Sri Lanka

CITIES

ANURADHAPURA

A tour of Anuradhapura includes visits to the Historical Monuments where one could see the ruins of Palaces and Temples such as the Tourumuniya Temple, the ancient Dagaba, Ruwanvalisaya , The historical BO-TREE whichis the oldest documented tree in the world.

COLOMBO

Visit the Dehiwala Zoo, Colombo Museum Main shopping area in Fort locality, The Presidential residence, the Bazaar in Pettah, Old Parliament,BandaranaikeMemorial Conference Hall, Buddhist and Hindu Temples and the Main Residentialarea in Colombo. Also the new Parliament in Kette.

DAMBULA

Visit cave temples of Dambula , which contain Buddhas statues.

GALLE

Visit the town of Galle on the south coast where Dutch Monuments andthe Galle Fort can be seen. One would also be able to see the harbour.At Galle, Handicrafts, Pottery, and Devil Masks can also be seen.

KANDY

Full day excursion to Kandy- Visit the famous -Temple of the Tooth-,The Kandy market place , The Peradeniya Botanical Gardens , The arts andhandicrafts centre , Kandy town including the Lake and a visit to a TeaFactory.

MIHINTALE

Visit the renowned Mihintale Buddhist temple which was built on topof a Hill.

POLONNAURUWA

Tour of Polonnaruwa includes sightseeing of the ancient tanks and ruinsbuilt by the former kings of Sri Lanka the Gal Vihara which has colossalBuddha images carved out of Granite, Hindu Temples, Shrine Rooms and MoonStones.

SIGRIYA

A visit to Sigriya includes climbing the famous Gooft Rock, where onecould see the world famous -Sigiriya Frescoes- and the ruins of the KingsPalace and other areas on the topmost surface of the Huge Rock.

YALA GAME PARK

Visit the large Yala Game Park which contains herds of Elephants,Deer,Sambhar , Buffaloes, Wild Bore, Jungle Fowl and Peacock.

CULTURE

Sri Lanka's classical architecture, sculpture and painting is totally dependent Buddhism. Stupas sprinkle the countryside,  and there are so many antique Buddhas sculptures, such as at Aukana and Buduruvagala. Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa are the famous archaelogical legacy, while Kandy is notable for cultural centre.

Folk theatre combines dance, masked drama, drumming and exorcism rituals to vividly recreate Sri Lankan folklore. Woodcarving, weaving, pottery and metalwork are all highly developed crafts. Sri Lanka is especially renowned for its gems, known from ancient times for it's cats eyes, rubies and many other gems. Ratnapura is the centre of Sri Lanka's gem trade.

FOOD & DRINK

Standard foods are spicy and it is advised to approach curries with caution. There are many vegetables, fruits, meats and seafoods. Continental, Chinese, Indian and Japanese menus are available in Colombo. A speciality is basic curry, made with coconut, sliced onion, green chilli, aromatic spices such as cloves, nutmeg, cinnamon and saffron and aromatic leaves.Hoppers are a cross between a muffin and a crumpet with a wafer-crisp edge, served with a fresh egg soft-cooked on top.Stringhoppers are steamed circlets of rice flour, a little more delicate than noodles or spaghetti. Jaggery is a fudge made from the crystallised sap of the kitul palm. The durianfruit is considered a high delicacy. Drink: Tea is the national drink and considered to be amongst the best in the world.Toddy, the sap of the palm tree, is a popular local drink; fermented, it becomes arrack which, it should be noted, comes in varying degrees of strength. Alcohol cannot be sold onpoya holidays (which occur each lunar month on the day of the full moon).