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Dream Travels – Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka
E-Mail : info@dreamtravelssrilanka.com
Phone; +94719231530 - Fax; +94719377815 Skype; dream-travels
Future travelers destination in sri lanka
Sri Lanka's new adventure holiday destination
A mainly undiscovered and deserted two kilometer stretch
of sandy beach, Alankuda Beach offers a relaxing, discrete and romantic
getaway to the North of Colombo which is largely unvisited by most
tourists
In Sri Lanka, just two hours from the airport and three
hours north of Colombo, is an unspoilt peninsula of golden sand.
Alankuda is a beautiful stretch of beach in Kalpitiya, The bluest of
skies melts seamlessly into the azure of the Indian Ocean to make a
picture-perfect backdrop to a unique, tailor-made tropical holiday
experience.
Alnakuda Beach is a new beach destination on the
relatively undiscovered Kalpitiya Spit off the west coast of Sri Lanka
consisting of several lovely independently wned 'home away from home',
guest house-style hotels, which are run in a very informal and relaxed
way. Each has its own unique style but no matter which one you decide to
say in you can enjoy all their amenities seamlessly.
This new concept of stylish, eco-beach accommodation is
for the discerning traveller in search of an unforgettable holiday.
Spacious and comfortable, our air conditioned tents present a world of
romance with a unique ambience and view of the sea.
Experience the thrill of sea safaris to the nearby Bar
Reef for the best Sri Lanka has to offer in snorkeling and be
entertained by the Dolphins and Whales on your way. Enjoy the tranquil
ocean with the most beautiful coral gardens of Sri Lanka. Or just work
hard on your tan. Even the sunsets are the spectacular kind and a
perfect end to idyllic days, everyday. It is probably one of the best
places in the world for kite surfing during the low season. Alankuda
Beach are well placed for guests to enjoy some of the fantastic
activities and excursions Sri Lanka has to offer. This includes but is
not limited to kite surfing, whale watching, dolphin watching, water
sports, and safari trips.
Things to do
Despite its natural beauty, the western peninsular area
of Kalpitiya in the Puttalam district of Sri Lanka is remarkably
untouched by tourism. But for those lucky enough to visit, there's a
plethora of things to see and do! With the small close-knit fishing
community dominating the lives of the local people, visitors can get a
real insight into working life away from the city. After watching the
night fishing boats return in the morning, a visit to one of the fish
markets offers the opportunity to choose the evening meal direct from
the fresh catch! The Dutch Fort and St Peter's Kerk church in the town
itself are interesting examples of Sri Lanka's rich history and colonial
past.
Leisurely boat rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down
the river are a pleasant way of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep
rides along the deserted sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon
offer a unique way of watching the colourful evening sunsets. For keen
scuba divers and snorkellers, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka ('Bar
reef') is only an hour's boat trip from Kalpitiya . This beautiful reef
is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as offering
sighting of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional turtle!
Dolphin Watching
Kalpitiya
is the best places if you are interested in seeing Dolphins. During
November to March is the best season to go Dolphin Watching off
Kalpitiya. At a time you can witness 1000-1500 Dolphins.Whale Watching
A
high concentration of blue whales and sperm whales has been spotted in
the Kalpitiya coast of Sri Lanka during the months of November to April.
Alankuda beach in Kalpitiya is the best places if you are interested in
seeing Whales.Snorkeling and Scuba Diving
For
keen scuba divers and snorkellers, the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka
('Bar reef') is only an hour's boat trip from Kalpitiya.This beautiful
reef is home to an incredible variety of tropical fish as well as
offering sighting of manta rays, reef sharks and the occasional turtle.
Diving and Snorkelling are not possible during the
southwest monsoon period (May to November). The best times are
therefore between late November and early May. Transportation to
dive/Snorkelling sites is by a fibre glass dinghy of 25 horse power
engine. For the more serious divers who want more detailed information
on the area, please refer to Nautical Map 1586 (Pamban to Cape
Cormorin).
The underwater currents in the seas off Kalpitiya are
generally not strong, but are influenced by small tide changes of two
high water and two low water tides. The underwater temperature is
approximately 75°F so no wetsuits are required (but thin wetsuits could
be worn to protect from any bruising from the coral).
Lagoon Tours
Boat
Rides up the lagoon and canoe trips down the river are a pleasant way
of exploring the coastline, whilst 4WD jeep rides along the deserted
sand dunes between the ocean and the lagoon offer a unique way of
watching the colourful evening sunsets.
Arankele Forest Monastery
- Awesome abode of holy men -
If you are looking for a haven of
peace and quietude - why not spend the day at Arankele. Its green sylvan
surroundings will relax and refresh you completely.
But this was never meant to be a pleasure
park. On the contrary it was the site of an ancient forest monastery - the
austere abode of a sect of recluse monks who had been attracted to this site
because of its very isolation and seclusion. Today it is a celebrated
archaeological site containing the ruins of the ancient forest monastery
.
The monks who dwelt here were called
Pansukulika. Pansukulika means 'rag-robes' and refers to a vow taken by these
monks to wear only robes made from rags. They observed extreme austerity and
they lived in caves and in monasteries in mountains and forests and their piety
and austere way of life were greatly admired by the people
.
The monastaries in which they dwelt
are now known as padhanaghara pirivenas.
A principal feature found at the
padhanaghara pirivenas of the pansukulika are the double platform buildings.
These are raised platforms formed by retaining walls of massive stone, found in
pairs and linked together by a stone bridge. Access to the building is from
either side of the stone bridge by two short flights of steps in the centre and
between the two platforms. The balustrades and guard stones are devoid of
ornamentation and simple in style
.
Another special characteristic of
these buildings is that they were surrounded by water troughs believed to keep
the interior of the building cool. There are several such buildings at
Arankele. Evidence of such buildings are also found at Ritigala, and Mihintale.
It is not known with any certainty
what the function of these double platforms was. Scholars believe that they
were used for meditation, ceremonies and teaching.
The building at the entrance of the
Arankele site has been identified as a Jantagara or hot water bath. Amongst the
other ruins that have been identified are meditating promenades ponds and
winding pathways.
Sunil, an Archaeology Department
worker at the site showed us around . According to him there are three bathing
ponds, of which only one is completely restored.
The site also had a number of paved
ambulatories some of which are believed to have been roofed. These paths rise
in an easy gradient -- sometimes a few steps at a time. These were paths that
once were walked upon by the ancient arahats in deep meditation.
Following in their footsteps
centuries after Sunil led our way and we came across a perfectly circular
round-about paved with stonee. These round- abouts were built so that the
arahats walking deep in meditation might not collide with each other, we were
told.
Sunil also stopped to show us three
ancient wells believed to have been dug by the Arahats themselves and which are
still in use by meditating Buddhist monks of the Arankale Maliyadeva Senasana
which adjoins the archaeological site.
Now Sunil was leading us along the
brick laid pathway through a canopy of forest greens; trees - mighty giants,
dramatic creepers climbing high or hanging low, insects and butterflies of
strange colours, and, of course, birds , birds and birds - the holy environs
resonating with their songs.
At the end of the path beside a
small clearing nestled a small rock cave which had been fashioned into a three
roomed little abode. The entrance was through a wooden door which was a replica
of the original.
Parts of the original stone door
frame were to be seen fallen on the side. By the entrance door were two low
steps flanked by a quaint miniature balustrade
and guard stones
but devoid of sculpture or other decorations. From the entrance hall two doors
opened into two rooms on either side Each room contained a window opening to
the front and a stone slab bed.
This is where Arahat Maliyadeva had
dwelt and meditated several centuries ago. This was his holy abode surrounded
by the forest, wild animals, birds reptiles and insects. Sunil also pointed to
a slab of granite that was lying on a side which had had been used as a portico
over the doorway he said
.
The buildings of this forest
hermitage it was observed were without any form of decoration Also significant
was the absence of stupas, shrines identified with the Bo - tree, or images.
All this was in keeping with the severe simplicity and austere religious
practices which ruled the lives of these monks, and with their aim to revive
the way of life led by the Buddha and his disciples after his Enlightenment.
The only concession to decoration is
usually found in the urinal stone.
The purpose of decorated urinal
stones is a matter of speculation. It is suggested by scholars that they
represent the architectural and ritualistic excesses of the orthodox monastic
chapters to which the pansukulika were opposed, and the act of urination was
for them a symbolic act of dissociation.
The Future of Sri Lanka Travel
Clean, unspoiled, unexplored, hidden tourist paradise in Asia
A tourist has a lot to explore in this hidden paradise. The people retain the true Sri Lankan charm and hospitality. Ruins of ancient kingdoms, Wildlife sanctuaries, Ayurveda/Spa centers, Adventure activities & Sun drenched tropical beaches fringe warm, pure seas and placid lagoons make ideal bases for relaxed, enjoyable, fun filled vacations and for sight-seeing of Sri Lanka diverse and exciting attractions.
Wayamba Attractions
WELCOME TO SRI LANKA
Wildlife and adventure opportunities
Wild Life:Elephant, Sloth Bear, Leopard, Water Buffalo, Sambhur, Spotted Deer, Mongoose, Mouse, Shrew, Owls, Terns, Gulls, Eagles, Kites Buzzards, Garganey, Pin tail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White ibis, Large white Egret, Cattle Egret, Purple Heron, Monitor, Mugger Crocodile, Common Cobra, Rat Snake, Indian Python, Pond Turtle, and Soft Shelled Turtle.
Dream Travels
Administrative Office Phone : (+94)71-9231530
Sapphire House, Fax : (+94)71-937 7815
No. 2/3, Skype : dream-travels
Madagalla Road, E-Mail : info@dreamtravelssrilanka.com
Ibbagamuwa, Visit for more information : www.dreamtravelssrilanka.com
Sri Lanka.
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