Sri Lanka is a wonderful country full of mystery and amaze. Explore the beauty of Sri Lanka with one of our exploring tours. Known to travelers from ancient times, Sri Lanka continues to entice visitors with its breathtaking scenery, palm-skirted beaches, cool hill country and historic monuments. Sri Lanka is one of the smallest land masses on earth to be full of such an amazing variety of experiences for the traveler. Tropical forests harbor pristine wildlife sanctuaries, significant Buddhist relics and religious monuments are found in the undulating highlands while deserted golden sand beaches make up the southern coast.

Most of the city of Colombo's commercial and wholesale activities take place in the colourful bazaars of Pettah. Fort is the economic hub of the country and many offices and important government buildings are located here.

The port town of Galle is Sri Lanka's fourth biggest town with 80,000 people. In 1505, a Portuguese fleet bound for Maldives blew off course, forcing them to take shelter in the Galle Harbour. The events which followed, drastically changed the course of Sri Lankan history. In 1598, the Portuguese built a small fort which was later extended. However, when the Dutch took over in 1640, they destroyed all traces of Portuguese presence. In 1663, the Dutch built the 36-hectare Fort, which is now a World Heritage Site.

Kandy is the famous city of Sinhala history, culture, religion and pageantry. The Kandyan Kingdom was the last independent state in Sri Lanka. It withstood the onslaught of three invading European armies for over two centuries. Kandy can be explored on foot, with the higher altitude making the climate conducive to long walks. The city is visually rich with its narrow streets lined with old buildings full of character, and crowded with people. The Municipal Market has colourful displays of fruit and vegetables, textiles and clothing. The shady path surrounding the lake provides a view of the hills and the town. The last Sinhalese King created the lake in 1806. The Temple of the Tooth houses the most sacred Buddhist relic, the Tooth of Lord Buddha. A nightlong ceremony to honour the God Kohomba became the focus of a style of dance perfected in Kandy under royal patronage. The religious performances require about 50 male dancers dressed in silver belts, beaded breastplates, anklets and headdresses jangling as they swirl and skip to the rhythm of 10 drums. Today, the Kandyan dances are often performed by women, and tend to emphasise the graceful rather than the acrobatic elements of the dance. Peradeniya Botanical Gardens is a 60 hectare (147 acre) garden and is the largest in Sri Lanka. Ideal for walkers, you can also bike or drive through it.

It is a lively town with a historic background. Matara has a Dutch Fort called the Star Fort and an 18th century Dutch rampart that was built to protect the Dutch East Trading Company's administrative buildings. This rampart now effectively acts as a boundary to the Old Matara, which is quiet and picturesque.

The beauty of Nuwara Eliya is breathtaking. The early British settlers favoured its mountainous landscape, cascading waterfalls and sleepy towns nestling into the mountainside. The abundant rainfall, sunshine, cold nights and mists provide the perfect climate for growing tea. As you climb higher the air grows cooler and the clouds get closer. This is one of the best holiday resorts with the most picturesque golf course in Asia.

This is Sri Lanka's oldest rainforest. The forest has tall trees growing in close proximity, but winding paths make it easy to walk along the forest floor. It is inhabited by water monitors, torque macaques, leopards, giant squirrels, purple-faced leaf monkeys and leeches. Bird life includes Ceylon Spurfowl, Ceylon Junglefowl, Ceylon Wood Pigeon, Sri Lanka Hanging Parrot, Layard's Parakeet, Red-faced Malkoha, Green-billed Coucal, Chestnut-backed Owlet, Ceylon Grey Hornbill, Yellow-fronted Barbet, Ceylon Small Barbet, Black-capped Bulbul, Spotted-winged Thrush, Brown-capped Babbler, Orange-billed Babbler, Ashy-headed Laughing-Thrush, Ceylon Blue Magpie, Ceylon White-headed Starling, Ceylon Hill Munia, Ceylon Hill Myna, Malabar Trogon, Black Bulbul, Indian Scimitar Babbler, Greater Racket-tailed Drongo, Green Imperial Pigeon, Velvet-fronted Nuthatch and Yellow-browned Bulbul.

The orphanage is a government run sanctuary for elephants. Baby elephants that have been abandoned or injured in the wild are brought, reared and trained here to eventually become working animals. The best times to visit are feeding and bathing times.

A large variety of mammals, reptiles and birds make up the rich wildlife of Sri Lanka. You can explore our wildlife sanctuary parks in Yala, Udawalawe, Sinharaja, Udawattekele and Wasgamuwa.

There are 86 mammals found in Sri Lanka. Out of these, 16 are endemic to the island. The Sri Lankan elephant holds a special place in the animal kingdom. One often meets elephant herds in parks such as Gal Oya and Udawalawe.

Negombo is famous for its lagoon, cinnamon and fishing. It is a bustling town where many interesting historical events took place. Its beach however, does not boast the same fineness as the other Sri Lankan beaches. Nevertheless, this is a fascinating town for exploration.

The Bentota seas are ideal for snorkelling, sailing, wind surfing, water skiing and deep-sea fishing. This area is populated with a large number of hotels and guesthouses along the coast.

The Hikkaduwa surfing and diving scene is popular with the tourists because of its atmosphere. There are also a large number of beach restaurants, bars and shops.

Renowned for its mangosteens and basketwear, Kalutara got its name from 'Kalu Ganga' or 'Black River' and was once a busy spice port. As you cross the bridge you see the Buddhist temple, Gangatilaka Vehera built in the 1960s. It is the only hollow dagaba in the world and the interior painting is fascinating.

It is one of the largest and best-sheltered harbours in the world located on the East Coast of Sri Lanka. Its warm, clear water and tranquil beach make for solitude and breathtaking scenery. A special attraction are the natural hot springs.

Unawatuna is a small beach resort overlooking the Unawatuna Bay. It has golden beaches, clear, calm waters and an offshore reef ideal for younger tourists who frequent its beach front cafes and guest houses.