a height of over 75 feet. This is regarded as a Railway Wander and seeing the train spiraling up the hills is a great Site. The Nine Arch Bridge has become one of the most visited attractions in the Country. This is a Photographer`s Paradise with so much verity.
If you do not have the time to visit the Ancient cities in Sri Lanka, the Museums in Colombo are the places to go to, as they reveal the rich Sri Lankan History and its Culture. They house important visuals signifying the milestones of our History and provide useful information about the highlights and the turning points. There are some specialized Museums with their own unique collections showcasing a vibrant image of focused subjects.
National Museum of Colombo Sri Lanka
This is the oldest, largest, and the most visited museum in Sri Lanka built in 1877. National Museum in Colombo is housed in a grand colonial building. With more than 4,000 palm leaf manuscripts, ancient royal regalia, jewelry with Gems and ancient artwork, collection of traditional masks and temple frescoes.
Artifacts on Display in National Museum of Colombo
The museum’s main attraction is the crown jewel and throne of the last King of Kandy that was returned to the people of Sri Lanka by the British. Over 750,000 people visited the Museum to see this, when it was first displayed in 1934. You will also find a huge collection of masks and puppets in the museum.
National Museum Library
The extensive National Museum Library has been operational since 1877. However, the library was started seven years earlier in 1870 under the name of Government Oriental Library. This is the country's largest legal depository which has numerous local publications printed in the last 150 years.. The library also houses many palm leaf manuscripts written in various languages years ago on diverse topics such as astrology and folklore.
Natural History Museum
This Museum was established in 1986 housing exhibits of pre-historic cave paintings, Jurassic- period fossils, over 5000 specimens of various mammals, plants, and animals native to Sri Lanka. Among other exhibits, you will also find a collection of different rocks that showcase the country's varied natural history.
No Holiday is complete without tasting the local Cuisine and some countries have more variety and unique Dishes to offer. Sri Lanka has a so much to offer with its Signature spices and authentic Vegetables. Sri Lankan curries stay creamy, because of the Coconut Milk that’s been used so very often.
Rice and curry – Anywhere, Anytime
The staple Food of Sri Lanka is Rice. Vegetables, Fish and Meet is been served with Rice. There are Sri Lankans who eat Rice & Curry for all three meals of the day. It is never boring as we have over 50 different types of Vegetables and 15 different types of rice to choose from. Al least five Dishes of Vegetables are served with Rice along with Papadams, Green Salads & Sambol [ Sambol is made with grated Coconut and Chilly] Sri Lanka is a Vegetarian`s Paradise.
Hoppers [ Aappa]
The hopper has a soft, puffy, crêpe-like texture and is part of typical Sri Lankan breakfast. The hopper is made from a batter with Rice Flour, coconut milk and palm toddy that is left to sit through the Night allowing time to ferment. A Hopper tastes a bit like a pan cake, but looks like a Bowl. The locals eat Hoppers with a Spicy Salad or a Curry, but to start with, you can try it with Jam as you are not used to eating Spicy Food for Breakfast. But after a few days in to your Holiday you can try it in Sri Lankan Style, You could have an Egg in the Hopper too if you wish.
Roti
Roti is common in South East Asia and there are so many versions of it. This is also spelled as “rotti” or “roty”. Roti in Sri Lanka is made out of flour and Coconut and looks like a Pan Cake, but a lot thicker and harder than a Pan Cake. Locals eat it with a hot Salad or a Curry. A pastry with Vegetable curry is called a Vegetable Roti and a Pastry with Chicken curry is called a Chicken Roti.
Kottu Roti
This is equitant to your Kebabs. When you are hungry after a few drinks in the late evening, this is what you eat. It is a mixture of chopped up Nan Bread, Eggs, Vegetables, Spices and Meat [on request] that has been on a Grill. This is the most popular street food in Sri Lanka. You can watch it being cooked and the Noise it makes when chopping up the Nan Bread would not go unnoticeably.
String Hoppers
String hoppers is a Rice Flour Noodle based thin, Pancake. You would need about ten of them for a meal. String Hoppers are served with at least three Dishes of Vegetable curries. It is served for breakfast and dinner.
Short Eats
This is a unique term used for Street Food in Sri Lanka. You find these in Bakeries and there is a reasonable choice of them. Mashed up Potato and some curry in a Pastry would be a Vegetable Roti, You could also try Egg Roti, Chicken Roti etc. Deep fried Lentils is called Dhal Cake [ Wade] .
Sea Food
Being a tiny Island makes Sri Lanka a great place to try fresh Seafood. There are a lot of local Restaurants selling quality Seafood on the Beaches. Tiger prawns, Jumbo Prawns, Crabs, Lobster and Langoustine are so fresh coming direct from the local Oceans. The variety of Fish is amazing. Red Snapper, Tuna, Barracuda, Sword fish are a few to name.
Drinks
Ceylon Tea it is. Being one of the major Tea exporters in the World we offer really good Tea. You can try the pure Tea such as BOPF or BOP , Blended Tea and flavored Tea. You can see the Journey from Leaf to Cup at a Tea Factory. The National alcoholic drink is called Arrack which comes from the Coconut Palm. Palm Toddy is tapped out of the Coconut Flower and distilled to produce Arrack which has a volume of around 30 % Alcohol. You can try it with Coke, Soda or Ginger Beer. Beer is not that Popular in Sri Lanka and there aren’t that many types to choose from. The widely available & popular brand is the Lion Larger.
Fruits
The island’s tropical fruit cornucopia includes non-seasonal fruits such as Pineapple, Banana, Papaya and Water Mellon. Passion Fruit, Pomegranate, Mangoes, Guava, Mangos tin , Rambutans and Star Fruits are seasonal and you can try them if you are in Sri Lanka at the right time. The Orange Coconut called King Coconut is sold by the roads and tastes so much better than the bottled Coconut Water. You might occasionally find our curries a bit too Spicy. The Hotels would water the curries down for you on request. After a few days in to the Holiday, you will slowly, but surely get used to our spicy food.
Sri Lanka has a high reputation on hospitality as our social orientation hinges on a tradition of care and empathy. Often, Sri Lankans are credited for their warmth and friendly nature which is shown towards our travelers and tourists without a difference. From airport services to a commoner in a street our friendliness is chained ensuring a secure holiday on this island.
Hospitality includes security, comfort and making a clear impact, in all which Sri Lankans are experts on. In all the mesmerizing locations, the central hills, the intriguing beaches of north and south and all the wildlife destinations in Sri Lanka is accommodated well, ranking high in hospitality with opulent hotels which ensures all the luxury you need.
All travel destinations of Sri Lanka ensure maximum safety of the travelers and accommodate the best guides which provide not only your safety but also a broad knowledge of the places of visit. Sri Lanka will never give up under any circumstance and you shouldn’t either.
