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Lanka (Ceylon)
has been described
as a dewdrop on the stem of the Indian lotus. Somewhat
over-heated poetically, but geographically the description fits
Sri Lanka well, as this island, only four percent larger than
the state of West Virginia, hangs from the southern tip of the
huge Indian sub-continent like a droplet about to plunge into
the waters of the Indian Ocean. In many ways, however, the
description is apt as this is a lush and handsome country with a
culture that stretches back over 2,500 years; amazing
archaeological monuments that are now declared World Heritage
Sites; unspoiled wildlife reserves; outstandingly pure beaches;
excellent accommodations in five-star hotels, elegant beach
resorts, and ecologically designed lodges; Ayurveda spas;
superior diving opportunities; noted golf courses; exotic
festivals; friendly people; and the heritage of years under
British, Dutch and Portuguese occupations evident everywhere.!! |
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Colombo, Is the Capital of Sri Lanka:
Arrive in Colombo and spend the next few nights in Colombo ,
comfortable and located along elegant Galle Face Drive next door
to the Presidential Secretariat and not far from the Portuguese
Fort overlooking the harbor. This is a free day for exploration
of Colombo, the country's capital city, cosmopolitan and filled
with many-starred international hotels, shopping centers,
Zoological Gardens, and surprisingly westernized, yet with its
own unmistakable Sri Lankan character. You will notice that
almost all shops and business establishments are named in
English. Shopping possibilities are many. The Sri Lanka Gem and
Jewellery Exchange is a place for fine gemstones, and the Sri
Lanka Handicraft Board stores are good for all kinds of metal,
fabric and woodcrafts of high quality |
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Kandy Second Largest City
Spend the night in Kandy. Then, it's on to Kandy, Sri Lanka's
second largest city, and home of the Dalada Maligawa, one of
Buddhism's most sacred temple grounds containing the palace of
Sri Lanka's former king and the holy of holies, the repository
of an actual tooth relic of the Lord Buddha. It is said that in
all the world there are three of the Buddha's teeth--one in
India, one in Thailand and this one in Sri Lanka. All are
Buddhism's most sacred relics. The Dalada Maligawa houses the
tooth in a carefully guarded shrine, behind a gilded altar and
inside a series of nesting golden and bejeweled caskets. The
caskets are brought out once a year for the crowds that gather
at that time. Esala Perahera (July/August) is the seasons of
festivals in Sri Lanka and the full moon day of Esala is the
climax of some of the festivals. The most magnificent of these
festivals is the Kandy Esala Perahera. A spectacular medieval
day pageant is held for 10 nights climaxing with the Kandyan
dancers and drummers in colourful traditional costumes. Kandyan
Chieftains in medieval court dress, more than one hundred
caparisoned elephants whip crackers, torch bearers etc., make it
an unforgettable experience. |
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Climate :
Low Lands – tropical, average 27C
Central Hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. The
south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and
central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern
monsoon occurs in the north and east in December and January.
Sri Lanka has a good climate for holiday-makers throughout the
year |
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Sri Lanka Beaches
The most beautiful, wide and sandy
beaches can be found in Sri Lanka. Most beach hotels have luxury
facilities such as air-conditioning,
in-house restaurants and bars, recreation areas, etc |
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