Sri Lanka prides itself on having a great many temples. Like churches in Europe, they’re part and parcel of the communities all over the island, and where there is a village one is almost guaranteed to see saffron-robed monks sweeping the temple grounds at the crack of dawn.

There are, however, a few iconic temples that have shaped not just their communities, but the greater history and culture of the entire country. Exploring these are generally very cheap, but always wear clothes covering your legs and shoulder, and to remove your shoes.

The first is Kandy’s Sri Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth. Legend has it that when Lord Buddha died, His body was cremated in a sandalwood pyre and his left canine tooth sent to the city of Dantapuri (in Odisha, or Orissa in India). It was said that whoever possessed the tooth possessed the divine right to rule the land, and so wars were fought solely to take possession of this relic. Eight hundred years later, facing an army of invaders hell-bent on destroying the tooth, a king sent his daughter and her husband with the tooth to Sri Lanka.

In Sri Lanka, great palaces were built to house the tooth relic, and it was moved all over the land for safekeeping, until at last it was housed in the Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. Here it has rested since then, in a sanctuary at the heart of the complex. It is never taken out, not even for the great Esela Perehera, an annual procession of song, dance and worship that brings all of Kandy to a halt; the Perehera itself must make do with the silver relic casket, accepted as a substitute for the relic itself.

The Temple complex itself has grown over the years, with numerous architectural and cultural additions – the golden canopy that marks the main shrine; the octagonal Pathirippuwa; the Alut Maligawa, a secondary shrine housing stunning Buddha statues representing a fantastic variety of styles of sculpture, with paintings that depict the story of the Buddhism in Sri Lanka.

Dambulla Temple

The Golden Temple, as is it called, is the largest and the most impressive cave temple complex in Sri Lanka, dating all the way from 100 BC. Outside, it is easily visible because of the massive golden Buddha statue that looks out over the entrance, facing the winding road. The statue fronts a vast rock that towers above the plain. Around this rock are over eighty documented caves, most of them natural grottoes that were excavated over the years.

The best exhibits lie in the five caves that lie under the rock. In the darkness, images on the cave walls and over 150 statues, hewn from the rock, point out landmark moments of the Buddha’s life. It is said that the cave temple began with King Valagambahu, who lived here for a decade and a half in exile before reclaiming Anuradhapura from South Indian invaders. In his gratitude, the king built the temple here, and over the centuries his successors added to it and restored what they could. Put together, the caves represent a work of worship over 20 centuries in the making.

Alu Vihararaya

The famous Alu Viharaya sits on the Dambulla-Matale road. The word “Alu” means “ash” in modern Sinhala, but once, it meant light. Here, the most important Buddhist scriptures in the word, the Tripitaka, were first committed to writing, after of existing purely in the minds and voices of monks. It is said that the same King Valagambahu who built the Dambulla Temple tasked 500 monks for this.

At its heart, the Alu Viharaya is a series of cave temples, linked by narrow stairs cut into the rock. The caves house a ten-metre long statue of a sleeping Buddha, and (respectively) sculptures of Buddhist hell, a cave temple to Valagambahu and the iconic Indian Buddhist scholar Buddhagosa and a bodhi tree apparently growing out of the rock. To the left is the International Buddhist Library and Museum, housing a copy of the Tripitaka as set down in ola leaves, in the tradition of what Sri Lankans call puskolapoth – apparently the same medium the Tripitaka was first written on.

Ambakka Temple

The Ambakka (or Embekke) Temple, in Kandy, is born from a strange legend, that of a drummer who, inflicted with an incurable skin disease, made the pilgrimage to Kataragama every year. At the last stages of his life, the god came to him in his dreams and instructed him to perform at a place where a miracle would happen. Soon, in a flower garden known as Ambakka, a tree began to bleed, and the drummer obeyed the god. Eventually he built a temple of branches around the tree, and the king of the region later ordered a huge temple built there and donated land and gifts to the temple.

The temple site itself is loosely divided into the inner and outer temples, and is built entirely of wood, without even the use of metal nails. Ambakka houses some of the greatest carvings in all of Sri Lanka, showcased on the pillars of the temple. These 126 carvings are all unique and are fantastic representations of Sinhalese art. Sadly, this site is nowhere near as cared-for as the older sites on this list.

Koneswaram Temple

Koneswaram, the Temple of a Thousand Pillars, is a sprawling Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee, built upon a promontory overlooking the Indian Ocean. A major place for Hindu worship, the geography of the region is of great symbolic importance. The original temple, existing roughly since 300 AD, was a shrine to the Hingu god Shiva. King Ravana, the mythical ruler of Sri Lanka in the 4^th century epic the Ramayana, is believed to have worshipped Lord Shiva here.

Over the years, subsequent Hindu kings expanded Koneswaram, making the shrine part of three great temples that stood upon Swami Rock, as the promontory was called. The site was wrecked by the Portuguese in the 17^th century, in what has since been called the biggest looting of the temples of Asia, and restored in the 20^th century. There’s even a bit of Dutch history mixed in.

Koneswaram is a complex site, and home to many religious ceremonies and processions. Fantastic sculptures adorn the structures, carved in the classic Hindu tradition. It’s under renovation, which in itself is an interesting process to observe. Try to get there in the morning or in the evening, as the sun heats up the rock quite a bit.

Katharagama, situated in the far south of the island, is perhaps of the best examples of Sri Lanka’s fusion of cultures. Bordering the Yala National Park, Katharagama was once a capital of Sri Lankan kings, abandoned somewhere around the 13^th century and resurrected as a multi-religious town primarily dedicated to god Katharagama.

The god’s exact origins are a mystery – some sources claim that it an indigenous deity, other than he is a king who came to be worshipped as a deity, and others that he is a Hindu god, and judging by historical records, a great cross-pollination of mythologies has occurred around this being. In any case, the site houses shrines, a mosque and a stupa. It is believed that the Buddha, on His third and last visit to Sri Lanka, discoursed to King Mahasena, who ruled the area in 580 BC. The Katharagama temple was built upon this site. Be aware that there is always a huge crowd of pilgrims at Kataragama, and that getting in might involve standing in line.

Despite the fatigue that inherently comes from flying across times zones, having dinner at breakfast time and all that it takes to get from booking your trip to finding yourself in that airplane seat, the journey from the airport to our accommodation is one of my favourite periods of time. There’s the ‘I’m finally here’ sensation coupled with my insatiable impulse to get right in the thick of things. My eyes are glued to the window, knowing that sleep will have its time at the hotel.

We were headed for Cinnamon Lakeside, one of the luxurious Cinnamon Hotel properties we’d be staying at during our Sri Lankan adventure. Upon arrival, our car door was opened with a smile, our baggage taken away and we suddenly stepped into refreshing coolness. If there’s anything better than the welcome hug of heat, it’s stepping back into more moderate temperatures and sighing at the glorious contrast.

Our room on the third floor was spacious and overlooked the inviting pool. We made ourselves at home and sat down with some reading materials to map out the must’s on our month-long trip.

Sri Lanka may be quite small, but it’s still many hours on a bus to travel to all the most well-known locations. We were pleased to discover Cinnamon Air, Sri Lanka’s only domestic airline, that could get us everywhere we wanted to go in minutes, rather than hours. Plus, they use these awesome looking Cessna’s that would work perfectly for my own circa late 1920’s Amelia Earhart moment. Let’s see if we can’t make it happen.

The Origins of China Fort Beruwala’s Gem Trade

Rooted in the 8th century, China Fort’s gem trading legacy began with a cultural fusion as Somali and Arabian traders married local women. While lacking bustling gem mining operations, the neighborhood in Beruwala, originally known as Berbereen in the western province of Sri Lanka, resonates with a deep-seated gem trade tradition. China Fort has evolved into the largest market in Sri Lanka for cut and polished gemstones, drawing gem merchants from across the island and facilitating the global exchange of gemstones.

Generational Expertise: Gems of Wisdom Passed Through Time

In Beruwala, gem buyers and experts inherit a wealth of knowledge spanning generations. Growing up surrounded by gems, these individuals possess a unique skill set that often transcends formal education. The close-knit gem community has produced some of the island’s finest gem cutters and traders. While a trend towards formal gemology education is emerging, the traditional passing down of wisdom remains a cornerstone of this community. Chinafort Beruwala’s gem traders showcase an extraordinary talent—they can discern the authenticity and value of a gemstone with a mere glance or touch, a skill honed by their close relationship with gems.

The ‘Pathe’ Gem Market: A Vibrant Hub of Global Gem Trade

Situated in China Fort, Beruwala “Pathe” Gem Market is the epicenter of gem trading, drawing merchants from across the island. This is a place where a variety of rare and vibrant gemstones, sourced from both global and local mines, can be found. Every day, thousands of merchants, and buyers from around the world gather at Pathe Gem Street to trade and purchase the finest gems.

Gem Sri Lanka Exhibition: Showcasing Sri Lanka’s Gemstone Heritage at Cinnamon Bentota Beach

In celebration of Sri Lanka’s gem trade legacy and the vibrant gemstones found on the island, Chinafort Gem Trade Association (CGJTA), in partnership with the Export Development Board (EBD) & National Gem & Jewellery Authority(NGJA), hosts the Gem Sri Lanka Exhibition from 11th to 13th January 2024 at Cinnamon Bentota Beach, the luxury beach resort property of Cinnamon Hotel & Resort adjacent to Beruwala – the property mirrors the luxury and opulence synonymous with the country’s finest Gems and Jewellery.

In conversation with Rizwan Nayeem, Vice Chairman of China Fort Gem & Jewellery Traders Association, who boasts 30+ years’ experience in the gem trade industry, the Gem Sri Lanka exhibition is poised to be a celebration of the vibrant trade in precious stones within the extraordinary landscape of Sri Lanka. With the goal of harnessing the rich potential and presenting it annually to the world through showcasing a wide array of gemstones, the exhibition invites enthusiasts and experts alike to witness the splendor of Sri Lanka’s gemstone heritage.

For more information & registration for the exhibition, visit www.GSLFair.com

When I first told a friend I was going to Sri Lanka, her first question was Are you going to climb that rock? That rock, she was referring to is called Sigiriya Rock, or Lion Rock. It’s the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka and one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sigirya Rock (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka
And yes I did climb it!  Sigiriya Rock is an ancient palace that can only be reached by climbing the almost 200 metre massive rock massive.  Now seeing ancient palaces isn’t usually by goal of climbing mountains, but I was definitely game and this was definitely a unique experience, plus I LOVE castles…even if all that is left are palace ruins.

At one time Lion Rock was the capital.  King Kasyapa built his royal palace on top, which seems rather fitting for a king.  Or perhaps he was health conscious, or more likely he feared vengeance from his brother after he killed his father – oops!  Climbing up and down Sigiriya Rock  every day is a great way to stay fit!

After the king’s death the palace and capital were abandoned and later on it was used as a Buddhist monastery. As I made my  way up the seemingly endless stairs, I was greeted by several stray dogs whose ribs showed through.  If you’re an animal lover like me, it’s heartbreaking!

Fortunately though there was a mother who appeared to be taking excellent care to her clinging infant as she he clung to her chest and she kept her distance from tourists.

Today all that remains are the outline of where the palace once stood.   After you’ve ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ over the view of the lush plains stretching to the mountains, take a few minutes and plop yourself on one of the brick ruins (it’s allowed).  Take  a deep breath. I found Lion Rock to be serene and calming, whether it’s the leftover energy from the monks or the gratitude that you have for not having to climb anymore stairs, I don’t know.  But I do know that I as I started to make my way down, I was left with a All is right in the world type of feeling.

5 minutes later that changed. I had heard about the giant wasps and someone had pointed out their equally giant nests clinging to the cliffs but assumed they had been exaggerated.  As I entered into a swarm of wasps, I quickly realized the legends were true.  A local ahead of us instructed  to sit down and be quiet.  Apparently noise irritates the wasps.  We waited in silence for a few minutes and the wasps disappeared. Disaster averted! At the bottom there are vendors selling handicrafts and ice-cream!!!! Covered in sweat, I pulled out an equally sweaty 50 rupee.  At that moment I thought that ice-cream was as good as it gets…until I spotted several monkeys!

And that is as good as it gets for me…monkeys and mountains in one morning!!!

Make the Most of Your Visit to Sigirya
◾Go at 6:30 am when it opens. I know it’s early, but it gets really hot, so trust me, you’ll be happy you did!
◾Stop and check out Mirror Wall, it’s well labeled.  Look closely and you’ll see that it still retains some of its shine that it had 1500 years ago.
◾Directly above Mirror Wall look up and about halfway up you’ll see  the little remaining mural.  In King Kasyapa’s time, the entire wall was a mural.
◾When you come to the Lion’s Feet look to the left and you’ll see black things hanging to the side of the rock.  These are the wasp nests that I previously mentioned.
◾You can either return the same way down, or just before the Mirror Wall, take the stairs to the right.  This is where all the vendors are selling handicrafts…and ice-cream!
◾There are also historical gardens there, considered to be among some of the most important in Asia.  I didn’t visit them, but they looked lovely from the top of Lion Rock.
◾Expect it to be busy.  Remember this is Sri Lanka’s most visited historical site.
◾Bring water, you will sweat and there’s no place to buy it once you’ve started hiking up, until you’re at the bottom again.
◾Anyone in reasonably good shape can reach the top, just go slow and take breaks when you need them.  If you are extremely unfit, you may not get to the top.

Where to Stay
I stayed at Chaaya Village Habarana.  I really enjoyed the natural feel of this property where guests are greeted with cinnamon scented wash clothes and the open air lobby and restaurant.  The property  really does resemble a village with the thatched roof huts that guests stay in. Trees line the ample property and monkeys and giant squirrels are frequent visitors!  Even the paint used is in harmony with nature and is mixed with mud! If you’re seeking something more lavish, then try the Cinnamon Lodge Habarna. You can find both properties at Cinnamon Hotels.

How To Get There
Sigirya is approximately a 3 hour drive from Colombo.  If you’re short on time, then consider a Cinnamon Air flight, which only takes 30 minutes. Through October 2015 it costs $223 USD.   Note:  Thank you to Cinnamon Hotels for making my visit and stay possible.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Laurel Robbins – MonkeysandMountains

Blog Post – http://monkeysandmountains.com/sigirya-rock-sri-lanka

Laurel Robbins was hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines in partnership with the Professional Travel Bloggers Association for TBCasia – Asia’s First Ever Travel Bloggers Conference 2014 in Sri Lanka.

What to expect?

Night diving in Maldives is an experience not to be missed as the Maldivian waters come alive at night when the visibility is reduced just to the beam of your torch light. You will also find corals open up and water creatures leave their nests to find some food. If you’re lucky you can also catch a glimpse of larger fish like reef and nurse sharks, rays, large tuna and trevally

Where to go?

Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon is one of the best dive sites in Maldives. This is obvious given that the resort is built on a coral bed with a diameter of almost a thousand meters and thirty meters in depth. So, you’re bound to see some beautiful sites if you choose to stay with us! An experience not to be missed while in Maldives is a Manta night dive where you can hopefully catch a glimpse of Manta rays, a majestic underwater creature and even swim with them.

One of the best dive spots in Maldives is the Orimas Thila, especially if you came for the big fish! With depths ranging from 14 to 30 metres, you can expect to see soft corals, sea fans, anemones, and clownfish, as well as guitar sharks, barracuda, jack fish, rays and more.

You must also not miss the Ellaidhoo House reef, one of the most sought-after dive destinations in all of Maldives. A wreck reserved exclusively for guests of Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon, the House Reef is just 25 meters from the beach and has a row of caves with sea fans, whip corals, schools of bannerfish, Napoleons, stingrays and moray eels. There’s even a small wreck that serves as a popular spot for night dives.

How can we help?

Dive & Sail are our long-time dive centre partner, with a team of international diving instructors on hand to guide you. From beginner level to expert, you will not regret taking the plunge at Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon! They will provide all the equipment necessary, including SeaQuest BCDs, aqualung regulators with octopus and console, Suunto dive computers, digital underwater cameras, underwater torches, 3 mm neoprene suits (shorties), masks, snorkels and fins as well as weight belts and weights. Once you’re geared up, dive into an underwater utopia and observe marine life as it goes about its nightly routine.
Apart from the great diving spots and sites on offer at the Ellaidhoo Maldives by Cinnamon. We will ensure you have the best diving experience, plush and luxurious lodging as well as the most luscious food experience you can imagine!

Our Cinnamon Care initiative is a unique safety and distancing protocol which has been implemented throughout all our hotels and restaurants to make sure that all our guests are safe from COVID-19.

No holiday is complete without souvenirs to take home as a memento or to buy as gifts. While there are typical tourist souvenirs like local T-shirts printed with elephants, Sri Lanka has some distinctive souvenirs to enjoy and to treasure. 

1. Pure Ceylon Tea

Sri Lanka is the origin of Pure Ceylon Tea, acclaimed as the best in the world. The best Ceylon teas are known as “High Grown” coming from plantations at heights above 1,200m. For the sophisticated tea drinker, Orange Pekoe (OP), a long leaf tea from Uva or Nuwara Eliya, will thrill with its sublime subtlety of flavour when drunk without milk. For tea to drink with milk and sugar, look for Broken Orange Pekoe (BOP) or for a more robust taste, buy Fannings or Dust.

Tea can be bought direct from tea factories such as Labookelie, some170 km from Colombo on the road between Kandy and Nuwara Eliya. There are several specialist shops in Colombo selling brand name teas in a variety of attractive packaging. The Sri Lanka Tea Board has a sales centre of all Ceylon Tea brands at 574 Galle Road, Colombo 3, open from 09.00 to 19.00 except Sundays and Poya Days.

2. Exotic Spices

It was spices that first drew the attention of Western countries to the then Ceylon, with cinnamon being the most prized souvenir, and export. Today cinnamon is grown mostly in the lowland coastal areas from Kalutara to Matara.

Cinnamon quills are rolled from the dried bark of the indigenous tree Cinnamomum zeylanicum, and cinnamon can also be obtained in powder form. A bunch of the quills make a marvellous décor statement in a reed basket in any kitchen, as well as providing a source of flavour for meat and even sweet dishes.

Sri Lanka’s ground fresh black pepper corns add zest to cooking. The country’s cloves can be chewed as a breath freshener as well as used to spice up meat dishes. Nutmeg, mace and pungent cardamom are also part of Sri Lanka’s spicy heritage.

Spices can be bought in Spice Gardens along some of the main tourist routes but the practical shopper can find packets of various spices at much cheaper prices in branches of major supermarkets, like Keells.

3. Fresh Cashew Nuts

Cashew nuts grown here are plump and full of flavour and can be bought at supermarkets and specialists shops in Colombo and at the airport, but the fun place to buy cashews is just after Pasyala, at 44km from Colombo on the A1 highway to Kandy.

There, village belles in colourful blouses with bare midriffs and ankle-length wraparound skirts, offer shelled and roasted cashews at dozens of stalls beside the road. This hamlet is called Cadjugama (cadju is the Sinhala for cashew).

4. Genuine Gems

Sri Lanka has a long history as the source of precious gems and one of the many names for the country was Ratnadipa, island of gems. A great ruby given to the Queen of Sheba by King Solomon came from this island, as did the 400 carat blue sapphire in the British crown.

The most popular gem is the blue sapphire since the ruby has gone out of fashion. Other gems to be found include alexandrite, amethyst, aquamarine garnet, quartz, spinel, topaz, tourmaline, zircon and the attractive cat’s eye. No emeralds or diamonds originate here although imported diamonds are cut and polished for export.

If you have no knowledge of gems, buy from a gem merchant and jeweller in your hotel to make certain of its authenticity. Its genuineness can be checked, free of charge, at the National Gem & Jewellery Authority at 25 Galle Face Terrace, Colombo 3 (www.srilankagemautho.com). Local jewellers can create settings to your design or from patterns to make a souvenir to last for ever.

5. Coconut Cutlery

You will find household items such as spoons, cups and even ashtrays made out of coconut in some of the trendy stores in Colombo, but they will be much cheaper if you look for them in village hardware stores, which is where locals buy them. Hand-made out of sanded coconut shell with painted wooden handles, coconut cutlery makes a wonderful talking-point at the dinner table.

6. Hand-carved Masks

For a provocative interior design statement, take home a hand-carved mask as an unusual souvenir. Mask carving is a traditional craft of the West Coast, at Ambalangoda, 83km south of Colombo. These amazing masks are used in folk dance rituals practised in the low country.

The masks are carved out of wood that is light enough to be worn throughout a nightlong dance performance. Each mask is painted in vibrant colours and shaped with symbols according to what demon it is supposed to frighten away. Hung on a wall at home, they are brightly evocative of the traditions of Sri Lanka.

Here’s the Sri Lanka Honeymoon Guide you’ve been looking for!

Sri Lanka has many honeymoon-worthy destinations on offer! Some of these include;

1.Bentota

The coastal town of Bentota in Sri Lanka is situated in the southwest region of the island and is known for its calm weather, relaxing beaches, dazzling marine life and has an overall idyllic atmosphere making it the perfect Sri Lanka honeymoon resort. We at Cinnamon Bentota Beach have many honeymoon packages on offer and will curate the perfect experience for you!

2.Trincomalee

Credit – Nikolina Koevska Kharoufeh

Trincomalee is situated 257KM north-east of Colombo, and is one of the world’s best deep-water natural harbors. It is also home to many tranquil and breathtaking beaches and, a place to spot some of your favorite marine mammals in their own beautiful habitats, filled with history and also the perfect destination for an excluded and laid-back honeymoon. Book your honeymoon stay with us at Trinco Blu by Cinnamon where we will ensure that you have the most comfortable and plush stay with the most delectable array of both local and international dishes.

3.Yala

If you’re a duo of wildlife enthusiasts and would love some adventure and activity during your honeymoon Cinnamon Wild Yala is the place for you two! Yala National Park is one of the most famous safari parks in the island right now covering an area of 378 square miles and is famous for adventurous safaris to see leopards, sloth bears and elephants that we have been endowed with in abundance. A wildlife tour in Yala is guaranteed to give you a heart-warming and jaw-dropping experience of close encounters with Elephants and Leopards. Let Cinnamon Nature Trails along with Cinnamon Wild Yala curate the perfect honeymoon experience for you!

4.Habarana

Credit – Travel with Wife

Whilst you stay with us at our locations in Habarana such as Habarana Village by Cinnamon and Cinnamon Lodge Habarana, we’re certain that your honeymoon will be one to remember. If you prefer a laid-back and relaxed honeymoon, Habarana has you covered with the beautiful and idyllic landscapes at our eco-friendly hotels which will make you feel as close to nature as possible. If you prefer activity, we’ve got you too! Climbing the sigiriya rock, and visiting the Minneriya National Park are only a few such adventures you may enjoy with your loved one.

5.Kandy

If being close to nature sounds like your perfect honeymoon, Kandy is the place to be. From the moment you open your eyes at dawn, until it closes again at night, lush greenery, sparkling waters and mountainous landscapes of Kandy are guaranteed to amaze and mesmerize you and your special one! Apart from the breathtaking nature trails, Kandy being Sri Lanka’s last kingdom also offers its visitors a taste of the rich culture and heritage of this paradise isle. Let us at Cinnamon Citadel Kandy make the beginning of your journey together with your loved one all the more memorable with our honeymoon packages.

Cinnamon Island Weddings boasts of experience planning weddings and honeymoons for many happy couples who were made happier! Seek our expertise and experience with curating weddings and honeymoons to your needs and requests and we will not fail you!

Leave it to us and be mesmerized at your own honeymoon!

Located in the Northern central region of the Anuradhapura District in Sri Lanka, lies the small yet picturesque city of Habarana. Home to many luxury boutique hotels that co-exist with the area’s abundant flora and fauna, it is the perfect destination for travellers looking to unwind in eco-friendly luxury. The city’s intriguing history and wildlife make it a must-visit, with so much to see and experience, when in Sri Lanka. Habarana is in close proximity to many places of cultural significance, including the Minneriya Sanctuary, Sigiriya- the famed eighth wonder of the world, as well as the Dambulla Cave Temple.

1. Enjoy the safari adventure of a lifetime.

Habarana is the ideal destination for those who thirst for adventure and are nature enthusiasts. With elephants and other species of exotic wildlife in Sri Lanka calling the city home, it is the starting point for most safari tours around Minneriya Sanctuary.

2. A bird’s eye view of Habarana by hot-air balloon.

Feed your wanderlust by taking a trip over Minneriya National Park by hot air balloon. The city’s beautiful landscape and abundant wildlife will make for an unforgettable experience.

3. A boat-ride or kayak adventure on the lake.

Galkandawala Lake in Harabana is a popular choice for those desiring to immerse themselves in nature and sightsee. Major hotel chains in the vicinity, including Cinnamon Hotels, offer kayaking or boat riding facilities to guests along with locals who are known to let visitors to the region to use their boats, sometimes at no cost to them!

4. Explore the village of Hiriwadunna.

Experience the simplicity of the lives lead by people in the area by paying the traditional village of Hiriwadunna a visit. In doing so, you will avail yourself of the traditional warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality and even enjoy an authentic Sri Lankan meal at the village.

5. Make a trip to the Ritigala Forest Monastery.

The Ritigala Forest Monastery is one of the Ritigala mountain range’s hidden treasures. If peaceful walks in verdant nature are your forte, there could be no better place than the Ritigala Forest Monastery to do so in.

Platinum Island 18+; your place for privacy!

Planning your honeymoon? Or are you just craving some alone time with your significant other? We’ve got you covered! Book your own platinum beach bungalow which will be blissfully removed from the outside world and secreted away from anyone, giving the guests the privacy they long and crave for.

The Platinum Island 18+ is one of the most beautiful and breathtaking sights for those travellers’ longing solitude and privacy or an adult only resort in Maldives. This resort within a resort is an exclusive adults-only realm removed from the main island and nestled in sweet solitude at the other end of the welcome pavilion. Here, you can enjoy lavish indulgence in the ultimate privacy of your tastefully designed Platinum Beach Bungalow, and step out for some wining and dining at the island’s exclusive restaurant and pool bar.

What does the Platinum Island 18+ offer?

It’s always time for some good food and it is no different at the Platinum Island 18+. The Platinum Island offers international beverages at both bars, including spirits, whisky, brandy, liqueurs, soft drinks, as well as wine and champagne. The Manzaru Restaurant located on the exclusive Platinum Island, serves up delicious international delicacies in buffet style to our strictly 18+ guests of the Platinum Beach Bungalows. You can enjoy your meals in a scenic and relaxed setting. Also visit the Vevu Bar and Lounge during your stay at the Platinum Island. The Vevu Bar and Lounge is overlooking both the pool and the glowing turquoise lagoon. Be sure to toast the sunset here with your beloved during your stay.

Great deals at Platinum Island 18+

Look up some amazing Maldives holiday deals which you can avail. At Cinnamon Hakuraa Huraa you can opt-in for an all-inclusive stay at the Platinum Island and be entitled to many benefits such as discounts of up to 50% on room upgrades, up to 20% on spa treatments, up to 10% on excursions and food and beverages. You will also receive a complimentary bottle of sparkling wine and a basket of fruits upon your arrival, and the option to dine-in at Malafaaiy Restaurant with a prior reservation.

Make sure you book your romantic getaway with us at Cinnamon Hotels and we will ensure that you and your significant other will have the time of your lives. We will have your private and romantic vacation planned to perfection.

1. Majestic origins and timeless rituals: With an origin rooted in centuries passed, The Esala Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and most significant of all Buddhist festivals in Sri Lanka. The Sinhalese term ‘Perahera’ refers to a procession of ceremonial musicians, drummers, dancers, singers, acrobats, whip crackers, flag bearers, sword carriers, fireball dancers and various other performers accompanied by a large number of elaborately adorned elephants parading the streets in celebration of a religious event. Primarily hosted to honour the sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, the Esela Perahera is also conducted with the intention of beseeching blessings from the divinities for bountiful rains and a prosperous harvest, as well as an intercession to shower blessings on the people.

2. The illustrious ten-day festival: commences with the ‘Kap Situveema’ – a ritual where young jackfruit trees are planted in the premises of each of the four ‘Devales’ (Shrines of God) dedicated to the four ‘Guardian Gods’ Natha, Vishnu, Katharagama and Pattini, and ends with the traditional ‘Diya Kepeema’ – a water cutting ceremony which is held at the Mahaweli River at Getambe in Kandy.

3. A flamboyant fusion of history, culture and religion: Exploring every facet of Sri Lankan culture and Buddhist heritage, the Esala Perahera features an endless variety of traditional local dances, including graceful Kandyan dances, striking whip and fire dances and many other folklore inspired performances. During each perahera, a myriad of festively dressed Kandyan drummers, eastern percussionists, singers and acrobats along with mahouts chaperoning dazzlingly embellished tuskers and elephants take to the streets to illuminate and enliven the procession. The entire route of the procession is decorated with countless lights which are beautifully synchronized with the proceedings and performances of each Perahera.

4. An idyllic base in the heart of the bustling festivities: Located 116km away from Colombo, in Sri Lanka’s scenic Hill Country, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy is nestled in the heart of the city of Kandy, making it the ideal base for those traveling from far and wide to view the Perahera. Set against the picturesque backdrop of the Knuckles Mountain Range shrouded in varying degrees of mist, and built to resemble the majestic realm of the last Sinhalese kings, Cinnamon Citadel Kandy takes you on an enchanting cultural journey and tells you an ancient tale of its own. The resort bears many vivid features in the form of vibrant tones of red and traditional Kandyan art, which evoke a rich cultural presence and a true sense of regal luxury. Cinnamon Citadel’s ample verdant gardens which are located near a tranquil bend in the Mahaweli River offer a quaint and tranquil atmosphere for guests to relax and unwind after a long and exuberant day of crowding alongside the streets to witness the magnificent Esala Perahera.

5. This year, the Kandy Esala Perahera is scheduled to take place from 16th to 26th August in its usual series of colourful Kumbal Peraheras, Randoli Peraheras and vivacious ritualistic ceremonies – all of which will culminate in yet another iconic celebration of Sri Lanka’s authentic historical and cultural heritage.

Plan your stay in Kandy with Cinnamon Citadel via http://www.cinnamonhotels.com/en/cinnamoncitadelkandy