Saffron Island Destination Management

20/07/2020

Minneriya National Park, a well known and magnificent National Park which is known to have the largest recorded gathering of Asian Elephants in the world - recently witnessed another miracle where the first recorded birth of twin elephant calves in Sri Lanka.
Which showcases hope for Sri Lankan people during these trying times.

Embark on a jeep safari to Minneriya National Park - where more spectacular than possibly any other wildlife event in Sri Lanka is what is known as the ‘Gathering’. During the dry season when water supplies start to diminish, more and more animals congregate around the Minneriya reservoir where the grasses are rich and fertile. For several months of this drought season different herds of wild elephants gather at the reservoir. They come from areas beyond Minneriya, and at any one time it is possible to witness up to 300 to 400 elephants. They are not migrating, they are simply ‘gathering’, to socialize, bathe, drink, feed and possibly mate.

The dry season, from April to October, is reckoned to be the best time to visit (as by then water in the tank has dried up, exposing grasses and shoots to grazing animals).

Visit the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka with the right partners.
For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to original owners

13/07/2020

Horton Plains National Park is one of Sri Lanka's important eco-tourism areas, as well as a Sri Lankan national park which allows visitors to go hiking. The original name of the Horton Plains is Maha Eliya Thenna, meaning "Great Plains." From this name, it is easy to grasp the characteristic nature of Horton's terrain. When trekking across the broad, gently sloped Horton Plains, visitors will find undulating roads, vast hills, small rivers and various tropical plants, all of which combine to make the blue sky and fresh air even more enjoyable.
Of the mammals the most commonly seen are the Sambar deer with a population close to 2000. Others include Toque macaques, Purple faced langur, Kelaart’s long-clawed shrews, Wild boar, Strip necked mongoose, Spotted chevrotain, Giant squirrels, Fishing cat and one of the world’s most endangered primates, the Red slender loris.
The weather at the plains varies considerably during the course of the day with temperatures as high as 27 degrees centigrade during the day and dipping as low as 5 degrees centigrade in the evenings and night with thick mist formation and regular rainfall throughout the year.

However the beauty of Horton Plains is its beautiful, picturesque setting. The high altitude plains with its cold breeze, misty surroundings, beautiful mountains, tall green trees, crystal clear streams and colourful blooms scattered around, besides the ‘World’s End’ – a 700m vertical drop that gives a marvelous view of the valley below and the beautiful cascades of the Baker’s waterfall makes it a haven for trekking and bird watching.

The best time to visit Horton Plain's National Park is early in the morning. Early for two reasons; to dodge the crowds and for a spectacular view of World's End. You already need to leave Nuwara Eliya at dawn.

Visit the most picturesque places in Sri Lanka with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to original owners

22/06/2020

Adam’s Peak, also known as Sri Pada (sacred footstep) and Samanala Kanda (butterfly mountain), is a conical mountain standing at 2,243 metres tall (7,359 feet) in the central highlands of Sri Lanka - is one of the most Sacred places in the country. Trekking up the mountain is extremely popular with both tourists and locals, who are allured by its mystery as well as the enchanting beauty they are rewarded with at the top.

The mountain is named for a point near the summit that is sacred to several faiths: it is a place of worship for Buddhists, who believe that the Buddha’s footprint is located here; Hindus believe the footprint belongs to Shiva; Christians and Muslims believe that it is Adam’s first step after being exiled from the Garden of Eden. The mountain is also known for the spectacular sight of thousands of beautiful butterflies gracing the area annually.

The hike includes 5,000–6,000 steps and incline trekking, but technical climbing is not required. Depending on the trail taken, the crowd and the climbers’ fitness level, the mountain can take approximately two to four hours to climb and one to two hours to descend.

The best time to climb is between December and May when the weather is at its best, but do avoid days nearing the full moon and the week of the Sinhalese New Year (April 13/14) to avoid long queues to the peak. Aim to be at the summit at dawn as the view of the sunrise is known to make hikers quiver in delight. The trek usually begins around midnight and the reward being the beautiful picturesque sunrise you see from the magnificent vantage point which is Adam’s peak

Visit the most blessed places in Sri Lanka with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to original owners

17/06/2020

The Rainforest Ecolodge, Deniyaya has been designed to preserve and provide a sensational experience of the forest habitat in all its glory is our go to place when visiting Sinharaja. It offers accommodation with a private bathroom surrounded by a forest habitat. It features an observation desk, lounge and restaurant.

The tea estate borders the South-eastern side of the Sinharaja Rainforest. Matara city is a 1.5-hour drive away while Colombo city is a 4.5-hour from the Southern Expressway. It takes 5.5 hours to travel from Bandaranaike International Airport.

Boasting a balcony with mountain views, each bungalow includes a sofa, safe and tea/coffee making facilities. Private bathroom comes with a hot and cold shower and hairdryer. The Rainforest Ecolodge offers tours and provides safety deposit boxes at its 12-hour reception.

Sri Lankan and International dishes are served at the ecolodge’s restaurant, which also has a bar.

Enjoy nature’s serenity with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to The Rainforest Ecolodge - Sri Lanka

15/06/2020

Sinharaja (Lion King) the Evergreen Rain-forest, spanning an area of 18900 acres (7,648 hectares) was formerly a Royal Reserve, how the Sinharaja rain-forest acquired its name has many stories with different versions. However none have been proved, yet the folk lore & legends are quite interesting and attention worthy. It gives us a mixed feeling of serenity, inquisitiveness and past glory the myths of the forest are lost in the mists of legend and lore. Its name, literally meaning lion (sinha ) king (raja ). Both the forest and the Sinhalese people derive their names from the Sinhalese word "Sinha" – the Lion, and according to legend, sinhalese race is the result of the union between a princess and a mighty lion who lived in the forest. Perhaps it also refers to the people of the legendary 'lion-race' of Sri Lanka, or to the home of a legendary lion of Sri Lanka.

Encompassed by a sea of dark clouds, the Sinharaja rainforest remains the last lowland rainforest of Sri Lanka. It serves as a mystic and beautiful hotspot for biodiversity, providing a habitat for at least 139 endemic plant species and nearly half of the country’s mammals serving as a treasure trove for avid birdwatchers and butterfly spotters. Being one of the world’s only rainforests left that are relatively unharmed, Sinharaja holds its title as a World Heritage Site as declared by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) in 1988.

Go off the beaten track and discover this wonderful preserved place overflowed of water treasures while travelling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to the original owners.

15/06/2020

Our friends at Galle Fort Walks visited Berlin sometime back and had an interesting pop up store with hoppers! the price? just answers two questions about Sri Lanka! here is a throw back video of the fun filled event!

This is when GFW took a break in Berlin, and decided to show travelers visiting Kreuzberg the magic of Sri Lankan Hoppers. All Hoppers were given away free, ...

10/06/2020

Located on the western coast of the Kalpitiya Peninsula in Sri Lanka, Villa Santé is set amidst the diversity of flora and fauna of this attractive area. Villa Santé blends the grandeur of a luxury, tailor-made, holiday home with that of the local landscape of palms, lagoons and sea front.

Designed by the renowned architect Hirante Welandawe, Villa Santé offers a stunning view of both lagoon and ocean and incorporates a skillful interplay of the indoors and outdoors to create a perfect setting for home away from home. Viewed aerially, the building holds a resemblance to a ship's wooden hull, which links in with the lagoon location. The Villa has easy access to the beach and allow different types of activities such as kite surfing, whales and dolphins watching, Wilpattu Wildlife safari, water sports and fishing.

Discover a luxury Sri Lankan hospitality with attractive ocean activities while travelling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit Villa Santé

08/06/2020

Located in the West of Sri Lanka, Kalpitiya peninsula is a perfect haven for biodiversity and those who like nature. This less-known place is still preserved from mass tourism and offers a large variety of fauna and flora. Overflowed of lagoons, a bar reef marine sanctuary, virgin forests, mangroves, exotic bird life, sea turtles, dolphins and whales, Kalpitiya is very attractive and a must be seen place in Sri Lanka. This beautiful area has earmarked fourteen unspoilt islands, out of those islands numerous small islands to be developed as resorts to generate environment friendly sustainable tourism.

Discover the peninsula which is a starting point for off-shore whale and dolphin watching, Kalpitiya is also famous for its various water related activities. It is also a kite surfing and diving destination and is easily one of the best locations on this side of the Indian Ocean. The best kite seasons run May to October for the summer season and from December to March for the winter season.

Go off the beaten track and discover this wonderful preserved place overflowed of water treasures while travelling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to the original owners.

03/06/2020

Explorer By Mahoora safari camp in Kumana is the perfect immersive experience of living with untamed Sri Lankan wildlife. This private tented safari camp experience has a nice balance of nature, wildlife and comfort. Located inside the beautiful Kumana National Park, Mahoora is surrounded by dry tropical thorn forest and allows its visitors to experience the likeness of a real safari camp. Through wildlife tours experience, discover a fascinating bird life and unmissable wild animals, the elusive leopard, the elephant, and the sloth bear.

Surrounded by 20 plus lagoons and tanks, Mahoora’s accommodations which are fully equipped will allow you to escape from the real world and dive you in a magical setting in the silent wilderness. Why don’t you let yourself tempted by this gateway to a world of Sri Lankan adventures?

Embark in an unique wildlife experience that you will never forget while traveling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destinations Specialist through: [email protected]

Photos credit: Mahoora Luxury Safari Camps in Sri Lanka

01/06/2020

Located in the southeast corner of Sri Lanka, Kumana National Park is an excellent eco-tourism attraction and bird sanctuary where a multitude of birds breed and roost This lesser known park compared to its busy neighbor, Yala National Park, is less crowded even during high season. One of the most significant features of the park is the 'Kumana Villu' - a 200-hectare natural swamp lake, fed by the 'Kumbukkan Oya' through a half-mile long narrow channel. It is at this mangrove swamp that many water birds nest in May and June. Regular sightings include such species of bird as pelicans, painted storks, spoonbills, white ibis, herons, egrets and little cormorants.

Besides the prolific birdlife, Kumana is also home to some of the mammals found in the larger Yala National Park, such as elephants and leopards. The vegetation in Kumana consists mainly of mangrove trees, kumbuk trees and the karan fern, as well as the open marsh area. For bird-watching enthusiasts, the park is an 'absolute must'.

Go off the beaten track and discover this sumptuous park where you can observe endemic and migratory birds while traveling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to the original owners.

29/05/2020

Did you know that Sri Lanka is well known for its cooking? Dishes overflow of flavors and use a vast array of spices, herbs, vegetables, and fruits. As a tropical country in the historic oceanic silk road, foreign traders brought new food items that are added to cultural influences and local traditions. The coconut culture is very important in Sri Lanka which ranks the country as the 5th worldwide producers ( behind Indonesia, Philippines, India, and Brazil) and has a prominent place in its cuisine.

Pol Sambol is a traditional recipe made of fresh coconut and can be eaten with rice, hoppers, paratha, or curry. This condiment is one of the Sri Lankan food basis. To prepare a perfect Pol Sambol, you will need fresh coconut, 2 red onions, 2 limes, 6 garlic cloves, some chili powder and salt. You have to crush all the ingredients together with a stick and adjust the spices according to your tastes.

Discover the Sri Lankan gastronomy and let the flavors carried you away while traveling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit to the original owner.

27/05/2020

Jetwing Vil Uyana is the perfect mix between luxury and nature located in the Cultural Triangle alongside the UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Sigiriya. Its magnificent surroundings invite you to relax in the middle of Sri Lankan hospitality. Each dwelling at Jetwing Vil Uyana is named after the natural habitat that surrounds it, inspiring distinct characteristics of eco-luxury for your absolute comfort and have been designed with sustainable local materials including woven reeds and rattan for an atmosphere of natural elegance.

Jetwing Vil Uyana is perfectly placed for travellers exploring the Cultural Triangle and offers unique activities through wildlife and heritage sites. Why don’t you let yourself tempted by this gateway to a World of Sri Lankan Adventures?

Discover a perfect Sri Lankan hospitality while travelling with the right partners.

For more info contact one of our Destination Specialist through [email protected]

Photos credit: Jetwing Vil Uyana