“Ayubowan”
ABOUT SRI LANKA
Planning a holiday trip to Sri Lanka, “Ayubowan”, wondering what
it means?
Ayubowan is a customary greeting of the people of Sri Lanka to show
respect, devotion, welcome, loyalty in accordance with the occasion.
This
tourists paradise is an island in the Indian Ocean located close to the
southern tip of the Indian sub-continent. It looks like a tear dropped from
the Indian sub-continent when viewed from the top. The capital of Sri Lanka
is Colombo which is also called the commercial Capital of the country. Some
of the other famous places to visit here are Kandy, Nwara Eliya, Ratnapura,
Anuradhapura. The time here is 6 hrs ahead of GMT.
This resplendent Island has loads to offer to the tourists in terms of its
scenic beauty, the cultural heritage, spices, mouth watering cuisine,
sparkling gems, colorful festivals, breathtakingly beautiful flora and
fauna, handicrafts, finished garments, batiks, leather products and some of
the finest teas which are exported all over the world.
Before Christianity and Islam took over, Buddhism was the reigning religion
of all the people of Sri Lanka. The people here come together to celebrate
all festivals irrespective of which religion it belongs to. The most famous
is Esala Perahera festival in Kandy which lasts for 10 days and it is quite
fascinating to watch, the dancers, drummers, and elephants all dressed up to
honor the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha.
For tourists who prefer adventure and sports can indulge in water sports
like swimming, wind surfing, rafting, canoing at Mt. Lavinia, Negomgo,
Beruwala or Trincomlee. Tourists can even indulge in hiking trekking or even
biking when visiting the hill side. While for tourists who's curiosity gets
better of them can explore the remains of the ancient cities like
Anuradhapura, Dambulla, Sigiriya. Anuradhapura is famous for its Bo Tree
under which Buddha attained enlightenment
GETTTING THERE
The best time to plan a holiday in Sri Lanka is from December to March if
you are visiting the west and south coasts and from May to September if you
are visiting the east coast. To get to this island of serendipity tourists
can avail the various flight options and land at Bandaranaike international
airport which is at a distance of 34km from Colombo. From the airport
trains, buses and taxis are available to take the tourists to their
destination.
PLACES TO GO TO
Colombo : Is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka. The life and the
people of Colombo are vibrant, frentic and 'no problem' seems to be the
motto here. Attractions in Colombo are, The Fort area The Pettah bazaar
Galle Face Green Cinamon Gardens Dehiwala Zoo
Kandy
: Is also called the hill capital of Sri Lanka and is the center of
worship for Buddhists all over the world. Attractions in Kandy are, Dalada
Maligawa which houses the sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha The Royal Botanical
Gardens Esala Perahera Kandy Lake
Beaches : Soft sandy beaches along with Palm trees encircle the
entire Sri Lankan Island. There are popular beach resorts on the three
coasts of this country
West coast beach resorts Mount
Lavina Negombo
South coast beach resorts ( best to visit
from October to April ) Beruwala Bentota Hikkaduwa Unawatuna
East
coast beach resorts ( best to visit from April to October ) Trincomalee
Nilaveli Kalkudah Passekudah Baticaloa
Water Falls : The magnificent Water Falls of Sri Lanka are quite
inviting and quite refreshing. These include Ravana Falls, Diyaluma Falls,
Bopath Falls, Devon Falls and Bambarakanda Falls.
Ancient cities : Anuradhapura, Mihintale, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya,
Dambula, Arthalanthaya, Yapahuwa, and Aluvihara. Other places of interest
include Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, and Ratnapura.
National Parks : There are 11 National Parks in Sri Lanka which
preserve the Flora and Fauna of the country. These include Ruhuna, Wilpattu,
Uda Walawe, Elephant Orphanages, Avifauna, Kumana, Budala, Wirawilla,
Udawattakele, Sinharaja, Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Hakgala, and
Henerathgoda.
Cultural and pilgrimage sites : Dalada Maligava, Adam's Peak,
Sigiriya Rock, Kelaniya Temple, Dambulla Vihara, Mahinyangana Maha Seya, Gal
Vihara, Ruwanveli Seya, and Buduruwagala Rock Sculptures.
THINGS TO DO
Tourists
can indulge in various shopping spree at Fort, in Pettah bazaar, or along
Galle road. There are various things to purchase from spices to souvenirs
from handicraft shops. Traditional Sri Lankan Dress can also be bought at
very affordable price. Also do not forget to buy Sri Lankan jewelry as this
country is popular for its large varieties of gems, the major gem mining
area being Ratnapura. Other than shopping for those who love adventure can
indulge in camping, mountain biking, trekking, cycling, white water rafting,
canoing, diving or even paragliding. Tired of shopping and adventuring have
a bite, have a taste of paradise. The cuisine here laced with Sri Lankan
spices is a gourmet's delight.
Bon voyage!!
