Tag Archives: Sri Lanka

Maha Shivarathri Festival – Dedicated to the Creator of the Universe

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An important festival dedicated to Lord Shiva, the Maha Shivarathri Festival is held on the 13th night/14th day in the Krishna Paksha Phalguna or Maagh according to the Hindu calendar. Plan your Sri Lanka travel during this period when devotees celebrate Lord Shiva’s favourite day.   Jetwing Travels offers Sri Lanka tours all around the year and hence, observing this vibrant festival that falls on a moonless February day should not be a problem. There are many legends surrounding the Maha Shivarathri day. Some say that this day is special to Shiva as this is the day that marks the marriage ceremony of Shiva and Parvati while other state that this is the auspicious day when Lord Shiva performed his “Tandava” dance that led to the ‘Tandava’ that led to the creation, conservation and devastation of the universe. On this holy day, Hindu devotees visit temples to clean the Lingam and offer poojas of milk, cold water, flowers and various food items to honour the Lord Shiva.

 

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Nelum Pokuna Mahinda Rajapaksa Theatre

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Seeking event planners in Sri Lanka to help you organize your next big occasion in the island? Then a name to bear in mind is Nkar Mice, an experience outfit looking to contribute to the success of event management Sri Lanka. When it comes to event venues, there is a plethora of choices. A state-of-the-art performance centre, the Nelum pokuna or the Lotus Pond has been designed to hold large scale theatrical productions. Featuring performance venues including an open air amphitheatre and the main auditorium, it can be found nestled in the heart of the city of Colombo. Facilitating easy access for both foreign and local productions, this architectural masterpiece is in proximity to top shopping venues and several other attractions.

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world. Google+

Corporate Travel Management Tips – For Travellers on The Go!

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While global travel has become somewhat of a necessity in today’s world, managing ones corporate travel is an ever important aspect that more and more companies are looking into. One idea worth considering is making use of event management companies who will coordinate aspects including travel and logistics. Those in search of such event management Sri Lanka has to offer can consider Nkar MICE. It is one of the leading event planners in Sri Lanka and will even assist in pre-planning and on-site conference management.

When it comes to corporate travel management tips there are several aspects one can look into. It is important that there be a set travel policy which applies to all even the senior executives. One should look to try and avoid scheduling meetings at peak travel times, while it is advisable to join an airline loyalty scheme while will earn frequent flyer miles or other benefits. If booking accommodation independently look to book ahead of time since certain hotels offer early bird discounts that will help to reduce costs too.

Pushpitha Wijesinghe is an experienced independent freelance writer. He specializes in providing a wide variety of content and articles related to the travel hospitality industry. Google+

Donald Steele Golf Tournament – The Best of Golf

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Sri Lanka has some of the most pristine landscapes in the whole of South Asia. This, combined with the ambience of class that the island is well known for, makes the sport of golf perfectly suited to this unique nation. Of late, the popularity of golf is slowly climbing and new golf courses are reshaping Sri Lanka’s landscapes.

At present, this island nation boasts three famous golf courses: The Royal Colombo Golf Club, the Nuwara Eliya Golf Club, and the Victoria International Golf and Country Club. The Royal Colombo Golf Club is located in the commercial capital city and appeals to business tourists and many locals who fancy the sport and reside in Colombo. It is located in a rather un-spoilt region of the city that boasts the rolling greens demanded by the game. The oldest golf club in Sri Lanka, however, is situated in the breathtaking town of Nuwara Eliya. Perched high atop the hills of the scenic central province, this famous course was established in 1891.

The Victoria Golf Club located in a similar vicinity is however the newest of them all. It has an exquisite design that happens to be the creation of Donald Steele, the legendary golf course architect. Seated atop 500 acres of land, the course boasts some stunning views of the Victoria Reservoir and the Knuckles Mountain Range. With this blissful scenery as the backdrop and a golf club in your hand, relaxation comes naturally as you tee off.

Every year it is in this very golf Course that serves as the host for the prestigious Donald Steele Golf Tournament. This tournament named after the creator of this magnificent golf course is one of the most prominent golfing events in Sri Lanka. It attracts over hundreds of participants from around 15 countries, and makes quite a competitive event. The 18 holes around the course vary in intensity and the master of them all awaits the grand prize.

When visiting Sri Lanka to bask in its array of attractions there are so many details you would want to look into. When it comes to Sri Lanka car rental, choose a reputable local company such as Malkey Rent A Car. Covering all possible vehicular needs from an airport taxi in Colombo Sri Lanka to an impressive fleet of other automobiles and a range of competitive packages, this is one of the best ranked car rental companies in the city.

Angela Fernando is an impassioned travel writer who composes pieces under the pen name Sumaira Narayan. She loves writing about new and exciting places around the world and hopes to visit them all someday. Google+

The Arena at BMICH – an excellent event venue

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The BMICH (the Bandaranaike Memorial International Conference Hall) is Colombo’s leading conference and events venue, the top choice of event planners in Sri Lanka. Its prestigious history, central location, and expansive facilities make it an ideal host for event management Sri Lanka by professional local companies in the industry such as Nkar Mice. The BMICH spans an impressive 37 acres and it enjoys the status of being one of South Asia’s most complete exhibition complexes. It boasts high-tech facilities as well as a selection of contemporary halls and rooms as well as a spacious delegates room that spans 16,000 square feet. It also employs an eco-tourist theme in the form of its “Eco Auditorium”, which presents an idyllic replica of Sri Lankan village life. The middle of the village is a spacious grassy arena known as the “kamatha” that translates to “threshing floor”, which can host a multitude of open air performances. In addition, the same area also features a training facility that functions as an outbound training range and a high adventure course.  Over the course of its tenure spanning over forty years as the city’s premier conference venue, it has played host to a multitude of international local events to the tune of musical dramas, international conferences such as SAARC and CHOGM (November 2013), beautiful pageants, global exhibitions and trade events and more.

Kandyan Dance – Embodying Sri Lankan Pride

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Colourful costumes overflowing with grandeur, energetic movements and thudding drum beats characterize this lively yet elegant dance portraying the proud and rich heritage of the Sri Lankan nation. Originating from the central hills region of the country, there are plenty of hotels Sri Lanka amongst which Hotel Hilltop is amongst the hotels Sri Lanka in which one can lodge in while exploring this ancient art. It is said that the origins of the dance lies in the Kohomba Kankariya, originally performed by Indian shamans who came to the island to cure a king who had a recurring dream. The Kandyan Dance is a venerated art form and follows a tradition of its own. In the olden days, this dance was performed by dancers who belonged to a separate caste who dedicated their entire lives to the Kandyan Dance but now, it is more widely spread and is practiced as a performance art form.

The costume of the Kandyan dancer is vibrant and elaborate and also consists of a head dress and heavy anklets that make a heavy rattling sound to the rhythm of their dance moves. This costume is referred to as the Ves costume. In the olden days, only the males were allowed to train as dancers but over the years, more and more female dancers have made their way into this glorious art form that is a way of expression on its own. The dance is performed to percussion music only and the most popular instrument used for this is the Geta Beraya while a small pair of symbols known as the thalampota is also used to keep rhythm. The scope of Kandyan Dance is rather vast and there are several types of popular dances that fall under the category of Kandyan Dance. The most popular of these are perhaps the Vannams, fashioned after the characteristics of different animals; peacock, elephant, monkey and the cock to name a few.

Jayani Senanayake is a writer who dabbles in travel and all things exotic. Under the pseudonym of Calliope Sage, she writes of the allures that must simply be discovered. Google+

Cultural Events in Sri Lanka – Colourful Multicultural Celebrations

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A land of various ethnicities, traditions and religious beliefs, Sri Lanka has a wide range of cultural events each year that showcase the island’s rich heritage. If you are planning a holiday in Sri Lanka look to witness some of the events that are taking place during the course of your stay. One of the best ways to explore the country is by signing up for sightseeing tours and Sri Lanka Holiday Travel is one option worth considering. Featuring some of the best holiday travel Sri Lanka has to offer, this well known tour operator takes you to key locations around the island.

There is some kind of cultural event taking place almost every month in Sri Lanka. January is when Hindus celebrate Thai Pongal in honour of the Hindu Sun God. Part of the celebrations includes preparing a rice dish known as ‘Pongal’. April heralds the Sinhala and Tamil New Year and is a time of family reunions and get-togethers. Ceremonies and traditions take place according to auspicious times and there are a great many festivities and games held during this month. One of the most important cultural events in May is what is known as Vesak and is a time when Buddhist devotees remember the birth and enlightenment of Lord Buddha. Apart from visiting the temple, it is customary for people to create elaborate lanterns during this time. Not to be missed is a chance to witness the Esala Perahera in July or August in the hill capital Kandy. Here one can witness a truly spectacular procession featuring many elephants and dancers.

Chandrishan Williams is a travel writer who writes under the pen name, Caleb Falcon. He specializes in writing content based on the many exciting world adventures that await intrepid travellers.

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Hambantota International Convention Centre – A Modern Marvel

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Located along Sri Lanka’s South Coast, Hambantota is being developed into a major city in the country. Apart from being home to an international airport and shipping port, the city is also where one will find the grand Hambantota International Convention Centre. Those planning to host large scale conferences at this state of the art venue can enlist the services of Nkar MICE, one of the leading event planners in Sri Lanka. Providing full service event management Sri Lanka has to offer, this well known company offers logistical management as well.

The main hall of the Hambantota International Convention Centre has a 1,500 person seating capacity making it an ideal choice for conferences. There are also 3 halls that each have a seating capacity for 250 people along with smaller halls for more intimate events. Parking is available for more than 1000 vehicles, while restaurant facilities and an open air theatre will complement the venues already on offer, making for a truly unforgettable event.

Celebrating Christmas and New Year in Sri Lanka

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December heralds the festive season and even in a tropical paradise like Sri Lanka one can enjoy Christmas and New Year celebrations. A great place to experience these festivities is at a Sri Lanka beach hotel where you can herald in the New Year amidst stunning coastal landscapes. Located along the shores, Mermaid Hotel & Club is one such option and is an ideal Kalutara hotel which gives one a chance to have ceremonies on the beach too.

The best place to visit during the Christmas season is the commercial capital Colombo. The city is decked out in a variety of decorations and colourful lights as shops, malls and retail outlets go all out when it comes to festive décor. During this period one can also find a wide range of discounts making it an ideal time to shop. Churches throughout the country also host carol services during this time and are open free to the public to enjoy. On New Year ‘s Eve one can find an array of festive dinner dances, while midnight is a time when you can witness a dazzling display of fireworks light up the night sky.

Christmas and New Year Sri Lanka – Bring in the New Year

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Sri Lanka is a beautiful island paradise that has to be on a travellers list. Without this place, any list is deemed incomplete. The people, the culture and so much more is something all tourists look forward to. Through not hailing from a Christian culture, Sri Lanka has strong influences of the Christianity and Catholicism due to colonial rule that governed the island in the past. There is a rich heritage left behind and therefore many Sri Lankans today celebrate the globally renowned festival of Christmas. Christmas in Sri Lanka is a great time of the year owing to the wonderful tropical climate and beautiful island. Christmas and New Year celebrations happen mostly on beachside simply because Sri Lanka is an island paradise and surrounded by water.

To celebrate the New Year and Christmas in Sri Lanka is truly a unique experience. It is the ideal time to take advantage of the place and travel with your family and friends as there is something for everyone on the island. It is very popular for families to dock beside the shores, since this provides the most entertainment for the whole family. What is even more interesting is that the island is very lively. Since Sri Lanka is not a Christian country, the shops are not closed for long periods of time and therefore you will have plenty of time to shop and look around. The hospitality of the Sri Lankan people is world-renowned. Even if some do not celebrate Christmas, they make sure that you will make memories to last a lifetime and give you the best experience ever.

When on the island try looking for a tour group to get you around and make the most of your experience. There are safaris that could be taken and so much more that could be done. Getting around is better if you find a Sri Lanka car rental place who provides services of airport taxi in Colombo Sri Lanka, one being Malkey Rent A Car. Be sure you travel to this beautiful island and experience its splendour. Whether it is a hot climate down south, or a cold climate up-country that you are looking for, you can get to either in a matter of a few hours!

 

Thanuja Silva is a travel writer who writes under the pen name Auburn Silver. She has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.

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