ayubowan sri lanka

"AYUBOWAN “ : 

"AYUBOWAN “

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"AYUBOWAN"  Sri Lanka "AYUBOWAN" It's an expression you will hear several times daily as you travel around Sri Lanka. That will ring in your ears at night and bring a smile to your face for weeks after you leave. Ayubowan! It means "Welcome"! And you will be. Welcome to the pearl of the Indian Ocean, a nation with the reputation as the friendliest in the world. Welcome to a little miracle that combines the charms of tropical beaches with fascinating historical heritage, rich culture variety, and some interesting wildlife in the national parks. When the noted writer Sir Arthur C Clarke made his home in Sri Lanka in 1956, he claimed the island jewel of the Indian Ocean was the best place in the world from which to view the universe. The author of 2001: A Space Odyssey. Zoom closer to spy the giant tanks (artificial reservoirs) built by the first Sinhalese rulers around the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Pollonaruwa. In the Hill Country, a layer of cotton wool clouds obscures the view, mirroring the misty mornings travelers often experience in this area of waterfalls and verdant tea plantations. “Miracle In Indian Ocean “

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"AYUBOWAN"  Sri Lanka Cont.. Seductive beaches and tempting water sports, magnificent landscapes featuring lazy lagoons, fertile wetlands, ecologically-wondrous types of forest, imposing mountains, bounteous rivers and waterfalls, an abundance of wildlife - much of it endemic - unique ecosystems, inspiring heritage sites from ancient cities to colonial forts, a vibrant culture including fine arts and crafts and grand festivals, and a people of diverse ethnicity and religious persuasion, charming and hospitable. Contemporary tourist attractions such as luxurious Ayurveda spas and broad-based shopping opportunities have evolved, and Sri Lanka has become one of the world’s most popular destinations to get married and enjoy a honeymoon. Toes curling into fine sand. The aquamarine blue waves of the Indian Ocean gently unfolding on the golden shore. A fresh coconut sipped in the shade of wind-whispering palms. A (not-too-long) bask in the early morning or late afternoon sun. A cool-off in the vast expanse of sun-glittering sea. Some of the delights of a Sri Lankan beach. Where beaches are concerned you will be spoilt for choice in Sri Lanka. Beaches totaling 1,340km fringe the island, from the long-established tourist destinations of the southern coast, to the vast beaches of the deep south, and the less-visited expanses of the north and east. No matter what time of the year, you can find a beach that is in season and just waiting to welcome you to its warm sands. “Miracle In Indian Ocean “

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Miracle In Indian Ocean

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Anuradhupura (206km north-east of Colombo)Of all the magnificent early cities and capitals that Lanka boasted, Anuradhapura was the finest and most renowned. At a time when European culture was still in its infancy, here was a classical city in which flourished the arts, the humanities, hydraulic technology and, of course, Buddhism. This was no ephemeral civilization either, for it endured some 1,400 years.The first-time visitor driving into modern Anuradhapura with its spacious roads and concrete buildings would be forgiven for thinking that this could not be the site of an ancient city, in fact one of the greatest ever. Yet a short distance from all this modernity is the impressive ruins of that classical city. Iisn’t easy to imagine from these ruins what the city was like millennia ago, but they do reveal artistic and architectural details of exquisite beauty. The greatest structures, the dagobas, are thankfully mostly intact or restored, so that visitors can more easily appreciate the fact that the Jetavana was the world’s second mightiest mass of masonry after the pyramids at Giza. Excavations at Anuradhapura have revealed that human settlement began here about 500BC. According to the Mahawamsa, the island’s ancient chronicle, there were three notables named Anuradha who developed the city. However, it was the first, a minister of King Vijaya, so-called father of the Sinhalese race, who established the town. It is not surprising, therefore, that the settlement became known as Anuradhapura,

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In 1803, Robert Percival claimed of Colombo: “There is no part of the world where so many different languages are spoken, or which contains such a mixture of nations, manners, and religions.” In 1914, Bella Woolf declared: “It is the meeting place of the world. It palpitates with life and with the romance of those who wander the earth.”What is the key to appreciating Colombo when so many people complain of the hustle and bustle? Well, for those who like the capital and revel in the mix of influences, food, activities and religions, there is a certain satisfaction in believing yourself one of the few who can see through the surface to the core. If only people would venture out of this tourist cocoon they might just discover a little something to love about Colombo! So, for the uninitiated, it’s time to introduce you to Colombo and her districts that sprawl down the Galle Road until they peter out into the suburbs. Starting at the northern tip and working down, we begin in the Fort. Previously it was the centre of Dutch and Portuguese domination and you can still view examples of colonial architecture. However, these days it is the banking and commercial centre of Colombo, with many areas subject to strict security measures. Sri Lanka’s own twin towers stand in this area flanked by the five-star Hilton, Ceylon Continental and Galadari hotels. Colombo

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Dambulla (148km north-east of Colombo)A century ago, Dambulla was a mere collection of wattle-and-daub huts and ‘native shops’ that extended for no more than 200m. True, it was the location of a spacious and comfortable rest-house, but that was about all the place had to offer the 19th century tourist, except, of course, the experience of a visit to the famous cave temple on the massive rock that provided the backdrop to the village. In addition, the rest-house was sometimes used as a night stopover before an excursion to the nearby rock of Sigiriya early the next day. Today, many things have changed. Dambulla is now an extensive and modern market town, a commercial hub of Sri Lanka’s North Central Province. The streets are full of shops displaying bicycles by the dozen, a bewildering array of agricultural implements, household utensils, and much, much more. Dambulla is also the location of the country’s newest international cricket stadium, which means that overseas fans of the sport periodically descend on the area.As importantly, however, some things haven’t changed. While the surrounding area - in particular Kandalama - has seen the emergence of several expansive new hotels, Dambulla still relies heavily on its small but evergreen rest-house. The richly painted cave temple – one of Sri Lanka’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites - still attracts a multitude of travellers and pilgrims alike.

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Sigiriya It is probably the most singular geological formation in Sri Lanka, and encompasses one of the more remarkable archaeological sites. It has a dramatic history that has all the elements of a classic drama, with a central character straight from Shakespeare’s pen. It is simply an awesome tourist experience that should not be missed. For maximum enjoyment, however, make your ascent of the rock at dawn.Sigiriya is located 22km north-east of Dambulla in the North Central Province. Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982, it towers more than 200m over the surrounding plains and has been visited by tourists for over 1,000 years – indeed it is considered one of the world’s oldest tourist sites. Though the rock has weathered, its former opulence and greatness as a magnificent palace can still be seen in the form of beautiful paintings, ancient graffiti and symmetrical gardens.

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Galle (116km south of Colombo)Of South Asia’s port cities, Sri Lanka’s Galle – pronounced “Gaul” - is remarkable due to its extensive maritime history, international trading links and threefold colonial domination, which led to a diverse and shifting ethnic composition. Unusually, one of the colonial powers – the Dutch - left a valuable legacy in the form of the best-preserved sea fort in South Asia, whose substantial ramparts and bastions largely protect it from the type of modernization and homogenization that has blighted most urban areas of the region. More unusual still is that during the past decade a small army of privileged Europeans has recognized the fort’s attributes and ambience (and appreciated the bargain price of property) by purchasing and renovating many of the neglected 300-year-old architecturally-important Dutch residences. While these self-described “fabulous nobodies” have contributed to the preservation of Galle’s heritage, the irony that the fort has once again become an enclave for acquisitive outsiders is pervasive. Galle’s location at the southwestern tip of Sri Lanka, with only the Antarctic more than 5,000 miles beyond, ensured the prominence of the port during the early history of navigation. Not surprisingly, it became the natural focal point at the southernmost part of the Silk Routes that connected Asia with the Mediterranean. Galle also provided a relatively equidistant location for Arab and Chinese ships to converge and trade, thus avoiding much longer voyages. It had a fine natural harbour protected to the southeast by an elevated headland and to the northwest by a flat peninsular, although there were submerged rocks and lack of protection from the southwest monsoon.

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Hambantota (237km south-east of Colombo) “It was . . . the eastern part of the district that won my heart and which I still see when I hear the word Hambantota: the sea perpetually thundering on the long shore, the empty lagoons, behind the lagoons the stretch of jungle, and behind the jungle far away in the north the purple line of the mountains.” – Leonard Woolf, Growing: An Autobiography of the Years 1904 -1911 (1961) In recent years the provincial capital of Hambantota has become far better known for the devastation it suffered in the 2004 tsunami than for the merits of the town itself. It doesn’t have the attractions of a Dutch fort, glamorous shopping, and boutique hotels - as do other towns along the south-west coast – but it is a one-of-a-kind tranquil town characterized by its dry landscape, Malay population, colonial architecture, and great expanses of salt.

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Hikkaduwa Many who visit Hikkaduwa are usually sun worshippers, sea worshippers or wave worshippers. The foreign influx began in the late sixties and before long the town began to bustle with fun-seeking visitors.. The Germans were the biggest influence for a long time, and although today many signboards and menus are still in German, the clientele is now much more international. In particular, the number of Australians is rising as the fame of Hikkaduwa as a surfer’s destination grows. For those interested in the sea, it is at its best for diving and snorkelling from November to April when the visibility is generally good. The Hikkaduwa Marine Sanctuary, established in 1988, ensures the underwater world is accessible to all whether they can dive or not. Snorkelling in the shallow waters only 200m off shore is possible, and you can come across a number of brightly-coloured fish as you float a few metres above. The less adventurous can always take a glass-bottomed boat ride, though this is environmentally questionable due to the pollution and negative effects on the already depleted corals.Should you want to see more of the Sri Lankan marine life than is in the sanctuary you will need to be a PADI qualified diver, or be willing to take your PADI course there and then. With a number of wrecks and reef gardens further out to sea, it is well worth discovering some of what underwater Sri Lanka has to offer.

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Jaffna (398km north-east of Colombo)Jaffna comprises many things. From its rich history to colourful cultural traditions, to unique landscape to delicious mangoes and other Jaffna specialities – there is too much to discuss. The images in my mind of Jaffna are its tall, straight palmyrah palm trees; women riding bicycles equally straight and tall; and the beaming unconditional smiles that readily come to people’s faces, especially if you smile first. Furthermore, you will find Jaffna people more than happy to share with you their vast knowledge of the region and its attractions. Jaffna’s original name was Yalpanam and its history dates back to at least the second century BC. Jaffna has faced many invasions from India to the Portuguese in the early 1600s and then the Dutch in the mid-1600s. However, it is unclear whom the first inhabitants were and when they arrived. Jaffna is worth more than a fleeting visit to fully appreciate all it has to offer. Roam the bazaars and the fish market, visit the religious places, admire the colonial architecture, buy handicrafts and souvenirs such as basketry made from the palmyrah palm - take time to relish all. Step away from the town and be charmed by the beauty of the landscape and villages, the abundance of bird life, and enjoy the evening light which seems so different in the north.

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Kalutara (42km south of Colombo)Kalutara is memorable to tourists passing through the town firstly for their driver’s obligatory stop at a temple where he deposits a coin into a till to pray for safe passage to their destination, and secondly for the bright purple heaps of locally-produced mangosteens during the season. But on closer inspection it has much to explore. The temple – the Gangatilaka Vihara – whose striking white dagoba dominates your sight as you cross the bridge travelling south – is Kalutara’s most dominant landmark. It also marks the point at which Sri Lanka’s fourth largest river – the expansive Kalu Ganga (“black river”) from which the town gets its name – divides the place into its northern (Mahawaskaduwa) and southern (Katukurunda) areas. The sandy catamaran-scattered beaches to the north of Kalutara are often deserted and largely undeveloped – ideal for quick dips and long sunset strolls.

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Kandy (93km North - East of Colombo)“Kandy is with many visitors first favourite among the beautiful places Ceylon can show.” This early 20th century guidebook assessment of the country’s hill capital still holds good, although modernity and overcrowding has somewhat tarnished its charm. Fortunately it still has enough attractions of the cultural kind, such as temples, museums and the world-renowned Esala Perahera, to make it a remarkable destination . . . Located in the foothills of the central highlands around the banks of a picturesque lake, steeped in history, and possessing a salubrious climate, Kandy is Sri Lanka’s renowned second city. In many ways, however, Kandy is more important than the true capital, for although Colombo may be the hub of commerce and communication, it is Kandy that has always been the centre of Sri Lanka’s rich culture and the symbol of the nation’s complex identity. Kandy is known to most Sri Lankans as Maha Nuwara, “The Great City.” And great it is. The sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha is housed here in its own temple, and is paraded around the city in one of Asia’s most celebrated festivals, the Kandy Perahera, held during July-August. The monasteries of Sri Lanka’s two leading Buddhist sects have long been established in the city. Traditions of Sinhalese music and dance, such as Kandyan dancing, are kept alive in Kandy, as are many arts and crafts. Little wonder, then, that Kandy was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988.

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Matara “From Tangalla to Matara the road reveals new and unexplained beauty. It skirts the seashore and for mile upon mile, bay succeeds bay, a curve of yellow sand, dazzling blue water and palm-crowned headlands. There is no run more exhilarating in the whole of Ceylon – the scent and sound of the sea, the freshness and the glowing colour make this a never-to-be-forgotten road” - Bella Woolf, How to See Ceylon (1914).At the end of the south coast railway line lies the town of Matara, the most important settlement on the south coast. The town contains many remnants of Sri Lanka’s colonial past and is divided by the island’s third longest river, the Nilwala Ganga – “Blue River” – a beautiful, wide expanse of water that splits the old town from the new. Matara important under the Dutch due to its strategic position for trade in spices, gems, and elephants, and so the colonists built two forts called the city Mature, while many other names - among them Mahatara, meaning “Great Harbour”, and Maturai, meaning “Great Fortress”, both used by the Portuguese - have been given to the city over the years. To the south is the quieter old colonial district alongside the coast consisting largely of the ancient Matara Fort - full of crumbling colonial splendour - as well as the modern bus station and St Mary’s Church, home to the famous statue of Our Lady of Matara.

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Kurunegala There are many interior Sri Lankan towns that have mysterious mountains and towering rocks as backdrops, and Kurunegala is one of them. Thanks to its picturesque setting with eight peaks, most especially the famed Elephant Rock, Kurunegala has much that makes it remarkable. Once an ancient capital, it also has a history worth becoming acquainted with. Kurunegala was a royal capital for only 50 years, from the end of the 13th century to the start of the next, though even before this it was strategically placed in the middle of other majestic strongholds such as Yapahuwa to the north, Dambadeniya to the south and Panduwasnuwara in the east. King Bhuvanekabahu II, who reigned from 1293 to 1302, and his successor Parakramabahu IV, who reigned until 1326, were but two monarchs who took Kurunegala as their capital. The famous tooth relic was housed here after it was returned by the Pandyan kings of southern India, who had captured it during a previous incursion, before it was moved for safety to Polonnaruwa. There is little left to see of where the ancient relic was housed except for a doorway and some stone steps.

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Negombo The Sinhalese refer to Negombo as Meegamuwa – “The village of honey” (or bees) – due to a story about a swarm of bees that had settled in a boat pulled ashore here. However, it was not honey or bees that made this town well-known but cinnamon. This valuable spice is native to the island, as its botanical name, Cinnamomum zeylanicum, suggests. Discovered by the Moors (a term first used during the Portuguese period to refer to Muslims) who settled on the west coast, cinnamon soon became the source of conflict between nations vying for a stake in its lucrative trade.The Portuguese ousted the Moors from Negombo towards the end of the 16th century and took over the cinnamon trade, even building a fort to protect their interests. Although the Portuguese just cut the cinnamon growing wild in this region, it was the Dutch, who on capturing Negombo in the 1640s, encouraged planting in commercial groves to maximize production. Under their rigid control of the western coastal areas, Negombo became a busy commercial port. And, since the soils of Negombo are so fine and sandy, the cinnamon produced in the area was considered the sweetest and therefore most prized. Today, however, Negombo is renowned for its fishing. Many of the fishermen belong to the karava caste that traditionally used non-mechanised craft such as outrigger canoes (oruwa) and wooden craft (teppam). The karava – who mainly comprise converted Roman Catholic fisher-families – are allegedly descendents of a North Indian warrior of the same name who first arrived in Sri Lanka over a millennium ago.

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Nuwara Eliya An early 20th century English writer commented on Nuwara Eliya: “When he looks out of his window in the early morning and sees the whole world glistening under hoar-frost and the garden brimming with geraniums, pansies, sweet peas and every English flower, he wonders if he is really in the tropics at all.” There’s no need to wonder. It is the tropics and it’s for real. Sri Lanka is well-known for hot sunny days and beautiful stretches of palm-fringed beaches. So how can there exist a place that has grey, cold, drizzly days and chilly nights with a mean temperature of 57F? Where there is a need for wood fires and extra blankets at bedtime to stave off the cold? Where there is a golf course, English-style pubs, trout fishing - and not even a palm tree in sight?But Sri Lanka is, as the early 20th-century writer Bella Woolf says, “an amazing little island” because of its surprising contrasts. So it is that within reasonably easy reach of the capital you will find a temperate climate, and the environment that goes with it. Situated at 1,896m, Nuwara Eliya, cushioned by Lake Gregory and surrounded by wooded mountains, is Sri Lanka’s most elevated town. It lies at the foot of Pidurutalagala, the island’s highest mountain, among a variety of trees and shrubs suited only to this wild and rugged terrain.

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Polonnaruwa Polonnaruwa was Sri Lanka’s medieval capital between the 11th and 13th centuries. Enclosed within three concentric walls, the city contained royal palaces, bathing ponds, monasteries and sacred architecture such as dagobas and image houses. Its grandeur was largely the creation of three kings, Vijayabahu, Parakramabahu and Nissanka Malla, although the last-mentioned emptied the coffers in doing so. There is a Sinhalese folktale about the two most venomous snakes in Sri Lanka, the cobra (naya) and the Russell’s viper (tic-polonga). The two snakes meet at a time of drought, and the tic-polonga asks the naya where he can quench his thirst. As it happens, the naya had recently come across some water in which a child was playing. While the naya had taken a drink the child had accidentally hit the snake, but the creature, being even-tempered, had refrained from biting. Knowing that the tic-polonga was of a touchy disposition, the naya tells its fellow reptile that it does indeed know of a place to drink, but will only reveal the location if the tic-polonga promises not to bite the child. The tic-polonga agrees but bites the child anyway, so the naya kills the recalcitrant snake in combat. Thus have they always been enemies.

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Ratnapura Although gems are found in many places in Sri Lanka, the best locations are in the river valleys at the foot of Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), near the town of Ratnapura. No surprise, then, that Ratnapura became the country’s gem centre. As mechanized gem-mining is banned in Sri Lanka, the extraction of gemstones is an unsophisticated and small-scale affair, which has the advantage that the traditional methods employed are observable. Ratnapura is the capital of the province of Sabaragamuwa and the capital of the gem-mining industry in Sri Lanka. In fact the name means “City of Gems.” A pleasant but bustling place, very humid and rainy most of the year, it does however exhibit an extraordinary verdancy and afford grand views of the surrounding countryside, in particular the famous and revered mountain, Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada).Bella Woolf writes in her influential early 20th century guidebook, How to See Ceylon (1914): “Ratnapura is one of the most beautifully situated towns in Ceylon, except for its climate, which is aptly compared to a Turkish bath. Still it is this hot moist temperature which makes all leaf and blossom more luxuriant in Ratnapura than anywhere else. Alone the scarlet shoe-flowers seem double as large and glow brighter here than anywhere else.”

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Visit Sri Lanka 2011 “Miracle In Indian Ocean “