A Travel Guide to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island gem lying south of India which has become an extremely popular holiday destination over the years. Its magical appeal entices not only the exotic beach holiday seeker, but also those wishing to explore the range of sports on offer, as well as those wishing to absorb themselves in its culture and landscapes too. Boasting magnificent waterfalls, lagoons and rivers, the breathtaking landscape is complimented further by its impressive mountains.

Sri Lanka`s mass appeal is that it has something for everyone. A popular wedding location, Sri Lanka appeals to newlyweds from around the world, who flock here to start married life with intoxicating adventures and enjoy the scenic delights that it has to offer. Check out the relaxing Ayurvedic spas, take in the sights or just relax on a golden sand covered beach.

There is a population of just over twenty one million inhabiting the island. Regardless of their cultural and religious backgrounds, Tamil, Muslim and Sinhalese locals will give you a very warm welcome. They are extremely proud of their country and of all it has to offer including their national cricket team, delicious cuisine, national parks and wildlife.

There are many major cities within Sri Lanka and they are all have their own major attractions. Visit the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya to discover relics from Sri Lanka`s golden age. Anuradhapura contains architectural and artistic examples of exquisite beauty, including the mighty structure of the dagobas. Archaeological excavations here have also revealed that the earliest settlers in Anuradhapura arrived circa 500BC.

Ella is one of Sri Lanka`s most picturesque villages situated in a valley. It offers beautiful temples, waterfalls, tea plantations and exhilarating walks surrounded by hills.

Hikkaduwa attracts sun lovers and surfers and other water sports enthusiasts. It is a popular surfer`s destination as well as diving and snorkelling haven. The best time to go diving and snorkelling is between April and November when underwater visibility is at its best. If you prefer to keep your feet dry, there is the alternative way to view the marine life via a glass bottomed boat ride.

On the south east coast you will find Yala National Park. Many visitors think that a visit to the park is a must whilst in Sri Lanka. You can see reptiles, birds, herds of elephants, leopards and an array of other animals here.

Colombo is Sri Lanka`s capital city and is an eclectic mix of the grand and the modest. It is bursting with cultural and historical attractions to intrigue and charm your senses. The main road running through the city is the Galle Road, contemporary buildings sprawled along its length. To the north of Colombo you will find the Fort which was once dominated by Dutch and Portuguese inhabitants, however, nowadays the Fort is the main banking and commercial sector within Colombo. The area of Pettah tempts with a variety of shops and is a bustling part of the city. There is a tourist market by the railway; for the more adventurous, meandering through the network of small streets, each one displaying its own special fare.

Travel to Sri Lanka, via cheap flights to Colombo as it is the international gateway for the island. The main bus and rail networks flow from here. The domestic airport is at Ratmalana Air Force Base, south of Mt Lavinia.

What is so unique about Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka

Gifted by awe-inspiring white sandy beaches and an attractive turquoise-coloured sea, Sri Lanka houses a large number of beach hotels which receive a large number of tourists every year. Beach Hotels in Sri Lanka are popular among tourists who love to spend their vacation by the sea. Sri Lanka is what they call the island of serendipity, a beautiful small country which has a tropical weather prevailing throughout the year. Tourists can visit world famous historical ruins and many other attractions within close proximity from the Sri Lankan Beach Hotels.

Sri Lankan Beach Hotels are in high demand since the sun shining beaches are all around the island. The best time to visit West coast and Southern Sri Lanka Beach Hotels is from October to March however the weather in Sri Lanka is friendly throughout the year. Hotels in the East coast are best visited during March and October.

If looking for a Sri Lankan Beach Hotel in the West Coast, places such as Bentota, Beruwala, Kalutara, Ahungalla, Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Galle, Negombo, Unawatuna, Koggala, Weligama, Matara, Tangalle and Hambantota feature some of the best known accommodation options for both locals and tourists. Hotels in these locations feature interesting places including the Bentota River, famous temple in Kalutara and mask making factories in Ambalangoda. Hikkaduwa is famous for its underwater magic featuring attractive corals. Sri Lankan Beach Hotels in Galle have the advantage of displaying the Dutch Fort and the natural harbour.

Hotels near Sri Lanka Beaches also offer the excellent opportunity of a multitude of water sports such as scuba diving, surfing, snorkelling, fishing and diving. The beaches are safe and most are protected by a reef.

Sri Lankan Beach Hotels spread in the East Coast are located in famous cities such as Trincomalee, Nilaweli, Arugam Bay, Batticaloa, Kalkudah and Passekudah. Batticaloa is famous for its large lagoon and a variety of rare marine life. Excellent surfing and one of the most attractive bays can be seen at Arugam Bay while so many underwater magic is awaiting for the diving enthusiasts. Most tourists head towards the Sri Lankan Beach Hotels in Nilaweli because of its magical pristine beach. The beauty of its white sands and the crystal clear water cannot be merely expressed by words.

North West Coast hosts a number of luxurious Sri Lankan Beach Hotels which are blessed with Kalpitiya, Puttlam and Marawila beaches. These beaches are renowned for their excellent scuba diving locations and safe diving areas. Beach Hotels in this area are great options to spend a quiet, comfortable and a relaxing beach-front holiday.

Sri Lankan Beach Hotels offer great outdoor water sports activities for water sports lovers. These hotels offer safe areas for kids to have ample fun beside the beaches. Apart from unlimited entertainment and excellent accommodation these Hotels near Sri Lanka’s beaches serve delightful fresh sea food at their restaurants. Therefore guests have the rare opportunity of enjoying the most delightful fresh sea food prepared by experienced chefs. There is no doubt that a vacation at one of Sri Lanka’s Beach Hotels will truly be an unforgettable, most economical and an enchanting experience in your life.

Sri Lanka Spa Hotels

Indulge in a relaxing vacation of a lifetime at Sri Lanka’s exquisite spa hotels offering the best respite and restorative treatments. Sri Lanka is a haven to an appealing variety of health, beauty and therapeutic spas some of which are located in luxury hotels and many others located in various parts of the country. A few renowned Spa Hotels in Sri Lanka include:

Saman Villas in Bentota

Eden Resort and Spa, Beruwala

Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle

Jetwing Ayurweda Pavilions

Taj Exotica Bentota

Amaya Lake, Dambulla

The Sanctuary Spa, Colombo

Dikwella Resort

Heritance Kandalama Six Senses Spa

Saman Villas, the pioneer hotel to open a spa in Sri Lanka has in store a unique range of wellness facilities at its ‘Sahana Spa’. Ranging from breathtaking water gardens to open-air pavilions it is a unique venue for rest and respite.

Covered with lush greenery overlooking the beautiful ocean, Eden Resort and Spa offers all that is required for a pampered holiday. Ideal for honeymooning couples or leisure travellers, this ideal spa hotel in Sri Lanka features soothing treatments and healing remedies.

Jetwing Ayurweda Pavilions located on the west coast is popular for its ideal atmosphere for meditation tranquillity. It also offers the services of experienced and well-trained medical professionals who are skilled enough to put your body at perfect relaxation.

If booking a hotel in Sri Lanka, an ideal choice will be Taj Exotica Bentota. Guests will always come back to experience the finest services and treatment offered at this unique place. Guests can experience Ayurveda therapy which uses local ingredients.

Boasting a fine range of warm oils and fragrant herbs, Amaya lake in Dambulla is a popular Spa Hotel in Sri Lanka. Visitors can indulge into a world of relax through its herbal steam baths.

A diversion from the common experience, Heritance Kandalama Six Senses Spa is another remarkable place which is focused on providing the ultimate relaxation to its visitors. Treatment methods are up to international standards and guests can be assured of both mental and physical respite.

Adding to the popular number of spa outlets in Sri Lanka is the Sanctuary Spa in Colombo rejuvenating the body and soul with its outstanding treatments. It offers the exclusive services of a well trained staff. Having its branch outlet at Dickwella Resort, The Sanctuary Spa assures a whole variety of scrubs, massage, pedicure and various other facial treatments which are worth experiencing.

Blessed by breathtaking sceneries and perfect climatic conditions throughout the year the ideal way to spend your vacation will be to book a spa hotel in Sri Lanka which will definitely be a memorable time.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an awesome shopping destination for shoppers all over the world. Gems, Finished Garments, Batiks, Tea and Handicrafts, Handlooms fabric materials, leather products, furniture, reproduction of antiques, jewellery and ceramic are popular with visitors of fine taste who appreciate the very best.

If you are expecting to go shopping in Sri Lanka, it is a vital fact that you have the basic knowledge about Sri Lankan Currencies. Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of LKR1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of LKR10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents with a large numbers of commemorative coins in circulation. Foreign currency must be changed only at authorized exchanges, banks ( Open from Mon-Sat 0900-1300:standard) and hotels. American Express, MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. The rate of exchange for traveler's cheques is better than the rate of exchange for cash.

There are several ways in which to purchase Sri Lanka's most celebrated gift to the world - Ceylon Tea. If your tour of the island takes in a tea plantation, then there is no better place to buy than at source or you can always buy tea at the airport just before your departure.

Woodcarving is one of the oldest crafts still practiced in Sri Lanka. In order to satisfy the tourist trade, many Sri Lankan woodcarvers are producing carvings of the ever-popular elephant. But most importantly, images of the Lord Buddha.

Ratnapura has been the main source of gems for many centuries and most of the Country's gem dealers are located in this town. Most gem cutting centers also offers gems to be set into jewelry by the visitors or buy pre-designed at jewelry shops.

Kandy is the best place to buy most of the handicrafts produced in Sri Lanka. At Kundasale, about 4km from Kandy, a village has been established recently to settle local craftsmen and their families where visitors could watch and purchase their products on site.

Sri Lanka is a major garment manufacturer and exporter of all kinds of clothing. Colombo is a major attraction for garment hunters. Although hand woven materials have lost their pre-eminence, the craft of weaving high quality handloom textiles has experienced a remarkable resurgence in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka also has several shopping malls, including Majestic City, Liberty Plaza, Crescat Boulevard, Odel Unlimited and JAIC Hilton for quick shoppers.