Travel Lanka Guide Magazine - December 2019

In this issue

Dear Visitor...
Sri Lanka joins the world in the celebration of Christmas. Although Christianity was formally brought to this predominantly Buddhist country with the arrival of the Portuguese in 1505, there are strong historical beliefs that Christ’s Apostle Thomas, who had travelled to India, had arrived here in AD 72 and had also preached here. Christmas is a widely celebrated festival, especially in the coastal areas that have the most Christian churches.
In a country known for its wildlife with many wildlife sanctuaries, the Gal Oya National Park is known for the large presence of elephants seen throughout the year, and the many other wild life species common to the country, from deer to leopard and the lovely peacock too. This is also a location for many Ayurveda herbs used in traditional medicine, and the Digavapi Stupa, a historic shrine of Buddhist worship, and the Dragon’s Mouth tunnel that feeds the Gal Oya reservoir with water.
Among the other attractions are the Moon Plains situated in the mountains close to Nuwara Eliya, a landscape with a grand view amidst the clouds, forest and the unique diversity of flora and fauna. With the care for nature is the mangrove eco-system that protects and encourages mangrove flora seen in estuarine mud-flats and lagoons in the coastal spread of the island.
Among the many attractions of sea and sand, Negombo stands out as an attraction to visitors, so close to the Airport, and having a blend of coastal attraction, including fishing and traditional activities of coconut cultivation, and church festivities.
Enjoy your Holiday in the spirit of Christmas festivity and greetings for the New Year.
The Travel Lanka Team