Sri Lanka’s free tourist visa scheme extended till April
The free visa scheme for tourists arriving in Sri Lanka which had begun last August will be extended to April 2020, the Cabinet Co-Spokesperson said.
“The free visa program has delivered results,” Ramesh Pathirana said in Colombo on Thursday.
“The Tourism and Aviation Minister proposed to extend this program for another three months, which the cabinet approved,” he said.
The 48 countries which received the free visa approvals over the past six months will continue to receive this benefit, he said.
Responding to questions from reporters, Pathirana said it was the cabinet’s belief that tourist arrivals had recovered by 10-12 percent due to the free visa scheme.
The tourism industry has been lobbying the government for continuation of the program, although the state incurs a loss of revenue from the program.
From August to January, tourist arrivals had fallen 15 percent to 1 million tourists, mainly due to the Easter Sunday terror bombings in 2019 and the coronavirus in early 2020.
Pathirana said with the coronavirus scare causing declines in global tourism flows, the move to extend the visa scheme is welcome.
Sri Lanka normally charges 35 US dollars for a 30-day tourist visa, which can be easily obtained online within minutes, or upon arrival.
Sri Lankan Black Panther’ rediscovered in forests of Adam’s Peak
Written by Lethonkie Fernando 19 Jan, 2020 | 8:48 PM
COLOMBO (News 1st):- The Wildlife Department has been able to retrace the Sri Lankan Black Panther that was once considered to be long extinct.
Out of the eight species of panthers living in the world, the sub-species, Sri Lankan Panther is extraordinary due to its very limited population. The Sri Lankan black panther is believed to have gained it’s unique characteristics due to a colour mutation.
News about the last black panther was reported previously from Mawuldeniya, Pitadeniya when the animal was found dead in a trap. Thereafter, this animal’s hide was then displayed at the Girithale wildlife museum, as the final trace of the Sri Lankan Black Panther.
The wildlife department, which is currently engaging in an islandwide survey on Sri Lankan panthers, recently discovered evidence of the Sri Lankan black panther’s existence. The wildlife department installed a number of remote motion-sensing cameras in places believed to have been the Black Panther’s roaming, on the 26th of October one of these cameras was able to catch footage of the animal that was believed to be extinct.
The department which acted on this footage was finally able to prove that the Sri Lankan Black Panther is no longer an animal limited to history, by capturing more footage of the animal. They’ve also managed to discover the exitance of a black panther family consisting of a male, female and two cubs.
The investigation was headed by Dr Malaka Abeywardene and Dr Manoj Akalanka of the Wildlife Department, while technical support for the process was provided by the Tropical Eco-System Research Networks Organization.
Speaking to News 1st, Dr Malaka Abeywardene says;
“The reason for these animals being black is mainly an adaptation for hunting purposes and for protection of their kind since they mostly roam in cold and dark places. We request the general public to come forward to protect these animals since they are an important gift given by mother nature”
Despite its small size Sri Lanka
boasts of one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world. No
doubt how travelers are being amazed by its diverse attractions available across
quick accessible locations around the country. The most impressive fact is that
Sri Lanka is the only country in the world where you can witness two of
nature’s most magnificent creatures; the Elephant & the Blue Whale within
less than 24 hours time.
Meanwhile the ocean around Sri
Lanka is home to large families of cetaceans including the mighty blue whales,
sperm whales and lively dolphins. Altogether 26 species of cetaceans rule the
waters surrounding the country, making it one of the best locations for whale
and dolphin watching.
Whale and dolphin watching in
Mirissa is one of the most exciting water activities you can do
during your holiday in Sri Lanka. Often spotted blue
whales are the biggest animals in the world and Mirissa is the
best place for whale and dolphin watching tour in Sri Lanka. Whale watching
season in Mirissa is from November to April each year.
Do you know that one of the best places in the world to see blue whales is
Mirissa in Sri Lanka? So why not book your next holiday to Sri Lanka and
indulge yourself by the sandy beaches of Indian Ocean? We do arrange escorted
whale watching excursions making sure you are in the safe hand of our suppliers
who always follow the industry and safety standards to safeguard our travelers.
Call us for bookings +94-765519527 or E-mail- info@joholidays.com
It’s up against some tough competition, but a winding train ride through Sri Lanka’s tea country is rated among the best.
When you think of Sri Lanka, what exactly is the image that pops into your head? Rolling waves traversed by tanned surfers, or rainforests resplendent with flora and flora? How about wild elephant and leopard safaris, sacred Buddhist temples and scented cinnamon plantations? Despite Sri Lanka’s growing reputation as a tourist destination, the enduring image of Sri Lanka for many Westerners may be the 259 people killed interrorist attacks in April 2019, just a few months before my visit, or the legacy of the Tamil Tigers–whose insurgent activities ended just 10 years ago.
Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock
Sri Lanka, really, is all of the above and more. The country’s beautiful scenery cannot be entirely extricated from memories of its long-running civil war and the recent terrorist attacks. The Sri Lankan people, warm and inviting, exhibit a humbling resilience to the ills that have passed their way over the years. My driver to Kandy, Prasantha–a young man in his 20s, just a few years out of Catholic school–describes losing several of his former classmates in the attacks, and the drop in tourists that soon followed.
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KNOW BEFORE YOU GO: MOROCCAN CAMEL TREKS
“We appreciate you coming to visit us here in Sri Lanka,” he exclaims. “I had so many cancellations in the weeks following the attacks, with most European countries issuing warnings against visiting us. But I promise you–there is no need to worry. And,” he states with great pride, “you will love our trains.”
Nick Brundle / Shutterstock
And, he was right. There really was nothing to worry about. I felt completely safe during my time in the country. And he was also right about the train.
My trip to Sri Lanka was planned as a rendezvous with a friend living in the Middle East, and we intended to undertake a portion of what was stated to be the most beautiful train ride in the world–the trip from Kandy to Nanu Oya, near Nuwara Eliya (which continues on to Ella). The journey runs along the original tracks constructed by the British in the mid-1800s to transport tea for export. A one-way train ticket to Nanu Oya costs around $5USD in the reserved second class carriage, and its open-air seating is made bearable by large, breezy windows that stretch the length of the carriage. On departing from Kandy, a few adventurous guests quickly claim spots in the open doors dotted throughout the train. They carefully duck their heads inside as we scrape past battered metal signs and overgrown foliage.
The train is full, but not packed, and includes an interesting rag-tag band of tourists–millennial backpackers, baby boomers, and everyone in between. Interestingly, no one has headphones jammed in their ears, or books absorbing their attention. Instead, everyone inside the train is seemingly fixated on the gorgeous views emerging outside our window. Occasionally, a local man hops off the train to stock up on freshly prepared fruits and snacks, which he then sells to a horde of hungry patrons. He’s accompanied by the tea wallah, who offers a cup of sweet tea for around 50 Sri Lankan rupees.
Tatia88 / Shutterstock
Our journey through to Nanu Oya takes around four hours, with stops at a range of local towns and villages along the way. At each, and along the railway lines, locals are observed in their daily life–preparing washing, cleaning, traveling, working, waving. Perhaps unsurprisingly, given the historical importance of the Sri Lankan train system, our trip is rather punctual. Hand-lettered destination signs continue to delight as we edge towards our final station, along with the trickling waterfalls and excited school children that greet us as we continue our journey inland.
While undertaking the train ride to Nanu Oya is a relaxing affair, buying a ticket for the trip requires a bit more effort. Reserving a seat online seems to be fraught with ongoing cancellation issues, so it’s a good idea to get to Kandy train station early to ensure you nab a spot. A number of local tour agencies are happy to buy a ticket on your behalf, for a small fee, if you’d rather gain a few extra hours of sleep. We were advised to opt for a second or third class reserved seat, which will ensure you don’t end up standing, or crammed into an unreserved carriage, for the journey.
INSIDER TIPThe second class carriage actually offers larger windows than first class, and you’ll be much more comfortable breathing the cool mountain breeze than the recycled air in the air-conditioned first-class carriage.
As we rise up into the highlands, tea pickers can be seen working their way up treacherous hillsides. Around5% of all Sri Lankans work for the tea industry, where pickers can be expected to gather up to almost 40 pounds of fresh tea leaves every day. Tea plays an important part not only in the economy of Sri Lanka but also in its tourism industry and national identity.
Originally colonized by the Portuguese, various Dutch and French interests made their mark in Sri Lanka over the years. The British conquered the entire island in 1812 and held the then named “Ceylon” until its independence in 1948. Originally home to many coffee plantations, a devastating leaf disease struck here in 1869, encouraging a switch to tea cultivation. Now the world’sfourth-largest exporter of tea, the act of enjoying a tasty brew–and learning about its historical significance to the country–can be enjoyed in the lush hills surrounding Nuwara Eliya.
Matyas Rehak / Shutterstock
Our train finally reaches its final destination of Nanu Oya, a short drive from Nuwara Eliya, and a strange little enclave of Britain in the middle of Sri Lankan tea country. Dotted with distinct English architecture, hunting clubs, a racecourse, and a pleasure boating lake, this settlement was established at the whim of colonials wishing to create a “summer resort” to remind them of the old country. Of course, they chose the most drizzly and gray part of Sri Lanka to locate this in–and one of the coldest, at just over 6,500 feet above sea level.
A uniquely surreal feeling overcomes you as you stand in front of the Tudor-style post office, noting the mid-afternoon fog rolling in from the hills. As the cool breeze and gentle mist encourage you to reach for your sweater, you might forget you’re even in Sri Lanka.
8 Countries Solo Female Travelers Should Visit in 2020
Ireland
Ireland was the country that initially sparked my love for travel. I moved there on a working holiday when I was only 19 years old. I recently returned to the country, almost a decade later, and was reminded about why it’s such a good place for solo female travelers.
Ireland is a relatively small country, making it easy to see the main highlights without having to travel long distances. It also has an excellent transportation network of bus and rail options. This will get you around the country without the need to rent a car, which can be expensive as a solo traveler.
It’s easy to make friends in Ireland since the locals are so warm and welcoming. Walk into any bar, and you won’t have trouble finding someone to swap stories with over a pint of Guinness.
While safety is always a concern for female travelers, you can feel good knowing that Ireland is one of the safest countries in the world. Ireland is currently ranked 12th on the global peace index, with millions of visitors each year. More to that, 14 towns in Ireland have been awarded the Purple Flag, which means they are recognized for their vibrant but safe nightlife.
Patagonia, Argentina/Chile
As far as hiking destinations go, it doesn’t get better than Patagonia.Split between Chile and Argentina, the amount of beauty in this region is unlike anywhere else in the world.
Patagonia is the perfect place for female solo travelers looking to connect with nature. It has endless opportunities for multi-day treks as well as shorter day hikes. With well-marked trails, equipment rentals readily available, and enough hikers on the trail, you can feel safe here even as a solo female traveler.
Much of the region can be remote, but El Chalten is Argentina’s trekking capital, and as such there are plenty of hostels there. It draws in other solo travelers who you can swap stories with and even find hiking buddies. If you love nature, there’s no better place to enjoy it fully then in Patagonia.
Sri Lanka
I heard mixed reviews about traveling in Sri Lanka as a solo female traveler before going, but ended up having an absolutely fantastic experience. I liked it so much I decided to spend a month in the country solo.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country and is very welcoming and safe for women traveling alone. It’s budget-friendly, full of friendly locals, and home to incredible landscapes, including world-class beaches found all throughout the countries coastline.
Since the island is small in size, it’s easy to get from place to place without having to worry about traveling long distances. The country is well connected with bus and train networks, which also happen to be incredibly scenic. The backpacking scene is well-established in Sri Lanka, with many fantastic hostels available where you can meet other travelers.
Although small in size, Sri Lanka has a lot to offer. From world-class surfing, wildlife encounters, ancient cities, and lush hiking trails, it’s easy to fill up your Sri Lanka Itinerary. With so much to do, you won’t find yourself getting bored in Sri Lanka even as a solo traveler.
Malawi
Malawi is one of the safest countries to visit in Africa, known as the “warm heart of Africa” because of the friendly nature of the locals. Although tiny in size, Malawi has a lot to offer including a wide diversity of African wildlife, national parks for camping, and active adventures such as trekking and diving. Plus, all the backpackers and campsites have pools and other common areas, making it easy to meet others if you’re traveling solo.
The hub of tourism is around Lake Malawi, a massive body of water that separates the country from neighboring Mozambique. Lake Malawi is one of the largest lakes in the world and has ample opportunities for outdoor recreation, including swimming, kayaking, SUP, and diving/snorkeling to see the colorful cichlid fish. Nkata Bay and Cape McClear are two popular towns on Lake Malawi, where you can find other solo travelers to enjoy the beauty of Malawi with.
Galapagos Islands, Ecuador
There’s no place in the world I felt more in-tune with nature than the Galapagos Islands, 600 miles off the coast of mainland Ecuador. The Galapagos Islands are one of the last untouched parts of the planet, where the wildlife isn’t afraid to come and say hello.
The Galapagos Islands are perfect for female solo travel because with so much nature and wildlife to see, you’ll never feel alone with all the friendly resident animals. You won’t find yourself getting bored on the islands, with plenty of free activities, from snorkeling with sea lions to bird-watching on one of the island’s many hikes. More to that, day toursare readily available to take you to the best spots in the Galapagos that you can’t access on your own. Day tours are also a great way to meet other travelers!
It’s easy to get around the islands as a solo traveler since the islands’ main towns are small enough that you can walk anywhere, and there are daily ferries to take you between the islands. There’s no better place to fully enjoy the remarkable wildlife on this planet than the Galapagos Islands.
Turkey
I wasn’t sure what to expect before visiting Turkey as a solo female traveler since it’s a relatively conservative Muslim country. However, after spending a month traveling throughout Turkey, I was pleasantly surprised at how welcomed and at ease I felt.
The people in Turkey are wonderful. Time after time locals would go out of their way to help me find my way around, and ensure I was OK. I found it easy to travel around Turkey as a solo traveler, as they have with a well-connected bus network between most cities. Turkey is a large country so the distances can be vast, but the overnight buses are comfy and felt secure even traveling alone at night.
Turkey is a massive country with a lot to offer those who visit. From the bustling markets of Istanbul, the breathtaking landscapes of Cappadocia, and ancient cities of Pamukkale and Ephesus, you could spend months traveling through the country. Plus, Turkey has an established backpacking scene with hostels readily available throughout the country where you can meet other travelers and exchange travel tips. If you have some experience traveling solo, Turkey is the perfect country to push your boundaries further and explore an amazing part of the world.
Costa Rica
Costa Rica was the first country I traveled solo in Latin America, and it made me fall in love with that region of the world. With access to incredible nature and wildlife, Costa Rica is the perfect destination for outdoor lovers. From zip-lining through the cloud forests of Monteverde to relaxing in the volcanic hot springs of La Fortuna, there’s no shortage of outdoor adventure in Costa Rica.
‘Pura Vida’ is a saying you will commonly hear throughout Costa Rica, which simply translates to pure life, but its meaning is more than that. Pura Vida represents Costa Rican’s way of life. It means that people need to be grateful for what they have in life and not dwell on the negative.
Not surprisingly, Costa Rica has been named one of the happiest countries in the world and is also one of the safest countries in Central America. A vacation to Costa Rica is the perfect destination for solo travelers looking to relax and recharge.
Iceland
Iceland is well-known as a safe destination for solo female travel and this hasn’t changed even with the influx of tourism. In fact, it’s been named the safest country in the world for over 11 years according to the Global Peace Index.
Iceland also happens to be home to some of the most beautiful landscapes in the world. I don’t know many countries where you can drive from volcanoes to glaciers in a matter of hours, but in Iceland it’s possible. Not to mention all the waterfalls, geysers, and opportunities to see the Northern Lights.
With such a safe reputation, many solo female travelers have comfortably hitchhiked their way around the country. But if you aren’t on a strict budget, the easiest way to explore Iceland is to rent a car and plan your own itinerary. Iceland has one main road, highway one, which is also known as the ring road. It’s recommended to spend at least one week driving the ring road, as with so much beauty along the way, you’ll be wanting to stop the car for a photo every few minutes.
With such abundant beauty and high safety standards, Iceland is a perfect destination for your first solo trip.
About The Author: Lora
Lora is a solo female adventure travel blogger living nomadically around the world. Raised on a rock in the middle of the Atlantic Ocean, she has a deep love for nature and wildlife. Lora has traveled to over 57 countries and is on a quest to visit them all, seeking out the best adventures each one has to offer. For more travel inspiration and solo female travel tips, visit her blog at Explore with Lora, or follow on Instagram and Facebook.
