Forest

Though our country is a relatively small continental island, it exhibits a remarkable diversity of forest types, which are among the biologically one of richest forests in Asia.

In these forests plant species show extraordinary patterns of localized distribution. Sri Lanka's forest became one of highest density of species diversity in the world. According to the National Red List said, Sri Lanka counts 253 land species, 245 species of butterflies, 240 birds, 211 reptiles, 748 evaluated vertebrates and 1,492 invertebrates.

Forest coverage is about 70% tropical dry monsoon forests, 15% tropical moist monsoon forests and 5% tropical lower montane forests.

Sinharaja Forest Reserve

Sinharaja Rain Forest is a world heritage and bio diversity hotspot which is also a major eco tourism destination in Sri Lanka. It is one of the few virgin forests left in the world. This evergreen rain forest, a UNESCO World heritage site, is one of the few virgin rain forests left to date. Damp mysterious and teeming with life, the Sinharaja forest reserve situated 120 KM South East of Colombo, is the last expensive stretch of virgin rainforest on the island.

Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, in the Districts of Matale and Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District. Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning Mist-laden Mountain Range. There are nine peaks over 1200 meters (4000 ft) in Knuckles Range.

Ritigala Forest

Ritigala is a mountain in central Sri Lanka which is home to an ancient Buddhist monastery. The ruins and rock inscriptions of the monastery date back to 1st century BCE. It is located 43 km (27 mi) away from the ancient monastic city of Anuradhapura. Ritigala mountain consists of four peaks which rise steeply from the surrounding plain. The mountain is 6.5 km in length. Ritigala is a strict nature reserve, covering 1,528 ha (3,780 acres) Legends abound on Ritigala. One of mysterious aspect is the belief of powerful medicinal herbs found near the crest. A herb called “Sansevi” is believed to have the power of conferring long life and curing all human pain. According to legend, all vegetation on Ritigala is protected by Yakkas, the guardian spirits of the mountain.

Bundala National Park

Bundala National Park is an internationally important wintering ground for migratory water birds in Sri Lanka. Bundala harbors 197 species of birds, the highlight being the greater flamingo, which migrate in large flocks. Bundala was designated a wildlife sanctuary in 1969 and re-designated to a national park on 4 January 1993. In 1991 Bundala became the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka. In 2005 the national park was designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO, the fourth biosphere reserve in Sri Lanka. The national park is situated 245 kilometres (152 mi) southeast of Colombo.

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Eco Tourism & Agri tourism

Eco tourism Eco Tourism in Sri Lanka is a huge trend right now, where most people want to experience their surroundings of the purest form, such as pristine seas and unexplored wilderness. A lot of rain forests are among the list of places to visit in eco-tourism. Pearly beaches and small islands are also famous among tourists. When it comes to wildlife, camping at night, getting a closer look at animals are the main features of it. Hiking, Mountain climbing, canoeing, kayaking are a part of eco-tourism that ensures maximum exposure to nature with a minimal infrastructure. Eco-tourism is the next best thing when visiting Sri Lanka, it gives you the opportunity to be as close to nature as you can ever get. Agri-tourism Agritourism is leisurely activities in the rural areas that help a person understand and appreciate the land and the people who live on it. In recent years, travel has become much more than just ticking through the mandatory list of local ...

Social and Life Style

The social life style of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many factors but has managed to retain much of its ancient aspects. Mostly it has been influenced by its long history and its Buddhist heritage. The country has a rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, and visual arts. Sri Lankan lifestyle is reflected in the cuisine, festivals, and sports. South Indian influences are visible in many aspects. There are some influences from colonization by the Portuguese, the Dutch, and the British. Sri Lankan life activities is best known abroad for its cricket, food, holistic medicine, religious icons like the Buddhist flag, and cultural exports such as tea, cinnamon and gems. Sri Lankan culture is diverse, as it varies from region to region. Archit ecture The architecture of Sri Lanka displays a rich variety of architectural forms and styles. Buddhism had a significant influence on Sri Lankan architecture. However techniques and styles de...

Food

The Teardrop of India or Pearl of the Indian Ocean are among many nicknames for Sri Lanka. But a more accurate description of the gorgeous nation might be the Island of Rice and Curry. Making liberal use of local fruit, such as coconut and jackfruit, seafood and an arsenal of spices, Sri Lankan cooking delivers an abundance of incredible dishes. Here are some you shouldn't miss. Kiribath with Lunu miris Kiribath is a traditional Sri Lankan dish made from rice. It is prepared by cooking rice with coconut milk, hence this name, and can be considered a form of rice cake or rice pudding. Kiribath is an essential dish in Sri Lankan cuisine. It is very commonly served for breakfast on the first day of each month and also has added significance of being eaten for any auspicious moment throughout one's lifetime which are marking times of transition. It is one of the more renowned traditional dishes in Sri Lanka. Manioc with Coconut or Lunu miris Commonly called cassava. Cassa...

Ancient cities and architecture

Sri Lanka's history dates back to more than 3,000 years. These ancient cities and their glorious remains that are temples, fortresses, statues and irrigation feats still have the ability to make people gaze at them with reverence. Ancient sites are considered to be archeological gold mines because they are evidence to a very rich civilization. Most of the places are declared as World Heritage Sites by the UNESCO. The oldest and the largest ancient city is Anuradhapura. Anuradhapura Ancient City Anuradhapura is one of the ancient cities in Sri Lanka, well known for its ruins depicting early Sri Lankan civilization. It is very famous among Buddhists pilgrims. Anuradhapura was earlier the capital of the Island (in ancient times) and most of the Kings who ruled Sri Lanka resided in this vast city. The city is now named as a world heritage site by UNESCO. Sigiriya Ancient City Sigiriya also known as the Lion's Rock is a rock fortress and a palace located in the Matale dist...

Beaches

Hikkaduwa Beach Majority of beach parties in Sri Lanka are held here. Known for its great resorts lining the coast and sandy beaches situated 98 kilometers south of Colombo. Scuba diving is much in demand in Hikkaduwa because of its legendary coral gardens and turtles. Negombo Beach The famous fishing town located 35 km north of Colombo, very popular among locals for buying fresh sea food. Delicacies such as squid and lobsters are made in nearby hotels and restaurants , you can literally taste the ocean. It is one of the beaches with a long history where during the Dutch colonization churches and forts were built, most of these structures are still seen today. Arugam Bay Beach 116 km from Colombo is another fishing village known as Arugam Bay. Identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and the 4th best beach in South-East Asia and is also among the 10 best surfing beaches in the world. The Bird Sanctuary is also at close proximity to it so bird-wa...

Climate

Sri Lanka's climate can be described as tropical, and quite hot. The average temperature ranges from a low of 16 °C (60.8 °F) in Nuwara Eliya in the Central Highlands (where frost may occur for several days in the winter) to a high of 32 °C (89.6 °F) in Trincomalee on the northeast coast (where temperatures may reach 38 °C or 100.4 °F). The average yearly temperature for the country as a whole ranges from 28 to 30 °C (82.4 to 86.0 °F) Day and night temperatures may vary by 4 to 7 °C (7.2 to 12.6 °F). January is the coolest month, especially in the highlands, where overnight temperatures may fall to 5 °C (41 °F). May, is the hottest period, precedes the summer monsoon rains. Humidity is typically higher in the southwest and mountainous areas and depends on the seasonal patterns of rainfall. At Colombo, for example, daytime humidity stays above 70% all year, rising to over 90% percent during the monsoon season. The mountains and the southwestern part of the country,...

Transportation

Buses It has wide network of buses for almost anywhere in country, it is also the cheapest mode of transport. Trains Sri Lanka has a very intensive railway network. They were installed during the British rule. If you are wondering what transport to take during your stay in the hill country of Sri Lanka, make sure that you use the train because it provides a beautiful picturesque view of the hill side. Tuk Tuk - Three Wheelers Similar to taxis but not as comfortable as them. Three-wheelers are also cheaper when compared to taxis. Taxis are also very common in almost any place around the country. Helicopters / Sea Planes Helicopter rides are more famous among tourists even though they are pretty expensive. Most helicopter rides last about 1-2 hours is you are just want to look at the scenery. Hot Air Balloon Tours in Sri Lanka Imagine yourself floating gracefully over the spectacular lands of Sri Lanka with beautiful rivers, magical fo...

Other Activities in Sri Lanka that a tourist can engaged

Vedda visit Sri Lanka’s first people the Vedda or Adivasi have a captiveating story. According to the islands fascinating historical chronicle - the Mahavamsa, it is said that they were the children or descendants of Queen Kuveni, a Yaksha and the wife of Sri Lanka’s legendary first King Vijay (5th BC). However, according to anthropologists, their origins are much older; with some anthropologists dating them back to the stone age. A hunter-gather people, the Veddas have a long history of living harmoniously with nature. There are three predominant types of Veddas- Gal Veddas or cave-dwelling, who spent their time in forest caves; Muhudu Veddas or Coastal Veddas, that lived on the coastline; and Gam Veddas or village Veddas, that lived off in Chena Cultivation in small huts in village communities. If you are interested in visiting the Veddas, we recommend spending a few nights in Gal Oya or Mahiyanganaya to visit the communities around these regions and discover ...

Culture

The culture of Sri Lanka has been influenced by many factors but has managed to retain much of its ancient aspects. Mostly it has been influenced by its long history and its Buddhist heritage. The country has a rich artistic tradition, embracing the fine arts, including music, dance, , visual arts and martial arts. Sri Lanka boasts of a documented history of over 3,000 years mainly due to ancient historic scriptures like Mahawansa. Several centuries of intermittent foreign influence, has transformed Sri Lankan culture to the present outlook. Nevertheless ancient traditions and festivals are celebrated by mostly conservative Sinhalese people of the island, together with other minorities that make up the Sri Lankan identity. Esala Perahera August The Kandy Esala Perahera also known as The Festival of the Tooth is a festival held in July and August in Kandy, Sri Lanka. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha, which is hous...

Meditation & Ayurvedic Spa

Best Spiritual and Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka Sri Lanka is a great place for all those yogis who are feeling a little bit adventurous. It’s always great to change the location of your practice from time to time, get new experience in a truly fantastic setting of misty mountains, tropical forests and white beaches with azure waters. Nurture your spirituality as you venture into a mesmerizing yoga trip that will take you deep inside your mind and soul. There are numerous yoga retreats in Sri Lanka that offer gorgeous beaches and loads of healthy activities that will help you keep fit and enjoy your stay in the country to the fullest. Indigenous medicine ( ayuruvedic spa) Indigenous medicine is also a huge part of the culture which even has said to be able to cure terminal diseases such as cancer. These days in Sri Lanka a lot of ayuruvedic spas and clinics are open for tourists who visit the country , which is also considered as one of the major tourist ( recreational )...

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