Keep Waterdrops falling on your head - Bambarakanda Waterfall -

Are you excited to discover the wonderful and the tallest nature creation more than just a pretty waterfall in Sri Lanka? Bambarakanda Waterfall is the highest waterfall in Sri Lanka and it’s one of best picturesque waterfalls that impress travelers with its might, height and its dramatic location. This spectacular waterfall is located in Badulla district, Sri Lanka and it is 241 meters in height. And it has been recognized as the 299^th highest waterfall in the world. Due to its impressive height, incredible scenery and awe-inspiring power of water, it has been more popular among worldwide travelers.

This Bambarakanda Waterfall is formed by a stream called “Kuda Oya” which starts from Horton Plains above. The path of this Bambarakanda Waterfall also gives the excitement to the tourists due to it has winds and snakes its way across a dramatic scenery with massive mountain ranges and lush plains stalking the route. And also this path has a calm sight with many streams and rivers. So, through the lush greenery and crossing a quaint bridge that shines over a cascading stream, travelers will have a short walk to this beautiful Bambarakanda Waterfall. At this beautiful destination, travelers can enjoy and experience the non-stop spray of icy water. Not only that, but they also have a rock pool at the base of this waterfall during the dry season. During the dry season, it’s a bather friendly waterfall.  Noisy sound of falling water of this waterfall during it is in full swing and high spray of the water which reminding the cooling power of water are some of significant things of this Bambarakanda Waterfall. And the beauty of the majestic cascading falls which are created and heightened by the gushing water nonstop bouncing off rock shelves on its way down is one of best view of this Bambarakanda Waterfall.

Therefore, travelers who wish to feel the power of the planet's mightiest waterfalls, Bambarakanda Waterfall in Sri Lanka will be a best travel destination. Would you like to view and enjoy any other waterfalls which give indescribable feeling of pleasure; by its constant beating, it quickens the circulation and provides a fine glow all over the body; and has, besides, in Sri Lanka? Bakers Waterfall, Devon Waterfall, St Clairs Waterfall and Diyaluma Waterfall are some of them. And there is wide range of eco-friendly affordable and best Nuwara Eliya hotels and Ratnapura Hotels available, out of endless selection of Hotels in Sri Lanka. Thus, be hastening, it’s time to get hooked easily on one of roaring natural wonders; Bambarakanda Waterfall!

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Mihin Lanka twice a week to Seychelles

Mihin Lanka is to operate direct flights twice a week from Colombo to Mahe, the largest island of Seychelles, beginning November.

An air services agreement was established between the two governments, following an official visit to the Seychelles by Sri Lanka’s President Mahinda Rajapaksa in June this year, catalysing trade and tourism between the two nations.

As a codeshare partner with Mihin on the Seychelles route, SriLankan Airlines adds yet another destination to its network which will total 65 in 35 countries. Mihin Lanka’s network expands to nine destinations.

Chairman of SriLankan Airlines and Mihin Lanka, Nishantha Wickremasinghe said, “This is an inspiring move that will connect Sri Lanka not only to the islands of Seychelles but to the vast African continent, and both our airlines are looking forward to serve the region.”

The Chief Executive Officer of SriLankan Airlines’ and Mihin Lanka, Kapila Chandrasena said,“Seychelles and Sri Lanka have agreed to a wide-ranging commercial agreement that will give passengers boarding in Seychelles convenient access to new points in South Asia and the Far East and passengers boarding in Colombo, easy access to Air Seychelles regional network in the Indian Ocean and Africa.”

Mihin Lanka flights scheduled for Wednesday and Saturday will depart Colombo (CMB) at 1330Hrs and arrive in Mahe (SEZ) at 1610Hrs while the return flight will depart Mahe at 1710Hrs and arrive in Colombo at 2300Hrs.

Best in Travel 2013 - Top 10 countries-

www.lonelyplanet.com23 October, 2012

-http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel/top-10-countries/

1. Sri Lanka

Cut-price paradise back on the map

Best for: Culture, off the beaten track, value for money

Battered tragically by the 2004 Boxing Day tsunami and wracked by civil war from 1983 to 2009, many areas of the country have remained off limits to even the most intrepid traveller. Now the bitter conflict is over, investment is fuelling the tourism industry, and visitor numbers are steadily increasing. Prices are affordable, and with low-cost flights from the convenient travel hub of Bangkok, Sri Lanka is emerging as one of the planet’s best-value destinations.

Read more: http://www.lonelyplanet.com/themes/best-in-travel/top-10-countries/#ixzz2c2OhQVU3

Kandy Esala Perahera

The glamorous Esala Perahera, which is 235 years old, is one of the most grant events in Sri Lanka. Many locals and foreigners look forward to witness this wonderful festival every year which is held during the Esala(August) month, honoring the sacred tooth relic.  The famous British poet and novelist, D. H. Lawrence, describes the Perahera as a "perpetual fire-laughing motion among the slow shuffle of elephants."

The Perahera is held according to rituals inherited from traditions and generations known as ‘Esala-keliya'.  Festival begins with the installation of ‘kapa' in each Devale. According to the ritual, for five days after installation of kapa, the kapuralas of each devale take it around every evening in a procession, accompanied by Traditional music and drumming and along with flag and canopy bearers and spearmen, and the sacred emblem of the gods.' This is known as the Devale Perahera.

Then begins the colorful Kumbal Perahera which carries many events and this takes place around a few streets of Kandy city.This Kumbal Perahera is held for 5 days and begins the Randoli.

The Randoli is a lengthened version of the famous Kumbal Perahera. Palanquins of the four Devales which contains ornaments of the goddess, pitcher, and the sword are added to the Randoli Perahera. On the full moon day, this Perahera reassembles to go to Asgiriya temple, where the casket is placed. Then Devale Peraheras return to their Devales.

Again, in the night, the Devale Peraheras make their way to the water-cutting ceremony at the Getambe-thota. This is one of the most important traditional events. After this ceremony the perahera returns to the temple of tooth and this takes place during the day time.

Hope this brief introduction to Sri Lankans most grand festival will be useful to all our readers and heartily invite you all to be there to share the enlightenment of this festival.

The Perahera dates are shared below for the use of you all.

Kandy Esala Perahera dates 2013. From 2013-08-06 to 2013-08-20.

Date	Event
2013-08-06	Kapsituvima (Planting of the 'Kapa')
2013-08-06 to 2013-08-10	Internal Perahera of Four Devales
2013-08-11	1st Kumbal Perahera
2013-08-12	2nd Kumbal Perahera
2013-08-13	3rd Kumbal Perahera
2013-08-14	4th Kumbal Perahera
2013-08-15	5th Kumbal Perahera
2013-08-16	1st Randoli Perahera
2013-08-17	2nd Randoli Perahera
2013-08-18	3rd Randoli Perahera
2013-08-19	4th Randoli Perahera
2013-08-20	5th Randoli Perahera
2013-08-21	Day Perahera (Water Cutting Ceremony "Diya Kepeema")

AVANI Bentota bags “Best Guest Review Award 2012”-Booking.com

AVANI Bentota, a leading brand under the Serendib Leisure portfolio of premium properties had received the “Best Guest Review Award” for the year 2012. This is an award that is provided by Booking.com for hotels with an average score of 8 or above (out of a total score of 10), as recognition by them that these properties are trusted partners and that they offer their guests a great place to stay. The selection for the award mainly focuses on referrals from guests on the dependable high standards of service delivery and guest satisfaction levels.

Ranil de Silva, Managing Director of Serendib Leisure Hotels commented “we are delighted to be selected by Booking.com to be a recipient of this prestigious award. Moreover, we are overjoyed that this award is granted due to the outstanding customer comments our hotel has received. We are constantly trying to improve our efforts in serving our customers, and it is rewarding to see that our customers are happy with their experience at AVANI Bentota”. AVANI Bentota is located in a picturesque location in Bentota, on one of the best beaches on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. Designed and landscaped by renowned legendary architect Geoffrey Bawa, it is a symbol of elegance and relaxed comfort.

Serendib Leisure Hotels, a subsidiary of Hemas Holdings Plc, also manages AVANI Kalutara Resort, Club Hotel Dolphin and Hotel Sigiriya.

Adventure and water sports

Discover the wonders of the beaches of Bentota, while holidaying at Bentota Beach Hotel. It provides exciting water sports, an extensive ayurvedic spa and so much more on a secluded, breathtaking beach front.

A special package which includes a range of water sports activities and adventures have been included to your accommodation package at Bentota Beach Hotel. These are sure to get your adrenaline gushing forth and take home fun filled memories.

The packages are customized to suit your preference, including a day package as well as two overnight stay packages. Jet skiing, kayaking, towable rides and archery are amongst some of the activities one could look forward to this July at Bentota Beach Hotel.

Built on a peninsula referred to as Paradise Island, Club Bentota is located on the South West coast of Sri Lanka and is flanked by the Indian Ocean and the Bentota River. Have fun under the sun with jet skiing, wind surfing, beach volleyball, croquet, river boat cruises and much more.

Unwind by taking a dip in the pool or ocean, play a game of cards with friendly guests from around the world, or read a book in our hotel book shop. Choose from our all-inclusive or full-board packages and book a vacation to Club Bentota, where the sun and sand await you.

Bentota is the water-sports capital of Sri Lanka and Club Bentota is the exclusive spot for surfers and jet skiers alike. The comprehensive water sports centre is equipped with jet skis, water skis, surf boards, speed boats and much more. The sports centre attendants have plenty of tips and information to aid you. Whether you want to enjoy yourself with your friends on a banana boat or experience an adrenaline rush on a speed boat, Club Bentota is the place to be. Professional trainers can be scheduled for beginners.

SRI LANKA TOP DESTINATION TO VISIT IN 2013 - BRITISH AIRWAYS

UK-based carrier British Airways asked a panel of experts to compile a list of the top 13 new destinations and popular favorite places to visit in 2013. The experts used company data to determine the hottest destinations for next year.

Sri Lanka heads the 13 for 2013 list as the country moves further away from the civil war which ended in 2009. Tourists are heading to the island in increasing numbers, drawn by attractions like beaches, elephant treks and a large number of UNESCO world heritage sites to visit.

Rio de Janeiro comes in second place in the run-up to the FIFA World Cup taking place across the country in 2014. The World Cup is expected to attract a massive number of tourists which will have an effect on the already rising prices of tourist facilities such as hotels and restaurants. To enjoy this South American city, why not beat the masses and save some money by visiting before the rush? Prices in the city are expected to increase even more ahead of the Summer Olympic Games taking place in 2016.

Seoul in South Korea comes in at number 3. The city is expected to attract a large number of business travelers as well as an increasing number of tourists. After more than a decade without any, British Airways resumed its Seoul service on December 2, operating six flights a week from London.

The other destinations are Croatia; Vietnam; Punta Cana, Dominican Republic; Derry, Northern Ireland; Las Vegas, USA; Tbilisi, Georgia; San Diego, California, USA; Cape Town, South Africa; Alicante, Spain; and Dubai.