About Sri Lanka
Difficult to articulate but whole-heartedly felt, Sri Lanka has a way of staying with you long after your last thambili (coconut water) has been drunk. Put simply, Sri Lanka is impossibly addictive. It is THIS Sri Lanka we want you experience; the one that ‘gets under your skin’ and leaves you with a deeper understanding of this island nation and its idiosyncrasies. After all, isn’t this why we travel?
Sri Lanka has it all; unspoilt beaches, spectacular scenery, wildlife, flora and fauna found nowhere else on earth, ancient ruins, tea, spices, sapphires, temples…the list is endless. There truly is something for everyone, regardless of interest and budget. Despite these riches, without reservation, it is the people of Sri Lanka that are the island’s greatest asset. Warm, hospitable and fun-loving, to experience Sri Lanka is to also connect with her people. Our recommendation; take five to chat with a local over a cup of Ceylon tea, make small-talk at the local corner store or join in a baila dance on the beach.
Close to the hearts of all Sri Lankans – food (and cricket, but I’ll linger on the food). Sampling Sri Lanka’s local fare as you meander through its streets is an absolute must. Break journey at a road-side stall where freshly-made vaddais and lunu miris (chilli and onion sambol) can be washed down with a hot cup of tea or a thambili, deftly cut open in front of you. Once you have consumed the coconut water, the stall-holder can break open the coconut allowing you to scoop up all that delicious coconut flesh. These are some of my most treasured memories; sitting roadside with family, drinking thambili and chatting to the stall-holders and their families. There are also numerous rest houses that offer amazing lunch buffets for less than 5 dollars! Don’t forget to buy a few ‘short-eats’ to take away. Stuffed roti, mutton rolls, pastries, eclairs, ribbon cake …they are all delicious.
While famous for her tea, sapphires and palm-tree lined beaches, Sri Lanka’s history books opened 2500 years ago, offering history buffs almost unfettered access to ruins of monasteries, temples, Buddhist statues and forts. The ancient citadels of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, Sigirya rock fortress and paintings, Dambulla cave temple, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth relic, and the Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi - the oldest living, human-planted tree in the world - are some of the most culturally and religiously significant sites. Less well-known – though of historical significance for its role in housing ancient Buddhist texts - is the Aluvihare Rock Temple and library; a serene, ancient place, for those keen to trod a path less worn.
Colonisation by the Portuguese, Dutch and British, has resulted in an irresistible blend of cuisine, customs and architecture that can be enjoyed throughout the island. Look no further than Colombo for examples of beautiful old colonial buildings and avenues with towering trees that possess character all of their own. Built in 1864, the Galle Face Hotel sits proudly on the shores of the Indian Ocean. Once dubbed “the best hotel east of Suez”, it is a must-see. Take in the setting sun on a balmy tropical evening while dining alfresco and witness the Scottish bag pipes being played by a kilt-clad Sri Lankan as they ceremoniously lower the Sri Lankan flag for the day; it is one of those ‘only-in-Sri Lanka’ experiences.
Another town with charm and personality-to-boot is Galle. An hour’s drive south of Colombo, home to the annual Fairway Galle Literary festival and an UNESCO World Heritage site, Galle’s old Dutch fort and lighthouse are a wonderful backdrop to its cobblestone streets lined with quirky little shops and another colonial-era hotel that oozes class – Amangalla. For me, Galle is one of those special places that defies description. I could happily retire there.
Needing very little introduction, Sri Lanka’s tea country is breathtaking. Probably the most verdant landscape I’ve ever seen, the rolling hills, waterfalls and tea plantations definitely restore the soul. Scenic walks, challenging hikes, dramatic scenery, and ofcourse, tea-related experiences are on offer. Stay in a former tea planter’s bungalow, an eco-resort or a converted tea factory high in the misty hills to create a memorable experience steeped (pardon the pun) in natural beauty and colonial charm.
Last, but by no means least, Sri Lanka’s wildlife. Despite being so small, Sri Lanka has one of the highest rates of biological endemism in the world. During the dry season, between July and October, our planet’s largest gathering of Asian elephants can be seen at Minneriya National Park in Sri Lanka’s North Central province. Being an apex predator, Sri Lanka’s leopard are generally larger than counterparts in other countries and can be spotted (this time, pun intended) at national parks, including Yala and Wilpattu. Sri Lanka is also a bird watchers paradise. Home to around 400 species, some endemic, others migratory, Sri Lanka’s bird sanctuaries are a great place to take it all in. From the skies to the deep blue sea, Sri Lanka is also a terrific place for whale and dolphin watching. Kalpitiya, in particular, is a great place to watch dolphins at play. While in Kalpitiya why not take a kite surfing lesson and enjoy surfing over the still lagoon or the rolling Indian Ocean.
Needless to say, we are proud of our island home. Truth be told, we do not want it to become a tourist destination as this belies its riches. Sri Lanka is a transformative place. Her people are resilient and hopeful; Sri Lanka’s modern history attests to this. You can certainly relax here, have fun, learn, laugh, share in traditions that are centuries old, above all, we want you to leave with an appreciation of the passion, history, heritage and potential that is Sri Lanka.