ArTravele

25/07/2023

It was an absolute plessure to support Bawa’s Garden Movie Premier with Bawa Trust.

Thank you Clara Kraft Isono and Kraft Isono Films for taking Sri Lanka to the world through the movie "Bawa’s Garden".

The movie was an absolute depiction of Art and Architecture through ecology showcasing the awe inspiring works of Geoffrey Bawa.

Travel more and heal your soul with Art and Architecture through Ecology.

Walkers Tours Sri Lanka Geoffrey Bawa Trust

07/06/2023

Stopping pollution is the best solution🌎

17/01/2023

These top 24 countries to visit in 2023 for backpackers and solo travelers will make you want to get your passport ready and pack your bags! Find out which ones!

05/05/2022

Embracing the dawn of a new day in the cultural tropics of Sri Lanka...

Wake up early morning to catch the picture perfect sunrise as you gently stroll through this man made tank.. a moment where time stands still and nature puts on its grandios show which is no doubt bound to heighten your senses.

In search of a ? We've got you covered. Our blank canvases are open to paint your picture perfect holiday to Sri Lanka..

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31/12/2021

As we embrace the dawn of the new year we would like to wish all of you a very happy and prosperous new year 2022! May this year be full of new adventures to explore and unearth the magical wonders of nature and all its natural beauty. Hope you have plenty of time to slow down and enjoy the simplicity of life. Have a blessed New Year!

The tropical waves, majestic wildlife, serenading nature, and the smile of the Sri Lankans will be your calling for this new year! See you soon…

01/11/2021

A peaceful stroll through the country estate of Geoffrey Bawa makes time stand still..

When was the last time you were able to sit back, pause a moment and engage in a true sensescape?

The wait is over! Sri Lanka is embraced by many travellers world over.. to experience the timeless expressions of art, architecture, nature and glamour of the Sri Lankan way of life..

Get in touch with your travel curators at ArTravele and we’d be happy to take you on a quintessential journey through the artistic beauty of Sri Lanka.

02/10/2021

Having worked and studied in Los Angeles, Ameena Hussein returned to live in Sri Lanka in 2003. She started writing the novel “Chasing Tall Tales and Mystics – Ibn Battuta in Sri Lanka: A personal journey” by chance, after discovering a street sign of Ibn Battuta in the streets of Puttalam that sparked Hussein’s curiosity about the North African Berber traveler.
She found that it was also on an impulse that Battuta had chosen to travel across unknown seas and lands. His landing in Sri Lanka was also by chance.

The story follows his landing at Puttalam, he found that the area was under the Jaffna Tamil King Arya Chakravarti and as per Hussein, Lankan Kings welcomed foreigners because they informed them about happenings outside their realm, especially the activities of their rivals.

Hussein captures Battuta’s journey in Sri Lanka by literally following in his footsteps, visiting the places Battuta visited, and looking to see how much of what Battuta saw can still be seen today, how it has changed, and how people in the area have remembered this visitor from so long ago. Some of these places include; Adams peak, where Battuta was eager to visit Adam’s Peak which is said to have the footprint of the first man, Adam, who is also Islam’s first prophet.

The novel also follows his quest to Dewinuwara with its magnificent temple hosting dancing girls and Brahmin priests and move towards Colombo which houses the Devatagaha mosque, which is visited by members of all faiths.
Follow Ibn Battuta’s journey through the eyes of Hussein who manages to capture the history and mentions that the land was filled with religious and ethnic harmony which was the order of the day. Hussein seeks Ibn Battutas memory in the minds of men and discovers a land brimming with myth and legend as colorful as the traveler himself.

Are you ready to explore the land brimming with great history?

29/09/2021

Gazing into the infinity of newly commenced adventure at this tropical isle, Cherry Briggs, the author of the book, The Tear Drop Island : Following Victorian footsteps across Sri Lanka decides to trace the Irish explorer, James Emmerson Tennant's travels around this resplendent island making her one of the personalities to document her experiences and encounters as an inspired travelogue.

Live vicariously through the inked pages of this curious British teacher employed in Sri Lanka who came across a travel book by the Irish writer and explorer Sir James who was also the colonial secretary in Sri Lanka in the mid 18s.

Inspired by the stories of the Irish explorer, she embarked on a journey to trace the content of the book making her pen down a memoir of her Lankan travels. She journeyed solo around the tear drop island in public modes of travel which made her build up close connections with locals, and enriched her travel experience. She was exposed to the country's diverse yet fascinating customs and traditions. She describes her enchanting journey to both known and less known destinations such as Colombo Galle, the tea capital, west coast, Batticaloa, Trincomalee, Jaffna peninsula, and Mannar.

Tracing another traveller's footsteps in an unknown land is a real adventure filled with curiosity and challenges. Are you ready to walk in the footsteps of Cherry Briggs across this tear drop island?

27/09/2021

We take great pride in curating authentic experiences to spice up your journey through Sri Lanka. Showcasing the perfect blend of our island's history, culture, art and our own people, delivering an inclusive growth is what’s in store here.

Angampora, a Sri Lankan martial art has a rich history and cultural importance embedded in its performance.

Curious to know more? Or May be experience it while in Sri Lanka?

22/09/2021

Today’s wildlife reveal is of a photographer who brings to life a concept called “eco snapping” . Building awareness on cleaning up after your encounters in the wild is as important as preparing for one such experience.

“Picking up litter while engaging in wildlife photography is called ecosnapping. Capturing the beauty of nature and wildlife is great, although we all have the responsibility to preserve it for future generations to enjoy as well. I encourage wildlife or nature photographers to spend a little more time in that given location picking up litter in places you are permitted to step off your vehicle, be a part of the solution, not the problem, start ecosnapping” ~

Share your eco snaps and don’t forget to tag us and share your responsible journey with us! Let’s unite for a better tomorrow.

20/09/2021

We’ve waited long enough for the reveal of our first book pick which has brought to life the beauty of our tropical isle.

“situated in the middle of the lake beside the fields was an island that the locals called madol duwa. Among the numerous little islands that were situated in the koggala lake, madol duwa was famous by the locals because of the thick and wicked jungles and its variety of snakes. Since the early days, the 30-40 locals living around the area used to catch various snakes such as serpents, vipers and cat snakes and drop them off at madol duwa by boat. The locals who found such poisonous snakes in their backyard would catch them, put them inside a gunnybag and take them to madol duwa to release them back to the wild. This was done so that the snakes, eventhough they were poisonous would not be killed in their backyard and rather be free in the wild”

Madolduwa by Martin Wickremasinghe..

One highlight remains to be the beautiful Koggala lake in the pristine southern coast of the island. Soar above the planes with our sister company, for a visit in style.

15/09/2021

Ever wondered how you can enrich your next safari in Sri Lanka?

Our partner in the wild Leopard Trails has been tirelessly working towards identifying and documenting the leopards in Wilpattu and Yala. This information is now publicly made available on a dedicated website for travelers seeking an enriched experience in the wild. It also helps to understand the history of an animal and to determine other ecological data such as abundance, range or territory, and the structure of populations which are the essential elements for the study, conservation, and protection of a species.

Leopard Trails will continue to document the behaviour of leopards using photography and videography to expand this publicly available database showing territorial, mating, and feeding behaviour as well as the family lineages of the leopards of Yala and Wilpattu. This is made possible due to the passionate efforts of the team who manage the website and also due to all the contributing photographers helping to expand the database. We encourage those interested in wildlife conservation to use this database for a greater exotic experience.

Travel needs to leave you spell-bounded and curious… and we at ArTravele partner with the most responsible to bring to life authentic experiences which are second to none.

02/09/2021

Musing over the tear drop shaped isle through a verse and prose...

Words strung together inked in pages make our minds traverse to unknown lands...
Like water flowing down a pretty stream as the sun shines, words of an author are the treasures and wonders held trapped within taking a curious mind on that amazing journey...

Stay tuned as we celebrate the literature month, taking you on an aesthetic series of expeditions through the words of authors who have embraced the wonders of Sri Lankan soil.

Dreaming of an immersive journey which can pause time? We’ve got you covered.. watch our space as we bring to life the eternal words inked by authors and poets who traversed the isle artistically…

01/09/2021

You’ve tuned in on a Wednesday. Which means it’s time for our next wildlife photographer reveal.

Proudly presenting to you the work of one of our own
Let’s take a journey through his lens in to the diverse captures of the wild…

“Blessed with a camera in my hand, Photography started out as a pass time. Soon I discovered, my yearning to go back to the places where the animals roam free. As the shutter count on the camera increased, as hard drives filled with photos, one thing struck me more than anything.

Wildlife Photography is more than just clicking pictures of an animal, it’s all about telling a story - their story, showcasing their purity and sincerity. So pause and think a minute, not of how you capture a picture, but of how you are the author of their story. Be a respectful visitor in their home, respect their space and in turn the wild will give you moments to last a lifetime” ~

Uniquely Sri Lanka!

25/08/2021

Respect ~ Love

A journey into the lifestyle of the wild, through the lens of

“Respect our Sanctuaries.  In its original meaning, the word signifies Sanctity, suggesting holiness, and that which needs to be treated with a great deal of respect and devotion.  An animal or plant Sanctuary, whether protected by law or otherwise, is a place where all living beings within, must be guaranteed the immunity to live as equal partners.  These protected enclaves will be the benchmarks against which humans must interpret our connection with nature. Eventually, these shelters will be the only means we will have recourse to, if we are to preserve what little remains of the natural world.  They are our only hope of successfully challenging the rapid diminution of the heritage of future generations.  Walk with me and see through my lens.  Love our Sanctuaries.”

A perspective of a wildlife photographer is a series put together, to take you on a journey through the serene yet exuberant natural wonders of Sri Lanka. Watch our space every Wednesday as we take you on a journey through the lenses into the wild…

22/08/2021

Culture…
The most sought-after element of a destination’s identity and yes, this tear drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean, is herself a cup full of it.
Let’s hop on board to traverse through this remarkable and one of the oldest cultural events of the world.

The Kandy Esela Perahera, is an annual procession held within ten consecutive days between every July to August in the sacred UNESCO World Heritage site of Kandy, sitting in the breezy central hills of Sei Lanka. The event is believed to be a fusion of two events, the “Esala” and “Dalada” processions. The Esala Perahera goes back as far as the 3rd century BC which was a ritual enacted to request the gods for rainfall.

Today, the sacred tooth relic is housed in the Temple of the Tooth which according to historians was established adjacent to the royal palace in Kandy from where the Dalada Perahera begins, continuing the tradition of paying homage to the tooth relic in full glamour and reverence under the custody of a Diywadana Nilame (Chief Custodian).

Believed to be showered by blessings of people and the deities, this colourful event gushes cultural splendour. The temple premises and its surroundings brighten up the heart of Kandy in lights. Completing all rituals, the procession begins. The noble duty of carrying the golden casket which resides the tooth relic is bestowed upon a majestic tusker maintaining a certain criterion. Beautiful dancers dance to the beats of the vibrant drummers carrying that wealth of knowledge of ancient art forms passed on by generation. They perform in full swing representing the island’s three main dancing styles, particularly the Kandyan dancing style which being part of the procession has been a blessing for its survival. The perahera also blends Hindu cultural elegance depicting the influence of Hinduism over time. All these performers consider they are truly honoured to participate in this grand procession.

The Dalada Perahera is thus extraordinary, nourished by religion,shaping Sri Lanka’s unique identity. Of course, for those curious minds, words will not explain it! So, gear up today at 6.44 pm SST…

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19/08/2021

In a state of wonder, amidst much chaos, Mother nature comes in rescue in all its elegance and peaceful style,
Leaving behind the hustle and bustle of the city's busy skies,
Let's get lost in nature, oh how soothing and very kind...

What better way to experience the luxuries of life with what's closest to our soul, our very existence? ..Nature...The fresh air, the fresh breeze, the mesmerising landscapes surrounded by the wild calls of the kingdom of its inhabitants coupled with delicacies next to a bonfire ...all while you sit relaxed...where could this be ? Yes, it is, calling out to you to wrap yourself in a blissful sensescape...

18/08/2021

~ Passion, Escape, Love ~

A closer look at our second reveal of “Binoculing the wild” with

We’ve put together this curated collection of wild clicks which showcases the majestic beauty of our island and most importantly the variety of wildlife whom we share this land with.
When asked about the story behind these clicks, here’s what he had to share…

"Born and bred in this beautiful paradise island that we are fortunate to call home, it is impossible not to fall in love with the abundant wildlife that surrounds us on a day to day basis. Capturing these moments and amazing creatures behind a camera was just a natural progression of that love. Accountancy maybe my chosen profession, but wildlife photography is my passion, my escape, and my love. What started out as a hobby has now turned into an addiction and a way of life."

Join us as we take a quick journey through our national parks to live vicariously through these captured moments…

17/08/2021

Hideaway reveal 🚨

Dreaming of an exotic expedition?
Let us curate your perfect wildlife getaway this winter, voyaging into an idyllic location in the beautiful isle of Sri Lanka...

, with an array of unique wildlife adventure, awaits you in the Asia's biggest wildlife viewing gallery.
Set very close to the island's largest two national parks, Yala and Wilpattu, Leopard trails camp sites offer luxuries of nature and comfort of stay with their unwavering hospitality.
Staying at Leopard trails bespoke tented safaris itself is an experience to indulge in. From guided bush walks, wild tales by the rangers while you sit by the bonfire, private bush dinners where you get to savour authentic culinary delights pleasing your taste buds, binoculing the wildlife outside your tent to star gazing of an infinite milky way, isn't that everything you wanted from your vacay?

Wake up to the natural alarm, the wild calls and be blown away by the winds of the jungles as you step out from your tent..

Hop on a 4×4 to have a sneak peek into the wild kingdom and its inhabitants. Be marveled by the diverse landscape as you observe the serenity of wilderness as you return to your enclave at dusk.

Have we got you interested? Connect with us and we’d be happy to chat!

16/08/2021

In celebrating the world elephant day, ArTravele, the luxury brand of Walkers Tours together with Timeline productions, put together this documentary featuring wildlife biologist, Vimukthi Weeratunga to bring to life the essence of the elephant collaring project in Minneriya. Learn about the significance of the Sri Lankan elephant and what this gentle giant means to our nation.

Interested in being a part of such inspiring initiatives? Get in touch with us and we'd be more than happy to curate a programme just for you.

Enjoying the bliss of our island nation with like minded responsible travellers is what makes our work worthwhile.

https://youtu.be/2L4roHmpoPs

In celebrating the world elephant day, ArTravele, the luxury brand of Walkers Tours together with Timeline productions, put together this documentary featur...

13/08/2021

Revealing our first curated collection of wildlife clicks across various National parks in Sri Lanka by

A wildlife photographer’s perspective to a responsible safari experience.

“I’ve seen many people showing an interest in wildlife recently and while it's great to see more people enjoying Sri Lanka's national parks we must make sure we're not just consuming but actively conserving our beautiful parks and sanctuaries for generations to come.

Before you invest your time and money to become a photographer, I strongly believe you should first become an observer. Learn the basics about our national parks and its wildlife so you have a better understanding about animal behaviour and how you should conduct yourself to ensure your presence is not damaging. Once you understand this, you will see a lot more than what you hope to see through your viewfinder” ~

Savouring the true essence of nature through moments captured via a lens.

12/08/2021

Celebrating World Elephant Day in collaboration with Timeline Productions.

Featuring Vimukthi Weeratunga, wildlife biologist on the Significance of Elephants in Sri Lanka and the conservation efforts..

https://youtu.be/2L4roHmpoPs

In celebrating the world elephant day, ArTravele, the luxury brand of Walkers Tours together with Timeline productions, put together this documentary featur...

10/08/2021

Capturing the beauty of an island experience cannot be limited to the naked eye... its beauty will always linger longer, not only through memories but also through the clicks to save the moment. Observing the behaviour of wildlife is one special connection humans share with nature. Capturing these is an art and a commitment. Hear it from a few passionate wildlife photographers of their journey through their captures and their bit of advice to being a responsible observer.

Stay tuned as we feature a curated collection of wildlife photography by few of the renowned wildlife photographers and enthusiasts of their captures across Sri Lanka.

07/08/2021

Binoculing the wild.

Hear it from our rangers at all the way from Yala and Wilpattu.

An easy and simple guide to being a responsible traveler while on safari. Sri Lanka, blessed in abundance with a variety of wildlife is open for all you responsible travellers out there. Let’s enjoy and respect what Mother Nature has blessed us with..

Interested in visiting Sri Lanka for a glamping experience? We are ready to help you curate your ideal glamping holiday with the likes , our long standing partners in the wild…

01/08/2021

Sri Lanka, the tear drop shaped island in the Indian Ocean is blessed with diverse and unique flora and fauna. It is also home to this rosette patterned big cat, one of the ‘Big 5’ in the world. Panthera Pardus Kotiya that makes Sri Lanka their home is an endemic subspecies of leopards classified as ‘Vulnerable’ by IUCN. Leopards are the only big cat (Panthera) species that can be observed in Sri Lanka.

The leopard being a significant wild marvel to the island, the 1st of August, commencing this year, has been declared “Leopard Day” by the Department of Wildlife Conservation (DWC) based on a proposal by the Wildlife & Nature Protection Society (WNPS).

Leopard sightings are recorded mainly in Yala and Wilpattu, two of the largest national parks in the country. Considered the top picks by the wildlife photographers, researchers and enthusiasts around the world who flock into our island to responsibly spend hours in observation to study this amazing creature and its movements.

As responsible travellers, it’s our duty to respect the privacy and provide them space while we enter their home on a 4x4 for a safari ride.

National Leopard Day focuses on the awareness of the leopards' role in the eco system and the urgent need for conservation efforts as they are considered a ‘threatened species’. The main objective of this day would be to spread awareness especially among locals on one of the key issues related to the decrease in leopard population; the human-leopard conflict due to habitat loss.

Let’s not conflict but find ways and solutions to co-exist. We are indeed blessed to share our land with these amazing big cats.

01/08/2021

Once upon a time…

A mysterious enclave nestled in the hills of Ceylon.. a story narrated to weave you in to its mysteries and interesting artefacts. For all you curious and cultured travellers out there, come on board with ArTravele as we unravel the greatest tales of history throughout every part of your journey..

Introducing our signature hideaway in a quaint town famously known as ‘Little England’ -

An in-house production by ArTravele..

Story written, narrated and produced by our very own to weave you into the mysteries of our hideaway..

07/07/2021

Today is the 131st National Archaeology Day of Sri Lanka! The island wonder has a high density of archaeological heritage not only significant for the island dwellers but the whole of humankind. Of course for Sri Lankans, it's a special day considering the enormous depth of knowledge archaeological findings have revealed about the pride of this little island taking us as far as the golden times of the early human beings.

Imagine what tourism would be without the discovery of Sigiriya or Polonnaruwa, both UNESCO World Heritage Sites... Then what about Rajagala, Ibbankatuwa, Wessagiriya, Arankele, Ritigala? The list goes on reaching over 250,000 sites.

The lessons to learn from them are endless... The arts and crafts, unimaginable technology, and practice of sustainability in the ancient times would have yet been buried under if not for archaeology!

Hence, whilst applauding the efforts of our committed archaeologists, let's protect the heritage left behind by our ancestors and leave behind a cherishing heritage for the future to treasure for many more centuries.