Temple of the Tooth Relic

Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy

Introduction to the Temple of the Tooth Relic

When you think of visiting a rich culture, Sri Lanka always pops into your head. A lot of tourists visit Sri Lanka because of its rich culture and history. This tiny island has so much history, with tales of kings, kingdoms, and temples. One of the most admired places in the whole world is the Temple of the Tooth Relic. In Sinhalese, it is called “Sri Dalanda Maligawa.” It has significant connections to the history of our country.

When you visit Sri Lanka, Put this on top of your must-see list because it is indeed a must-see. Our excellent guides will take you through the temple complex to give you a clear idea of the historical value of the place. Come ready to receive an experience of a lifetime with us in this beautiful place. You will be given a guide who is thorough with local knowledge. If you require language specific guides, they can be provided as well.

The history and architecture of the temple

The importance of this temple is that it accommodates the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. The temple is situated in Kandy, where the royal palace was, during the reign of the Kandyan Kingdom. The tooth relic was preserved and protected in India and was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Hemamali and her husband, Prince Dantha.

The entrance of the temple has one of the main architectural symbols in the Kandyan Kingdom. It is called a Sandakada Pahana (Moonstone). It has the shape of a half-circle with many carvings that symbolize prosperity, peace, culture, and other religious figures. This is placed at the entrance below the staircase. The main gate is called ‘Mahawahalkada’ and it was once completely destroyed. But afterwards, it was renovated, along with its symbols and figures, that are similar to the original.

The Tooth Relic

The Tooth Relic is safely kept in a chamber called ‘Handun Kunama.” It is protected by seven caskets which are engraved with precious stones and gems. One of these caskets is used in the pageant, which happens once a year. These caskets have the shape of a‘stupa.’

Why is this temple important?!

Sri Lanka was originally a Buddhist country. Hence, the Temple of the Tooth Relic is utterly treasured and protected by the community. First of all, it is situated in one of the main cities in Sri Lanka. It was built in the times of the Kandyan Kingdom, and to this date, the temple has not lost its importance. It houses the sacred tooth relic of Buddha. Devotees from all over the island come to worship at this temple because they believe it to be a sacred and holy place.

Pay a visit to one of the important religious spots in the country

Come and enjoy a matchless evening in the Temple of the Tooth Relic premises. See the devotees worship in reverence and honor towards their belief. It is indeed a sight to behold

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(Cover Image Source: @fake_or_real_ from Instagram)

Best Places for Surfing in Sri Lanka

Best Places for Surfing in Sri Lanka

Do you want to have an exhilarating surfing experience with nature’s finest beauty? Or are you looking for the best places for surfing in Sri Lanka? And what is more relaxing than an exciting surfing session, good food, a sea breeze, and music? When surfers visit Sri Lanka, they have an exquisite experience in the sea. There is a time period for each coast. But around the island, there is always a spot for surfing. This beautiful island has so many activities to do and places to see. Water sports are one of the things Sri Lanka is famous for. Of all of them, surfing is their top-notch water activity.

A little bit about surfing coasts in Sri Lanka

Generally, the southern side of the island is ideal for surfing between November and May because the waves are at their best. The best time for surfing in the eastern part of the island is between April and October. 

Here’s the deal:

Let us see the best surfing spots in Sri Lanka.

Hikkaduwa is the most famous surfing spot in Sri Lanka. Situated on the southwest coast of the island, Hikkaduwa makes a beautiful beach. It is always full of life because of the surfing, coral, and many other beach activities. This coast is loved by locals and foreigners alike. Hikkaduwa’s major surfing spots are Benny’s, Main Reef, North Jetty, and Beach Break. 

Unawatuna Bay is another famous spot for surfing. It is more suitable for family vacations as the nightlife is not as happening as in Hikkaduwa. But the waves are as good as the other ones, making it one of the famous spots. The best surfing spots in Unawatuna Bay are Dalawella Reef, Unawatuna Beach Break, Bonavista Bay, South Beach, and Kabalana Beach Break. 

If you’re new to surfing, Weligama is a great place to start.It has suitable waves for surfing all around the year. 

Arugam Bay on the east is one of the most loved surfing spots. It is best to visit this bay in April and September. These famous spots in Arugam Bay will give you an exciting surfing experience: Pottuvil and Whiskey Point, Baby Point and Main Point, and Elephant Rock. Most people believe that this is the best place to surf in Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean, and the rain hits the waves in different directions throughout the year. Generally, the country always has a surfing spot available for surfers, bringing them from all around the world throughout the year. 

The Bottom Line:

Sri Lanka has surfing spots for beginners as well as experts. There are best surfing places in Sri Lanka that is suitable for each category. You can experience a happening surfing experience followed by all-night entertainment in Hikkaduwa, or you can go with your family for an enjoyable surfing experience followed by amazing Sri Lankan food at Unawatuna Bay. Either way, you can experience bouncy waves and water crashing on the rocks while surfing blue waters. 

So, what is your best places for surfing in Sri Lanka? Don’t forget to share this article among your friends by mentioning it!

Read our other posts;

Beautiful Beaches of Sri Lanka

(Cover Image Location is Arugam Bay. The Image Credit goes to @c.h.r.u.e from Instagram)

Lovers Leap Waterfall in Nuwara Eliya

Lovers Leap Waterfall in Nuwara Eliya

Lovers Leap Waterfall is not a widely popular waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is situated in the Hawa Eliya area near Nuwara Eliya. The height of this beautiful waterfall is 30m. There are some myths and beliefs around this fall. This is an awesome place to visit in the Nuwara Eliya region.

How to reach

Lovers leap waterfall is situated 4 km away from the Nuwara Eliya bus stand. You should follow the Ragala-Udupussellawa route from there. Public transport is available along the road. But the Tuk Tuk is the perfect vehicle for this trip. After 3.5km, you should drop out of your vehicle. Now you need to walk on an uphill road for about 400m to reach the location. Don’t forget to get help from the locals. They will guide you to find the destination.

Facts about Lovers’ Leap Fall

This is certainly a scenic waterfall. You can stay on the large rock that is in front of the fall and watch its beauty. The spraying water drops will cool you. Someone can visit the upper part of the cascade. The surrounding picture of the city is fantastic and mind-blowing. You can see many vegetable growing fields and tea estates. Most of the local people are Tamil.

Piduruthalagala is the highest mountain in Sri Lanka, with a height of 2524m. The mountain and the surrounded forest area are the major water sources for the Lovers Leap Waterfall. Because of a myth, nobody will come to this place after 6 p.m. But you can come here at any time before 6 p.m. and it’s free to enter.

Lovers’ Leap Story

As we mentioned earlier, there is a story behind this. That has given the name to this waterfall. There was a royal prince who came to hunt in this area and got lost. Then, the local girl helped him in this trouble. The prince falls in love with that girl. But his parents were unsatisfied with the affair. That has made the couple take the decision to commit suicide. Finally, they all jumped from this waterfall and died. Today, people believe the ghost will come to the area in the night.

Lovers Leap Tea Factory and Pedro Tea Estate

Nuwara Eliya is a place which is rich in tea cultivation. The Pedro Tea Estate is situated near the Lovers Leap Waterfall and it has covered many hectares in the area. It was established in the 1880’s by the British and is considered as one of the oldest tea estates in the country. The estate is currently managing by Kelani Valley Plantations PLC.

Pedro Tea Estate is very popular around the world for its unique taste in tea. The seasonal tea is sold under the name of ‘Lovers Leap’. You can go to the Lovers Leap Tea Factory and learn about how Ceylon tea is processed. There is a nice tea shop in front of the tea factory. You can go there and enjoy the taste of a tea cup.

About Nuwara Eliya:

Nuwara Eliya is a major city in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It’s situated in a hilly area with an elevation of 1864m. The cool and breezy environment has made the area known as the “Little England of Sri Lanka”. The average annual temperature is around 15 °C and the average annual rainfall is about 2500 mm. There you experience a sudden changing climate. Rainy seasons bring more water to the Lovers Leap Waterfall and that will increase its beauty.

March to April is the spring season of Nuwara Eliya. Many travelers come in that season. Flowers are blossoming and the environment looks amazing. There are many hotels, restaurants, and villas available for visitors.

Here are some of the places to visit in Nuwara Eliya:

  • Single Tree Hills
  • Ambewela Farm
  • Hakgala Botanical Garden
  • Horton Plains National Park.
  • Victoria Park

Along with those places, don’t forget to visit Lovers Leap Waterfall during your Nuwara Eliya tour. You can plan your Nuwara Eliya City Tour with us. Just call: 0777 111 553 or drop a mail to: info@mahaweli.lk

(Lover’s Leap Falls Cover Image Credit: Ruwan Anandagoda)

Tangalle Beach in the Southern Province

Tangalle Beach in Sri Lanka

Tangalle beach is a beautiful place with white sand, coconut groves, and turquoise water. The area is widely popular among foreign tourists. It is an awesome shoreline for those who love quiet and peaceful vacations.

Tangalle is a coastal city which is situated in the Hambanthota District of Sri Lanka. It was a fishing village in the past. The area became a paradise for beach lovers with the development of tourism in Sri Lanka. There are many beaches in the area, and Tangalle Beach is one of them.

How to reach

The distance to Tangalle from Colombo is 205km. It takes around 4 hours to get there. If you are starting from Matara or Hambanthota, then the distance is 45km. This takes around 1.5 hours to arrive. The location can be easily found with Google maps or you can take support from locals. It is 1km away from the Tangalla Bus Stand.

climate and weather.

The South-East area of Sri Lanka is one of the driest places in the country. The average rainfall is between 1000 and 1500 mm. There is much rainfall from October to April. The average annual temperature is around 28’C. Wind speed is a bit high from May to September. The ideal time to visit Tangalle Beach is considered to be the November to April period.

More Facts About the Tangalle Beach

Tangalle Beach is a superb place for relaxing. It is away from the busy cities. The white sand has spread over kilometers. That has made you perfect for a morning run along the shoreline. There you see a small bay with a sheltering reef. That has reduced the speed of the waves.

This is not an ideal place for swimming. But the rough waves are perfect for surfing. If you are a lucky person, then you will meet various kinds of sea turtles. The picture of the sunset is magnificent, and that will definitely amaze you.

Tangalla Beach is not very crowded. It has attracted many budget travelers and those who love a quiet environment. Evenings are always busier than the mornings. There are many restaurants, cafes, hotels, and villas out there for visitors. Parking facilities are also available near the beach.

Other Places to Visit in the Tangalla Area

  • Hummanaya Blowhole
  • Mulkirigala Rock Temple.
  • Turtle Watching in Rekawa
  • Bundala National Park
  • Yala National Park.
  • Goyambokka Beach
  • Hiriketiya Beach

So, we recommend Tangalle Beach for those who seek beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka. This is a superb spot to relax your mind.

Read more from our blog;

Best Places for Surfing in Sri Lanka

(Cover Image Credit: Barbora from Instagram)

Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka

Minneriya National Park

Minneriya National Park is another famous tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The place is widely popular due to its largest elephant gathering. It belongs to the Polonnaruwa District of North Central Province. Minneriya National Park is the home to many wild animals. This covers 8889.4 ha.

Location

Minneriya National Park is situated 182km away from Colombo city. It needs almost 4 hours to reach the capital. The distance from Kandy is about 105km. It will take around 3 hours to reach this from there. Google Maps will help you find the location. Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa are some of the most visited tourist destinations on the island. Those locations are not far from this national park. Therefore, many of them don’t miss this place to visit.

History

Minneriya Tank, or what the locals call “Minneriya Wewa,” is an ancient construction. It was made by King Mahasen in the 3rd century AD. The purpose of the tank was to supply essential water for paddy cultivation. The surrounding forest was the main water source for the tank. Apart from that, the Amban River and Elahera Canal bring water to the Minneriya Tank.

The tank and its surrounding forest were declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1938. It was further declared as a national park in 1997/08/12. The aim of the declaration was to protect the tank and wildlife of the area.

Climate

The Minneriya National Park and surrounding area receive an average annual rainfall of 1000–1500 mm. The average annual temperature is around 25–30 °C. The North-Eastern Monsoon is the main rainfall source and it is active from October until February. There is a clear dry season from May to September.

Wildlife

Minneriya National Park is home to 24 mammal species, 1600 bird species, 9 amphibian species, 25 reptile species, 26 fish species, and 75 butterfly species.

Some of the birds that you can watch here are the Sri Lankan Junglefowl, Sri Lankan Hanging Parrot, and brown-capped babbier. It is a paradise for both resident and migrant birds. Along with them, you can identify the Sri Lankan Leopard, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri Lankan Sambar Deer, Buffalo and two types of endemic monkeys.

Elephants

Minneriya is best known for its largest elephant gatherings. Group of 150 – 300 wild elephants can identify together in the dry seasons. Elephants in Matale, Polonnaruwa, Trincomalee disticts migrate to Minneriya National Park in the dry season. They gather around the Minneriya Tank because of the food and water. Therefore, May to September time period consider as the best time to visit this sanctuary.

There are many Safari service providers around this national park. So, you can pick one of them to plan your wildlife tour. As well as you, there are many hotels and lodges for tourists in Dambulla, Sigiriya, Habarana and Girithale areas. This is the National Park that you should visit if you love Sri Lankan Elephants and widlife.

Read more from our Website:

Day Tour at Polonnaruwa Ancient City

( Cover Image Credit: Stephen Blaxhall )

Sembuwatta Lake in Matale

Sembuwatta Lake in Matale

Sembuwatta Lake is one of the must-visit travel destinations in the Matale District of Sri Lanka. It is situated near Elkaduwa, a small town in the Ukuwela divisional secteriant area. The distance from Kandy to Sembuwatta is 31 km, and from Matale it is 22 km. The place has become widely popular among local and international travelers in the last decade.

There are two major routes to reach Sembuwatta. first route from Kandy via Wattegama. The next route is from Matale via Ukuwela. You can easily find the location with Google Maps. Since its opening in 2005, the area has been managed by Elkaduwa Plantation Company. You should buy a ticket to enter the location.

Sembuwatta Lake and its surroundings are absolutely beautiful and nice to see. The cold breeze will bring amazing feelings to anyone. There is a forest near the lake, and it’s called “Campbell Lane Forest.” The majority of the forest is pine trees. You can also see tea estates in the area. The elevation of the area is 1072m. So, you will feel the cold weather. The average annual temperature is around 20’C and the average annual rainfall in the area is around 2000 mm.

Sembuwatta Lake was built in 1949. It was a polo ground in the British Era of Sri Lanka. Later, it became a lake to generate essential electricity for the tea factory. The lake has been made up with natural water streams. It is 9–12 m deep and not allowed for bathing. Anyhow, it is open for many water activities. There is another small pool near the main lake for bathing activities. So, you can bathe there.

Summer huts are available for those who would like to spend the night in Sembuwatta. are also available for those who don’t like to stay in them. But you need to get permission to do that. So, we request that you visit this place if you love to travel in central Sri Lanka.

Read More:

Hakgala Botanical Garden

(Sembuwatta Lake Image Source: @diskdimuth from Instagram)

Trekking at the Beautiful Horton Plains

Horton Plains Trekking with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Did you know that this small island called Sri Lanka is full of great natural treasures? Even though it is a very small country, it is filled with numerous mountains, plains, waterfalls, rivers, and exciting nature adventures. With a tropical weather in most part of the island, it is easy to adapt to the weather and enjoy the tour. This tour is designed to accompany you with a guide to Horton Plains. You will be provided with a proficient guide who is fluent in English and thorough with local knowledge. We ensure that the guides are informative and supportive. Language specific guides can be arranged upon request too. The tour is carefully constructed to give you the best experience of Horton Plains.

 

Horton Plains: The beautiful heritage

Horton Plains National Park is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. It is protected by the Department of Wildlife Conservation because the wildlife is very condensing in the area. The original name of the place is “Maha Eliya Thenna” which means “Great Open Plain.” Later the Plains were renamed after a British Governor. Sri Lanka has a lot of non-recorded history and people have come up with many folk stories regarding this place. Horton Plains are blessed with opulent flora and fauna and hikers and trekkers find this place quite amusing.

 

A must in the travel itinerary: Trekking at the Horton Plains

Are you up to seeing one of the most stunning places in Sri Lanka on a higher altitude? This is for you.

Wander across the cloud forests, green pastures and scattered pools while listening to nothing but the sounds of nature!

Your ears will be filled with the sound of birds chirping, water gushing, and fresh breeze sweeping across your face. For those for you who love trekking, why not inhale all the fresh experience that is in store for you!

The main attraction of the place is a drop called “The World’s End” from where you can see the farthest of Sri Lanka. You can see the most beautiful waterfall from top of the plains called The Baker’s Fall which runs from the very top of stony mountains down to the greeny valleys. The whole trekking experience will give you an adventurous thrill while soothing your tired self with cold breeze and perfect peace offered by nature. There is nothing more tranquil than receiving every ounce of nature’s fresh air and breeze from the trees while listening to buzzing bees.

 

Best of the Bests

This is the place for all candid photographers to capture as many memories as you want. The higher you climb, the better the view, the fresher the breeze, and more beautiful the feeling. Trekking at the Horton Plains has thus far become one of the favorite spots of backpackers, trekker, and globetrotters who love adventures. Our guides will guide you through this miraculous hike explaining the endemic species of trees and animals the place is blessed with. Come and see for yourself!

So, you can plan a horton plains trekking with us. Here are the details of the tour;

 

Horton Plains Trekking with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

Possible Starting / Pick-up Locations :
Nuwaraeliya, Haputhale, Bandarawela, Ella, Ohiya, Kandy, Hatton  (You can let us know your exact location for us to check and confirm the possibility)

Duration : It will take around 4 – 6 hours to complete the tour depending on the weather condition and the desire of the travelers.

Tour Type : A private tour. Vehicle and the Guide / Chauffer guide are dedicated to you / your group. Safari tour will be done by an off road vehicle and traveling to the starting point and back will be done by Comfortable Car / Van / Mini coach

 

Read more about our other tours:

Hanthana Trekking

Ella City Tour

(Cover Image Credit: Evic Kushan)

Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara

Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara

Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is one of the most famous travel destinations in Sri Lanka. Most of the travelers who come to the Ella region will not forget to visit this place. It’s an old bridge that was built in the British Era in Sri Lanka. The bridge is also called the “Bridge in the Sky’.

The Nine Arch Bridge is 300m in length and 80ft in height. There you can see nine spans. The width of the bridge is 25 ft and the elevation of the place is 3100 ft from sea level. This is located halfway between Ella and the Demodara Railway Station.to the Nine Arch Bridge from Demodara Railway Station is 9km and from Ella it is 4km. If you are starting from Ella town, you can easily hire a tuk tuk to reach this place. But you have to walk a few meters to meet the bridge.

The bridge connects two mountains and the Badulla–Colombo Railway. It was opened in 1921. This construction demonstrates the excellence of the architecture and engineering of the early 20th century. During the construction of this project, the First World War happened. It has affected the import of steel from abroad. The British rulers then decided to finish the project without using any steel or metal.The only materials used were stones, bricks, and cement.

P.K. Appuhami and D.J. Wimalasurendra are two Ceylonese who vastly helped to succeed in this project. Then they finished the work and opened the Nine Arch Bridge in 1921. Laterally, they finished the Colombo–Badulla Railway in 1924.

The Nine Arch Bridge in Demodara is normally crowded during holidays. The best time to go is between 9 and 11 a.m. in the morning.It’s an ideal place to take some beautiful photos. A few of the cafes are available in the area for visitors. The train journey between Colombo and Ella is considered one of the most beautiful train rides in the world. So, you should not miss it.

Read More: Ella City Tour with Mahaweli Tours & Holidays

(Cover Image Credit:@choineczkaa from Instagram) 

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)

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)

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