Tourism is one of the main industries in Sri Lanka. Major tourist attractions are focused around the islands famous beaches located in the southern and eastern parts of the country, ancient heritage sites located in the interior of the country and lush green resorts located in the mountainous regions of the country.^[1] The 2004 Indian Ocean Tsunami and the ongoing civil war have reduced tourist arrivals, however Sri Lanka received over half a million tourists in 2006.^[2]

Places of tourist attraction

Negombo

A fishing town located 35km from Colombo and 6 km from island's main International Airport. The beauty of the beach and surrounding star class hotels gave more attraction of tourists.

Mount Lavinia

The place located 12 km from Colombo is a historical city from British colonial period. The Governors House of Sir Thomas Maitland, built in 1805, has become a star class hotel today. The fantastic beach is crowded on holidays with local people who enjoy the beach sports activities such as swimming, surfing.

Kalutara

The place located 42km from Colombo is important spice trading centre from Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial times. The city also named as one of the sacred city of Buddhist people in the country has large hollow dagoba (Buddhist shrine) near the River Kalu.

Beruwela

The place located 55km from Colombo is the starting point of 130km long southern coast also a main fishing centre.

Bentota

The place located in south of the country, 62km from Colombo has romantic scenery hotels and popular for wind surfing and water skiing.

Hikkaduwa

The place located in south of the country, 206km from Colombo is the first area to be developed for tourism. The famous coral reef and scuba diving gets tourist's more pleasure there.

Galle

The place located 116km from Colombo is the capital city of Southern province (Southern Sri Lanka) also a World Heritage Site. The large Galle fortress built by the Dutch makes more attraction to the city.

Koggala

The place located in south of the country, from 130km from Colombo, has finest beach and historical Madol Duwa (island surrounded by lake) as mentioned in Sri Lankan literature.

Arugam Bay

The place located in south east of the country 116 km from Colombo is a fine beach near associated with fishing villages. It has been identified as the best surfing beach in Sri Lanka and 4th best in south east asia. It also comes with the ten best surfing beaches in the world. Wide sandy beaches and lagoons associated with neighbouring Kumana bird sactuary are added values for visitores going to Arugambay. Lahugal National Park are Yala East National Park are also located within 10-30 km radious from Arugambay cetere. Magul Maha Viharaya (buddhist temple), Kudumbigala Temple (Buddhist temple),Shastrwela Buddhist Temple, Okanda Hindu Temple are some of places with heritage values. In addition to beaches, wildlife, culture heritage and nature places of interest make Arugambay a unique tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. There is no LTTE threat in and around Arugambay.

Nelaveli

The place located in east of the country 120km from Colombo and 14km from Trincomalee. The natural habour and beach is one of finest in world.

Kandy

Located 116 Km from Colombo , Kandy is famous for Temple of Tooth which holds the tooth relic of Lord Buddha, which is a world Heritage site. The Esala Perahera , a 10 day parade comprising dancers, drummers and decorated elephants is the main tourist attraction.

World Heritage Sites

• Anuradhapura
• Sigiriya
• Polonnaruva
• Golden Temple
• Temple of the Tooth
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve
• Galle Fort

National Parks and Reserves

Sri Lanka has over 20 national parks and reserves, which are home to large variety of species such as elephants, leopards, bears, crocodiles and many reptiles and amphibians. The diversity of the animals attracts tourists into these national parks.^[3]

• Yala
• Udawalawe National Park
• Wasgamuwa National Park
• Willpattu National Park
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve
• Minneriya
• Bundala National Park
• Horton Plains National Park
• Peak Wilderness sanctuary

Precious stone mining

Main article: Gems of Sri Lanka

The precious stones such as rubies and sapphires frequently found in Ratnapura and it's surrounding areas also a major tourist attraction in the country. The tourists are interested in precious stones also can visit Sri pada mountain, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Uda Walawe National Park and Kitulgala (place of "The Bridge on the River Kwai" was filmed).

Tourism in Colombo

The historical city of Colombo is considered as the "Commercial capitol of Sri Lanka" which attracts many tourists from Asian region to visit for businesses.

The name Colombo, first introduced by the Portuguese in 1505, was derived from the classical Sinhalese name Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani".^[4]As in history the city was the main business center in South Asia for Portuguese, Dutch and British rulers since 1505 to 1948. Any one who visits the city can see many old buildings built by the colonials and the exterior is still maintaining as earlier.

The majority of Sri Lankan businesses have their head offices in Colombo, such as the industries like chemicals, textiles, glass, cement, leather goods, furniture, jewelry and also travel trade. South Asia's second tallest building - The World Trade Center, which is a 40 story Twin Tower complex is the centre of important commercial establishments situated in the city's nerve center.

The Leading hotels

There are several five star hotels and international chain hotels like Hilton Hotels situated in the main city Colombo and outside also.

The five star hotels situated in Colombo are Cinnamon Grand (Formerly known as Hotel Oberio & Colombo Plaza), Ceylon Continental Hotel Colombo, Hilton Colombo, Hilton International, Holiday Inn, Hotel Galadari, Taj Samudra and Trans Asia Hotel.

The five star hotels outside Colombo as Earl's Regency - Kandy, Eden Hotel - Beruwala, Kandalama Hotel - Dambulla, Light House Hotel - Galle, Mahaweli Reach Hotel - Katugastota (Kandy), Taj Exotica - Bentota, test update - Ahangama and Triton Hotel - Ahungalle.

Also there are many four star and three star hotels situated around the country.

References

External links

• Sri Lanka Tourist Board - Official Website
• Sri Lanka Travel Guide and Country Reference
• Lonely Planet Destination Guide- Sri Lanka
• Sri Lankan Tourism and Tours for your visit
• Sri Lanka Tourism Project
• Ministry of Tourism
• Traveling Lankan