A large number of curious tourists visit this intriguing town of Ambalangoda to experience unique art forms which were very much part of the Sri Lankan cultural fabric decades before the invention of modern entertainment apparatus.

The town is made famous for devil dancing employing masks; mask making, puppet shows showcasing important aspects of the local culture. Ambalangoda is rather underdeveloped by Sri Lankan standards but in order to get a taste of what Ambalangoda has to offer one should allocate a good part of the day, ideally with a Tuk Tuk which can scavenge its way through rough terrain effortlessly. A Tuk Tuk is a low cost but happy go lucky, smile emanating mode of three wheeler transportation very popular in Sri Lanka.

Once in Ambalangoda you can see are a few mask museums by the road where you can purchase masks which could be a handy take home gifts or a likeable keepsake. Also, one can see the tedious process of mask making where the skill is handed down from generation to generation. Wesuggest you visit Ariyapala Mask Museum which is the preferred place to get a firsthand knowledge about various types of masks available and their significance to the Sri Lankan culture. Another famous trait of Ambalangoda is devil dancing where Masks are employed extensively to depict various demonic characters. If you are lucky,as you tread along the winding by roads you can watch one of these performances, live. Legend has it that exorcism is closely knit with devil dancing and Ambalangoda is very much ingenious for this.It may be possible to watch a performance of folk theatre (Kolanm) by local artists.

Ambalangoda is also made famous for Puppets. In Sinhalese it is coined as“Rukada” to signify a ‘puppet’. The carving of puppets is an ingenious skill confinedto distinct set craftsmen. Puppetry is used for the purpose to portraying variety of folk-drama locally known as “Nadagama”. It is believed that the word “Nadagama originated from South India and have been adopted in Sinhalese to mean the same. A kind of theatrical which has influenced the traditional puppet plays in its form, style and presentation.

Those who are on the lookout for ancient traditions, art s and crafts, lifestyles of Sri Lanka which is slowly but surely going out of vogue should also consider visiting Ambalagoda and include it a must see place in their tour itinerary.

Buddism is the dominant religion among Sri Lankans. Its devotees, the Buddhist believe that Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka thrice and on his on his third visit to Sri Lanka he set foot on Tissamaharama. There are many dagabos in Tissa and is considered one of the 16 places in Sri Lanka that are considered sacred to Buddhist.

Tissamaharama, is a gateway to many places of interest to the tourist who is pressed for time. Its strategic location ideal to visit places of religious and cultural importance such as the Kataragama Devalaya which is considered one of the most sacred entities in Sri Lanka visited by people from many faiths and beliefs. Also, it is a 30 minute drive to Yala National Park, again a favorite among visitors to Sri Lanka.

One of the must see hot spots in Tissamaharama is the Tissa Wewa meaning Tissa Tank. It is entirely made by man during the period of the 3^rd century B.C by King Yatala Tissa, the founder of the Ruhunu Kingdom to conserve and preserve limited Water resource. It is located a short distance from the town and many tourists and devotees on their way to Kataragamamakes it a point to have a quick dip in the natural pool to cool off from a strenuous journey.

The paddy fields that envelop Tissa are irrigated and kept fertile by the water resource from the Tissa Tank. The greenery of the paddy fields and a hint of serenity to ones soul you feel you are blessed with the abundance of nature.

One of the many attractions many tourists experience is a boat ride around the lake.It is a ride to behold as the gushing winds engulf you to an out of this world experience and is an ideal tonic  to relax after a grueling day of traveling.  Also, a walk along the tank bund will mesmerize you with the tranquility it offers simply by being there away from the hustle and bustle of the metropolis. As an added windfall, you can also indulge in a bit of tropical bird watching along the tank bund where you might see a proud and majestic Peacock or weary water buffaloes amble past you.

Also,a local favorite you can relish is freshly barbequed fresh water fish caught from the Tissa tank served sizzling hot dashed with a pinch of lime available from the many vendors selling it along the tank bund.

There area few organic farms in Tissamaharama where you can pluck your own vegetables  grown free of pesticides and chemicals.Tissa is home to many secluded spots which offers the perfect script for lovers of nature and dish out loads of film for bird watching whilst wrapped in between magnificent leafy backdrops.

There are many Dagobas in Tissa but the oldest is Yatala Wehera which was build approximately 2,300 years ago by King Yatila Tissa and today restored to its former glory.Visitors to the Dagabo can see significant archeological findings which lay around the Dagabo, namely an ancient toilet system used at the adjoining monastery. Also another find is one of the  oldest elephant wells. There is a newly built museum adorned important archeological findings.

A mere 30 minute drive from Tissa will get you to The Yala National Park which  is situated on 97,880 hectares of land and is the best loved National Park in the country. Yala is unique because it hosts a variety of eco systems and habitats.The park is known to contain a wide spectrum of birds and animals and for having the highest leopard population anywhere in the world.

Also if you fancy a little bit of Hollywood glamour, Sri Lankan style you can visit the MahindaRajapasksha Tele village which is just 7 kilo meters from Tissamaharama on the way to Kataragama

Located approximately 15 kilometers west of Tissamaharama is the Bundala National Park which a sought after destination for bird watching. The park renowned for migratory and resident birds and for its unique wetland habitat.

Sri Lanka is one of the few places in the world that provides an array of choices for a traveller such as magnificent landscapes, stunning waterfalls, pristine beaches, adventurist wild life etc. Visiting this magical island became an every traveller’s wish since the end of thirty years long ethnic crisis. To cater this need, Sri Lankan Government has simplified the Visa process by introducing a method to obtain Visa online. With effect from 1st January 2012, all Holiday or Business travelers to Sri Lanka must have Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) for entering in to Sri Lanka. This article will describe the entire process of obtaining Visiting Visa to Sri Lanka.

An intended traveller visiting Sri Lanka for a short stay for any of the following purposes, must obtain ETA prior to arrival. The issuing authority of the ETA is the Department of Immigration & Emigration, Colombo, Sri Lanka.

An intended traveller planning a holiday visit, a short business trip or to transit through, needs to apply and obtain an ETA prior to arrival in Sri Lanka.

The types of ETA:

• ETA for Tourist purpose with double entry for 30 (thirty) days
• ETA for Business purpose with multiple entry for 30 (thirty) days
• ETA for Transit for 07 (seven) days. (First 48 hours free of charge.)

Steps to be followed:

• Submit the application.
• Receive the acknowledgement.
• Receive ETA approval or a referral notice. If a referral notice is served, you may contact Department of Immigration and Emigration for the necessary ETA.

How to submit an ETA application.

ETA application can be submitted using one of the following options:

• By the applicant
• By Third party
• By Registered agents
• At Sri Lanka Overseas Missions
• At the head office of the Department of Immigration and Emigration (DI&E), Colombo
• On arrival at the port of entry in Sri Lanka

It is advisable to keep a copy of the ETA approval with you to be produced at the port of entry in Sri Lanka. All ETA holders should fulfill the following requirements at the port of entry.

• A passport valid for not less than 6 months from the date of arrival.
• A confirmed return ticket.
• Sufficient funds to meet the expenses during the stay.

ETA Processing Fee(US$) – SAARC Countries.

ETA Processing Fee(US$) – All other (Non SAARC) Countries.

Children under 12 years of age is exempt from ETA Processing Fee.

ETA processing fee and Short Visit Visa fee charged by the Sri Lanka Overseas Missions.

The following nationals & categories are exempt from ETA

 Nationals of the following countries who visit Sri Lanka for a Short Visit up to 30 days are exempt from ETA,

• The Republic of Singapore.
• The Republic of Maldives.
• Crew members of flight / ship

How To Extend Short Visit Visa.

A visitor wishing to stay more than 30 days in Sri Lanka, may apply for an extension. The Short Visit visa may be extended up to 90 days from the date of arrival at the first instance and further 90 days at the second instance.

Application for an extension should be submitted to the Visa Section of the Department of Immigration (head office) by visiting the Department or through an Authorized Agent.

Listed below are contact details of the regulatory bodies.
Department of Immigration and Emigration
41, Ananda Rajakaruna Mawatha, Colombo 10, Sri Lanka

Hotline : 0094 71 9967888
Fax : 0094 11 2674621
E-Mail : controller@immigration.gov.lk
Web Site: www.immigration.gov.lk

Controller General of Immigration and Emigration Commissioner for Registration of Persons of Indian Origin
Mr. W. A. C. Perera
Telephone : 0094 11 5329400
Fax : 0094 11 2674621
Email : controller@immigration.gov.lk

Controller (visa)
Mr. R M S Sarath Kumara
fax: 0094 11 2674631
email: eta@immigration.gov.lk

The objective of this article is to share the new Sri lankan online visa process with our readers. The published data information is up to date only on the published date of the article. For most current information of the process and if you need to buy online visa please visit Sri Lanka immigration department’s electronic travel authorization system web site from here.

Sri Lanka offers world class luxury resorts, empty beaches, epic surfing, elephant orphanages, tea plantations and stunning ruins: little wonder travellers since Marco Polo have waxed lyrically about its kaleidoscopic attractions.

Colombo Airport is efficient and easy, the road to Galle modern and safe, the countryside clean and green.

Our first impressions of Sri Lanka? Warm, smiley and welcoming. Our final impressions? Safe, stimulating and impossible to forget.

Daniel takes us in the busy street of Sri Lanka and to colorful fruit and vegetable markets. Traveling in a tuk-tuk is something that every tourist would enjoy in Sri Lanka and Daniel and his girl is not an exception. It is also the same with tasting a king coconut from a road side vendor.

This is the first video of our Tourist’s video of Sri Lanka thread. We will be publishing similar videos which show how tourist to Sri Lanka enjoyed their time in Sri Lanka. Not a single visitor to Sri lanka goes back with out the sweet memories in Sri Lanka and we have plenty to offer. You will find more information on Tourist’s video posts here in our Tourist’s video of Sri Lanka article.

But many countries are using social media very effectively to promote their tourist attractions. Specially tourism ministries in Asian countries like Vietnam and Thiland which have similar geographical and cultural heritage have been very successful in promoting their country for tourism using social media.

Unfortunately, I am yet to see any good image taken by Sri lanka tourism and posting them in web sites which are used by tourist to find their vacation destinations.

I appreciate the service of Sri Lankan amateur and pro photographers who are sharing Sri Lanka’s beauty in photo sharing sites. Also the tourist who visit Sri Lanka captures the best of Sri Lanka and post them in social media sites, blogs, vlogs, video sharing sites. Frankly I have seen the best tourist promotional videos from these independent tourists cameras.

This rant was to introduce you our new video post thread. From today we will be sharing those beautiful videos taken by public or tourists to Sri Lanka. These videos shows the natural beauty of mother lanka, may it be geography, people, culture, life style, etc. You can watch them in the Beuty of Sri Lanka sub category in under video. Also you can read our articles on travel and tourism in Sri Lanka under the Travel category. Hope you will share these videos in your social spheres. Hopefully we will be able to support the tourism in Sri Lanka.

The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) welcomed Sri Lanka as a new destination member.

The International Council of Tourism Partners (ICTP) welcomed Sri Lanka as a new destination member. Sri Lanka was represented by the Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation (SLEF), the pioneering “Ecotourism Society” in Sri Lanka, since it was established in 1998. Its vision is to make Sri Lanka one of the most sought-after ecotourism destinations in the world and to build a professional ecotourism network, which serves as a model for ecotourism in the Asia and Pacific regions.

Juergen Thomas Steinmetz, Chairman of the International Council of Tourism Partners said: “We are so pleased that Sri Lanka has joined ICTP. The long-term goals of Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation are right in line with ICTP’s commitment to green growth”.

It is the mission of SELF to use ecotourism in Sri Lanka as a tool to conserve the environment, assure maximum economic benefits to the host community, preserve age-old cultural heritage, provide in-depth information about Sri Lanka, and to satisfy the needs of both national and international Eco tourists visiting genuine ecosites in the island.

The President of the Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation, Palitha Gurusinghe, said: “The focus of Sri Lanka Ecotourism Foundation is the social and economic development of rural communities in Sri Lanka, through Community-Based Ecotourism Enterprises. From its inception, SLEF has worked hard to introduce and implement poverty alleviation programs through ecotourism. To realize this objective, SLEF provides support services and motivates local communities to participate in Community-Based Ecotourism and environmental conservation projects. We are confident that our membership with ICTP will only benefit our work.”

Mr. Palitha Gurusinghe was appointed to the Advisory Board of The International Ecotourism Society (TIES), the world’s oldest and largest international ecotourism association, based in Washington D.C. in year 2010. Palitha is an ardent promoter in Ecotourism in Asia-Pacific Region and is the Secretary General of the Asia-Pacific Regional Ecotourism Council (APREC)   . He is an academic and International Presenter in Ecotourism, who has contributed in various international, regional and national ecotourism conferences regularly. He is the author of many research papers in Ecotourism and Editor of journals, newsletters of eco and sustainable tourism.

There have been an increasing number of tourists opting to tie the knot in the magical scenery of Sri Lanka and the wedding ceremony of Russian nationals held at the Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa at the immaculate Passekudah beach proved the fact that Sri Lanka is truly a magical place to celebrate your wedding. The Russian couple, Mr. Vladimir Luchakovskiy and Ms. Olga Gorbacheva arrived in Sri Lanka with their family to celebrate their special day in what they called, ‘paradise’.

The wedding was a beautifully romantic affair with a mix of Sinhalese, Russian and Hindu cultures. They had a traditional Sinhala Poruwa ceremony with Kandyan Dancers and drummers, as in accordance to the Sinhalese custom. This event was followed by their Russian customs. The Bride was the picture of elegance in a bright Saari and Hindu jewellery and the groom was in a Vettie and a turban as well to emphasis the Hindu culture to mark an unforgettable day for both, the married couple as well as the Passekudah locals. This wedding was a perfect indication that Sri Lanka has all the elements of charm and character to fit into the bill as an exotic dream wedding destination for tourists to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean.

Nuga Gama is a brain child of Cinnamon grand hotels quality control manager Tharika Gunathilaka. Its unique and historical setting in the heart of the city makes it a popular tourism attraction for both foreigners and locals alike and as a tourism hotspot that is committed to culture, Nuga Gama is all the more aware of its responsibilities towards preserving our rural roots.

The lunch buffet comprise of over 20 dishes with everything from healthy greens, tasty meats, spicy seafoods and other indigenous; You can enjoy your meal under 200 year old Banyan tree which is centric to Nuga Gama’s historic setting.

To reach for this scenic island you have to travel 46km from Jaffna to the Karaikattuvan jetty in Punkudutiv Island where the ferry will take you to the island. There are 2 boats which offer service to Delft, one was a free service by RDA and the other one a paid service which cost 50 rupees to go to delft. When look beyond from the jetty towards the horizon you could see the Delft Island and the communication tower belong to the Sri Lanka Navy. Then the boat journey begins in turquoise blue sea, “the meeting place of seven seas” is few kilometers away from the jetty where there has to be whirlpool according to locals. And if you are lucky enough you could spot a whale or two playing in the sea around. With an hour’s journey you will reach to the huge coral rocks fringe shore of Delft, dry wild winds will ease the discomfort of hot sunlight to a certain extent. You will be escorted to the inland by either in a CTB bus, three wheeler, lorry or in a land master.

The visitors of Delft will be mesmerized by the scene of dashing wild ponies as they are not endemic to our country. The wild ponies are a legacy left behind by the Portuguese rulers where the Dutch and the British used them for transport. Delft also was used for breeding horses by the Dutch and the British continued the practice. The giant baobab tree is another attraction, as the trunk has a hollow large enough to walk into. Two men can stand abreast in the entrance. Baobab (Adansonia) is native to Madagascar, Australia and Africa. It was brought here by the Portuguese for medicinal purposes for the ponies.

I have no doubt that you are unaware about the birds and butterfly species of the Delft Island. A bird lover could easily spot over 60 species of Birds and multitude of butterfly species in the sparse water holes in the island. The Department of Wildlife Conservation has identified part of the Delft to be declared as a National Park under the Flora and Fauna Protection Ordinance.

One has to walk through the small Government Hospitals corridor to have a look at the ruins of the Dutch Fort, this was also used as a prison which has small rooms and 2.5 inches thick walls and believed to be made of dead coral rock. Another site of interest is the ruins of a castle built by the Portuguese. Also a pigeon house with a stone cote for carrier pigeons, the only means of communication in Portuguese times. The Dovecote, about eight feet in height is made of coral stone

Ever heard of well constructed by a devil? If not you got to see the “Devil’s Well” which was the fresh water source for entire island, which believed to be dug by a devil and is so deep which doesn’t have an end and there is water available even in the dry season. Walk few miles in to the island through the green paddy fields and small water tanks to get to the giant foot print engraved in to a stone. The Christians believe that it’s the foot print of Adam. Just few meters from the foot print is the Dutch stable.

Make sure to have a look at the “growing stone” of which measurements taken periodically show a change over the years. The islanders revere it and now have made it a shrine. Unknown by many there are ruins belonging to Dagabas (Pagodas) have been found in Delft Island as well.

You definitely must be exhausted now, traveling all over the island under hot sunlight it’s never easy to a traveler used to mild weather condition. How about having a sea bath to soothe your body? Delft has one of the most beautiful and clean beaches in Sri Lanka. One could not resist staying hours in the sandy beach and the blue waters. You will find very difficult to get your kids away from this picturesque beach as they find thousands of multi colored sea shells abundant in the beach to be collected.

Let me give some important tips to be remembered when planning your trip to Delft

• Arrange accommodation before you go to Delft
• Make sure to take some mosquito coils
• Take your National Identity Card
• Be vigilant about boat time tables.
• No Phone signals inside the Island

Please also watch the following documentary on Delft Island. More Images are given below.

In this fast and furious age of high-speed trains whisking along electric rails, rambling along in an old train, on rail tracks originally laid out by the British in the mid nineteenth Century, enjoying the abundance of what mother nature has on offer, is indeed an unforgettable experience for any visitor to the country.

The rapid change of scenery and the weather from Colombo to Kandy and then further onwards to Nuwara Eliya and beyond is truly amazing.

Up until Kandy, the line runs through rice fields, flat jungle and small towns dotted along the way. With Kandy’s elevation at 1,600 ft. above sea level, the atmosphere becomes cooler, while the train screeches through numerous rock tunnels, passing rivers, stone cliffs, unusual rock formations and rich vegetation.

Closing in on Nuwara Eliya you could witness nature at its purest, with misty hills, forests, tall pine trees and the tea estates looking like a never ending green carpet on either site. You could see women plucking tea leaves, with cascading waterfalls in the background – very much like a picture postcard.

Slowly, the train winds its way forward, climbing steadily to Hatton, then Nanu Oya and reaches Nuwara Eliya. Commonly called “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya was the playground of the British, who ruled Sri Lanka for nearly 150 years, and even today most buildings retain an images of old-world Colonial inheritance. Situated at an altitude of 6,128 feet, the town overlooks Pidurutalagala – the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka – and close by is Adam’s Peak, a historic Buddhist pilgrim site and one of the most famous mountains to climb in the country.

Passing Nuwara Eliya, the line winds steadily upwards to Horton’s Plains, reaching the highest point of the journey at 7,500 ft above sea level. From then onwards, the train starts to descend slowly, unfolding a magical landscape of lush greenery, passing Haputale, then Ella and finally Badulla, where the track ends.

The entire journey from Colombo to Badulla takes around 11 hours – certainly well worth every minute of it.

Train Schedule
There are daily trains leaving to Badulla from the Fort Railway Station. It is recommended that your book your tickets a few days before the journey. Only 1st and 2nd class carriages are open for bookings.

Visit the Sri Lanka Railways website at http://www.railway.gov.lk/ for details.

Tips For Train Travelers
1. Keep the exact amount due on your ticket to be handed over at the booking office counter at the Fort Railway Station.
2. Be at the station at least 15 minutes before the arrival of your train.
3. Do not enter a railway carriage or platform without a ticket and always examine the tickets handed over to you and check if the balance is correct before leaving the ticket counter.
4. Do not attempt to board a train when it is in motion. Wait till it stops completely.
5. Be vigilant about your valuables and luggage and do not accept parcels given by strangers for safe-keeping.

ps, passing rivers, stone cliffs, unusual rock formations and rich vegetation.