The Spirit of Sri Lanka
For a small island, Sri Lanka has garnered a lot of names – Serendib, Ceylon, Teardrop of India, Resplendent Isle, Island of Dharma, Pearl of the Orient – an accumulation which reveals its richness and beauty, and the intensity of affection which it has evoked in visitors.For centuries it seduced travellers, who returned home with enchanting images of a languorous tropical isle of such deep spirituality and serenity that it entered the Western imagination as a Tahiti of the East.
Our paradise island is the ideal destination for a wondrous vacation… and we, Walkers Tours, will take you to see the very best of our beautiful land.
Documented history of Sri Lanka begins with the arrival from India of the Aryans who introduced the use of iron and advanced agriculture methods and irrigation.
They also introduced the art of government and a number of Sinhalese kingdoms took root across the island during the 4th century BC with Anuradhapura, in the northern plains, the strongest kingdom.
According to traditional history king Pandukabhaya is accepted as the founder of Anuradhapura. Of the Aryan settlements, Anuradhapura grew into a powerful kingdom under the rule of king Pandukabhaya.
The present day visitor can visit the 2000 year old ancient city of Anuradhapura from the modern day Keells Hotels The Village and The Lodge resorts in Habarana.
The hill country of Sri Lanka will surround you with velvety green freshness all around. The hill country in the heart of the island, rises from 3000 ft. to over 8000. The approach to it, whether by road, or rail, is a journey through narrow passes, beside deep ravines and over gushing streams.
As you travel, you will sea the vegetation change from tropical profusion to gentle spreading rubber plantations, to cool green hills, the home of Ceylon tea. Tea-pluckers work on the slopes, butterfly-like in their colorful attire, bent and wizened with year of toil.
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean receives its name for its sheer beauty… This beauty doesn’t stop at its shore lines, extending underneath the clear blue seas where lies the fascinating world of a sub-aquatic wonderland which can only be fully appreciated by snorkeling and Scuba Diving.
The vibrant and beautifully shaped coral is home to a varied number of fish species that include the Emperor Angel, the Moorish Idol, Powder Blue Surgeon, Sergeant-Major, Lion, Unicorn, Parrot Fish, Clown, Porcupine, Rays, Eels and others.
For the more adventurous and enterprising divers, dozens of ship wrecks litter our coastline, almost always close to rocks and reefs and in clear accessible waters. These wrecks add a sense of adventure to all divers who have glided through these beautiful waters coming to know a different Sri Lanka, apart from its historical wealth, scenic beauty and the diverse cultures that she offers so abundantly.
While experiencing the wondrous beauty underwater, we will show you highlights of historical, cultural and scenic Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is much admired for its abundance of sub-aquatic life. Its unspoiled seas and fishing zones hold an abundance of game fish for the keen angler. Species of Marlin, Sail Fish, Wahoo, Spanish Mackerel, Giant Trevallie, Benito, Queen Fish (the world record is held in Sri Lanka by our boat charter captain), Barracuda, Grouper, Cobia and Tuna make this beautiful island second to none when it comes to sea angling.
The best season for sport fishing in Sri Lanka in Western and South Eastern Coast is from August to May when the seas are calm. The popular bait are artificial lures but live bait is also used frequently. The bottom water bait such as Ropala, Big Mack, Sisco Kid are popular and many other deep runners can be used successfully, with the Sail Fish and Grouper. The other top water bait are Squid Skirts.
The coastline of Sri Lanka offers some of the most spectacular scenery that you can experience. The sun-warmed beaches, fringed with tall swaying palms overlooking warm and calm waters are ideal for sea bathing.
Sunbathing, snorkelling, fishing, surfing, water skiing and scuba diving are some of the many activities that you can enjoy.
Colombo is the commercial capital and financial center of Sri Lanka also known as Ceylon. Colombo offers many interesting places to visit. Colombo is also a relatively easy city for the tourist to find his way around. To the north of Colombo is the Fort district, the business centre of Sri Lanka. The Fort, has department stores, book shops, airline offices and is the site of the Central Bank and the financial district..
Immediately south of the Fort in Colombo is Galle Face Green, a seafront expanse of occasional green graced by cricket games, kite flyers and trysting lovers. Cinnamon Gardens, further south, is Colombo’s most fashionable neighborhood, with elegant mansions, tree-lined streets and the city’s largest park.
