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Vesak in Sri Lanka 2008
2008-03-24 23:38:00
Vesak is celebrated as a religious and a cultural festival in Sri Lanka , starting on the full moon day of the month of May, for a duration of one week. Vesak commemorates the Buddha Jayanthi [The anniversary of the birth, enlightenment and death of the Buddha]. This 2008 Vesak day commemorates the 2552nd Buddha Jayanthi. Pandals ...
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Kings Choice: 12 Day Luxury Holiday, Sri Lanka
2008-03-24 14:48:00
This tour is a classic, easy-paced journey that takes you around the most interesting and beautiful parts of Si Lanka in a lap of comfort. Experience the ancient heritage of the Cultural Triangle, the tea plantations and misty mountains of the central hills, the nature and wildlife along with the glorious beaches of the ...
More About: Tours , Safari , Holiday , Luxury , Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka to promote Ramayana Trail in India
2008-03-21 19:49:00
Valmiki’s epic poetic work composed in Sanskrit around the 3rd century B.C. is followed through Sri Lanka by Hindu devotees unfolding many of nature’s treasures. To the Hindu devotee it is a pilgrimage of awe and inspiration; to the uninitiated it is a trail through Sri Lanka visiting some of the most beautiful natural sites - ...
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Sinharaja Rainforest at World Conservation Congress 2008
2008-03-21 16:56:00
A team of photographers representing Conservation International visited Sri Lanka this week in preparation for the forthcoming World Conservation Congress to be held in Barcelona later this year. The focus being the Sinharaja Rainforest Reserve where lots of video footage was canned, to be used in a presentation to the WCC 2008 in Barcelona, an event ...
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Sri Lanka, A Land Like No Other, Travel Video
2008-03-19 15:04:00
This video gives the viewer a birds-eye view of the Resplendent Isle. The natural beauty of Sri Lanka is evident throughout this clip from start to end and shows why Sri Lanka is truly worthy of the title, ?A land like no other?.   If you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka, talk to us at ...
More About: Video , News , Travel , Land

Sri Lanka Travel, Video Introduction
2008-03-19 14:32:00
Watch this travel video introduction to Sri Lanka published by Lonely Planet, the clip is 45 minutes and gives us a fairly in-depth look at travelling throughout Sri Lanka and also the Maldives. Scuba dive enthusiasts will appreciate this video as it gives a good perspective both above and below the water.   Explore Barefoot-Srilanka.com and later ...
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Beach Holiday - Lighthouse Hotel and Spa, Galle, Sri Lanka
2008-03-18 17:57:00
Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage City and the oldest sea port in Sri Lanka , standing on one of the main sea routes in the southern part of the country; it is one of the most charming cities on the island and the area also boasts some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Tour ...
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Lighthouse Hotel and Spa, Galle, Sri Lanka
2008-03-18 16:56:00
LUXURY SMALL HOTEL | 60 DELUXE ROOMS | 3 THEME SUITES The Lighthouse Hotel and Spa is a contemporary hotel, but its architecture and interior decor boasts of the colourful history of the port city of Galle - designated by UNESCO as a World Heritage City. Overlooking the Indian Ocean, this stunningly beautiful property sits atop ...
More About: Sri Lanka , Honeymoon , Resorts , Scuba Diving

Luxury Beach Holiday at Heritance Ahungalla, Sri Lanka
2008-03-18 13:33:00
When it comes to holidays in Ahungalla, laid back is putting it mildly. This sleepy fishing village on Sri Lanka ’s West Coast is the ultimate hideaway, where life ambles along at an easy pace and the only challenge is which bit of the beautiful, palm-fringed beach to stretch out on next. Indeed, this glorious sweep ...
More About: Holiday , Beach , Luxury , Honeymoon

Heritance Ahungalla, Sri Lanka - Triton Hotel
2008-03-17 19:45:00
LUXURY BEACH HOTEL | DELUXE ROOMS | LUXURY SUITES | ROYAL SUITES Heritance Ahungalla Hotel and Resort, is one of the legendary Geoffrey Bawa architectural fantasies come to life, where the uninterrupted line of sky mergers with the sea, giving the illusion of continuous flow right into the azure waters of the main swimming pool. ...
More About: Sri Lanka , Honeymoon , Resorts , Scuba Diving

Grand Tour de Ceylon
2008-03-17 17:27:00
This superb tour takes you on an extraordinary journey to experience many of the most impressive and beautiful sights of Sri Lanka. It includes breathtaking cave temples, ancient cities with many impressive archaeological ruins and holy centres for pilgrims, a 5th Century BC rock fortress, emerald green tea plantations and an unforgettable visit ...
More About: Tours , Safari , Luxury , Tour , Grand

Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, Sri Lanka
2008-03-10 18:05:00
4 STAR LODGE | 40 DELUXE ROOMS | 68 SUPERIOR ROOMS     The Cinnamon Lodge is a charming resort set in the little town of Habarana, located at the heart of Sri Lanka ’s world famous cultural triangle. The Lodge affords easy access to most of the country’s glorious World Heritage Sites where history, time and tradition meet. Make delightful discoveries in over 27 acres of resplendent beauty, shielded by over 1700 tall trees, surrounded by three nature reserves - Ritigala, Minneriya and Kaudulla. Unearth the endless possibilities of a place where you choose what to do and where you want to do it.     Gaze into Sri Lanka ’s fascinating history as you visit the nearby Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the masterpiece of construction that once literally housed a palace in the sky. Marvel at the splendid golden rock temple at Dambulla. Re-discover Polonnaruwa the ancient ruined city close by. Meditate beneath the world’s oldest tree at Anuradhapura and ...

Sri steps to heaven - Rory Spowers, Sri Lanka
2008-03-08 15:47:00
Rainforest, unspoilt beaches, gorgeous hotels offering exceptional rates, Sri Lanka has it all - except visitors. Go now, says resident Rory Spowers, before it changes… [guardian.co.uk] Like many of my generation, I have had the good fortune to exploit the benefits of cheap travel. Deeply bitten by the bug, I spent much of my time as a student and beyond in Africa, India and parts of south-east Asia, entranced by the exotic experiences of life on the road. During these forays, I met and spoke with many people who had been travelling for years: travel writers, business people, expedition leaders and that tribe of peripatetic global nomads that seem to exist in a state of constant motion. Repeatedly I would ask them the same question: “What is the most beautiful country in the world that you have visited?” Almost without exception, I received the same answer: “Sri Lanka.” I was able to verify this when I first went to Sri Lanka in 1997. So powerful was t...
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Support Sinharaja Forest: Nominee of New 7 Wonders of Nature
2008-03-05 18:29:00
The New 7 Wonders of the World campaign was a resounding success, in which more than 100 million votes were cast and which took democracy to a new global level, last year. Now, the second campaign organised by the non-profit New7Wonders Foundation, to choose the New 7 Wonders of Nature , is off to a promising start: So far 77 nominations were submitted including the Sihnaraja Rainforest, by half a million people within the first few months of the campaign (by the time you read this news there would be several nominations submitted) - Hurry up! Sinharaja Forest is now ranked 30 out of 77 nominees submitted so far - Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the National Park in Sri Lanka is a densely forested reserve, home to an incredible number of endemic flora and fauna, including amphibians, reptiles, birds, mammals and insects, the forest is 21 kilometres from east to west and seven kilometres from north to south. The hilly virgin rainforest was saved from the worst of commercial logging by its...
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Sri Lanka’s sun, tea and sand
2008-03-05 18:05:00
Anna Murphy relishes Sri Lanka’s lush plantations, tasty curries, quaint traditions, lovely beaches - and lack of fellow travellers. Much of my life I have wanted to go to Sri Lanka. But every time I’ve been on the verge of booking, the Tamils have caused trouble. This year, when I finally bought a flight, things kicked off again. But I went anyway, and am glad I did. Avoid the north-east, the centre of the troubles, and you feel safe. At times I felt that I had the island to myself - and what a superb island it is: its beaches are Bounty-advert perfection, its tea country the prettiest I’ve seen, its temples drip with character. The food is sublime and my accommodation was fantastic - and affordable. You could spend a fortnight visiting Sri Lanka’s sights, but in a convenient cluster near the island’s centre - north of the hill town of Kandy, where I began my trip - lie three of the most remarkable. At Sigiriya, a slab of rock rears out of the f...
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Discover Sri Lanka - 12 Day Luxury Holiday
2008-03-04 22:58:00
This tour takes you to experience the wonders of an ancient civilization, discover dramatic mountain ranges, relax on deserted tropical beaches and visit wildlife sanctuaries teeming with Elephants and Leopards. Sri Lanka is blessed with no less than 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and you will visit the best of them, this twelve day tour also visits the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage, along with historical sites in the north central regions such as the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Rock Temple, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, the Central highlands where tea is grown, the game sanctuary in the South East of the country and two nights at an unspoilt beach in Tangalle on the South Coast before heading to Colombo for your last nights stay. We have selected unique, stylish and chic small boutique hotels that offer a truly pleasurable experience for an unforgettable holiday. Day 1 “Welcome to Sri Lanka” Airport - Colombo 32km / 1hr You will be met on arrival at the Bandaranaike Internatio...
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Kandy House - Kandy, Sri Lanka
2008-03-04 16:19:00
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 3 DELUXE ROOMS | 3 SUPER DELUXE ROOMS | 3 ULTRA DELUXE ROOMS The Kandy House is a carefully-renovated old colonial ‘Walauwa’ (colonial mansion) in the spice-growing hills that surround Kandy. Its completion heralded what the hill-country-capital has been waiting for so long: a brilliant small boutique hotel capable of offering stylish and private accommodation and attentive personal service in a beautiful natural setting. The inspired refurbishment of the ‘Walauwa’, with its white interiors, polished hardwood floorboards, jackwood staircase, Dutch-style antique furniture and careful injections of colour, has been a triumph. Channa Daswatta, one of renowned Sri Lanka n architect Geoffery Bawa’s protégés and Sri Lanka’s leading modern day architect, provided the creative inspiration. The bedrooms are unquestionably the finest in Kandy. The freshwater infinity pool in the garden provides an irresistible opportunity to unw...

Jetwing’s ‘Vil Uyana’ Gets PAT(A) on the back
2008-03-04 15:06:00
In 2002, a couple of gentlemen on a visit to the Barnes Wildfowl and Wetlands Trust in UK were immensely impressed by what they saw there. “Why not replicate something similar in Sri Lanka?” they thought. In due course, they did! They are Hiran Cooray, Deputy Chairman, Jetwing Hotels Ltd, and Gehan de Silva Wijeyratne, CEO, Jetwing Eco Holidays. Their replica was created within view of the renowned Sigiriya rock fortress and is Jetwing’s newest property - Vil Uyana. But the transformation of their dream into reality was not quite smooth sailing. “We wanted to turn barren land into wetland, but the authorities here did not understand,” recounts Cooray. “Consequently, we had to struggle for 23 months to get approval.” The creation of the 9½ acre lake alone cost Jetwing a whopping Rs 40 million. But it’s payback time now. The premium price-tag of US$ 110 per night for bed and breakfast does not seem to be a deterrent. Cooray says, &ld...
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Vil Uyana - Sigiriya, Sri Lanka
2008-03-04 14:46:00
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL | FORREST VILLAS AND WATER CHALETS Vil Uyana is in view of the Sigiriya rock fortress, on the flatlands that stretch to the west. The resort 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 a unique backdrop for this exciting new property, inspired by local and rural traditions. A private nature reserve provides a haven for wildlife in this peaceful and tranquil setting. 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 rooms built over water. Centred around small lakes and ponds are parklands and woods, 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 ag...

CASA Colombo - Colombo, Sri Lanka
2008-03-04 12:28:00
LUXURY BOUTIQUE HOTEL | 12 UNIQUE SUITES CASA Colombo is a fabulous 200 year old Moorish mansion charged with inspiration and design delights. The hotel is a retro-chic blend of elegant interiors and intricately carved exterior ornamentation. Many newer design features have been tastefully added, pioneering a new twist in ‘hip fusion hotels’. The CASA has 12 unique suites, all ranging from 500 to 1,000 square feet and are quite possibly the largest in the city. CASA Colombo offers all the conveniences of home to include total Wifi connectivity, work desks with personal computers, Apple DVD, intelligent ambient lighting and an eclectic selection of loungy in-room tunes are some of the modern conveniences. Even the bed linen has been hand woven of the finest cotton yarns, especially for CASA Colombo. Entertainment comes from an impressive Nakamitchti music system, there’s also Plasma TV that can be watched from the spacious living room or in bed. More unique however is...
More About: Sri Lanka , Casa , Lanka

Cinnamon Grand – Colombo, Sri Lanka
2008-03-03 19:19:00
5 STAR LUXURY CITY HOTEL | 501 LUXURY ROOMS AND SUITES Surrounded by ten acres of beautifully landscaped tropical gardens, overlooking the Indian Ocean, Cinnamon Grand Hotel is an ideal place for a pleasant and unforgettable holiday. Located right next to the business district, the Cinnamon Grand Hotel is just a short walking distance from the city centre and main shopping areas. The hotel features excellent rooms that are bright and spacious and come with a host of in-room amenities. Attentive but unobtrusive room service is also a special feature of this ‘Grand’ hotel. Treat yourself to a world of indulgence at any of the hotel’s 501 guest rooms and suites; elegantly designed with thoughtful amenities and services to make your stay in Colombo a truly memorable one. The Cinnamon Grand is a haven for the business traveller. An exclusive Executive Club Floor, a state-of-the-art 24 hour business centre together with excellent meeting and conference facilities will ens...
More About: Sri Lanka , Lanka

Chaaya Village – Habarana, Sri Lanka
2008-03-03 15:21:00
4 STAR DELUXE HOTEL | 94 SUPERIOR ROOMS | 12 DELUXE ROOMS | 2 SUITES Like a well-disguised tree with thirsty widespread roots reaching far and wide to drink from the closest brook, Chaaya Village Habarana lies sprawled across 27 acres of luxuriant land bordering a stunning lake. Habarana is situated 176 km from Colombo in the heart of Sri Lanka ’s cultural triangle and is part of the Anuradhapura District. The hotel’s cozy cottages, inspired by the typical thatched roof huts found locally, lie in clusters with low roofs and brownish yellow exteriors. The paint used is specially mixed with mud, in true native fashion, to ensure the facade is in harmony with nature. A PATA Gold Award Winner and a Kuoni Green Planet Award Winner for the year 2007-2008, Chaaya Village Habarana boasts of 94 Superior Rooms, 12 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Suites set in the middle of thousands of high-rise trees that provide fruit, medicinal properties and plenty of shade. Since the entire property off...

Tropical Leisure to open The Isle of Agnes in Sri Lanka
2008-02-29 18:25:00
Agnes’ legend comes to life in hotel of US$1000.00 - US$10,000.00 per night Elephant Corridor fame-Tropical Leisure plans to open the country’s latest high yielding ‘Isle of Agnes’ hopes for the Winter2007/2008 season. The resort will reflect high tech and the future in harmony with nature while continuing the life-style of southern Sri Lanka into the next generation, a spokesperson for Tropical Leisure said. It will be the latest state of the art in a hotel catering to the uppermost bracket of modern day tourists at US$1,000.00 - US$10,000.00 is born of an appreciation of those times and people, mainly Ceylonese who lived in those times with style to match the greatest empire the world had known, that of the British. “Agnes the southern Belle married at 15 who raised 7 children, planted and managed her estates, built and landscaped her bungalows while interacting with the other great families of the time and the foreigners who lived there, epitomized thi...
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Colonial charm and comfort in the tea country, Sri Lanka
2008-02-29 18:06:00
With two feathers already in its cap, Chaaya Resorts and Hotels are all set to introduce yet another fabulous hotel. Chaaya Citadel Kandy, popularly known till now simply as Citadel, will come alive in all its ancient glory this September. This newest re-branding effort follows the launch of Chaaya Village earlier this May, and more recently, Chaaya Lagoon Hakuraa Huraa in Maldives. Situated in the midst of the misty hills of Kandy, the view from Chaaya Citadel is made even more breathtaking by the Mahaweli River, offering just the right amount of tranquillity in the otherwise bustling hill capital. With refurbishment, the hotels’ already luxurious interior has been made even better, and the change is sure to be well received. Chaaya Citadel has 24 Deluxe rooms and Suites, and 97 Superior Rooms with thematic interiors as well as TV, Telephone, Mini-bar and other facilities. “Chaaya means reflection. Chaaya Citadel, Kandy is a tribute to the true natural Citadel that was ...
More About: Country , Sri Lanka , Charm , Lanka , Comfort

Chaaya Citadel - Kandy, Sri Lanka
2008-02-29 17:29:00
FOUR AND HALF STAR LUXURY HOTEL | 24 DELUXE SUITES | 97 SUPERIOR ROOMS Why the King of Kandy kept coming back here. Chaaya Citadel Kandy is constructed in the place of the former Dunuvila Wallauwa (The ancestral home of the Dunivila family). Dunuvila, one of the King’s Ministers, lived here with his extended family. And, as the legend goes the King of Kandy would make it a point to break journey at this very location whenever he passed by in his boat. It is said that he did not simply stop to rest, but to bathe in the river and spend some time at the Wallauwa. An old family photograph of the original Wallauwa still hangs at the entrance to the hotel. The legend doesn’t tell us what attracted the King to this very spot again and again. We can only imagine. But the fact that the Sovereign kept coming back is possibly the same reason why guests keep coming back to Chaaya Citadel. For rest and rejuvenation. For romance and adventure. For nature and inspiration. On the hist...
More About: Sri Lanka , Lanka

Ceylon Tea Trails - Bogawantalawa, Sri Lanka
2008-02-28 18:19:00
TEA ESTATE BUNGALOW | LUXURY ROOMS AND SUITES “Not often is it that men have heart when their one great industry is withered, to rear up in a few years another as rich to take its place, and the tea fields of Ceylon are as true a monument to courage as is the lion at Waterloo” Sir Arthur Conan Doyle, creator of Sherlock Holmes Conan Doyle refers to the heroics of the early Ceylon planters and the disasters they overcame to mould the present tea industry. In 1865 the coffee plantations were devastated by blight. The plucky planters fought back and planted tea. The reversal was dramatic as the extract relates. From utter despair and penury to endless green acres. Over 200,000 hectares of rolling tea carpeted hills make Sri Lanka the world’s largest exporter. Nimble pluckers still handpick “two leaves and a bud”. Tea from Sri Lanka is still known by the country’s former name of Ceylon, a name synonymous with the finest tea. The Tea Country is th...
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Ceylon Continental Hotel, Colombo, Sri Lanka
2008-02-28 16:47:00
COLOMBO CITY HOTEL | 250 ROOMS INCLUDING SUITES Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo which is primarily a 5 star business hotel, is popularly known as “The Warmest Heart in Sri Lanka ”. The hotel is strategically and picturesquely located in Sri Lanka’s commercial capital of Colombo. This 250 room hotel is 35 km from the international airport and within close proximity to local attractions such as the zoological gardens, national museum, historical temples, churches and mosques. Colombo has a lot to offer both the business and leisure visitor and the Ceylon Continental Hotel is ideally located with easy access to the cities nightlife, shopping, attractions, business district and festivals. ACCOMMODATION The hotel consists of 250 rooms and suites, with all rooms overlooking the serene blue waters of the Indian Ocean. The hotel comprises of non smoking and Club Continental floors with added features for its members. The rooms are furnishe...

Browns Beach Hotel, Negombo, Sri Lanka
2008-02-27 16:45:00
DELUXE BEACH HOTEL | 140 ROOMS The Browns Beach Hotel is located on Negombo’s famous ‘Golden Mile’, a beautiful palm fringed stretch of beach on the west coast of Sri Lanka . Nestled amidst the palm groves of the quaint fishing village of Negombo, Browns Beach with its unspoiled private beach is the most popular seaside resort in the immediate vicinity of the Bandaranaike International Airport, which is just 7km away.   The hotel is extremely well appointed with the latest amenities, there are also three restaurants with international and local cuisine, poolside bar, beach bar, karaoke bar, service bar, Sunset nightclub, Occasional evening entertainment & specialty evenings, a beauty salon, shopping arcade, conference and banquet facilities, 24 hour room & laundry service, gymnasium with health-club, kiddies’ corner, conference room and all other modern facilities. ACCOMMODATION The hotel rooms feature all modern comforts to include air-condition...

The Beach House – Tangalle, Sri Lanka
2008-02-26 17:30:00
BOUTIQUE BEACH VILLA | 4 DELUXE ROOMS | 1 GARDEN COTTAGE “The best beach house on earth” UK Tatler April 2006 The Beach House is a beautiful Dutch colonial bungalow situated among coconut palms on its own stretch of white beach near Tangalle, on the south coast of Sri Lanka . This is the most idyllic beach villa offering its guests a relaxed and tranquil holiday away from the mass tourism and the unavoidable buffet. The Beach House was once the tropical retreat of American artist Douglas Johnson who lovingly restored the bungalow with the help of Geoffrey Bawa, Sri Lanka’s most renowned architect. Although not looking like much from the exterior, the villa comes alive within with heavy wooden colonial furniture, sweeping verandahs so typical of Sri Lanka’s old Dutch villas and cushions in muted greys, blues and creams. Artistic details - shell mosaic mirrors, Johnson’s collection of pictures and collages, and quirky ornaments - make it homely and stylish...

Ayurveda – The Science of Life
2008-02-26 00:13:00
Ayurveda literally means “The Science of Life ” for the promotion of positive health and prevention and cure of diseases. It is in practice in India and its neighbouring countries for about 5000 years. “Health”, according to Ayurveda, is not merely the freedom from diseases. A person is to be treated as healthy only when his mind, sense, organs and the soul are in the state of perfect of equilibrium to endow happiness. In addition, the body should be free from diseases. Ayurveda lays a lot of emphasis on the prevention and cure of diseases. Therefore several therapeutic measures both for patients and healthy persons are prescribed in this system of medicine. What Ayurveda Does 1. Preservation and promotion of positive health 2. Prevents diseases 3. Cures diseases. What Ayurveda does for you? Ayurveda is considered to be one of the best healthcare methods available in the world. It can not only cure but prevents diseases as well. Ayurveda treatments can give us...
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