Yapahuwa

Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 145 km

An ancient fortress and capital built in the year 1301, approximately 145 km. from Colombo, Yapahuwa is a rock rising to a height of 90 metres. Many traces of the ancient battle defences can still be seen, while an ornamental stairway remains its biggest showpiece.

Dambulla

District : Matale
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 148 km

Like Sigiriya, Dambulla is a vast isolated rock mass and it was here that King Valagam Bahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. He later turned the caves into a rock temple. Some of the frescoes are over 2,000 years old and there is a colossal figure of the recumbent Buddha carved out of the living rock, some 14 metre long.

Sigiriya

District : Matale
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 169 km

This rock fortress was built by king Kasyapa in the 5th century A.D. and was a royal citadel for more than 18 years. In a sheltered pocket, approached by a spiral stairway, are the famous frescoes. The summit of the rock, with an area of nearly one hectare was the site of the palace, the outer wall of which was built on the very brink of the precipice. The UNESCO - sponsored Central Cultural Fund has restored Sigiriya's 5th century Water Gardens to their former glory.

Polonnaruwa

District: Polonnaruwa
Typical Weather : Warm & Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 216 km
The island's medieval capital (11th to 13th century A.D.) is situated 216 km. from Colombo and rose to fame after the decline of Anuradhapura. The largest of the man made reservoirs, the huge Parakrama Samudra, is larger in size than the Colombo harbour. See also the ruins of the King's Council Chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House lavished with moonstones, guardstones and sculptured railing, Kiri Vehera - the best preserved of all Sri Lanka's un-restored dagabas; Gal Vihare - the most impresive sculptures are the colossal Buddha images carved on the face of a granite boulder. The recumbent Buddha measures 14 metres and the standing figure is 7 metres in height.

Mihinthale

District : Anuradhapura
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 217 km

Situated 11 km. east of Anuradhapura is Mihintale, regarded as the cradle of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. The rock is dotted with shrines and rock dwellings. A grand stairway of 1840 steps made of granite slabs, 5 metres wide, leads to the summit with its splendid view of the surrounding countryside.

Anuradhapura

District : Anuradhapura
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. from Colombo : 206 km

Sri Lanka's first capital, founded in the 5th century B.C. is situated 206 km. from Colombo. Attractions worth seeing are:- The Sacred Bo Tree, Abhayagiri Dagaba, Jetavanaramaya, Brazen Palace, Thuparama Dagaba, Samadhi Buddha, Kuttam Pokuna and Mirisavati Dagaba.

Colombo

Population : 600,000
District : Colombo
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. From Colombo :

Sri Lanka's capital upto recent times, Colombo, is a fascinating city, not only for a comfortable blend of east and west, but also for a cosy mixture of the past and present. It is still the commercial centre of the country. Situated 34 km. from the International Airport, Colombo has been a flourishing seaport for centuries. Today the bustle of the harbour mingles with the activity of its busy commercial, banking and shopping areas. The original trading settlers - the Portuguese, Dutch and the British have all left in their wake churches and monuments, names and religions, costumes and food and smatterings of their languages which have been absorbed into the speech of the Sri Lankans. Colombo, with its population of over half a million is divided into fifteen zones.

While in Colombo attractions worth seeing are:- Buddhists temples, Hindu temples, Mosques, Christian churches, Parliament building, Parks, Zoo, Museums and Art Galleries. A half day tour covering 40 km. and including visits to a Buddhist Temple, Hindu Temple, the Zoo and the residential areas will cost around US $ 18 for a car with a chauffeur guide.

Rathnapura

District : Ratnapura
Typical Weather : Warm and Sunny
Dist. From Colombo : 101 Km

Sri Lanka's `City of Gems' and the centre of its gemming industry. The gems found include sapphire, ruby, cat's eye, alexandrite, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon. Visits to gem mines may be arranged through travel agents. Gem collections can be seen at the National Museum, Ratnapura and a number of private museums, rubber and tea estates and scenic landscape are found in plenty.

Nuwara Eliya

District : Nuwera Eliya
Typical Weather : Cool
Dist. From Colombo : 180 Km

Set in the heart of the tea-country, this beautiful town is where the British succeeded in creating an English countryside with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church and the famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated at 1890 metres above sea level, the air here is cool and fresh - a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo. Close to Nuwara Eliya are Horton Plains, Sri Lanka's highest and most isolated plateau. Nature lovers will revel in this wide, patna grass covered plain, the haunt of many wild yet harmless animals and the home of many species of birds. Bridle paths will take you to the precipice known as World's End - a sheer drop of 1050 metres. Acres and acres of tea with its lush green foliage extend miles across the hills and no visit to the hill country is complete without a visit to a tea estate and the chance to purchase some of the world's finest flavoured tea - our major export crop.

Kandy

District : Kandy
Typical Weather : Cool
Dist. From Colombo : 116 Km

Sri Lanka's hill capital, stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, is our most beautiful town. It is 488 metres above sea level and next to Colombo is Sri Lanka's most visited place. The focal point of the town is, without doubt, the golden roofed Dalada Maligawa where the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is enshrined. Major restoration work is in progress here by the UNESCO - aided Central Cultural Fund. The highlight of the year is the Esala Perahera, when a replica of the relic casket is taken in procession accompanied by exotically costumed dancers, drummers and about 80 to 100 elephants during ten glittering nights in July/August. Visit Kalapuraya in the beautiful Dumbara valley 8 km. from Kandy, where descendants of the ancient craftsmen still create items of rare elegance in metal and wood. There are many shrines and temples in and around Kandy, where you will see rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings. Don't miss the Peradeniya Gardens begun as a pleasure garden by a Sinhala King, with its amazing variety of trees, plants and flowers. Kandy is an exciting place for shopping with souvenirs in wood, copper, silver, brass, ebony and bronze. Ceramics, lacquer work, handlooms, batiks, jewellery and rush and reed-ware can also be purchased.