Sightseeing
Spice gardens in Sri Lanka are enchanting destinations that offer visitors a sensory journey through the diverse world of spices, herbs, and traditional Ayurvedic plants. Here are key aspects of spice gardens in Sri Lanka:
1. Biodiversity: Sri Lanka’s tropical climate and fertile soil create an ideal environment for a wide range of spices and herbs to thrive. Spice gardens showcase the rich biodiversity of the island, featuring plants like cinnamon, cardamom, clove, nutmeg, vanilla, and many others.
2. Guided Tours: Visitors to spice gardens can usually embark on guided tours led by knowledgeable experts. These tours provide insights into the cultivation, harvesting, and processing of various spices. Guides often share information about the medicinal properties and culinary uses of different plants.
3. Culinary and Medicinal Uses: Spice gardens offer demonstrations on how various spices are used in traditional Sri Lankan cuisine. Visitors can learn about the art of spice blending and taste dishes seasoned with an array of spices. Additionally, the gardens often emphasize the Ayurvedic properties of certain plants and their roles in traditional medicine.
4. Aromatic Gardens: Spice gardens are known for their aromatic ambiance. The air is filled with the delightful scents of spices and herbs, creating a pleasant and immersive experience for visitors.
5. Traditional Ayurvedic Practices: Many spice gardens in Sri Lanka incorporate elements of Ayurveda, the ancient holistic healing system. Visitors may encounter Ayurvedic practitioners who share information about medicinal plants and herbs used in traditional healing practices.
6. Botanical Education: Spice gardens serve as educational centers, promoting awareness about the importance of preserving plant diversity and traditional agricultural practices. Visitors can learn about sustainable farming methods and the significance of spices in Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage.
7. Souvenir Shops: Most spice gardens have souvenir shops where visitors can purchase a variety of fresh spices, essential oils, herbal teas, and other products. These items make for unique and aromatic mementos of the visit.
8. Scenic Surroundings: Spice gardens are often set in lush, picturesque landscapes. The greenery and vibrant colors of the spice plants create a visually appealing backdrop for visitors.
Visiting a spice garden in Sri Lanka provides not only a sensory delight but also a deeper understanding of the cultural and historical importance of spices in the country. It’s an opportunity to appreciate the diverse flora of Sri Lanka and the integral role spices play in its culinary and healing traditions.
Adventure
Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada, is a revered and iconic mountain located in central Sri Lanka. It is a site of religious significance for multiple faiths, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Here are key features of Adam’s Peak:
1. Religious Significance: Adam’s Peak holds religious importance for Buddhists, Hindus, Christians, and Muslims. Each religious community has its own beliefs about the footprint at the summit. Buddhists believe it is the footprint of Lord Buddha, Hindus attribute it to Lord Shiva, and Christians and Muslims associate it with Adam or the Prophet Adam.
2. The Sacred Footprint: At the summit, there is a rock formation that is believed to be the footprint of the respective deity. Pilgrims climb the mountain to pay homage to this sacred footprint and seek blessings.
3. Pilgrimage Season: The pilgrimage season to Adam’s Peak typically begins in December and continues until the Vesak festival in May. During this time, thousands of pilgrims and tourists make the ascent to witness the sunrise from the summit.
4. Climbing Routes: There are several routes to ascend Adam’s Peak, with the most popular being the traditional route from the town of Nallathanniya (or Dalhousie). The climb is a challenging but rewarding trek, consisting of a series of steps.
5. Steps and Staircases: The climb is facilitated by well-constructed steps and staircases along the route. The number of steps varies, with some estimates exceeding 5,000 steps. Pilgrims often climb at night, guided by the light of lanterns, to reach the summit in time for the sunrise.
6. Panoramic Views: The summit of Adam’s Peak offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding landscapes, especially during sunrise. The sight of the shadow of the peak cast on the clouds, known as the “Sri Pada shadow,” is a unique and awe-inspiring phenomenon.
7. Tea Plantations: The lower slopes of Adam’s Peak are often surrounded by picturesque tea plantations, adding to the scenic beauty of the region. Visitors can explore the lush greenery and enjoy the tranquility of the tea estates.
8. Historical Ruins: Along the climbing route, there are remnants of ancient structures, including a stupa and a temple. These historical ruins add a cultural dimension to the pilgrimage.
Climbing Adam’s Peak is not only a physical journey but also a spiritual and cultural experience. It is a pilgrimage that transcends religious boundaries, symbolizing unity and shared reverence for the sacred site.
Towns & Cities
The hill capital Kandy is another ‘World Heritage Site’.
It was the last stronghold of the Sinhalese Kings during the Portuguese, Dutch and British rule and finally ceded to the British in 1815 after an agreement.
To the Buddhist of Sri Lanka and the World, Kandy is one of the most sacred sites as it is the home of the ‘Dalada Maligawa’ – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha.
Close by are the remains of the Royal Palace (Maha Wasala), Palle Wasala, where the Queens stayed, but now used for the National Museum.
Meda Wasala where other close relatives lived, Audience Hall, Natha Devala and Vishnu Devala are situated. The Bathing Pavilion (Ulpenge) is by the Lake and in the Center of the lake is the Island called “Kiri samudraya” (Milk white ocean) used by the kings as the summerhouse.
Sightseeing
Sri Lanka being famous for its ‘Ceylon Tea’ has added cheers to many the world for more than a century.
When visiting a tea factory, we will see how traditional Ceylon tea is being processed.
In the tea room we will be served a cup of tea, and it will be possible to purchase the various types of tea produced by the tea factory.
Entrance and guided tour in the tea factory is free of charge.
