Sri Lanka Tourism Promotional Song - “Paradise Calling” Launched

Sri Lanka Tourism’s promotional song titled “Paradise Calling” was ceremoniously launched at a function held at “Ape Gama” in Battaramulla in the presence of Hon. M.L.A.M Hizbullah – Deputy Minister of Economic Development, Dr. Willie Gamage secretary to the Ministry of Botanical Gardens and Public Recreation . Mr. Bhashwara Gunarathna Chairman of Sri Lanka Tourism , Mr. Rumy Jauffer Managing Director of Sri Lanka Tourism Promotions Bureau, Dr.D.S Jayaweera – Director General of Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority and Mr. Nilmin Nanayakkara Board Member of SLTPB. The song’s Musical concept and Direction was done by Sri Lanka’s famous young artist duo Bathiya & Santush. The lyrics were written by veteran song writer Mr. Kelum Srimal. The launching ceremony was held with the participation of more than 24 young vocalists and many distinguished guests representing travel and tourism industry of Sri Lanka. This is the brain Child of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa Minister of Economic Development to produce a promotional song for Sri Lanka Tourism industry.

 

Sri Lanka’s Gangarama Temple Photo Becomes the “BEST PHOTO TAKEN ON A SMARTPHONE” Competition

The 'Best Photo Taken on a Smartphone' contest, launched by Celebrity Cruises, encouraged amateur photographers to submit their holiday snaps and has announced that a shot of the Gangaramaya Viharaya Temple, taken in Colombo, Sri Lanka, has taken top place.

 

Santa Comes on the Double Decker this Christmas too

The Colombo City Tour brings Santa Claus to town once again on the open deck double decker this season from the 19th to the 23rd of December. These exciting seasonal packages offer a joyous ride around the city of Colombo with Santa on board, an educative live commentary and an unforgettable white Christmas experience with excitement and fun at the Excel World entertainment park, Colombo.

 

Sri Pada ("Adam's Peak") Annual Pilgrimage Season

Hatton Adam’s Peak or Sri Pada is an important pilgrim site. The devotees of many religions climb the mountain to invoke blessings. Buddhist believes the impression on the summit is the footprint of the Buddha. Sripada is the 4th highest mountain in Sri Lanka and it takes 4-5 hours to reach the peak by foot. The mountain is also named as Samanala Kanda or Butterfly Mountain. The area is rich in biodiversity and surrounded by the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. The pilgrimage season starts on Unduwap Poya.

The season begins in December and ends in April.

 

AN EXPOBITION SHOWCASE PARALLEL TO CHOGM - 2013.

SLTDA is organizing an exhibition for Tourism stakeholders to showcase best of Sri Lanka with parallel to the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting - 2013.

Application to CHOGM Exhibition: Download

Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) 2013

CHOGM is held every two years and is the Commonwealth’s highest consultative and policy-making body. Commonwealth leaders agreed on Sri Lanka as the 2013 host for the meeting when they met in Port of Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, in 2009. They reaffirmed this decision at the 2011 CHOGM in Perth, Australia.

The President said: “As a committed member of the Commonwealth family, Sri Lanka is pleased to be hosting CHOGM. The Commonwealth shares a strong commitment to the twin pillars of democracy and development. We look forward to welcoming all Commonwealth leaders and delegates to our country for what I am confident will be a successful and mutually beneficial summit in true Commonwealth spirit.”

Xi’an Tourism Road Show

The Road show held in Xi’an was successfully concluded parallel to the Beijing International Travel Fair 2013 (BITE 2013), with promising prospect to the future of Sri Lanka Tourism.

His Excellency Ranjith Uyangoda, the ambassador of Sri Lanka to the People’s Republic of China was the chief guest of this event which was targeted at the Tour operators and Hotels who took part in the BITE 2013. This event was conducted under the guidance of Hon. Basil Rajapaksa, The Minister of Economic Development.

For further information reach: Sri Lanka Tourism News

Cinnomon Grand Hotel - Colombo

A place of colours, sounds and unexpected pleasures. A place where you pick the pace and you choose the mood. If you're looking to explore the city or escape it, Cinnamon Grand is your perfect haven. We're in the heart of Colombo's business, shopping and entertainment centre, just 35 kms from the airport.

Our rooms are luxurious and our restaurants serve up an eclectic mix of fine cuisine. We have spaces for relaxing and spaces for discovering. We have rooms for meetings and rooms for avoiding meetings. And if you like to mix business and pleasure, we have all the facilities you need.

Hilton Hotel - Colombo

Awarded the title of Sri Lanka’s Leading Hotel and Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel at the World Travel Awards, this Colombo hotel is centrally located in Colombo’s business district. With a range of accommodation, from guest rooms and executive rooms to suites, this hotel in Colombo offers stunning views over the Indian Ocean.

With nine speciality restaurants and bars, from Il Ponte, Sri Lanka’s only Italian trattoria to Curry Leaf, serving its famed Sri Lankan cuisine, the Hilton Colombo hotel is a city favourite for both visitors and locals to dine at.

Forty five minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport, this Colombo hotel offers business travellers both comfort and convenience. Directly connected to Colombo World Trade Centre, Hilton Colombo offers 25 onsite venues for business and social functions, including the city’s only pillar-less ballroom.

                                            

HIGHLIGHTS

• Winner of Sri Lanka’s Leading Hotel and Sri Lanka’s Leading Business Hotel at World Travel Awards
• Nine speciality restaurants and bars from Italian and Chinese to authentic Sri Lankan cuisine.
• Meetings and conferences in Colombo’s only pillar-less ballroom
• Centrally located in Colombo's business district with direct access to World Trade Centre
• Gym, pool, tennis courts and shopping arcade
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WHAT TO DO AROUND HERE

Explore one of the oldest zoos in Asia, where converted forest patches provide natural habitats for the animals and rare plants. The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka houses more than 3,000 animals in simulations of their natural habitat, and emphasizes animal conservation and welfare. Relax in the butterfly garden, or admire the sea lions during their daily performance. Visit the National Museum of Colombo to see the throne and crown of the Kandyan monarchs. The Museum houses more than 12 million rare books, including the famous palm leaf collection, and is a haven of tranquility in bustling Colombo.

Galadari Hotel - Colombo

The story of the Galadari Hotel, Colombo which opened its doors in 1984, is a splendid tale of continual improvement of product and highest standard of quality in hospitality over the past 25 years.

Our vision & beliefs are firmly grounded in extending a true personalized service to all our guests, laced with an unforgettable luxury hotel experience with the finest traditions of international hotel-keeping.

The Galadari Hotel, Colombo, meticulous about maintaining the privacy of its guests has drawn in many an elite personality from around the world such as heads of government, prime ministers of leading nations, royalty, well known sports & music personalities over the past two and half decades.

Situated in the heart of the city center with many a historical building within walking distance and a panoramic view of the magnificent Indian ocean, the Galadari Hotel offers a rich blend of service and quality in five star luxury living. 

The finest five star hotel in Sri Lanka with the best of dinning, accommodation and entertainment facilities. This 450 roomed beauty is located facing the foaming ripples of the Indian Ocean and remains to be one of the best five star hotels in Sri Lanka. Step-in to be lost in unearthly cuisines, cosy hideouts, heavenly surrounding and the best of services, which other five star hotels in Sri Lanka could not offer. Galadari Hotel Sri Lanka; one of the finest five star hotels in Sri Lanka is not only the best place to relax, eat and indulge, but is also the finest place to celebrate. Come! Delight & breathe the air of luxury at the heart of Colombo.

The Galle Face Hotel

Sri Lanka’s iconic historic hotel, Galle Face Hotel, situated in the heart of Colombo, along the seafront facing the famous Galle Face Green.

No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without staying at this elegant historic award winning hotel built in 1864. The hotel reflects the grandeur of a bygone era yet offering modern comfort for today’s traveler.

One of the oldest hotels East of the Suez, the Galle Face Hotel was established in 1864. Over the years, the hotel has housed royalty and celebrity. It has survived many trials and stands testimony of the inherent the Sri Lankan warmth. Today it is where old world charm meets modern luxurious hospitality.

Galle Face Hotel on course to completing Historic Restoration

Business as usual at The Galle Face Hotel during the revitalizing transformation 

The iconic Galle Face Hotel is nearing completion of a restoration project of its Classic Wing, originally built in 1864. The ambitious project was designed to preserve the grandeur and romance of the magnificent property while upgrading and modernizing the quality of guest facilities, amenities and services. The Classic Wing is scheduled to reopen to guests late this year while the Regency Wing has continued to be in operation as usual throughout the restoration. 

The Galle Face Hotel was originally built by four British entrepreneurs and is among the few remaining Colonial hotels in operation today in Asia. Despite many renovations over the years, the period detail of the Galle Face Hotel has been preserved in its architecture and façade. 

The management of The Galle Face Hotel has taken great care to ensure the spirit of the Hotel remains untouched during the course of the current restoration. In fact, the restored area, will once again give pride of place to the Hotel’s collection of historical memorabilia and artifacts. 

“Subtle modernization was the key word for us when we undertook this ambitious project. Our prime attempt is to enhance the quality of The Galle Face Hotel experience. The Hotel is an integral part of the history and heritage of Sri Lanka, and our plans have been guided by an uncompromising commitment to preserve the unique ambience for our guests to enjoy,” stated Sanjeev Gardiner the Chairman of The Galle Face Hotel. 

Keeping in time with the expected completion date, Galle Face has started restoration of the façade, lobby areas, corridors, Grand ballroom and the Jubilee room. Meanwhile work on the Verandah restaurant and Sea Spray restaurant is nearing completion. One of the latest additions to the hotel will be a new bar that will overlook the magnificent Indian Ocean, making it one-of-a-kind venue in Colombo.

The Regency Wing of the Hotel has remained open for business as usual, offering guests a unique stay that blends the aura of a rich heritage with a resort-like atmosphere at the heart of Colombo. The Regency Wing comprises 81 rooms including 12 suites, all with ocean views, and can cater to a wide segment of guests from single business travelers to families looking for a memorable holiday in Colombo. Seven new conference and meeting centers have also been added to the Regency Wing which will be opened in mid April 2014. In anticipation of an increase in demand post-restoration, Galle Face will also start taking in banquet bookings for weddings from January 2015. 

About the Galle Face Hotel 

The Galle Face Hotel is an award winning, iconic Hotel located at the heart of Colombo, Sri Lanka. It is probably the only Hotel in the world which has a setting of a sea front city Hotel combined with the features of a beachside resort together with a unique heritage. Founded in 1864, the Hotel is one of the landmarks in Asia with a rich colonial history. Today, the Galle Face Hotel is acclaimed as one of the best heritage Hotels in Sri Lanka and in 2012 it became the first Hotel in the country to be featured on a postage stamp

Cinnamon Lake Side - Colombo

Ranked the Best Five Star City Hotel by Sri Lanka Tourism twice over, Cinnamon Lakeside Colombo is the epitome of indulgence and elegance. This luxury hotel overlooks the tranquil Beira Lake and offers rooms that have been completely refurbished. Awarded Best Luxury Hotel, Sri Lanka at the Business Destinations Travel Awards 2012, its inimitable blend of luxury, personal attention, sincerity and warmth gives you the opportunity to operate at your own pace and in your own space, regardless of whether you are visiting for a business luncheon or dropping in for a quick coffee; planning your dream wedding, organising a conference; attending to important business or on a well-deserved vacation.

Sprawling over 7 acres of land, this uniquely serene city hotel of the Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts chain presents you with innumerable choices of perfect accommodation, a wide array of restaurants, state-of-the-art facilities, entertainment for all ages and moods, comfort and peace of mind - the selection is before you to indulge in! You only have to choose the memories you want to make. 

Enhancing all this is our own brand of Cinnamon hospitality, giving you the liberty to decide what you want, when you want it and where you want it. After all, we believe that it is the little things that make a great difference.

Koneswaram Kovil in Sri Lanka

Koneswaram temple of Trincomalee (Tamil: திருக் கோணேச்சரம் கோயில்) or Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple - The Temple of the Thousand Pillars and Dakshina-Then Kailasam is a classical-medieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee, a Hindu religious pilgrimagecentre in Eastern Province, Sri Lanka. Built significantly during the reign of the early Cholas and the Five Dravidians of the Early Pandyan Kingdomatop Konesar Malai, a promontory overlooking Trincomalee District, Gokarna bay and the Indian Ocean, its Pallava, Chola, Pandyan and Jaffna design reflect a continual Tamil Saivite influence in the Vannimai region from the classical period. The monument contains its main shrine to Shivain the form Kona-Eiswara, shortened to Konesar and is a major place for Hindu pilgrimage, labelled the "Rome of the Gentiles/Pagans of the Orient".

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Embekke Devalaya, Kandy in Sri Lanka

Around 13 km from the Kandy city, a Buddhist temple dates from the 14th century is situated in "Arathtana". It is decorated by wooden columns richly carved with animals, dancers, and wrestlers
Gardener of the flower garden in Embekke of Queen Henakanda Bissobandara tried to remove a "Kaduru" tree from the garden. When he cut it a stream of blood began to flow from the tree. After knowing the miracle, drummer  perform the rituals there as he was ordered to do by the god. He built a small temple called the "Embekke Devalaya".After some days the king Wickramabahu in Senkadagala era, ordered to build a three story building there and  gave land, queens'  jewelry  and elephants as gifts. Since then the temple of Embekka is worshipped by people.Today, the drummers' relatives perform rituals in Embekke.

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