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Sri Lanka as a tour destination
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| The island
of Sri Lanka has historically been regarded as a
veritable paradise, brimming with culture, crafts
and cuisine that is uniquely it's own and so inviting
to the global tourist. This is why the idea of Sri
Lanka a tour destination is an increasingly popular
holiday option for the modern tourist. A teardrop
shaped island, Sri Lanka or erstwhile Ceylon (remember
all those classic songs played by Radio Ceylon and
what melody they rang into little lives filled with
nary a care almost 25years ago?) is located in the
Indian Ocean and is the word's favorite producer
of quality morning brew: Ceylonese Tea! |
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Sri Lanka's cultural and social
offerings for the modern tourist: What to expect
during a tour of Sri Lanka
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A blend of many cultures and languages, Sri Lanka
also affords secular beliefs to be revered and
different religions to co-mingle with native ones
with equal regard. While Buddhism is the state
religion and the community followers in the majority,
Islam, Hinduism and Christianity are also widely
practiced with the Sri Lankan population speaking
Sinhalese, Tamil and English with equal gusto.
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The hot spots in Sri Lanka: tour destination guide
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Colombo is a must-visit spot in Sri Lanka, not
only because it is the capital but also because
it affords a glimpse into the country's evolving
strength as a modern and proudly-true-to-its-culture
civilization. Other places of interest include
Kandy, Galle, Sigiriya, Trincomalee, Hikkaduwa,
Nuwara Eliya and Jaffna!
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Fun activities for you after
picking Sri Lanka as a tour destination
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The numerous tea plantations in Sri Lanka afford
an opportunity to the tourist to beat the heat
of the plains by relaxing in the cool shade of
the gardens. A chance visit could result in major
bird-watching opportunities with birds inhabiting
the island paradise in droves and elephants and
leopards being a common sight too. Of course,
the hot spots in Sri Lanka remain that way- hot-since
it is a tropical country and only the higher areas
offer some relief from the humid, coastal climate
fanned by sea breezes. Therefore, in the land
of two monsoons, (May-July and December-January),
its best to carry light cotton or natural fiber
garments to stay cool.
- What to see, where to go: the numerous
Buddhist temples around Sri Lanka such as the
Kelani Rajamaha Viharaya, Vajiraramaya at Bambalapitiya,
Dipaduttaramaya at Kotahena, and Gotami Vihare
at Borella are worth a visit.
Also must-see are the Gangaramaya Bhikkhu Training
Centre and Sima Malaka at 61 Sri Jinaratana
Road, Colombo and beautiful architecture of
the Hindu Temples at Kochikade Kotahena, the
Pettah and Bambalapitiya.
- Governor's House, erected in 1805 by Sir Thomas
Maitland, converted into famous Mount Lavinia
Hotel, located at Beruwela, 56km from Colombo,
offers a splashing good time for bathing in
the bay all year round.
- Bentota: 64km from Colombo - exclusive resort
between sea and river locations; an enticing
spot for diving spot and fish spotting.
- Hikkaduwa: 98km from Colombo - beautiful coral
reef and beach that tempts surfers, watersports
enthusiasts and snorkellers alike with its myriad-hued
marine life and exploration possibilities.
- A golfer's delight, Nuwara Eliya is situated
at 1,890 meters above sea level and is a cool
treat for lovers of English architecture and
colonial styles, expressed in this quaint town
of Georgian to Queen Anne-style houses.
A bustling nightlife, great dining and dance
experiences from foreign films to ballet and
theater performances make Sri Lanka a great
tour destination.
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