5 Best Places Everyone Must Travel In 2018

As the September has just started, the end of the year is looming around the corner. With 2018, crawling to reach its end, it is that time of the year where everyone starts considering an updated list of new travel destinations to visit.

For those who are looking to visit to a new place to spend their New Year`s Eve or simply to unwind for some time, there are plenty of places to explore. So here are a few ideas for the best places to explore this year:

Georgia

The country is so beautiful that you will find Georgia in every travel bucket list. Always an ideal place to spend summers, Georgia has become a tourist hotspot for its delightful capital, Tbilisi. Due to its grand Caucasus Mountains and its wide-open hills for camping and hiking, the country is one-of-its kind. With each coming year, the country`s popularity amongst the tourists grows, thus a visit to this country should be on your list.

Sri Lanka

More often than not, many travelers from around the world consider Sri Lanka a part of India. But Sri Lanka is a unique and beautiful island country that was off the travel radar due to its ongoing civil war. But now as the country is back, its ancient cities and architectural excellence coupled with breathtakingly gorgeous beaches luring the travelers from all over the world. One can easily apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa online to visit this small country which is also known as ‘Pearl of the Ocean’.

Zanzibar

Zanzibar is an island located off the coast of East Africa and a part of the country of Tanzania. The island is a vast trove of natural reserve and along with the natural wonders; one can visit the deeply though-provoking Stone Town memorial. The memorial was constructed for the slaves taken from Africa for the Indian Ocean slave trade. Zanzibar is a colorful blend of different cultures and you can get a glimpse of their unique culture by exploring their local markets.

Montenegro

This 2018, keep Montenegro on your list. With one of the lenient visa scheme in Europe, this jewel of the Mediterranean has sparkling view of the Adriatic Sea, spectacular hiking trails and Balkan villages. You will have a hard time leaving this beautiful place that looks straight out of the fairy tale.

Uzbekistan

While the breakup of the Soviet Union happened long time ago, Uzbekistan has only recently open its borders to more tourist and travelers around the world that are interested to discover this Central Asian gem.  

If you pick Sri Lanka as your next destination, you can apply for SriLanka ETA visa from our website sri-lankaeta.com. A splendid country will definitely give you a life-time experience.

4 Reasons Why Should You Spend Christmas in Sri Lanka This Year

Christmas is lurking from behind and will be knocking at our door within next few months. Christmas means long weekends for some and a week-long Christmas holidays for others. So if you are thinking about unique ways to make your Christmas special this year, head to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka is although stunning at any given time of the year but with two monsoons, tourists find it often confusing to figure out the best place to visit this tropical country. December is the best month to visit the south, central and western regions of the country. So if you are thinking about applying for Sri Lanka ETA visa this Christmas, here is a list of recommended places that will make your Christmas stay truly memorable:

1.       Whale Watching at Mirissa- So many people come with this beautiful desire to watch whale at one of the beaches in Sri Lanka. But if you want to experience this truly amazing activity, visit the country in December. This will guarantee to see them off the coast of Mirissa in season as the whale season runs from November to April. You can get yourself enrolled into various boat trips to see a variety of whales and dolphins.

2.       Sri Lankan Feast- Christmas usually involves lots of eating and that is what you will likely to do when in Sri Lanka. Many hotels and restaurants in Sri Lanka offer Christmas feasts that comprises as many as 25-course meal. Sri Lanka cuisine is universally famous for its spices and fresh seafood and here you can have the opportunity to sample no less than 25 authentic dishes. Make the most of your Christmas holidays this year; apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa now!

3.       Spot Wildlife- Nothing beats the excitement of spotting some of the wildest beasts in their natural surroundings. Sri Lanka is a country that has plenty of national parks and natural reserve that are home to various endangered species. Visit Yala National Park, Minneriya or Kaudulla National Parks to see various animals ranging from Elephants, wild bear, leopards and many more. There are also jungle-safaris organized by local agents to ensure you travel safely and adequately equipped.

4.       Surfing at beaches- If you are hail from European continent or any other place from the globe, December may mean snow-clad streets, roofs and a snowman. Christmas is mostly about covering you in woolens and sitting by bonfire. But when in Sri Lanka, you can spend your entire Christmas Eve in shorts and beach wears because the country experiences a tropical climate throughout the year.

 

So celebrate Christmas this year a little differently. A family destination, Sri Lanka can be visited with children and friends. Apply for your SriLanka ETA visa from our website SriLanka ETA visa.

Stay in Top 4 Boutique Hotels in Kandy

Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and also home to the famous Temple of Tooth, which makes it a must-visit place in the island country. The city is punctuated with a large number of hotels and villas, but it is best experienced in one of the boutique hotels of the area.

Some of these hotels are located within the city, while others are a bit further up the mountains. If you have received your Sri Lanka ETA visa then check out our list of handpicked hotels that will cater to your every need.

The Elephant Stables

No, we do not mean literally an elephant stable, but the hotel is as interesting as its name. The Elephant Stables is a quaint, little hotel perched atop the hillside with an amazing view of the valley below. Located at only 10 minutes from Kandy center, this boutique hotel welcomes families and globetrotters of every kind. The gardens are home to family of turtles that keep the kids busy and the food offered here is authentic, sumptuous and mouth-watering.

Where- 46 Nittawela Road, Kandy, Sri Lanka

Theva Residency

If you ever dreamed of spectacular cliffs welcoming you in the morning, then Theva Residency is the perfect place to fulfil your dreams. Offering the best views in the city, the rooms are designed in a particular way to maximize the vistas. You will be amazed by views you can have your eyes on, every morning. With an infinity pool to cool you off, you can enjoy the gorgeous views of the sunset.

Where- Kandy, Sri Lanka

Gala Villa Spa

A beautiful resort located in the lap of mountains of Kandy is all you need to take your Sri Lanka vacations to next level. Take a plunge into the infinity pool encompassed by the jungle or get a relaxing massage to infuse freshness into every muscle of your body, the resort is well-equipped to make your every wish fulfilled. The rooms are based on individual themes, each decorated exclusively by carefully using the color schemes and luxury amenities. Book this hotel before applying for Sri Lanka ETA visa as the hotel fills up quickly.

Where- Kandy, Sri Lanka

Viyana Boutique

Those who are looking for cozy option, Viyana Boutique hotel is a small property, overlooking the Kandy Lake. Located in the close proximity to the center, it gives its guests the best of both –the city sights and natural surroundings. The restaurant of the hotel offers both the authentic traditional Sri Lankan food and tempting western cuisine.

Where- Kandy, Sri Lanka

When planning for Sri Lanka, getting a good accommodation is not at all complicated. But to make your stay a one truly memorable experience, stay in one of the above mentioned boutique hotels. So if you are applying for Sri Lanka ETA visa then book one of these hotels for a luxury stay. For more visa related options, you can visit sri-lankaeta.com.  

Explore Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka with 5 Amazing Places

Sri Lanka, a country of colorful tradition, Infinite Ocean, stunning rainforests, gorgeous landscapes and ancient ruins was not on the tourism map few years back. But now the country is back in the game and with its unmatched beauty it has become the hottest destination of 2018.

Sri Lanka has many forest reserves and national parks; Sinharaja Forest Reserve is the largest lowland rainforest in Sri Lanka. Home to rare mammals and endemic birds, this UNESCO-listed forest reserve is bordered by rivers. The forest is so lush and dense that it is not easy to spot wildlife here.

Unlike most of the other Sri Lankan National Parks, access to this forest is only by foot that too accompanied by a local guide or a ranger. A good guide certainly helps as you can easily walk around the reserve under the guidance of a local who knows the forest excellently. If you have applied for onlineSri Lanka ETA then here is a list of places you can explore in and around the Sinharaja Forest Reserve:

1.       Kolawenigama Temple- Built by King Buwanekabahu VII, the Kolawenigama Temple is located 6 km southwest of Deniyaya. Although the temple is modest in size, it has a stunning and unique structure that will resembles Kandy`s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The shrine has Kandyan-style frescoes and was constructed in recognition of the protection given to the tooth relic by the villagers.

2.       Mixed Feeding Flock- One of the unusual aspect that is found among the birds here are that they are witnessed in mixed feeding flocks which is one of the rarest things to be seen in the bird kingdom. The mixed feeding flocks are made up of six or more different breeds of birds like the red-faced malkoha, blue magpies and coucal. For birdwatchers, it can be a real treat to watch these mixed flocks of birds. So if you want to witness this unusual thing, apply for online Sri Lanka ETA.

3.       Kiruwananaganga Falls- This 60 m high waterfall is located 5 km east of Kotapola on the road towards Urubokka. This impressive waterfall is one of the largest waterfalls to be found in Sri Lanka.

4.       Getabaruwa Raja Maha Viharaya- This magnificent rock temple is built in the west of Kotapola, 11km south of Deniyaya. There is a steep road that leads you to the temple which has a seated gilded Buddha and a small stupa.

5.       Wildlife- For wildlife lovers, Sinharaja Forest Reserve can be a paradise because 50% of Sri Lanka`s endemic species of mammals and butterflies can be found here. Not just butterflies, but 19 of Sri Lanka`s 20 endemic species of birds are also found here. Some of the major animals that lure the visitors to Sri Lanka are elephants, langurs and leopards.

Experience the wildlife at its best with Sinharaja Forest Reserve in Sri Lanka. If you have not applied for online Sri Lanka ETA yet then you can simply log on to sri-lankaeta.com. 

3 Beautiful Towns of Sri Lanka That Will Make You Want To Stay Here Forever

Sri Lanka is a country which is famous for its idyllic beaches, ancient ruins, beautiful temples and verdant tea plantations. A visit to this country can even make a hopeless person lively and joyful. A heaven for spots and locales, this rolling landscape is a land of beautiful towns and cities which you must explore.

If you have applied for online Sri Lankan ETA, you can check out the list of most stunning towns of the nation while waiting for the visa approval:

KATARAGAMA

Home to the Maha Devala temple, Kataragama is considered as the holiest city out of all Sri Lankan destinations. The site is multi-religious and is often visited by Hindus, Muslims and Buddhists alike. The city also holds ‘Kataragama Perehera festival’ every year. This annual festival attracts thousands of pilgrims every year from within and outside the country. Wildlife lovers can explore the Yala National Park which is located in the neighborhood and home to leopards, elephants and thousands of species of birds. You can apply for online Sri Lankan ETA on time to have hassle-free travel.

TANGALLE

Tangalle has the most scenic beaches in southeastern part of Sri Lanka. Its sandy coastline is extended up to 4 kilometers and is the major attraction for tourists. Although the beaches here are perfect for relaxing and whirling away the day while watching the roaring waves, adventure seekers can get some action. One can go for scuba diving or can witness marine turtles nesting at Rekawa Beach. History lovers and archeological buffs can take a trip to Mulkirigala Raja Maha Vihara.

HAPUTALE

Home to the country`s longest running tea plantations and seat to Lipton`s, Haputale is a picture perfect tea-growing town. The town offers scenic spots with breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and hills, a popular tourist attraction because of its namesake and estate founder – the Scottish tea baron Sir Thomas Lipton. Other attractions include Adisham Bungalow built in Tudor style in 19^th century. The bungalow is situated within the bounds of Thangamale Bird Sanctuary. Bambarakanda Falls, which is Sri Lanka`s tallest waterfall is also located at an hour`s drive from Haputale.

Sri Lanka is an epitome of nature in its purest form. The country offers something for everyone. From hikers to divers, surfers to wildlife lovers, peace seekers to casino lovers, it has no dearth of exciting activities. Thus, do not delay anymore and apply for online Sri Lankan ETA from our website sri-lankaeta.com, today!

The Hill Country: 4 Top-most Places You Should See In Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a spectacular beauty but it`s Hill Country is like a part from another world. The mist-wrapped land of emerald peaks with hillside punctuated with verdant tea plantations, it offers spectacular views graced by the cascading waterfalls.

This is a place where you can wear a robe in the daytime and sit by a log fire in the evening, enjoy a lovely meal in the eternal city of Kandy or can boast about the street food at a roadside shack in lovely Ella. A place, where you can visit the end of the world, witness the footsteps of Buddha and see the nature in its most glorious form, only if you have applied for SriLanka ETA visa. Have a look at the places without which your visit to this islandic country would be considered incomplete:

The World`s End

The plateau of Horton Plains comes to a sudden but panoramic end –a stunning cliff that plunges 880m. You can reach the top after a walking trail of 4 km and then the loop will take you to Baker`s Falls (2km) and continues back to the starting point which is another 3.5 km. This round trip that is 9.5 km will take a leisurely three hours. In order to get the gorgeous views of the town and tea plantations, try to visit early in the morning, before the clouds roll in.

Buduruwagala

One of the region`s biggest attraction, Buduruwagala is the beautiful 1000-year-old rock which has beautifully carved Buddha figures. The gigantic standing Buddha standing at 15 meters is the tallest on the island, which makes it more special.  These figures still bear the traces and remnants of the past. You can also notice an original robe bearing a long streak of orange color that suggests the figures were once painted brightly.

Uda Walawe National Park

The Uda Walawe National Park is one of the Sri Lanka`s finest national parks. Offering the most clear and beautiful views when it comes to elephant-watching, this national park gives some serious competition to its neighboring natural reserves. Spread across 308.2-sq-km Uda Walawe National Reservoir is home to herds of wild buffalo, elephants, spotted deer, sambar and giant squirrel. If you want to stay in the vicinity of wildlife, apply for SriLanka ETA visa.

Adisham Monastery

The Benedictine monastery that once belonged to tea planter Sir Thomas Lester Villiers is now a tourist attraction. Built by Sir Thomas Lester Villiers, he built the structure to recreate his English lifestyle. The building has some English country-cottage gardens that are impeccably manicured and are still enchanting. Photography is prohibited inside the building, while the visitors can visit and see the living room.

Ride a train that offers the most scenic views or paddle a raft down a raging river, the Hill Country of Sri Lanka can surely give you the most amazing time of your life. You can apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa, if you haven`t yet. To apply, log on to our website sri-lankaeta.com.  

Dambulla: Experience Sri Lankan History in These 4 Places

Sri Lanka is a country which is not only popular for pristine beaches and national parks but also for centuries old cave temples and monasteries. The city of Dambulla which is located in the Matale District of Central Province in Sri Lanka is one such complex, which is famous for cave temples.

The city garners thousands of tourists annually as it houses the Dambulla Cave Temple which is the largest, best-preserved, cave-temple complex in the country. Located at just 5 hours from the bustling capital city of Colombo, this World Heritage Site comprises of a beautiful cave monastery and five sanctuaries.

There are more than 80 document caves within the 2000 feet of temple`s premises. There are five main complexes that are adorned with paintings and sculptures of Lord Buddha including the infamous 45-feet reclining Buddha. Although tourists mainly visit Dambulla to visit this popular temple, there are other interesting sights as well. If you have applied for Sri Lanka ETA visa, here is a list of other exciting destinations:

1.       The Golden Temple- One of the largest and brilliantly preserved cave temples, the golden temple is located in the heart of the city of Sri Lanka. The caves around the temple are the major crowd pulling factor that comprises more than 152 statues of Gautam Buddha, depicting is entire life, struggles and teachings. The paintings and sculptures also include the four sculptures of gods and three more beautiful statues of the kings of Sri Lanka. Want to visit Sri Lankan history? Apply for SriLanka ETA visa!

2.       Dambulla Produce Market- Even if you are not looking to buy any seasonal fruit or vegetable, a visit to this local market is worth a visit. This large wholesale market south of the center offers a fascinating look at the daily day-to-day life of the locals.

3.       Popham's Arboretum- Popham's Arboretum is situated in Kandalama, Dambulla. The construction of this zoological park began in 1963, when the owner bought around 7.5 acres of jungle land to conserve the antique biological diversities of Sri Lanka. Hundreds of tourists come to visit Sri Lankan dry forest every year to enjoy the panoramic views and also to know about the various species of flora that are present here. The major attraction of the Popham Arboretum are the plants and trees such as Weera, Ebony, Satinwood, Helamba Palu ,Milla, Ceylon Iron Wood(Na), Rathu, Tamarind, Margosa,  Velan etc.

4.       Jathika Namal Uyana- Also known as the pink quartz mountain of Asia, this place produced enormous amount of pink quartz and has a history of 550 million years. It is also epicenter of preservation where almost 120 species of tropical plants are found. Out of these 120, almost 58 are of the medicinal properties and are often used in the preparation of medicines.

Sri Lanka is full of popular tourist attractions. But if you want to explore the country in a true sense, then make a list of off-beaten paths of the country that will take you somewhere surreal. If you want to apply for SriLanka ETA visa visit sri-lankaeta.com.