Meshaun Journeys

27/06/2024

Why did Lord Buddha come to Sri Lanka?
Was it random? Was it pre-planned? How did this happen?

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Lord Buddha visited Sri Lanka 3 times, records the History books.
First to Mahiyangana, then to Nagadeepa, the third and last time to Kelaniya.

When Lord Buddha visited Nagadeepa (2nd visit to Sri Lanka), to settle the dispute between the two brothers Chulodara and Mahodara, their uncle Naga King Maniakkhika invited Lord Buddha to his kingdom - the Kelaniya. On the 08th year of Lord Buddha’s enlightenment, together with 500 Arhants, Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya.

For Lord Buddha to sit, the Naga King made a Gem-Studded seat. There was celebrations, sermons - after all, this was the Buddha in Kelaniya.

To remember this holy event, for the people to worship Lord Buddha for the years to come, it’s said that the Naga King Maniakkhika placed the Gem-Studded Seat, some relics, at the exact location where Lord Buddha sat and built a Cetiya.

Would you believe that exact location still has a Cetiya?
Even after the invasions, multiple attacks from foreign nations and rebuilds, the Cetiya is still being worshipped by over a million of pilgrims who visit the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

25/06/2024

Swimming Elephants of Gal Oya National Park

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

🌍 Expert travel planning for unforgettable experiences.
📩 Send us a message or WhatsApp us at +94 70 324 4444 for a personalized itinerary.
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Instead of watching elephants on a safari jeep in Sri Lanka, what if you could see them swimming across a large body of water - a tank, swimming from island to island? This mysterious phenomenon can be seen at the Gal Oya National Park in Sri Lanka. The Senanayake Samudraya, Sri Lanka’s largest man-made tank is the home for this beautiful sight.

The elephants in Gal Oya National Park have evolved and adapted to their aqueous habitat, making them fantastic swimmers. If you’re lucky, you’ll see them swimming from island to island – moving with as much grace as any water-dwelling creature.

24/06/2024

Many worship the beautifully crafted statues of Lord Buddha.
Of course, it should be like that. Even we feel the calmness of the Buddha’s eyes, the posture, the peacefullness when we visit a Temple.

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

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📩 Send us a message or WhatsApp us at +94 70 324 4444 for a personalized itinerary.
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But, a rare statue is the Dushkara Kriya Statue. Also known as the Maha Abhinishkramanaya Pilimaya.
Or, in English, the Statue of Self-Mortification.

If you follow the Lord Buddha’s story, when the Prince Siddhartha Gautama was trying to attain the Buddhahood, he took different paths. One was going through extreme levels of torture, pain, and suffering. This act called Self-Mortification is depicted in this statue at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya.

22/06/2024

In 528 BCE, when Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya, he and the Arhants bathed in the Kelani River (Kalyani Nadi). The rock where Lord Buddha placed his robes and the exact spot where he bathed are now revered by pilgrims as one of the most significant locations associated with the Buddha.

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

🌍 Expert travel planning for unforgettable experiences.
📩 Send us a message or WhatsApp us at +94 70 324 4444 for a personalized itinerary.
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The Sivurugala Viharaya, meaning "Shrine of the Rock where the Buddha’s Robes were kept," is situated just behind the Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. Although it is a lesser-known attraction, it is a must-visit when you are in Kelaniya.

21/06/2024

Arhant Mahinda met with King Devanampiyatissa on the Mihintale Rock. This was in 247 BCE. So that's 2,271 years ago. The King was hunting in the forest, when he came across Arhant Mahinda - son of the Indian King Asoka.

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

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They had a beautiful conversation; a very famous dialogue in Sri Lankan history chronicles (books). Some scholars say this is one of the first-ever IQ Tests in the world too... (Chapter 14 of the Mahavamsa)

Monk – “What is the name of this tree, O great king?”
King – “This is a mango tree.”

Monk – “Is there another mango tree, apart from this?”
King – “There are many mango trees.”

Monk – “Are there any other trees besides this mango tree and the other mango trees?”
King – “O Lord, there are many trees, but those are not mango trees.”

Monk – “Are there other trees, apart from the other mango trees and those trees which are not mango trees?”
King – “O Lord, yes, there are; and that is this mango tree.”

The chronicle says that Arhat Mahinda was pleased with the king’s answers. He said, “O great king, you are wise.”

But Arhant Mahinda wanted to test the king’s mental capacity and intellect further. Therefore he asked the second set of questions.

Monk – “Are there kinsfolk of yours, O great king?”
King – “O Lord, there are many.”

Monk – “Are there also those who are not kinsfolk?”
King – “O Lord, there are many who are not of my own kin.”

Monk – “Are there yet any one besides the kinsfolk and not kinsfolk?”
King – “Why lord, that is me.”

Monk – “O great king, you are wise.”

At the end of this conversation, Arhat Mahinda realised the king was a shrewd man with an ability to understand and think rationally.

Buddhism to Sri Lanka was introduced. The King Devanampiyatissa was instrumental in converting everyone of his kingdom to follow Buddhism and the rest is history.

Sri Lankans celebrate the Introduction of Buddhism to Sri Lanka on the Poson Poya Day. Thousands gather at the holy grounds of Mihintale to worship, to show respect and also to celebrate.

Just like the Vesak Poya Day, there are many Dansal (free food stalls) throughout the country, and some areas have pandals as a show of their happiness about celebrating this major milestone in the history of Sri Lanka.

20/06/2024

A Naga (tribe) King, named Maniakkhika invited Lord Buddha to visit Kelaniya after being impressed by the sermon during the second visit to Sri Lanka. In the 08th year of attaining the Enlightenment, Lord Buddha visited Kelaniya with 500 Arhats monks on a Vesak Full moon poya day.

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

🌍 Expert travel planning for unforgettable experiences.
📩 Send us a message or WhatsApp us at +94 70 324 4444 for a personalized itinerary.
💯 Let us create your perfect trip today!

The King arranged a massive celebration for this event and even said to have made a gem-studded seat for the Supreme Buddha to sit during the sermon. After the sermon, it’s said that King Maniakkhika placed the seat, many more relics and made a Cetiya to remember the Buddha’s visit and also make it a place for the pilgrims and believers to Worship the Supreme Buddha.

The statue of the noble god, Maniakkhika is erected as a living form in front of the pagoda of Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya. It is being worshiped and paid homage by the devotees for the great service that was rendered by him towards Buddhism

10/06/2024

Sri Lanka and Buddhism are synonyms. Did you know that there's a place in Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya where it's believed that Lord Buddha and his 500 monks bathed before the sermon in Kelaniya in 5th century BCE?

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

🌍 Expert travel planning for unforgettable experiences.
📩 Send us a message or WhatsApp us at +94 70 324 4444 for a personalized itinerary.
💯 Let us create your perfect trip today!

Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya is not just any place. It's a place of history, even relating to the epic tale of Ramayana - where King Ravana's brother King Vibhishana was coronated after the battle.

Then of course the first-recorded Tsunami to Sri Lanka could be referred to the floods during the reign of King Kelanitissa - where his daughter Queen Viharamahadevi was offered to the seas to calm the sea as well - again Kelaniya.

Taking a quick visit to Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya from Colombo or Negombo is not just a another visit. The visit to this famed temple honestly educates, inspires, and is a place of religious and historical importance to almost any visitor.

03/06/2024

Sri Lanka Tourist Visa Update - June 2024 👈

✅ Sri Lanka extends the USD 10 per person visa fee for the nationals of India, Indonesia, China, Russia, Thailand, Malaysia, and Japan.

❇ Rest of the World at USD 50 per person.

⭕ The e-Visa (pre-apply) and On-Arrival visa are both active for the tourists.

Stuck with your Visa process & Sri Lanka Tour arrangements?

☎️Call/Message: +94 70 324 4444
✉️Email: [email protected]
🔗Website: www.meshaunjourneys.com

29/05/2024

Swipe for a virtual safari to meet the Big Five of Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

Do you know where to spot them in Sri Lanka? Swipe ➡️.
Want to know an interesting fact about them? Swipe 😉

Plan Your Dream Holiday in Sri Lanka with Meshaun Journeys! 🇱🇰

🌍 Expert travel planning for unforgettable experiences.
📩 Send us a message or WhatsApp us at +94 70 324 4444 for a personalized itinerary.
💯 Let us create your perfect trip today!



Thank you Riznad Hussain for the photos. Much appreciated.

30/04/2024

Forbes listed 05 amazing Sri Lankan Hotels and Resorts for their 05 Boutique Luxury Hotels You Can't Miss In Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka may conjure ideas of tropical coastlines flanked with palm-trees but this island is more than just a paradise for beaches. With 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, sacred cities and tea plantations, there’s a lot to experience in Sri Lanka’s interior during your trip. The “Cultural Triangle” — which includes Anuradhapura, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla and Kandy — showcases the glory of Sri Lanka’s ancient empires, while its hill towns speak to its modern history as a British colony and are ideal for hiking, relaxing and immersing yourself in the country’s lush landscapes.

Here are the best luxury hotels to stay in to explore the many marvels of Sri Lanka’s vast interior.

1) Uga Ulagalla, Tirappane (~Anuradhapura)
2) Water Gardens Sigiriya, Sigiriya
3) 98 Acres Resort & Spa, Ella
4) Camellia Hills, Hatton
5) Uga Riva, Negombo



Uga Ulagalla Water Garden Sigiriya 98 Acres Resort and Spa Camellia Hills Uga Riva

25/04/2024

Times of India published about Sri Lanka’s TOP 10 Must-Visit Attractions

Sri Lanka is a land of rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture. Here are the top 10 must-visit attractions in Sri Lanka: 🇱🇰

- Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage site brimming with archaeological wonders. Explore the ruins of ancient palaces, temples, and dagobas.

- Nuwara Eliya
Dubbed “Little England”, Nuwara Eliya is a charming hill station known for its cool climate and scenic beauty. Explore the lust tea plantations, visit historic colonial mansions, and take a boat ride on Lake Gregory for a serene escape amidst nature.

- Mirissa Beach
With its palm-fringed beaches and laid-back atmosphere, Mirissa is a popular destination for sun-seekers and surfers alike. Relax on the pristine shores, go whale watching in the nearby waters, or enjoy fresh seafood at one of the beachfront restaurants.

- Dambulla Cave
The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the largest and best-preserved cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka. The place is adorned with intricate murals and over 150 Buddha statues.

- Ella
Ella is a charming town renowned for its stunning scenery and outdoor adventures. Hike to the top of Ella Rock for panoramic views of the surrounding tea plantations and waters.

- Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is a sacred mountain revered by Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims, and Christians alike. Pilgrims climb to the summit to pay homage to the footprint-shaped indentation believed to be the footprint of Lord Buddha, Adam, or Lord Shiva, depending on religious beliefs.

- Galle Fort
Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a testament to the island’s colonial past. Visitors can also explore the cobblestone streets lined with Dutch colonial buildings and visit historic churches and museums.

- Yala National Park
Yala National Park is home to a diverse array of wildlife, including leopards, elephants, and crocodiles. Embark on a safari adventure through the park’s scrublands and forests to encounter these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat.

- Temple of the Tooth Relic, Kandy
The Temple of the Tooth Relic is revered as one of Sri Lanka's most sacred Buddhist sites. Home to a relic believed to be the tooth of Lord Buddha, this temple attracts pilgrims from around the world.

- Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top of this ancient rock citadel to admire breathtaking views of the surroundings.

25/04/2024

When someone praises Sri Lanka 🇱🇰, we love sharing them!

Amazing praises to the team at Grand Serendib Hotel for their honesty and trustworthiness. ✅

The Grand Serendib Hotel in Kandy offers a hillside retreat with an infinity pool, a grand sky lounge, and luxurious rooms with private balconies overlooking mesmerizing views...

With this gesture, the hotel got a remarkable comment not only about themselves but Sri Lanka as a whole!

How amazing it feels to share positive comments about Sri Lanka and a lovely place like Grand Serendib Hotel 😍😍

23/04/2024

Sri Lankan food is just beautiful.
Even the simple Milk Rice + some fusions.

Watch this clip from MasterChef Episode 16 where Savindri makes a beautiful Milk Rice (Kiribath) with Blackened coconut snapper and Sri Lankan treacle all over this dish. It sure does look like a painting - that beautiful!
Copyrights - MasterChef

Are you a foodie who always wants to try the new flavors of the world?

Visit Sri Lanka where you will explore amazing dishes, various types of food-fusions.

Need any help planning your Sri Lanka Holiday? Send us a message - and we will help you make the best Sri Lanka trip plans that just makes you go crazy in love with Sri Lanka.

Email us on [email protected]
WhatsApp: +94 70 324 4444
Website: www.meshaunjourneys.com

22/04/2024

Coconuts and Sri Lanka go hand in hand. This video from Traditional Me shows how the Sri Lankans made Coconut Oil before the introduction of automated machinery.

The coconut tree is a tree that is not only widespread in our island nation but something that is intricately woven within our culture & cuisine. The Sri Lankans of old called it 'Kapruka', which is a tree of legend that is said to give you whatever you wish. The coconut tree is given such a high honor because each part of the coconut tree can be used for something or another, making the tree one of the most useful trees to grow.

Want to make Sri Lanka trip plans with more experiential activities like this?

Connect with Meshaun Journeys and send us a message or visit our website www.meshaunjourneys.com to get help to plan your Sri Lanka Holiday.

21/04/2024

‼️ Sri Lanka updated the Visa process starting April 2024.

This is the new procedure to get your Sri Lanka Tourist Visa ✅

The complete step-by-step guide to getting your Sri Lanka Visa via the VFS Global and Sri Lanka Immigration portal.

Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority SriLankan Airlines Things To Do In Sri Lanka Harin Fernando Diana Gamage Kimarli Fernando Chami Gasnawage

https://www.meshaunjourneys.com/blog/sri-lanka-visa-guide-updated-april-2024/

Complete Sri Lanka Visa Guide with all the Steps with images. Updated in April 2024 with the latest information and Sri Lanka Tourist Visa prices.

17/04/2024

This is such a nice vlog! Enjoy 🇱🇰

17/04/2024

Sri Lanka's Tourist Visa application system changed from 17th April 2024.

The new website to apply for a Tourist Visa to Sri Lanka is: https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ ✅

The previous (www.eta.gov.lk) ❌ is no longer working.

If you are looking to enter Sri Lanka and want to apply for a Visa (Tourist/Business), the website to apply this is: https://www.srilankaevisa.lk/ ✅

The Standard Tourist Visa fees have changed and gone ⬆️⬆️

The tourist visa is now USD 75 per person (exemptions are available for residents of SAARC countries and a few selected countries)**.

A summary of this new change is in the image below.

16/04/2024

We often include UNESCO World Heritage sites when making Sri Lanka Travel packages or Trips.

Many tourists know these places because they are on the Top Places to Visit list in Sri Lanka, but we thought we'd list each one and give an introduction.

You might have already visited these places, or maybe you plan to. Still, it's fantastic to cross off many of Sri Lanka's bucket-list locations, knowing their importance and highlights.

https://www.meshaunjourneys.com/blog/unesco-world-heritage-sites-in-sri-lanka-updated-2024/

Learn all about Sri Lanka's UNESCO World Heritage Sites when you read through this article. Get to know each location with more details.

16/04/2024

Ceylon Dancers in traditional costumes Smoking a Joint and a cigarette in front of a straw hut Photograph Around 1920. - Original uploader's comment.

Not so sure about the smoking item - whether it's a cigarette or cannabis - it could be a Beedi, which was widely popular in Sri Lanka and then called Ceylon.

The main highlight is the beautiful Sri Lankan Dancer's costume, which is still proudly worn at Buddhist celebrations such as Peraharas and wedding ceremonies and at almost all locations or events that promote Sri Lanka or the Sinhala culture.

Credits to the original uploader.

10/04/2024

Here’s a simplified list of times for the Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudu) celebrations in 2024.
In Sinhala, we write this event as සිංහල සහ දෙමළ අලුත් අවුරුද්ද.

This list is also called the Litha (ලිත), and almost all Sinhalese and Tamils follow these rituals and timings during the Aluth Avurudu days each April - every year.

If you have Sri Lankan friends and family, a good wish is: Suba Aluth Avuruddak Wewa! (සුභ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා).
This means “May you have a prosperous and wonderful New Year!”.

Head over to my blog, www.meshaunjourneys.com/blog, to read about the Aluth Avurudu (New Year) celebrations and the meanings behind this special holiday practiced in Sri Lanka.

&TamilNewYear #ලිත #සුභ අලුත් අවුරුද්දක් වේවා #සිංහල සහ දෙමළ අලුත් අවුරුද්ද

31/03/2024

We are launching www.meshaunjourneys.com!

Our Journey so far:
- Over 500,000 views on social media content
- Articles linked to ChatGPT and all AI-powered Chatbots
- Helping over 4000 tourists in like 10+ years

We have a story to share:
Years back, we started off with a not-so-professional blog post about Sri Lanka. It was just a hobby - posting about Sri Lanka and stuff.

Then, the videos came through. Hotel views, travel ideas, food reviews etc.

Now, we have over 500,000 views! More coming up....

We made some pretty good friends along the way. We became the go-to advisers for many tourists, friends, and even colleagues. The experience gained exploring Sri Lanka, hotels, and places surely did help.

Really appreciate and thankful to everyone who helped, guided, and even encouraged us with this next step.

Here comes:
Meshaun Journeys

Meshaun Journeys Pvt Ltd is a Sri Lanka-registered company creating amazing travel itineraries, linking tourists with their service providers like hotels, drivers, and experience providers.

For over 10+ years, we helped tourists make the best memories. Helping over 4000 clients to Sri Lanka and Maldives and we loved it. Actually, most our clients ended up being friends and still refer us to their friends. How cool is that?

So now, we are going ahead with Meshaun Journeys - our own Destination Management Company (DMC) to connect more clients with a wider network of tourism players in Sri Lanka; hotels, restaurants, drivers, guides, villas, - almost everyone who wants to help put Sri Lanka on the map.

www.meshaunjourneys.com

Visit the website; it'll improve with time.
We have many plans to reach more people who want to visit Sri Lanka and help them realize their travel dreams.

Have any ideas on how to improve the website or our reach?

Tell it to us! Drop a DM/Message as usual. We love your ideas.

Wishing you all a Happy Easter & Blessings to you all 🖤

Meshaun.

22/03/2024

World Water Day - Water for Peace

Today (22 March) is World Water Day, and the theme from the United Nations is "Water for Peace". More than 03 billion people worldwide depend on water that crosses national borders, and here in Sri Lanka, being a tropical island, we are blessed with our own water.

Sri Lanka has made significant strides in ensuring water access for its population. Today, over 94% of Sri Lankans have access to improved drinkable water, and more than 60% have piped water. In rural areas, where access is more challenging, people rely on wells and rainwater harvesting for their agricultural needs.

With its rich historical Heritage, Sri Lanka has a long-standing tradition of Water preservation. The country is home to over 10,000 tanks that have played a pivotal role in agriculture and people's lives. The importance of preserving and using water effectively has been ingrained in our culture since or even before King Parakramabahu the Great (1153 to 1186 AD). His famous saying,' Let not even a small quantity of water that comes from the rain go to the sea without being made useful to man,' echoes our commitment to water conservation.

When you visit Sri Lanka, you will surely fall in love with the sudden rainfalls (being tropical, of course), rivers, reservoirs, tanks, waterfalls, and, of course, the beautiful beaches and sea all around this beautiful island.

Planning to visit Sri Lanka for your next Holiday?
DM/Connect with MESHAUN Journeys - we are here to help you and make your Sri Lanka travel dreams a reality.

10/03/2024

Did you know my Blog post about the Vesak Latern is now featured by OpenAI’s ChatGPT, Google's Bard, and even in Perplexity's Perplexity AI tool?

Today, I felt that it's time I re-write the Story of the Vesak Lantern, a blog post I researched on years back and wrote on my personal blog to share the knowledge among anyone interested. So, naturally, as everyone does, I searched on ChatGPT, Bard so I can find out what's missing on my piece.

To my amazement, ChatGPT and Bard, the leading AI Chatbots, links my blog post as a Reference to it's knowledge. Know anyone who actually fed information to these Generative AI platforms? I'm curious because right now, this has been my only result to find one.

Sure, I'm no genius or someone who could be the leading scholar on Vesak Laterns, but it's the first time I came across such a result where it's as if Meshaun Journeys is Featured on ChatGPT, Bard.

Of course there's more articles, videos, content coming up with Meshaun Journeys about Sri Lanka as it's my #1 now and I'm really hoping I could share my knowledge, expertise with a bigger audience who uses the next-gen search engines such as ChatGPT & Bard.

Alright, back to the article now...

26/02/2024

Enjoy this vibrant energy of Ceylon African Manja!

This unique performance blends African heritage with Sri Lankan spirit. The performers are part of Sri Lanka's Afro-Sri Lankan community, descendants of Africans brought to the island centuries ago. They say the Portuguese brought them down during their Colony in Sri Lanka, and their origin is supposed to be Mozambique. Even still, they carry their original religion of Roman Catholicism, which was brought down from Africa at the time.

Manja's infectious rhythms, playful lyrics, and expressive dance moves are a powerful celebration of their cultural identity. I captured this amazing performance in Puttalam, the heart of Sri Lanka's Afro-Sri Lankan community. The whole experience is fun for the entire 30 minutes and finishes with a small treat of Belimal drink with jaggery.

25/02/2024

Roaming inside the Wilpattu National Park is a fun and educational safari ride. Did you know that Pomparippu is an almost guaranteed ground inside the park for Elephant sightings?

The best time is between 3.30 PM and 5.00 PM, and here are some interesting facts about the elephants you will find in Sri Lanka.

You can book the evening safari and stay overnight at the beautiful Cloud Nine Lanka Resort if you are interested seeing elephants up close and enjoying the Wilpattu National Park safari.

25/02/2024

You can also follow on Instagram to see more.
Sure, the posts are interesting and nothing you'll miss.

23/02/2024

Kalpitiya is famous for many things and today, the Beautiful Mangroves just became another reason. Look at the beautiful sunsets over the mangroves. The sky is a masterpiece with such a blend of amazing colors.