Wild-Srilanka

Above the waterline whales breach the surface, offering tantalizing
glimpses or longer, lingering views. To stare into the eye of one of
these mysterious, huge animals is to look back to the beginning of
time. Blue whales, the largest animal on the planet, are seen off
south coast Mirissa from November to May, as are Humpback and Sperm
whales, while on the north-west coast, off Kalpitiya peninsula,
dolphins by the score cut through the brilliant blue sea, leaping,
spinning, frolicking . . .

Sri Lanka.s birdlife is astonishing: ornithologists and birdwatchers
flock here to take in such dazzling encounters as a flamboyant
peacock strutting like a courtier, trying to impress the hens with
his shimmering tail feathers, and a White-bellied Sea Eagle swooping
from his perch on a half-submerged tree, diving low over an inland
tank to pluck a fish from the water. And not forgetting a Sri Lankan
Paradise Flycatcher flitting from perch to perch its amazingly long
tail feathers bobbing behind it like a chestnut ribbon.

In September, towards the end of the dry season, most water sources
have disappeared. The Minneriya tank, however, retains water
throughout the parched months, so there are elephant gatherings here
every year at this time, the number of these gentle, charismatic
giants sometimes exceeding 300. To see so many together - playing,
eating, swimming, looking for mates - is nothing but breathtaking.

Often heard reverberating across the forested slopes of the central
hills is the booming call of the .bear. monkey, a sub-species of the
purple-faced langur, whose name derives from its shaggy bulk. The
loris, smallest of the island.s primates, is also the most unusual,
an enigmatic nocturnal hunter with spindly legs and large, luminous
eyes. It possesses a unique, high-pitched call that pierces the
stillness of the tropical night, sending shivers down the spine.

Sri Lanka.s forests abound with an assortment of other furry, scaled
and feathered creatures. There are five species of deer, ranging from
the diminutive mouse deer - just 30cm in height and armed with
elongated canine teeth - to the sambhar, a large species in which the
bull grows impressive antlers. The latter are best seen in the high,
open area surrounding Horton Plains, where they gather in the evenings
to feed on the long grasses.

On a smaller scale, the island abounds with a wonderful diversity of
creatures. Butterflies dip and flutter on delicate wings. Gaudy
dragonflies hover on rigid, translucent wings while ethereal damselflies
dance amid the foliage. Spiders, like tiny gemstones, wait patiently in
gauzy webs that shimmer in the early morning sunshine.

Water falls-Srilanka

Waterfalls are one of the most fascinating of natural phenomena. The
mesmerizing sight of free-falling water, the thunderous roar as it hits
the rocks below, and the curiousity of what lies behind the aqueous
curtain, all contribute to this fascination.

In comparison to its size, Sri Lanka has a surprising abundance of many
things, including waterfalls . about 100, but there may be some
undiscovered. Many of these waterfalls are of impressive height, the
tallest being Bambarakanda, which is 263m. Even if they aren't, they are
usually distinctive for some reason or another.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites-Srilanka

Sri Lanka contains an astonishing seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites
within its compact shores,the same number as heritage-packed Egypt.
Six cultural sites are testament to a civilization with over 2,000
years of recorded history, while a seventh natural site boasts some
of the highest biodiversity found outside the Amazon basin.


From colossal ancient monuments and serene rock carvings in sprawling
ruined cities, to a 5th century AD king's palace in the clouds, the
World Heritage Sites showcase the island's rich history and contribution
to civilization. The largest and most dramatic of these are located in
the so-called Cultural Triangle, the area formed by linking the ancient
capitals of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Kandy. It's a living heritage,
where the visitor will see Buddhist monks and reverent devotees and hear
the hypnotic murmur of religious invocations - all of which bring the
crumbling brick temples, granite statues and towering dagobas of Sri Lanka'
s ancient cities to life.

Through the heritage sites the visitor can re-live some of the seminal
episodes in the island's past - the introduction of Buddhism, which
inspired kings to undertake astounding feats of engineering; the complex
palace intrigues; the repeated invasions and conquests; and ultimately,
the capitulation to the European colonial powers.

Experiencing Sri Lanka's heritage sites takes you on a spiritual journey
that will uplift and amaze, inspire and refresh. The island's compact
dimensions mean that it is possible to combine a visit to several of these
marvels in the Cultural Triangle during even the briefest of visits.

Traditions&Customs-Srilanka

ri Lanka: Traditions and Customs
Customs and traditions are deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan society and
have been safeguarded, from one generation to the next, over its rich
2,500 year old history. These traditions are intertwined with day to day
life of the island’s four ethnic groups – the Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims,
and Burghers – and its religions – Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and
Christianity.

Traditional greeting
In our island home, you will be greeted with clasped palms, as if in
prayer, and a head nodded in welcome; the words “Ayubowan” – “May You
Live Long” – forming on each islander’s lips. The equivalent greeting in
Tamil is “Vanakkam”, whilst the Muslims will say “Assalamu Alaikum”.

01.Traditions: From Birth and Beyond
The traditions found below are an intrinsic part of the lives of primarily
the island’s Sinhalese and Tamils. From birth, important rituals are
conducted around culturally significant milestones such as the Naming
Ceremony and a child’s first feeding of solid food.

Naming Ceremony
The ‘Nam Tebima’ or Naming Ceremony is an important ritual in traditional
Sinhalese society. An Astrologer, based on the time of birth, provides a
selection of letters with which to name the child .

Ramayanam-Srilanka

he events of the epic poem the Ramayana, which supposedly took place
in Sri Lanka, have permeated the nation’s psyche; there are an
extraordinary number of places – jungle shrines, mountains, plains,
streams, ponds and hot springs among them - associated with the epic
listed below. Pick up a map and plan an individual itinerary that
will take you on a fascinating journey on the trail of a legend.

Under its Sanskrit name of Lanka, the island figures prominently in
the Ramayana, written around 2,000 years ago by the sage Valmiki.
Although the setting of the Ramayana is Ayodya, capital of the Kosala
Kingdom in North India, the story mainly concerns an invasion of Lanka
by Rama, a prince of that kingdom. Legend usually stems from historical
fact and so it is with the Ramayana, for it is believed to be a
dramatization of the first of many Aryan invasions of Lanka.

The relevant part of the story centres on Ravana, the 10-headed, 20-armed
king of the Raksha or demon tribe of Lanka, 10-headed because he was an
expert on 10 different subjects. It seems that Ravana had worshipped Lord
Shiva with such devotion that the god had promised him that he could not
be destroyed. Secure in this knowledge, Ravana started to abuse his powers,
which caused the gods to confer and make a request to Vishnu to resolve
the problem. Vishnu agreed, descended to earth, and manifested as Rama, one
of the four sons of King Dasaradha. A brother, Lakshman, also features in
the story.

Park&garden-Srilanka

Sri Lanka is one of the smallest, but biologically diverse countries in Asia.
Indeed, the country is listed by Conservation International as one of the
world’s 34 official “Biodiversity Hotspots”. In addition, The Sinharaja
Forest Reserve, the country’s last viable area of primary tropical
rainforest, is the seventh UNESCO World Heritage Site. Sri Lanka’s high
proportion of endemic species is remarkable. Take land crabs: all 51 species
are endemic.

Influenced by Buddhist respect for all living beings, Sri Lanka has a
well-entrenched conservation ethic. Indeed, Udawattakelle Sanctuary in
Kandy is probably the world’s oldest wilderness protected area. There are
12 National Parks and 52 Sanctuaries, which together account for 13% of
Sri Lanka’s land area.

A national park safari offers the chance to see some of Sri Lanka’s 92
mammals (16 endemic) - elephant, leopard, sloth bear, sambhur, spotted deer,
mouse- and barking-deer, porcupine, ant-eater, civet cat, giant squirrel,
and monkeys such as the macaque, purple-faced leaf monkey and grey langur.

Yala National Park is believed to have the world’s highest concentration of
leopards. Uda Walawe National Park is famous for its elephants, but
Minneriya National Park boasts the awesome dry season “Gathering”, in which
herds of elephants congregate to drink the region’s remaining water.

Museum-Srilanka

Sri Lanka is indeed a Small Miracle, a country offering travellers with a
number of unforgettable experiences. What is essentially that much more
special is the country’s rich heritage, from a culture that dates back
to around 125,000 BC. Numerous excavations and digs have unearthed the
remnants of a colourful and sophisticated culture including stone tools
unearthed date back several tens of thousands of years. The oldest trace
of modern man in Asia, Balangoda Man,
and the earliest evidence of steel-making in the ancient world, were
uncovered here. Many of these historical artefacts and national treasures
are displayed at the varied museums scattered across the island. The
National Museum is in Colombo and displays a variety of ancient royal
regalia, Sinhalese artworks (carvings, sculptures et al.), antique furniture,
Chinaware, and Ola manuscripts (ancient parchments). Other popular museums
are situated in Galle, Anuradhapura and Koggala.

National Museum,Colombo (Closed on Fridays)
Situated in Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7, it is the first public
museum to be established in Sri Lanka (1877). It is best known for its
collection of antiques and objects displaying the cultural heritage of
Sri Lanka, the museum national treasures and artifacts from all parts of
the island. A section of the first floor houses the Puppetry and Children's
Museum. It also houses a library with a collection of about 500,000 books
and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts.
http://www.museum.gov.lk/

National Museum of Natural History(Closed on Fridays)
Situated in the same premise as the National Museum, it is also accessible
from Ananda Coomaraswamy Mawatha, Colombo 7. It displays the Natural
Heritage of Sri Lanka. At the museum there are sections dedicated for each
area. In the Discovery Room, you can find the mounted skeleton of an
elephant.
(Tel: + 94 11 2694767-8)
http://www.museum.gov.lk

Hills-Srilanka

Mist-shrouded mountains, rolling tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and
quaint hilltop villages - these are some of the aspects of the enchanting
hill country, which rises to over 2,500m in the island’s central heartland.
A 125km distance by car or rail from Colombo, this region offers you the
chance to escape to a world that scarcely seems possible in the tropics.
With surreal landscapes, cool climes and a rich heritage, the hill country
is a haven for nature lovers, hikers, adventure-seekers and those simply
in search of peace and tranquility.


Whether you want to go rock climbing, fish for trout, play golf in stunning
natural surroundings, climb a sacred mountain or trek through the rugged
wilderness, the beguiling hill country has it all and will reinvigorate the
body and refresh the soul. No wonder the hill country is a small miracle.

Royal City of Kandy
Nestled in lush green hills and built around a scenic lake, the Royal City
of Kandy, at 500m above sea level, is the hub of any visit to the hill
country. Kandy (Colombo 116km) a UNESCO World Heritage Site, was the last
bastion of resistance to colonial rule. Even today, Kandyans pride
themselves on their distinctive architecture, music, dance and art. The
showpiece of the city is the Dalada Maligawa or Temple of the Tooth, which
hosts the Buddha’s tooth relic, an item of veneration to all Buddhists.
Each year, in July or August, the city holds the Esala Perahera, a
spectacular procession and display of medieval pageantry - replete with
caparisoned elephants, whirling fire-dancers and pulsating drummers - the
main purpose of which is to parade the tooth relic. Strolling around the
lake or exploring the numerous temples that dot the hills nearby is an
ideal way to experience the atmosphere of this historic city.

Green-Srilanka

Colombo was once considered a garden city, one of the most verdant
in the East. Even today, if you get the opportunity of seeing the
capital from the air, you will be surprised by the pockets of green
that still exist despite the tide of development. So here is a
guide as to where to experience green Colombo and, as importantly,
what to look for there.

If you live in Colombo, when was the last time you strolled
unhurriedly the length of a side road, pausing to listen for
birdcalls, trace the unpredictable path of a butterfly’s flutter,
or admire the colourful variety of the trees? When was the last
time you walked, rather than drove, between nearby destinations,
choosing to enjoy some of the green with which Colombo is graced?
When was the last time, faced with a moment of leisure, you escaped
to an outdoor urban retreat and fantasised about a Colombo cooled
by shade trees, softened by the singing of birds and mellowed by a
peppering of clean parks, safe recreation areas for children, and
perhaps even lakeside esplanades? Because few people opt for walking
there isn’t the realization of how much nature Colombo actually does
have to offer the resident and visitor, and how easily accessible
its flora and fauna are. Today, the streets of Colombo are not places
in which people often idle. Nevertheless, havens do exist, most of
them tantalisingly tranquil, where the ecologically aware can indulge
their senses and be amply rewarded

Colombo-Srilanka

COLOMBO

In 1803, Robert Percival claimed of Colombo: “There is no part of the
world where so many different languages are spoken, or which contains
such a mixture of nations, manners, and religions.” In 1914, Bella
Woolf declared: “It is the meeting place of the world. It palpitates
with life and with the romance of those who wander the earth.”

What is the key to appreciating Colombo when so many people complain
of the hustle and bustle? Well, for those who like the capital and
revel in the mix of influences, food, activities and religions, there
is a certain satisfaction in

believing yourself one of the few who can see through the surface to
the core. If only people would venture out of this tourist cocoon they
might just discover a little something to love about Colombo!

So, for the uninitiated, it’s time to introduce you to Colombo and her
districts that sprawl down the Galle Road until they peter out into
the suburbs. Starting at the northern tip and working down, we begin
in the Fort. Previously it was the centre of Dutch and Portuguese
domination and you can still view examples of colonial architecture.
However, these days it is the banking and commercial centre of Colombo,
with many areas subject to strict security measures. Sri Lanka’s own
twin towers stand in this area flanked by the five-star Hilton, Ceylon
Continental and Galadari hotels.

Beach-Srilanka

Some of the delights of a Sri Lankan beach.
Where beaches are concerned you will be spoilt for choice in Sri Lanka.
Beaches totalling 1,340km fringe the island, from the long-established
tourist destinations of the southern coast, to the vast beaches of the
deep south, and the less-visited expanses of the north and east. No
matter what time of the year, you can find a beach that is in season
and just waiting to welcome you to its warm sands.

West Coast
South Coast
East Coast
North Coast

The Indian Ocean is the world’s third largest. Occupying an area of
73.6 million square kilometres between Africa, Asia, Australia and
Antarctica, and amounting to approximately 20% of the earth’s water
surface, the Indian Ocean includes the Red Sea, the Arabian Sea, the
Bay of Bengal, the Persian Gulf, the Strait of Malacca, and the Mozambique
Channel. The Palk Strait between Sri Lanka and India is one of the ocean’s
shallowest parts.

The Indian Ocean is affected by the north-east monsoon from December until
April and the south-west monsoon from June to October, giving Sri Lanka two
tourist seasons, one on the west coast and the other on the east coast.
During monsoon time, when visibility is often reduced to 60m, the sea is
usually rough. Sometimes the colour of the ocean changes from its
recognizable turquoise to a bottle green and navy blue, depending on the
intensity of the clouds above. When the sunshine breaks out, azure tones
appear as the angry clouds chase over the sea making it a patchwork quilt
of colour. In season, though, the sea is bright blue and crystal clear.

A wide coral reef largely surrounds Sri Lanka’s coastline making it ideal
for diving. An underwater journey into the Indian Ocean rewards you with
glimpses of a totally different world, full of astounding colour and life.
Home to a variety of tropical fish and coral reefs, the ocean waters also
lay claim to some historic wrecks that offer exploration opportunities.
The more laid-back activity of snorkelling is a popular past-time in many
southern coastal areas, particularly the Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary, and on
the east coast around Pigeon Island off Nilaveli, near Trincomalee. Marine
life to be seen includes big fish such as barracuda, whale shark, tuna as
well as four species of turtle.

The gentle swell of the Indian Ocean waves offer great opportunities for
surfing. There are first-class waves in Arugam Bay on the east coast, and
along the south coast at Hikkaduwa and Mirissa. However, in other places
the calm water of the Indian Ocean just laps onto the sandy shore, such as
at Unawatuna, near Galle, and Nilaveli, making them safe for swimming and
especially good for families with young children.

Wind-surfing can be enjoyed at many places along the coastline from Negombo
to Tangalle. Bentota is the unofficial water-sports capital of the island
because aside from its rolling surf and beautiful sandy beaches, it also has
a river where beginners can gain experience before heading into the ocean.
Trincomalee on the east coast offers a fantastic alternative for wind-
surfers when the south-west monsoon brings strong winds and rough seas.

In Negombo and Hikkaduwa, the increasingly popular thrill-seeking sports of
wake-boarding and kite-surfing are beginning to take off.

Finally, please remember to respect the Indian Ocean at all times. Always
beware of the strong currents that often run parallel to the coast.
Newcomers to the island should remember that it is rare to find a lifeguard
at the beach in Sri Lanka or any flags indicating safe places for swimming.
Less confident swimmers should ask a local for their advice or just test
the waters carefully and make sure someone knows you have gone out for a
swim or dive........

Art-Srilanka

Sri Lankan art, much like it’s culture is immensely rich, colourful and
vibrant. Numerous artists have made their mark on the country’s art scene,
and it is evident how many artists are influenced by Buddhism. Modern
artists such as George Keyt, Richard Gabriel, W J G Beling, Ivan Peries,
Harry Pieris, George Claessen and Aubrey Collette have contributed immensely
to the development of modern art in Sri Lanka.


The many Sri Lankan artists have also greatly influenced the evolution of
Eastern Art. The unique quality of the art found locally lies in the fusion
of traditional art forms with those deriving from the West. This has
produced many works of art which are Eastern in inspiration, yet universal
in appeal. The Art Gallery in Colombo and the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara
display many pieces by artists from many generations. Other galleries in
Colombo such as the Serendib Gallery, Barefoot, Paradise Road regularly
hold art exhibitions.

Winterthur-Swizerland

This city (pop. 85,000) is quite famous for its artwork. Visit the
Oskar-Reinhart Foundation Museum, where paintings by Swiss, German
and Austrian artists are on display. There is also a nice fine arts
museum in town, as well. The Collegium Musicum (founded in 1629) stages
wonderful concerts. Nearby is the Kyburg Castle that is worth watching.


Winterthur is a city in the canton of Zurich in northern Switzerland.
It has the country's sixth largest population with an estimate of more
than 100,000 people. In the local dialect and by its inhabitants, it
is usually abbreviated to Winti. Today Winterthur is a service and high
tech industry centre, but many people make use of its proximity to
Zürich, which lies approximately 19 miles (31 km) to the south-east,
and only 18 minutes by train.

Winterthur is connected to Germany and Italy by direct trains and enjoys
excellent links to Zurich Airport. It is also a regional transportation
hub: the A1 motorway from Geneva through to St. Margrethen connects in
Winterthur with the A4 motorway heading north toward Schaffhausen and the
A7 motorway heading close to the Swiss-German border at Kreuzlingen.
There are also roads leading to other places such as Turbenthal. The
Station of Winterthur is one of the highest frequented Stations of
Switzerland. FC Winterthur is the local football side.

Valais-Swizerland

This area is home to some of the most dramatic Alpine sceneries
in the country, including the town of Zermatt. The Matterhorn,
Eiger and Mt. Blanc can all be seen (on clear days) on a trip via
bus and cable car along the Pillon Pass. Other sights in the
canton include a fresco that tells the story of William Tell
(it's painted on a house in Ernen/Muhlebach) and Grand St. Bernard.
Sion has enough old cathedrals and interesting buildings to
justify an overnight.


Summer valaisas indelible as the bilberry stains that dye your tongue
and fingers the colour of ink to the amusement of passers-by.Don't be alarmed
if you suddenly encounter a group of sturdy locals armed with
aggressive scythes and pitchforks, they bear the scent of freshly
cut hay. Their outward appearance may be deceptive, hiding all the
mischief and charm of these gentle labourers. On the surface they
may seem as hard as the rind of the cheeses they make on the alpine
pastures but their hearts are as soft as the fine inner slices that
curl under the visitors' hungry gaze. These should be tasted with a
glass of one of the excellent little local white wines for a moment
ofpure enchantment to delight both nose and palate. Our exclusive
speciality!
How can we conceal our pride when faced with the Matterhorn, our
pyramid; the Aletsch Glacier, the longest in Europe; the cosy
comfort of our thermal springs; our 47 summits over 4,000 metres
high, our railways that climb mountains, our ice caverns, our
delicious speciality wines, our top class resorts; the charm of
our towns awaiting discovery and tempting you to linger; our
gastronomy and our modest but delicious traditional dishes from
days gone by; our landscapes, our meadows; our shepherds who have
no time for mobile phones but live their life as they please? This
is what a Valaisan summer has to offer you. A breathtaking backdrop
with the pleasures of hiking, cycling, climbing, excursions, mule
trekking and river rafting waiting in the wings. In other words,
activities that will make you appreciate the relaxation that follows
even more. And to enhance the whole experience, fresh air and a deep
blue sky. Be modest, of course! But not to the extent of keeping quiet
about another exclusivity: the sun that lights our daily life and our
guests' holidays. Welcome to Valais!