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Srilanka Tourist Guide
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Srilanka Tourist Guide - Destination Overview
About Srilanka
Visit Srilanka at the earliest to get soaked in Cultural Heritage, Seek Nirwana in Budhha Land, Get Surprised to see an Absolutly Clean Country ( A rarity in Indian Sub Continent), Buy Rare Gems, Get rare Ayurvedic Treatments, Seek Refuge in Central plains and High Lands, Go on a shopping spree at the world’s best shopping paradise and soak yourself in the adventure bucket, but, at the most competitive prices. What's more?
Why Tourists Must Visit SriLanka Now - 20 Reasons to Must Visit Sri Lanka
1. Sri Lanka is the Cleanest Country in the Indian Sub Continent, You will be surprised to see Absolutly Clean & Unpolluted Rivers like MahaValley River, Streams, Canals. These are located in most populated areas in Sri Lanka. Lesson to be learnt from Sri Lankans on how to keep the country Neat & Clean.
2. Most Hospitable and Warm Attitude towards Travellers. Get Surprised by the Warmth you receive from Sri Lankans, once you are there.
3. Travel To Sri Lanka is Must for Hindus to see Ramayana Trail and Great Hanuman Temple, Seeta Maata Temple, Raven Falls, Ashok Vatika and Many other Improtant Ramayana Related Pilgrimage Points.
4. Travel to Sri Lanka is must for Buddhists to see Tooth Relic Temple of Kandy, Damdulla Sleeping Buddha and seek Nirwana in Buddha.
5. Get Away from the materialistic fast track life in India and Seek Nirwana in the Land Of Budhha.
6. Get Surprised to see, No Garbage Dumps, No Public Loitering, No Open Defecation in Sri Lanka.
7. Get Surprised to see the Cheap Deals for Family Packages due to Currency Difference and Discounts Offered to Indians due to SAARC Membership.
8. Visit Swiss ( Switzerland) like Places in Sri Lanka High Lands, Trust us it is True...But at 1/10th the Cost of Switzetrland Tour.
9. Visit the Indian Tamil Community in Nuwara Eliya as Tea Plantation Workers with Smiles on their faces, Visit Buddhists of Central Plains and Get Surprised to see the Ethnic Fabric of Sri Lanka , Making it one of the Most peaceful Countries in World ( Civil war is long behind Srilanka)
10. Adventure Seekers find Sri Lanka a Great Destination as it offered Treks in Horton High Lands, Trek to Adam's peak, Hike to Sigriya Rock Fortess and many other adventure activities.
11. Indians, East Asians are the Immediate neighbours of this majestic and Divine Destination and must Visit this Land.
12. Sri Lanka is a Shopping Paradise, If you want to Buy Rare Gems, Buy the Best Tea in world from the source ( Tea Gardens of Sri Lanka), Buy Best Srilankan Spices, Buy Exquisite Ceramics and Porcelaineware, head to Sri Lanka
12 Tips on Saving Your Money while on Srilanka Tour
1. Srilankan Currency is highly devalued if compared in terms of Indian Ruppees or Dollars, Expect Srilankan Currency of Rs 5000/- or Rs 10,000 when you do the exchange.
2. In Srilanka, Every Activity is charges whether it is Ride on elephant, Monument Entrance Fee, Or Temple Visit. The rates are very high for Foreigners, specially if you consider Entrance fee to the Temples or UNESCO heritage sites. If you are a family of 4 , you can end up spending upto $250/- on a single monument/temple visit, considering per person fee of more than 3000/-. Hence it is strongly suggested that you make a list of monuments/temples you want to visit and check the entrance fee online, so that you are prepared in advance and do not run out of money while in Srilanka.
3. If you are member of SAARC countries ( South Asian Association for Regional Cooperation ( Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Bhutan, India, Maldives, Nepal, Pakistan, Sri Lanka), Always carry your passport with you, you will enjoy flat 50% discount for SAARC member Countries at most of the monuments, But you need to show your passport and make entries in the roster.
4. Another Biggest Expence in Srilanka is on Food, Always take Packages which cover your Breakfast and Dinner. Average Meals in Srilanka costs around $10 Per head, while low end restaurants it can be upto $15-20 per head.
5. It is better to Buy beverages ( Alcoholic/Non Alcoholic, Water etc) from the super markets and carry them to your room, otherwise be preapred to spend 3 times in your hotels.
6. Beware of Swindlers/pimps/unauthorized agents, who will ask you to go for the Village tour, Massage parlour, as you may end up in problems in srilanka.
7. Srilankans are very Hospitable and Polite, if your flight is early morning, you can ask for the packed Breakfast, the Srilankan hosts are generous enough to pack it for you even if you are leaving at 12:00 in night.
8. Bargaining happens in Srilanka while shopping, Ensure that you have bargaining tricks, otherwise stick to fixed price show rooms.
9. In Srilanka, Make a list of events/programs you want to see, as they may be very expensive. To give you an example, below are rates commanded in Srilanka, so be extra choosy..
- Elephant ride - $100
- Village Tour - $75
- Jungle Safari - $110
10. Most of the Cabbies and drivers have their commission fixed, they will try to convince you to go for Srilankan Massage Therapy, Elephant Ride, or Village Tour etc. Be careful and use your mind and priorities to select the attraction.
11. Heavy Commissions are Fixed for Drivers and Cabbies at Srilank Spice Garden Tours enroute to Kandy. You will be taken on Spice garden tour, after showing the herbals and Spices, you will be asked if you are sufferring for any ailment, then free consultation for Ayurvedic medicines even 15 minutes free massage will be suggested, But here be careful, these Herbal medicines/Oils can be very expensive, starting from Rs 4000/- onwards. Always remember Your Cab driver has fixed commission here if you buy any thing.
12. Srilanka has tropical Climate, If you are traveling with Kids, beware of Diarrhea, Mosquito Bites, Insects etc specially if you are touring the Habarana Area, Always ask for Mosquito Repellant and carry medical kit with you as well as Repellant Creams and First Aids.
About Kandy
Kandy is a living monument to long-lost royal might, a hill station that outstrips the expectations of a traveller or a history buff. Home to a Buddha's tooth relic, this city is unique. A World Heritage Site, it is one of Sri Lanka's most bewitching cities with ancient temples like Dalada Maligawa, Gadaladeniya Temple and Embekke Temple that sit by Kandy Lake and are surrounded by hills.
Kandy piques your curiosity. Why is Kandy Lake considered sacred if it was constructed by the last Kandyan ruler, Wickrama Rajasinha? If Buddha attained Nirvana in India, then how did his tooth end up in Dalada Maligawa? Seek out Kandyan legends to satiate your curiosity.
Once you've had your fill of legends, go hunting for gems, spices, antiques, ethnic dumbara mats and lacquer wood painting. Look over the antiques at Waruna Antiques, spilling over with ancient Sri Lankan beads, masks, statues and temple paintings.
Kandy is a popular summer destination and caters to people with a wide range of interests, and wildlife is but one of the many things you can explore. Do not miss the procession of the elephants from Pinnawala Elephant's Orphanage to the nearby river for their daily bath. People stand up on the raised sidewalk to let the elephants pass for their bath. It is amusing to watch the elephants run eagerly for a bath. Just another one of the pleasant surprises that Kandy loves to throw your way!
Places to See in Kandy
Chants from the temples and commercial activities at the City Centre and Main Market, greet you in Kandy. Make a beeline to Dalada Maligawa, significant for the Buddha tooth that lies under a golden canopy. It is shown to the public once in six years and at other times, it lies hidden in a casket. The 14th century temple trinity-Gadaladeniya Temple, Embekke Temple and Lanka Tilaka Temple - are examples of Indo-Lankan fusion architecture. The stone carvings, murals, paintings and sculptures that adorn the temple walls are a sight to behold. It is common to see the unusual flowers of the cannonball trees. Buddha is believed to have passed away under a cannonball tree by some people. Cannonball fruits are so heavy that they might actually kill you if they fall on your head.
Kandy Lake lies at the foot of these temples. Fishing and swimming are forbidden here. Cranes, Cormorants, Pelicans and turtles crowd the lake. A walk around the Kandy Lake shore in the evening is a favourite pastime. Sit on a bench put on the bank and watch the sunset. Enjoy the mysterious fragrance wafting from the hills behind.
Catch a tuk tuk to Bahirawakanda Temple. It has a huge Buddha statue that can be viewed from any point in Kandy. It used to be a gnome temple with a history of human sacrifice. The Bahirawa Mountain is also good for a trek. Swap the outdoors for the splendour of Kandyan royal history at the old Royal Palace. Priceless weaponry, paintings and carved figures of the Kandyan era are displayed here. The Royal Botanical Gardens has treasures of a different kind. There are many varieties of orchids including the extraordinary Blue Vanda orchid. As you trod along shrubs and trees in Kandy, pause to admire the queer Tacca or bat flowers.
Things to do in Kandy
Immerse yourself in vivid Kandyan culture, lifestyles, traditions and art forms. Kandy transports you to a different world with dances like Pantheru, Raban, Ves, Udekki and Naiyadi. According to a Sinhalese legend, all these dances originated from a magic ritual which broke the bewitchment put on the king by a dark sorceress. You can watch a cultural show at the Kandyan Arts Association. The artists are elaborately dressed in bright colour costumes and metallic headdresses, often accompanied by a beraya (cylindrical drum) player. Some of the gestures and movements are similar to Indian dances. Shows are often preceded by the blowing of an ornate conch shell.
Rejuvenate yourself at the Ayurvedic treatment centre at Ammaya Hills. They specialize in body oil massage and steam bath. A facial with sandalwood will leave you glowing. The ambience is out of the world. You can relax with a drink by the pool.
A trip to Helga's Folly Guest House in Kandy is a strange experience. The eccentric house is furnished like a miniature palace with beanbags, plush cushions, elaborate carpets and huge chandeliers. Stuffed animal heads are mounted on walls. Helga's imagination rules supreme.
Places to eat in Kandy
Kandyan food culture has something for everyone. Bursting with strange spices, and flavours it works up your appetite. Its many restaurants serve unusual dishes like Koolay, prepared from several leftover curries and boiled rice.
White House Restaurant on Devon Street provides Chinese food and Kandyan snacks like Samosas (a fried pastry) and Vadai (fritters). Lyon Cafe down Peradeniya Road is famous for its Sino-Sinhalese Lyon Special, a simple meal of rice with meat and boiled eggs. Most Kandyans love a plate of rice and curry and have it thrice a day.
Local people like a plate of papaya garnished with lime juice for breakfast. Sweet meats are a particular favourite. Other Kandyan sweet dishes are Kavun, Undu Wal, Aluwa, Aggala, Kokis and Dodol. Coconut milk is used in almost every dish, yet the food is spicy. Hotel Devon and Olde Empire Hotel in the town centre are favourites for ethnic Kandyan food. Lunu Miris, a mix of chilli flakes and salt, is eaten with most of the native food.
Lumprais and Kiribath (coconut-milk rice) are two recommended rice based dishes, served at most restaurants or guest houses. Nobody leaves Kandy without trying some delicious Lumprais. Rice, curry and meat balls are baked together in a banana leaf.
Shopping in Kandy
Kandy is essentially a market town. Take home a few curios or ethnic trinkets after a good haggle. There are brass sculptures of Buddha and Hindu gods. Among spices, vanilla spice is in demand. There are lots of vendors outside the temple complex near the Kandy Lake. The entire town seems to be full of street sellers selling snacks, books on Buddhism, ice candies, tea, T-shirts with mythological figures, and paintings of Kandyan landscapes.
A gem factory and a batik factory perched on top of the Mount are quite popular. You will see a variety of gems and semi precious stones mined in Sri Lanka that can be bought for a reasonable price after a good bargain. The batik factory use wax paint and create ethnic designs on fabrics. It turns out ethnic table linen, table mats, bed sheets and wall hangings with unusual and trendy patterns.
Kandyan Arts and Crafts are irresistible to tourists. Shop at Kundasale where you can buy directly from the manufacturers or at Kalapura which is called Craftsmen's Village. This is where you get the ethnic dumbara mats.
About Colombo
A wondrous port city that braved colonisation and ethnic conflicts with grace and now stands with a poise to grow, that's Colombo. The colonial charm of temples, monasteries and bungalows coexists with skyscrapers, malls, tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) and flavours of a city on ocean banks. Stroll along Pettah Market miles away from the affluent world of Cinnamon Gardens and haggle over merchandise. Wander into narrow alleyways at Galle Road, and devour steaming Egg Rotis and fresh Lemon Juice, and you're beginning to feel Colombo.
Colombo is packed with surprises, relaxation and fun. Let's begin our journey...
Places to See in Colombo
Ancient yet modern, Colombo is more than just Sri Lanka's capital city. Visit the 17th century Colombo Dutch Museum for an incredible insight into the early Dutch trade in the city. The 100 year old red and blue-striped Jami-Ul-Alfar Mosque in Pettah, is a bizarre sight amidst the main bazaar. The oldest Hindu temple in the city, The Sri Kailawasanathar Swami Devasthanam, is another crowd puller for foreign tourists who cannot help but revel in the beauty of Hindu art styles.
The old St Peter's Church at Wolfendahl Street & Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara are frequented by Christians and Buddhists respectively.
The only surviving for in Colombo, the Colombo fort serves as a prison today. The Presidential Secretariat, the 17th century Grand Oriental Hotel and the Lighthouse Clock Tower are sights you cannot miss. The National Museum has a good collection of reproduced 19th century English paintings of Sri Lanka and antique cultural masks.
If you're a peace-hunter, The Dehiwala Zoo, affluent and verdant Cinnamon Gardens, and Viharamahadevu Park, which is Colombo's biggest park, are some places where your search will end.
Things to Do in Colombo
If you did not know, some of the best diving sites in Asia are located just a bit off Colombo's coast, and are popular among those who want to explore forgotten underwater shipwrecks. If you are diving off the West Coast, take a look at an exhilarating WWII plane at the seabed! Nearby Mount Lavinia and Nilaveli are excellent spots for everything that breathes sun and sand. Nilaveli is the hub for water sports, so head here if you want to try water skiing, fishing or snorkelling.
Surfing on the beach is another popular activity among tourists. The East Coast beaches are excellent during April and September, while the West Coast is a good bet from November to April. Arugam Bay has good winds for those who want to try kiting. Beaches like Hikkaduwa, Midigama and Polhenna make for good day tours to explore, sunbathe and relax.
Places to Eat in Colombo
Despite its richness, Sri Lankan food commands lesser fame than it should. National favourites like String Hoppers, Green Prawn Curry, Rotis and Coconut Toffee are like mundane delights. Toddy, served chilled, is the way to beat the heat in summer. If you want to get a taste of the best local cuisine, head to one of the traditional spots like Curry Leaf, expensive but worth it.
The Siam House is an all-time favourite that serves excellent Thai cuisine. A local favourite is the Cricket Club on Queens Road, decked with cricket memorabilia and great for watching sports on its large screen.
The Gallery Cafe is one of the most popular haunts in Colombo. With temple trees, coloured walls, and a large pond with the striking purple nil manel, Sri Lanka's national flower, the café is an epitome of self-expression. Sri Lanka's best designers and artists sipping coffee is not an uncommon sight here.The Thambapani restaurant right near the famous Gallery cafe is a hidden gem that serves authentic Sri Lankan food. With a lovely alfresco as well as private ambience, it is a great stop for those looking for a quiet evening out.
Nightlife in Colombo
Sri Lanka's nightlife is slowly getting trendier & opening doors for curious tourists. There are plenty of places where you could enjoy a drink and shake a leg. The Glow Bar at Sir Mohamed Macan Markar Mawatha is known to be the trendiest bar in the city with its modern, minimalist interiors and incredible cocktails. If you love that occasional love ballad and long to shed the stress with some melodic rhythm and blues, then head to Rhythm & Blues. This classic pub has a great bar and a snooker table for you to completely relax. A few other watering holes are Prive Colombo, Blue Leopard and White Horse.
For those who want to try their hand at luck, there are a few casinos around town as well.Stardust Casino and the Bellagio are popular haunts.
Fairs & Events in Colombo
The Duruthu Perahera is the grandest of all festivals celebrated in Colombo. The parade of costumed dancers, elephants and ornate elephants are simply too spectacular a sight. The Hindu Vel Festival where devotees observe ritualistic practises in devotion to Lord Murugan and the Mayurapathy Chariot Festival are celebrated with zest among the Hindu community. Other important festivals are the Tamil and Sinhala New Year, Vesak, Deepavali and Independence Day.
Shopping in Colombo
Colombo is a great place to buy antiques, wooden furniture, tea and handicrafts. If you are looking to buy clothing, there are many stores that sell European and American brands for throwaway prices! Paradise Road is the best outlet where you can find good bargains. They are known for good antiques and home decor as well. Beverley Street is the best bet for fashionistas.
For those who are looking to buy gems like cat's eye, sapphire and moonstone, it is best not to buy it as an investment unless you are knowledgeable about gems. The Sri Lankan Gem and Jewellery Exchange in Colombo has a gem-testing laboratory for use but be aware that you are not led into buying anything you are sceptical about. Buy ceramic drinking gourds, batik or ceremonial masks. They make exceptional keepsakes. To get a good pack of Ceylonese tea, try the Tea Tang or Miesna Tea stores at the Colombo airport. You will not be disappointed. A tip before buying the tea in bulk - ask for a tasting.
The Sri Lankan capital is a rhapsody of melting-pot culture, devout war and ageless progress; and one can never find which of these came first...
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka
Fortunately for most tourists (and for the local economy, which is largely dependent on tourism as a source of income!), Sri Lanka’s climate is pretty balmy – cool, pleasant and without the extremes of temperature encountered in countries like India.
Ideally, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is either between December and March, if you’re headed for the highlands or the west and south coasts, or between May and September, if you’re visiting the east coast.
PEAK SEASON TO VISIT SRILANKA
‘Popular speak’, and impacting the weather for tourists, there are four seasons plus two gray areas following the main monsoons. Monsoon is a wind pattern, deciding the waves/currents at sea and until some extent the rains on the land.
Northeast monsoon, mid December-February, meaning bad weather on East coast and good dry weather in Southwest.First intermonsoon, popularly defined as June and first half of July. Metrology defines it a bit differently. Southwest monsoon, second half of July through September. Good weather on East coast; on Southwest it’s still nice sunny mornings, but cloud build-up at some point in the afternoon followed by brief heavy showers. South western sea has heavy currents and waves.Secondintermonsoon, generally from late October until mid December.
Things to do in Sri Lanka:-
Trek to Adam's Peak
Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka, Asia
Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) is on the south western edge of the hill country in Sri Lanka. It is a dramatic scene and is a place of pilgrimage between the months of December and May (for Buddhists, Hindus and Christians). You have to climb at night, not only because of the heat, but also in order that you see the sunrise and the legendary sripada shadow (which is a perfect triangle). My partner really wanted to do this, and I have to say I was reluctant (its around 3 hours of gruelling climb and 8000km). However, it really was a highlight of the trip, and definitely worth doing. We stayed at the Punsisi Rest which was clean, safe and spacious accommodation.
Visit Citadel of Sigiriya - Lion Rock
Citadel of Sigiriya - Lion Rock, Sigiriya, Central Province
Sigiriya Rock is to the North of Dam bulla, and is a World Heritage Site. Of all of the Cultural Triangle sites, this is well worth seeing. However, it is worth noting that the entrance fee is steep ($25) and you're pounced on by the eager (and to be fair extremely informative) guides as soon as you arrive (who don't tell you that their cost is in addition to the entrance fee). That said, it really is worth going. Go early, to avoid the heat and take a guide book if you're on a budget. The history and sheer engineering of the place is astounding, and much like the rest of Sri Lanka, the nature in the area is an added bonus. Also, much like Adam's Peak, the sense of achievement once you get to the top makes it all worthwhile!
Visit Unawatuna
Unawatuna, Galle
Unawatuna was perhaps our favourite beach (although Mirissa and Weligama are close rivals). The bay nearest the Dagoba is best for swimming, but it does get fairly crowded on a weekend by the locals (although this in itself is fun). It's close enough to Galle to visit by Tuktuk (and Galle is easily seen in a day or two), and has a nice pace of life. Our favourite hotel there was the Flower Garden (for cleanliness, security, and the wonderful breakfasts). However, we did go elsewhere to try to save some money (Flower Garden is reasonable-around £20 per night...but we were on a tight budget!), and found the Dhammika to also be of a very good standard.
Visit Golden Cave Temple
Golden Cave Temple, Dambulla, Central Province
Again part of the cultural triangle, the Dambulla Caves are full of beautiful buddhist relics, and offer a real sanctuary high up above the bustle. Again the entrance fee is steep (like the steps), but worth it when you're there.
Visit Amaya Lake
Amaya Lake, Dambulla, Central Province
The Amaya Lake Hotel was our first stop in Sri Lanka and a wonderful introduction to the country. It's expensive, but we knew that before we arrived. Nonetheless, it is good value for the money, and a fantastic place to relax. We used it as a base for seeing the cultural triangle, which worked really well, and the pool was a god send when returning from all those climbs
Stay in Ella Village
Ella, Uva Province
Ella is a beautiful little village in the hill country, set amongst the lush green tea plantations. We only spent a night there, and to be honest i don't know that you need that much more, but felt really refreshed by our stay. We spent the afternoon walking along the railway line, through the jungle and along to the waterfall. We stayed at the Tea Garden hotel which had a lovely view of Ella Gap and Ella Rock; and we ate at a local bar (which i can't remember the name of but it had lots of pictures of bob marley), where the rice and curry was wonderful and the games of Karrom and drinks of Arrack went down a storm
Visit Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Pinnawala, Sabaragamuwa Province
Pinnewala is an elephant orphanage just close to Kandy. We visited at about 2pm, as it is recommended that you arrive in time for feeding (which predictably is morning, midday and evening). The feeding itself wasn't so captivating-the elephants have to be chained up for this, so its slightly uncomfortable viewing. However, after lunch, the elephants head down to the river, through the village for bathing. This was wonderful-i could have watched for hours.
Visit Yala National Park
Yala National Park, Sri Lanka
Yala is expensive. You pay not only to get in, but also for your jeep, and unsurprisingly, a tour guide. However, if you're into animals, which my partner is, it's worth it! We didn't manage to see a leopard, but he was happy with a speckled cobra.
SHOPPING PLACES IN SRILANKA :-
Whether it is gems, handicrafts, tea, spices, batik print or even furniture that you're looking for, Sir Lanka offers everything. This beautiful island country is particularly popular for handloom fabrics, leather, and antiques and ceramic. We give you the top 10 shopping places you shouldn't miss in Sri Lanka.
Shopping in Colombo
Laksala
With a numerous branches all over the country, this state-run handcrafts emporium offers items such as brass and silverware objects, wooden artifacts, buffalo horn, natural fibres, artificial flowers and costume jewellery. They also have products made from coconut shells, cane, bamboos and pottery. Visit the one in Colombo as it is the biggest and best.
Majestic City
This multi-storeyed shopping mall in Colombo is situated on Galle Road. The mall has a variety of branded shops which sell everything from clothes, linen, books, stationary and more. Majestic City also has a cinema and internet cafes.
Odel
Odel is located at 5 Alexander Place on Lipton Circus in Colombo. This mall is a haven for fashionistas as it has the best-known branded garment factory outlet. You'll find clothes, accessories, shoes, bags, cosmetics, home décor, chocolates and toiletries from international labels such as Gap, DKNY etc. You can't miss this one.
House of Fashion
House of Fashion in Colombo is for serious shoppers as the three-storey outlet offers branded clothes at a hugely discounted price.
The Barefoot Gallery
Barefoot Gallery is located at 706 Galle Road and offers a variety of handloom products. You can pick up toys, notebooks bound in handloom fabrics, hand-painted boxes, tote bags, clothes, costume jewellery, linens in vibrant colours and designs.
Galle Shopping
When visiting Sri Lanka, you cannot miss out Galle Fort. Besides the scenic beauty, Galle also offers antiques, lace and souvenirs which you can pick up at little shops and stalls. You can also pick semi-precious stones in silver and beautiful laces here.
Gingota Silk Factory
Gingota Silk Factory in Galle has good quality and reasonable Sri Lankan silk. You can also pick up batik, leather products and spices around the area.
Waruna Antiques
If you want to pick up ancient temple painting, statues or even replicas, then Waruna Antiques is your best bet. Located at Peradeniya Road in Kandy, the store offers masks, jewellery, textiles and more.
Shoba Display Gallery
Beautiful lacework made right here. The shop teaches local women dying crafts and ensures them a fair price for their work. Even if you’re not buying, pop in to witness the process of making lace. Ask about the excellent lace- and paper-making classes. The small cafe is a treat.
Paradise Road
In addition to a variety of colonial and Sri Lankan collectables, you’ll find a good selection of original homewares and designer items in this high-style boutique from famous designer Shanth Fernando. Elsewhere, the Paradise Road Gallery Cafe shop adjoins the noted restaurant and is tightly packed with small, artistic goods. Both are excellent places to look for small gifts to take home.
Buddhist Publication Society
The Buddhist Publication Society, on the lakeside 400m northeast of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is a nonprofit charity that distributes the Buddha’s teachings. Local scholars and monks occasionally give lectures, and there is a comprehensive library. See online for free information downloads. It’s a good place to ask about meditation courses.
Sri Lanka Cashew Corporation
Cashews were brought by the Portuguese to Sri Lanka from Brazil in the 16th century. They’ve clearly found the climate agreeable as the nuts are now a major export item. This small shop is packed full of fulsome cashews of a size and quality that are usually hard to find, especially in that dodgy bag of mixed nuts.
Shopping in Bentota
Bentota Bazaar Overview
Situated in the middle of the town of Bentota, this local market has quite a few shops where you can shop for a variety of articles. These include Batik textiles, mementos and gift items made using decorated and carved wood and brassware. Prices are genuine as most of the shops are government approved, and there is also a post office in close proximity to the bazaar from where you can pick up stamps and postcards.
Hotel Gift Shops
You will find most of your shopping needs fulfilled within the premises of your hotel/resort. Most of the hotels have a gift shop/souvenir shop from where you can buy mementos and handicrafts, making it very convenient to take back home a little bit of Bentota.
Meetiyagoda
An important attraction for shoppers, Meetiyagoda is an important area in Southern Sri Lanka which is extremely famous for its moonstone treasures. Known for its soothing powers, moonstone is a semi-precious gem that is widely used in making jewellery. Meetiyagoda is one of the best places to shop for moonstone jewellery in Sri Lanka.
Shopping in Kandy
Kandy’s got quite enough to see and do, and if you want to shop or get steeped in culture, make your way to the Kandyan Art Association & Cultural Centre, next to Kandy Lake. You will find plenty a good selection of local lacquer work, brassware and other craft items in these centres. Antique jewellery, silver belts, elephant figurines, ceremonial masks and elegant home furnishings and textiles are the other items that can be found in Kandy. Kandy is also a notable gemstone producing area offering rubies, sapphires, beryls, zircon and quartz.
Hotels in the Sri Lanka Package:
NEGOMBO Best Hotels
• Hotel in Negombo is a 2 star hotel that costs about 2500 per night i.e. wind mill beach hotel.( Ranked #23 of 26 Hotels in Negombo) 70, Poruthota Road | Etthukala, Negombo 11500, Sri Lanka.
• 3 star hotel that costs about Rs.5500 per night. I.e. catamaran beach hotel. No 209, Lewis Place, Negombo, Srilanka. (Ranked #13 of 26 hotels in Negombo)
• 4 star hotel that costs about 15000 per night. i.e. jet wing beach EthukaleNegombo, 11500, Sri Lanka. (4.0 / 5 )
KANDY best Recommended Hotels:
• Hotel Kandyan view holiday bungalow 2 star hotel that costs about Rs. 2500 per night. No, 17, Richmond Hills, Heerassagala | Hantana, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka (#40 of 51 hotels in Kandy).
• Hotel Hilltop is a 3 star hotel that cost 4500 per night. Hotel | Opp Ice Skating Rink, Gulmarg 193403, India. (Ranked #8 of 10 Hotels in Gulmarg)
• Tour maline hotel is a 4 star hotel that costs Rs. 7500 per night. Aniwatte, Kandy, Sri Lanka (#16 of 51 hotels in Kandy)
BENTOTA Best Recommended Hotels
• Hotel Haus Berlin is a 2 star property with approximately Rs. 2500 as per night cost. Hotel | Rheinallee 40, 53173 Bonn, North Rhine-Westphalia, Germany (Ranked #61 of 79 Hotels in Bonn )
• Oasey beach hotel is a 3 star hotel with modest cost of Rs. 11,000 per night for deluxe room. Galle Road, Galboda, InduruwaBentota South Sri Lanka Coast ( 4.2 out of 5 )
• Bentota beach hotel is a 4 star hotel with Rs. 17000 per night. Galle Road, Bentota, Bentota, Sri Lanka. (9.5 / 10)
Flights Connectivity Options to Sri Lanka Colombo from North India
Flights from Delhi to Colombo:-Srilankan airlines
Delhi (DEL) Dep: 1835hrsUL - 196 K Class| Colombo (CMB)Arr: 2210hrs
Returning Flights from Colombo to Delhi
Colombo (CMB) Dep: 1400hrsUL - 195 S Classes|Delhi (DEL)|Arr: 1735hrs
Flights from Lucknow to Delhi to Colombo (Multiple airlines)
Lucknow (LKO) Dep: 1040hrs9W - 688 Q ClassDelhi (DEL)|Arr: 1200hrs
Delhi (DEL) Dep: 1835hrsUL - 196 K Class|Colombo (CMB)|Arr: 2210hrs
Returning Flights from Colombo to Delhi to luck now
Colombo (CMB) Dep: 1400hrsUL - 195 S Classes|Delhi (DEL)|Arr: 1735hrs
Delhi (DEL) Dep: 1850hrs9W - 2635 S Class|Luck now (LKO)|Arr: 2010hrs
Flights from Bhopal to Mumbai to Colombo (Jet konnect)
Bhopal (BHO) Dep: 2130hrs9W - 7041 T Class|Mumbai (BOM)|Arr: 2300hrs
Mumbai (BOM) Dep: 1805hrs9W - 252 U Class|Colombo (CMB)|Arr: 2035hrs (+1)
Returning Flights from Colombo to Mumbai to Bhopal
Colombo (CMB) Dep: 0610hrs9W - 255 H Class|Mumbai (BOM)|Arr: 0845hrs
Mumbai (BOM) Dep: 1350hrs9W - 317 T Class|Bhopal (BHO)|Arr: 1515hrs
Flights from Amritsar to Delhi to Mumbai to Colombo (Jet konnect)
Amritsar (ATQ) Dep: 1420hrs9W - 373 T Class|DEL|Arr: 1530hrs
DELDep: 1610hrs9W - 373 T Class|Mumbai (BOM)|Arr: 1810hrs
Mumbai (BOM) Dep: 0230hrs9W - 256 M Class|Colombo (CMB)|Arr: 0500hrs (+1)
Returning from Colombo to Mumbai to Delhi to Amritsar (Jet konnect)
Colombo (CMB) Dep: 2135hrs9W - 251 Q Class|Mumbai (BOM)|Arr: 0015hrs
Mumbai (BOM)Dep: 0800hrs9W - 333 T Class|Delhi (DEL)|Arr: 1005hrs
Delhi (DEL) Dep: 1240hrs9W - 2791 K Class|Amritsar (ATQ)|Arr: 1350hrs (+1)
Flights from Kolkata to Chennai to Colombo (Spice jet)
Kolkata (CCU) Dep: 1620hrsSG - 324 S Class|Chennai (MAA)|Arr: 1845hrs
Chennai (MAA) Dep: 0040hrsSG - 1 S Class|Colombo (CMB)|Arr: 0220hrs (+1)
Returning from Colombo to Chennai to Kolkata (Spice jet)
Colombo (CMB) Dep: 0320hrsSG - 2 T Class|Chennai (MAA)|Arr: 0450hrs
Chennai (MAA) Dep: 0955hrsSG - 325 T Class|Kolkata (CCU)|Arr: 1220hrs