Colombo
The name "Colombo", first introduced by the
Portuguese in 1505, is believed to be derived from the classical Sinhalese name
Kolon thota, meaning "port on the river Kelani". It has also been suggested
that the name may be derived from the Sinhalese name Kola-amba-thota which
means "Harbour with leafy mango trees". Due to its large harbour and
its strategic position along the East-West sea trade routes, Colombo was known
to ancient traders 2,000 years ago. However it was only made the capital of the
island when Sri Lanka was ceded to the British Empire in 1815, and its status
as capital was retained when the nation became independent in 1948. In 1978,
when administrative functions were moved to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, Colombo
was designated as the commercial capital of Sri Lanka.
Dambulla
Major attractions of the city include the largest and best
preserved cave temple complex of Sri Lanka, and the Rangiri Dambulla
International Stadium, famous for being built in just 167 days. The city also
boasts to have the largest rose quartz mountain range in South Asia, and the
Iron wood forest, or Namal Uyana. Ibbankatuwa prehistoric burial site near
Dhambulla cave temple complexes is the latest archaeological site of
significant historical importance found in Dambulla, which is located within 3
kilometers of the cave temples providing evidence on presence of indigenous
civilisations long before the arrival of Indian influence on the Island nation.
Ella
Ella is blessed with some of
the most beautiful views, you could find in Sri Lanka.
Only
8 km from Bandarawela, this small town is used as a base for plenty of trekking
expeditions to the surrounding countryside.
A taste of the breathtaking scenery of Ella could be had, if you just walk into
the Garden of the Grand Ella Motel (Formerly Ella Rest House), where you seem
to be standing at the edge of the world, and everything around you seems to
disappear at your feet.
Another fine view is from the Ambiente Hotel, where the wide doorway, opens out
to the mountains, creating a dramatic cinematic like experience, on entry.
Some
of the places you could see in Ella are the Ella Gap, Ravana Ella Falls, Little
Adam's Peak and Bambaragala Peak among the other many varied pleasant walks
with stunning scenery.
