Experience Sri Lanka

The Navam Perahera is one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular Buddhist festivals, held annually in February at the historic Gangaramaya Temple. This grand procession features magnificently adorned elephants, traditional Kandyan dancers, fire performers, and drummers creating a mesmerizing display of Sri Lankan culture. The festival coincides with the full moon day of the Navam month, making it a perfect time to experience Sri Lanka's rich Buddhist heritage.

Sri Lanka celebrates its Independence Day on February 4th, commemorating the nation's freedom from British colonial rule in 1948. The main celebrations take place at Independence Square in Colombo, featuring military parades, cultural performances, and the ceremonial flag hoisting by the President. This national holiday provides delegates with a unique opportunity to witness Sri Lanka's patriotic spirit and cultural pride.

The hill country of Sri Lanka offers breathtaking landscapes and rich cultural heritage. Kandy, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Nuwara Eliya, known as 'Little England,' features colonial architecture, tea plantations, and cool climate gardens. The scenic train journey between these destinations is considered one of the most beautiful in the world.

Sri Lanka holds a special place in the epic Ramayana, with numerous sites connected to the legend of Sita's captivity. The Seetha Amman Temple in Seetha Eliya is believed to be where Goddess Sita was held captive by King Ravana. The temple sits beside a stream where Sita is said to have bathed, and the surrounding area features rock formations believed to bear footprints of Lord Hanuman. This spiritual trail attracts pilgrims from around the world.

Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress, is Sri Lanka's most iconic landmark and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Rising dramatically 200 meters above the surrounding plains, this 5th-century fortress was built by King Kashyapa I. The site features stunning frescoes of the famous 'Sigiriya Maidens,' the remarkable Mirror Wall, and the Lion Gate entrance. The summit offers panoramic views of the surrounding forests and ancient water gardens below.

These ancient capitals showcase Sri Lanka's glorious past spanning over 2,000 years of civilization. Anuradhapura, founded in the 4th century BC, features the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, the oldest historically documented tree in the world. Polonnaruwa, the medieval capital, displays remarkable ruins including the iconic Gal Vihara Buddha statues. Both sites are UNESCO World Heritage Sites and essential destinations for understanding Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage.