Country Name Known by a flotilla of aliases, the Resplendent Isle is one of gorgeous beaches, tea plantations and ancient cities. Scuba dive, visit an elephant orphanage and a lagoon of singing fish, explore dense jungle, shrines and temples. Situated just 20 miles off India, the island formerly known as Ceylon is home to 20 million people. Long troubled by fighting between government and ethnic Tamil forces, the latest ceasefire broke down in January 2008, so check the political situation before planning a visit.
Hotels
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka is a busy commercial city where all the activities take place. Being the biggest city, Colombo is a modern and developed city with tall buildings and major places of interest for tourists. Fort district is the historical place in Colombo as it holds many old building from the eras of Dutch, Portuguese and British rule. It is the bustling area with shops, markets, government buildings etc. One of the major shopping complexes, Pettah Bazar, is also located towards the east of Fort. The shops here sell everything from vegetables to gemstone
and so on. Other places of interest in Colombo are Galle Face Green, where you can watch sunset and enjoy evening walks. Cinammon Gardens is another place in Colombo, where you can see elegant bungalows and the beautiful Viharamaha Devi Park. Some of the other attractions for tourists in Colombo include museums, churches, bars, restaurants, cafes, kiosks and so on. For accommodation purpose, there are many good hotels and resorts in Colombo that offer lodging for travelers of all kinds of budget. AsiaRooms offer easy Online Booking of hotels in Colombo. AsiaRooms provides lucrative hotel deals of Colombo Hotels at discounted rates. So, go ahead and book your hotel now.Hotels in Negombo
Negombo is one of the most popular tourist destinations of Sri Lanka. The fine sandy beaches at Negombo are great places to be in as they are less crowded and mostly unexplored. Some of the popular attractions of Negombo include catholic churches, 100 km long Dutch Canal, Old Dutch Fort gate, and fishing villages. Kotchchikade is a place in Negombo that is full of activities and comes to life after sunset. There are many shops, cafes, and restaurants etc. that serve the tourists. This place is also good for buying souvenirs like handicrafts, curio shops, gem shops and so on. Negombo was once the trading port for the Portuguese and Dutch. This place offers easy
access to and from the airport. Various activities that can be done at Negombo include diving, wind surfing, and other water sports. Negombo offers good accommodation options for tourists. Tourists can make easy Online Booking of hotels in Negombo through AsiaRooms. This website provides worthwhile hotel deals of Negombo Hotels at discounted rates. So, book your hotel now.Thebuwana, The Elegant and Charming Colonial House
We all love to take a break off our busy, demanding schedules by immersing ourselves in breathtaking locales like chilly hillsides or the incredible beaches. A gorgeous location situated in the Kalutara district has all the ingredients to add more plus points to your holiday pleasure.
It’s amazing what Colonial House in Thebuwana can provide for those who are on the look out for a wonderful outing.
When you travel past Kalutara from Colombo, come to the Katukurunda junction and take the Matugama route. You will come across this beautiful place called Thebuwana where the climatic condition is just amazing. With rubber estates on one side, tea estates on the other and a ring hilly rocks adding splendour, one cannot miss the place called Colonial House.
Colonial House lies on a 50-acre rubber estate. The two-acre garden with blossoming flowers adds glamour to the vicinity, apart from other attractive factors that make Colonial House so special. A large variety of local and foreign flora and fruits are among the well grown plants that adorn the vast Colonial House compound.
Those visiting the Colonial House cannot miss the swimming pool and the beautiful Kalu Ganga that flows below.
Colonial House is a holiday bungalow that provides eastern and western dishes to suit varied needs of guests. The resort’s owner and his family are residing in England and the whole task of maintaining and looking after it falls on the shoulders of Samantha. His ready support is always available for all those who want to take a break off their busy, demanding schedules.
Colonial House comprises well-maintained huge bed rooms that add to the surrounding serene environment. In addition there are changing rooms and bathrooms. Each room has its own verandah facing the gorgeous outdoor locales. Every room is airconditioned, with television and DVD facilities.
Colonial House has various packages to suit the purses and requirements of its guests. It is an ideal holiday location for those looking for a mountainous, cool climate in a place like Kalutara.
More details could be obtained by corresponding via email-info@thecolonialhouse.co.uk or writing to The Colonial House, PutuPawula Estate, Thebuwana, Kalutara
Hotel Vil Uyana - Sigiriya
Nature, Culture, Luxury… a Lifestyle!
The newest and most ambitious project of Jetwing Hotels, located within 5km of the ‘8th Wonder of the World’-Sigiriya- is the creation of a truly ‘Lifestyle Hotel’. Sigiriya, located within the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka is famous for its rich history and Sri Lankan heritage. Vil Uyana situated within view of Sigiriya rock, on the flatlands that stretch to the west, integrates into an ancient plan - a plan to irrigate, in the tradition of the Sinhala kings.
The introduction of a wetland on reclaimed agricultural lands within the Dry Zone, provides the unique backdrop for this exciting new property. Inspired from local and rural traditions.
A private nature reserve provides a haven for wildlife and a setting of peace and tranquility. The hotel is possibly the first in the world to construct a wetland system with lakes and reed beds to form a private nature reserve.
This has allowed for the first time in Sri Lanka for rooms to be built over water. Centered around water bodies are parklands and woodlands, designed for leisure; an extension of the ancient practice of planning gardens for pleasure.
A challenge has been overcome, for the conversion of Dry Zone chena lands formed by slash & burn agriculture, to a seasonal wetland (land that is inundated by water for part of the year). The colonization of the new habitats by local fauna and flora has been accelerated by the planting of reed beds and groves of trees.
5 acres of land was used to re-grow paddy using traditional methods of farming and harvesting, providing a new and exciting feature. Rooms have been placed within the paddy fields, thereby giving the guest a unique opportunity of participating in both the farming and harvesting if they wished; yet another first in Sri Lanka! The regeneration of the forested groves create a feeling of ultimate privacy and seclusion in the Forest Lodges, the largest of the Chalets.
The tastefully designed rooms boast space as its hallmark of luxury. Dine in the privacy of your room or ‘under the stars’ or simply relax and pamper yourself at the Island Spa with a range of treatments to choose from.
The many components of the ecosystem will be subject to continuous monitoring. The hotel is unique in building a research facility from inception. Comfortable accommodation will be provided to researchers locally and internationally, overcoming one of the key logistics hurdles to field work. The research center also has a library, a room for laboratory based work and a computer room. The guest will be a participant in the metamorphosis of tourism as a champion of conservation. The environmental awareness will be an important aspect of a new ethos.
As part of Jetwing’s responsibility towards local communities an English teaching program is being held in two Buddhist temples located near Vil Uyana. Namely, Rotawewa and Kimbissa. Unemployed youth now attend these classes where they are trained to read, write and speak English. Halfway through their 6 months training they will receive hotel craft training in a field selected from Hotel Housekeeping, Reception, Restaurant & Bar and Cookery. The objective of the initiative is to make them gainfully employable. Some of them will have the opportunity to join Jetwing while others can look for employment in other companies in Sri Lanka or even overseas.
Whether it is the nature lover in you or the task of ‘finding yourself again’ treat yourself to an experience…come be part of the lifestyle!
This prestigious property is scheduled to be opened in Autumn 2006.
25 Tastefully appointed Chalets set in 3 distinct ‘habitats’:
7 Water Pavilions 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft)
6 Paddy Field Villas 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft and Plunge Pool 200 Sq.Ft)
2 Marsh Villas 1030 Sq. Ft (Dining Deck 200 Sq. Ft and Plunge Pool 200 Sq. Ft)
10 Forest Lodges 2100 Sq. Ft (Private Pool)
Spread Over 24 Acres of Land
Location:
169 km from Colombo (About a 4 ½ hr drive)
153 km from the International Airport (About a 4 hour drive)
Swiss Residence’: Kandy
By Sanath Weerasuriya, Pix Credit Shehal (Flickr), From the very beginning, Kandy has had a special place for Sri Lanka tourism industry. The majority of holiday travellers visiting Sri Lanka mark Kandy as the top attraction on their tour. It has been a tradition to visit Kandy, as it has a blend of old world charm and the character of its own.
The Swiss Residence Hotel in Kandy is a popular place for travelers coming to the hill capital. Built in a picturesque location and surrounded by the scenic mountains, Swiss Residence is a three star property of Kandyan traditions with a Swiss touch. Standing on a one-acre land at Bahirawakanda, The Swiss Residence has successfully captured a charming blend of European and Kandyan culture in its modern architecture.
Hotel Swiss Residence offers 40 tastefully designed rooms inclusive of one Suite and 14 deluxe rooms. All rooms are with private balconies and a panoramic view of the city of Kandy.‘Our hotel is always bound to serve the wants and needs of the guests. It offers a totally relaxing atmosphere and an enjoyable holiday by the cool mountain breezes. In addition to the demand by overseas travelers, it is also a popular place with Sri Lankan clientele. The atmosphere and the services give Swiss Residenec has an edge over the rest’ said Lalith Ellepola, the Manager of the hotel.
All rooms are equipped with modern facilities that a 5-star hotel offers. The suite features a ‘Jacuzzi’ bath with massage and soothing effect. All other rooms are with modern facilities such as telephone, mini bar, television, safety locker and a modern bathroom.
Most of the interior decor at The Swiss Residence has a typical Kandyan aspect. The woodwork and woodcraft, a common sight in most Kandyan ‘walauwas’ seem to be the theme at the Swiss Residence. An attractive and unusual feature is the hotel’s wooden ceiling. The cuisine plays a major role at the hotel. Executive Chef of the hotel, Terrence Ratnayake said, they offer cuisine around the globe for their guests.
‘Theme nights too are popular here. Sri Lankan, Indian, Chinese, Italian, Mongolian, Indonesian and Continental culinary are the most popular among the guests’ he said. ‘The Swiss Bar is designed for relaxation or to have a good time with the boys is guaranteed. The cosy atmosphere puts you at home, as you relax and unwind your knots to some gentle melodies with the company of your preferred beverage. The Swiss bar is certainly so much more’ he added.
‘Private dining at the pool side or garden or at an outside location is also possible on request’ he said. The Swiss Banquet Hall caters for all guests necessities. Conferences and seminars can be accommodated in the main hall, which is capable of having 150 pax and the mini conference hall with 50 pax capacity. ‘Space is not an issue, as our hall can comfortably accommodate up to 350 individuals for weddings and other partie’ said Ellepola.
The hotel has a beautiful swimming pool from where guests get a picturesque view of the hotel as well as the surrounding environs. The ‘Blackout’ is the hotel’s discotheque with all modern facilities.‘We do not open the discotheque on a regular basis. It is on request for big groups and for private gigs’ Lalith said.
The hotel being in close proximity to the Dalada Maligawa, Asgiriya Cricket Stadium, Udawatte Kele forest reserve, the holiday makers love to visit these places in a relaxed mood. Also the excursions to Udawatte Kele, Knuckles Range Corbets Gap are popular with adventure tourists. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, Sigiriya Rock Climb, Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, ‘Victoria Golf Course’ too are popular places of interest and has made the Swiss Residence an idyllic tourist spot.
Indigenous Medical Treatment and Ayurvedha Spa is the latest addition at the hotel.‘It offers various kinds of Ayurvedhic treatment and herbal therapies for hotel guests. It has a specialized doctor and trained therapist at the Centre’ Mr. Ellepola said. The design and planning of this unique hotel has been done by Sarath Bandara Wijesuriya, head of Zurikan Hotels and Travels (Pvt) Ltd. the owning company of Swiss Residence. Sarath is a Sri Lankan expatriate turned Swiss citizen.
The hotel is owned by Sarath and his wife Ruth Wijesuriya and Melani Perera, a long standing member of the hotel has been appointed as a board member of the hotel.
AnuradhapuraFor over 1000 years the palaces of Anuradhapura were the ruling ground for the Kings of Sri Lanka. It was the most important of the ancient cities, yet due to the length of time passed since its downfall this can be difficult to comprehend for today’s visitor. Today the city is a pleasant place to visit, with shady trees, nice guesthouses and a distinct lack of overdeveloped
concrete.DambullaDambulla is famous for its cave temples where legend has it King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century BC and had the caves carved into magnificent temples and statues of Buddha. Large paintings of a reclining Buddha decorate the interior of the caves and make quite a sight. There is a climb to the caves that sit atop a hillside, and stunning views spread out over the Sri Lankan countryside. You can see the marvellous silhouette of Sigiriya also from this vantage. Monkeys run wild around the caves, screeching to one another and perching precariously on ledges and tree tops gazing out at the view. Watch out for them, they are not shy and they will stroppily snatch anything off you that they may like for themselves, particularly food!
SigiriyaThis magnificent rock fortress is one of Sri Lanka’s top tourist attractions. One legend holds that the son of King Dhatusena of Anuradhapura, Kasyapa who was overthrown in 477 prepared the rock fort as he expected an invasion. The invasion never occurred and Sigiriya later become a monastic refuse in the 16th and 17th centuries. It later fell into disrepair. It is an archaeologist’s dream with remaining evidence of engineering, urban planning, hydraulic technology, gardening and art.
ADRENALIN JAUNTS:White Water Rafting: Sri Lanka’s boulder stream rivers are the ideal setting for white water rafting. This is the best way to see the stunning environment what this
region has to offer. Many tours are available and many begin with days of action, rafting the white waters. This high adventure is suitable for fish time ‘go for it’ rafters and experts alike. Rafting has become a very popular exciting yet safe adventure sport option.Rock Climbing and Mountaineering: Mountaineering is an adventure sport that requires skills and levels of fitness that few other adventure sports can match. The mountain ranges in Sri Lanka offer breath taking, enthralling, climbing routes. Climbing is all about discovering the natural world around and with you.
Hiking and Trekking: There’s no better way to explore the natural scenic beauty of this island with diverse climatic zones. Trekking is an excellent way to explore a country, people, their traditions and beliefs. Paths and campsites have been set up to give nature lovers the experience of a lifetime. All possible steps are taken to ensure local community benefit and nature conservation in keeping with all international camping guidelines.
Canoeing & Kayaking: This relatively new sport is rated as the most adventurous of all adventure sports. It involves descending a stream as it drops over waterfalls and boulders. In Sri Lanka they have low waterfalls for beginners and some as high as 700 feet for the very experienced - all surrounded by breathtaking scenery.
The Southern coastline of this little island is littered with long stretches of deserted golden beaches. These are beaches that we Westerners merely dream about and the reality is no disappointment at all. Soft golden sands, glistening deep turquoise waters at refreshingly comfortable temperatures, banana and coconut trees swaying in the backdrop breeze and little
wooden ocean side huts you can rent for under £5 a night!Much of the coastline is still in the stages of recovery and will be for some time following the events of Boxing Day 2004. However with the blessing of continuous tourism many of the beaches most loved by the island’s visitors are getting back on track and welcoming the travellers back in. Our favourites are:
NEGOMBO: To the north of Colombo lies Negombo, a busting fishing town with golden beaches and a pallet of colour provided by sails and boats against the deep blue of the ocean.
UNAWATUNA: A sleepy peaceful cove with deep still water and a temple overlooking the bay from the protecting cliffs.
HIKKADUWA: A long stretch of beach with plenty of hostels, restaurants and some nice bars, not forgetting the impromptu beach parties held on the beach front bars blaring Bob Marley, Eric Clapton, Led Zeplin and many other classics! Sri Lanka is a conservative island brimming with culture and Hikkaduwa offers an exciting opportunity to holiday for the odd celebratory weekend! Many a volunteer birthday has been seen in over Hikkaduwa cocktails. You can also
body board and even surf on this beach.MIRISSA: Perhaps a contender for the most beautiful beach in the world. Long, deserted and hot. You know you have got away from it all as you sit and watch the sun set over this horizon…The snorkelling is also incredible here.ARUGAM BAY: This tiny fishing village is Sri Lanka’s newest hot spot and hosts the best surfing and an easy going happy party atmosphere. With its wide sweeping beach in front of the village and year round gorgeous swimming it is no surprise that this bay has developed into a low budget travellers haunt.
MISCELLANEOUS INFORMATION
Country Name
Sri Lanka
Size
65,525 sq km
Location
An island off the south-eastern cost shores of India, 880 km north of the equator, in the Indian Ocean.
Capital
Sri Jayawardenepura
Commercial Capital
Colombo
Government
Sri Lanka is a free, independent and sovereign nation with a population of 20,926,315 million (July 2007 est.). Legislative power is exercised by a Parliament, elected by universal franchise on proportional representation basis. A President, who is also elected by the people, exercises executive power inclusive of defence. Sri Lanka enjoys a multi party system, and the people vote to elect a new government every six years.
National Flag
National Flag of Sri Lanka is the Lion Flag. A Lion bearing a sword in its right hand is depicted in gold on red background with a yellow border. Four Bo leaves pointing inwards are at the four corners. Two vertical bands of green and orange at the left end represent the minority ethnic groups. It is an adaptation of the standard of the last King of Sri Lanka.
National Anthem
"Sri Lanka Matha" composed by late Ananda Samarakoon.
National Flower
The Blue Water Lily (Nymphaea stellata). . 
Population
20,926,315 million
Population Density
309 people per sq km
Life Expectancy at Birth
74 female, 64 male
Literacy rate
91.8%
Languages
Sinhala, Tamil and English are widely spoken throughout Sri Lanka, with the exception of remote villages where it might be Sinhala only or Tamil only. .
Ethnic Groups
Sinhalese- 74 per cent; Tamil- 18 per cent; Muslim -7 per cent; Burgher (descendants of Dutch and Portuguese colonist) and others- 1 per cent
Religions
Buddhism- 70 per cent; Hinduism- 16 per cent; Christianity- 7 per cent; Islam-7 per cent
Climate
Low Lands – tropical, average 27CCentral Hills – cooler, with temperatures dropping to 14C. The south-west monsoon brings rain to the western, southern and central regions from May to July, while the north-eastern monsoon is from December t0 January. Sri Lanka climate is ideal for holiday-makers throughout the year.
Annual per capita GNP
US$870
Industries
Processing of rubber, tea, coconuts, and other agricultural commodities; clothing, cement, petroleum refining, textiles, tobacco.
Agriculture - Products
Rice, sugarcane, grains, pulses, oilseed, roots, spices, tea, rubber, coconuts; milk, eggs, hides, meat.
Currency 
Sri Lanka follows decimal currency system in Rupees (Rs.) and cents (Cts.) with 100 cents equal to a rupee. Currency notes are available in the denominations of Rs.10,20,50,100,200, 50, 1000 & 2000. Coins are issued in values of Cts. 25 and 50 and Rs.1,2,5 and 10. The intervention currency continuously will be the US Dollar.
Visa
Residents from permitted countries are issued visas on arrival. Consult your local Sri Lanka embassy, consulate, tourist office or your travel agent.
Working Days
Five working days (Monday to Friday)
Business Hours
Government offices 9.00 am. -5.00 pm, Monday to Friday
Banks
9.00 am. to 1.00pm. or 3.00pm Monday to Saturday
Post Office
8.30am- 5.00pm Monday to Friday8.30am – 1.00pm on Saturday. The Central Mail Exchange, at D.R.Wijewardene Mawatha, Colombo 10, (Telephone : 2326203) is open 24-hours.
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