Thread: Sri Lanka

Manner Population

19,000 Distance from Colombo

312km Climate

The arid district of Manner, dotted with umbrella of thorn and baobab trees, lies in the northwest of the country. Manner Island is SriLanka’s largest, covering 130 sq kms and has one of the oldest ports in the country. The island is connected to the main land by a 3 km long causeway. Manner has a well preserved fort originally built by the Portuguese in 1560 and later improved by the Dutch.
An important religious center “Tirukketishvaram Hindu Temple“ lies on the coast of the mainland, north of the causeway to Manner Island. Sight seeing includes – for the naturalists the baobab trees, introduced from Africa centuries ago by Arab traders are especially impressive. The Madhu Sanctuary, which is situated 40 km west of the town of Vavniya to the north of the main road to Manner, plays a major role for wild life lovers / naturalists.

Kovil

Matara Population

761,236 Distance from Colombo

160km Climate

160 km from Colombo and is the end of southern railway line.There is long stretch of beach for holiday makers.
Matara also has two excellent Dutch forts, the larger one contains much of old Matara including the excellent rest house which is said to be built on the site where captured elephants were corralled. The other fort, the small 1763 Star Fort, is now used as a library and has an attractive and unusual gateway.

Stilt Fishing

Negombo Population

2,066,096 Distance from Colombo

37 km Climate

A characteristic fishing town 6 km from the International Airport, Negambo has a fascinating and picturesque beachfront. The town has several buildings dating back to the Dutch and Portuguese Colonial days. The lagoon is famous for its harvest of lobsters , crabs and prawns and fish auctions on the beach that are worth a look.

Beach in Negambo

Nuwara Eliya Population

103,000 Distance from Colombo

180 km Climate

Set in the heart of 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,a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated 1,890 meters above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo.
Close to Nuwara Eliya is 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 1,050 meters. 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.

Hill Country

Polonnaruwa Population

106,000 Distance from Colombo

216 km Climate

The island’s medieval capital rose to fame after Anuradhapura’s decline. The largest of its many reservoirs, the Parakrama Samudra, is larger than the Colombo harbour.
Attractions: Remains of the King’s council chamber, the Royal Citadel, the Kumara Pokuna, the Royal Pavilion, the Vatadage Relic House (which is lavished with moonstones, guard stones, and a sculptured railing), Kiri Vehera, and Gal Vihare.

Gal Vihare

Ratnapura Population

109,000 Distance from Colombo

101 km Climate

Sri Lanka’s City of Gems’ and the centre of its gemming industry. Gems include sapphire, ruby, cat’s eye, alexandrite, topaz, amethyst, aquamarine, tourmaline, garnet and zircon. Visits to gem mines can be arranged through travel agents. Gem collections can be seen at the National Museum, Ratnapura, and a number of private museums.

Gem Mine

Sigiriya Population

442,427 Distance from Colombo

169 km Climate

This rock fortress 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 old 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 its former glory.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Trincomalee Population

99,000 Distance from Colombo

206 km Climate

The best known town on the east coast of Sri Lanka is Trincomalee. Sunny weather throughout the year; mile after mile of broad, white, sandy beaches, sheltered bays and a warm and calm sea are the features that draw sun and sea-lovers to Sri Lanka’s eastern seaboard’s main city. From time immemorial, Trincomalee’s main attraction, however, is a large, safe and one of the best natural harbours of the world.

Beach in Trincomalee