Middle-east Arab News Opinion | Asharq Al-awsat

Sri Lanka: Modest Jungles that Cleanse Your Soul | ASHARQ AL-AWSAT English Archive 2005 -2017
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Beirut- Stories people may hear from those who visited Sri Lanka would not be enough to become familiar with the country that has been often misjudged. To discover the unique touristic side of Sri Lanka, you should visit it personally.

Silan, a virgin island, has maintained its gorgeous nature with its huge forest and dense jungles, mountains, foothills, lakes, and rivers. This is surrounded by the ocean and called “the pearl of the Pacific Ocean”.

If you are a fan of serenity, nature, and simple living, and you love jungle adventures and sea water, Sri Lanka must be your next destination.

In Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial and capital and largest city, you can visit malls for shopping. However, it would be better if you wander in the city to discover its serenity, the beauty of its buildings, and the Sri Lankans’ keenness on maintaining an architecture that complements nature.

Yet, the city still boasts a number of high towers, huge buildings and lots of mid-rise buildings dominating the view of Colombo.

In the capital, you must pass by the corniche, and visit the floating market, which offers great ambiances and romantic lights on the sunset dedicated for lovers. To move around the city, and any place in the country, you can ride a tuctuc for an affordable price.

Transportation among touristic sites takes much time, which will offer you the opportunity to enjoy green sceneries featuring many types of trees including rice, tea, mango, pineapple, and coconut. You can select a hotel in the middle of the jungle to meet monkeys and an array of amazing animals.

Wherever you choose to go in this magical country, do not miss the Sigiriya Rock. The Sigiriya fortress was built 1600 years ago and it is an astounding example of Sri Lankan art and culture.

Make your trip an exceptional one and wander around the ruins, climb to the Sky Palace, then continue to the summit and enjoy the panoramic view that awaits you.

Sri Lankans encourage tourists to visit one of the wooden small houses in the middle of the forests and relish local dishes served in wooden dishes and covered with tree leafs. Around Dambulla, you cannot miss the National Reserve of Cadolla and enjoy a two-hour Safari trip.

These modest people can teach visitors on the respect of values. They consume from their own production, make their medicines from herbs, and benefit from the plains and fields surrounding them.

Education in Sri Lanka is for free in schools and universities, and medical services are provided for everyone. The country does not suffer from power outages and enjoys a high-speed internet on smartphones in forests and on high mountains.

Near Dambulla you can also enjoy the visit of the “Gold Temple” engraved in rocks on the top of 1500 stone steps. In this temple, you can see a statue for Buddha where Buddhists bring their sacrifices and pray.

Sri Lanka has been known as a heaven on earth and Sri Lankans appreciate the beauty and charm of their country. Despite all occupations and civil wars, Sri Lanka succeeded in protecting its nature and respecting its uniqueness.

This country suffers from poverty, but its people do not live in misery as they know how to fulfill their needs by relying on their own resources. To top it all off, this country has a magical charm that cleanses the soul.