Pearl of Asia

Most Beautiful Spots in Sri Lank a SIGIRIYA Ruins Also known as Lion’s Rock, Sigiriya is a rock fortress and palace situated in the Matale district. Visitors can climb up to the ancient ruins, which are surrounded by gardens, ponds, and magnificent frescoes. The  UNESCO World Heritage Site  is one of the best ancient sites in the country. Head to the top of Sigiriya to see wonderful, dramatic views of the rolling hills in the jungle below. MORE INFO ADAM’S PEAK Natural Feature Located in a diverse biological site, Adam’s Peak is a tall, pointed mountain in central Sri Lanka. The 2,243-meter ascent is a common pilgrimage route in the Buddhist religion, as it is said there is an impression of Buddha’s own footprint near the summit. Aim to arrive at the top of the mountain around dawn to see an unforgettable sunrise. MORE INFO Galle Visit the well-preserved colonial city  Galle  for a relaxing city break. The town is full of charming...

British Ceylon (1796–1900) The story of Britain's acquisition of Ceylon, one of the strangest in the history of imperial expansion is a classic example of how intrigue can be at times more effective than force in achieving a national objective. Ceylon (now Sri Lanka) in 1795 was in the hands of the Dutch, who had ruled it for about 15O years since throwing out the island's first European masters, the Portuguese. Britain, at war with the French, who had seized Holland and might at any time seize Dutch overseas possessions, realized that the island - particularly its grand harbour of Trincomalee in which an entire fleet could ride safely at anchor was vital to the protection of the sea routes to Bengal, the Orient and the Pacific. To conquer Ceylon could be a costly and bloody business. The Dutch Governor at Colombo had a strong garrison of Swiss mercenary soldiers with which to defend it. The British therefore decided to employ an agent, a 34-year-old Scotsman named Hug...