WE COULD ARRANGE
- Boat Rides
- Elephant Rides
- Beach Volley Ball
- Table Tennis
- Pool Table
- Yoga
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R E S E R V A T I O N S | F A C I L I T I E S | T R A V E L T O O L S
For a small island, Sri Lanka has many nicknames: Serendib , Ceylon , Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma , Pearl of the Orient. This colourful collection reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of the affection it evokes in its visitors.
Head for the rolling hills to escape the heat of the plains in the cool of tea plantations. The entire island is teeming with bird life, and exotics like elephants and leopards are not uncommon. To top it all off, the people are friendly, the food is delicious and costs are low.
ANURADHAPURA
Anuradhapura is Sri Lanka 's first capital, a potent symbol of Sinhalese power, and the most extensive and important of Sri Lanka 's ancient cities. It became a capital in 380 BC and for over 1000 years Sinhalese kings ruled from this great city.
The Sacred Bo-Tree is the city's holiest site, and was grown from the tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. The Thuparama Dageba, the oldest of the many temples in Anuradhapura , is believed to contain the right collar-bone of Buddha.
COLOMBO
Colombo , the island's largest city, is noisy, frenetic - and just a little crazy. Thankfully, the breakdowns, snarled traffic and power cuts are received with a shrug and a smile. While the city holds less obvious interest than many other parts of the island, it's still colourful and worth a look.
To the north of the centre is the Fort district, the country's business centre. South is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green graced by cricket games and trysting lovers. Cinammon Gardens , further south, is the most fashionable neighbourhood, with mansions and tree-lined streets.
KANDY
The laidback 'capital' of the hill country, and the historical bastion of Buddhist power, is built around a peaceful lake and set in a picturesque bowl of hills. It has a distinctive architectural character and the town centre is a delightful compendium of old shops, buses, markets and hotels.
Its standout attraction is the octagonal Dalada Maligawa, a temple which houses Sri Lanka 's most important religious relic - the sacred tooth of Buddha. There are daily ceremonies of homage to the Tooth Relic, each attracting white-clad pilgrims carrying lotus blossoms and frangipani.
UDA WALAWE NATIONAL PARK
Of all Sri Lanka 's national parks, this best rivals the savanna reserves of Africa , with its elephants, buffalo, sambar deer and leopards. There are 30 varieties of snake and a wealth of birdlife. You can choose a 4WD from one of the many gathered outside the gate; you'll have to pay extra for a tracker.
Hours: 6:30am-6:30pm
TRAVEL COUNTER
VIP Tours Ltd.,
100, Hotel Road,
Mount Lavinia
Tel : 94 11 2736108
E-mail : viptours@lanka.com.net
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