Ayubowan!
( May You Live Long!! )

Sri Lanka is a tiny tear drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean. It has also been a center of the Buddhist religion and culture from ancient times. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka has led to the title The Pearl of the Indian Ocean. The island is laden with lush tropical forests, diverse landscapes with rich biodiversity. The country lays claim to a long and colorful history of over three thousand years, having one of the longest documented histories in the world.
Aukana Buddha Statue

It is the 5th century AD and a man, a very special sculptor, takes his first blow at a jungle rockface ... a few miles away an enormous tank or lake is being constructed ... and the king, Dhatusena where Buddhism unites the Singalese people. Today, you can still stand where the king once stood at Aukana and look up at the Buddha statue, 12 metres high, carved from the living rock. And you can feel the serenity as the Buddha's rock hand gives the same blessing as the day the statue was finished.
Kandy The Cultural Capital

Kandy is the last capital of the Sinhala Monarchy the History of which goes back to at least five centuries before the beginning of the Common Era. The city is surrounded by a ring of mountain ranges and Sri Lanka's largest river Mahaweli Ganga. Kandy enjoys a salubrious climate and still breathes the ancient lifestyle of the people.The heritage of Kandy, Architecture, Sculpture, painting, Dance and Music, all such cultural traditions are endemic to Sri Lanka.
Sigiriya The Lion's rock

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress and palace ruin situated in the central Matale District of Sri Lanka, surrounded by the remains of an extensive network of gardens, reservoirs, and other structures. A popular tourist destination, Sigiriya is also renowned for its ancient paintings. The Sigiriya was built during the reign of King Kassapa(I), and it is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya may have been inhabited through prehistoric times.
Traditional Dancers

This form of dance has developed from the period of Kandyan kings and today is regarded as the national dance of Sri Lanka. The dance imitates movements of animals. The costumes of Kandyan dancers are striking; male dancers wear a skirt-like garment with their bare chests decorated with exquisitely silver regalia and spectacular headgear; silver bangles are also worn on the arms and ankles. The performance is companied with hectic rhythms of drums called "gata beraya".
The Tea Country

Sri Lanka is one of the world's largest exporters of tea. Since the introduction of tea to Sri Lanka in mid 19the century Nuwara Eliya has been the capital of the tea industry. For many miles prior to reaching Nuwara Eliya from either direction you will find acres and acres of tea plantations, infact nothing but tea estates. There are many factories open for visitor's which also have tea sales outlets. Nuwara Eliya offers many activities for tourists including visits to tea plantations golfing, horse riding, boating.
Sri Lankan Elephants

Sri Lankan elephants known as Aliya or Etaha (tusker) by local people are the most loved animal by Sri Lankans. The have a fascinating behavior to watch and has a great National value as a tourist attraction. There are many National parks around the country to see elephants. Pinnawala established and Udawalawe the worlds first elephant orphanages which take care of baby elephants. The travelers to Sri Lanka enjoy Watching and Photographing and riding on the elephants.
Sri Lanka Beaches

Sri Lanka is surrounded by golden beaches and the beaches in Sri Lanka are the best in the world.Sri Lanka is the ideal holiday destination, and is a land of many appealing beaches, which are a major tourist attraction. As one travels along the western, eastern and southern coastlines one will come upon yet another identical and tempting tropical and panoramic view, which proves that this unique isle is the best place to relax and enjoy a perfect holiday.
Leopards of Sri Lanka

The Sri Lankan leopard is one of currently 8 recognised subspecies of leopard, the smallest of the 'big cats' Leopards have lithe, elongated bodies supported on relatively stocky legs and broad paws. Sri Lankan leopards are generally larger in size than their relatives elsewhere As with other leopards, the coat is a tawny or rusty yellow, marked with the dark spots and rosettes so characteristic of this species. Yala National Park is one of the best parks in the world to observe and photograph leopards.
The Gem country

Sri Lanka, the island known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean lives up to its nickname as a hotbed for a variety of gems. Sri Lanka is home to 40 varieties of Gems out of 85 varieties available in the whole world. Gems of Sri Lanka have found there way to many a court all over the world. Throughout history, Sri Lanka has been known as a land of gems. King Solomon was said to have procured a great ruby for the Queen of Sheba from Ceylon. Marco Polo wrote of wonderful Ceylon gems.

Ancient Cities

Anuradhapura

128 miles (205 km) from Colombo is Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka's first capital founded about the 4th century BC. According to the Mahavansa, the Sinhala Buddhist chronicle, the city was a model of planning. READ MORE

Mihintale

Over 7 miles east of Anuradhapura is Mihintale where Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in 3rd century BC. Regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. READ MORE

Polonnaruwa

135 miles from Colombo and southeast of Anuradhapura is Polonnaruwa which was the mediaeval capital of Sri Lanka, and the ancient city is today one of the most beautiful centres of this island's cultural heritage. When early in the 11th century AD Anuradhapura suffered one of the worst of its many Indian invasions, Polonnaruwa became the next of rule. READ MORE

Sigiriya

Sigiriya was no mere fortress, gloomy and forbidding. At the brief height of its glory - it was a royal citadel for more than 18 years, from 477 to 495 AD and on of the loveliest that have graced this land.Sigiriya was no mere fortress, gloomy and forbidding. At the brief height of its glory - it was a royal citadel for more than 18 years, from 477 to 495 AD and on of the loveliest that have graced this land. READ MORE

Dambulla

Twelve miles from Sigiriya is Dambulla, a vast isolated rock mass 500 ft. high and a mile round the base. Here is found the famous rock-temple dating to the first century BC. READ MORE

Yapahuwa

An ancient fortress and capital in the year 1301. Situated in the Kurunegala District about 90 miles from Colombo, Yapahuwa is, like the better known Sigiriya, a rock rising abruptly from its surroundings, to a height of 300 ft. An ancient fortress and capital in the year 1301. Situated in the Kurunegala District about 90 miles from Colombo, Yapahuwa is, like the better known Sigiriya, a rock rising abruptly from its surroundings, to a height of 300 ft. READ MORE