Yapahuwa Paradise Resort

We at the Yapahuwa Paradise will go out our way to make your stay in Yapahuwa Paradise a pleasure through our various facilities backed by gracious hospitality and courteous service.

The comfort and charm of the Hotel compliments the natural beauty and wonder of the surrounding. No matter how you choose to relax the beauty of the natural surrounding will help you.

The Hotel’s Lobby has been designed to create a feeling of warmth and comfort. The ambience is homely and inviting.

You will notice when you come to the Hotel, the way we make you feel welcome. Warm smiles of the staff at the Hotel make sure you feel at home and rest assured. We are always ready with a smile to pamper you and make you feel comfortable.


Location
Yapahuwa Paradise is strategically located in the historical city of Yapahuwa, just 115 km from Bandaranayake International Airport, 154 km from Colombo and 53 km away from Kurunegala by side of the main road Padeniya via Anuradhapura.
The only resort is Yapahuwa Paradise in Kurunegala District, Situated amidst the lush tranquility of landscaped garden with a panoramic view of the beautiful lake.


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Guest Facilities

• Restaurant
• Indoor games
• IDD facilities
• Conference & Banquet facilities (300 Guests)
• Sports & Entertainment
• Swimming pool
• Billiard
• Kingfisher Bar
• Water Polo
• Darts
• Nature walks
• E mail & Internet facilities
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
  

Source :- View the Official site here

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Nuwara Eliya - Little England

Nuwara Eliya - Little England

Nuwara Eliya meaning "city on the plain (table land)" or "city of light", is a town in the central highlands of Sri Lanka with a picturesque landscape and temperate climate. It is located at an altitude of 1,868 m (6,128 ft) and is considered to be the most important location for Tea production in Sri Lanka. The town is overlooked by Pidurutalagala, the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka.

History

The city was founded by Samuel Baker, the discoverer of Lake Albert and the explorer of the Nile in 1846. Nuwara Eliya's climate lent itself to becoming the prime sanctuary of the British civil servants and planters in Ceylon. Nuwara Eliya, called Little England then, was also a hill country retreat where the British colonialists could immerse in their pastimes such as fox hunting, deer hunting,elephant hunting, polo, golf and cricket.
Although the town was founded in the 19th century by the British, the whole district is today visited by native travelers, specially during the month of April, the season of flowers, pony races, go cart races and auto rally.


Climate

Due to the high altitude, Nuwara Eliya has a much cooler climate than the lowlands of Sri Lanka, with a mean annual temperature of 16 °C. But the temperature changes and sometimes it can be as low as 3°C. In the winter months it is quite cold at night, and there can even be frost. although it rapidly warms up as the tropical sun climbs higher during the day.


Festivals

The town really comes alive in April for the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year, and it is difficult to find accommodation as Sri Lankans holiday in the region during this period. The festive season starts on April 1 annually in a ceremonial manner. The ceremony consists mainly of a band show in which all the local school bands participate.
Main attractions during April season include the numerous motor racing and horse racing events. Motor racing comes alive with the Mahagastotte and Radella Hill Climbs, the former being run since 1934. The Nuwara Eliya Road Race and the 4X4 Lake Cross on edge of Lake Gregory attract a fair share of enthusiasts. Parties are held nightly in the hotels, and the season culminates in the nine furlong (1811 m) Governor's Cup, Golf Tournaments and the flower show at the end of the month.

Source :- View the Official site here


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Places around to visit

The town’s attractions include the golf course, trout streams, Victoria Park, and boating or fishing on Lake Gregory. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular for bird watching at quieter times because of the good opportunities it gives to see various species, particularly the Indian Blue Robin  , Pied Thrush or Scaly Thrush lurking in the denser undergrowth. The Kashmir Flycatcher is another attractive bird species found in the park. Galway’s Land Bird Sanctuary, close to Lake Gregory, is another wildlife site of 0.6 km².

Hakgala Botanical Garden

 is one of the three Botanical Gardens in Sri Lanka and is the second largest Garden in Sri Lanka. it lies under the Hakgala Peak, between 5000-6000 feet in elevation - the highest set Botanical Gardens in the world. It boasts 100 year old Monetary Cypress trees from California, Japanese Cedars, Himalayan Pines and English Oak.

The Botanical Garden is first as a cinchona plantation and then adapted to an experimental garden for the acclimatization of plants from temperate zones in the tropics. Here can be found all the flowers of an English cottage garden in spring and summer, and much else besides - such as the oldest tea-bush in the island, an ornamental pond and quaint summerhouse. Hakgala (Jaw Rock) rises a sheet 1500 ft/460 meters and offers one of the most stunning views ever. Legend says it was part of the Himalayas carried here by the Monkey God - Hanuman in his quest to help God-Rama rescue Goddess - Sita from the demon king - Ravana.


Lake Gregory

is one of the significant tourist attractions in Nuwara Eliya. It was built by the Governor William Gregory during 1872 – 1877 periods by utilizing the water from the Nanuoya which runs across the town. It is about 91.2 hectares in extent. It was said to be used for water sports and for re-recreational activities during the British rule.


A boat yard now allows visitors to go boating and rowing. Boat Tours is a are very popular activity on Gregory Lake . Both pedal boats and motor boats are offered for holiday makers.

The Victoria Park

The Victoria Park of Nuwara Eliya which is in front of The Trevene Holiday Bungalow said to be named to comorate the 60th Jubilee Coronation of Queen Victoria in the year 1897. Originally the park was used as the research field of Haggala Botanical Garden which is located about 04 km away from the city centre. It is known that this park was established by planting an Oak tree by a German Princes who visited Nuwara Eliya at the latter part of the 19th Century.

The park is 27 acres in extent and about 90% of the tree species available are those of foreign plants. Nanu Oya which flows through the park and a number of lakes within it enhances its beauty. A large number of rare bird species can be found in the park. The park is a great tourist attraction in Nuwara Eliya. It was estimated that over 100,000 local visitors as well as around 4000 – 5000 foreign tourists visit the Victoria Park every year. Victoria Park is an attractive and well-used oasis. It is popular with birdwatchers at quieter times because of the good opportunities it gives to see Indian Blue Robin, Pled Thrush or Scaly Thrush lurking in the denser undergrowth. Kashmir Flycatcher is another attractive bird species found in the park
The course is one of the most naturally scenic in the world. It starts from one corner of the town and is nestled into the valley, between the town and the surrounding forested hills.When approaching via Kandy , it is one of the first views the visitor has of Nuwara Eliya.

Source :- View the Official site here

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Yapahuwa (Kingdom of Dambadeniya)

Yapahuwa kingdom

Yapahuwa was one of the ephemeral capitals of medieval Sri Lanka. The citadel of Yapahuwa lying midway between Kurunagala and Anuradhapura was built around a huge granite rock rising abruptly almost a hundred meters above the surrounding lowlands.
In 1272, King Bhuvenakabahu transferred the capital from Polonnaruwa to Yapahuwa in the face of Dravidian invasions from South India, bringing the Sacred Tooth Relic with him. Following the death of King Bhuvenakabahu in 1284, the Pandyans of South India invaded Sri Lanka once again, and succeeded in capturing Sacred Tooth Relic. Following its capture, Yapahuwa was largely abandoned and inhabited by Buddhist monks and religious ascetics.


Location and Name



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The rock fortress complex of Yapahuwa is situated in the Wayamba province of Sri Lanka. About 4 km southeast of the town and railway station of Maho, midway between Kurunegala and Anuradhapura.
The original name of this Buddhist Heritage site is Yapawwa though now often called as Yapahuwa which is a kind of distortion of its genuine etymological sense.

History

Yapahuwa served as the capital of Sri Lanka in the latter part of the 13th century (1273–1284). Built on a huge, 90 meter high rock boulder in the style of the Sigiriya rock fortress, Yapahuwa was a palace and military stronghold against foreign invaders.
The palace and fortress were built by King Buvanekabahu I (1272–1284) in the year 1273. Many traces of ancient battle defences can still be seen, while an ornamental stairway, is its biggest showpiece. On top of the rock are the remains of a stupa, a Bodhi tree enclosure, and a rock shelter/cave used by Buddhist monks, indicating that earlier this site was used as a Buddhist monastery, like many boulders and hills in the area. There are several caves at the base of the rock. In one of them there is a shrine with Buddha images. One cave has a Brahmi script inscription. At the southern base of the rock there is a fortification with two moats and ramparts. In this enclosure there are the remains of a number of buildings including a Buddhist shrine. There is also a Buddhist temple called Yapawwa Rajamaha Vihara built during the Kandyan period.
The Tooth Relic was brought from Dambadeniya and kept in the Tooth Temple built for the purpose at the top of the third staircase. The relics were carried away from the temple here to South India by the Pandyas, and then recovered in 1288 by Parakkramabahu III (1287–1293), who temporarily placed them in safety at Polonnaruwa.

Source :- View the Official site here

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Dambulla Cave Temple (Rangiri Dambulu Viharaya)

The Golden Buddha statue

Dambulla cave temple  also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla is a World Heritage Site (1991) in Sri Lanka, situated in the central part of the country. This site is situated 148 km east of Colombo and 72 km north of Kandy. It is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. The rock towers 160 m over the surrounding plains.There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding area. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Lord Buddha and his life. There total of 153 Buddha statues, 3 statues of Sri Lankan kings and 4 statues of gods and goddesses. The latter include two statues of Hindu gods, the god Vishnu and the god Ganesh. The murals cover an area of 2,100 square meters. Depictions on the walls of the caves include the temptation by the demon Mara, and Buddha's first sermon.

Prehistoric Sri Lankans would have lived in these cave complexes before the arrival of Buddhism in Sri Lanka as there are burial sites with human skeletons about 2700 years old in this area, at Ibbankatuwa near the Dambulla cave complexes.

History

This temple complex dates back to the 1st century BC. It has five caves under a vast overhanging rock, carved with a drip line to keep the interiors dry. In 1938 the architecture was embellished with arched colonnades and gabled entrances. Inside the caves, the ceilings are painted with intricate patterns of religious images following the contours of the rock. There are images of the Lord Buddha and bodhisattvas, as well as various gods and goddesses.
The Dambulla cave monastery is still functional and remains the best-preserved ancient edifice in Sri Lanka. This complex dates from the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC, when it was already established as one of the largest and most important monasteries. King Valagambahu is traditionally thought to have converted the caves into a temple in the 1st century BC. Exiled from Anuradhapura, he sought refuge here from South Indian usurpers for 15 years. After reclaiming his capital, the King built a temple in thankful worship. Many other kings added to it later and by the 11th century, the caves had become a major religious centre and still are. King Nissanka Malla gilded the caves and added about 70 Buddha statues in 1190. During the 18th century, the caves were restored and painted by the Kandyan Kings.

Source :- View the Official site here

The Golden Temple Buddha in Dambulla, Sri Lanka in Sri Lanka

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Sinhala & Tamil New Year Festival

In month of Bak in the Buddhist calendar (or the month of April according to the gregorian calendar), when the sun moves (in an astrological sense) from the Meena Rashiya (House of Pisces) to the Mesha Rashiya (House of Aries) in the celestial sphere; Sri Lankan people of Sri Lanka begin celebrating Sinhala New Year or Aluth Avurudu (in Sinhala). It marks the end of the harvest season and also coincides with one of two instances when the sun is directly above Sri Lanka.

However, unlike the celebration of the new gregorian calender year at midnight on December 31, the Sinhalese traditional New Year begins at a time determined by astrological calculations. Also unlike 31st night celebrations, where old year ends at midnight and new year begins immediately afterwards; the ending of the old year, and the beginning of the new year occur several hours apart from one another (this span of time is usually 12 hours and 48 minutes, which starts when the sun, as a disk, starts to cross the astrological boundary between 'House of Pisces' and 'House of Aries' and ends when the crossing is complete. The halfway point is considered as the dawn of the new year). This period is, referred to as the Nonagathe (or the 'neutral period'). During this time Sri Lankans are, according to tradition, encouraged to refrain from material pursuits, and engage solely in either religious activities or traditional games.

Cultural rituals begin shortly after the beginning of the Sinhala new year with the cleaning of the house and lighting of an oil lamp. In some communities, women congregate to play upon on the Raban (type of a drum) to announce the incipient change in the year. All the families as one carries out variety of rituals in exact timings of which are determined by astrological calculations - from lighting the fire to making the Kiribath (milk rice) to entering into the first business transaction and eating the first morsels. The rituals vary slightly based on the locale. However the core of the celebrations remains the same.

The approach of the each auspicious time for various rituvals is heralded by the unmistakable sign of very loud firecrackers. Although loud firecrackers are an environmental concern, and a safety hazard, especially for children, this remains an integral part of the celebrations throughout Sri Lanka.

Once the important rituals are done, the partying begins as families mingle in the streets, homes are thrown open and children are let out to play. The ubiquitous plantain is dished out alongside celebratory feasts of Kavum (small oil cake) and Kokis (crisp and light sweetmeat, originally from the Netherlands). However, the extent of outdoor activities depends largely on the neighborhood. The suburban communities tend to have such social gatherings than urban or city dwellers.

Aluth Aurudu is an important national holiday for both the cultures of the Sinhalese people and the Tamil people of Sri Lanka. The celebrations are given wide coverage and patronage from state owned media as well as private media.

Source :- View the Official site here

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Vil Uyana Luxury Boutique Hotel - Dambulla

Deep in the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka an ancient marvel stands proud – the world renowned rock fortress of Sigiriya. A hotel that pays homage to its beauty and uniqueness, also sits hidden quietly in the plains of its shadow. Here, turn back 2000 years and imagine life as it was.
With a deep satisfied sigh the dark cloak of night gives in to the break of day. In the distance a lone Nightjar bids a last farewell. The eastern sky brightens with a rosy blush as wispy swirls of blue mist lets go of the water and hangs still in the air. A gentle breeze parts its soft veil to offer a fleeting glimpse of dark steeped silhouettes rising up above the lake, the occasional glow of golden lamps still twinkle invitingly.

Has one come upon an enchanted world? Where man and nature were once one and lived unhindered in perfect companionship? Could such a haven still exist? Deep in the heart of our island paradise it hides amongst the reeds, revealing its rustic treasures to those who seek its serene beauty, offering untold comforts fit for ancient royalty and the requisite indulgences for everyone in the present.
Welcome to the matchless wonder of Jetwing Vil Uyana – the privilege is yours. And when you have enjoyed all we have for you, you will discover why we are a member of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World too.

Location

In the heartland of Sri Lanka’s central plains and 163km from the capital Colombo, Jetwing Vil Uyana is a distinctively designed hotel in Sigiriya that offers you the best of rustic charms, modern comforts and an authentic glimpse at culture and traditions both old and new.
Heading inland North East from the Bandaranaike International Airport at Katunayake, the drive is spectacular and the scenery diverse with acres of paddy cultivation accompanying you most of the way, and then, through the shimmering haze a giant rock looms up high into the sky.
A cornerstone of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya – the majestic fortress of King Kassapa, is considered to be the 8th wonder of the world. The passion of artisans 2000 years before immortalised in its frescoes; magnificent feats of ancient engineering still inspire awe. The surrounding forest and the sprawling lake remains much unchanged – The water nymphs lounging in the sun today, however, take on a very different form: nature and her wildest creations having reclaimed their inheritance. Just 4km away and blending perfectly into the lush surrounds Jetwing Vil Uyana awaits to offer you refuge from the journey and welcomes you to experiences like no other.



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Source :- View the Official site here

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Jetwing Light house Hotel - Galle

On the famed south western coast of Sri Lanka, in the ancient Dutch outpost of Galle, hotels line the shore and are many and varied. But amongst them all, one stands out – distinctive as a beacon of light in the dark; and named likewise. Known and loved the world over, Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle, embraces a rugged outcrop along the coastline just before the city centre, and is the last unique architectural triumph of Sri Lanka’s iconic genius, Geoffrey Bawa. Minimalistic, stately and elegant this inspired creation will captivate you with its unparalleled wonder.
Step in to the hallway and step back five centuries. A dramatic enactment – a historic narrative depicting the ‘Battle of Randeniya’ spirals upwards. Sweeping alongside the stairway, Portuguese horsemen charge the brave local inhabitants; their fervour immortalized in shimmering copper and bronze envisioned by renowned artist Laki Senanayake. Follow the flight and step out into the lobby, then stand amazed at the vista before you – the astounding beauty of a land the ancient warriors fought to save or gain is now yours to claim, awhile at least.
But yours will be a battle of a far more pleasant kind – how not to indulge too much in all the luxuries you will encounter when you stay with us. The rooms are sumptuous, the cuisine, positively sinful, the pools as vast as the ocean they seem to blend into – and then there is the spa too, and that is bliss beyond compare. But bliss is what you will find at every turn at Jetwing Lighthouse, Galle; a member of Small Luxury Hotels of the world, it is the ultimate tropical retreat of lavish beauty in Sri Lanka.

Location

The largest city in the South and one of great significance in many ways, Galle is a wonderful blend of culture, history, beauty, tradition and everything else in between. A popular destination of choice for both locals and tourists, in the city and the outskirts of Galle, hotel properties flourish offering accommodation to suit all tastes and budgets. Located in the South West corner of the island, Galle is a 146 km drive from the Bandaranaike International Airport.
The journey is a story in itself. Through the mayhem of the business capital Colombo, the palm lined resort towns of Wadduwa, Kalutara, Beruwela, Bentota, Kosgoda, Ambalangoda, Hikkadduwa , the brilliant blue sea will accompany you all the way to Galle, and often the rail track will do so too. Jetwing Lighthouse is conveniently located just a few kilometres before the bustling city centre of Galle and its historic Dutch Fort, yet stands alone away from it all on a rocky promontory facing the waves – a true refuge of peace.



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Source :- View the Official site here

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Kandy

The city of Kandy is located 116 kilometers from Colombo.  It is 465 meters above  sea-level  and  nestled  in  the  mountainous  central  region  of  the island.    First  established  in  the  mid-14th  century,  the  city  resisted  many invasions by the Portuguese and Dutch, who occupied most of the island from the 16th century onwards.  Kandy remained the last independent capital of Sri Lanka until the reign of Sri Vikrama Rajasinha, when it came under British rule in 1815.  The seats of power then shifted to the coastal areas of Kotte and Colombo.  However, it is still considered the religious and cultural center of the country, with numerous temples  and  monasteries,  Buddhist  colleges  and  beautiful parks and gardens.  The Lankatilaka Temple is known for its traditional Sinhalese architecture and  was  built  in  1344  atop  a  rocky  and  uneven  hilltop.    The  Embekke Devale, constructed in the 14th century, is famous for its wooden structure and beautifully intricate woodcarvings.   Another popular temple in Kandy is the Gadaladeniya Temple which was built in a South Indian style.

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The Temple of the Tooth

The  most  famous  attraction  in  Kandy  is  the  Temple  of  the  Tooth,  or  “Sri Dalada Maligawa”.  The Buddha’s Tooth was first brought to Kandy during the reign of Vimaladharmasuriya I at the turn of the 17th century.  He built a temple to house the relic but this was later destroyed.  It was taken away for safety during a Portuguese invasion of Kandy and eventually recovered during the rule of King Rajasinha II.

The present Temple of the Tooth was built in the early 18th century by King Vira  Narendra  Sinha,  and  later  extended  and  modified  by  subsequent kings.    Externally,  it  is  surrounded  by  a  moat  and  low  white  walls  with simple carvings.  Its distinctive Octagonal Tower, or “Pattiripuwa”, was built in 1803 and houses a collection of palm-leaf manuscripts.

The  Tooth  is  kept  in  a  two-story  shrine which  is  covered  with  a  golden canopy  and  fronted  by  a  set  of  huge  elephant  tusks.    There  is  also  a museum  where  many  Buddha  images  are  kept,  most  of  them  gifts  from different  countries.    Also displayed are paintings depicting the  various events in the history of the Tooth.

Thousands  of  devotees  and  visitors  throng  the  shrine  every day  to  pay respects  to  the  Tooth,  which  is  encased  within  a  set  of  seven  caskets made of gold and precious gems.  There is an air of great excitement and Anticipation among the crowd as the people await their turn to file past the Tooth.  There is usually not much more time than for a quick look as the attendants keep the crowd moving at a fast pace.

A  replica  of  the  Tooth,  together  with  its  ornate  and  beautiful  caskets,  is displayed  once  a  year  during  the  “Esala  Perahera”.    This is  the  island’s largest annual celebration, lasting for ten days, with colorful and elaborate parades  of  dancers,  drummers  and  elephants.    Around a million people attend this festival each year.  Due to security concerns, the actual Tooth is never brought out for the festival.

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The Golden Rock Temple

Although there are numerous cave temples in Sri Lanka, the Golden Rock Temple a few kilometers south of the market town of Dambulla, is its most famous and spectacular.  The town is about 72 kilometers north of Kandy, and the temple is in a cave under a range of granite hillocks which rise 160 meters above the surrounding plains. It  is  believed  that  when  King  Vattagamini  was  fleeing  from  his  enemies in  the  1st  century  BCE,  he  was  sheltered  by  ascetic  monks  who  lived  in these caves.  After returning to power, he came back to build a large rock temple in gratitude to the monks.  The caves were further enlarged by King Nissankamalla in the 12th century, with five temples built into them. 

There are more than a hundred statues of the Buddha within the temples, along  with  a  few  of  kings  and  various  deities.    There  are  also  murals  on  the  walls  depicting  scenes  from  the  Buddha’s  life,  some  painted  as  recently  as  the  18th  and  19th  centuries,  and  these  cover  an  area  of  2,100 square meters.

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