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SRI LANKA: A JOURNEY THROUGH TIME


THE ANCIENT CIVILIZATIONS OF SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka's history dates back to prehistoric times, with evidence of human
settlements as early as 125,000 years ago. The island's strategic location in
the Indian Ocean has made it a significant crossroads for trade, culture, and
religion.


EARLY INHABITANTS AND SETTLEMENTS

The first known inhabitants of Sri Lanka were the Balangoda Man, whose existence
is traced back to the Stone Age. The island's ancient history is marked by the
arrival of the Sinhalese people from North India around the 6th century BCE, who
established the early kingdoms of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.


ANURADHAPURA: THE FIRST CAPITAL

Anuradhapura, founded in the 4th century BCE, became the first capital of Sri
Lanka and a major center of Theravada Buddhism. This ancient city is renowned
for its well-preserved ruins, including stupas, monasteries, and royal palaces.
Key highlights include the Ruwanwelisaya stupa, the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, and the
Jetavanaramaya monastery.


THE INFLUENCE OF BUDDHISM

Buddhism has played a crucial role in shaping Sri Lankan culture and society.
The introduction of Buddhism in the 3rd century BCE by Mahinda, the son of the
Indian Emperor Ashoka, marked a significant turning point in the island's
history.


SACRED SITES AND MONASTIC TRADITIONS

The arrival of Buddhism led to the establishment of numerous monasteries and
sacred sites, which continue to be important pilgrimage destinations. The Temple
of the Tooth in Kandy, believed to house a tooth relic of the Buddha, is one of
the most revered sites in Sri Lanka.


FESTIVALS AND RITUALS

Buddhist festivals, such as Vesak and Poson, celebrate the life and teachings of
the Buddha. These festivals are marked by religious observances, processions,
and communal activities, reflecting the deep-rooted Buddhist traditions in Sri
Lankan society.


COLONIAL INFLUENCES AND MODERN DEVELOPMENT

Sri Lanka's strategic location attracted various colonial powers, including the
Portuguese, Dutch, and British, each leaving their mark on the island's culture,
architecture, and administration.


PORTUGUESE AND DUTCH PERIODS

The Portuguese arrived in the early 16th century, introducing Christianity and
new trade routes. They were followed by the Dutch in the 17th century, who
established a more structured colonial administration. The legacy of these
periods is evident in the coastal fortresses, churches, and trading posts.


BRITISH COLONIAL ERA

The British took control in 1815, making Sri Lanka (then Ceylon) a crown colony.
The British period saw significant developments in infrastructure, education,
and plantation agriculture, particularly tea. The influence of British
architecture is still visible in many cities, with colonial-era buildings and
railway systems.


THE RICH CULTURAL MOSAIC OF SRI LANKA

Sri Lanka's culture is a blend of indigenous traditions and external influences,
creating a unique and vibrant mosaic.


TRADITIONAL ARTS AND CRAFTS

Sri Lanka is known for its traditional arts and crafts, including wood carving,
pottery, weaving, and jewelry making. The intricate designs and craftsmanship
reflect the island's rich cultural heritage.


CULINARY HERITAGE

Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its bold flavors and diverse influences. Key
ingredients include rice, coconut, and a variety of spices. Popular dishes such
as hoppers, kottu roti, and spicy curries showcase the island's culinary
creativity.


MUSIC AND DANCE

Sri Lankan music and dance are integral parts of its cultural identity.
Traditional dance forms, such as Kandyan and Low Country dances, are performed
during religious and cultural festivals. Music, featuring drums, flutes, and
string instruments, accompanies these performances, creating a lively and
festive atmosphere.


FESTIVALS AND CELEBRATIONS

Sri Lanka's calendar is filled with festivals and celebrations that highlight
the island's cultural diversity.


SINHALA AND TAMIL NEW YEAR

One of the most significant festivals is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year,
celebrated in April. This festival marks the end of the harvest season and is
characterized by various rituals, games, and feasting.


ESALA PERAHERA

The Esala Perahera in Kandy is a grand procession held in honor of the Sacred
Tooth Relic of the Buddha. The event features beautifully decorated elephants,
traditional dancers, and drummers, attracting thousands of visitors each year.


PRESERVING SRI LANKA'S HERITAGE

Efforts to preserve Sri Lanka's rich heritage are ongoing, with various
initiatives aimed at protecting historical sites, promoting traditional arts,
and conserving the natural environment.


UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITES

Sri Lanka is home to several UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient
cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the rock fortress of Sigiriya, and the
Sinharaja Forest Reserve. These sites are vital in preserving the island's
historical and cultural legacy.


CONSERVATION AND SUSTAINABLE TOURISM

Promoting sustainable tourism is essential for preserving Sri Lanka's natural
and cultural heritage. Initiatives focus on eco-friendly practices, community
involvement, and educating visitors about the importance of conservation. Sri
Lanka's rich heritage and vibrant culture are treasures that continue to
captivate and inspire. From ancient civilizations and religious traditions to
colonial influences and modern developments, the island's history is a testament
to its enduring spirit and resilience. Whether exploring ancient ruins, enjoying
traditional festivals, or savoring the local cuisine, Sri Lanka offers a unique
and unforgettable journey through time.

Sri Lanka offers a wide range of accommodation options, from luxury resorts and
boutique hotels to budget-friendly guesthouses and eco-lodges. Whether you
prefer the tranquility of a beachside retreat, the charm of a colonial-era
mansion, or the convenience of a city hotel, Sri Lanka has something to suit
every traveler’s preference and budget.


HOTELS IN SRI LANKA

Avani Kalutara Resort
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
The Kingsbury Colombo
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Cinnamon Red Colombo
Galle Face Hotel
Cinnamon Grand Colombo
Sheraton Kosgoda Turtle Beach Resort
Taj Samudra
Taj Bentota Resort & Spa
Golden Pier City Hotel
Marino Beach Colombo
Earl's Regency Hotel
Hotel Sigiriya
Bbq Hub Ella
The Grand Hotel - Heritage Grand
Radisson Blu Resort Galle
Mandarina Colombo
Shangri-La Colombo
Heritance Kandalama
Royal Palms Beach Hotel
Shangri-La Hambantota
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
Jetwing Lighthouse
Movenpick Hotel Colombo
Cinnamon Lodge Habarana
Jetwing Yala
Heritance Ahungalla
Cinnamon Citadel Kandy
Fox Jaffna
Hotel Topaz
Hilton Colombo Hotel
Cinnamon Bey Beruwala
Thilanka Hotel
Cinnamon Wild Yala
The Grand Kandyan
Sigiriya Village
Cinnamon Bentota Beach
Suriya Resort
Uga Chena Huts
Blue Turtle Hotel
Villa Pinnawala & Restaurant
Dream Cliff Mountain Resort
Jaffna Heritage Hotel
Grand Udawalawe Safari Resort
Fox Kandy
Riu Sri Lanka All Inclusive
The Villas, Wadduwa
Cinnamon Lakeside
Galle Fort Hotel
Fairway Colombo
Aarunya Nature Resort And Spa
Colombo Court Hotel & Spa
Radisson Hotel Colombo
Mountain Heavens
Jack Tree Lodge
Lakshmis Hotel Ella
Araliya Green City Hotel
Hikka Tranz By Cinnamon
Heritance Tea Factory
Sentido Heritance Negombo
Pegasus Reef Hotel
Ellen's Place
Aliya Resort And Spa - Thema Collection
Habarana Village By Cinnamon
The Villa Bentota By Kk Collection
Jetwing Lagoon
Clock Inn Dehiwala
The Farm Resorts
The Golden Crown Hotel
Le Grand Galle
Simpson's Forest Hotel
Bandarawela Hotel
Mahaweli Reach Hotel
Hotel Tobiko
Pledge Scape
Hotel Ashford
Club Hotel Dolphin
Centara Ceysands Resort & Spa Sri Lanka
Nilaveli Beach Hotel
Trinco Blu By Cinnamon
Seyara Holiday Resort
Tree Breeze Inn
Ella Gap Panorama
Anantara Kalutara Resort
Green View Safari Resort
Sea Breeze Hotel
Weligama Bay Resort
Hotel J, Unawatuna
Eliyanth Udawalawe
Doubletree By Hilton Weerawila Rajawarna Resort
Giritale Hotel
Jetwing Sea
Dickwella Resort And Spa
Amaya Hills Kandy
Amaya Lake Dambulla
Renuka City Hotel
The Palms
Ekho Surf
Thaulle Pure Ayurveda Resort - Yala
Fair View Hotel Colombo
Mapakada Village - Mahiyanganaya
The Kandy Samadhicentre
Villa Tea Fields
Joe's Resort Unawatuna
King Of Kandy
Nooit Gedacht Heritage Hotel
Jetwing Lake
Sea World Boutique Hotel
Hotel Senora
The Bungalow
Liyya Water Villas
Cassandra Culture Resort
Roo Mansala Boutique Villas
Cloud Inn Kandy
Palmera Eco Resorts Nilaveli
Galway Heights Hotel
The Wind Castle
Ruvisha Beach Hotel
Granbell Hotel Colombo



THE BEST HOTELS IN INDIA

The Oberoi New Delhi
The Leela Palace Bengaluru
Taj Lake Palace Udaipur
The St. Regis Mumbai
Taj Lands End
The Imperial, New Delhi
Radisson Blu Plaza Delhi Airport
The Leela Palace New Delhi
The Leela Kovalam, A Raviz Hotel
Jw Marriott Mumbai Juhu
The Leela Palace Chennai
The Oberoi Mumbai
The Claridges New Delhi
Suryagarh Jaisalmer
Itc Grand Chola, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Chennai
Itc Kohenur, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad
Taj Palace, New Delhi
Four Seasons Hotel Mumbai
Kumarakom Lake Resort
Grand Hyatt Mumbai Hotel And Residences
The Oberoi Gurgaon
Samode Palace
The Leela Mumbai
The Ritz - Carlton, Bangalore
Andaz Delhi Aerocity- Concept By Hyatt
The Leela Palace Jaipur
The Lodhi - A Member Of The Leading Hotels Of The World
The Oberoi Bengaluru
W Goa
Jw Marriott Hotel Bengaluru
Hilton Goa Resort Candolim
Itc Maurya, A Luxury Collection Hotel, New Delhi
Itc Royal Bengal, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Kolkata
Jaipur Marriott Hotel
Hyatt Regency Delhi
Itc Rajputana, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Jaipur
The Oberoi Grand Kolkata
Trident Udaipur
The Ananta Udaipur
Trident Hyderabad
Jw Marriott Hotel New Delhi Aerocity
The Oberoi Amarvilas Agra
Park Hyatt Hotel And Residences, Hyderabad
Conrad Bengaluru
The Oberoi Udaivilas Udaipur
Itc Mughal, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Agra
Goa Marriott Resort & Spa
Conrad Pune
Trident Jaipur
Jaisalmer Marriott Resort & Spa
Radisson Blu Resort, Goa
Sofitel Mumbai Bkc
Jaypee Palace Hotel
Neemrana Fort-Palace
The Lake Paradise Boutique Resort
The Westin Gurgaon, New Delhi
Grand Hyatt Goa
Shangri-La Eros New Delhi
Park Hyatt Chennai
Hilton Jaipur
The St. Regis Goa Resort
Alila Diwa Goa - A Hyatt Brand
Shangri-La Bengaluru
Radisson Hotel Agra
Trident Gurgaon
Hotel Rajasthan Palace
Hotel Sahara Star-Mumbai Airport
Jw Marriott Pune
Taj Santacruz
Itc Maratha, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai
Taj Krishna
Hilton Chennai
Taj Madikeri Resort & Spa Coorg
Evolve Back Hampi
The Park Bangalore
Samode Haveli
Aloft New Delhi Aerocity
Taj Ganges Varanasi
Wildflower Hall, An Oberoi Resort, Shimla
Madhubhan Resort & Spa
Hotel Marine Plaza
Crowne Plaza Kochi, An Ihg Hotel
Caravela Beach Resort
Marriott Suites Pune
Taj Exotica Resort & Spa, Goa
Sheraton Hyderabad Hotel
Taj West End
Lake Pichola Hotel
The Taj Mahal Palace, Mumbai
Radisson Blu Mbd Hotel Noida
Kenilworth Resort & Spa, Goa
Trident Agra
Taj Mg Road Bengaluru
Taj Tirupati
Sheraton New Delhi Hotel
Taj Fort Aguada Resort & Spa, Goa
Taj Bengal
Itc Gardenia, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru
Taj Banjara
Jw Marriott Hotel Kolkata
Marriott Executive Apartments Hyderabad
Coorg Wilderness Resort & Spa
Novotel Hyderabad Convention Centre
Le Meridien New Delhi
Trident Chennai
Radisson Udaipur
Umaid Bhawan - A Heritage Style Boutique Hotel
The Zuri Kumarakom Kerala Resort & Spa
Taj Deccan
Trident Bandra Kurla
Jw Marriott Hotel Chandigarh
Le Meridien Coimbatore
The Westin Goa, Anjuna
Taj Aravali Resort & Spa Udaipur
Taj Mahal, New Delhi
Heritage Madurai
Radisson Jodhpur
Hyatt Ahmedabad
Taj Swarna, Amritsar
Novotel Goa Candolim
The Residency Towers
Itc Kakatiya, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Hyderabad
Chunda Palace
Taj Coromandel
Hyatt Regency Chennai
Hyatt Regency Amritsar
Marari Beach Resort - Cgh Earth
Chandys Windy Woods Munnar
Hilton Bangalore Embassy Golflinks
Trident Nariman Point
Surat Marriott Hotel
Grand Chennai By Grt Hotels
Aurika, Udaipur - Luxury By Lemon Tree Hotels
The Westin Mumbai Powai Lake
The Westin Hyderabad Mindspace
Fairmont Jaipur
Bengaluru Marriott Hotel Whitefield
Radisson Blu Jammu
The Taj Mahal Tower, Mumbai
Taj Connemara, Chennai
Novotel New Delhi Aerocity- International Airport
Mayfair Darjeeling
Ambassador, New Delhi - Ihcl Seleqtions
Hyatt Hyderabad Gachibowli
Avasa Hotel
Park Inn By Radisson, South Delhi
Radisson Blu Hotel Amritsar
Alsisar Haveli - Heritage Hotel
Hyatt Raipur
Doubletree By Hilton Agra
Alila Fort Bishangarh Jaipur - A Hyatt Brand
Ahilya By The Sea
Radisson Blu Hotel, Greater Noida
Radisson Srinagar
Taj Skyline Ahmedabad
Itc Grand Central, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Mumbai
Pullman New Delhi Aerocity- International Airport
Kochi Marriott Hotel
Shiv Niwas Palace By Hrh Group Of Hotels
Greenpark Hyderabad
Radisson Blu Bengaluru Outer Ring Road
Holiday Inn New Delhi International Airport, An Ihg Hotel
Jw Marriott Mumbai Sahar Airport
Taj Cidade De Goa Heritage, Goa
The Westin Mumbai Garden City
Courtyard By Marriott Hyderabad
Le Meridien Mahabaleshwar Resort & Spa
Courtyard By Marriott Agra
The Ritz-Carlton, Pune
The Raj Palace
Itc Grand Goa, A Luxury Collection Resort & Spa, Goa
The Westin Sohna Resort & Spa
Radisson Blu Resort Temple Bay Mamallapuram
Crowne Plaza New Delhi Rohini, An Ihg Hotel
Four Points By Sheraton Ahmedabad
Beleza By The Beach
Fort Jadhavgadh - A Gadh Heritage Hotel
Radisson Blu Hotel Guwahati
Le Meridien Goa, Calangute
Sheraton Grand Chennai Resort & Spa
Doubletree By Hilton Ahmedabad
Le Meridien Hyderabad
Le Meridien Jaipur Resort & Spa
Taj Green Cove Resort And Spa Kovalam
The Oberoi Rajvilas Jaipur
Planet Hollywood Beach Resort Goa
Le Pondy
Haveli Dharampura - Unesco Awarded Boutique Heritage Hotel
Radisson Salem
Intercontinental Chennai Mahabalipuram Resort, An Ihg Hotel
Radisson Blu Plaza Resort & Convention Centre Karjat
O Hotel Pune
Courtyard By Marriott Mumbai International Airport
Fariyas Resort Lonavala
Radisson Blu Faridabad
The Raintree, Anna Salai
The Residency, Chennai
Radisson Blu Hotel, Nagpur
Hyatt Regency Kolkata
Park Plaza Jodhpur
Backwater Ripples Kumarakom
Radisson Blu Hotel Ahmedabad
Doubletree Suites By Hilton Bangalore
Novotel Ahmedabad
Radisson Blu Plaza Hotel Mysore
Vivanta New Delhi, Dwarka
Hyatt Regency Ahmedabad
Hyatt Centric Candolim Goa
Taj Bangalore
Pai Viceroy
Taj Cidade De Goa Horizon, Goa
Doubletree By Hilton Jaipur Amer
Raas Devigarh
Taj Holiday Village Resort & Spa, Goa
Radisson Blu Hotel Ranchi
The Oberoi Cecil
Radisson Mumbai Goregaon
Coconut Lagoon Kumarakom- Cgh Earth
The Westin Chennai Velachery
Roseate House New Delhi
Grand Mercure Agra - An Accor Brand
Signature Club Resort
Taj Fisherman'S Cove Resort & Spa, Chennai
Fairfield By Marriott Goa Anjuna
Radisson Blu Hotel Pune Kharadi
Hotel Kohinoor Elite Near Bkc
Novotel Goa Dona Sylvia Resort
Novotel Goa Resort & Spa Candolim
Grand Mercure Mysore - An Accor Brand
Radisson Blu Resort & Spa Alibaug
Doubletree By Hilton Goa - Panaji
Radisson Blu Marina Hotel Connaught Place
Heritage Village Resort & Spa Goa
Jagat Niwas Palace
Hotel Narain Niwas Palace
Hilton Mumbai International Airport Hotel
The Connaught, New Delhi- Ihcl Seleqtions
Hotel Willow Banks
Taj Bekal Resort & Spa, Kerala
Radisson Blu Hotel Grt, Chennai International Airport
The Corinthians Resort & Club
Sayaji Indore
Taj Yeshwantpur Bengaluru
The Ajit Bhawan - A Palace Resort
The Westin Pushkar Resort & Spa
Blanket Hotel & Spa
Radisson Gurugram Udyog Vihar
Maidens Hotel New Delhi
Radisson Hotel Jalandhar
Radisson Blu Hotel, Indore
Le Meridien Gurgaon, Delhi Ncr
Radisson Blu Hotel Chennai City Centre
Indana Palace, Jodhpur
Hotel Lakend
Gostops Kochi - Rooms & Dorms
Neemrana'S - Bungalow On The Beach
Grand Hyatt Kochi Bolgatty
Noah'S Nest Tree House
Grand Mercure Vadodara Surya Palace
Radisson Jaipur City Center
The Oberoi Sukhvilas Spa Resort, New Chandigarh
Radisson Gwalior
Taj Malabar Resort & Spa, Cochin
Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Goa - Arpora - Baga
Spicetree Munnar
The House Of Mg
The Leela Ambience Gurugram Hotel & Residences
Green Park Chennai
Gokulam Grand Turtle On The Beach
Radisson Blu Atria Bengaluru
International Travellers' Hostel By Ith Stays
Itc Windsor, A Luxury Collection Hotel, Bengaluru
Hyatt Centric Mg Road Bangalore
Ramada Resort By Wyndham Kochi
Vivanta Goa, Panaji
Radisson Hotel Shimla
Saraca Lucknow
Hyatt Place Hyderabad Banjara Hills
Brijrama Palace, Varanasi - By The Ganges
Sheraton Grand Pune Bund Garden Hotel
President - Ihcl Seleqtions
Hilton Garden Inn New Delhi/Saket
Meluha - The Fern
Marquis Beach Resort
Hotel Apple Ttree
Anantya By The Lake
Novotel Guwahati Gs Road
Backpacker'S Nest
Renaissance Bengaluru Race Course Hotel
Green'S Guest House
Rambler'S Nesting Homestay
Marutham Village Resort
Radisson Blu Mumbai International Airport
Apples Balaji Inn
Jai Mahal Palace
Sayaji Pune
Hotel Delhi Aerocity
Ideal Beach Resort
The Zuri Whitefield Bengaluru
The Leela Ambience Convention Hotel Delhi
Turyaa Chennai - Omr It Expressway
Oxford Golf Resort
Treat Resort Silvassa
Indore Marriott Hotel
The Roseate
Taj Fateh Prakash Palace Udaipur
Santana Beach Resort
Ramee Grand Hotel And Spa, Pune
Heritage Resort Hampi
Novotel Chennai Chamiers Road
The Tamara Kodai
Radisson Red Chandigarh Mohali
Hyatt Place Vadodara
Holiday Inn Resort Goa, An Ihg Hotel
Palm Meadows Resort
Hotel Palace Heights
Vivanta Bengaluru, Whitefield
Hyatt Regency Pune Hotel & Residences
The Fog Munnar
The Orchid Hotel Mumbai Vile Parle
The Gordon House Hotel, Colaba
The Oterra
Mirage Hotel
The Ambassador, Marine Drive, Mumbai
Hometel Chandigarh
Hyatt Place Hampi

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