Enrique Live in Sri Lanka 2015 : DON'T MISS OUT

The King of Latin Pop music ‘ Enrique Iglesias’ will be performing in Sri Lanka on 20^th December 2015.  This is the first time Sri Lanka is witnessing an A listed superstar gracing the Island. Superstar in the caliber of selling 137 million records worldwide and has over 150 number one hits across billboard Charts. Enrique has 5  Billboard Hot 100 top five singles including 2 number ones.  Enrique holds the record for having most number of number ones in the Billboard's Dance charts for a male artist. That’s being 13 singles. The list goes on and on…….

In a video promotion (give the link in brackets), Enrique Iglesias tells that he will be performing in Sri Lanka on December 20^th.  ‘Live Events’ Sri Lanka is bringing Enrique to Sri Lanka and he is set perform at the CR & FC grounds as part of his ‘SEX and Love’ world tour. Popular radio personality Shaq is the CEO of the company and world famous cricket stars Kumar Sangakkara and MahelaJayawardene are the Directors of ‘Live Events’.

So we eagerly waits to see the biggest chart topping start to perform in Sri Lanka so far. 

Package Starts from USD 140/- Inquire now: www.gogolanka.com

Are you looking for a Dream Break | Sit back, Relax and Prepare to be pampered :)

‘A Luxury Travel Blog’ is one of the best and famous travel blogs which writes on ‘Travel’. It was a pleasure to see our three ‘Luxury Eco Retreats’ of Sri Lanka in their latest blog on "10 of the best luxury ecoretreats in Asia". Those are

• UlagallaResort, Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka
• TheMudhouse, Anamaduwa, Sri lanka
• GalapitaEco Lodge, Butaala, Sri Lanka

Ulagalla Resort,Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka

Ulagalla resort is situated in the first Kingdom of SriLanka. That is Anuradhapura. It is a 150 years old mansion turned into a 20 private-dethatched ecologically built villas. The Resort is in a 58 acre land and it practices organic farming, recycle water management and main source of energy is from solar power. It is managed by Uga Escapes. So if you want to have a relax time while discovering ancient city of Anuradhapura then Ulagalla resort is the perfect place.

The Mudhouse, Anamaduwa,Sri Lanka

Mudhouse is a unique concept. It is a resort in a jungle. In another words it is a village in a forest.  Mudhouse gives you ample privacy with abundant wildlife, birds, natural beauty and it is surrounded by lakes. Mudhouse has huts which is similar to the rural village houses. Mudhouse offers a true rural living experience with comfort.

Galapita Eco Lodge, Buttala, Sri Lanka

Once a family gateway expanded into a truly unique family Eco retreat.  Surrounded with rocks, forest and Manik gaga (Gem river) travelers experience a unique stay at Galapita Eco Lodge. Natural water resource to have fun activities and experience natural beauty with wildlife is out of this world.

We Sri Lankans cordially invite the world to come and experience Sri Lanka and unravel these magnificent retreats to relax your mind and body.

#SriLankaOneIslandThousandTreasures.

Tour Sri Lanka Today with Gogo Lanka : http://www.gogolanka.com/index.php

The Perfect Getaway For Middle East Holiday Makers | SRI LANKA

With just four hours of flight time from Middle East, Sri Lanka is fast becoming a preferred tourist destination among Gulf travelers and within the expats who works in Middle Eastern region. With many flights operating from Middle East popular cities to Colombo, Sri Lanka has become a popular holiday destination among them.

Sri Lanka has so much to offer for the Middle Eastern holiday makers. Cool climates in Kandy and Nuwara Eliya will be so relaxing and will bring much needed rest from a hectic work schedule during the year. The lush green tea estates and Horton Plains a  bio diversified national park are the main attraction during your stay in Nuwara Eliya. Kandy the last capital of Sri Lanka will allow you to witness a glimpse of royalty in ancient Sri Lanka. The Beaches will offer another dimension and total relaxation during your stay.

Sri Lanka offers food much like the food you will find in Middle East. Biriyani, variety of breads and kebabs are very scrumptious and many restaurant and hotels in Sri Lanka have those dishes. Then you could find Sri Lankan cuisines. To add to all these Sri Lanka offers variety of delicacies. Western, Chinese, Korean, Moroccan etc…. Even Celebrity food critic and Australia Masterchef host Matt Preston is amazed by the Sri Lankan delicacies.  Most of these foods will be Halal certified.

With Sri Lanka has so much to offer, tourist from gulf Region will have a memorable and unforgettable holiday experience.

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From 27th of October 2015 More Tourists to Visit Sri Lanka

27^th of October 2015 will be a special day for Tourism in Sri Lanka. Austrian Airlines will start their operations from Austria, AirChina will operate from Beijing to Colombo, Sri Lanka.

From 27^th October 2015 Austrian Airlines will fly once a week to Sri Lanka. Austrian Airlines will operate on a Boeing 767 for its flight service to Colombo and the journey time will be approximately 9 hours and 10 minutes.  The Airline will offer this service during the winter season and the fare start at Euro 679 including taxes and other charges.

Air China will connect Beijing to Colombo thrice a week from 27^th October 2015. This will be a great boost for the already rapidly growing Chinese Tourists in Sri Lanka. Chinese Tourists are the second largest to travel to Sri Lanka last year. 

Full Article: http://www.austrianairlines.ag/Press/PressReleases/Press/2015/03/025.aspx?sc_lang=en

Visit Sri Lanka Today: Inquiry us now: info@gogolanka.com / www.gogolanka.com

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World Largest Blue Whale Colony, Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is now becoming a popular destination for ‘Whale Watching’. Whales and Dolphins were first spotted in 2008 in Sri Lanka. With the end of civil war in 2009, waters of Sri Lanka was safe for exploration and for Tourism. 

There are three places to start your journey to witness Whales in Sri Lanka. Those are Kalpitiya, Trincomalee and Mirissa. All three locations has three different seasons for Whale watching. The seasons are, Kalpitiya and Mirissa November to April is the best time of the year. Need to avoid choppy / rough days. Morning hours are the best. Whale Watching season in Eastern coast  is from May to October.

Now Sri Lanka is known as a top Blue Whale watching destination.  During the peak whale watching months, the encounter rate exceeds 90%. Average encounter rate is 80% during the season. Mirissa has the best encounter rate.  The best part of Sri Lanka’s Whale Watching is you do not have to travel long hours in the sea to spot Whales and Dolphins during the season. With a maximum of one hour boat ride you could witness these giants in the Sri Lankan waters.

The number of boats have increased steadily with the rate of tourists wanting to watch Dolphins. Increase in number of boats has disturb these creatures to some extend. But together with Sri Lankan Airlines, i.e. Sri Lanka’s national carrier and with the UK based conservation charity Whale and Dolphin Convention have initiated few programs on good behavior of boats when Whale watching.

Whale and Dolphin watching has enhanced Sri Lanka’s ever growing reputation as a ‘Wildlife Tourist Destination’. So when you travel to Sri Lanka do not forget to watch these beautiful Whales and Dolphin in Sri Lankan waters.

Visit Sri Lanka Today: Inquiry us now: info@gogolanka.com / www.gogolanka.com

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Superstar singer Inna Live in Sri Lanka.

On 12^th September Superstar singer Inna will be performing live in Sri Lanka.  Hit singles such as Hot, Déjà-Vu, Love, Sun Is Up and the Cola Song will be perform live in Sri Lanka by Inna and it will be a treat to all the music loving fans in Sri Lanka and for the neighboring fans in India and Maldives.

The Romanian superstar stated her career in 2008. By 2011 she conquered the airwaves of Europe and US. Her singles got into US Billbord top 100. In all clubs in Sri Lanka and in the world people are dancing to her tunes every night.

On 12^th September at Havelock’s Grounds not only Inna superstars such as Alex Gaudino, Sonique and Gary Nest Pine will be rocking at the SUNFEST 2015.

So all the holiday makers who have come to Sri Lanka during this time come and party in Colombo with Inna and the other superstars.

Join the Event: https://www.facebook.com/events/969309816444687/

Sri Lanka Gem and Jewellary Exhibition

Sri Lanka will be hosting their 25^th Gem and Jewellary Exhibition on 3^rd to 6^th of September 2015 at the BMICH Exhibition Hall, Colombo. It is an event where Sri Lanka shows its beautiful gems and how gifted the country is when it comes to gems. For such a small country there are about 70 variety of Gems can be found in Sri Lanka.

The Gem mining industry is manly located in Ratnapura area. That is in the middle of the country. When a tourist visit Udawala National park from Colombo or if a tourist go to Kandy/ Nuwara eliya from Galle, they will be going through Ratnapura. Most of the tourist will visit a mine to see how it is being done. But gem selling shops could be found at any part of the Island. Prices vary depending on the quality and the variety of gems.

Sri Lanka is famous for ‘blue sappier. Even Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge’s  (Kate Middleton) engagement ring is made out of a Sri Lankan Blue Sapphire. Further Queen Elizebeth’s crown also has used Sri Lankan gems.  So when you visit Sri Lanka do not forget to visit a gem shop to see the variety of gems in Sri Lanka. May be you would buy a precious gem for your love ones.

For more information on the exhibition pls visit. http://www.facetssrilanka.com/http://www.facetssrilanka.com/#

The Kandy Esela Perehera is usually held in month of July or August. It’s being held in the Sri Lankan hill capital, Kandy. This is a colorful procession with a festival atmosphere. No it is not like Rio Del Jenerio Carnival. This is a holy festival. This historical procession is held annually to pay homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha, which is housed in at Sri Dalada Maligawa in Kandy. 

This artistic procession comprises of many traditional dances. Such as fire dances, whip dances, kandyan dances and various other cultural dances to make the parade beautiful. Then the there are many elephants are paraded during this event. They are dressed in colourful lavish garments to make the parade glamorous.  The Main elephant will parade the Scared Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha during the Perahera.

The scared tooth Relic of Lord Buddha was brought to Sri Lanka in 4^th Century EC. After that all the Kings should be Buddhist to rule Sri Lanka. It was a practice if you are the King of Sri Lanka the Scared Tooth Relic should be in the capital of the kingdom. As the time passed by Kingdom locations were changed from Anuradhapura to Kandy. Therefore resting place for Scared Tooth Relic also changed accordingly. The last Kingdom of Sri Lanka is Kandy. That is why still the Lord Buddha’s Scared tooth Relic in housed in Kandy. This is the reason the today’s Esala Perahera is called ‘Kandy EsalaPerahera’.

It is truly a magnificent event which is a very important date in Sri Lankan calendar. More than 2000 people participate in the parade and more than 80 Elephants are parade. This is the pinnacle showpiece of Old Sri Lankan cultural festival. It is being telecasted live on National Television Channels and on the world wide web. But this time it will be telecasted live in South Korea.

This year Perahera will start on the 15^th of August 2015 and the final and the biggest Perahera (Parade) will be held on the 29^th of August 2015 night. Lot of foreigners arranges their tour to Sri Lanka to witness this magnificent event.

Big Match - Cricket Madness

Month of March is the cricket festive season for the schools in Sri Lanka. Cricket is by far the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. March is the month where two rival schools lock horns for a cricketing battle.

When the two rival schools play their cricket match, that is called the Big Match. All the Big Matches have unique nick names. ‘Battleof the Blues played between RoyalCollege and St. Thomas Collage is the second largest uninterrupted cricket series in the world. Then there are many more cricket matches to name few are Battle of the Saints played between St. Joseph’s College and St. Peter’s Collge, Battle of the Maroons Played between Ananada College and Nalanda College and the Kandy Battle of the Blues played between Trinity and St. Anthony’s College.

During the Big Match season school boys will go wild. They put their school flags while they are going to school and coming back home. With the old boys they organize vehicle parades and many more activities. Big match brings a real carnival atmosphere to all and Cricket is played in true spirit.

 

Ayurveda in Sri Lanka

Ayurveda is a form of medication which has been known in SriLanka for more than 5000 years. Many generations have perfected the art of Ayurveda and still more than 60 % of the Sri Lankan population is treated with Ayurvedahealing system.

Ayurveda means ‘Science of Life’. Basically it has derived from ‘Ayur ‘ (Life) and ‘Veda’ (Science).  Ayurveda does two things. That is to preserve health and cure bodily afflicted disease. The fundamentals of are called “Tri Dosha” or Three Vital forces.  Those are

• -          Vayu (Air)
• -          Pita (Bile)
• -          Kapha (Phlegm)

Vayu (Air) means transmission of energy within the body. It is done through nerve impulse, muscle contraction and hormonal activities. Pita (Bile) means the body metabolism and internal heat production, While Kapha (Phlegm) means mucus, often described as ‘The Protective Fluid’.

What Ayurveda does is, it RE-BALANCES the balance between Mind and Soul. If the balance is correct you are in good health.  Ayurveda practitioners first study the patient as a whole with objective resorting the balance. They first find the root of the problem and start to treat it.

Almost all the star class hotels in Sri Lanka have their own Ayurvedic centers. But these will only offer you temporary treatments. There are many Ayurvedic hotels in Sri Lanka. These hotels will have different packages according to your need and staying duration. For example 4 days, 6 days, 8 days and 14 days stay packages.

We recommend you to start a round tour in Sri Lanka and enjoy all the beauties of Sri Lanka offers. Then at the end of the tour hop in to one of the Ayurvedic hotels and relax your mind and soul. You will go back to your country with lovely memories of Sri Lanka along with a relaxed mind and with a healthy body after Ayurvedic treatments.

Sri Lanka celebrate 67th Independence Day

Sri Lanka celebrates its 67^th Independence Day on 4^th February 2015. Exactly 200 years ago that was in 1815 Sri Lanka, known as ‘Ceylon’ became a British Colony. Even though Britain invaded Ceylon in 1796 they were only able to capture Kandy that is the last kingdom of Sri Lanka in 1815.

Before British, Portuguese ruled the coastal areas from 1505-1658. Then Dutch captured the coastal areas from 1658-1796 until the British invasion.

The firs struggle against the British army started in 1817 with ‘Uva Rebellion’.  Like the UvaRebellion there were many unsuccessful struggles. But in the beginning of 20^th century Sri Lanka adopted a more political approach which was led by Our father of Independence D.S. Senanayake. As a result we obtain Independence in 1948 and Our first Prime Minister was D.S. Senanayake.

Independence day celebration was organized in a grand scale. It was held at the Parliament grounds with the participation of President Maithripala Sirisena. Main highlight was the military parade. It comprised of over 5000 Army personnel.

Britain’s Queen Elizabeth, India’s Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chinese President Xi Jinping extended their wishes to the Sri Lankan President and the people of Sri Lanka in view of our Independence Day.

Pineapple

“Who lives in a pineapple under the sea?” Everyone knows where I have extracted that phrase. I am sure that the pineapple that Spongebob calls home is surely a pineapple from Sri Lanka.

Sri Lankan pineapples do not need to be marketed. No other pineapple can challenge the sweetness, the colour and the juiciness of the Lankan pineapple. Even though the hard outter cover is trouble to peel of the insides are to savor. The Lankan pineapple is expertly used in fruit salads, juices and in cakes. It is the ideal remedy for a hot summer day.

Pineapples are cultivated all around Sri Lanka’s flat lands and it is exported to countries such as Japan and the European Union. Pineapple vendors can be found all around the country. 

If you visit Sri Lanka, there is no excuse for you not to have a Sri Lankan pineapple.

Have a Sri Lankan pineapple and feel the difference.

China’s President Xi Jinping boost the travel Industry in Sri Lanka

Like the Barmy Army travel with the English Cricket Team, Like the Thailand People travel with The Royal family, now there is a trend where Chinese citizens follow there exemplary lead where ever they go.

His Excellency Xi Jinping President of China traveled to SriLanka during September 2014. Automatically tour package to Sri Lanka in October for the ‘National Day’ holiday were fully booked after the president’s visit.

Chinese President has done wonders to the Chinese inbound tourism and well as for the outbound tourism. He is a great advocate for responsible tourism. When he visited on an official visit to Maldives he urged his fellow Chinese tourist to,

"Don't throw empty bottles everywhere," he instructed. "Don't damage their coral reef. Eat less instant noodles. Eat more local seafood."

So we Sri Lankans eagerly await to greet our Chinese friends during the upcoming Chinese Spring Festival. So pack your bags and jump into a Sri Lankan airline flight and head towards Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka welcomes arrival of 1.5 millionth tourist

What year it has been to for the Tourism Industry in SriLanka. Mr. and Mrs Jaime were welcome at the Bandaranayake International Airport recently as they were the 1,500,000^th Travelers to visit Sri Laka in year 2014. 

Sri Lanka attracted 1,527,153 tourists for the past calendar year. It is a 19.8% year on year growth. These figures have been released by the Tourism Development authority in Sri Lanka.  Most number of visitors has visited from China, India and UK.

So it was a wonderful year for the tourism in Sri Lanka. Still Sri Lanka is a relatively unexplored country due to the 30 years of Civil war which was ended in 2009. This peaceful Island Paradise has many things to offer to the world. We believe in 2015, Sri Lanka tourism will reach greater heights.

Chinese love travel to Sri Lanka

More than 100,000 Chinese travelers have grace the shores of Sri Lanka both in year 2013 and 2014. This trend set to continue in 2015. It will start with the Chinese New Year which will be in February. This will be the year of the Sheep.

Sri Lanka has many economic and cultural links with China. This has created a greater bond among the two nations and in return many Travelers’ plan their Spring break in Sri Lanka. There are flights from Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou.

Sri Lanka offer splendid beach holidays, Heritage sites such as Sigiriya, Buddhist sites such as ‘Temple of Tooth Relic and the Cold misty mountains of Nuwara Eliya. Commercial Capital is a buzzing entertainment hub.  It houses many different restaurants and Sri Lanka has many Chinese restaurants. So my dear Chinese friends would not miss home food at all.

We welcome all our Chinese friends to Wonder of Asia – Sri Lanka during the Spring break.

Stunning Mirissa Beach Sri Lanka

After enjoying the shores of Unawatuna beach in the southern coast of Sri Lanka after 20km we reach sandy beaches of Mirissa. 

Mirissa lies 150km to south of Sri Lanka from commercial capital of Colombo. Mirissa beach is most famous for its stunning sunset in the evenings and sunrise in the mornings. It houses one of the busiest fishing harbor in Sri Lanka. It is the busiest during the mornings and creates its own beauty.

Stilt fishing at Mirissa is world famous. All the calendars that promote Sri Lanka or all the promotional materials that promote Sri Lanka carry at least one photo of stilt fishing.

Mirissa beach is famous for ocean based water sport activates. Such as snorkeling, diving, sailing, rafting,etc……Mirissa beach is one of the surf sports in Sri Lanka. Best time for surfing in Mirissa is from October to March. Recreational fishing is also famous among the locals and foreigners in the Mirissa beach. 

Mirissa is also famous for Dolphin and whale watching. Dolphin and whale watching season runs from November to April. There are many hotels in the Mirissa and Welligama beach. Come and enjoy the Sri lankan hospitality while sipping a pure Ceylon cup of tea.

CNN Travels name 12 Sri Lankan Foods that Visitors have to try

CNN Travel  has named 12 best dishes that a Visitors to Sri Lanka must try out. It states Sri Lankan spices, use of coconut, seafood and method it is prepared adds the flavors to these wonderfully cooked food. The 12 incredible dishes are,

1. Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry)

Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry) is one of the most beloved varieties of the many different fish curries available.The fish -- usually something large and firm, such as tuna -- is cut into cubes, then sauteed in a blend of spices including black pepper, cinnamon, turmeric, garlic, pandan leaves and curry leaves.

2. Kottu (also, kottu roti)

Over the traffic and noise at a Sri Lankan market, you'll likely hear the clanking of metal on metal and know kottu isn't far away.Kottu is Sri Lanka's hamburger -- everybody's favorite go-to fast food when craving something tasty and greasy.

3. Kukul mas curry (chicken curry)

There are many variations depending on region and taste preferences.Spices like fennel seeds, cardamom, cloves and cinnamon sticks are tempered in hot oil before being combined with chicken and spices like chili powder, curry powder, turmeric, pandan leaves, lemongrass and curry leaves.Coconut milk contributes to the rich base of the curry gravy. Depending on the recipe, a puree of tomato is often included.

4. Parippu (dhal curry)

Masoor dhal (split red lentils) are first rinsed and boiled until soft.In a separate pan, a number of fresh ingredients, such as onions, tomatoes and fresh green chilies, are sauteed and mixed with tempered spices like cumin seeds, turmeric, fenugreek, mustard seeds and curry leaves.

5. Lamprais

Lamprais, a word that combines the two Dutch words for "lump" and "rice," is a combination of meat, rice and sambol chili sauce, wrapped into a banana leaf packet and steamed.

6. Hoppers (appa or appam) and string hoppers (indi appa or idiyappam)

The batter is made from a slightly fermented concoction of rice flour, coconut milk, sometimes coconut water and a hint of sugar. A ladle of batter is fried in a small wok and swirled around to even it out.

7. Polos (green jackfruit curry)

Jackfruit is consumed in a number of different stages of ripeness, from very ripe and sweet to green and starchy. Polos is a Sri Lankan curry prepared with young green jackfruit.

8. Wambatu moju (eggplant/brinjals pickle)

Served mostly with rice and curries, wambatu moju is an extremely flavorful candied eggplant (brinjals) pickle. The eggplant -- usually the purple-skinned, long and slender variety -- is cut into bite-sized wedges and deep fried, giving the eggplant a crispy texture with a soft and silky interior.

9. Gotu kola sambol (pennywort salad)

One of the most readily available green vegetable dishes in Sri Lanka is gotu kola sambol.Gotu kola (known in English as Asiatic pennywort) is a medicinal herb in Asia.It's shredded into slivers, then combined with shallots, tomatoes, fresh grated coconut and chili and seasoned with a dressing of salt, pepper and lemon juice.

10. Kiribath with lunu miris

Kiribath is a special type of rice, cooked with thick coconut milk and often served during special or auspicious occasions, such as Sinhalese New Year. There are a few versions of kiribath, but the basic procedure is to start by boiling a pot of rice.

11. Pol Sambol (coconut relish)

In a country in which the coconut is of supreme importance, there's one Sri Lankan side dish that pays fitting tribute. Pol sambol, which might also be called fresh coconut relish, is a simple blend of finely grated coconut, red onions, dried whole chilies or chili powder, lime juice, salt and Maldive fish (if available).

12. Wood apple

It wouldn't be a Sri Lankan food discussion without wood apple.The wood apple is a Southeast Asian fruit about the size of a de-husked coconut. It also has just as hard of a shell, and a pungent, almost blue cheese aroma.

Read the full page: http://edition.cnn.com/2014/10/26/travel/sri-lanka-must-try-food/index.html?iref=allsearch

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