Visit some of Sri Lanka's ancient cities which are world heritage sites. Anuradhapura in the North Central province was founded 3,000 years ago, by a minister of King Vijaya, and evidence of its ancient glory can be seen in its temples, dagobas and water reservoirs. The magnificent Sacred Bo-Tree, the Sri Maha Bodhiya, is 2,500 years old, and is venerated by Buddhists the world over.

Polonnaruwa. This ancient medieval city boasts of well preserved Buddha tatues, temples and ruins. At the “Gal Viharaya” can be seen three magnificent statues of the Lord Buddha, hewn out of stone, which are preserved in their original state.The “Parakrama Samudraya” (Sea) is testimony to the giant deeds of Sri Lanka's rulers of old.

The Sigiriya complex in the North Central plains of Sri Lanka is recognized as a world heritage site, and some even regard it as the eighth wonder of the world. Sigiriya, The Lion Rock, is a massive monolithic rising to a height of 200 meters, and centred upon this, the Sinhalese King Kashyapa-1 built in the 5th century AD a fortified Royal Capital. This magnificent edifice eloquently displays remnants of a unique concentration of ancient Sinhalese town planning,art and architecture, landscape gardening and hydraulic technology unparalleled. The Dambulla cave temple is made of a rock mass built in the lst centur y AD, where ancient temple paintings and a recumbent Buddha are seen. Dambulla boasts a new International Cricket Stadium, in a scenic location in this dry zone. Cricket lovers enjoy their game, and the celebrations of the Sri Lankan spectators with music and dance, at these events.

From time immemorial Sri Lankans have depended on the abundant resources of Ayurvedic plants and medicines for their health and well being. The centuries old Ayurvedic medical practices are revived now, as they provide safe treatments to a number of ailments of the mind and body. Ayurvedic herbal oil massages of the skin, body, and head, to revitalize you, are available at established treatment centres.Also available are specialized Ayur vedic treatments which are prescribed by Government Ayurvedic College qualified practitioners of this ancient treatment systems.Meditation and Yoga have developed as valuable stress busters and mental health aids, and they are readily available to those seeking these disciplined life-styles, for treatment of mind and body.

Sri Lanka has been synonymous with precious gems from ancient times, as nature has endowed the country with a wide variety of precious minerals. Of the 200 minerals in the world which qualify to be classified as gemstones, about 75 are found in Sri Lanka. Referred to as “Ratna Dweepa” ( Land of Gems), the country has earned a reputation for its Blue, Yellow, Golden , White, Purple and Star Sapphires, Rubies, Cat's Eyes, Garnets, Topaz and Tourmaline amongst many others. Sri Lanka's Blue Sapphire is the world's Gem Supreme.

Sri Lanka has a number of Nature Reser ves where many species of wild animals can be seen in their natural habitats. The majestic Elephant, the fearsome Leopard, the menacing Sloth Bear are some of many denizens of the jungle one would encounter on a guided safari tour. Take a safari tour of these nature reser ves in comfortable 4wheel drive vehicles, with trained and specialist guides to make your visit most memorable. Do not miss the two Elephant Parks in the country, at Pinnawela a short way off the Kandy Road, and at Uda Walawe in the Southern Region. Here a number of these animals, from giant tuskers to new born calves could be seen at close quarters, going about their daily routines. The animals at Uda Walawe are released back to the jungle after a period of stay at the park. Of special interest is the Elephants bathing in the river, lazily enjoying what they like doing Most. Sri Lanka's biodiversity is considered exceptional by global standards. A large number of varieties of reptiles, amphibians, fresh water fish, avi-fauna, butterfly fauna and other invertebrates are found throughout the country, and specialized tours related to these subjects are provided by expert guides. These visits offer excellent photo-shoot opportunities to the visitors.

Kandy, the charming hill capital of Sri Lanka, wears a traditional look during the period of Esala (July-August), when the Kandy Esala Perahera takes place for 10 nights and a day. These glittering nightly pageants of Caparisoned Elephants, Drummers and Dancers, Performers of various acts of skills and entertainment, surrounded by coconut lights and the fragrance of jasmine and lotus flowers, provide a colourful feast to the eyes. Accompanied by throbbing drums, this pageant is a truly oriental experience to visitors to the Paradise Island of Sri Lanka. The world famous Peradeniya Botanical Gardens are a popular tourist spot, and has a historical collection of trees and plants in a beautiful hill country setting. The picturesque Victoria Golf course is of International standards, and has attracted the attention of golf enthusiasts world-wide.

Sri Lanka is the home of the best teas in the world, grown at elevations of 2,000 to 3,000 metres in picturesque tea gardens. The tea gardens are situated in beautiful picture perfect mountainous settings, and acres of rolling tea plantations present a most scenic sight to the tourists. The scenic beauty of Sri Lanka is adorned by the presence of more than 200 waterfalls, set amidst forests and in the cool climes of the central hills. The combined effects of the falling waters, their shapes and sounds, the play of light and the misty veils around them add up to make waterfalls a sight to behold and wonder. Sri Lanka's waterfalls are in some instances associated with mythology whilst in others with the ancient history of the Island, eg; from the epic Ramayana, when Princess Sita was held captive by the Demon King Ravana in a nearby cave, she is believed to have bathed in the Ravana-Ella falls, which site is now visited by worshippers of God Rama. The hills are home to a large number of species of fauna and flora, many of which are endemic to the country. Orchids grow luxuriantly in the wet and dry zones of the Island, and these exotic flowers are seen in abundance in most of the country in undisturbed and secluded reser ves. The Nuwara Eliya Golf Club is set in lush tea garden hills, and facilities to play are available for the enthusiasts.

Sri Lanka’s golden beaches are world famous. Luxur y hotels in the holiday resorts along the south coast offer holiday makers the perfect setting for a most enjoyable stay. The warm weather, the inviting sea and the wide golden beaches are there for your ultimate holiday by the sea. Enjoy your stay in hotels in the resort, whether your selection is 5-star luxury or a sea beach cabana, at the best prices in the Asian region. The sunny seas are ideal for sailing and wind surfing. These water sports and under-water safaris to discover marine life and corals are some of the delights that await you during your sea side holidays.