Sri Lanka: Stay in These 4 Boutique Hotels in Galle That Once Had a Colonial Past

A great place to spend few days, Sri Lanka is an ultimate holiday destination for those who are looking more than sea, sun and sand. Although the southern city of Galle is famous for the Galle Fort, the area is an outcrop of land which is encompassed by fortified walls, shops, streets and is full of quaint hotels and shops.

A place fit for an excellent accommodation, one can find plenty of luxury villas and boutique hotels. Galle spreads inland from the Fort and is a perfect place to spend a few days where anyone can soak up the sun while taking walking tours to various amazing places. When it comes to hotels, you will get plethora of options. While applying for Sri Lanka ETA visa, have a look at the following hotels where you can pamper yourself, making your stay memorable:

GALLE FORT HOTEL

Once neglected and in complete ruins, the Galle Fort Hotel has now awarded the Asia Pacific Heritage Award of Distinction by UNESCO in 2007. Originally a Dutch mansion, now the hotel has a long list of elite guests completely smitten with its impressive architecture and an impeccable synthesis of old and new. The hotel is located right in the middle of the humdrum of the city and the upcoming tourist quarter. It has a pool in the courtyard and one of the beautiful suites at the Galle Fort Hotel.

TAMARIND HILL

The beautiful mansion that belonged to Sri Lankan aristocrats and to the British Admiral of the Peninsular and Orient Steam Navigation Company has been transformed into a heritage hotel. Located on the outskirts of the Galle Fort, the elegant manor has been an epitome of nobility. Refurbished as a boutique hotel, it has 10 rooms all with tastefully done interiors, four poster beds and contemporary furniture. Bathrooms are equipped with amenities that are inspired by Ayurvedic medicine to make your nerves soothe and relax.

FORT BAZAAR

Located in the heart of the Galle Fort, the Fort Bazaar was originally an antique house. Refurbished to suit the taste of modern travelers, the beautiful traditional antique house boasts of a central courtyard and large archways. The large rooms are spacious and designed elegantly that will make anyone to stay a little longer. Part of the Teardrop Hotels family, it is one of the favorite boutique hotels in the Galle Fort.

MANGO HOUSE

As refreshing as its name, the Mango House Hotel is a fresh take on typical hotel stays. Once a cinnamon factory, the villa was then refurbished, restored and decorated to give it a modern touch. This Dutch colonial villa has seven unique rooms. Each room designed with exquisite interiors. The entrance is punctuated with mango trees, palms and a beautiful lounging lawn. Located amidst a completely natural environment, this hotel makes for a perfect stay. If you apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa, stay in this colonial villa for a comfortable stay.

Finding an accommodation in a foreign land can be difficult. But Galle has no dearth of stunning boutique hotels and villas. So book a hotel in advance and apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa without worrying about getting a comfortable hotel. For splendid vacations and visa information visit sri-lankaeta.com!

5 Irresistible Dishes of Sri Lanka You Must-Not Miss

Every traveler travels to Sri Lanka for the sake of exploring new places and discover new stories on the entire journey. But if you ask a food lover, he will swear by his favorite dish and will tell you that the only aim with which he travels is to taste amazing Sri Lankan food.

Sri Lanka has numerous landscapes for which globetrotters visit the country from across the globe. But when it comes to food, Sri Lanka is no less than a smorgasbord. Although its national dish is undeniably rice and curry, you will be amazed to find several kinds of curries. If you are a big foodie and want to eat sumptuous looking food on your holidays, apply for your Sri Lanka ETAvisa now.

If you haven`t applied for Sri Lanka ETA visa yet then go through our list of traditional Sri Lankan dishes below that will water your mouth while you begin applying for the visa:

1.       Sri Lankan chicken curry- The most admired, adored and loved, Sri Lankan chicken curry can be easily found on the island. Cooked with curry leaves, roasted curry powers, plenty of chilli and some lemongrass to enhance its taste, this staple dish is a must-try when it comes to choosing curries for a rice and curry spread.

2.       Potato Curry- Potato curry is a light and homely cooked dish which is best eaten with the string hoppers. Usually enjoyed in breakfast, the curry is delightfully creamy with firm potato chunks and bits of onion.

3.       Beetroot Curry- Along with usual fish and chicken curries, this one particular vegetable curry is absolutely fantastic. Uncommon and unmatched in taste, its unique flavors are attained by cut it into thin slices and cooked in the usual delicate spices of vegetable curries. The dish is crunchy, spicy and little sweet, altogether at once, a unique taste that will not let you stop after just one bite.

4.       Fish Curry-Fish curry is one of the most classic dishes of all. Although the curry tastes similar to the chicken curry, but the major difference that makes fish curry a lot more distinguishable is that it is a bit juicier as compared to the chicken curry. The dish is prepared by using coconut milk and mackerel that provide it the thick and creamy texture.

5.       Dhal Curry- Dhal curry is the staple food just like rice in every Sri Lankan household. Cooked by using all the spices like fenugreek and turmeric along with other spices, creamy Dhal is made with orange split lentils to give it an exceptionally delicious flavor.

If you love food and love experimenting with your taste then apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa because the country will not only offer you panoramic views but also plenty of mouth-watering dishes. You can also apply for visa from our website sri-lankaeta.com.

Polonnaruwa: Your Short travel Guide to Ancient City in Sri Lanka

Although the ancient city of Sri Lanka, Polonnaruwa comes second to Anuradhapura when it comes to historical significance. Most of the people visit Sri Lanka, to visit its serene beaches and tea plantation unaware about many cities that are enriched with historical value.

Polonnaruwa is one of the cities that served as the island`s capital from the 11^th to 13^th century. After the army of Tamil Cholas invaded and looted the city of Anuradhapura, the capital was moved to Polonnaruwa for the next 77 years. One can encounter a lot of interesting historical facts when in Sri Lanka. Apply for your Sri Lanka ETA visa online, to visit the country.

The new city had a mix of south Indian Hindu and Sinhalese Buddhist cultures since its inception. Later on the valiant king Vijayabahu I defeated the Cholas and drove them out of the island in 1073. He retained the city as his capital. In 1161, Parakramabahu I captured the city and assumed control of the whole island.  The city has number of must-visit places that will surely capture your attention:

1.       Polonnaruwa Museum- Most of the ruins of the city is well protected and guarded within a specially fenced off archaeological site. The museum is worth a visit as it displays the golden days of the ancient capital and some fine exhibits including a number of superb Chola bronzes recovered from the site. Apply for Sri Lanka ETA visa in time and dig more into the Sinhalese past.

2.       The Quadrangle- The terrace of the tooth relic which is also known as the Quadrangle, is located in the center of the ancient city. The place was the sacred precinct and epicenter of ancient Polonnaruwa, home to most important cluster of religious shrines. The quadrangle is highlighted with a circular shrine which is immaculately decorated with its outer walls adorned with friezes of lions, dwarfs and lotuses at each of the four entrances.

3.       The Lankatilaka- The huge Lankatilaka is impressive with its 17m high walls. Although the roof is completely destroyed, the structure still has a cathedral-like feeling about it, and the aisle leads to a huge standing headless Buddha.  A section of the walls outside is adorned with finely carved reliefs of flamboyant multi-story houses topped with domes. 

4.       Gal Vihara- The Temple is home to four magnificent Buddha statues carved out of a one slab of granite by unknown artists. The highlight of the temple is the reclining statue of Lord Buddha which is 46ft long depicting the state of nirvana.

So book your tourist Visa to Sri Lanka easily by filling up the application online. For further assistance kindly visit our website www.sri-lankaeta.com .

Sri Lanka ETA Processing Time

Traveling is made easier now for the Indian Passport Holders who are planning to visit Sri Lanka in the near future. You can travel to Sri Lanka by applying for either tourist, business or a transit visa, depending completely on your requirements.

From 1 January, 2012, Sri Lanka has made it compulsory to carry to apply for ETA on-line through Sri Lankaonline visa application form before travelling to Sri Lanka. The process is easy and entirely electronic. The application can be submitted online and the approval will be returned by the officials through e-mail within 2-3 hours.

Let us throw in some light upon the concept of ETA that will clear out any doubts regarding its processing time and the documents:

1.       As the process is entirely electrical, the applicant does not require submitting his original documents or passport.

2.       Your visa will be processed even if you will submit a copy online.

3.       The applicant is required to download a copy of Sri Lanka online visa application form and submit it on http://www.eta.gov.lk .

4.       If the form is filled completely and without errors, it takes 1-2 hours to get the approval from the designated authorities.

5.       Processing time could be extended if the information provided by the applicant contains incorrect or false information or having any criminal record against him.

6.       ETA is valid for 30 days and allows you 2 entries in the country.

7.       To apply for an ETA applicant must be outside Sri Lanka and should hold a passport that is valid for at least 6 months period.

8.       Applicant must apply for ETA with the passport & passport number you will be travelling to Sri Lanka with; as the ETA will be linked to that same passport number.

9.       As the visa will be linked to your passport number, therefore no stamp or label will be placed or is required to be placed, in your passport. 

For further information kindly visit our website www.sri-lankaeta.com or their official website of Sri Lanka www.eta.gov.lk .

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.