Sri Lanka: The Garden of the Gods
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Sri Lanka: 2012 Best Tourist Destination
After years of civil war, Sri Lanka is now calling for tourists to come. For those who remember the pre-war Sri Lanka, well, it's all still there. It is still Ceylon, the"Garden of the Gods". In fact, it's even better as more places such as Trincomalee and Jaffna are now safe for visits. Direct flights service Sri Lanka from many points in Europe, the Middle East and Asia. Visitors from 80 countries can now get a free 30-day visa for tourism purposes upon arrival. Such can be extended up to 90 days for a fee.
Sri Lanka has also been chosen by National Geographic as one of the best tourist destinations for 2012. It offers many things for tourists to enjoy. It is a year round destination but, of course, if you want sun and beaches, come in November to April. The central highlands are pleasantly cool and relatively dry from January to April. The peak season is mid-December to mid-January and March-April (Easter). More tourists also come in July and August when festivals and pageants take place throughout the country. These are very colourful and distinct.
There are many cultural heritage sites in Sri Lanka such as the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, Polonnawura, Kandy, Sigiriya, Nalanda, Ritigala, and Medirigiriya. It is strictly prohibited to have your picture taken in front of or beside any of the sacred statues or murals. Those who wish to photograph the ancient monuments are required to purchase a ticket from the Central Cultural Fund in Colombo or their offices in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or Kandy. It costs to keep these fabulous treasures in good shape...so, fair enough, that we all chip in to support our international heritage. You are better off to purchase a single round pass.
2012 Best Tourist Destination
Sri Lanka is among the top according to National Geographic Magazine
Sri Lanka in Pictures
Your Guide to Sri Lanka
Choose one from the list
Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Country Travel Guide) by Brett Atkinson, Stuart Butler, Ethan Gelber, Michael Kohn
Lonely Planet knows Sri Lanka. With our 11th edition more...0 points
The Sri Lanka Reader: History, Culture, Politics (The World Readers)
The Sri Lanka Reader is a sweeping introduction to more...0 points
The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka (Rough Guides) by Gavin Thomas
"The Rough Guide to Sri Lanka" is the de more...0 points
Sri Lanka - Culture Smart!: the essential guide to customs & culture by Emma Boyle
Culture Smart! provides essential information on a more...0 points
Tea Time with Terrorists: A Motorcycle Journey into the Heart of Sri Lanka's Civil War by Mark Stephen Meadows
Armed with a map, a motorcycle, an infectious sense more...0 points
A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka by John Harrison, Tim Worfolk
A Field Guide to the Birds of Sri Lanka is the first more...0 points
Sri Lanka, 4th: The Bradt Travel Guide by Royston Ellis
The civil war has ended, 2011 has been declared Visit more...0 points
Sri Lankan Wildlife (Bradt Guides) by Gehan de Silva Wijeyeratne
In this addition to Bradt's popular wildlife guide more...0 points
Buddhism, Conflict and Violence in Modern Sri Lanka (Routledge Critical Studies in Buddhism)
Interdisciplinary in its approach, this book explores more...0 points
A Photographic Guide to Birds of Sri Lanka by Gehan De Silva Wijeyeratne, Deepal Warakagoda, T. S. U. De Zylva
Pocket-sized field guide to common and distinctive more...0 points
Lonely Planet Sri Lanka (Lonely Planet Sri Lanka: Travel Survival Kit) by Richard Plunkett, Brigitte Ellemor
43 maps, including a colour country map - top spot more...0 points
Living in Sri Lanka by Turtle Bunbury
A Dutch colonial villa, a tree house over-looking a more...0 points
Buddha in Sri Lanka: Remembered Yesterdays by Swarna Wickremeratne
Combining memoir, history, and present-day narrative, more...0 points
Sri Lanka Style: Tropical Design and Architecture by Channa Daswatte, Dominic Sansoni
Sri Lanka Style showcases over 30 of the finest traditional more...0 points
Photographic Guide to Snakes and Other Reptiles of Sri Lanka by Indraneil Das, Anslem de Silva
Handy pocket-sized guide to identify over 160 spec more...0 points
Round the Tea Totum: When Sri Lanka was Ceylon by David Ebbels
This is the personal story of six years spent as a more...0 points
Sri Lanka: nature's Gem
Where Nature is at Its Best
Nature is at its best in Sri Lanka. It must be the world's largest bird sanctuary with birds exploding from the lush vegetation all over the country. And as colourful as the birds, the people in their fantastic combinations of oranges and reds and well, every colour possible in the saris and lungis. And they have wall to wall smiles, too. The police and customs people smile and you feel very much welcome. No wonder the British stayed long and were very grumpy to leave...not all did! The famous writer, Sir Arthur Clarke, chose Sri Lanka as his home as did many other Europeans who hung on even during the wars. Through its ruins and archaeology and its overlap of Buddhism and Hinduism, Sri Lanka gives the living feeling of a great and complex culture and unlike so much of South Asia, there is space to actually be a part of it all.
The Socialist Democratic Republic of Sri Lanka
Important Facts
Area: 25,332 sq. mi.
Population: 20, 238,000
Capital: Sri Jayawardenapura-Kotte
Biggest City: Colombo
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
Sri Lanka's Cultural Heritage Sites
Ancient capitals and sacred statues and murals
There are many cultural heritage sites in Sri Lanka such as the ancient capital of Anuradhapura, Polonnawura, Kandy, Sigiriya, Nalanda, Ritigala, and Medirigiriya. It is strictly prohibited to have your picture taken in front of or beside any of the sacred statues or murals. Those who wish to photograph the ancient monuments are required to purchase a ticket from the Central Cultural Fund in Colombo or their offices in Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya or Kandy. It costs to keep these fabulous treasures in good shape so, fair enough, that we all chip in to support our international heritage. You are better off to purchase a single round pass.
Kandy, the Sri Lankan Heritage Site not to miss
Just look at these pictures
![Kandy City Pavement[Ants Eye View] by cyriltw](http://static.flickr.com/7186/6897564029_6c7e3932ef_s.jpg)
![Main Road[Ants Eye View] by cyriltw](http://static.flickr.com/7190/6897566919_6bbb1036f6_s.jpg)
![Beautiful White Coloured Flower[4] by cyriltw](http://static.flickr.com/7029/6511009611_8166b91dd1_s.jpg)
![Beautiful White Coloured Flower[2] by cyriltw](http://static.flickr.com/7141/6511013869_85bf0bef76_s.jpg)
![Beautiful White Coloured Flower[1] by cyriltw](http://static.flickr.com/7158/6511015397_0043ae16b2_s.jpg)
![Beautiful White Coloured Flower[3] by cyriltw](http://static.flickr.com/7158/6511012239_8d5b7f88e8_s.jpg)
Sri Lanka in the Ancient Times
Too much history and not enough geography!
Sri Lanka was well known during the ancient times. The ancient Greek geographers called it Taprobane. The Arabs referred to it as Serendib. The Portuguese called it Ceilão (heaven) and the British called it Ceylon. Today, it is called the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, derived from the Sanskrit "lanka" meaning "island". The word "sri" is the Sanskrit title for "venerable".
Around 6th century B.C., the Sinhalese arrived in Sri Lanka from northern India in one of those vast migrations that led to so much genetic confusion in the world. In the third century B.C., Buddhism was brought by Bhikku Mahinda, believed to have been the son of the Mauryan emperor, Ashoka. It has been said that Ashoka's embrace of Buddhism was the foundation of the reign of social and political peace and non-violence across all of India. Mahinda won over the Sinhalese monarch Devanampiyatissa of Mihintale (get used to incredibly complex names here!), who embraced the faith and propagated it not only to the Sinhalese population but throughout Southeast Asia. This civilization mushroomed in the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa with the Sinha Royal Dynasty ruling for over 2000 years. Other dynasties such as the Chola, the Pandya, the Chera and the Pallava dynasty all ruled at one time or another and you can really get into all of these in some of the books listed here.
In the 14th century, a south Indian dynasty established a Tamil kingdom in northern Sri Lanka and began the two culture tradition that has had its ups and downs ever since. And then to top it all off, the Brits brought in another mass of Tamils from India to pick their tea and this is the group that we hear about later in the war that just ended. If you're interested, check out the available books and get up to speed in a beach chair.
The Ancient Site of Polonnaruwa
Visit this place and know Sri Lanka's history better
Sri Lanka Collectibles
Find treasures at auctions
Sri Lanka and its Colonial Past
The pre-colonial jig saw puzzle of Kingdoms
Check a map. If you're going or coming to or from Asia in a boat, you are going to see Sri Lanka. So the country was an important trading port through most of the history we have recorded. Merchant ships from the Middle East, Persia, Burma, Thailand, Malaysia, Indonesia and other parts of Southeast Asia all came to visit...and make their individual contributions to both genetics and culture. The islands were not only known to the European explorers but also to Arab and Malay merchants who came to settle and there is a significant Islamic population especially on the East coast.
In 1505, the Portuguese Lourenço de Almeida arrived in Sri Lanka which was then made up of the three kingdoms of Kandy in the central hills, Kotte at the Western coast, and Yarlpanam (Jaffna) in the north. There is still some evidence of the Portugese, but the Dutch sorted them out soon after.
In the 17th century, the Dutch came and you can still seee names left by the Burghers. But the Portugese and Dutch had no sense of being Gods civilizing agent so the impact of their stays is not massive. However in Galle, there are still many Dutch buildings and many Sri Lankans with pride in their Dutch ancestry!
In 1796, the British East India Company gained control of the island and in 1802 declared it a crown. By 1815, all of Sri Lanka was unified or at least collected together under British rule, with Colombo as the administrative centre. The British established modern schools, colleges, roads and churches that brought Western-style education and culture. This legacy is everywhere and reaffirms the basic truth that being a colony was not good, but if it had to happen, go for the Brits.The purpose of course was not just having an Empire, it was to make money so the Company established a series of tea, cinnamon, rubber, sugar, coffee and indigo plantations and hence the neeed for the second wave of Tamils as the Sinhalese proved to be less than diligent employees. If you visit the tea plantations even today, you can understand the Sinhalese attitude.
Sri Lanka Memorabilia
Get one from the auction
Galle Fort and Sri Lanka's Dutch Heritage
A Day's Drive from the capital, Colombo
Books on History of Sri Lanka
Interesting History
Sri Lanka as an Independent State
Up the Empire!!!!
Imperial rule (Britiish) around the world talked of the inevitability of self government, but did so with a velvet covered fist. Inevitably the hypocrasy of this led to grievances and eventually, the fight for independence. This independence movement, led by the Sinhalese who constituted the majority of the population, turned Sri Lanka into more of a Sinhalese nation-state with the Tamils left to pick tea and fish.
The lion in the modern national flag is derived from the banner of the last Sinhalese Kingdom and for the Sinhalese majority, as a lasting symbol of their fight against British colonial rule. One single strip of orange on the left part of the flag represents the Tamil population. To the Tamils, this became a symbol of marginalisation. As Sri Lanka moved towards independence, they took steps to distance themselves from the British. One of these acts was the enactment of the Official Language Act mandating Sinhala as the sole official language of Sri Lanka. Even Quebec got a better deal than this!!!! As a consequence, large numbers of Tamils who worked in the civil service resigned as they could not meet this language requirement. Other attempts were made such as making Buddhism the official religon which made the Hindu Tamils feel even more marginalized and finally convinced some (not all) to fight for a separate nation-state for themselves. This led to an incredibly ugly 30 year civil war which finally ended in 2009.
Learn More About Sri Lanka
The Building of a Nation
Visiting Sri Lanka
2011 is the year
Other books on the culture of Sri Lanka
Interesting culture, history and tradition
Things to do in Sri Lanka
South Asia at its Best
Now that Sri Lanka has bashed its way to peace, the time to visit has come. Now, the areas occupied by the Tamils with the beautiful beaches and unique history are open for tourism and infrastructure investment. Chinese, Indians, Koreans and others are coming up to meet the demand and the fantastic opportunities. Mind you, if the Sinhalese don't treat the Tamils better as generous victors, we could be in trouble again in five years. So, go NOW.
Visit a tea plantation. Drinking tea is a joy in Sri Lanka. Local tea is among the best in the world and they have blended several flavors to give you a variety of tastes. Driving towards any of the plantations will also make you realize why Sri Lanka or in the past, Ceylon, is the garden of the world. The fabulous vegetation and tree borne wild flowers in the rural areas are a joy especially in the middle of a European or North American winter. But in the plantation itself, the colorful clothes of the women gathering the leaves in the midst of the dark green foliage of the tea is a feast to the eyes and these hillsides are simply beautiful. If you can, find a Dilmah plantation, traditional in most ways except they treat the workers reasonably well! If you are a Cricket fan, you'll recognize the name.
Experience Ayurvedic healing in a health resorts. Sri Lanka has several fantastic spas that are organized around ayurvedic practices. These places are not far from Colombo so a weekend stop-over can give you a peek to some of the wellness programs of these health resorts. A drive to Hikkadua just down the coast from Colombo will not only take you to many spas, but will let you see the remnants of the great Tsunami of 2003 as well. They have resident ayurveda doctors who provide treatments. If treatment is not for you, you can strengthen the balance and harmony in your body. Or, if you have time you can enjoy a healthy holiday and learn about ayurvedic healing. Hikkadua has some solid and affordable beach front hotels.
By the way, the diving in Hikkadua is great and cheap...even the PADI courses! And on the drive from or to Colombo, you will see the traditional mask production and turtle sanctuaries on the beach. You can go for a swim in many of the beaches on the way or grab a rope and help the fishermen and the rest of a village bring their catch in.
Learn meditation and yoga. There are several meditation centers that offer lessons. In fact, in your hotel, it will not be unusual to find a yoga teacher.
If you have courage, try some toddy made right there. Brings a whole new meaning to coconut juice!
Just watch these videos on Sri Lanka
And you will find many things to enjoy there
Get your own video of Sri Lanka
Camcorders you can get for yourself
Toshiba Camileo X100 Full-HD Camcorder - Silver/Black
With the Camileo X100 you can enjoy state-of-the-a more...1 point
Canon VIXIA HF M40 Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and 16GB Internal Flash Memory
Canon VIXIA HF M40 Full HD Digital Camcorder 3-Inc more...1 point
Panasonic HDC-TM41H HD Camcorder with 16GB Internal Flash Memory
Panasonic HDC-TM41 Digital Camcorder - 2.7" L more...1 point
Canon VIXIA HF M41 Full HD Camcorder with HD CMOS Pro and 32GB Internal Flash Memory
Canon VIXIA HF M41 Full HD Digital Camcorder - 3-I more...0 points
ContourROAM Hands-free HD Camcorder
HD VIDEO: 3 resolution modes. LIGHTWEIGHT: 5.1oz, more...0 points
Canon VIXIA HF R21 Full HD Camcorder with 32GB Internal Flash Memory
The VIXIA HF R21 allows you to record up to 12 hou more...0 points
Samsung HMX-Q10 HD Camcorder Ultra Compact with 10x Optical Zoom (Black)
Ultra compact full HD cam with Extreme Easiness0 points
Canon VIXIA HF R200 Full HD Camcorder with Dual SDXC Card Slots
The VIXIA HF R200 allows you to record crisp high more...0 points
Toshiba Camileo H30 Full HD Camcorder - Silver/Black
With the Camileo H30 you can enjoy state-of-the-ar more...0 points
Canon VIXIA HF R20 Full HD Camcorder with 8GB Internal Flash Memory (Black)
Canon VIXIA HF R20 Full HD Digital Camcorder - 3-I more...0 points
Samsung HMX-Q10 HD Camcorder Ultra Compact with 10x Optical Zoom (Dark Blue)
Samsung Q10 HD Cam Ultra Compact With 10X Optical more...0 points
Toshiba Camileo S30 Full HD Camcorder (Silver/Black)
The S30 fits in every pocket! At 3/4" thin an more...0 points
Panasonic HDC-TM80K HD Twin Memory Camcorder (Black)
Panasonic HDC-TM80 2.7-Inch Touch LCD Full HD Digi more...0 points
More Images of Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Sights
Tea plantation in Sri Lanka
Ayurvedic Healing in Sri Lanka
For this, you need more time in Sri Lanka
Prepare yourself before you get into ayurvedic healing. Read about it so you will know how much time you need to spend in Sri Lanka to go through the program. There are many centers offering this and you can get recommendations from friends.
Interested in Ayurvedic Healing?
Know more about this in Sri Lanka
Before you leave for Sri Lanka, read a bit about ayurvedic healing. If you are really keen, make your contact in Sri Lanka and already arrange an experience because it takes time.
Ayurvedic Cooking for Self Healing by Usha Lad, Vasant Lad
Ayurveda, the ancient healing art of India, teaches more...1 point
Ayurvedic Healing: A Comprehensive Guide by Dr. David Frawley
Presents the Ayurvedic treatment of common disease more...1 point
Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine by Harish Johari
Ayurvedic Healing Cuisine explains the healing qualities more...1 point
Ayurvedic Healing: Contemporary Maharishi Ayurvedic Medicine and Science by Hari, M.D. Sharma, Christopher, M.D. Clark
Ayurveda is one of the World's oldest and most com more...1 point
The Path of Practice: A Woman's Book of Ayurvedic Healing by Bri Maya Tiwari
"We are wellness. We are consciousness. That is more...0 points
The Modern Ayurvedic Cookbook: Healthful, Healing Recipes for Life by Amrita Sondhi
Ayurveda is a holistic healing tradition from India more...0 points
Eat-Taste-Heal: An Ayurvedic Cookbook for Modern Living by Thomas Yarema, Daniel Rhoda, Johnny Brannigan
Eat.Taste.Heal is a groundbreaking work within the more...0 points
Ayurveda: The Science of Self Healing - A Practical Guide by Vasant Lad
Most popular general introduction to Ayurveda, the more...0 points
Ayurvedic Astrology: Self-Healing Through the Stars by Dr. David Frawley
In his latest book, Dr. David Frawley unlocks anci more...0 points
The Ayurvedic Guide to Polarity Therapy: Hands-on Healing A Self-Care Guide by Amadea Morningstar
Morningstar explores how you can personally use th more...0 points
Ayurvedic Healing for Women: Herbal Gynecology by Atreya
Written for women who want to find their own solut more...0 points
Healing Depression the Mind-Body Way: Creating Happiness with Meditation, Yoga, and Ayurveda by Nancy Liebler, Sandra Moss
"If you have an interest in optimum mental health, more...0 points
The Complete Book of Ayurvedic Home Remedies by Vasant Lad
Based on the ancient healing tradition from India that more...0 points
Neti: Healing Secrets of Yoga and Ayurveda by David Frawley
The most thorough and practical presentation of ho more...0 points
Ayurvedic Massage Therapy: Therapeutic Massage Techniques Based on the Ancient Healing Science of Ayurveda by Dr. Subhash Ranade, Dr. Rajan Rawat
The readers of this text will gain a background in more...0 points
Cultural Visits in Sri Lanka
Many cultural festivals in Sri Lanka
On the top of your visit list should be Kandy, Sigiriya, and Anuradhapura. All are quite safe. Kandy is cool and a great respite from the heat on the beach and is easily reachable from Colombo in a day. This is where a magnificent temple hosts Buddha's tooth, one of that religion's great pilgrimage sites and it is a constant celebration of light and sound and devout pilgrims. Close to Kandy is the famous Botanical Garden where you can enjoy looking at plants you have never seen and huge furit bats. Buy sandalwood oil and other incredible oils and the worlds best pepper.
Sigiriya is also a must. It is not a temple but a fortified castle carved into and on a very puzzling stone mountain. It looks like a great thumb sticking up and is really the Ayres Rock of South Asia in its uniqueness. It shows some of the marvels of the ancient civilizations that developed in the area with its intricate and still functioning water systems complete with fountains and swimming pools and stunning wall paintings. To visit the fortress at Sigiriya, you have to be there when it opens at 7 a.m. to beat the heat and be able to manage the 1500 steps. The climb is a bit steep and in the heat is often a trial for vintage fatties. However, it IS do-able. If this is too much for you, visit the national park close by and watch the wild elephants grumble about. Once again, if you love birds it simply does not get better than this. Sigiriya Village Hotel gives a wonderful view of the "mountain" and is modern and very affordable.
205 km from Colombo, Anuradhapura was the Island's first capital. Founded around the 4th century BC, it flourished for 1300 years. The Mahavansa, the Sinhala Buddhist chronicle talks of the city as a model of planning. There were precincts for huntsmen and scavengers and even heretics and foreigners. There were hostels and hospitals, separate cemeteries for high and low castes. The reservoirs ensured a steady water supply. Struggles for royal succession and pressures from the Indian expansion made it vulnerable so it was later abandoned as the capital was moved to safer places. Built around a cutting from Buddha's "tree of enlightenment", brought there in the 3rd century B.C. by Sanghamitta, the founder of an order of Buddhist nuns, Anuradhapura's palaces, monasteries and monuments hidden away in thick jungle for an eon are again welcoming visitors.
Sri Lanka Antiques
Start your collection
What Others Say About Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka continues to be in the news
- Sri Lanka too strong for listless India
- Sri Lanka were on a different plane. Their old guard provided the base and the new order built on it to boost them to a substantial total. Their disciplined bowlers, led by Nuwan Kulasekara, dismantled a shaky India line-up, minus the in-form MS Dhoni, ...
- Sri Lankan monk is condemned to death for murder
- By Charles Haviland BBC News, Sri Lanka A Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to death - the first monk in 50 years to receive such a sentence in the country. Gomadiye Sarana, 37, was convicted for a murder committed before he was ordained ...
- * Sri Lanka presenting HR plan at UNHRC bypassing parliament unconstitutional ...
- Feb 22, Colombo: Sri Lankan government presenting the proposed National Human Rights Action Plan at the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva next week without discussing it in the parliament is a violation of the Constitution, ...
Food in Sri Lanka
Cuisine in Curry
When you're in Sri Lanka, the taste is hot and spicy. If you are a curry fan, this is your place. Most Sri Lankans love their rice which they consume with curry. Most of their dishes are cooked with coconut milk base and flavored by spices. Mallung, Sambol, Lamprais, Buriyani and Polos Pehi are some popular dishes of Sri Lanka. Also try their sweetmeats like Kavum, Halape, Thalaguli and Wattalapam. You can always enjoy a good cup of tea.
Here's a Sri Lankan curry you can try
Easy to follow and very delicious
Exotic tastes of Sri Lanka
Try some of these Sri Lankan recipes
Exotic Tastes of Sri Lanka by Suharshini Seneviratne
The breathtaking island of Sri Lanka lies in the I more...1 point
Mangoes & Curry Leaves: Culinary Travels Through the Great Subcontinent by Jeffrey Alford, Naomi Duguid
For this companion volume to the award-winning Hot more...1 point
Charmaine Solomon's Complete Asian Cookbook by Charmaine Solomon
More than 800 recipes from 16 countries are clearl more...1 point
Food of Sri Lanka: Authentic Recipes from the Island of Gems by Douglas Bullis, Wendy Hutton
Sri Lanka is one of the least known of the world's more...0 points
At Home with Madhur Jaffrey: Simple, Delectable Dishes from India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, and Sri Lanka by Madhur Jaffrey
For all who love the magical flavors of good Indian more...0 points
Sri Lankan Flavours: A Journey Through the Island's Food and Culture by Channa Dassanayaka
From Cauliflower, Cashew and Green Pea Curry to Mango more...0 points
Sri Lankan Cuisine, including: Curry, Rice And Curry, Biryani, Cuisine Of Sri Lanka, Puri (food), Idiyappam, Appam, Dal Bhat, Jaadi, Watalappam, ... Of Sri Lankan Sweets And Desserts, Athirasa by Hephaestus Books
Hephaestus Books represents a new publishing parad more...0 points
Sri Lankan Cooking by Douglas Bullis, Wendy Hutton
Sri Lanka, the fabled island of sapphires and rubies, more...0 points
The Fine Art of Sri Lankan Cuisine: Clay Pot Style and Other Methods by Disna Weerasinghe, Anula Ranaweera
This beautifully photographed, classic cookbook, w more...0 points
Spice It Up Sri Lanka Cookbook
100 pages (6 in full color) of Sri Lankan recipes more...0 points
Gourmet Sri Lanka (Ceylon) Cinnamon--2.3 oz bottle (about one cup)
Great cinnamon, like great chocolate will transfor more...0 points
What to Buy in Sri Lanka
Spices, Tea and Masks from Sri Lanka
If you are a fashion nut, there are several places to check out. Odel in Colombo is best known with good prices on name brands and great quality in their own brands. Women's tops and children's clothes, even winter ones, are readily available for really good prices. Remember, Sri Lanka is a garment manufacturer for world markets, so you can get good bargains here. Gap, Victoria's Secret, and Jones New York are some of their clients. Go to House of Fashion and beautiful quality tops can go for as low as $2. Often these are seconds, but I defy you to find the flaws!
For souvenirs, there are stylish crafts and woven cloth at Paradise Road Gallery and Barefoot. You can get wooden carvings that are beautifully done and the traditional carved wooden masks of Sri Lanka are breathtaking. But best of all is jewelry. Go for the blue sapphires. They have the best quality of these stones. There are some great jewelers in Kandy and they'll work while you wait if you want a few changes. Try to hit a local market as well. The one in Hikkadua is great...and see what's available. The vendors are wonderful and unlike some other South Asia countries, it's almost beggar free.
Of course, you just have to get some Ceylon tea, the finest in the world. There are many selections. Try Dilmah, Mlesna and many other brands. Get the gift packages to bring to your friends. They will love you for that delicate taste. Buy black pepper, the very best in the world and check out the other spices too. Nowhere is the variety greater.
The Famous Ceylon Tea of Sri Lanka
My very top favourite tea
Sri Lanka Sets Record on Tea
Sri Lanka's Largest Cup of Tea
Sri Lanka has now set the record for the largest cup of tea. With the Rep from the Guinness World watching, Sri Lanka filled a giant red mug with 1,000 gallons of water, 141 lbs. of tea, 1,929 lbs. of malted milk powder and 353 lbs. of sugar, three times more the size of the previous record. The tea, which came from Sri Lanka's best tea estates, was brewed for hours in 44 gallon urns, poured into the red cup and driven around Colombo, the Sri Lankan capital, and handed out to anyone who wants a cup.
Just look at how beautiful Sri Lanka's Tea Plantation is
Tea Pickers Walking the Path in Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka
Tea Pots to Steep Sri Lanka Tea
Get a special one for a special experience
Primula PTA-4009 Flowering Tea Set with 40-Ounce Pot, 6 Flowering Teas, and Loose-Tea Variety Pack
Primula Flowering Tea Set includes a 40-Ounce Glas more...1 point
Japanese Cast Iron Pot tea set Black ARR w/ Trivet
Product Description This Cast Iron tea pot set is in more...1 point
Adagio Teas 0 16-Ounce Ingenuitea Teapot
The most convenient teapot you will find anywhere. more...1 point
Primula Cast Iron 28-Ounce Tea Pot, Green Mist with Tea Sample
The Primula Cast Iron Tea Pot is a graceful, elega more...0 points
Peter Sadler Brown 55 Ounce Tea Pot
The Brown 10 cup teapot from Fox Run has the look more...0 points
Primula Cast Iron 40-Ounce Tea Pot, Black with Tea Sample
The Primula Cast Iron Tea Pot is a graceful, elega more...0 points
Japanese Dragonfly Tea Pot and Tea Cups Set in Blue - 5 Pieces
Serve your Japanese tea in style with this attract more...0 points
Primula Glass Stovetop Tea Pot with Infuser
This glass teapot with a capacity of 40 ounces tur more...0 points
Primula Cast Iron 40-Ounce Tea Pot, Black with Tea Sample
The Primula Cast Iron Tea Pot is a graceful, elega more...0 points
Unity Tetsubin Cast Iron Tea Pot red
48 Oz. Red Cast Iron Mythology Teapot0 points
Yama Northwest Glass 40-Ounce Chinese Glass Water Kettle Tea Pot
The temperature of the water can be determined by more...0 points
Sun's Tea (TM) 41oz Ultra Clear Heat Resistant Borosilicate Glass Teapot & Infuser (Tea Press) for loose tea or display tea (pure glass, no metal or plastic parts)
The Sun's Tea (TM) All-Glass made Teapot holds 41 oz more...0 points
GROSCHE Munich Glass stove top water and tea Kettle with included tea infuser, Stovetop safe, 1250 ml (42 fl oz) capcity
Do you want a stove top kettle without metal or pl more...0 points
Japanese Cast Iron Tea Pot Set Burgundy Red Bamboo
A lovely example of the traditional cast-iron teap more...0 points
Northwest Glass 8 cup Glass Tea Pot
This beautiful clear glass tea pot is our largest more...0 points
Animal Kettle 2.5 Quart Whistling Enamel on Steel Giraffe Tea Kettle
Introducing adorable and eye-catching enamel teake more...0 points
Japanese Cast iron Tea Pot Cup Set Green Bamboo
A lovely example of the traditional cast-iron teap more...0 points
GROSCHE Munich 42 fl oz. 1200ml Glass stove top teapot/kettle and 12 premium blooming tea gift set
A set of a stove top safe tea kettle, with included more...0 points
Drink your Sri Lankan tea in beautiful cups
Pick your cup
Drinking an exquisite tea is more enjoyable from a beautiful tea cup. Don't you agree?
Gracie China Rose Chintz 8-Ounce Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer, Set of 4
Gracie China's Rose Chintz Collection, by Coastlin more...0 points
Gracie China Rose Chintz 8-Ounce Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer with Gold Trim, Set of 2 Gift Boxed
Gracie China by Coastline Imports, is lovely porce more...0 points
Lynns Clarabelle Cup and Saucer, Set of 6
Clarabelle cup and saucer, set of 6. Pink roses on more...0 points
Gracie China Rose Chintz 2-Ounce Porcelain Espresso Cup and Saucer with Butterfly Handles, Set of 4
Gracie China's Rose Chintz Collection, by Coastlin more...0 points
Gracie China Butterfly 8-Ounce Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer with Gold Trim, Set of 2 Gift Boxed
Gracie China by Coastline Imports, is lovely porce more...0 points
Gracie China Berry Yard Porcelain 8-Ounce Tea Cup and Saucer, Set of 4
Gracie China's Berry Yard Collection, by Coastline more...0 points
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Blue Butterfly Cup and Saucer Set
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Blue Butterfly Cup and Sauc more...0 points
Satin Shell Purple Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer Purchased From Us By Lady Gaga
Satin Shell Purple Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer Purchased more...0 points
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Tiger Swallowtail Cup and Saucer Set
Lenox Butterfly Meadow Tiger Swallowtail Cup and S more...0 points
Gracie Bone China Satin Shelley 8-Ounce Tea Cup and Saucer Peacock Blue with Antique Gold Trim, Gift Boxed
Gracie Bone China by Coastline Imports, is lovely more...0 points
Gracie China Cream Rose Chintz 8-Ounce Porcelain Tea Cup and Saucer with Gold Trim, Set of 2 Gift Boxed
Gracie China by Coastline Imports, is lovely porce more...0 points
Royal Albert Old Country Roses Boxed Cup and Saucer
Royal Albert's "Old Country Roses" table more...0 points
Royal Albert Old Country Roses Boxed Cup and Saucer
Royal Albert's "Old Country Roses" table more...0 points
Lynns Victorian Rose Cup and Saucer, Set of 6
Victorian Rose cup and saucer, set of 6. Soft red more...0 points
Gracie Bone China 8-Ounce Tea Cup and Saucer, Pink Peony Strawberry, Set of 4
Gracie Bone China by Coastline Imports is lovely f more...0 points
Portmeirion Botanic Garden Tea Cup and Saucer, Set of 6
Artist Susan Williams-Ellis found her inspiration more...0 points
Satin Shell Turquoise Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer & Gift Box
Fabulous Satin Shelley Bright Turquoise, Bone China more...0 points
Royal Albert 100 Years of Royal Albert Teacups and Saucers, Set of 5, 1900-1940
Royal Doulton announces the international launch o more...0 points
Satin Shell Yellow Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer & Gift Box
Fabulous Satin Shelley Bright Yellow, Bone China Tea more...0 points
Satin Shell Green Bone China Tea Cup and Saucer & Gift Box
Fabulous Satin Shelley Bright Green, Bone China Tea more...0 points
Pfaltzgraff Winterberry 12-Ounce Covered Stoneware Mug with Stainless-Steel Tea Diffuser
This covered Winterberry mug with tea diffuser is more...0 points
Sri Lankan Tea
The best in the world
Do you agree Sri Lanka tea is the best in the world?
Fetching blurbs now... please stand byYes, no question it is
darciefrench says:
I believe you, I've not tried Sri Lanka tea, but you have so it must be good :)
Posted December 27, 2011
MaxReily says:
I'm not a tea drinker, but I'll say yes, because I've always heard that it is!
Posted December 10, 2011
Oh No, tea from other countries are better
Sri Lanka Hosts International Forum
Sustainable Community Based Tourism
October 6, 2011, Colombo
Sri Lanka on Film
Take this quiz
Travel Tips
Useful ones on Asia
Fetching RSS feed... please stand byGood Buys at ebay
Bargains on Sri Lanka items
What's the latest on Sri Lanka
What do we have?
- Sri Lanka too strong for listless India
- Sri Lanka were on a different plane. Their old guard provided the base and the new order built on it to boost them to a substantial total. Their disciplined bowlers, led by Nuwan Kulasekara, dismantled a shaky India line-up, minus the in-form MS Dhoni, ...
- Sri Lankan monk is condemned to death for murder
- By Charles Haviland BBC News, Sri Lanka A Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka has been sentenced to death - the first monk in 50 years to receive such a sentence in the country. Gomadiye Sarana, 37, was convicted for a murder committed before he was ordained ...
- * Sri Lanka presenting HR plan at UNHRC bypassing parliament unconstitutional ...
- Feb 22, Colombo: Sri Lankan government presenting the proposed National Human Rights Action Plan at the United Nations Human Rights Council sessions in Geneva next week without discussing it in the parliament is a violation of the Constitution, ...
- Commonwealth urges early election in Maldives
- COLOMBO, Sri Lanka (AP) ? The Commonwealth called Wednesday for early presidential elections in the Maldives, along with an international investigation into the ouster of the Indian Ocean archipelago's president earlier this month.
Other lenses on Sri Lanka
Other Travel Links
For your trip to Sri Lanka and beyond
- How to Find Vacation Spots
- So many choices out there for vacations? Here is a short article to guide you.
- How to Choose a Hotel
- Luxury or budget? Boutique or big resort? Many decisions to make. Read this so you'll enjoy your trip. Make your hotel an experience in itself.
- How to Choose Luggage
- With airlines now getting strict about luggages, see how you can make the right choices.
- BERNAMA - Sri Lanka Among 2012 Best Tourist Destinations: National Geographic
- Sri Lanka Among 2012 Best Tourist Destination
Take good pictures of Sri Lanka
And add to Sri Lanka documentation
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera (Black)
The Canon 5096B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Black 12M more...1 point
Nikon COOLPIX L24 14 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x NIKKOR Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Red)
Life%92s best moments are captured beautifully wit more...1 point
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (Silver)
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12 MP CMOS Digital Cam more...1 point
Panasonic DMC-FH25K 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Black)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 16.1 Megapixel Digital Ca more...0 points
Nikon COOLPIX L24 14 MP Digital Camera with 3.6x NIKKOR Optical Zoom Lens and 3-Inch LCD (Black)
Life%92s best moments are captured beautifully wit more...0 points
Nikon Coolpix L22 12.0MP Digital Camera with 3.6x Optical Zoom and 3.0-Inch LCD (Red-primary)
Make memories and share joy with Nikon's new high- more...0 points
Canon PowerShot SX230HS 12.1 MP Digital Camera with HS SYSTEM and DIGIC 4 Image Processor (Black)
Travel the world with the new PowerShot SX230 HS d more...0 points
Canon PowerShot ELPH 100 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with 4X Optical Zoom (Blue)
Canon's 4925B001 PowerShot ELPH 100 HS Blue 12MP D more...0 points
Sony Cyber-Shot DSC-W530 14.1 MP Digital Still Camera with Carl Zeiss Vario-Tessar 4x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom Lens and 2.7-inch LCD (Green)
Capture life as it happens with Sony's Cyber-shot more...0 points
Canon PowerShot SX150 IS 14.1 MP Digital Camera with 12x Wide-Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom with 3.0-Inch LCD (Black)
12x Wide-Angle Optical Zoom and 28mm lens with Opt more...0 points
Sony Cyber-shot DSC-HX5V 10.2 MP CMOS 10x Wide-Angle Zoom Digital Camera with Optical Steady Shot Image Stabilization and 3.0 Inch LCD
Capture stunning low-light images and sweeping pan more...0 points
Canon PowerShot ELPH 300 HS 12.1 MP CMOS Digital Camera with Full 1080p HD Video (Red)
The Canon 5097B001 PowerShot ELPH 300 HS Red 12MP more...0 points
Canon EOS Rebel T3i 18 MP CMOS Digital SLR Camera and DIGIC 4 Imaging with EF-S 18-55mm f/3.5-5.6 IS Lens
The Canon 5169B003 includes the EOS Rebel T3i Digi more...0 points
Panasonic DMC-FH25A 16.1MP Digital Camera with 8x Wide Angle Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 inch LCD (Blue)
Panasonic Lumix DMC-FH25 16.1 Megapixel Digital Ca more...0 points
Canon EOS Rebel T3 12.2 MP CMOS Digital SLR with 18-55mm IS II Lens and EOS HD Movie Mode (Black)
The Canon 5157B002 includes the EOS Rebel T3 Digit more...0 points
Canon SX30IS 14.1MP Digital Camera with 35x Wide Angle Optical Image Stabilized Zoom and 2.7 Inch Wide LCD
Canon's 4344B001 PowerShot SX30 IS 14.1MP Compact more...0 points
The special angels who left their blessing
Thank you generous spirits
What do you know of Sri Lanka?
Have you been?
Share with us your experience or just leave your comments on this lens. Hope you enjoy it.
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Reply
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vincente
Feb 7, 2012 @ 6:52 am | delete
- We just arrived in Kandy ... we will be staying in Sri Lanka for a total of 3 month. So far we are loving. Got any food, massage and taxi suggestions for us here in Kandy?
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nira-dg
Feb 4, 2012 @ 4:50 am | delete
- As a Sri Lankan I like to thank you about wonderful ideas that you telling to the world. Definitely Sri Lanka is a beautiful country and it is good place to spend one's vacation meaningfully. Not only that the people of the country always helpful and are very hospitable.
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skiesgreen
Feb 2, 2012 @ 8:43 pm | delete
- Magnificent country and beautiful lens tribute to it. Blessed and featured on Blessed by Skiesgreen 2012 Hugs
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VKumar
Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:28 am | delete
- Awesome Lens. Thanks for sharing.
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aesta1
Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:11 pm | delete
- Thanks for the visit.
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indiavacationplans
Jan 21, 2012 @ 4:35 am | delete
- I was enjoying your lens very much, very detailed and hard work. Place worth visiting :)
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aesta1
Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:11 pm | delete
- It is close to India.
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vincente
Jan 17, 2012 @ 1:56 pm | delete
- Man! We are about to head to Sri Lanka for our 3 month stay and this lens got us really excited for it.
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aesta1
Jan 30, 2012 @ 10:12 pm | delete
- Lucky to have 3 months there.
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TapIn2U Jan 11, 2012 @ 6:03 am | delete
- I surely love to visit that place. Sundae ;-)
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Tweets on Sri Lanka
Let's read some of these
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- _WATCHMEDOE
- @VinceCash lol- idk, india or sri lanka
-
- redidosit
- Wallmonkeys Peel and Stick Wall Decals - Vente De Bananes En Gros Au Sri Lanka - 24"W x 16"H Removable Graphic: ... http://t.co/hibpXoHa
-
- zakseqinjinya
- Watch Australia vs Sri Lanka Live 2/23/2012 http://t.co/WxK9hZP7
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- SportyZeal
- Sri Lanka Beat Africa by 5 wickets http://t.co/aNoNcTbx #Cricket #South_Africa
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- _3News_
- Sri Lanka monk condemned to death (BBC) http://t.co/wrE2qrvm
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- Thomasinadgr
- Sri Lanka Insight Compact Guide (Insight Compact Guides): This 128-page guidebook covers Sri Lanka's highlights,... http://t.co/6ZXXYBnh
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- ClubeTur
- CLUBE TURISMO ALDEOTA: SRI LANKA Conheça esse surpreendente País !!!!!! http://t.co/cOu52u9y
-
- RevolutionSyrie
- RT @mpdingo: La journaliste la plus audacieuse Marie Colvin a perdu son oeil au Sri Lanka, sa vie en #Syrie http://t.co/LCWyaBOE
My own tweets
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Ayurvedic Healing
Something you can learn in SriLanka
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Amazon Price: $6.22 (as of 02/22/2012)
It is important that you read on this before you go to Sri Lanka. You might want one of these ayurvedic healing programs only to find out you don't have enough time or you have not booked earlier and can't get one. You must inform yourself before you book one.
