The Perahera in Kandy is one of the oldest and most amazing Buddhist events you can still see today in Sri Lanka. Imagine a colorful display of elephants dressed in full regalia, men cracking whips, dancing, making music, rituals, fireworks and more….culminating in the final night when the longest and most splendid procession takes place.
The tradition goes back as far as the 3rd Century BC, as a means of asking the gods for rainfall – the same reason it takes place today. Another reason for the celebrations (which has no less than five separate peraheras- or parades) is for the local people to honour the sacred relic from the Temple of the Tooth, which was once only seen by the kings. Today though, it is a replica casket paraded through the streets as the relic is no longer allowed to leave the holy temple.
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Written by Antonella on July 15th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Buddhism, Culture, Events, History, Kandy
One of the finest things you can do when visiting Sri Lanka on a luxury tour is to head up north to Elephant Corridor. It’s an experience that you won’t forget and is truly “five star” (so often said…so rarely true!). The hotel is located in Sigiraya, which is in the “cultural triangle” or the “central region” of Sri Lanka, about a four drive north from Colombo.
Surrounded by thousands of acres of jungle, the Elephant Corridor Luxury Boutique Hotel offers you scintillating views of the nearby picturesque lake, the “Kandalama Hills” and the magnificent Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Sigiriya is known for its ancient monastery, a World Heritage Site: the “Mount of Remembrance“: More »
Written by Antonella on February 16th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Architecture, Boutique Hotels, Buddhism, History, Hotels, Luxury Travel, Sri Lanka
Welcome to Ceylon Luxury! Sri Lanka (or Ceylon as it was once known) is considered by many to be the most beautiful country in the world. Stunning beaches, breathtaking mountain views, lush tea plantations, tranquil lakes, tropical forests and the list goes on….
The country lies next to the Maldives, which arguably has the best beaches of any country, and Kerala, the Southern state of India, which is also becoming an increasingly popular travel destination. Sri Lanka has a colorful past and is full of many natural resources, most notably its tea, coffee and spices. It is a predominantly Buddhist country (Theravada- early Buddhism) with an ancient culture that can still be seen today in many of the wonderful temples, monuments and sites. Sri Lanka was colonized by the Portuguese, then the Dutch and finally the British before achieving independence in 1948. This rich and diverse history lends itself to a very unique culture which one can see in the architecture, arts and crafts. Sri Lanka is also a home to ayurvedic medicine, which makes it especially appealing for those Westerners who believe in holistic health techniques.
Couple these facts with the most charming, kind and hospitable people you are ever likely to encounter on your travels and you have a paradise just waiting to be visited. More »
Written by Antonella on January 13th, 2009 | Comments Off
Filed under Ayurveda, Boutique Hotels, Buddhism, Ceylon, History, Hotels, India, Luxury, Maldives, Politics, Safety, Sri Lanka, Tea, Tips, Tours, Travel, Tsunami
