https://ten.lk/listings/attractions-tours?format=rss&page=2&category_id=113 Ten.lk - Sri Lanka Listings en About Nine Arch BridgeThe Nine Arch Bridge, also known as the "Bridge in the Sky", is a historic colonial-era railway viaduct located between Ella and Demodara in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Completed in the early 20th century, the bridge is built entirely of stone and brick without using steel. It spans 91 m in length and rises 24 m above a lush forested gorge, featuring nine majestic arches that give the structure its name. Official Attraction PageReaching the BridgeThe bridge is located about 2.5 km from Ella town. Visitors can walk through tea plantations along scenic paths or take a short tuk-tuk ride. The walk offers picturesque views and the chance to spot monkeys, birds, and butterflies en route.Best Time to VisitEarly mornings (6 AM–9 AM) offer magical lighting, cooler weather, and fewer crowds. Visitors often plan their visit around train schedules to witness the famous blue train slowly crossing the bridge—an iconic image of Sri Lankan rail travel.Things to Do- Watch the train pass over the bridge from the trackside or nearby hilltops.- Walk across the bridge for panoramic views of the surrounding jungle and hills.- Relax at nearby cafés like Café Chill or Nine Arches Viewpoint Café.Safety & EtiquetteAlthough trains move slowly here, visitors should remain alert. Stay clear of the tracks during train times, and wear comfortable footwear for hiking trails. The area is open and without barriers, so take care around edges and ledges.Visitor InformationLocation: Between Ella and Demodara railway stations, Uva Province, Sri LankaEntry: FreeAccess: Open 24/7; best reached on foot or by tuk-tukRecommended Gear: Camera, water, sun protection, walking shoes https://ten.lk/listings/nine-arch-bridge-ella-guide-overview 3644a684f98ea8fe223c713b77189a77 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:28:17 +0000 Sightseeing Tours About Pinnawala Elephant OrphanageEstablished in 1975 by Sri Lanka’s Department of Wildlife Conservation, the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is located in Kegalle, approximately halfway between Colombo and Kandy. Set along the Maha Oya River on a 25-acre coconut plantation, the facility houses over 70 elephants that have been orphaned, rescued, or injured. It is renowned for housing the largest herd of captive elephants in the world and provides a unique opportunity to witness elephant care, feeding, and bathing in a natural environment. Visit Official WebsiteElephant Care & Breeding ProgramPinnawala operates one of the world’s most successful elephant breeding programs, which began in 1982. To date, over 75 elephants have been born within the facility. The elephants are fed a healthy diet including jackfruit, coconut, grass, sugarcane, and tamarind, with calves receiving special milk feedings. Care is provided by trained mahouts, and the facility supports veterinary care, shelter, and daily routines for the animals. View Photo GalleryDaily Visitor ExperienceThe orphanage is open daily from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM. Highlights include bottle-feeding baby elephants at 9:15 AM, 1:15 PM, and 5:00 PM, as well as watching the entire herd bathe in the river at 10:00 AM and 2:00 PM. Visitors can also observe feeding routines and stroll along riverbanks where elephants relax and play. Explore Daily ActivitiesFacilities & AmenitiesOn-site facilities include cafes, restrooms, a museum, souvenir shops (notably offering paper made from elephant dung), and guided tours. There are observation decks, shaded viewing areas, and educational boards for better understanding elephant behavior and conservation. It’s a popular stop on day tours from Colombo, Kandy, or Sigiriya. Contact for Group VisitsEthics & Conservation NotesPinnawala’s reputation is mixed—many appreciate its conservation and educational mission, while critics raise concerns about elephant chaining and space limitations. The facility continues to evolve, focusing more on animal welfare education and controlled interactions. Visitors are encouraged to observe respectfully and choose eco-conscious tour operators. 09.15 hours – Bottle feeding10.00 hours – Herd leaving to the river12.00 hours – Return from the river13.15 hours – Bottle feeding14.00 hours – Herd leaving to the river16.00 hours – Return from the river17.00 hours – Bottle feeding17.30 hours – Ticket counters close18.00 hours – Close to publicContact InformationLocation: Pinnawala, Kegalle District, Sri LankaOpen Hours: Daily 8:30 AM – 5:30 PMPhone: +94 77 912 6482Email: info@elephantorphanagesrilanka.comWebsite: https://elephantorphanagesrilanka.com/ https://ten.lk/listings/pinnawala-elephant-orphanage-sanctuary-elephant-breeding-centre-in-sri-lanka 0e65972dce68dad4d52d063967f0a705 Wed, 02 Jul 2025 19:03:35 +0000 National Parks & Safaris Perched on a dramatic 180 m granite monolith, Sigiriya – also known as Lion Rock – was built by King Kashyapa I (477–495 AD) as a fortified royal citadel. The ascent begins through the iconic lion’s paws gateway, then passes ancient frescoes of apsaras on the western cliff and the famed Mirror Wall, once polished for royal reflections. At the summit, ruins of the royal palace and cisterns offer sweeping views across terraced water gardens, boulder gardens, and the surrounding plains. After Kashyapa’s death, the site reverted to a Buddhist monastery until the 14th century and later became abandoned and reclaimed by forest. Rediscovered in the 19th century, it’s now Sri Lanka’s most visited archaeological site and a masterpiece of ancient urban planning. Ticket PricesForeign Adult: US $35 (includes museum)Foreign Child (6–12 yrs): US $20SAARC Adult/Child: US $20Local Adult: LKR 120Local Child: LKR 60 (Under 6 yrs free) SIGIRIYA VISITOR OPENING HOURSSigiriya Lion Rock Opening HoursFrom 05:00 AM to 18:30 PM everyday(Tickets will be issuing only between 05:00 AM – 17:00 PM )*The frescoes area will be closed for tourists at 17:45 PMYou will be redirected to the Government Central Cultural Fund website for payment processing when purchasing your tickets online. If you have any questions about online ticket purchases, please contact Central Cultural Fund Office at  +94112507089 or +94112508960 See Terms & Conditions at CCF website https://ten.lk/listings/sigiriya-fortress 1afa34a7f984eeabdbb0a7d494132ee5 Thu, 26 Jun 2025 13:31:11 +0000 Historic & Cultural Landmarks About Sri Dalada MaligawaSri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth, is a revered Buddhist shrine in Kandy. Built within the grounds of the former Kingdom of Kandy, it enshrines the left canine of Gautama Buddha. As a symbol of sovereignty, the relic has long been integral to Sri Lankan political and spiritual life.History & ArchitectureThe original shrine was erected in 1603 by King Vimaladharmasuriya I and transformed with subsequent 18th-century renovations under Kings Kirti Sri and Rajadhi Rajasinha. Its Kandyan-style buildings, elevated platforms, moonstones, and ornate carvings reflect a fusion of indigenous and regional design.Religious CeremoniesMonks from the Malwatte and Asgiriya chapters perform pujas three times daily: dawn, noon, and evening. Every Wednesday sees the Nanumura Mangallaya ritual, a sacred bathing of the relic with herbal water and flower offerings.Museum & ArtifactsThe museum presents relic caskets, regal jewels, manuscripts, temple regalia, royal portraits, and the iconic golden canopy over the relic chamber—donated by Queen Victoria in the 19th century.Esala Perahera FestivalEvery July–August, Kandy hosts the Esala Perahera—a grand procession featuring elephants, dancers, and drummers honoring the Tooth Relic. This vibrant celebration culminates in the majestic Diya Kepeema water-cutting ceremony at the Mahaweli River.World Heritage & ResilienceDesignated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1988, the Temple embodies resilience—especially following the devastating 1998 LTTE bombing, after which it was faithfully restored to preserve its historic legacy.Visitor Information• Location: Sri Dalada Veediya, Kandy 20000, Sri Lanka.• Opening Hours: Access varies due to worship ceremonies—typically four windows daily (check local guidelines).• Dress Code: Modest attire required; shoulders and knees must be covered.• Security: Airport-style screening is mandatory.• Guided Tours: Audio guides and official tours are available via the temple's visitor centre.Why Visit?The Temple of the Tooth offers an immersive journey into Sri Lanka’s spiritual depth, royal history, traditional craftsmanship, and vibrant cultural traditions—making it a must-visit landmark in Kandy’s historic core. https://ten.lk/listings/sri-dalada-maligawa-temple-of-the-tooth-kandy-s-sacred-unesco-heritage-site 6f3ef77ac0e3619e98159e9b6febf557 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 14:14:19 +0000 Places of Worship Yala Sri Lanka is a premier wildlife tour operator offering expertly guided safaris in the heart of Yala National Park - Sri Lanka's most iconic and biodiverse wildlife sanctuary. Renowned for having the highest density of leopards in Asia, Yala provides the ultimate setting for close encounters with nature’s most elusive predators. The park’s landscape is a dramatic mix of dry forests, open plains, coastal lagoons, and untouched beaches - creating an ideal habitat for a rich variety of wildlife.Yala Sri Lanka’s safari experiences are carefully curated for travelers who value both adventure and responsible tourism. Visitors can choose from half-day or full-day jeep safaris, all conducted by professional local guides who possess deep knowledge of the park’s ecosystem and animal behavior. Each journey is designed to maximize sightings - from majestic elephants and sloth bears to crocodiles, jackals, wild boar, peacocks, and over 215 species of birds.What sets Yala Sri Lanka apart is its commitment to eco-conscious practices. The team operates on a low-impact model - ensuring minimal disturbance to wildlife, promoting silence and patience during sightings, and following designated paths to protect fragile habitats. In a bid to give back to the environment, they plant a tree for every safari booked - a powerful promise of conservation in action.Based near Tissamaharama, the gateway town to Yala, the company offers seamless service including hotel pick-up and drop-off, flexible timings, and private tour options. Whether you're a solo traveler, wildlife photographer, honeymooner, or a nature-loving family, Yala Sri Lanka promises an experience that is as thrilling as it is respectful of the wild.Each safari with Yala Sri Lanka is more than just a drive - it's a deep dive into the soul of Sri Lankan wilderness, guided by those who call it home. https://ten.lk/listings/yala-national-park 38b3eff8baf56627478ec76a704e9b52 Mon, 23 Jun 2025 20:53:37 +0000 National Parks & Safaris