Sri Lanka Tourism achieves record-breaking 750,000 arrivals in 2011

Achieving another remarkable milestone in the country's booming tourism industry, Sri Lanka Tourism welcomed the arrival of 750,000th tourist in year 2011 at the Bandaranaike International Airport today (24th Nov.) evening. This is the first time ever; the tourism industry has received number of arrivals exceeding 700,000 marks in any given year making it a ground breaking figure in tourism records. A team of officials from Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau and representatives from Ministry of Economic Development welcomed the guest Mr.Mohomad Albordiny and wife (Palestinian) who arrived to Sri Lanka via QR 302 flight from Doha at 4:15 p.m. 

 

During year 2010, total number of tourist arrivals recorded was 654,476 nos. as opposed to 750,000 so far, which is a 34.2% annual growth. This year has seen a huge contribution from Latin American, Caribbean & western European countries including Austria, Belgium, Denmark ,France Netherland, UK and Germany. These regions alone have attracted 250, 847 tourists sharing a major portion out of the 750,000 arrivals recorded so far.

Sri Lanka Tourism offered a special gift and a complimentary package to the tourist arrived today keeping its promise of rewarding the 750,000th tourist and similar rewards were available for the 250,000th 500,000th , 600,000th tourist who visited Sri Lanka in the year 2011.

At the beginning of year 2011 Sri Lanka Tourism launched their marketing campaign named as "Refreshingly Sri Lanka – Visit 2011",with the aim of showcasing Sri Lanka as an Island of new found freedom ; a place where the visitor can experience everything that is refreshing under the sun .With this new branding , Sri Lanka tourism promoted 8 segments encapsulating 8 wonderful experiences which a tourist can enjoy within eight days such as: Pristine ,Heritage ,Bliss, Thrills, Festivities, Essence, Scenic beauty and Wild Life. These eight experiences were further stretched into twelve sub-themes to promote each month of 2011, including beaches, sports & adventure, MICE, people & culture, religious tourism, weddings & honeymoons, body & mind wellness, heritage, nature & wildlife, community & education, culinary and shopping & entertainment.

Sri Lanka Tourism's aim with this campaign was to amalgamate domestic and international markets alike into one cohesive platform to develop these products by the end of the year, promoting Sri Lanka as a destination that can offer refreshing experiences for anyone who visits it. All promotional activities and events in the next couple of years will be aimed at achieving the target number of 2.6 million tourists by 2016. 

 

Source - http://www.sltda.gov.lk/node/679

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Arugam Bay, The bay of Surf lovers.

Arugam Bay is a bay situated on the Indian Ocean in the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast. The bay is located 320 km due east of Colombo. It is a popular surfing and tourist destination. Many of the buildings were destroyed in the 2004 tsunami. Due to its popularity among tourists, the area has managed a slow recovery by private initiatives only. The main road through town has still not been repaved. As late as the beginning of 2010 no help has been received from any official source or international organizations. An exception is uncoordinated support for fishing folk as well as many school rebuilding programs, resulting in a continuation to provide only separatist schools for each community. Although there is a huge demand for an international school, one huge new building donated by the people of Japan remains unoccupied since the grand 'opening' ceremony in 2007.

 The bay hosts a large fleet of fishing boats which operates off the beach. Many organizations donated boats after the tsunami and as a result there are far more fishing boats than ever before. The main beach is a bit dirty as it is used as a garbage dump and a toilet by some locals. Nearby beaches are more esthetically pleasing and also have excellent waves. Arugam Surf Point has a very long, consistent, sectiony right hand break. Many organizations claim to have done extensive work in the area. No notable progress can be observed locally and on close inspection, as late as New Year's Day, 2010. The main road, shown below in 2004 still looked the very same at the end of 2009. Despite calls for a walking street contractors have recently (September, 2010)completed construction of a fast trunk road through the hamlet. Repeating the mistakes made in other seaside tourist resorts such as Negombo and Hikkaduwa. US 'Mercy Corps' has been the most active of any organization. Funded by Oprah Winfrey's 'Angel Network', following a huge fund-raising TV series in the United States. Sadly, none of their projects survived the first year of operation. A new bridge has been constructed by USAID. 

It was opened for traffic in 2008. It replaced the 1960s, original landmark box girder construction linking Arugam Bay with Pottuvil. At km 313 on the main A4 (the famous Colombo High Level Rd. - PottuVille), an excellent shortcut side road exists, which ends up in the very middle of Arugam Bay itself. This picturesque drive avoids the dusty town of PottuVille. Also no bridges need to be crossed. Raising questions regarding the wisdom for the need of the so-called 'high tech' USAID bridge construction. There is excellent elephant viewing nearby, incl. on this mentioned jungle road and the surrounding lagoon, as well as two types of monkeys wandering around the area.

The nearby (4 km) Muslim village of Pottuville is the center of commerce and transportation while tourist accommodations lie along the beach to the south of Pottuville Arugam Bay (4 km) is also the gateway and the only road access to the Yala East National Park. This area is known as Kumana (44 km), to be reached via the Sinhalese settlement of Panama (17 km) and the shires at Okanda (32 km). Sources of further, up-to-date local information: [1] [2] Arugam Bay has its own insiders, veteran and fan club (777 members end 2008, 5,500 members August, 2009). History was made on election day, 26 January 2010. The Community page Facebook page "Arugam Surf" managed to attract more than 10,000 fans. Making it the fasted growing Facebook site in Sri Lanka. By end 2010 this, Sri Lanka's first and oldest FB fan page has attracted near 20,000 loyal members. Remarkable for such a small, remote hamlet of just 2,500 residents.

Source - http://www.directlink.lk/arugam.html

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Lipton's Seat

Located in  Haputale 173 KM (107 Miles) From Colombo in the Badulla District, and is 4695 ft high above the sea level. It is one of the places with a very rich biodiversity and allows a very beautiful view of the Southern Plains. It is approximately 193 km away from Colombo. The town is no doubt one of the spectacular places in Sri Lanka. Haputale is makes hiking and trekking a great exhilarating exercise. The major attraction of Haputale is the Liptons seat, Adisham Bungalow and the famous Dambatenna tea factory.

Near the Dambatenne tea factory, the Lipton’s Seat lookout rivals the views from World’s End (and it’s free). The Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton used to survey his burgeoning empire from here.

Take the signed narrow paved road from the tea factory and climb about 7km through lush tea plantations to the lookout. From the tea factory the ascent should take about 2½ hours. The earliest bus leaves Haputale at 6.30am. Look forward to the company of Tamil tea pickers going off to work as you walk uphill to Lipton’s Seat.

Lipton's Seat, Dambetenna, Poonagala hills, Haputale in Sri Lanka More Info - Click Here

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Kithulgala - Whitewater Rafting

Kitulgala is a small town in the west of Sri Lanka. It is in the wet zone rain forest, which gets two monsoons each year, and is one of the wettest places in the country. Nevertheless, it comes alive in the first three months of the year, especially in February, the driest month. The Academy Award-winning The Bridge on the River Kwai was filmed on the Kelani River near Kitulgala,

 although nothing remains now except the concrete foundations for the bridge (and, supposedly, the submerged train cars that plunged into the river in the climactic scene). Kitulgala is also a base for white-water rafting, which starts a few kilometres upstream.

Large numbers of people make the excursion from Colombo at weekends to enjoy the beautiful scenery, play in the river, and have an excellent rice and curry lunch at the local restaurants.The Kelani river is wide at Kitulgala, but it is shallow apart from a deep channel near the opposite bank, so in the drier months it provides a safe and attractive place to swim, wash and play.The river can be crossed by walking out across the shallows and crossing the deep channel in a dugout canoe, which is Establishment with an outrigger.

Source -http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Kitulgala

Whitewater rafting

Whitewater rafting is at once a challenging recreational activity and an exhilarating water sport. Yet contrary to the general public perception, Whitewater rafting is not a sport that demands great physical strength. Dexterity with an ore in the hands, an average level of physical fitness and an unruffled temperament would do. Whitewater Rafting, generally enjoyed in the white-waters as well as in other turbulent waters, brings about enthralling experience to the water sport enthusiasts.

Though ability to swim is a definite advantage, the Personal Flotation Device, the necessary outfit for a whitewater rafting enthusiast is guaranteed to save him from drowning in the rapids should he fell over board.

However those suffering from heart ailments, epilepsy as well as those who are uncomfortable in turbulent water aren’t advised to make a move on whitewater rafting. Some of the river of Sri Lanka affords the opportunity for the recreational activists and water sport enthusiast to enjoy whitewater rafting. The small town of Kitulgala in the hill country is the most famous whitewater rafting location in Sri Lanka.

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Sri Lanka full edit from tom haywood on Vimeo.

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Weherahena Temple

A large Buddha statue here is painted with very bright colours. There are hundreds of scenes painted to show the Buddha's life. There are three underground storeys and there you can see the shrine room in which thewalls are decorated with murals depicting the Buddha's life.

A 25m high colourful Buddha statue built at Veherahena Temple. The temple is about 2 km from the Matara town. Artificial cave decorated with 200 comic book style scenes from the life of Buddha. Illustrations on the buddha telling the life of buddha. There you can see the shrine room in which the walls are decorated with the murals depicting the Buddha’s life

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Source and more info - lalithahotel

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Galle City

The capital of the southern province is a city with a colourful history. UNESCO declared World Heritage Site the magnificent Dutch fort is the most popular attraction of the town. 300 year old Dutch atmosphere is still very much alive around the fort and amidst its many historical buildings not invaded by the skyscrapers. The beautiful beach of Unawatuna is just 6km south east of the city centre.

The southern coastal belt is the most popular among the tourists and comes to life mainly from October through April when the monsoon moves northeast and the sea becomes calm with blue skies. The earliest European administrative centre of Sri Lanka was the major port and the largest city until the British shifted the port to Colombo. The City of Galle had been the European administrative centre over 4 centuries.

Source and more info - explorelanka

Galle Fort

Galle Fort, in the Bay of Galle on the south east coast of Sri Lanka, was built first in 1588 by the Portuguese, then extensively fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century from 1649 onwards. It is a historical, archaeological and architectural heritage monument, which even after more than 423 years maintains a polished appearance, due to extensive reconstruction work done by Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

The fort has a colourful history, and today has a multi-ethnic and multi-religious population.The Sri Lankan government and many Dutchpeople who still own some of the properties inside the fort are looking at making this one of the modern wonders of the world. The heritage value of the fort has been recognized by the UNESCO and the site has been inscribed as a cultural heritage UNESCO World Heritage Siteunder criteria iv, for its unique exposition of "an urban ensemble which illustrates the interaction of European architecture and South Asian traditions from the 16th to the 19th centuries.

The Galle Fort, also known as the Dutch Fort or the "Ramparts of Galle", withstood the Boxing Day tsunami which damaged part of coastal area Galle town. It has been since restored.[2] The Galle Fort also houses the elite Amangalla resort hotel, located near the Dutch Reformed Church. It was originally built in 1684 to house the Dutch Governor and his staff. It was then converted into a hotel and named then as the New Oriental Hotel in 1865, which catered to the European passengers traveling between Europe and Galle Port in the 19th century.

Source and more info - Wikipedia free encyclopedia

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Knuckles Mountain Range

The Knuckles Mountain Range lies in central Sri Lanka, north-east of the city of Kandy. The range takes its name from a series of recumbent folds and peaks in the west of the massif which resemble the knuckles of clenched fist when viewed from certain locations in the Kandy District.

Whilst this name was assigned by early British surveyors, the Sinhalese residents have traditionally referred to the area as Dumbara Kanduvetiya meaning mist-laden mountain range (Cooray, 1984). The entire area is characterised by its striking landscapes often robed in thick layers of cloud but in addition to its aesthetic value the range is of great scientific interest. It is a climatic microcosm of the rest of Sri Lanka. The conditions of all the climatic zones in the country are exhibited in the massif. At higher elevations there is a series of isolated cloud forests, harbouring a variety of flora and fauna, some of which cannot be found anywhere else in the world. Although the range constitutes approximately 0.03% of the island’s total area it is home to a significantly higher proportion of the country’s biodiversity.

One of the hill top of Knuckles, located in Matale district, 142 kilometers from Colombo. The middle of Rattota – Pallegama road. The path from Rattota, consists of 14 bends up to Riverstan. It is one of several hill tops in the Knuckles range being located in a windy gap on a range of scenic mountains with frequently changing climate; Riverstan was highly popular with foreign & local travelers. Two telecommunication towers were setup on the both summits of the Riverstan Mountain. The access road for them was a private one and no vehicles were allowed beyond the Riverstan gap. The climate was changed in every minute, Sometimes it brought little sun rays, and sometime cool wind, but most of the time with a thick mist & the wind was blowing briskly, really that was an amazing. The forest was consisted with pigmy trees. “Maha rewla” (Old man’s beard) and many orchids were driven out their loneliness. The mist was gained them a fresh & wet look for ever. It was an eye-catching view of Pitawala pathana & paddy fields of lonely villages in the Knuckles range. Since the surrounding was covered with a shawl of mist, there is a tiny waterfall in Bamarakiriella village close to Riverstan.

Source - Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia

Photo Source - Click here

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Yala National Park

Yala National Park is the 2nd largest national park in Sri Lanka.It is situated in the southeast region of the island in the dry zone. The park is situated about 300 km from Colombo which is capital city of Sri Lanka. Yala park belongs to two provinces in Sri Lanka namely Uva Province and Southern Province.

The park divided into five blocks and only I and II blocks are opened for the visitors. The reserve covers 979 km², although only the original 141 km² are open to the public. It was established in 1894 as a Game Sanctuary.

Much of the reserve is parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, freshwater lakes and rivers and scrubland. The latter zone is punctuated with enormous rocky outcrops. The range of habitats give rise to a good range of wildlife.

Yala has the world's highest concentration of Leopards, although seeing this largely nocturnal carnivore still requires some luck.

of large-scale animal deaths from the tsunami was found indicating that animals may have sensed the wave coming and fled to higher ground.

There is also a substantial elephant population along with Spotted deer, Sambar, Wild buffalo, Sloth bear, Jackal, Mongoose, Pangolins and Crocodiles. The bird life comprises over 120 species, and ranges from Lesser Flamingos to Paradise Flycatchers, Crested Hawk Eagles, and Black Bitterns. Outside of the park are several other fascinating birding locations, including the ancient hermitage of Sithulpahuwa, Debarawewa wetland and Palatupana saltpans. The coastline forms a major nesting ground for marine turtles. The drier season falls between May and August and the park closes for a short time during September and October.

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Source - Wikipedia Free Encyclopedia

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Sri Dalada Maligawa

Located in Kandy, long a center of the Buddhist faith, the stunning 17th-century Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is believed to house the left upper canine tooth of the Lord Buddha himself. This precious relic attracts white-clad pilgrims, bearing lotus blossoms and frangipani, every day.

History

According to legend, the tooth was taken from the Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre. It was smuggled to Sri Lanka in 313 AD, hidden in the hair of Princess Hemamali who fled the Hindu armies besieging her father's kingdom in India.

It immediately became an object of great reverence and was enshrined in a series of nested jeweled reliquaries. The tooth was brought out for special occasions and paraded on the backs of elephants, which are sacred to the Buddha. where it survived numerous attempts to capture and destroy it.

When the capital was moved to Kandy, the tooth was taken to the new city and placed in temples built to honor it. The temple was originally built under Kandyan kings between 1687 and 1707, but later severely damaged during the 18th-century colonial wars against the Portugese and Dutch. After the wars, the original wooden structures were restored in stone.

In January 1998 Hindu Tamil separatists bombed the temple, damaging its facade and roof. Restoration began immediately afterward.

BBC Seven Wonders of the Buddhist World

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Polhena Beach

This place is very popular among native sri Lankan tourists short Span of beach with a coral reef which can explore even walking through the water. The famous golden sanded Polhena beach is about 1.5 Kilometers away from Matara city.



It is an ideal beach for sea bathing. The polhena beach is a safe area for children to enjoy blue sea water. It is naturally created as a swimming pool and there for travelers can enjoy the sea without hesitation. Very Important place for coral reef explorer

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Kalkuda and Pasikuda

 

Kalkuda and Pasikuda are two pristine, untouched beaches in the East coast of Sri Lanka. Their white sands, calm waters and sheer beauty remain unrivalled. Close to the town of Batticloa, both the beaches are expected to become international hotspots, as more people discover the charming beauty of this paradisiacal beach.

It used to be a popular tourist destination, however due to 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and Sri Lankan Civil War tourist numbers have declined. Pasikuda and Kalkuda are located few km apart. Since the end of the civil war in 2009 and the completion of Tsunami rehabilitation projects, Pasikuda has become a popular tourist destination amongst locals and foreigners this is because Pasikuda is known to have one of the longest stretches of shallow coastline in the world. In other words, people walk kilometers into the sea because the water is only a few inches deep and the current is relatively weak compared to the rest of Sri Lanka's coasts. Pasikuda is easily accessible from Trincomalle and Batticloa, both of which cities have star class accommodation.

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Dunhinda waterfall Sri Lanka

Dunhida is the best attractive waterfall in Sri Lanka. And it is a huge waterfall in Sri Lanka witch is situated in Badulla area. This attraction is made by Badulu river witch is started from Uma oya.

 Waterfall is at Badulla Mahiyanganaya road.And it is situated about 1Km from the main road. You have to go this 1 Km path by your own foot. And it is nice experience for everyone. You can see the beauty of natural Sri Lanka when you visit the waterfall.when you are on that 1 Km path you can see a little waterfall call “Punchi Dunhida” at the downside of the river.

Actually this is the one of the best attractive waterfall in Sri Lanka. It makes its own beauty. Catch not only your eye but also your mind.

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Diyaluma Waterfall Sri Lanka

Diyaluma is also very beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. And this is situated in Koslanda area. Koslanda is situated between Beragala and Wellawaya. Beragala is junction of Badulla Colombo main road. This is the third highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. It is about 171m in height. You can visit diyaluma very easy. Because it is near to the main road.

Many people said that this is the most beautiful waterfall in Sri Lanka. Because its height and high capacity of water. And when water jumps this much height it breaks its wave as much as possible. It makes unbelievable beauty. That is also one reason to get attraction from people this much.

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Bopathella Waterfall Sri Lanka

Bopathella the most beautiful waterfall in Rathnapura area.thas is situated at Agalawaththa village in Rathnapura. Waterfall is at Colombo Rathnapura road. And it is situated about 2Km from the main road. You can go that 2Km by your own vehicle. And the waterfall is about 85Km from Colombo.

 Bopathella is most famous waterfall in Sri Lanka because it has secret &legacy stories. Waterfall got the name Bopathella because of shape of the waterfall is like to the leaf of the’ BO’ tree. Reason that it has more stories is this shape and because of it nears to the AdamsPeak.

Photo Courtesy - Click here

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Sri Pada (Adam's peak)

The most famous physical feature of Ceylon is Adam's Peak, which is situated in the Ratnapura district. Adam’s peak is surrounded by several mountains. It is about 750 feats in its height. It is the second highest peak in Sri Lanka. Major four rivers (Mahaveli,Kelani,Kalu & walawe) are started from top of the peak. Great foot print of the Load Buddha is in the top of the peak. That is the most important thing in the peak. People climb the peak because of the great foot print. Because the Great foot print is sacred to all the Buddhists. As Buddhist we believe that all people that climb the mountain are blessed.

Access to the mountain is possible by 6 trails (Ratnapura-Palabaddala, Hatton-Nallathanni, Kuruwita-Erathna, Murraywatte, Mookuwatte & Malimboda). Out of these the Nallathanni & Palabaddala routes are the most popular. Kuruwita-Erathna road is somewhat popular as well. The other 3 roads are almost obscure. It joins the Palabaddala road midway through the ascent. Buses connect the final nodes of Nallanthanni to Hatton, Palabaddala to Ratnapura & Erathna to Kuruwita. Thereafter it's a difficult journey through the forest on foot. Most of the pilgrims use Hatton route as the journey on foot can be reduced by more than five kilometers even though the slope of this route is much greater than other routes.

Sunrise to Sri Lanka

The Summit 

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