India 2020-22 Brochure

57 www.somak.co.uk • Colombo • Bentota • Nuwara Eliya • Ella • Dambulla Sigiriya • Mount Lavinia • • Polonnaruwa • Batticaloa • Passikudah Bay • Minneriya N.P. • Trincomalee • Nilaveli Yala N.P Udawalawe N.P. Horton Plains • Anuradhapura • Wilpattuwa National Park • Jaffna • Kandy • Negombo Galle • • Tangalle • Unawatuna BAY OF BENGAL INDIAN OCEAN GULF OF MANNAR Colombo Colombo is a great place to visit at the start or end of your trip due to its proximity to the airport, and several beach resorts. Its colonial architecture is mainly drawn from its former Portuguese, Dutch and British settlers, and there are a number of sites of religious significance. Its bazaars offer great shopping. Fans of both cricket and seafood may be drawn to the Ministry of Crab, a restaurant located in the Old Dutch Hospital, co-owned by former international stars Mahela Jayawardene and Kumar Sangakkara, and prominent chef Dharsan Munidasa. The Cultural Triangle The Cultural Triangle is located in the centre of the island and features a number of significant sites framed by former capital cities Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, as well as Dambulla. A key highlight is the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock to view the ruined palace. You can view the “Heavenly Maidens” and the Mirror Wall. Nearby, the Dambulla Cave Temple, is a complex of 5 caves, principally devoted to Buddha, in both statue and painting form, of which there are more than 150 representations. Kandy & Nuwara Eliya Kandy is widely visited to see the Temple of the Tooth, a Buddhist temple renowned for its holy relic housing one of the great Buddha’s teeth. Nuwara Eliya, by contrast, often referred to as “Little England” due to its colonial feel, will entice you into the countryside where you will see the picking, processing and tasting of those fine tea leaves. Galle Galle is most recognised for its Portuguese Fort. Leaving the port, you will find former mansion houses, European-styled churches, museums and ancient mosques. It is also a cultural hub, so you will encounter plenty of stylish restaurants and shops. Cricket fans will be keen to visit the famous international cricket ground. Jaffna Jaffna’s location, on the north of the island, means it often misses out welcoming international travellers. However, it is beginning to blossom and, as host to a number of temple sites, offers visitors an insight in to another side of what Sri Lanka’s culture has to offer. National Parks Yala National Park is the most likely area to spot the elusive leopard. You also have the opportunity to spot elephant, sloth bear and buffalo, as well as a whole host of other birds and wildlife. Udawalawe National Park was created following the building of the nearby reservoir, and is a great area to spot elephants, other mammals and birds. You can visit the Elephant Transit Home which looks after orphaned elephants before releasing them in to the wild, typically aged around 4 years old. Beaches Aside from the beach resorts of Negombo, Bentota and Unawatuna on the south west coast, if you are looking for a quieter experience, perhaps travelling as a family, or on honeymoon, maybe head to one of the east coast beaches around Trincomalee, Batticaloa or Passikudah Bay. Map locations are approximate and are not intended to be definitive. Hindu Temple, Colombo