Travel / Lifestyle

Adventure tourism

There are many activities a person can indulge in under adventure tourism. Among them are rock climbing, Canoeing and Kayaking, mountain biking, hiking and trekking, camping and para gliding.

Rock Climbing

Standing on the summit of a mountain is only part of the total enjoyment and satisfaction that one achieves from mountaineering. Mountaineering is an adventure sport that requires skills and levels of fitness that few other adventure sports can match.

The mountain ranges offer breathtaking, enthralling, climbing routes. Climbing is all about discovering the natural world around you. Join Sri Lanka's climbing expeditions for spine tingling encounters combining with rafting and sailing.

Canoeing and Kayaking

This is a relatively new sport around the world rated as the most adventurous of all adventure sports. It involves descending a stream as it drops over waterfalls and boulders. Can you handle 700 ft waterfalls? That's what can be offered. There are lower falls for the less daring, but equal in breathtaking scenery.

Mountain Biking

Sri Lanka's mountainous terrains are among the finest of the world's best biking sites. Among the slopes, valleys and the tea plantations are tracks and trails that will lure any mountain biker. Tours range from lush tea estates to caves, rain forests, ancient temples and reservoirs.

Hiking and Trekking

There's no better way to explore the natural scenic beauty of this island with diverse climatic zones.

Trekking is an excellent way to explore a country, people, their traditions and beliefs. Paths and campsites have been selected to give nature lovers the experience of a lifetime.

Steps are also taken to ensure local community benefit and nature conservation in keeping with all international camping guidelines.

Courtesy: Sri Lanka Tourist Board.

Fish and shellfish promotion at Sequel

Master Chef German Dimaano from Australia will present an exquisite fish and shellfish gourmet feast at Cinnamon Grand's most exclusive champagne bar and lounge, Sequel this month.

Sequel, usually only for members will be open to non-members during this special promotion from July 5-14, from 6.00 p.m. to 11.00 p.m.

Chef Dimaano, one of Melbourne's most popular chefs, specializes in Seafood fare with a culinary following from all over the world. This is your chance to indulge your appetite with an array of Chef Dimaano's Fish and Shellfish preparations - each dish a masterpiece of its own.

The menu includes hot and cold seafood options, appetizers, main courses as well as a line up of delightful desserts, all complemented by an array of fine wines and champagne.

Patrons can choose from Western Australian Sweet Scampi, Squid Ink Shellfish Paella or Tasmanian Natural Oysters to the more delicate Blue Lip Mussels, Lobster Risotto or Grilled Baby Octopus with hand pounded Pesto. There's also a choice of Pan Roasted Blue Eye with Western Australian Clams, Stew of Snapper or Atlantic Salmon for a more extensive gourmet spread.

Sequel, known for its sleek interiors, great ambience and music - is one experience you shouldn't miss, especially if you have a penchant for good food, wine and music.

SriLankan Holidays posts phenomenal growth

SriLankan Holidays, the leisure arm of national carrier SriLankan Airlines has posted a phenomenal growth in its first year of operations, following its re-launch last year.

Travellers snapped up holiday packages to popular destinations, with total revenues soaring to more than, Rs. 400 million in the 2006/07 financial year.

SriLankan Holidays offers a variety of exciting holiday packages to India and the Far East, while similar value for money deals are offered to Sri Lanka from India, the Far East and the Middle East.

SriLankan Holidays sold over 10,000 packages during the year-over 50 percent to popular destinations out of Sri Lanka (outbound).

Thailand topped the list followed by Malaysia, China and Singapore, as passengers made the most of the value for money deals and regular flight frequencies to these destinations.

The Holiday packages were largely bought by Sri Lankans and Indians who contributed over 90 percent to overall growth of Sri Lankan Holidays.

"The re-launch of SriLankan Holidays was a positive move for the airline and has contributed significantly to the airline's performance in a difficult year with its innovative packages", CEO, SriLankan Airlines Peter Hill said.

"We believe there is still untapped potential in the region for holidays and it will continue its growth momentum this year", he said.