Sri Lanka or Ceylon as known earlier is an Island in the Indian Ocean. It is famous for its climate, beautiful beaches and attractive hills and for its ancient culture. Sri Lanka is famous throughout the word for her tea, so are her gems, rubber, coconut, cocoa and garments.
Colombo is an important seaport in the Indian Ocean. It is the nerve centre of all cargo and ports activities. The natural harbor at Trincomalee in the east adds charm to Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankans are racially a mixed group consisting of Sinhalese, Tamils, Muslims and Burghers. The Sinhalese form the majority and then come the Tamils, Muslims and Others. Ceylon is a home for many religious like Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam and Christianity. Main Languages are Sinhala and Tamil but English is Common to all.
The natural scenic beauty of Sri Lanka attracts tourists who come to this Island. They are keen to see and visit places like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Galle, Kandy, and Ratnapura. The ruins in these places speak of Sri Lankan culture and also about gigantic tasks performed by Ceylon brave ancient kings.
When the tourists visit country they mostly purchase items of antique value. Apart from this they go in search of precious gems, to cities of gems like Rathnapura, Kandy and Matale.
Sri Lanka is a developing country and is rapidly advancing in every aspect. In the third world Sri Lanka is a model of a healthy and progressive country.
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Meditation
Buddhism is the lime light of Sri Lankan Civilization from ancient times. Everything about Sri Lankan life related to Buddhism. Buddhism practiced in Sri Lanka is called Theravada which's main focus is to give priority to the philosophy of living a simple life. Meditation is at the heart of the Buddhist way of life. It is basically a method for understanding and working on our own mind, learn how to develop peaceful and positive mental states. We are living in a Global community where people think they can find happiness, inner peace and harmony through wealth, power and social status. They also seek happiness through family relationships, jobs, partners, friends and sensual pleasure. They try to change the external conditions of their physical, social and political environment in various ways, because they believe that when these conditions are developed, they can become happy and peaceful, But they don’t find true happiness from any of above and research has determined that real happiness can only be found through meditation.
What is required to Meditate ?
The requisite is a suitable place to meditate, clean and peaceful, wherein to create the right kind of atmosphere
Meditation Centres in Sri Lanka
There are many meditation centres throughout Sri Lanka, The places listed below are some of them:
Dekaduwala Meditation Centre Kananwila, Horana | ||
Thalagala Meditation Centre | ||
Madakada/ Nachchimale Aranya Senasanaya | ||
Dhamma Sobha Vipassana Meditation Centre | ||
Dhammakuta Vipassana Meditation Centre | ||
Nillambe Buddhist Meditation Centre | ||
Sri Dalada Thapowanaya | ||
Lewella Meditation Centre | ||
Siyane Vidarshana Meditation Centre | ||
Sumathipala Nahimi Aranya Senasanaya | ||
Meethirigala Nissarana Wanaya | ||
Na Uyana Meditation Centre | ||
Dhammika Ashramaya
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Nimalawa Aranya Senasanaya | ||
Hiking & Trekking There’s no better way to explore the natural scenic beauty of this island which is blessed with diverse climatic zones.Trekking is an excellent way to explore a country, people, their traditions and beliefs. Paths and campsites have been selected to give nature lovers the experience of a lifetime. All measures are taken to ensure local community benefit and nature conservation in keeping with all international camping guidelines. The possibilities are endless as one has the option of hiking or trekking in cities and towns which are in close proximity to Colombo ( the business capitol) such as Gampaha which is ideal for an easy hike. It offer the chance to view tiny hamlets and farms. For the more challenging hiker's the Knucles range (a cluster resembling the knuckles of a hand )looming 1,863m above the Dumbara Valley. Offers the rarest and most beatiful sights and the option of camping, or one has the option of visiting the Wasgamuwa National Park and the Veddah ( Sri Lanka's native folk) territory known as Dambana in Mahiyangana. The Knuckles range consists of a few alloocated trails such as the Alugallena Montane Forest Nature Trail ( a 5-6 hour trail which covers a distance of 8km starting at Thangappuwa and ending at the Alugallena cave), Dekinda stream nature trail ( approximately 2km of walk through the hill slope of Naela ending at Dekinda stream) are some. Since the Knuckles range is a protected area you must obtain prior permission from the Forest Department to enter the forest. An exhilarating trek which takes approximately 6 hrs is highly recommended starting from Belihul-Oya with its magnificient environs leading to the Horton Plains which is also a nature reserve dotted with unique fona and flaura,wild life and waterfalls. It is situted 2,134m above sea level climaxing in the Worlds End an amazing encarpment which drops 328m vertically and faals away a further 1.312m. On a clear day one can view the Balangoda Town ( in 'Lilliputian' form) which s directly below. The many paths within the cultural triangle such the old path from Minneriya to Sigiriya ( 27km probability 9 hrs) give a glimpse of the irrigation system and the uninhabited jungle life of the dry zone. Trekking in the Peak Wildreness Sanctuary in close proximity to Adam's Peak offers a diversified experience as it is home to a plethora of rare birds, leapord, deer and jackal. The possibilities of hiking and trekking cannot be summed up in one page as Sri Lanka presents bountiful oppurtunities for the adventurous persona. There are a fw words of advise which is to ascertain the ideal time for hiking or trekking in the varied location; it is wise to avoid the monsoon rains due to muddy terrain and leeches.
Mountain Biking Sri Lanka's mountainous terrain is among the finest of the world's biking sites. Among the slopes, valleys and the tea plantations are tracks and trails that will beckon the avid mountain biker. Tours range from lush tea estates to caves, rain forests, ancient temples , reservoirs etc.slopes, valleys and the tea plantations are tracks and trails that will attract any mountain biker. Tours range from lush tea estates to caves, rain forests, ancient temples , reservoirs etc. Most Hotels and tour operators offer mountain biking holidays, alternatively the guest has the option of contacting a smaller 'adventure' based operation for the purpose of selecting his/her own trip. The national cycle trail network provides the rider with dedicated roots marked with signs for convenience. Many tour operators such as Sri lankan Expeditions market tailor made mountain biking tours. The majority of mountain biking tours are conducted in the Knuckles range with its verdant hills and challenging trails. Kital Ella near Bandarawela, a very attractive mountainous region overlooking the ‘Namunukula' mountain range. At an altitude of 1230 metres, the mountainous area has an extremely pleasant climate, with warm (but not humid) days and cool nights. The environment is remarkably varied with something to satisfy everyone's taste. You can chose an apt trail and ride to your hearts content.
Longer tours are arranged along with a supporting vehicle for transporting luggage.For those who prefer a solitary ride, a sense of adventure and avarage map reading skills are sufficient ingredients and satisfaction is guaranteed. Mountain bikes can be transported in buses and trainsbut one has to ensure that it is dismantled and in carry-on bags. Unless the rider is part of a group witha support vehicle it is advisable to carry a tool kit and a pump since the local cycle repair shops may be inadequately equipped to repair a complex mountain bike.
One could replenish ones energy from wayside shops but make sure the drinking water is sealed.'Thambili,' (King Coconut water) is an ideal choice as it is naturally sealed and safe to drink. Diving
" Sri Lanka's spectacular scenic beauty is rivalled only by the wonders of her underwater world," an apt saying as the sea surrounding the pearl of the Indian Ocean holds many treasures; The multi-hued coral reef which encompasses the south and east coast is illuminated by the rays of the sun creating a magical effect along with the vibrant tropical fish, and the submerged shipwrecks offer ample opportunity for underwater archaeologists, photographers and adventure seekers alike. Some of the diving hot spots are Ambalangoda, Hikkaduwa, Dodndra, Tangalle and many more in the south and south -east coast; Negombo, Bentota and Beruwala in the West and Pigeon Island ( Nilaveli), Batticaloa, Kalmunai, Passekudah, Kattankudy on th east coast. The above areas are a mere handful compared to the plethora of cities which are equiped to give a memorable diving experience.
Conveniently rostered monsoons ensure that one half of the island's coastal waters remain in season for aquatic pursuits. The west coast from December through March and the north and east coast from March to September. Underwater visibilty is good and range from 50 to 100 feet.
Apart from treasures of coral and fish, the reefs and sea-beds off shore offer an exciting attraction to skilled divers. Submerged wrecks are strewn off the thousand mile-long coastal waters, a legacy of more than twenty centuries of mairitme trade and sea-faring. A few treasures have been salvaged and are in view at the maritime museums in Sri Lanka and a 15 kilogram mass, containing exactly one thousand of these coins, still in the shape of their original bag is now on display in the Smithsonian Institute in Washington D.C.
Diving in Sri Lanka holds endless possibilities, worth experiencing.
There are many water sports cenres around the Island enabling the visitor to rent diving equipment inclusive of photogrpahic material. Exceptional dive -tour packages and underwater safaris are arranged by dediacted agencies amd travel agents who employ professional diving guides and instructors.
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A wide coral reef surrounds Sri Lanka’s coast at intervals, from north to south, providing excellent sites for skin-diving. The discovery of the natural beauty of the underwater world in Sri Lanka is sure to fascinate and keep one spellbound. The turquoise and aquamarine waters are home to a burgeoning populace of magical and mysterious world of coral reef, shells and vibrant shoals of fish. The adventure of scuba diving can be combined with activities ranging from underwater photography, to the study of the varied types of ocean life.The coral world is inhabited by a profound number of beautiful species such as rays, eels, clown fish, porcupine, moorish idol, unicorn and moorish angel to name a few. The common species belonging to the families of Aroporidae (Staghorn Corals), Poritidae (Donnie Corals), Mussidae (Brain Corals), faviidae (Ster Corals) and Pocelloporidae (Flower Corals).
Explore the natural beauty of the Island in a hot air Balloon. View the elephants in their natural habitat without violating their privac, fly over the placid lakes or get a bird's eye view of the Sigiriya Rock or a historical ruined city without tampering with the landscape. We call it " Soft Tourism " . Witness our ancient lakes, gigantic ruins with a history of 2500 years or more,forests with its wild life from soaring hights!
