CRUISE TERMINAL SERVICES

Lush green carpets of grass, towering trees and exotic flowers are distinguishing features of Mirijjawila Botanical Gardens, offering visitors a first-hand experience of nature. Prior to its designation as a botanical garden in 2006, the 300-acre extent of land was covered with thorny shrubs and abandoned slash and burn cultivations. It is the first Sri Lankan botanical garden developed by local experts for the conservation of dwindling species of trees, shrubs and medicinal herbs, while providing an attractive eco-tourism destination for foreign and local tourists. Three water tanks named Kohombagas Wewa, Malitthangas Wewa and Demataththa Wewa, have been constructed within the gardens.

This is the first ever Safari Park in Sri Lanka where animals are in the open, and visitors can see them from well-protected buses or safari jeeps. Covering 500 acres, the park has been divided into six separate zones: four for carnivorous and two for herbivorous animals. Currently, the 35-acre African Lion Zone, 54-acre Sri Lanka Elephant Zone and 80-acre World Zone can be viewed, while more zones are under construction. The park is home to African lions, Asian elephants, zebras, giraffes, Bactrian camels, Arabian Oryx, Lechwe, Indian blue bulls, African cape buffaloes and large birds such as ostriches.

Asia's largest Bird Park and Research Centre, located in Hambantota, is home to endemic and exotic birds covering over 180 varieties and around 3,200 birds. The park has dedicated exhibit areas such as Wetlands, Wings of Asia, Flightless Birds, Macaw & Cockatoo Zone and Parrots Paradise. In addition, there are swans and ducks, peacocks and pheasants, love birds, conures, amazons, large birds such as ostriches, and many more. The park covers 35 acres, and includes a research center for students and research fellows, making it an ideal place for forging academic and professional links with fellow enthusiasts.

Bundala National Park was the first wetland to be declared as a Ramsar site in Sri Lanka, in addition to being designated as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO. 58 of the 197 avifauna species found in Bundala are migratory, including the greater flamingo, which migrate in large flocks during winter. Bundala also is home to spotted deer, the rare pangolin, the playful grey langur monkey, wild boars, grey and ruddy mongoose, crocodile, porcupine, giant Indian palm squirrels, wild buffalo, the endemic jackal, fishing and rusty spotted cats and many more. The park also harbours a small herd of elephants.

Kumana is among the most important bird nesting and breeding grounds in the country. It is bounded on the south by Kumbukkan Oya, with the addition of 20 shallow lagoons and tanks, which combine to support the extensive birdlife, recorded at over 225 species. These include endemic species, migratory waterfowl and wading birds from as far as Siberia, Tens of thousands of birds migrate to Kumana from April to July each year. Mugger crocodiles, turtles, and mammals like leopards, elephants, rusty spotted fishing cat can be spotted at the park. Elephants roaming within the park are estimated at around 30-40 individuals.

Blowholes or marine geysers are a rare phenomenon worldwide. They are likely to occur along the coastline where there are crevices with vertical shafts. The hydraulic compression of sea waves, bursts forth at the top of the crevice, resulting in a spectacular shower of water accompanied by a loud noise. Hummanaya is the only known blowhole in Sri Lanka, which is also considered the second largest in the world. Seawater is forced upwards for about 40 meters through a fissure in the rock, after which it shoots out to a height of about 30 metres into the air.

The hot springs are located in the Madunagala hermitage. According to legend, around 5th century BCE, Buddhist monks from a nearby temple were told in a dream about the hot springs whose waters could heal them of their incurable rash. This site consists of six hot springs, which derive their temperature due to heat from the earth’s mantle – scientifically called geo-thermal heat. The temperatures range from 34º C to 46º C. Water from these hot springs, believed to have healing powers, contain 22 minerals, including sulphate, nitrate, sodium, calcium, chloride, etc. Separate changing rooms are available for males and females.

The beach which stretches for about 10 kms, is renowned for its turquoise water, rows of palm trees and white sands, with a series of smaller bays along the way. The sunsets are simply breathtaking. Tangalle town is a very relaxed place with minimal tourists, few local fishermen and great seafood at the many restaurants along the beach. Though the currents can be rough, parts of the beach are protected by an offshore reef, making the sea completely calm and safe to swim. The beach is also dotted with several star-class hotels. Turtle watching in Rekawa is highly recommended.

The beach at Ussangoda is close to a patch of high ground that stretches over a considerable distance. It is noted for its unique flora, brick-like hard reddish soil, rocks having multiple layers with distinct pigmentation and a high concentration of iron. This is believed to have been caused by the fall of a meteor during ancient times, while local legends abound concerning its origins. The area is also home to the Ussangoda National Park, having archeological and geographical importance, in addition to being close to ‘Miniha Gal Kanda’, where there is evidence of pre-historic human existence.

Kirinda Rajamaha Viharaya is an ancient Buddhist temple, which is among the most venerated places in Buddhism. It located on top of a rocky mountain overlooking the sea. One has to climb a series of stair to reach the temple. According to local folklore, it is said to have been constructed around BCE 2nd century by King Kavantissa to commemorate the spot where Queen Viharamahadevi is said to have disembarked, after a perilous journey by sea. This Buddhist shrine includes a stupa and large statue of a standing Buddha. Kirinda is also noted for its spectacular beaches and several star-class hotels.

Mulgirigala Raja Maha Vihara is believed to have been built by King Saddhatissa during the third century, with further additions by later rulers. It has been constructed on a 205 m (673 ft) high natural rock, which is surrounded by another four rocks known as Benagala, Kondagala, Bisogala and Seelawathiegala. It is a sprawling complex of intricately painted caves and temple buildings. It comprises seven stupas constructed within five compounds named Siyambalamaluwa, lower vihara compound, Bomaluwa, Rajamaha vihara compound, and upper Vihara compound. The temple has been formally designated as an archaeological site by the Government of Sri Lanka.

Agricultural Technology Park/Botanic Garden, also known as the Bata Ata Botanic Garden, covers an area of 190 hectares. It has been set up to showcase modern agricultural machinery, demonstration of old and new agricultural technologies, as well as various crops; focused on the educating farmers, visitors, foreign tourists and students. The park displays floriculture gardens, dry zone home gardens, herbal gardens, improved chena cultivation and evolution of paddy cultivation, among others. It is also intended to promote agricultural tourism among local and foreign tourists. Visitors have the option of trying out ‘fish therapy’, which is offered free of cost.

The jungle-river safari takes about 1.5 hours through a beautiful landscape of trees and canopies surrounding the river, providing stunning views of six varieties of mangroves, 52 fish species, 72 bird species, 38 plant varieties and 28 animal species. This safari offers the chance to see trees full of sleeping bats, water buffaloes, eagles, cormorants, peacocks, monkeys, and the occasional crocodile. The safari also takes you to the point where the river meets the sea. The safari is especially recommended for bird-watchers, as it shows various types of egrets and herons flocking together, along with other amazing sights.

The historic Ramba Rajamaha Viharaya, dating back to 11th century AD, is situated on the banks of the Walawe Ganga in the Southern Province. It is reputed to have been an important religious and academic center between the 10th and 12th centuries and the royal temple of that period. A large number of artifacts, including a Buddha image made of the white sandstone, have been found during excavations in this area. There is historical evidence to show that the area had a renowned international harbor during ancient times. The entire place is surrounded by lush green trees and a placid environment.

Ella, literally ‘waterfall’ in Sinhala, is situated at an elevation of 1,041 metres (3,415 ft) above sea level. Noted for its rich bio-diversity, the area is surrounded by hills, cloud forests and tea plantations. Attractions in the vicinity of Ella include Dhowa temple, a 2,000-year-old rock temple, Little Adam’s peak, Ella Rock - a lookout point, Lipton’s Seat, Diyaluma Falls (220 m/720 ft), Ella Spice Garden, Ravana Waterfall Yahalamadiththa temple and Mahamevnawa Buddhist Monastery. The Nine Arches Bridge is noted for its architectural ingenuity; having been built using only rock and cement, without any steel in its construction.

Kataragama is a pilgrimage destination and multi-religious sacred town, considered hallowed for centuries by Hindus, Buddhist, and even the indigenous Vedda people of Sri Lanka. It also attracts foreign tourists in large numbers for its colourful festival. While the main shrine is dedicated to Lord Kataragama or Skanda, the area is home to Kiri Vehera Buddhist stupa, built by regional King Mahasena in the 6th century BCE. A related shrine called Sella Katirkamam is dedicated to the elephant-faced God Ganesha. Having a sacred bath in the Manik Ganga or Manika Gangai (River of Gems) is believed to cleanse one of all sins.