Day Tour at Polonnaruwa Ancient City

Polonnaruwa Day Tour with Mahaweli.lk

Polonnaruwa Day Tour-Great Opportunity to Explore Sri Lankan History & Culture

Are you up to seeing one of the most beautiful and rich cities in Sri Lanka? Are you up for a great day with history? The Polonnaruwa Day Tour is an ideal option for that. Sri Lanka has a strong history of kingdoms and is very rich in culture. This island has so much to see for its locals as well as its tourists. People who come to this country are never disappointed by the beauty, culture, and history of this place.

Our Polonnaruwa Day Tour is designed to give you a historical perspective of one of Sri Lanka’s ancient cities. We will provide a guide for you who is able to communicate with you in English. We ensure that the guides are thorough with local knowledge and historic information. If you require language-specific guides, it can be arranged through a special request as well.

This day tour is conducted during the day because it is a cultural tour and a lot of visits to ancient ruins are included.

The Royal City of Polonnaruwa

The Sri Lanka Cultural Traingle connects the three cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Kandy. This cultural triangle contains many historical and ancient sites. Polonnaruwa is an ancient city considered as one of the eight UNESCO world heritage sites in Sri Lanka. This is the place you should definitely visit if you love to explore Sri Lanka’s history.

It is declared as the second ancient city in Sri Lanka after Anuradhapura. Polonnaruwa was one of the kingdoms in Sri Lankan history and was ruled and reigned over by many kings at the time. The main difference between these two kingdoms is that, unlike the Anuradhapura kingdom, Polonnaruwa had a lot of influence from Hinduism and was even ruled by some Tamil kings. This cultural city has a lot of Hindu kovils apart from the Buddhist temples. It is also a city that has been famous for its agriculture. There are a lot of farmers out there.

Must-see places in Polonnaruwa

One of the significant places in Polonnaruwa is the ancient ruins of the Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu. Even though you can only see ruins, they are evidence of great architecture and design. Another main attraction is “Gal Viharaya’ which consists of many beautiful images and statues of Buddha. It is a symbol of excellence in carving. Apart from that, there are temples, stupas, and dagobas that are quite significant in the city, such as Lankathilaka Temple, Rankot Vehera, Thuparama gedige, and Potgul Viharaya.

The ruins in Polonnaruwa are so much more than what is described above. Apart from those temples and stupas, the city also has many Hindu temples and kovils due to the influence of Hinduism. There are several temples dedicated to the god Shiva and the god Vishnu in Polonnaruwa, all considered as historical ruins.

Beautiful Sri Lanka, beautiful Polonnaruwa.

Our Polonnaruwa day tour is considered very informative and educational. During this day-tour, you will learn about the many influences Polonnaruwa had as a kingdom, the names of kings that ruled, and the agricultural influence. It is an ideal day trip for everyone that loves experiencing new cultures and discovering history. Sri Lanka in general has a very rich history in terms of kingdoms, agriculture, and civilization.

Polonnaruwa Day Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Come and join the tour to enjoy this magnificent ancient kingdom with great history. Our guides will guide you throughout the tour to give you the most exhilarating tour experience. Don’t forget to bring your smart phones and cameras to capture these mighty sights.

Possible Starting/Pick-up Locations:
Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Pasikudha, Trincomalee, Nilaegombo (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : It takes around 3 hours to complete the visit of the Polonnaruwa ancient city. You can walk or we can arrange some bicycles if you prefer some cycling.

Tour Type : Our Polonnaruwa Day Tour is a private tour. The vehicle and the guide/chauffeur guide are dedicated to you and your group. The safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a comfortable car, van, or mini coach.

If you are a person with a cultural interest, then you should definitely explore places in Sri Lankan cultural-traingle. You can also plan your Anuradhapura city tour with us too! Call +94777 111553, email: info@mahaweli.lk, or contact us for more information on any of these issues!

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(Polonnaruwa Image Credit: PT Palace from Pinterest) 

Galle Dutch Fort

Galle Dutch Fort in Sri Lanka

Galle is one of the major cities located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. It is also a favorite travel destination for both local and foreign visitors. The Galle Fort is a symbol of pride for the Galle City. It is an ancient construction that was built by the Portuguese and Dutch in the 16th and 18th centuries. UNESCO designated this historical fort as a World Heritage Site in 1988.

Galle Fort is a good example to illustrate the European influence in Sri Lanka in the 16th and 19th centuries. The Portuguese were the first European nation that landed in Galle and also in Sri Lanka in 1505. The Portuguese then ruled most of the coastal areas of the island, including Galle, Matara, and Colombo. The Portuguese built the Fort in the late 16th century for their military purposes and to defend the Galle from local and foreign attacks. Their first construction was very basic and included three bastions and a single rampart. The Portuguese then used the Galle fort as a prison camp in later years.

The Dutch army captured the fort in 1640 with a 2500-strong force. They received the support of King Seethawaka Rajasinghe and the local people. The battle between the Dutch and the Portuguese later became popular and was called ‘siege of Galle” in 1640. Dutch rulers then modified the Portuguese fort into a huge structure, thus expanding its military strength. In the 19th century, there were Protestant churches, gun houses, residences of commanders, public administration buildings, warehouses, residential quarters, and trade buildings. Mud, granite stones, and coral were used as materials for the fort. A British army captured the galle and the fort in 1796. They paid less attention to the Galle fort, and the fort’s importance shifted to Colombo.

Today, the fort is controlled by the Sri Lankan government. It has two major gates to enter. If you visit this amazing construction, you will see many hotels, shops, and government buildings. Galle lighthouse is a recent addition to the fort and was built in 1938. The Galle clock tower is another major construction which can be seen in the fort. It is another recent addition, built in 1883 by the British government. Furthermore, it is considered one of the oldest clock towers in Sri Lanka. The Archeological Department of Sri Lanka reconstructed some parts of the fort recently.

The Galle Fort is a nice place for any traveler where they can view the beauty of the Galle Sea and its beautiful sunset. There are many hotels and restaurants in the fort for travelers. It’s a must visit place for any traveler if he or she visits the southern part of Sri Lanka.

(Featured Image Source: Awesome Sri Lanka)

Bopath Ella Waterfall in Rathnapura

Bopath Ella Waterfall in Rathnapura

Bopath Ella Waterfall is one of the attractive travel destinations in Sri Lanka. It is a beautiful waterfall that is situated in the Rathnapura District. The height of the waterfall is 30 m (98 ft). This is formed by the Kuruganga River, and it is a branch of the famous Kaluganga River. The place is widely popular among local travelers.

Bopath Ella Waterfall is located 95 km away from Colombo. It takes 2.5 hours to get there from the capital. But the distance from Rathanpuara City is about 5km. You can easily find the location on Google Maps. The name of the surrounded village is “Agalawatta” and it belongs to the Kuruwita Divisional Secretariat area.

The shape of the waterfall is really amazing to watch. It looks like a “Bo” tree (Ficus religiosa), which has gained this name. The average annual rainfall of the surrounding area is 5000 mm, and the average temperature is around 27 Celsius.

There are parking facilities available for local and international visitors. But you need to walk a few meters to reach the waterfall. Many shops, hotels, and vendors are available along the foot path. Anyhow, you should buy a ticket to enter the place.

You can get very close to the Bopath Ella waterfall. But don’t try to bathe near the waterfall. There are so many places available to bathe safely in the latter parts. Evenings and mornings are the ideal times to see the actual beauty of the waterfall.

(Bopath Ella Cover Image Credit: Ceylon Travel Fb Page)

Anuradhapura Day Tour By Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Plan Your Anuradhapura Day Tour with Mahaweli

Our Anuradhapura day tour is specifically designed to take you around the city to give you an unforgettable experience of its opulent culture, pilgrimages, and people. Anuradhapura is one of the major cities up to date in terms of its size, ancient ruins, and demographics. You will be given a guide with excellent local knowledge and communication skills. Language-specific guides can be provided upon special request as well. For people who are in love with culture and history, this is the ideal tour to enlighten their spirits.

 

Before talking more about our Anuradhapura day tour, let us give you a brief introduction about Anuradhapura city. 

 

The Great Kingdom: Anuradhapura

Anuradhapura was one of the seven kingdoms in the history of kingdoms in Sri Lanka. It is the oldest, largest, and most prosperous of all. In 377 BC, it was declared a kingdom, and King Pandukabhaya made it prosperous. It is still considered the capital of the North Central Province. This kingdom lasted almost 12 centuries ago until it was destroyed in the 10th century AD.

The ancient city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka. It is a must-see on your trip as it can give you a broad perspective of Sri Lanka’s history. There are so many ancient monasteries, temples, lakes, and ruins available to watch. The technology for that construction is wonderful to see. Our guides will explain these things further to you. We cover all these things within our Anuradhapura Day Tour.

 

The series of sacred places: Atamasthanaya

This little island is full of nature, culture, history, and food. This tour will be educational and informative for all tourists. The guides will guide you through important historic ruins and places where the stories behind them will also be explained. Leaflets or brochures are available at the entrance of most places.

There are eight significant icons that represent Sri Lanka’s connection to Buddhism, and all of them are situated in Anuradhapura, thus calling this collection “Atamasthanaya,” meaning “eight sacred places.” There is a unique story or history connected to each one of them. Most of them were built by kings that ruled the Anuradhapura Kingdom. You will visit all these places on our Anuradhapura City Tour.

  • Sri Maha Bodi

This is a fig tree that was planted in 288 BC and is considered sacred because it is believed that Buddha achieved enlightenment while meditating under this tree.

  • Ruwanwelisaya

It is a “stupa” that is built by King Dutugamunu and is one of the biggest completed ones to date.

  • Thuparamaya

It is the oldest ‘dagoba’ in Sri Lanka, and possibly the oldest visible one in the world.

  • Lovamahapaya

The significance of this building is that the roof was once covered in bronze tiles.

  • Abhayagiri

It is one of the biggest viharas in Anuradhapura. It was a monastery of 5000 monks.

  • Jethavanaramaya

It is a sacred world heritage site and had accommodated some 3000 monks at the time. It is also quite similar to Abhayagiri.

  • Mirisavetiya

This stupa was built by King Dutugamunu after defeating King Elara.

  • Lankaramaya

This is also built by a king called King Valagamba in the Anuradhapura Kingdom times and is one of the eight sacred places in the city.

There are plenty of other places to see and enjoy. Join us on this day tour to see the biggest contributors in Sri Lankan history. Your love for culture will be expanded after seeing the richness of the city.

 

Anuradhapura Day Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays.

You can plan your Anuradhapura day tour with us. Here are more details about this city tour.

Possible Starting/Pick-up Locations:

Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Colombo, Negombo, Tincomale, Nilaveli, Kandy (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility).

It takes around 3 hours to complete the visit of Anuradhapura, the ancient city. You can walk or we can arrange some bicycles if you prefer some cycling.

Tour Type: Our Anuradhapura Day Tour is a private tour. The vehicle and the guide/chauffeur guide are dedicated to you and your group. The safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a comfortable car, van, or mini coach.

So, visit our Contact us page to connect with us. We will provide all the essential details regarding this tour! Polonnaruwa is another place in Sri Lankan cultural history, and it was the second kingdom of Sri Lanka. Likewise, Anuradhapura, there are so many ancient places to explore in Polonnaruwa too. You can also plan your Polonnaruwa tour with us!

 

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(Cover Image Source: Spin The WindRose from Pinterest) 

Hunas Falls Waterfall in Matale

Hunas Falls Waterfall in Matale

Hunas Falls Waterfall is a beautiful waterfall that is situated in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. This is a nice place to visit if you are seeking the best places in both the Matale and Kandy areas. The distance to the waterfall from Kandy City is 25km. But the distance from Matale City is 21km.

Hunnasgiriya Mountain is a prominent peak in the Knuckles Mountain Range. Situating at the bottom part of the mountain, the waterfall has got this name. Elkaduwa is the nearest town to the waterfall. The route from Elkaduwa to Hunas Falls is dotted with a lot of spice plants. The entire area is very calm and beautiful.

You can use Google Maps to find the location. There is a parking facility available to stop your vehicle. Then you need to buy a ticket to enter the waterfall. The place and its surrounding tea gardens are managed by Elakduwa Plantation Company.

Hunas Falls Waterfall is not a natural waterfall. It is a recently constructed artificial waterfall. Height of the waterfall is 48m. This consists of two parts, and travelers can reach it near the waterfall. The place is safe for anyone to travel to. You can see a small bridge between those two parts. The picture of the waterfall is really amazing in the mornings and afternoons. Please don’t forget to bring a camera.

There is a park at the bottom of the waterfall. You can wait and rest in the summer huts that are placed in the park. After watching the waterfall, you can visit the upper parts of the Hunnasgiriya Mountain. But you need to get permission to go there.

Hunnas Falls Waterfall is a nice place to travel with your family. Here are some of the places to visit in the Matale area:

  • Sembuwaththa Lake
  • Riverston Mountain
  • Kalebokka Division
  • Sera Ella

 

(Featured image source: Thaproban and credit should goes to the original owner) 

Hakgala Botanical Garden

Hakgala Botanical Garden in Sri Lanka

Hakgala Botanical Garden is a nice place to visit in the Nuwara Eliya region of Sri Lanka. It is considered one of the five botanical gardens in the country. The other four botanical gardens are as follows:

  • Peradeniya Botanical Garden.
  • Mirijjawila Botanical Garden
  • Henarathgoda Botanical Garden.
  • Seethawaka Botanical Garden.

Hakgala Botanical is the second largest of those five gardens. This was established in the British Era in 1861.

You need to turn your vehicle into the Badulla–Nuwara Eliya route in the Nuwara-Eliya main town. Driving 6km along that road will take you to the garden. It is really easy to find the location. You can use Google Maps. Buying a ticket is essential to enter the garden.

Annually, 500,000 visitors come to the Hakgala Garden to enjoy its beauty. It contains a variety of plants and species, over 10,000. You can also see a lot of floral verities. The orchid garden and rose gardens always attract visitors. Nobody forgot to take some nice photographs from there. All around, the entire garden is comprised of beautiful landscapes. The place is managed and operated by the Department of Agriculture, Sri Lanka.

Hakgala Botanical Garden is situated near the Hakgala Strict Nature Reserve. But you can’t go to the nature reserve. The elevation of the place is 5400 ft. from sea level. It has spread over 28 hectares. You can experience a cool climate all around the year. But the December through February season is the coolest time period. The average temperature is between 16C and 30C.

April is considered the best month to visit here. The period is the spring season in Nuwara Eliya. So, a lot of travelers never forget to come here. March is the off-season for many floral plants, so you will not see many flowers. Hakgala Botanical Garden is open all year round and the opening times are 8am to 6pm. It is a very relaxing and ideal place to visit with your family and friends.

(Cover Image Source: Ceylon Footprint Holidays Facebook Page)

Beautiful Beaches of Sri Lanka

Beautiful Beaches of Sri Lanka

Let’s find Beautiful Beaches of Sri Lanka

If you are wondering where to go to experience the best sea breeze, Sri Lanka should come on top of your list. This island is a hotspot for beach lovers all around the world. This island is surrounded by golden sands and blue waters from all four corners. There are breathtaking beaches that will give you a relaxing experience when you come to Sri Lanka. We have excellent guides to take you around to amazing beaches. For everyone that is working hard throughout their lives, coming to Sri Lanka to experience a relaxed day at the beach is the ideal getaway.

Where to go? We will tell you

The Western Province of Sri Lanka is the most developed of all provinces. It contains the capital of Sri Lanka as well. Despite the commercial and cosmopolitan state of the province, it has a chain of amazing and breathtaking beaches tagged with a lot of beach resorts. They accompany a great deal to everyone who visits these beaches. From cocktails to seafood, to music, the entire coastal area is a must-see when you visit Sri Lanka. This coastal line is a year-round happening place since it has many resorts attached.

Another beautiful beach that gets a lot of attention is Mirissa. It attracts all kind of tourists. Surfers go there to experience the exhilarating waves. Swimmers go there to bathe in the beautiful waters, sunbathers go there to enjoy a refreshing drink and relax. Either way, Mirissa Beach has got to be one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka. November, April, August, and October are the best times to visit since the weather is at its best.

Hiriketiya Beach, also known as the Hiri Beach is an upcoming popular place for tourists because of its calming nature. If you want to step on the golden sand and ponder upon, this is the spot for you. Go there in August, October or April to get the best of the feelings ever!

Trincomalee and Nilaveli are situated next to each other and are two of the most beautiful beaches on the island. When you go between March to August, you will get the chance of seeing whales and dolphins since these places are most famous for those.

Paradise seeker, come to Tangalle Beach to experience paradise on earth. It is truly a remarkable beach that this island possesses. You will get the most tranquil experience when you go between May to November.

Arugam Bay in the eastern coast of Sri Lanka is a famous spot for surfers and swimmers. It attracts tourists from all around the world for its beautiful waves all around the year.

Apart from the above-mentioned beaches, Unawatuna, Koggala, Hikkaduwa, Arugambay are a few other beautiful coastal lines on the island. Sunbathers, you will not be disappointed in Sri Lanka. We have ample of beaches that would give you a relaxing and calming experience. Sri Lanka’s beaches are truly nature’s most beautiful element. Come and visit these amazing miracles of nature, you will have memories to cherish!

(Cover photo display the Mirissa Beach and Photo Credit should goes to the Photographer: Matthew Williams-Ellis) 

Adams Peak Tour & Hike

Adams Peak Tour and Hike
The Adams Peak Tour is an amazing experience for someone who likes hiking in Sri Lanka. As a leading tour agency in Sri Lanka, Mahaweli Tours & Holidays offers amazing tours to Adams Peak for tourists. Please check this detailed guide for further details.

Introduction to Adams Peak

Sri Lanka is an Asian island that looks like a tiny dot on the world map yet is filled with many natural beauties. The center of this little island is covered by a crown of mountains and many rocky and green mountains signify the importance of the country’s culture and religions. Our Adams Peak Tour is specially designed to take you to one of the most sacred mountains in Sri Lanka. You will be accompanied by a guide who is well-versed in the local knowledge and the hike. If you require language-specific guides, that can be arranged upon request too. This sacred hike is highly appraised by Sri Lankan and by name it is Adams Peak/ Sri Pada.

The religious beliefs of the mountain

A lot of people climb the mountain because of the significant footprint that is covered and protected because of many reasons. In the Buddhist tradition, it is said to be the footprint of Buddha and in the Hindu belief, it is said to be Hanuman’s or Shiva’s. Some Christian and Islamic believers say it is the footprint of Adam. Because of this, Adams Peak is a regularly visited place in Sri Lanka. Tourists from all around the globe come to visit this place because of its cultural and religious importance.
 

The hike!

Generally, the hike starts in the middle of the night, so you can reach the top of the mountain to see the sunrise. The tiring hike will be worth the spectacular sunrise you get to see on top. If you are up for an adventurous night hike, this will be it. The climb is a mixture of an inclined walk and crumbled stepping stones. You will be guided throughout, providing information and breaks necessary. The best is at the top of the mountain where you get to see the beautiful city. It is truly a nostalgic moment after an adventurous hike. Our Adams Peak tour is dedicated to all audacious travelers with excitement and information. Adams Peak is admired and appreciated by Sri Lankans and tourists alike. Out of all the mountains in the country, Sri Pada (Adams Peak) is considered a sacred one by all beliefs. The truth of the matter is it depends on who believes what. Nonetheless, it is an amazing hike that is trekked by most tourists. It is also a well-renowned mountain because of its cultural value, thus making it a condensed place.
 

Get ready to hike!

Make sure to bring your water bottle to quench your thirst and your camera to capture the stunning sunrise. You will find restrooms and refreshments along the way. It is best if you get there just before dawn because just after dawn comes the stunning view. Adams Peak has one of the most unique views of the sunrise every single morning. This is the reason many travelers take up the challenge of hiking the mountain to grab an unforgettable experience.  

Adams Peak Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations : Kandy, Colombo, Negombo, Airport, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Benthtoa, (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility) Duration: It takes around 10 hours to reach the peak of the mountain and come back. Season: December – May Tour Type: This tour is a private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. The Safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach   Lakshapana and Aberdeen are two waterfalls that you can explore further during your Adams Peak tour. .

(Adams Peak Image Credit: N K Lanka from Facebook) 

Introduction to Adams Peak

Sri Lanka is an Asian island that looks like a tiny dot on the world map yet is filled with many natural beauties. The center of this little island is covered by a crown of mountains and many rocky and green mountains signify the importance of the country’s culture and religions. Our Adams Peak Tour is specially designed to take you to one of the most sacred mountains in Sri Lanka. You will be accompanied by a guide who is well-versed in the local knowledge and the hike. If you require language-specific guides, that can be arranged upon request too. This sacred hike is highly appraised by Sri Lankan and by name it is Adams Peak/ Sri Pada.

The religious beliefs of the mountain

A lot of people climb the mountain because of the significant footprint that is covered and protected because of many reasons. In the Buddhist tradition, it is said to be the footprint of Buddha and in the Hindu belief, it is said to be Hanuman’s or Shiva’s. Some Christian and Islamic believers say it is the footprint of Adam. Because of this, Adams Peak is a regularly visited place in Sri Lanka. Tourists from all around the globe come to visit this place because of its cultural and religious importance.
 

The hike!

Generally, the hike starts in the middle of the night, so you can reach the top of the mountain to see the sunrise. The tiring hike will be worth the spectacular sunrise you get to see on top. If you are up for an adventurous night hike, this will be it. The climb is a mixture of an inclined walk and crumbled stepping stones. You will be guided throughout, providing information and breaks necessary. The best is at the top of the mountain where you get to see the beautiful city. It is truly a nostalgic moment after an adventurous hike. Our Adams Peak tour is dedicated to all audacious travelers with excitement and information. Adams Peak is admired and appreciated by Sri Lankans and tourists alike. Out of all the mountains in the country, Sri Pada (Adams Peak) is considered a sacred one by all beliefs. The truth of the matter is it depends on who believes what. Nonetheless, it is an amazing hike that is trekked by most tourists. It is also a well-renowned mountain because of its cultural value, thus making it a condensed place.
 

Get ready to hike!

Make sure to bring your water bottle to quench your thirst and your camera to capture the stunning sunrise. You will find restrooms and refreshments along the way. It is best if you get there just before dawn because just after dawn comes the stunning view. Adams Peak has one of the most unique views of the sunrise every single morning. This is the reason many travelers take up the challenge of hiking the mountain to grab an unforgettable experience.  

Adams Peak Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations : Kandy, Colombo, Negombo, Airport, Nuwara Eliya, Galle, Benthtoa, (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility) Duration: It takes around 10 hours to reach the peak of the mountain and come back. Season: December – May Tour Type: This tour is a private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. The Safari tour will be done by an off-road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by a Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach   Lakshapana and Aberdeen are two waterfalls that you can explore further during your Adams Peak tour. .

(Adams Peak Image Credit: N K Lanka from Facebook) 

Kankesanthurai Beach

Kankesanthurai Beach

Kankesanthurai Beach, or what is called “KKS Beach,” is a beach that is situated in the Jaffna district. It is considered one of the top two beaches in the Northern Province. ideal place for a family day out. This is a relatively less crowded place.

Surrounded by palm trees, and a nearby lighthouse, the KKS beach adds additional beauty. It is a safe place for swimming because of the less deep water and fewer waves. The long, sandy beach is ideal for long walks and watching the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

The place is managed by the Sri Lanka Navy. You can see some fishing boats near the beach. The hot climate encourages anyone to swim and do water activities. This is an awesome place to visit in the Northern Sri Lanka.

  • Distance from Colombo: 373km
  • Distance from Jaffna: 20km

Route from Jaffna: Turn to the Kankesanthurai Road -> Kuppilan->Tellipalai->Maviddapuram->Kankesanthurai->KKS Beach

(Kankesanthurai Beach Cover Photo Credit: Ceilao Escapists facebook page) 

Udawalawe National Park

Udawalawe National Park is the third most visited national park of Sri Lanka which is located on the boundary of Sabaragamuwa & Uva Provinces. Total extend of the park is over 30,000 hectares and a popular place among the tourists who love sighting water birds and Sri Lankan Elephants in their natural habitats.

The rusty-spotted cat, fishing cat, Sri Lankan leopard, The Sri Lankan sloth bear, Sri Lankan sambar deer, Sri Lankan axis deer, Indian muntjac, Sri Lankan spotted chevrotain, wild boar and water buffalo are among other mammal species. Golden jackal, Asian palm civet, toque macaque, tufted grey langur and Indian hare also inhabit the park. A study conducted in 1989 found that considerable numbers of golden palm civets inhabit the forests of Udawalawe.[1] Five species of mice also have been recorded from the park. The endemic Ceylon spiny mouse, known from Yala National Park, was recorded in Udawalawe National Park in 1989. Indian bush rat and three species of mongoose are also recorded in the national park.

Jeeps are available to hire at the entrance of the park and you can decide if you prefer a half a day safari or a complete full day one. Camping inside the park under strict guidelines also possible with the prior approval of the authorities.

 

Distance to the Udawalawe National Park from some of the key places are as follow.

From :

  • Udawalawa – 10 km
  • Katharagama – 60 km
  • Ella – 90 km
  • Nuwaraeliya -144 km
  • Kandy – 200 km
  • Colombo – 160 km
  • CMB Airport – 170 km
  • Galle – 130 km

 

You can see some of the beautiful photos below;

Elephants in Udawalawe National Park

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