TRINCOMALEE
Beach | Historical | Nature
TRINCOMALEE 264 KM (164 Miles) From Colombo
Trincomalee is a port city on the east coast of Sri Lanka. The city is located on a peninsula, which divides the inner and outer harbours.Trincomalee is an anglicized version of the Tamil word Tirukonamalai (which means "lord of the sacred hill"); it is a hill situated in the end of a natural land formation that resembles an arc. It is one of the main where Tamil is spoken at large scale. Historically referred to as Gokanna or Gokarna it has been a sea port that has played a major role in maritime and international trading history of Sri Lanka.
The Bay of Trincomalee provides security and is openly accessible to all types of sea crafts in all weathers. The beaches are used for recreational purposes such as surfing, scuba diving, fishing and whale watching. The city is renowned for housing the largest Dutch fort in Sri Lanka. It is home to major Sri Lankan naval bases and a Sri Lankan Air Force base.
Religious Significance
Trincomalee is considered a very sacred place by the Tamil and Sinhalese. Trincomalee and its surroundings have both Hindu and Buddhist sites of historical importance. These sites are sacred to the Hindus and Buddhists.
It has been said that King Mahasena destroyed the Sivan Temple and on top of it built a Mahayana temple. Despite the historical rivalries between the two ethnic groups initiated by kings such as Mahasena the Theravada Buddhists have maintained a remarkably peaceful relationship with the Hindus.
Trincomalee during the colonial era
Trincomalee strategic importance has shaped its recent history. The great European powers vied for mastery of the harbor. The Portuguese, the Dutch, the French, and the English, each held it in turn, and there have been many sea battles nearby.
Harbour
The Trincomalee boasts a record as the fifth largest natural harbor in the world In the map Trincomalee isn't quite populated a lot and is less developed. However it is used as a commercial seaport.
Rare hot spring wells; a major tourist attraction
The hot springs in Trincomalee is always a major tourist attraction. There are the seven hot springs of Kanniya on the way to Trincomalee. The seven springs are enclosed by a high wall, each of which is again enclosed and bound by smaller walls to make up wells. The use of the springs for bathing however is under strict control.
NILAVELI
Beach | Water Sports | Nature
NILAVELI 275 KM (171 Miles) From Colombo
Nilaveli (Open-land of the moon-shine) is located north-west of the Island. It is one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka renowned for its soft white sand and breath-taking bays. Nilaveli is famous for recreational water sports such as scuba diving.
Nilaveli Beach
One of the finest beaches in Sri lanka, the pearly sands, the breath-taking coastline this is a tangible proof of serenity in our island. It is so unique that the feeling you experience when you see it, is unique itself. One can really connect with nature at this beach at an intense level. This is a place where most people come to take a break from the hectic lives and rejuvenate.
The beach is ideal to visit durin April and October. The Sun is at its most intense during this period so that you can work out on your tan. Watersports are also a huge feature in this beach, surfing and windsurfing are the major excursions undertaken here. This is a must in everyones itinerary when visiting Sri Lanka.
Water Sports
Water sports such as wind surfing and diving are very famous among tourists and even locals. Sun bathing is also a really great option if you want to work out on your tan. Snorkelling is also done along the small rocky islands just abit further away from the coast.
Major attractions in Nilaveli
The hot water wells and pigeon islands are the major tourist attractions however an old fort from the colonial era is also present.
MIRISSA
Beach | Nature | Whale Watching
MIRISSA 154 KM (95 Miles) From Colombo
Mirissa is a small heaven located in the South Coast of Sri Lanka, only about 200km away from the Equator. The small town is ever-famous for it's natural beaches which are mostly untouched by any man-made modernization, which makes it well-loved and very sought after when it comes to holidays and vacations, even—honeymoons.
Mirissa's sandy beaches gives life to your fantasies of a tropical heaven, the secluded crescent shaped beach is like a reclusive hidden Island that is a hideaway for many. The town's sunsets and sunrises are said to be one of the finest ever, the peace that surrounds people spending time in the hotels set aback from the actual beach is quiet unmeasured. The gentle waves of the ocean crashing and building into a crescendo, coconuts falling and birds chirping. Mirissa is a tourist heaven and must not be missed!
Mirissa Beach
The sandy beach with it's golden sand and undeniably warming atmosphere with chilled breezes, the perfect combination of hot and cold is a travel location that's the envy of many countries.
The beach offers the peace you can't find elsewhere, the hotels provide the customers with everything that they require; even with many people occupying the beach, the noise and rush is minimum.
Surfing at Mirissa
Mirissa's Bay Surf point is famous for smooth surfing; you can surf with no inhibitions and enjoy a carefree ride through the ocean, experiencing it on a level that would be unforgettable for the many years to come.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
Sri Lanka's Navy Passenger Craft called ‘Princess of Lanka’ was launched in 2011 and since then has been a vessel for people who want to enjoy a profound activity such as Whale Watching.
A person has a firsthand experiences watching the humongous creatures wriggle about and float underwater, the scene is truly enrapturing. The dolphins are extremely friendly as well, giving people a show of a lifetime. Their packages are reasonable and would suit a average person nicely. The Whale Watching activity is famous among avid tourists.
TANGALLE
Beach | Nature | Relax
TANGALLE 195 KM (121 Miles) From Colombo
Are you looking for the perfect city to be in while being in Sri lanka? Are you looking for a place with the perfect beach? And tourist attractions? A simple answer is this big town in Sri Lanka, Tangalle.
Tangalle is a huge town with beautiful attractions and breathtaking views. Tangalle is filled with attractive places and sandy beaches. Just everything you are looking for, Tangalle is fulfilling all the requirements.
Tangalle Beach
One of the main reasons of its hype and popularity is its alluring beaches which never fail to capture ones attention. It has rough, strong waves and creates such an impact on a person’s mind that they are just rejoiced. It’s beaches are Sri Lanka’s reply to ‘’heaven’’. The ocean stretches as far as one’s eyes can manage to see. Isn’t that just delightful? What a perfect way to beat the summer heat with some fresh water. The beaches in Tangalle have a harmonized environment and the sunsets are a must see! The beaches have hotels built as well.
People all around the world come to witness the beauty of the beaches that Sri Lanka holds in it.
Tourist Attractions in Tangalle
Tangalle has alot of places one can boast about. It’s beautiful zoo that capture the imagine of wildlife so accurately that one can just not forget. Obviously, the flawless beaches and historic places Tangalle is so full of these things.
Tangalle never fails to surprise its visitors, it never does. It is just so full of life and happiness one surely doesnt want to return back home.
ARUGAM BAY
Beach | Surfing | Nature
ARUGAM BAY 342 KM (212 Miles) From Colombo
Arugam Bay is in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeastern drift of the Indian Ocean. The bay is almost of 320 kilometers (200 mi) due east of Arugam Bay, and covers an area of roughly 4 kilometers (2.5 mi) south of the market town of Pottuvil. The primary settlement in the zone, referred to locally as Ullae, is overwhelmingly Muslim, however there is a huge Tamil and Sinhala population towards the south of the town, and additionally various worldwide transients, to a great extent from Europe and Australia.
While generally angling has overwhelmed the neighborhood economy, tourism has developed quickly in the zone as of late. Tourism in Arugam Bay is overwhelmed by surf tourism, on account of a few quality breaks in the zone; however visitors are likewise pulled in by the neighborhood shorelines, tidal ponds, noteworthy sanctuaries and the adjacent Kumana National Park.
Surfing in Arugam Bay
The Arugam Bay territory is known for its quality surf breaks. The 'Main Point' is one of the main surfing areas of the Bay found towards the south of the sound. This is a correct hand point break, with a stone/reef base, and has various areas with incidental barrels. Different breaks in the zone incorporate Whiskey Point and Pottuvil Point toward the north, and Elephant Rock, Peanut Farm and Okanda toward the south. These breaks have pulled in a constant flow of worldwide travelers for quite a few years. Arugam Bay has a decent neighborhood surf scene and is home to some of Sri Lanka's most gifted surfers and lately surfers from Arugam Bay have ruled national competitions. The first international surfing competition in this bay was held in mid 2010.
Arugam Bay Attractions
Besides Surf Breaks, there are many other tourist’s attraction and visiting spots in the Bay as well. The Kumana National park which is adjacent to the bay is one of the main tourist’s attraction places of the entire area. The Kumana National Park was known as the Yala East National Park and was named Kumana National park in September 2005. Besides National park, the tidal ponds and sanctuaries present in the place also catches the tourist’s eyes.
GALLE
Ancient | Historical | Beach
GALLE 128 KM (79 Miles) From Colombo
Galle is situated in the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka; it is one of the country's integral cities. Galle has a colorful history and beauty that renders many speechless.
The city is filled with Dutch-colonial buildings people come from faraway places to see. The air is filled with the sweet smell of spices and the salty winds give it a authentic recognition. Galle is filled with art that's rare, the streets are filled with people who are ambitious and hardworking, showcasing their efforts in one the best displays that please the eye immensely.
The classic architecture fuses with the tropical setting that's the envy of many man-made resorts and architects.
Galle is said to be a heavenly piece of art, tropical heaven and rich in history.
Galle Fort
The fort built by the Portuguese in 1588 holds most of the attention as you can explore the city of Galle through it's walls. The Fort has a multi-religious ethnic population and embedded deep inside it's walls is a rich history people are besotted with. This glorious building suffered through the Boxing Day Tsunami and was later restored to it's magnificent beauty. It has been given the title of Unesco World Heritage Site because of it's endless glory. It's a beautiful travelling location which gives you a experience that's hard to forget.
History
Galle's history is a wonder in it's own. Under the dominance of Portuguese and Dutch for a long period of time, it suffered through a thousand changes. It was referred to as Gimhathiththa in the 16th century before the Portuguese took over. But Galle showed it's true potential in the Dutch-colonial period, the buildings they constructed are sight seeings wonders people wish to see to this day.
It suffered through a massive tsunami but the city has been restored to it's original beauty and stands to be one of the best tropical areas on the planet, a tourist's heaven.
KALPITIYA
Beach | Surfing | Dolphin Watching
KALPITIYA 167 KM (103 Miles) From Colombo
Kalpitya is located in the North Western Province, Puttalam, of Sri Lanka . The city consists of a total 14 islands, that are a crown for its stunning natural beauty.
Kalpitya is also famous for its oceanic beauty. It is definitely showing its true potential under great refinement and development, which is ultimately leading it to become a relentless tourist attraction.
Its history is rich and dating back many centuries. It was once under the rule of Portuguese. The city has suffered its share of tragedies over the decades but still stands erect and proud. Kalpitya is famous for it's wide range of water sports.
people fond of such activities will love this city and enjoy it immensely. Most of the residents of Kalpitya are fishers. The sea food is so good that it melts in your mouth. Above all, the setting and landscapes give it a serene beauty not many can even imagine.
Water Sports - Kitesurfing and Surfing
Sport activities like Kitesurfing, Stand Up Paddling, Diving, Skate boarding and simple surfing are the norm around the islands. Tourists can experience the blue ocean, sandy beaches and arid plains from the skies before they get tired and enjoy the fine Sri Lankan cuisine at the customer pleasing resorts and restaurants. Their packages are highly reasonable.
Dolphin and Whale Watching
The breathtaking view of these enigmatic creatures submerging and reemerging from the sparkling water, a real life experience of watching nature's beauty strut about is a offer no one should refuse. Whale watching and Dolphin shows are one of Kalpitya's many wonders and tourists love their fair-priced deals and packages.
BENTOTA
Beach | Nature | Water Sports
BENTOTA 85 KM (52 Miles) From Colombo
Bentota is a small town situated on coastal areas in Sri Lanka. Positioned 65 kilometers south of Colombo the capital, in the Bentota region of the Southern Province
It is quite famous for its breath taking view, and especially the Bentota Beach.
Bentota Beach
If you are looking to spend your holidays and give yourself a calm and natural treat, with no bars and restaurants, this is the most refreshing and relaxing site
The Bentota Beach which extends across 7-8 kilometers is truly a symbol of peace, calmness and cleanness.
One of its strongest points is its quiet surroundings which, according to many people, run the natural and relaxing environment of the beach. There is plenty of space of everyone to settle in perfectly and enjoy the sun bath to the fullest.
Bentota River
While enjoying the eye catching view of the Bentota beach another thing that caught the attention of many tourists is the stunning Bentota River. it is highly recommended by people who have taken the 2-3 hour ride on boat of the river. People have witnessed different kinds of animals, birds, reptiles such as crocodile, iguana etc in their natural habitats, which makes it an animal’s lover dream as well.
The River is also pretty popular for water activities like surfing and boating.
Based on the views generated by the people who have visited this beach, if you want to enjoy a perfectly warm and quiet holidays then it are an ideal place for you.
HIKKADUWA
Beach | Coral | Nature
HIKKADUWA 119 KM (73 Miles) From Colombo
Hikkaduwa is the name of a small town which is located on the south coast of Sri lank around 98 KM on the south of Colombo. It is well known for the Hikkaduwa beach which is labeled as one of the best surfing site in Sri Lanka and for Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary which is located a few meters away from the shore.
Hikkaduwa Beach and Surfing
Hikkaduwa Beach and Surfing Hikkaduwa beach is one of the most popular tourist places in Sri lanka Known for the harmonized and calm environment. The Beach is considered to be one of the finest places in the country for surfing and it is also well known for seafood currie which gives an extraordinary touch while having the perfect day on the beach. You can enjoy Surfing to the fullest in the months of November to March when waves rise up. Many tourists have recommended surfing in these months.
Hikkaduwa Coral Sanctuary and Snorkeling
While enjoying the beach and the sea, it is necessary to have a look inside the sea to investigate and examine the aquatic life. Whoever has visited the Beach has highly recommended snorkeling. It is very much suitable if one wants to watch all the beautiful fishes and marine life closely. People get a chance to look at a lot of different types of small and big fishes and turtles etc. very closely. So, whenever you get the chance to visit Sri Lanka and especially Hikkaduwa beach, don’t forget to experience surfing as well as snorkeling, it will be an experience of a life time.
KOGGALA
Beach | Nature | Relax
KOGGALA 140 KM (86 Miles) From Colombo
Koggala is a little seaside town, arranged at the edge of a tidal pond on the south shoreline of Sri Lanka, situated in Galle District, Southern Province of Sri Lanka and is represented by a Urban Council. Koggala is limited on one side by a reef, and on the other by an expansive lake, Koggala Lake, into which the various tributaries of the Koggala Oya deplete. It is roughly 139 kilometers (86 mi) south of Colombo and is arranged at a height of 3 meters (9.8 ft) over the sea level.
Koggala Beach
Koggala has one of the longest shorelines in Sri Lanka, and is situated in closeness to the prevalent vacationer resort of Unawatuna, Koggala in examination is moderately uncluttered as a traveler goal and for the most part unexplored. With the longest beach and coastline of the country, Koggala has significantly caught tourist’s attention and now hosts thousands of tourists every year.
Koggala was fundamentally influenced by the wave brought about by the 2004 Indian Ocean quake, where the waters measured 9.1 meters (30 ft) high.
Koggala Tourist Attractions
Besides the longest and most attractive beach of the country, the town is also a neighborhood to many tourist attractions and ancient temples
Koggala is the birthplace of a well known Sri Lankan author and artist Martin Wickramasinghe whose work for the field of art is displayed in Martin Wickramasinghe Folk Art Museum, especially dedicated to his arts and traditions in the town.
Other then this museum, Stilt Fisherman, Koggala lake, and Turtle hatcheries are tourist attractions.
PASIKUDAH
Beach | Nature | Coral
PASIKUDAH 297 KM (184 Miles) From Colombo
Beautiful beach along with coral reefs and amazing hotels awaits you people to visit Pasikudah in Sri Lanka Pasikudah is a coastal resort town located at a distance of 35 kilometers northwest of Baticola district Sri Lanka. This place is an exciting place not only for the tourists but some religious people who believes in Buddhism often visits this place. As a lot of beautiful temples were also there for your religious ethics and practices.
Since the end of civil war in 2009, Places like Pasikuda gained more importance as tourism become active once again in Sri Lanka. For Tourists comfort an airport near the Batticola had been working from many years and giving an easy travel service so that they could reach their destinations without any problems faced.
If we talk about the attractions present in this resort town then there are a lot of things which we cannot expressed in this article and you should visits once in your life this beautiful place.
Pasikuda is a great place to enjoy your holidays also as a number of world class hotels awaits you to spend some time there along with your family and friends.
Pasikudah Beach
You would have visited a number of beaches in your life but would not have visited the famous Pasikuda beach a sight full of natural delights one could see in his life. Swimming in the sea and enjoying sun bath are all exciting plans for your vacations but when you choose this destination you enjoy it better than anywhere else that is the reason tourists came here every year for their vacations.
Coral Reef Snorkeling
Pasikuda along with its beautiful beach also gives you the opportunity for coral reef snorkeling and deep sea diving which would be loved by your family in such an amazing place. Everyone likes to collect coral reefs and some people are found to collect them as their hobby and if we talk about the sea diving then there is complete safety measures taken as tourists are not only customers but guests first.
UNAWATUNA
Jungle Beach | Nature | Relax
UNAWATUNA 128 KM (79 Miles) From Colombo
Unawatuna is a town in coastal Area of the Galle District in Sri Lanka. It is one of the most famous and largest sources of attraction for people. The main things that catch the attention of people are its beautiful beach and corals.
Unawatuna Beach and Corals
The Unawatuna beach is a major source of tourist attraction. The beach is a beautifully stretched area of land covered with sand that can raise the standards of any holidays with its exotic view and extraordinary environment. Corals are basically aquatic invertebrates that are established in colonies of a number of indistinguishable polyps. One of the things of this beach that hands it the grip over the others is these corals which are viewed and examined while snorkeling. One of the main preferences of tourists is to enjoy the marine life and examine it carefully and if you are one of them then the Unawatuna beach might just be the place to spend your holidays.
Unawatuna Jungle Beach
Jungle beach is a small beach which looks like it is located in middle of a jungle. The beach is most of the times over crowded, yet it is clean most of the time and because of its refreshing scenery and pleasant weather along with the breathtaking sea view it is labeled as paradise by many.
Eco Tourism
Many people over the years have preferred ecotourism. It is basically to observe wild life and animals in their natural habitat. Unawatuna luckily also has the ecotourism facility available for the tourist to examine the wild life as closely as possible. So, if you are planning to enjoy beach along with examining wildlife then Unawatuna is the perfect place for you.
WELIGAMA
Beach | Nature | Surfing
WELIGAMA 148 KM (91 Miles) From Colombo
Sri Lanka has such beautiful cities, Weligama is just another addition to this long list. Located in the south coast of Sri Lanka, Weligama is a popular tourist destination and it is for a strong reason as well. Its marvelous rivers and just beautiful sceneries are so captivating that one just cant resist. Weligama means ‘’sandy village’’ and it has suffered a number of natural disasters in its past but still has managed to burst out as a such eye catching town. It has villages that are filled with kind hearted and welcoming people. Those people make the stay there worth the time.
Weligama Beach and Surfing Schools
Just like other Sri Lankan cities, it is also filled with beaches that enhance its beauty alot more than before. Its beaches are half occupied with fishermen who are busy fishing and boating. A little way away from the beaches, villages are filled with busy people working day and night to make a fortune, Schools that give surfing lessons can be seen at the ends of the beaches. Its such a pleasent sight to witness. It has attractive beaches that are ideal for surfing. Along the beaches, there are resort open for people who want to stay alongside the beautiful scenario.
Weligama Tourist Attractions
Weligama is so full of attractive places. The villages are filled with all kinds of people that are open hearted and do alot for the visitors there.
It has surf schools and beautiful greenry that attracts the tourists.
It has been reviewed as a beautiful place by many for a reason.
NEGOMBO
Beach | Water Sports | Nature
NEGOMBO 40 KM (25 Miles) From Colombo
Negombo (Migamuwa) is a town of about 40 km north of Colombo. It has a small port and its economy is based on centuries old fishing industries and tourism. During the Dutch and Portuguese invasion it was used as a trading port.
Beach
The beaches of Negombo are most of the time less crowded and unexplored which means that the beach is mostly to yourself. Recreational sports such as Diving and surfing are famous among tourists. The Muthurajawela Marsh off Negombo lagoon just south of the town is a unique wetland habitat and the largest marsh in Sri Lanka popular with eco enthusiasts.
Kite Surfing
The latest exhilarating extreme sport in Sri Lanka, it is a fusion of Kite flying , Wind Surfing , Wave boarding and Surfing. It is a bit difficult to master however, well qualified trainers are available at your disposal so that within a week you will be able to kite-surf like a pro.
Churches
Negombo has a majority of Roman Catholics since the European Colonization. Negombo is also known as Little Rome due to Portugese Era Churches.
COLOMBO
Capital | Shopping | Beach
Colombo 0 KM (0 Miles) From Colombo
The largest city and commercial capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo which is located in the western province adjacent to Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (the capital city of Sri Lanka ) Colombo is a vibrant city with a mixture of modern life , colonial buildings and ruins.
Due to its very large harbor and its position along the East-West sea trade routes Colombo was very popular among ancient traders 2000 years ago.
Colombo houses a majority of the Sri Lanka's corporate offices, restaurants and entertainment venues. Famous land marks in Colombo include the National Museum, World Trade Center , Vihara Maha Devi Park and the Galle Face Green.
The name "Colombo", first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which means "Harbor with leafy mango trees". However, it is also possible that the Portuguese named the city after Christopher Columbus.
colombo
Due to the fact that Colombo had a natural harbor of its own the Romans, Arabs and Chinese traders were well aware of its significance. Colombo's geography is a mix of land and water. The city has many canals and, in the heart of the city is located a lake known as the Beira Lake. The lake has a historical significance for which it was used to defend the city by colonists
Geography and Climate
Colombo's climate is fairly temperate all throughout the year averaging around 31 degrees. Colombo is a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural city. The population of Colombo is a mix of numerous ethnic groups, mainly Sinhalese, Moors and Tamils. There are also small communities of people with Chinese, Portuguese, Dutch, Malay and Indian origins living in the city, as well as numerous European expatriates. Colombo is the most populous city in Sri Lanka.
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Spend your holidays in Sri Lanka at the most spectacular hotels and resorts. Colombo always enchants tourist with its vibrancy and its own unique landmarks.