For those looking to experience a real taste of Sri Lankan culture, the Buddhist Festival in Kandy offers an exciting break from the norm and plenty of new sights, sounds and tastes. Kandy is normally a smaller, more laid back town compared to others where you can find monkeys swinging between the trees. However during the annual August Buddhist festival the town comes alive for 11 days of festivities and celebrations. The festival is used to celebrate and show off a tooth of the revered Buddha which is believed to be one of the few remnants left after his cremation and was brought to Sri Lanka 1,700 years ago. It is also a symbol of sovereignty. Whoever is in possession to the Buddha’s tooth is said to be the rightful ruler of the island. However before you think a snatch and grab could make you the new king of your own little slice of Asian paradise be aware that the one used in the parade is just a replica. Obviously the real artifact is too valuable to be carried through the streets.

The festival held in Kandy has been likened to Brazil’s Carnivale and New Orlean’s Mardi Gras, only without the alcohol and barely clothed women and flashing. No reason to be dissapointed, there are still many beautiful women in Sri Lanka and if you are kind enough to your hotel staff they will probably sneak you a few bottles to get you though. Just avoid getting too drunk and running off into the jungle in the night as there are still many landmines left over from the recent civil war.

To get the best view of the parade you are going to have to get up pretty early. Many visitors start camping out 14 hours before the parade begins to secure a seat, though reserving the right hotel room can mean your own VIP booth for watching in comfort. The parade begins with men cracking whips, followed by others carrying spinning baskets of fire and are followed by dozens of elephants. Following in the parade you will find dancers, performers and monks. It is certainly an amazing collaboration of new sensations for all of the senses that must be seen and experienced on any adventure to the mythical island of Sri Lanka.

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What does this mean to Sri Lanka?

More tourists mean more business to the hospitality industry in the country. The tour operators and hotels are busy preparing the best for visitors.

There was a time most countries were imposing travel ban against Sri Lanka due to the security situation. Things have changed dramatically and Sri Lanka has become one of the favourite travel destinations.

If you are a reader who hasn’t been to Sri Lanka yet then I think the New York Times article is more than enough to convince you.

The temperature drops to average 25C in most of the places during these months. The temperature in central hill country could drop below 10C. As you may already know you can find all type of climate (except snow) within 3 hours drive in Sri Lanka.

Avoid common holiday destinations

Common holiday destinations could be crowded during the holiday season (Nov – Jan). Therefore it is better to avoid these places. Here are few places you may avoid.

• Unavatuna beach in Galle
• Sigiriya rock climbing
• Kandy
• Trinco beach

Instead there are many other places to go and enjoy in Sri Lanka. Try some of the below places.

• Wild life safari in Yala
• Beach holidays in Matara, Tangalle
• Nuwara Eliya and Horton Plains (if you want to enjoy cold weather)
• Trekking, camping and adventure tours (usually these tours have less demand)

Dolphins are also commonly can be seen in Mirissa. Kalpitiya is the other place to watch whales in Sri Lanka. Not like Mirissa, you do not have to go far to watch Whales in Kalpitiya.

Most of the travel agents in Sri Lanka and overseas can book whale-watching tours. Talk to your travel agent or contact the Sri Lanka Eco Tourism team.

This is about 2 hours boat ride along the beautiful Maadu River. The boat rides starts from either Balapitiya or Galle (southern Sri Lanka).

This is a relaxing trip with plenty of interesting stops. You will see dozens of islets forested with mangroves.

Keep in mind that this is not a luxury boat. You cruise in a canopied, outboard motor powered boat. But it is very safe.

What will you see?

- More than 40 varieties of birds and 14 aquatic varieties
- Rural lifestyle
- A 200-year-old temple
- Locals cultivating cinnamon.
- Variety of wild flowers and butterflies

This is a good tour to take when you are travelling from Colombo to Galle.

This is once in a lifetime kind of thing. The balloons will fly over the national parks, hill country and in some of the most scenic places in Sri Lanka. You can book your tour with Adventure Asia.

I highly recommend hot air balloon tours if you want to see the true beauty of Sri Lanka.

The food is bit hot and spicy (typical Sri Lankan style) and absolutely tasty. The restaurant is at 17 Melbourne Avenue, Colombo 4 (off Galle Road sea side). It is always better to make a prior booking as it often get crowded.

Visit their website http://www.siamhouse.lk/ for more details of the restaurant and contact details.

Most of the travellers don’t know that Sri Lanka has much more things to offer than above countries. Here are few things that you can see or experience only in Sri Lanka.

• Any type of climate (10C – 35C) within 3 – 4 hours of drive
• The oldest tree in the world
• Receive 5-start luxuries for the cost of 3-star
• Massive man made tanks
• The first civilization of the world (Sinhala civilization)
• The best surfing beach in the world (Arugam bay)

Apart from the above Sri Lanka has been recognized as one of the few countries to offer best beaches, best wildlife experience, best natural rain forests, scenic mountains and waterfalls.

Now you know why you must go to Sri Lanka for your next holiday.

Swimming pool and the scenic view of the Bolgoda Lake.

If you want to relax and rejuvenate then you must visit “Spring of Life” ayurvedic resort in Sri Lanka. Located in just 25kms from Colombo city centre, this resort has luxury accommodation in a very quite environment.

The resort is bordering the scenic Bolgoda Lake. It has a large swimming pool and various traditional ayurvedic treatment rooms for guests. This is not a place for a traditional holiday. This is a place for pure relaxation while receiving ayurvedic treatments to heal your mind and body.

If you are suffering from critical illnesses then this ayurveda resort in Sri Lanka has special panel of doctors to treat you. Many patients from all over the world are visiting this place for treatments.

Make sure to visit this place on your next holiday in Sri Lanka. Make sure to contact them and book your holiday in advance. Visit our ayurvedic resort in Sri Lanka page for more details and how to make your bookings. Visit ayurveda treatment page for details on various treatments available at Spring of Life ayurvedic resort in Sri Lanka.

Luxury rooms at the Ayurvedic Resort