5 Best Healthy Restaurants in Colombo for the Health Conscious, Sri Lanka

Travelling to Sri Lanka for health conscious people can be a little tricky if the best healthy restaurants are not known. So if you are one of those people who can`t do with just eating anything then fret not! You can still travel to Sri Lanka, as the country has many restaurants that offer world-class healthy dishes and an excellent menu for health conscious people.

Especially when in Colombo, eating healthy is not complicated at all. There is a long list of cafes and restaurants to choose from for a tasty healthy treat. Although the country`s culinary scene revolves around rice and curry, it is not limited to that only. You can find delicious dishes for vegans, fresh seafood and dishes made from fresh local produce. So apply for SriLanka ETA online and keep reading to discover the best healthy restaurants in Colombo:

Café Kumbuk

One of the healthiest eating joints in town, Café Kumbuk offers interiors that exude comfortability and a casual laid back atmosphere. A perfect place for the digital nomads, the food served here is prepared with organic products and the menu keeps varying according to seasons. The main attraction here is the lentil burger with charcoal bun and naked burrito bowl. If you get hunger pangs while exploring the capital city of Sri Lanka, try Café Kumbuk.

Superfood Cafe 

This one is the latest kid on the list of healthy restaurants in Colombo. Located on the little street off Duplication Road, the Superfood Café has an all-day breakfast menu with classics like French toast. For lunch, there are various healthy bowl-style meals to pick from. This newbie is a must-visit when craving for a really nice meal. Do not worry about the healthy meal when you are in Colombo. Simply apply for Sri Lanka ETA online and start preparing your itinerary.

Life Food

Find this restaurant located by Beira Lake, just around the corner from Gangaramaya Temple. A little spot with a cozy and comfortable environment offers a vast menu of salad options, quinoa or noodles, health bowls with rice, smoothies and delicious all day breakfasts. Life Food has plenty of unbeatable fusions at play with flavors ranging from Sri Lanka to Myanmar.

The VOV Coffee Lounge

The VOV Coffee Lounge has a great collection of vegan burgers as well as desserts and dishes to suit everyone`s need –local or visitor in Colombo. You can find various amazing Mexican dishes with tortillas and sour cream. The choices are infinite and the popularity is rated all-time high.

Kurumba

Kurumba is the best juice and smoothie bar in Colombo. The best thing about eating at this restaurant is that it lets you build your own fruit bowl with whatever seasonal fruits. The restaurant serves the healthiest options for the vegans and the vegetarians.

Sri Lanka is getting better with every passing day and is getting adorned with better cafes and healthy food joints for vegans, vegetarians and the other health conscious people. So without worrying about your health diet, apply for Sri Lanka ETA online. You can also apply for the visa from our website sri-lankaeta.com.   

4 Places That Make the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka A Must-Visit

The ‘Little England of Sri Lanka’, is a genteel highland community, located at 2,000 meters above the sea level. Still emanating a British colonial feel to it, Nuwara Eliya does have a rose tinted, colonial era bungalows with pretty gardens, Tudor-style hotels and hedgerows.

This little town was once a favorite of British and believed to be founded by Samuel Baker in 1846. Samuel Baker was an explorer who also discovered Lake Albert in Uganda as well as the Nile River. Soon after making Nuwara Eliya which means “City of Light” their home away from home, the British started growing their English vegetables like strawberries and lettuce.

Although due to recent development in construction has blighted the natural scene to some degree, but the beauty of town still makes a fine halt for those who are looking for some relaxation and isolation. If you are awaiting the approval of your Sri Lanka ETA visa then make an itinerary of the places you would like to visit in Sri Lanka and include Nuwara Eliya in the list. Here are the main attractions you can visit in this town:

1.       Pedro Tea Estate- If you take your morning brew very seriously then head towards Pedro Tea Estate which is located about 3.5 km east of Nuwara Eliya on the way to Kandapola. Originally built in 1885, you can take a 20 minute guided tour of the factory which still features 19^th century engineering.

2.       Hakgala Gardens- Located 10km in the southeast of Nuwara Eliya, Hakgala Gardens are a peaceful retreat. The major highlights of the garden are Japanese garden, a fine rose garden, an orchid collection, giant cypresses and cedars.

3.       Seetha Amman Temple- This colorful Hindu Temple which is one of its kinds in the entire world is held in high respects by the Hindus. The temple is dedicated to the wife of Lord Rama -Sita and it is believed to be the place where Sita was held captive by the demon king Ravana. It is believed to be the place where she prayed daily for Rama to come and rescue her. The temple is located at a mere distance of 1 km from the Hakgala Gardens and 5 km from Nuwara Eliya. If you want to visit this beautiful temple make sur you apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa on time.

4.       Victoria Park- Victoria Park is one of the country`s most alluring, appealing and brilliantly maintained town parks. Take a stroll across its manicured lawns and you will have an amazing experience.  Best time to visit this park is either March to May or August to September as the park comes alive with blooming flowers and hill-country bird species that also include the Kashmir Flycatcher, Indian pitta and grey tit.

This little town of Sri Lanka offers verdant countryside surrounded of tea plantations, craggy hills and a pleasant weather. If you are planning to travel Sri Lanka this year, make sure that you do not miss out on Little England. To apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa you can visit sri-lankaeta.com.

5 Reasons You Must Include Sri Lanka`s Western Region In Your Travel Itinerary

Although Sri Lanka is a small islandic country, it is a nation that offers different experiences in different regions. Irrespective of its compact size, Sri Lanka is known as the ‘pearl of Indian Ocean’. Sri Lanka`s west coast is the island`s front door that will take you to a long and beautiful journey that will take you through gorgeous beaches, verdant tea plantations, incredible ancient ruins, hiking trails and spirituality.

The west coast of Sri Lanka is its most developed and populous. It is the busiest, brashest and the most urbanized region of the country. So while you are busy in making a self-curated itinerary for your holidays after applying for Sri Lanka eta visa, we unroll few more spectacular places for you to explore. Check them below:

1.       Negombo- A modest beach town which is located just 10 km from Bandaranaike International Airport is an interesting old quarter that is affordable and suits all pockets. With various decent hotels and restaurants, it’s a pocket friendly location that is often visited by the visitors.

2.       Brief Garden- Those who love surrounded by the nature, Brief Garden is a verdant garden straight out of ‘the Jungle Book’. The garden is located 10 kilometers inland from the Bentota and is an idyllic place to get lost. The house that once belonged to Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned architect of Geoffrey Bawa, showcases an amazing range of artwork.

3.       Galapata Raja Temple- Located on the south bank of the Bentota Ganga, the temple is situated about 3 Km inland from the town. This incredibly built 12^th-century temple is adorned with lovely murals that are intricately engraved. The temple is also a home to 2500-year-old dagoba which is said to hold a tooth relic that belongs to Lord Buddha`s main disciple, Kasyapa.  If you are on a spiritual journey, you must apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa so that you can visit here.

4.       Wilpattu National Park- Sprawled across the 1317sq. km, Wilpattu is Sri Lanka`s largest national park. Concealed behind the dry and dense woodland, you can spot a rich variety of wildlife that includes leopards, spotted deer, sloth bears, wild pigs and crocodiles. Bird watchers will get plenty of opportunities as the national park has verdant dry forests, water and even coastal birds.

5.        Muthurajawela Marsh- The Muthurajawela Marsh that is interpreted as ‘Supreme Field of Pearls’, is a little known gem of a wetland, located at the southern end of the Negombo`s lagoon. The area was earlier a rice-growing basin before the Portuguese constructed a canal that flooded the fields with water. A boat ride offers sightings of some more than 70 species of birds that includes cormorants, purple herons and kingfishers.

 The western region of Sri Lanka is equally impressive and definitely worth a visit. So include the region in your travel itinerary, if you have applied for Sri Lanka ETA visa. For those who haven’t applied for visa, can simply visit our website sri-lankaeta.com!  

Discover Best of Architecture in These 5 Temples in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country which is home to so many temples and spiritual places. A country with rich heritage and culture is a hub-spot for people who are on a spiritual path and looking for something divine. Fascinating fables and timeless tales also surround the teardrop country apart from beautiful landscapes and beaches. With easy online Sri Lankan ETA application, visiting this country has become hassle-free.

Although there are people who follow other religions too but Buddhism is a significant part of the culture. There are numerous temples big or small throughout the country that represents ancient customs and traditions that still subsist in the present day. So if you want to give a spiritual touch to your vacations, then here is the list of temples that are going to evoke a sense of mystery when you visit them.

PIDURANGALA ROYAL CAVE TEMPLE

One of the ancient Buddhist temples, this cave temple is constructed on a massive rock called Pidurangala. This ancient Buddhist temple was refurbished by King Kashyapa for the Bhikkhus. He requested them to move out of Sigiriya, where they used to meditate and offered this temple as compensation to them.

RUMASSALA TEMPLE

This rock is featured in Ramayana as home to the beautiful Queen Sita. But to most of the colonialists, it is known as Buona Vista. The stupa is built by the Japanese and is referred to as Peace Pagoda and is one of the four such stupas in Sri Lanka.

SRI DALADA MALIGAWA (TEMPLE OF THE TOOTH)

Located within the palace complex of the ancient Kandyan Kingdom, Sri Dalada Maligawa, or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is home to the most venerated dentistry of the Lord Buddha himself. A tooth of Lord Buddha is enshrined in this temple and many devotees frequent this place to offer prayers. Apply for online Sri Lankan ETA in the month of July as the Kandy celebrates the auspicious full moon festival on a grand level.

DAMBULLA CAVE TEMPLE

Also known as the Golden temple of Dambulla, this cave temple is largest temple complex in the country which is well preserved. It is also a UNESCO world heritage site with over 80 caves in the location. What make the temple more special are the five caves that are spread in a large area. The caves are designed with intrinsic details and further ornamented with carvings, paintings and statues depicting the life of Gautam Buddha through 153 Buddha Statues.

MIHINTALE TEMPLE

This temple is considered to be of great significance as it is believed to be the meeting site of Buddhist monk Mahinda and King Devanampiyatissa. The temple is located near Anuradhapura and is now a popular pilgrimage site with number of religious monuments and abandoned structures.

Sri Lanka has many facets and give equal opportunities to witness the beaches and temples all-round the year. So pack your bags to experience a spiritual high with online Sri Lankan ETA. For more details log on to www.sri-lankaeta.com !

Sri Lanka In June: Weather, Places & Wildlife

Sri Lanka is year-round destination with pleasant temperature perfect for beach holidays. The country receives two-monsoons which affects different parts of the country, thus making it difficult for the travelers to decipher the places they should visit in different months. If you are planning to visit the country in the month of June then let us explain you about the weather, places and regions of the country you can visit.

Sri Lanka In June

The south-west monsoon affects the south-west quarter of the country in the month of June. With maximum temperature not going above 33 degrees and minimum 25 degrees, the monsoon in June generally consists of sharp, crisp and short showers that disappear as quickly as they start. The monsoon is mainly gentle which allows you to travel even to the areas that are hit by the monsoon. You can simply travel to Galle and the verdant tea-plantations along with the beaches of the north-east coast for more guaranteed sun and calmer waters. You can submit application for online Sri Lanka visa to travel in the month of June.

Places to visit in June

The north and the east regions are generally dry and sunny thus visiting the Cultural Triangle and Kandy is still a good option in the month of June. There are certain festivals like the Poson Festival which is celebrated here in the month of June to commemorate the arrival of Indian monk in the 3^rd century- Arahat Mahinda.

The grand celebrations take place in the ancient city of Anuradhapura and Mihintale. All the devotees of Buddha dress up in white linens and climb to the top of Mihintale. They first visit the temple and then to the dagobas that offers a wonderful spectacle and amazing celebration. Hence, a perfect time for those who want to discover and experience the cultural side of the country. You can apply for online Sri Lanka visa in either May or June if you are planning to visit the country in the last week of the month, to be on safer side.

The hill side of the country will be cold and chilly, especially in the mornings and evenings. Therefore bring woolens with you if you are planning to visit the Tea country. If you are a wildlife lover, then no other month than June can be better to spot leopard tracking as well as spotting elephants and sloth bears. You can visit Yala National Park, Uda Walawe and Minneriya in this time of the year. Sticking to the north, east and center, you can definitely have a wonderful time in Sri Lanka and can enjoy a perfect combination of beaches, wildlife and some of Sri Lanka`s intriguing culture.

So worry not! Go ahead with your plans and apply for online Sri Lanka visa easily from our website sri-lankaeta.com.

5 Exciting Activities to Indulge in at Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka can be your ultimate escape, if the agenda of your next trip is to seek nirvana and take a break from urban life. There are so many cafes, hip restaurants and shacks on the main street lined up across the street. The beach offers chilled vibes inviting people for the surfing and happening beach parties. So if you want to spend a great time along the sea but want to avoid the crowd, head to Arugam Bay.

If the thought of standing in long queues outside the consulates makes you cringe, don`t worry. You can get online Sri Lanka visa easily. You can fill up the application form to apply for it. You will find plenty of sports activities to indulge. Here are the most common activities you can try your hands on.

1.       BEACH DAYS- If you want to spend the entire day by doing nothing then head to the beach. T A-bay offers a beautiful and long beach which is perfect to chill and watch the day slipping. You can take a plunge in the ocean, play some beach volleyball or simple tan your skin while sipping on fresh coconut water.

2.       SURFING- Our very first activity is the obvious one. Arugam Bay is considered to be one of the world`s top surfing destinations. So if you decide to go there, you must try surfing. The A-Bay offers three main surfing spots – Main Point, Whiskey Point and Peanut Farm. All the three surfing spots are located at a short distance from the Arugam Bay. You can notice dozens of people trying surfing for the first time. If you want to hone your surfing skills then apply for online Sri Lanka visa couple of days from your traveling date.

3.       RENT A BIKE- Exploring the places on your own has its own charm. You can go to anywhere you want without having any restrictions. So if you like riding bikes, then Arugam Bay offers excellent roads along with beautiful sites throughout.

4.       YOGA- If attaining spiritual peace is your motto; you will find various destinations for Yoga practice. You can find tons of meditation and yoga centers across the street. So if you feel like giving your mind & body a break, head to one of the centers, get some exercise and relax a bit.

5.       MAMBO`s SATURDAY NIGHTS- If you happen to be at Arugam Bay on a Saturday, then visiting a Mambo`s beach party is an absolute must. The music keeps blaring out till everyone leaves and the party goers ensure that they welcome the sun at the beach.

Take part in yoga sessions, rent a bike to explore the never ending roads, lie in hammock, read a book, surf and play, and do whatever your heart craves for. Arugam bay is a perfect destination to have fun. Get your onlineSri Lanka visa in few hours and for more details kindly visit www.sri-lankaeta.com.

The 4 Most Beautiful Waterfalls in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country with over 400 waterfalls gushing down from the top of a cliff making natural pools to bathe in. For nature lovers, the islandic country can be a place to relish the picturesque sights. Some waterfalls can be enjoyed from close while others are so rugged that they can be only enjoyed from a distance.

If you are one of those lucky ones who have time for vacations, Sri Lanka is definitely recommended. There are two main reasons to visit this country. First is its waterfalls and beaches, secondly you can get online Sri Lankan ETA in few hours. This means saving a lot of time and hassle free visa application process.  Here is the list of stunning waterfalls that the land of natural wonders has:

BOPATH ELLA- This waterfall has derived its name from the sacred Buddhist tree which is considered very important in the island. The waterfall is famous for its shape which resembles a Bo leaf with its thin short stream opening up to a wider fall towards the bottom. It can be easily reached as it`s in a vicinity of a village which is close to mining town of Rathnapura. One can also swim in its base pool.

LAXAPANA- So our list begins with Laxapana waterfall which plays an important part by being the source of energy for the water plant. If you love hiking but are not a professional, you can reach there by car. A little hiking and you will be able to ponder over its misty beauty which is located in the highlands amidst a cold weather.

BAMBARAKANDA FALLS- Falling from 253 meters above, Bambarakanda falls is the tallest waterfall in Sri Lanka. Although there is no way to reach the pool, but the majestic downpour can be seen from a little road that climbs up the hill. So apply for online Sri Lankan ETA beforehand so that you can travel without any complications.

BAKER`S FALLS- This chute can be reached easily as it is a bit of a hike away from Horton Plains. Baker`s falls is considered to be one of the most widest waterfalls in Sri Lanka with many small streams rushing down a rock face. If you are visiting it during rainy season, the area can be very slippery, but it`s worth the visit as one can find variety of ferns.

RAVANA FALLS- Surrounded by Adam`s Peak and Horton Plains, Ravana falls is quite popular among the tourists. Located in Ella, it is easy to see and is looks most beautiful in the rainy season.

Refresh your soul and mind by travelling to Sri Lanka. Not just waterfalls but you can also enjoy scenic beaches. Get your online Sri Lankan ETA from our website sri-lankaeta.com.