https://ten.lk/listings/sightseeing-tours?format=rss&page=1&category_id=114 Ten.lk - Sri Lanka Listings en Friendly Tour Driver Sri Lanka offers reliable and comfortable private transportation services across the island, designed to make your journey smooth, safe, and unforgettable. We provide experienced English-speaking drivers who act as your personal guides, helping you explore Sri Lanka’s beaches, mountains, cultural sites, wildlife parks, and hidden gems at your own pace. Our services include airport pickup and drop-off, custom tour itineraries, private car hire, hotel booking assistance, and fully flexible travel plans tailored to your needs. Whether you are traveling solo, as a couple, or in a group, we ensure the right vehicle is matched to your comfort and budget, including sedans, SUVs, and vans. With transparent pricing, no hidden charges, and 24/7 support, we focus on trust, comfort, and convenience. Discover Sri Lanka the right way with a dedicated private driver who turns your trip into a personalized travel experience filled with comfort, safety, and unforgettable m... https://ten.lk/listings/friendly-tour-driver-sri-lanka a1d33d0dfec820b41b54430b50e96b5c Sat, 04 Jul 2026 09:53:48 +0000 Sightseeing Tours About Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada)Adam’s Peak, or Sri Pada, is a 2,243 m sacred mountain in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians, it is famous for the “sacred footprint” at its summit. Official Sri Pada WebsiteClimbing ExperiencePilgrims typically start pre-dawn from Nallathanniya village, climbing over 5,000 steps in 3–5 hours along a well-lit, maintained path with shops and rest stops. Complete Climbing GuideMain Routes to Adam’s Peak1. Hatton-Nallathanniya Route: 5-6 km, 3-5 hours, well-maintained with facilities.2. Ratnapura-Palabaddala Route: 6-7 km, 4-6 hours, scenic views, good road access.3. Kuruwita-Erathna Route: 5-7 hours, less crowded, more challenging.4. Murraywatte Route: 4-8 hours, remote, pristine nature.5. Mookaywatte Route: 4-8 hours, secluded, guide recommended.6. Malimboda Route: 5-8 hours, most challenging, requires preparation.Best Time & HighlightsThe pilgrimage season is December to May, when the trail is lit and weather is clear. Sunrise reveals the famous triangular shadow of the peak. Outside this season, the trail is misty and unlit. Season DetailsSpiritual & Natural SignificanceThe summit hosts the sacred footprint shrine protected by deity Saman. Along the route are temples, Buddha statues, and chains for support. Climbers witness unique phenomena like the mountain’s shadow and sun-mirrors. More InfoVisitor TipsBring warm clothes, headlamps, water, snacks, and sturdy shoes. Respect local customs and dress modestly. Use trekking poles if needed, and rest as necessary. Packing AdviceAccess & AccommodationNallathanniya village is accessible by bus or car from Hatton. Guesthouses and tea stalls provide basic facilities during peak season. Route & Accommodation Info https://ten.lk/listings/adam-s-peak-sri-pada-sacred-mountain-pilgrimage-in-sri-lanka e2c0be24560d78c5e599c2a9c9d0bbd2 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 07:50:37 +0000 Historic & Cultural Landmarks About Lotus TowerThe Colombo Lotus Tower (Nelum Kuluna) is a 351.5 m telecommunications and mixed-use skyscraper in Colombo 01, overlooking Beira Lake. Completed in 2019 and fully opened in September 2022, it is the tallest self-supported structure in South Asia and a defining symbol of modern Sri Lanka.Design & StructureInspired by the lotus—a revered symbol of purity in Sri Lankan culture—the tower features a stem-like base and a lotus flower crown of seven “petal” floors topped with an antenna spire. It has 13 floors (6-base +7 crown) served by 8 elevators.Observation Deck & ViewsAt ~245 m, the 560 m² observation deck offers 360° views over Colombo, Beira Lake, and the Indian Ocean. A fast-track experience including elevator access and city panoramas awaits visitors.Dining – Blue Orbit Revolving RestaurantLocated on the 26th floor, this is Sri Lanka’s first revolving restaurant—seating ~225 guests. Open 11 AM–11 PM with international buffets and premium cocktails, it completes a full rotation every 90 minutes for breathtaking views.Museum & Event SpacesThe base houses a telecom museum and exhibition halls; upper levels contain conference rooms, a 1,000‑seat ballroom, and luxury suites—making it a versatile venue for events and gatherings.Entertainment & Upcoming CasinoBeyond sightseeing, the tower features e‑sports zones, event venues, and a soon-to-open Majestic Pride Casino—part of a multi‑million‑dollar entertainment precinct.Visitor Info• Address: Lotus Tower Rd, Colombo 01• Opening: Fully open from September 2022 • Entry: Observation deck tickets; restaurant, museum and casino separate• Nearby: Podium retail cafés, conference facilities, hotels and Port City viewsPlan Your Visit• Official Lotus Tower Website• Tripadvisor Reviews & Photos• Tower History & Construction• Visitor Experience Guide• Lotus Tower Wikipedia https://ten.lk/listings/colombo-lotus-tower-south-asia-s-tallest-observation-leisure-landmark 621bf66ddb7c962aa0d22ac97d69b793 Sun, 06 Jul 2025 07:44:00 +0000 Sightseeing Tours About Galle FortGalle Fort, a historic cornerstone on Sri Lanka’s southwest coast, was first built by the Portuguese in 1588 and extensively fortified by the Dutch from 1640 onwards. Spanning a 52 ha rocky peninsula, this UNESCO World Heritage site showcases centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture, including thick granite ramparts, bastions, gates, and cobbled streets. Learn more about its heritageTop Attractions— Walk the fort walls at sunset for panoramic Indian Ocean views.— The iconic Galle Lighthouse, rebuilt in 1939, marks the southeast tip. — Galle Clock Tower (1883) stands by the main gate, honoring Dr. Anthonisz. — Religious heritage includes Groote Kerk (1755) and All Saints’ Anglican Church (1871). — The National Museum of Galle preserves Dutch-era artifacts and displays local crafts. — Old Dutch Hospital has been rejuvenated as a stylish shopping and dining precinct. Explore local highlightsCulture & CuisineThe fort doubles as a modern cultural hotspot with boutiques, art galleries, craft stores, and cafés—try Saskia Fernando Gallery or Barefoot Galle. Indulge in fresh seafood, fusion cuisine, artisan ice-cream, and Sri Lankan street food at venues like The Fort Printers, Poonie’s Kitchen, and Isle of Gelato. Find top dining spotsHeritage HotelsStay at restored heritage properties inside the fort, such as the award-winning Galle Fort Hotel, Amangalla, Mango House, Fort Bazaar, and The Fort Printers—all housed in colonial mansions blending authenticity with boutique luxury. Galle Fort Hotel detailsEvents & ActivitiesThe annual Galle Literary Festival and local exhibitions bring dynamic cultural energy. Enjoy marine-themed museums, guided heritage walks, coastal treks, and photo-friendly architecture. Discover fort eventsVisitor InformationAddress: 63 Pedlar Street, Galle 80000, Sri LankaOpen: Public fort precinct: daily, 24/7.Entry: Free (some museums charge separately).Tips: Wear comfortable shoes, visit early or late to avoid heat and crowds. Don’t miss sunset at Flag Rock Bastion and the eastern Gate area. Visitor tips & accessibility https://ten.lk/listings/galle-fort-unesco-world-heritage-seafront-fortress-in-sri-lanka 274ad4786c3abca69fa097b85867d9a4 Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:19:58 +0000 Historic & Cultural Landmarks About Gangaramaya TempleGangaramaya Temple, located at 61 Sri Jinarathana Road, Colombo 00200, is one of the city’s most important Buddhist temples. Founded in the late 19th century by Venerable Hikkaduwe Sri Sumangala Nayaka Thera and expanded under Devundera Sri Jinaratana Nayake Thera, it blends Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architectural styles and stands alongside Beira Lake. Official Temple SiteArchitecture & SpacesThe complex includes a main sanctuary with a large Buddha statue surrounded by intricate murals, a stupa, a Bodhi tree, a relic chamber, and a three-storey preaching hall. The adjacent Seema Malaka is a floating meditation hall designed by Geoffrey Bawa, offering a serene retreat by the lake. Explore on WikipediaMuseum & ArtifactsThe temple’s museum houses a vast collection of Buddhist statues, ancient manuscripts, tiny Buddha figures, Hindu icons, Dutch-era coins, vintage vehicles (including antique Rolls-Royce and Mercedes), and more—offering an eclectic glimpse into culture and history. Highlights from the MuseumCultural & Religious SignificanceThe temple is a key venue for Buddhist observances—daily worship, Poya (full moon) ceremonies, and major festivals such as the annual February Navam Perahera and the Vesak lantern celebrations along Beira Lake. Festival DetailsCommunity & EducationGangaramaya functions as a cultural center, offering educational programs, vocational training, an orphanage, and an elderly care home, all guided by the late Ven. Galboda Gnanissara Thera. Learn About the Chief IncumbentVisitor InformationOpening Hours: Daily 6 AM–10 PMEntry Fee: Foreign visitors LKR 300 (approx. US$2), locals free; small museum fee appliesDress Code: Modest attire—cover shoulders and knees; remove shoes before enteringHow to Get There: A 10–15-minute tuk-tuk ride from Colombo Fort or via Bus 138/101 from Fort to Colombo 02 https://ten.lk/listings/gangaramaya-temple-colombo-s-iconic-buddhist-cultural-landmark 7eabe3a1649ffa2b3ff8c02ebfd5659f Thu, 03 Jul 2025 08:50:30 +0000 Places of Worship 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