by Yohan Alexander | Sep 16, 2024 | Whats On
This internationally recognized event, hosted in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, brings together authors, poets, and readers for insightful discussions, workshops, and readings. (January 25-28, 2025)
The Galle Literary Festival, taking place from January 25-28, 2025, is an internationally renowned event set in the historic Galle Fort. It gathers celebrated authors, poets, and literary enthusiasts for engaging discussions, workshops, and readings. This festival offers a unique blend of literature, culture, and history in one of Sri Lanka’s most picturesque settings. Perfect for book lovers and culture seekers alike!
Photo Credit – BBC World Service
by Yohan Alexander | Sep 16, 2024 | Whats On
A major Hindu harvest festival celebrated with traditional food, rituals, and Kolam art in Tamil communities across the country. (January 14, 2025)
Thai Pongal, celebrated on January 14, 2025, is a major Tamil harvest festival in Sri Lanka. Dedicated to the Sun God, this vibrant festival involves cooking the traditional Pongal dish, decorating homes with Kolam art, and offering thanks for a bountiful harvest. Communities come together for prayers, rituals, and celebrations, creating a joyful atmosphere that honors nature and agricultural abundance.
by Yohan Alexander | Sep 16, 2024 | Whats On
Held at Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya near Colombo, this grand procession marks the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. Expect elephants, dancers, and cultural performances.
Duruthu Perahera, held in January 2025 at the Kelaniya Temple, is a vibrant Buddhist procession marking the Buddha’s first visit to Sri Lanka. Featuring beautifully adorned elephants, traditional dancers, drummers, and torchbearers, this grand event is a captivating display of Sri Lankan culture and devotion. Perfect for visitors seeking a spiritual and cultural experience, the Perahera showcases the island’s rich heritage in an unforgettable way.
by Yohan Alexander | Sep 16, 2024 | Whats On
Cities like Colombo and Kandy will be lit up with festive decorations, concerts, and markets celebrating the holiday season.
Celebrate New Year’s Eve in grand style at the Lotus Tower, Sri Lanka’s tallest landmark! This iconic tower lights up the Colombo skyline with vibrant fireworks, live music, and festivities to ring in the new year. A perfect spot for locals and tourists to experience the excitement, the Lotus Tower New Year festival promises a dazzling display and memorable celebrations
Photo Credit – Thilina Kaluthotage
by Yohan Alexander | Sep 16, 2024 | Nature
Minneriya National Park, located in Sri Lanka’s north-central region, is renowned for its large population of wild elephants. The park is easily accessible from Habarana, Sigiriya, Dambulla, or Polonnaruwa.
Minneriya is particularly famous for the annual gathering of elephants during the dry season, typically from June to September. As water sources in the region dwindle, elephants from surrounding areas converge on Minneriya Wewa (Tank), a large reservoir built by ancient kings. This gathering is one of the largest elephant congregations in the world, where over 200 to 300 elephants can be seen drinking, bathing, and socializing.
Minneriya National Park offers a spectacular wildlife experience, with opportunities to observe not only elephants but also leopards, sambar deer, and various bird species. The park’s diverse ecosystems, including grasslands and mixed forests, provide a rich environment for wildlife. Visiting during the dry season is a remarkable experience for wildlife photography or simply witnessing the incredible behavior of elephants in their natural habitat.
