Sri Lanka Tourism Advisor - Travel and Tourism Information

Wednesday, September 30, 2009

Sri Lanka Eco Lodges- Asia Ecotourism in Sri Lanka

Please let these hotels know you found them on Eco Tropical Resorts

Ranweli Holiday Village Eco Rating 3.4 out of 5 This is an eco-friendly resort located on a 22 acre peninsula. In the midst of mangrove forests, winding rivers, and the sea. We have made a strong commitment to sustainable ecotourism and have won awards for this. Come relax and enjoy the biodiversity and nature of this incredible area. LOCATION: Waikkal, Sri Lanka Ranweli Holiday Village
Tree Tops Jungle Lodge Read Reviews Come with us - on a journey back to basics, living with nature. We believe in basic comfort and offer a nature retreat extremely well integrated in our wonderful surroundings; the virgin forest, the rocky hills, and the wildlife. Via the dirt track to the lodge you leave the world behind and end up in elephant country. This jungle, the Weliara forest, is hidden between Yala National Park and the Arahat Kanda mountains. LOCATION: Buttala, Sri Lanka Tree Tops Jungle Lodge
Sigiriya Village Hotel Sigiriya Village is an exclusive jungle retreat located in the vicinity of the Sigiriya Rock, in the heartland of this Cultural Triangle, where you can enjoy the glory of an ancient culture, the nature around you in Right Royal comfort. The hotel blends with nature, thus preserving the rich natural beauty of the surrounding landscape. It is a home away from home. LOCATION: Sigiriya, Sri Lanka Sigiriya Village Hotel
The Boulder Garden Resort Located in idyllic and unspoiled surroundings in the south western lowlands of Sri Lanka. Our Resort provides a sanctuary of serenity and beauty for the utmost in relaxation for guests. Boulder Garden is only 15 minutes drive from Sinharaja rainforest, the only natural rainforest in the wet zone of Sri Lanka. LOCATION: Kalawana, Sri Lanka The Boulder Garden Resort
Hotel Tree of Life Surrounded by 700 acres of Tea land the Hotel Tree of Life has a rich history. The Old wing was an estate bungalow built during the colonial era over 100 years ago in Sri Lanka. Being close to nature and the environment, Hotel Tree of Life has pledged its commitment to encourage, support and promote ecological consciousness in the hospitality industry in Sri Lanka. LOCATION: Kandy, Sri Lanka Hotel Tree of Life
Rainforest Edge Located on top of a mountain with a panoramic view of lush green vegetation. It is the closest accommodation to Sinharaja rainforest and has the best rooms and amenities with personalized service. Consists of 7 eco friendly suites with their own balconies with views of tropical jungle. Many activities to choose from including kayaking, mountain biking, and bird watching. LOCATION: Kalawana, Sri Lanka Rainforest Edge
Kumbuk River Eco Extraordinaire This lodge is tucked away in a warm and green corner of paradise, nestled on 14 acres of natural bliss on the edge of a sleepy farming village. Time stands still in this exclusive eco enclave bordering the Kumbukkan Oya, a river that never runs dry. Kumbuk River borders Yala Wildlife Sanctuary. The entire facility can be reserved for just one touring party, from a single nature-loving person, to a small family or a bigger group of up to 10. LOCATION: Dambeyaya, Sri Lanka Kumbuk River Eco Lodge

srilanka Shopping

Sri Lanka has a number of modern shopping malls, and some 5-star hotels in Colombo also have shopping arcades. Special purchases include handicrafts and curios of silver, brass, bone, ceramics, wood and terracotta. Also cane baskets, straw hats, reed and coir mats, spices and the island’s excellent tea. Batik fabric, lace and lacquerware are also popular. Masks used in dance-dramas, processions and festivals can also be bought: they can depict kings, queens, demonic birds and snake spirits amongst other things. The ‘18-disease’ mask shows

a demon in possession of a victim; he is surrounded by 18 faces – each of which cures a specific ailment. Versions produced for the tourist market are often of a high standard. Sri Lanka is also rich in gems. Fabrics include batiks, cottons, rayons, silks and fine lace.

Shopping hours
Mon-Fri 0900-1730, Sat 0900-1300.

Currency Information:

Currency
Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR; symbol Rp) = 100 cents. Notes are in denominations of Rp2,000, 1,000, 500, 200, 100, 50, 20 and 10. Coins are in denominations of Rp10, 5, 2 and 1, and 50, 25, 10, 5, 2 and 1 cents. There are also large numbers of commemorative coins in circulation.

Currency Exchange
Foreign currency can be changed at authorized exchanges, banks and hotels.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
MasterCard and Visa are widely accepted. American Express is also often accepted. Major cities have ATMs, although not all will accept international cards.The tourist board urges caution when paying by credit card due to the potential for fraud.

Traveller's Cheques
The rate of exchange for traveller's cheques can be better than the rate of exchange for cash. To avoid additional exchange rate charges, travelers are advised to take traveller's cheques in US Dollars or Pounds Sterling.

Currency Restrictions
Restrictions apply.

Banking Hours
Mon-Sat 0900-1300. Some city banks close at 1500, whilst some even have night bank facilities

Important Information of Srilanka

Important Information

Geography

Sri Lanka is an island situated at the southern tip of india in the Indian Ocean.

From North to South 432km
From East to West 224 km
Total area 65, 525sq. km's

Population

The majority of Sri Lankans are Singhalese and Buddhists, but the total population is a mixture of Tamil, Moor, Burgher (people of european descent).

Sinhala, Tamil and English are the national languages. English is spoken throughout the island.

Climate

Sri Lanka is a tropical country with a southwest monsoon that sets in from May to August, and October to March the northeast of the island is affected by monsoon winds. The weather is finest in the coastal regions and hill country of the southwest from October to March. The temperature in the lowlands averages 27 degrees Celsius. However, temperatures fall rapidly with altitude. In Kandy the temperature on average is around 20 degrees Celsius and in Nuwara Eliya it is often below 15 degrees Celsius.

Time

Sri Lanka is +06 Greenwich Mean Time.

Clothing

Lightweight clothing is recommended. It is a good idea to be conservatively dressed on the streets and shorts are not permitted in places of worship. A light sweater is recommended in the hill country.
Bring rain proofs, avoid synthetics. Footwear off in temples.

Telephones

Card operated telephone booths and cyber cafes can be found in most towns. Cards can be obtained at the nearest shop or kiosk. Mobile telephone rentals are also freely available.

Health

It is safer not to drink water from the tap though water in major towns are treated. Boiled water, bottled water and water and icce at reputed hotels are safe. Government run hospitals and a number of private hospitals are available in the event of an emergency. Most hospitals are well equipped with medical specialists on call at any time of day. Reputed hotels have a Doctor on call.

Electricity

210-240 volts, 50Hz, Alternating Current / Plug sockets take round pins.

Currency

The currency in Sri Lanka is the Rupee. The value fluctuates with world market rates. All commercial banks are authorized to exchange money and so are most tourist class hotels. American Express, Master Card and Visa Card are also widely accepted.

Visas

Nationals of most countries may obtain visas on arrival, at the airport. It is best to check with your nearest Sri Lankan diplomatic mission or consulate. The visa that is issued at the point of entry is only valid for 30 days. Extensions can be obtained, if required, from the Department of Immigration & Emigration in Colombo.

Shopping

Sri Lanka offers good bargains in ceramics, garments, leather goods, gems etc.

Communications

The general post office is situated in the city of Colombo. Other towns have central post offices. Privately run agency post offices, cyber cafes, communication centers also function throughout most of the country.

Photography and Video

Photography and video filming often require permits at historical and sacred sites- it is advisable to check with the officials at each place. Film rolls and videotape are freely available in all main cities.

Tuesday, September 29, 2009

Sri Lanka Tour Guide Sri Lanka , an island in the Indian Ocean is located to the south of the Indian subcontinent. It lies between 5O55' and 9O 55' north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79O 42' and 81O52'. The total land area is 65,610 sq. km. Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, is a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend of the east and west, but also for its cosy mixture of the past and the present. Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural country. The chief crop is rice with which the country is almost self sufficient. Tea, rubber and coconut are also important agricultural crops, with tea being a major foreign exchange earner. In addition, other crops of importance are cocoa and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. Fruits and vegetables, native to both tropical and temperate regions, grow well in Sri Lanka . Sri Lanka is also a major exporter of precious and semi-precious stones.

Sri Lanka Tour Guide

Sri Lanka , an island in the Indian Ocean is located to the south of the Indian subcontinent. It lies between 5O55' and 9O 55' north of the equator and between the eastern longitudes 79O 42' and 81O52'. The total land area is 65,610 sq. km. Sri Lanka's capital Colombo, is a fascinating city, not only for its comfortable blend of the east and west, but also for its cosy mixture of the past and the present.

Sri Lanka is mainly an agricultural country. The chief crop is rice with which the country is almost self sufficient. Tea, rubber and coconut are also important agricultural crops, with tea being a major foreign exchange earner. In addition, other crops of importance are cocoa and spices such as cinnamon, cardamom, nutmeg, pepper and cloves. Fruits and vegetables, native to both tropical and temperate regions, grow well in Sri Lanka . Sri Lanka is also a major exporter of precious and semi-precious stones.












Location
With a length of 445 km and breadth of 225 km, Sri Lanka encompasses beautiful tropical beaches, verdant vegetation, ancient monuments and a thousand delights to please all taste buds. The relief features of the island consist of a mountainous mass somewhat south of the centre, with height exceeding 2,500 metres, surrounded by broad plains. Palm fringed beaches surround the island and the temperature of the coast rarely falls below 27OC.
















Climate
In the higher elevations it can be quite cool with temperatures going down to 16OC at an altitude of nearly 2,000 metres. Bright, sunny warm days are the rule and are common even during the height of the monsoon - climatically Sri Lanka has no off season. The south west monsoon brings rain mainly from May to July to the western, southern and central regions of the island, while the north-east monsoon rains occur in the northern and eastern regions in December and January.








Economy
Within the last few years remittances from Sri Lankans employed abroad have contributed a large share towards foreign exchange. The last three decades have seen tourism emerge as an important industry. There has also been a rapid growth in manufacturing industries which offer a wide range of export goods such as petroleum products, leather goods, ready made garments and electronic equipment.

Demography
Sri Lanka has a population of 18.5 million of whom the majority are Sinhalese (74%). Other ethnic groups are made up of Sri Lankan Tamils (12.6%), Indian Tamils (5.5%), Moors, Malays, Burghers (of Portuguese & Dutch descent) and others (7.9%).

Although Sri Lanka is a multi-religious country, Buddhists constitute the majority with 69.3%. Other religious groups are Hindus 15.5%, Muslims 7.6% and Christians 7.5%. Sri Lanka 's literacy rate of 88.6% is one of the highest in Asia .

Language & Religion
Sinhala and Tamil are official languages in Sri Lanka . Sinhala, a language of Indo-Aryan origin is the language of the majority. English is widely spoken and understood. Place names and sign-boards on buses and trains are usually in all three languages. Sri Lanka is a land of religious freedom and tolerance. Wherever you travel you will come across a Buddhist Temple or 'Dagoba', a Hindu 'Kovil', a Christian Church or a Mosque, each with its own distinctive architecture. When visiting holy places please conform to the requirements as regarded. Dress in order as to not show disrespect.

Government
The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is a free, independent and sovereign nation. A system of administration through provincial councils was introduced in 1988. Legislative power is exercised by Parliament, elected by universal franchise on a proportional representation basis. Executive power of the people, including defence, is exercised by the President, who is also elected by the people.

Places of attraction in Sri Lanka

Places of attraction in Sri Lanka

Colombo Colombo was Sri Lanka's first capital up to recent times. To the north of the city is the Fort district, the country's business centre. South is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green graced by cricket games and trysting lovers. Cinnamon Gardens , further south, is the most fashionable neighbourhood, with mansions and tree-lined streets.

		Anuradhapura Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka 's first capital, a potent symbol of Sinhalese power, and the most extensive and important of island's ancient cities. It became a capital in 380 BC and for over 1000 years Sinhalese kings ruled from this great city. The Sacred Bo-Tree is the city's holiest site, and was grown from the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The Thuparama Dagoba, the oldest of the many temples in Anuradhapura , is believed to contain the right collar-bone of Buddha.

Galle The port of Galle , thought by some to be the Biblical city of Tarshish , splendidly illustrates the solidity of the Dutch presence in the island. The 36ha (89ac) Dutch Fort, built in 1663, has withstood the ravages of time. Its massive ramparts surround the promontory that forms the older part of Galle , and shelters within its walls sturdy Dutch houses, museums and churches. This World Heritage Site is an impressive place where the old and the new blend in perfect harmony.

		Kandy The serene 'capital' of the hill country, and the historical bastion of Buddhist power, is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills. It has a distinctive architectural character and the town centre is a delightful compendium of old shops, buses, markets and hotels. Its standout attraction is the octagonal Dalada Maligawa, a temple which houses Sri Lanka 's most important religious relic - the sacred tooth of Buddha. There are daily ceremonies of homage to the Tooth Relic, each attracting white-clad pilgrims carrying lotus blossoms and frangipani.

Sigiriya The enchanting rock fortress of Sigiriya is an impregnable fortress, a monastic retreat, and a rock art gallery. Built in 5th century AD to fend off a feared invasion, it is situated atop a 200m (656ft) high rock, and at the height of its glory must have been akin to a European chateau plonked on top of Uluru. There are water gardens, 5th century rock paintings of well endowed damsels, a 1000-year-old graffiti wall recording visitors impressions of the pin-ups, a couple of enormous stone lion paws and tremendous views.

		Nuwara Eliya Set in the heart of the tea country, it is ideal for nature lovers who will revel in its wide, patna grass covered plain which is the haunt of many wild yet harmless animals. Once the favourite hill station of the British, Nuwara Eliya still retains the vestiges of Empire: a blend of Tudor and Georgian architecture, gabled roofs, immaculate lawns and moss-covered gravestones.

Aukana Aukana is the site of an impressive 43-ft/13-m statue of Lord Buddha, which dates from the 5th century AD. Aukana is generally seen in conjunction with Anuradhapura . Seven mi/11 km west is a slightly smaller statue of Buddha, chiseled at the same time as the statute at Aukana, but not as delicately crafted.

		Yala Located at the southern tip of the island, the total protected area covers 98,000 hectares. The park contains elephants, wild boars, peacocks and other birds. Certain areas are strict natural reserves. Yala west with its scrub jungle, rock out crops, tanks and lagoons is open to visitors.

Ratnapura This is the place to go if you want to learn about gems. Your guide will show you the entire process - from digging in the gem pits to polishing and setting the stones. There's an excellent gem museum in town, too. Ratnapura produces sapphires, rubies, cat's eye, topaz, amethyst, garnet and several other glittering precious stones.

		Polonnaruwa An ancient city, Polonnaruwa features 12th-century stone sculptures, an old irrigation system with huge tanks, and the Gal Vihara: three enormous Buddha figures - one reclining (it's 44 ft/13 m long), one standing and one sitting. The statues, located in a cluster along a dirt road, are revered as being among the most sacred monuments in Sri Lanka . There are also palace ruins and great bas-reliefs and friezes (especially the elephants carved around the Audience Hall).

Dambulla At Dambulla you can visit a series of caves on a mountain ledge. These contain frescoes showing some of Buddha's epic struggles against evil. Like Sigiriya, Dambulla too is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that King Valagam Bahu took refuge during the 1 st century BC.

		Trincomalee Trincomalee lies at the union of river and sea, forming one of the loveliest harbours in the world. It also boasts a 35-mi/55-km white beach with coves, bays, islets and hot springs . The Koneswaram Hindu temple sits on a hill 400 ft/122 m above the ocean. Also on higher ground is a 16th-century Dutch fort. It's possible to dive among wrecks ranging from World War II naval casualties to old galleons.

Hikkaduwa This popular resort offers spectacular beaches, good waves and a wide range of inexpensive hotels and restaurants. The reefs just offshore attract divers and snorkellers, but the coral is beat up and the glass-bottomed boats are too numerous for our taste.

		Unawatuna West coast of Sri Lanka, a popular tourist destination is a also a breeding ground for turtles. Legend say that Unwatuna was created from a piece of earth from Himalaya, that had fallen from Hanuman in the Ramayanaya epic. Rated as one of the twelve best beaches in the world , Unawatuna was known for its picturesque beach along a sheltered bay more suitable for swimming and snorkelling than most of the other beach destinations in Sri Lanka.

Wilpattu Occupying about a 110km's (425 sq mile) tract of shore line and jungle on the North west coast, around 180km (110 miles) north of Colombo and 50km (30 miles) west of Anuradhapura , Wilpattu is Sri Lanka's largest national park and a refuge for Elephants, Leopards and sloth bears. Wilpattu could become an eco tourism destination to rival Ruhuna in the south, with huge expanses of forest and an array of rare mammal and bird species.

		Negombo Negombo is a charismatic fishing town north of Colombo, located a mere 6 km from the international airport . Set amidst lush groves of coconut palms, it breathes the spirit of the sea. Negombo is a gourmet's paradise with sea food aplenty. Old - world fishing craft, like the outrigger canoe and the catamaran, bring seer, skip jack, herring, mullet and amber jack, while lobster and prawn are caught in the lagoon.

Hortain Plains Traditionally called as Maha-Eliya was founded by Sir Robert Hortain , the British Governor in 1831-37 . Established as a nature reserve in 1969 and a National Park in 1988. Hortain Plains is situated in the hills of Sri Lanka , which is approximately 32 Km from Nuwara-Eliya . At a height of approx. 2300 meters, the land area it covers is 3159 hectares. The popular "Word's End" with drop of 275 meters and the big "World's End" with a drop of 885 meters is situated at Hortain Plains. With average temperature of 15ºc - 22ºc. It is home for Samber and endemic birds of Sri Lanka .

		Sinharaja Rain Forest Sinharaja Forest , one of the least disturbed rain forests in Sri Lanka . The forest covers an extent of approx. 11187 hectares. The forest is about 21 Km in length and 4 Km in width. This forest reserve ranges from 200m to 1300m in height, located somewhat Southwest in the low land wet zone. The whole forest comes under the Galle , Matara and Rathnapura districts. Sinharaja was declared as a World Heritage Site in 1989 . The unique features it inherits are 66% of the endemic trees, 95% of endemic birds and almost 50% of the mammals and butterflies live in the forest reserve.

Bentota Just 60 kilometres south of Colombo, signals the start of a beach stretch of 130 kilometres with magnificent resort hotels. The sea is generally suitable for bathing during November to April.

		Udawalawe Udawalawe National Park was established in 1972 with an area of 30,800 hectares. This park is a home for herds of Elephants . There are approximately between 300-400 Elephants living in the park. Besides Elephants you could also come across Deer, Samber, Hornbills, Peafowl and various other mammals and birds.

Attraction in Sri Lanka Seychelles

Sri Lanka indeed seems to be an exciting tourist destination among all the others destinations in South Asia and is also renowned for its ancient monuments, as well as other nature spots such as beaches, lakes, mountains and even museum galleries. This country has all that it takes to sooth your souls with all its charm that it exhibits and engulfs. So just in case, you want to see and experience an unusual vacation then this seem to be the best place leaving you behind all those lush green memories.
Historical monuments and landmarks seem to be the best visiting tourist spots in Sri Lanka, as most of them are located in its capital town, Colombo. Moreover, it’s also the financial hub of the country and is dotted with several nature spots and tourist attractions. There are many notable visiting ancient sites such as Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Aluvihara and even Mihintale. Colombo is the present capital of the country, while Anuradhapura was the previous one.
Amongst all the natural spots in this country, beaches occupy a leading place, since there are many beautiful beaches, which are a good blend of sun and sand. This beautiful combination of the sun and sand has all it takes to make you feel like spending all your life on those beaches. The cool breezes, along with those gusting waves are some of the thoughts that one can never forget. Some of the famous beaches that are really worth visiting are kalutara, Bentota, Mount Lavina and Arugam Bay.
And it’s not only beaches and coasts that Sri Lanka is famous for, but there are other such nature spots too that would rob you of all your stress and worries, giving your some calm and peace. Sri Lanka is also a home for a number of waterfalls, rivers and lakes, which also seem to be included amongst its primary highlights. All those splendid waterfalls are among the best sought after tourist attractions that are located in those dense lush green forest and woods in Sri Lanka.
These waterfalls that are found in the forest are among all those that fall from great heights and indeed are a feast to your eyes. And it’s not only the beaches that are worth seeing but also these waterfalls that are famous too, such as the Diyaluma waterfall, the Kirindi waterfall, the Bambarakande waterfall and St. Claries are some of the best in the country.