COLUMBUS LATEST NEWSLETTER MAY 2023

COLUMBUS turned 32 in April 2023 - so proud that so many of us have been part of The Columbus family for decades and decades. This is clearly reflected in their customer handling expertise and extraordinary service delivery. We thought of sharing a bit of this expertise with all of you-our valued clientele who we cherish.

A UNIQUE MEET UP PRODUCTS AND SERVICES IN TOURISM

The Sri Lanka Association of Inbound Tour Operators (SLAITO) the Apex Body representing inbound tourism in Sri Lanka organised ‘Sancharaka Udawa 2023’ tourism products meet mart on 19th and 20th of May 2023. Excellent forum to showcase new products!. Link to video

DID YOU KNOW THERE WERE HIDDEN ROCK POOLS CLOSE TO ELLA TO EXPLORE?

Nil Diya Pokuna Cave is a popular attraction located in Ella, Sri Lanka. The cave is also known as the "Blue Water Cave" due to the presence of a clear blue water pond inside the cave. The cave is believed to have been used by Buddhist monks as a meditation center in ancient times, and it is considered a sacred site by the local community. The cave features several interesting rock formations, including stalactites and stalagmites, and the pond is fed by an underground spring.

DISCOVER THE SECRETS OF THE YATAGALA TEMPLE

The Yatagala Temple is a sacred site wrapped in tranquility and offers a rewarding insight into the island’s Buddhist heritage. It is believed that this ancient rock temple dates back over 2,000 years and was built during the time King Devanampiya Tissa ruled the Kingdom of Anuradhapura. Built around and within giant boulder-like rock formations many of which conceal ancient caves that were used by monks for more than 1,500 years, the climb up to this hallowed temple is part of the experience. At the top, you will be treated to scenic views of thriving paddy fields, soaring palm trees and small villages. Inside the Image House of the temple, is a statue of a reclining Buddha, which is 9 meters in length.

TAKE A VIRGIN WHITE TEA ESTATE TOUR

White tea is now scientifically proven to be even more beneficial to health than green tea is… as it is filled with even more antioxidants! Whether or not you have toured a Hill Country tea factory on your holiday, visiting the Handunugoda Tea Estate in Galle is a special experience. In southern Sri Lanka lies the Handunugoda Tea Estate, perhaps the closest tea plantation in the world to the sea. However, this is not the only characteristic that makes the Handunugoda Tea Estate special. The estate is known as the ‘Virgin White’ Tea Estate as it produces a white tea that is completely untouched by human hands. The process of Virgin White tea plucking follows an ancient Chinese ritual.

GO DEEP SEA FISHING & SCUBA DIVING THIS SUMMER

Surrounded by the Indian Ocean and filled with fresh water reservoir inland, Sri Lanka is the hidden paradise for extreme anglers. With a shoreline of 1,140 miles and a continental shelf of 10,000 square miles, the seas around Sri Lanka is one of the most challenging marine game fishing locations while The outfalls of 103 major river basins and hundreds of estuaries, lagoons and coastal lakes all around the country are yet to be fully explored by sporting anglers. As the waves plummet the sides of the boat and the sea birds call above your head, the ocean’s scent and the thrill of the chase is exhilarating. Also, don’t forget to go to Trincomalee for best diving in Sri Lanka. It offers a different experience to the divers through multiple diving sites in the region. The nearby Pigeon Island marine life sanctuary has diverse coral reefs, fishes, anemone, and nudibranch. Close to the coast, you can also check out the shipwreck Irakkandy to add an extra punch to your dive!

OUR WAY OF SHOWING YOU VILLAGE LIFE - HEEL OYA TREKKING

Heeloya is a rural, remote agricultural village in the Kandy district with a unique attraction of understanding how justice was meted out in the good old days. The proceedings of hearing a case by the village headman and the location are still intact. The main livelihood of the village community is paddy cultivation, home gardening, livestock, and spices. Villagers engage in toddy tapping, handicrafts, beekeeping, traditional dances, etc., as supplementary income sources. A very traditional village, it is unique in that it identifies itself with practicing even to this day some of the local customs in daily life. Tourists are encouraged to work and become part of the village life by engaging in plucking fruits and vegetables for a meal to be prepared according to the local taste. They would also get an opportunity to watch some of the other aspects of this village being the Heeloya waterfall, local species, and herbs. Visitors to Heeloya can get a feel of life in a typical village in addition to trekking and sightseeing and a culinary experience in true Sri Lankan style!

*Source: Columbus Tours Sri Lanka, No. 06, Tickell Road, Colombo 08, Sri Lanka. info@columbustourssrilanka.com