Traditional Foods style in Sri Lanka

 

Sri Lanka has a very rich and historical food tradition, which has been shaped by many cultural and historical factors. It has its own distinctive taste. This traditional Sri Lankan food's relationship with South Indian, Arabic, and Chinese food styles. Sri Lanka is traditionally well known for its use of a vast array of herbs, spices, vegetables, rice, and fruits. As it is a tropical island with an abundance of vegetation, these foods are highly centered on many varieties of rice and coconut.

Ancient Sri Lankan cooking is a style. Its relation with rural villagers. These culinary traditions highlight the cultural significance of this staple.

Rice and Curry

If you say Sri Lankan food, at that time, you're feeling Sri Lankan rice & curry. A typical Sri Lankan meal consists of steamed rice served with a variety of curries. The curries can be vegetarian or include meat, fish, or seafood. Each curry is prepared with a lot of veggies and a blend of spices, such as cinnamon, cardamom, cloves, curry leaves, and chili.

Hoppers (Appa)

Sri Lankan hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes made from a fermented rice flour batter. Crispy around the edges and soft in the center, hoppers are often enjoyed with savory accompaniments like dhal (lentil curry) or coconut sambal, offering a perfect contrast of textures and flavors. Most of the time hoppers consider it a light meal.

Kottu

Kottu roti is considered a street food item in Sri Lanka. If you take a stroll down a busy street in the heart of Colombo or any other part of the country, you’ll be greeted with the sound of street vendors using metal blades to make Kottu Roti from a fair distance away, followed by the smell of the different spices. When cooking kottu roti, you can listen to very famous beat songs in Sri Lanka. Cookers cook it following those beat sounds.

Kiri Bath - Milk Rice

During Sinhala New Year & other opening ceremony times, use this milk rice as a special part of the food table. It feels prosperous & fresh to all participants. Fresh coconut milk and rice are used to cook this food item. Little milk rice pieces and onion/dry fish sambal mixing earn a very good taste.

Fish Ambul Thiyal

Usually something large or medium-sized, such as tuna, is cut into cubes, then spices including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, curry leaves, and dried goraka added to these fish cubes. Ambul thiyal is a dry curry dish, meaning all the ingredients are simmered with a small amount of water and cooked until the liquid reduces. This allows the spice mixture to coat each cube of fish.

Most Popular coral reefs in South Asia

 

                                                 

A coral reef is an underwater ecosystem characterized by reef-building corals. These reefs are formed of colonies of coral polyps held together by calcium carbonate. Stony corals form the majority of coral reef structures. Coral reef history goes back more than 485 million years. This coral belongs to the class Anthozoa in the animal phylum Cnidarian, which includes sea anemones and jellyfish. Corals secrete hard carbonate exoskeletons that support and protect the coral. Most reefs grow best in warm, shallow, clear, sunny, and agitated water. This coral environment provides a very good living environment for sea fish & other little sea animals.

Benefits of Coral Reefs.

Biodiversity Hotspots - Coral reefs support about 25% of all marine species, despite covering less than 1% of the ocean floor.

Coastal Protection - Reefs act as natural barriers, reducing wave energy and helping prevent coastal erosion, flooding, and storm damage.

Carbon & Nutrient Cycling - They play a role in the carbon cycle and help recycle nutrients, keeping the ocean ecosystem healthy.

Tourism & Recreation - Coral reefs attract divers, snorkelers, and tourists, contributing billions of dollars annually to local economies.

Fisheries - Millions of people depend on reef-related fisheries for food and income.

                                     

Most Popular Coral Reefs in Sri Lanka.

Jungle Reef

Only a few kilometers down the road, between Unawatuna and Galle, you’ll find Jungle Beach Bay. The bay is an insider tip, with a beautiful beach and very shallow entry points. 

Unawatuna Reef
The Unawatuna Bay is not only a world-famous beach on land but also offers a great underwater experience. With its many shallow spots, it is also the perfect place for snorkeling. A small shipwreck, along with some rocks and corals, offers a fun experience to snorkelers.

                                    

Pasikuda Reef.
Another very popular coral reef among tourists. Dive into the vibrant underwater world, encountering diverse coral formations and a plethora of fish species in their natural habitat. 8.00am - 11.30am is the best time for diving.

Mirissa Beach.
While known for whale watching, Mirissa also boasts a diverse coral reef system and clear waters; also, it is a great spot for snorkeling.

Kalpitiya Bay.
This peninsula on the northwest side coast is becoming increasingly popular for snorkeling and dolphin watching.

Ceylon Gems

 

Gems are naturally occurring precious or semi-precious stones that are typically cut, polished, and used in jewelry and ornamentation. They are prized for their beauty, rarity, durability, and value. There are lot of gem types wide in all around world. Compared with other countries' gems, Sri Lankan gems have special natural reasons.

1. Exceptional Quality and Color

• Ceylon (Sri Lankan) gems are known for their vivid, clean, and vibrant colors.

• For example, Ceylon sapphires have a bright, cornflower or royal blue that is highly sought after

2. Home of the Padparadscha Sapphire

• One of the rarest and most valuable sapphires in the world.

• A pink-orange gem, unique to Sri Lanka’s geology.

3. Ethical and Sustainable Mining

• Sri Lanka is known for its eco-friendly, artisanal mining practices.

• Most mines are small-scale and manual, reducing environmental impact.

• Strong regulations help protect miners and ecosystems.

Type of Gems.

1. Ruby 

                                          

Considered to be the most valuable gemstone variety in the corundum mineral species, the distinct red in ruby is caused by the presence of chromium. The color spectrum of rubies found across the world varies from orange-red to purplish red. Color is the most significant factor affecting a ruby’s value: fine gems are a pure, vibrant red to slightly purplish red.  Most Sri Lankan ruby varieties are of a pinkish red and display a tint of purple, caused by the presence of iron in addition to chromium oxide, which is unique to their Sri Lankan origin.  Better quality has often been found within the Embilipitiya – Udawalawe area.

2. Sapphire

Sri Lanka is the top source of the finest Ceylon sapphires for the global market and exports Ceylon blue sapphires, star sapphires, and a range of fancy sapphires to the global gem markets.  In addition to their ornamental purposes, sapphires are also used in purely functional applications, such as infrared optical components, high-durability windows, wristwatch crystals and movement bearings, and very thin electronic wafers. 

3. Aquamarine

Found in green-blue to blue color variations, aquamarine crystals get the blue tone due to the presence of iron within the crystal. They are comparatively large and well-formed, and the depth of sea blue color is most intense in large specimens, while the color in smaller stones is comparatively lighter. Unlike other colored gemstones, aquamarine’s value comes primarily from its tone rather than the hue and saturation, and stones with darker tones are highly priced and sought after. This gem's most popular areas are Rathnapura, Rakwana, Galle, and Matara.

4. Topaz

A versatile species of gemstones, topazes are available in a variety of colors and colorless forms. Often identified by the hue name, such as pink or blue topaz, some of the most expensive and rare topaz have commercial names given to them. The high-value red and pink stones are known as Imperial Topaz, while the terms Precious Topaz or Sherry Topaz refer to stones with a rich yellow to a medium, peachy orange color.

5. Agate

A translucent variety of microcrystalline quartz, Agate is a semi-precious chalcedony occurring in a wide range of colors, including brown, white, red, grey, pink, black, and yellow. The colors are caused by traces of oxides of iron, manganese, titanium, chromium, nickel, and other elements and occur as alternating bands within the stone. Patterns of color or moss-like inclusions may distinguish this stone from other forms of chalcedony, and Sri Lanka is popular for blue-tinted agate.

Elephant Transit Home - Udawalawe

 

Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home is situated in Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka. Its other name is Ath Athuru Sewana. Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home (ETH) was established in 1995 by the Sri Lanka Department of Wildlife Conservation. Udawalawa-ETH's main objective is to rehabilitate orphaned calves for ultimate release back into the natural environment. Udawalawa National Park is 33,000 hectares. So elephants don't have a limited area and free to go wherever they want. That natural environment helps them to continue their lifestyle. Also, Udawalawa reservation helps to continue the elephant's daily routine without any human interruption. The rainy season creates a diverse environment for elder and baby elephants. This season they are enjoying it very happily. 

When you visit the Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home , there are normally between 60 - 80 orphaned elephants, and visitors can watch them being fed from the safety of a viewing platform about 8 meters away at one of the four daily feeding sessions.

There are special milk formulas for feeding baby elephants. This feeding period is a very interesting part, baby elephants running to drink milk. They are fulfilling their nutrition using this milk. Some special guardians of baby elephants use soy milk, rice broth, or jeevanee to increase baby elephants' immune systems. Baby elephant's milk feeding times are 10.30am , 02.30pm, and 06.00pm every day.  Watch Baby Elephant Feeding Time. 

Elephants are a very important part of our environment. Protecting wild elephants is vital for ecological , cultural , ethical, and economical reasons.

                

Alien Visit Places in Sri Lanka - Danigala Mountain

 

People also refer to Danigala Mountain as Danigala Circular Rock or Alien Mountain. It is a mysterious and scenic rock formation located in the Ampara District of the Eastern Province of Sri Lanka. This rock mountain has a distinct dome- or UFO-like shape. It is highest at about 400-450 meters. Danigala Mountain is situated in a forest area; due to that area's specific position, it helps to think about some mysterious alien activity in that area. When visit that mountain area it has mystery rock statue. Most of these statue build by Aliens or some mystery persons.

There is a Buddhist temple situated in this area. It is a very ancient temple. Around this area, more than 70 caves were found. Those caves were built for meditating Buddhist monks. This caves includes one referring to King Saddha Tissa and his son as well as names of various donors. He has also found inscriptions in a cave mentioning an ancient port in India, signifies communication between India and Sri Lanka or other countries. 

This Danigala mountain is very strange place situated in Sri Lanka. if interest for mystery places should visit this Place.

                

Top highest Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

 

Sri Lanka’s waterfalls are often tucked into lush, misty hills carpeted with tea plantations, forests, and wildflowers. The sound of cascading water in the middle of these green sanctuaries creates a sense of pure tranquility.  Many waterfalls are picture-perfect, not just for their dramatic drops but for the interplay of light, mist, and color around them. Sunrise and sunset often add a golden or bluish hue, making them ideal for photographers, painters, and dreamers alike.  Many waterfalls in Sri Lanka aren’t visible from roads—they require short hikes through forests, tea fields, or rocky paths. This makes visiting them feel like a mini adventure, rewarding you with solitude and awe when you finally reach them. 

Bambarakanda Waterfall

It situated on Badulla district - Kalupahana village. It height  263meteres. 

Diyaluma Waterfall

It situated in Badulla district, Koslanda area. It height 220 meters.

Lihinihela Ella

Lihinihela Ella situate in Rathnapura - Pelmadulla road, Dippitigala area. It height 200 meters.

Kurudu Oya Falls

It situated in Nuwara Eliya district - Walapane town area. height about 189 meters.

Mapalana Falls

Mapalana water fall situated in Rathnapura district - Gilimale area. It height about 141 meters.

Laxapana Falls

Laxapana waterfall situated in Nuwra Eliya district - Hatton area. It height about 129 meters.

Mystery Places of Polonnaruwa

 

Ancient Polonnaruwa is one of the most important historical and archaeological sites in Sri Lanka. It consider as second kingdom in Sri Lanka. Polonnaruwa situated in North Central Province near the Maheweli reach.It consider as agricultural city.  Polonnaruwa has been declared a world heritage site. It is well known for remarkably well-preserved castle ruins, temple ruins, stupas, proper irrigation systems, wonderful city architect designs, and much more.

Royal Palace of King Parakkramabahu

This was a large 7 stories building and more than 1000 chambers including this palace, It built by king Parakkramabahu. It was build by wood, strong clay bricks wall. King Parakkramabahu palaces was high construction technology. On the whole, these palaces are organized in roughly the same manner; a square central court with an east-facing entrance, fronted by a spacious courtyard. The main building is layered  like an onion, with numerous small cell-like quarters clustered around the perimeter.  Around this place there are remains of more buildings where the Ministers, Soldiers and other Royal officers. 

Gal Viharaya

Gal Viharaya's ancient name was Uttararamama. It is located in Nissankamallapura, Polonnaruwa. This place famous for ancient rock statues.There are features for Buddhist Temple . There are two artificial caverns. Inside it large seated statues of Lord Buddha's. Other cavern include small seating statues of Lord Buddha, standing statues, and reclining statues. This statue's style belongs to the Anuradhapura kingdom, but some significant differences compared with the Anuradhapura era. This statues are should watching. You can see smooth rock katayam build by ancient local designers.

Watadageya

Medirigiriya Vatadage is a circular structure built to protect a small stupa. On top of construct can see Lord Buddha's seated statue. It is situated on a rock platform. It has three concentric circles of stone pillars, with the innermost circle surrounding the stupa itself. To reach the top of this platform four entrances with beautifully carved stone steps and moonstones. There are 68 granite pillars standing on the top of the stage. It was a covered roof built with wood and some type of clay tiles. This majestic construction emphasizes the teachings of Lord Buddha.

Lotus Pond

The Lotus Pond is a unique and beautifully crafted of ancient Sinhalese architecture. It constructed during the 11th - 13th century CE by King Parakramabahu. This  pond shape  of a stylized lotus  flower, with five concentric tiers of petals. It build by rock plates. Most of this pond using for bath of Buddhist monk. This Lotus symbolizes  purity, enlightenment and rebirth of Buddhist tradition.

Ancient City - Anuradhapura

  

Anuradhapura is UNESCO World Heritage city in Sri Lanka. It currently serves as the capital city of the North province. This World heritage city located around 206 Kilometers north of Colombo city. It was 1^st capital city in Sri Lanka. Anuradhapura city established in the 4^th century BC.  This ancient city consider as a major center of Theravada Buddhism, it attracted pilgrims across world. Anuradhapura came into prominence after Buddhism was introduced to the island in the 3^rd Century BC during the reign of King Devanam Piyatissa. During past period it was very complex city and develop city. In today you can see ancient ruins for proofing it. When you visit to Anuradhapura you can see lot of ancient Buddhist Temple, Buildings, Ancient irrigation system, Ancient bridges and more ancient ruins things. But many of ancient  ruins are still hidden underground. There are more active lakes in around Anuradhapura city.

Most Attractive Places is Anuradhapura

 Sri Maha Bodhi Tree          

                                 

Sri Maha Bodhi Tree consider as a spiritual and physical sacred Bodhi tree. If visit near to sacred Bodhi tree you will sense mind relaxation. It was grown from a cutting brought from Bodhgaya in India and is said to be the oldest historically authenticated tree in the world, tended by an uninterrupted succession of guardians for over 2000 years. This Tree  established on during Devanam Piyatissa king. It was brought to Sri Lanka by the Princess Sanghamitta , daughter of the Indian Emperor Ashoka and sister of Mahinda.

Ruwanweli Maha saaya / Mahasthupa

Mahathupa is one of the world’s tallest ancient monuments build by ancient people. It height 103 meters and with a circumference of 290 meters. It build by valuable metals and clay bricks. It second only Egypt pyramids. Ruwan weli Maha saya build by King Dutugamunu. But that project completed by King Saddhatissa (King Dutugamunu’s younger brother). The stupa was constructed in a hemispherical shape, its purpose to hold the relics of the Lord Buddha. The stupa was designed to reflect the teachings of Buddha, the dome representing the vastness of doctrine, the four facets signifying the Four Noble Truths, concentric rings highlighting the Noble Eightfold Middle Path, and a large crystal on top represents the goal of Buddhist enlightenment. When visit evening time you can participate some activities conduct by local peoples. It will help to success of your spiritual life.

 

Kuttam Pokuna – Twin Ponds

The Twin Ponds are a pair of ancient bathing ponds. This Twin Ponds build purpose of Spiritual and practical. It build meticulously carved from granite. It carved expression status of the temporary life of ours. Physically it used as bathing ponds by the monks of Abhayagiri Viharaya. This Twin Ponds construction method emphasis about ancient Sri Lankan develop engineering technology. This Pond water build by self-purified by special system. Still that system working.

Star Gate / Universal Gate

The Star Gate calling another name is Universal Gate. It situated in Ranmasu Uyana. This Place is one of strange place. Star Gate build on Special Rock, It measuring around 1.8m in diameter. On this rock can see strange carved. It has very comfortable rock seating area. Mainly it have 02 story. One was very advanced mind Buddhist monks use this place for their meditation. Other one was this place help to communicate with parallel world. However this Universal Gate story still unsolved it will conduct to future.

Yala National Park

 

       

Yala National Park Located in the southeast of the island. Yala National Park is famous for being home to the greatest density of leopards per square kilometer in the world. Yala covers an area of 1,260 square kilometers. It is divided into five main blocks. Those are blocks 1, 2 , 3 , 4, and 5. Among those blocks, Block No. 1 is most popular because of its high wildlife density and more opportunities for leopard sightings. Block No. 2 is situated on the coastal line and water features. To access that area, visitors need to get a special permit, offering a different safari experience.

                                              Blocks No. 3 and 04 are not open to the general public. Because these areas are highly sensitive environmental areas. You can access Block No. 05 via the Galage entrance. This area is famous for birds.

                                                 

     

                                   When you visit Yala National Park Alongside leopards, there are also sloth bears, Asian elephants, deer, monkeys, buffalo, and many species of birds. There are approximately 215 bird species resident in the park, including seven endemics, along with 44 mammals.  Also, you can see their foraging , hunting, mating rituals, and sleep-wake cycles.When you visit to Block No. 5 Bird life is also highlight, and some endemics include the Sri Lanka grey hornbill, the Sri Lanka wood pigeon, the brown-capped babbler and the blue-tailed bee-eater. Also, you can see migratory birds in there. Most of the September to April period they are visiting the Yala National Park.

                                                                     When you enter the Yala National Park, you can experience many of the younger males (elephants and leopards) have grown so used to their dominance within the reserve that they ignore jeeps and visitors' views. Also, you can see endemic natural trees (palu , weera, and kaluwra) grew well in the park.

                                              

Where is Yala National Park?

Yala National Park is situated in the southeast region of Sri Lanka, over the two provinces, Hambantota and Monaragala.

The Yala National Park is quite remote, and therefore it’s almost inevitable to visit a town named Tissamaharama.

The official Yala visitor centre is around 20km east of the town, which is easily reached by joining a Yala National Park tour from Tissamaharama

You can arrange a Jeep for a visit to Yala National Park. Most of the time, the Jeep driver will guide you to get a better experience.

Top Visit Places in Colombo - Sri Lanka

      

Colombo is the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, located on the island's western coast. It's a vibrant, cosmopolitan city that blends modern urban life with colonial architecture, tropical beaches, and cultural landmarks. Colombo lives various cultural and religious people. It lives around 2 million populations. Colombo is considered a highly developed city. It consider as Major financial and business center of Sri Lanka. When you visit, you can get more experience with local people's behavior and lifestyle, and you can enjoy more things from Colombo City.

Colombo National Museum

Colombo National Museum founder by Sir William Henry Gregory (British Governor of Ceylon) in 1877. It situated on Cinnamon gardens - Colombo 07. When visit that place, you can learn more historical things about Sri Lanka (Ceylon), Also you can study more things under this categories. 

*   Ancient Artifices (belongs to Anuradhapura , Polonnaruwa Kingdoms)

*  Historical Manuscripts (Ancient books , Coins & etc.)

*  Traditional arts & crafts (Masks , Jewelry and more things)

*  Natural history section.

 

 

 

Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple

The Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple is one of the most important, iconic, and visited temples in Colombo. It build by late 19th century by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Thera. It have  traditional temple design and more modern structures. This Temple special thing is "Seema Malakaya" It is  a serene meditation hall built on platforms over water. Hall build by using wooden. There are so many golden statue of Buddha you can see around this hall. You can see this temple Near Beira Lake, Colombo 2 (Slave Island area).

The Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil

The Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil is the oldest and one of the most revered Hindu temples in Colombo (Ceylon). Dedicated primarily to Lord Shiva and Lord Ganesha, it stands as a significant spiritual and cultural landmark in the city. It have very colorful & majesty God's idols and Colorful paint base on Hind's mythology. This building support to South Indian Dravidian architecture.  Most of the time you can see Tamil Nation's wedding function held on this Kovil premises. This kovil situated on Maradana, Colombo 10.

Horton Plains - Sri Lanka

                      

        

Horton Plains is one of the naturally coldest and windiest locations in the country. It consists of ecosystems such as montane evergreen forests, grasslands, marshy lands, and aquatic ecosystems. At a height of 2,100 meters above sea level, Horton Plains spreads across over 3,169 hectares of the highest tableland of the island. In view of the large number of endemic flora and fauna species, Horton Plains was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. 
      Horton Plains is not merely a destination for nature tourists. Since the rich biodiversity of Horton Plains is still grossly underexplored, it affords invaluable opportunities to those engaged in educational and research activities.

         

                             

There are main rivers in Sri Lanka (Mahaweli, Walawe, and Kelani) that start from Horton Plains. In Horton Place live various types of animals. Sri Lankan sambar deer, Sri Lankan leopards, and small cats you can see. Also, small birds, reptiles, and amphibians live in natural environments. 

       

         

                  

You can reach Horton Plains from Nuwara Eliya; find an entrance point at Pattipola, while those approaching from Haputale find an entrance point at Ohiya. A 3 km drive from either entrance leads to the newly built visitors center.

Horton Plains National Park offers a unique glimpse into Sri Lanka's highland biodiversity, with its diverse ecosystems supporting a range of endemic and rare species. Visit Horton Plains and enjoy a nature experience with your lovers.