Sri Lanka

A trip to the tropical garden of the Indian Ocean will captivate not only lovers of tropical flora and fauna. You can look forward to tea plantations, Buddha temple and beautiful clean long beaches. National parks teeming with elephants, leopards, monkeys, crocodiles and rare birds abound.

Officially, the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka is an island nation in Southeast Asia, located on the island of Ceylon near the Indian Peninsula. The largest city is Colombo, and the capital has recently become Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte (or also just Kotte), which is a suburb of Colombo.

The intense climatic differences are due to the extensive lowlands on the coast, which rise inland to a 2,524-metre-high mountain range. In the wettest areas (over 3000mm of rainfall) lush rainforests thrive, while the drier northern parts of the country grow more resistant monsoon forests with valuable tree species such as ebony. The originally large herds of elephants now number only a few hundred. Natural resources are diamonds, gems, graphite, sand containing ores. The country is threatened by tropical cyclones and tornadoes. In December 2004, a tsunami caused by an earthquake in the Indian Ocean hit the island. 

The richness of the culture and local traditions can be seen in the festive elephant processions, Kandyan dance demonstrations, and in the everyday life of the gracious inhabitants of this charming country. Relax in the waves of the Indian Ocean or try the services of the Ayurveda natural medicine centers, for example with meditation classes.

Pinnawala

The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage was established in 1975 and today houses about 65 adults and about 15 juveniles. During your visit, you will see an elephant bath and feeding of the babies. For a small baksheesh, the keepers will let you pet a baby elephant that is still furry.

Tea plantations

Many tea plantations allow excursions that include, in addition to visiting the tea processing manufactory, tastings and the opportunity to buy fresh tea.

GemsTONES

Sri Lanka is a world-renowned center for gem and semi-precious stone mining. Some jewelry shops will give you an expert lecture on traditional mining methods and even allow you to tour a model of a traditional mine. Of course, you can buy gems, both on their own as well as set in beautiful jewelry.

Singharaja Rainforest

In 1989, this protected area was inscribed as an International Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. It covers an area of 18,899 hectares and the vegetation comprises 331 species of plants, 192 of which are endemic. The rich fauna (65 species of butterflies, 10 species of fish, 19 species of amphibians, 29 species of reptiles, 141 species of birds and 40 species of mammals) and the exotic flora will enchant you.

Colombo city tour

A day trip to the capital city will give you a better understanding of what is now the economic, political and cultural center of Sri Lanka, whose history can be traced back to the fifth century when it was a station for maritime trade between the west and east with the bustling Pettah market. This rich history has been influenced mainly by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, who successively took turns ruling the island.

Whale and dolphin watching

With this four-hour trip, you'll be able to spot pods of dolphins and even the largest animal on earth, which is the Giant Whale. Sperm whales can also be spotted a few kilometers off the coast.

Coastal cruise in breathtaking bays

The coastline can be explored from the deck of the boat. You will certainly be able to snorkel. The coastline around Mirissa in particular is famous for its beautiful palm-fringed beaches and small coves. For diving enthusiasts, now is the time. You can use a boat for ten people or a small boat for four people.

Sightseeing tour of the unique temples of Sri Lanka

On this trip you will see the Sri Dharmaraja temple, the Kusta Raja megalith and other cultural sites. During the trip, your guides will take you to a batik factory, a snake farm and a local vegetable market.

Trip to Galle town and turtle farm

The town of Galle is in the nearby Weligama Bay resort area. Visit the old Dutch fortress of Galle, which is a UNESCO heritage site. With a blend of many styles and cultures, this town is the best-preserved colonial town on the island. On the way, it is also possible to visit a turtle farm.

WELIGAMA BAY RESORT&SPA

Weligama Bay resort is located in the southern part of the island, in the middle of the bay of the same name. On the map it can be found between the coastal towns of Galle and Matara, about 143km from the capital Colombo. Thanks to the newly opened section of the Colombo-Galle highway, the journey from the airport takes a maximum of 2.5 to 3 hours.

It is a quiet and peaceful place dominated by the romantic islet of Taprobane with a villa built in the 1930s by the French Count de Maunay, later also inhabited by the writer Arthur C. Clark. The virgin nature, the tranquility and the clean beach attract tourists looking to relax in a beautiful place. Weligama Bay Resort is sure to meet the expectations of all guests, whether they desire a peaceful or active holiday in the tropics.

AVANI BENTOTA RESORT&SPA

Avani Bentota Resort & Spa is located at Bentota Beach in the south of Sri Lanka and captures the atmosphere of a Dutch seaside village. This tropical resort, with a relaxed atmosphere offers two outdoor pools.

Rooms at this design hotel feature modern décor and a flat-screen cable TV. Each room is equipped with a DVD player and a hot shower. A private balcony provides views of the natural scenery.

Water sports such as diving and snorkeling can be enjoyed on the beach. Avani Bentota Resort also provides laundry and currency exchange services.

Prague – Colombo approximately 14 hours

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