People often think of Sri Lanka in the same way as India - noisy, chaotic and a complete assault on the senses. It’s not. Sri Lanka has its own personality and a really lovely easy going island mentality with sweet, generous and welcoming people. For such a small island, it has a lot to offer from dramatic landscapes to ancient temples, historic hill towns with reminders of the British Colonial era, verdant tea plantations, abundant wildlife and stunning beaches with some of the best surfing in Asia.
I first visited Sri Lanka over 25 years ago. I fell under its spell then and I continue to be enchanted by it each time I visit. It’s a country where it really is possible to get under its skin in just 2 weeks. I am certainly planning another trip to Sri Lanka soon and here’s why you should visit too.
On The Road
The best way to see the island is to circumnavigate it. Planes, trains and automobiles are all possible, but travelling by road with your own chauffeur-guide (who stays with you throughout your trip) is a great way to see the untouched side to the island. Outside of the towns, with their tooting tuk-tuks, you drive through the dreamiest landscapes of palm tree backed paddy fields and lakes full of stunning lotus flowers, egrets and cormorants. Some of the longer journeys can now be done by seaplane, which is a thrilling little addition to your trip.
Discovering Ancient Civilisations
The Cultural Triangle in the central plains is where you’ll find most of Sri Lanka’s historical sites, many of them UNESCO protected. There’s Anuradhapura, a devout holy site centred round the sacred Bodhi Tree, under which it is believed Buddha gained enlightenment. The beautiful 12th Century ruins of Polonnaruwa. Dambulla, a well-preserved rock cave temple complex where, deep inside, you’ll find over 150 colourfully painted statues and impressive murals, many dating back to the 1st Century. Whilst Sigiriya Rock Fortress soars 200m up out of the jungle and offers stunning panoramic views from the top. Or equally you can just admire it from a distance, whilst staying at the wonderful Water Garden Sigiriya.
High Tea
You can take a scenic train journey into the Hill Country, where the landscape is one of misty lakes, tranquil woods and vividly coloured tea plantations that seem to wind over almost every inch of the slopes.
Here, you can stay in a rather spoiling tea planter’s bungalow such as one of those at Tea Trails. Originally built during the days of the Raj for British tea estate mangers, the bungalows, each with its own character, are dotted around the valley of a working plantation and have been sensitively restored and brought up to date.
A Tea Factory Tour is a must. It gives an interesting insight into the process from plant to pot and allows you to study the steady work of the Tamil tea pickers.
Animal Magic
Sri Lanka is amongst the most bio-diverse countries in the world. There are herds of elephants that still roam free in some of the national parks or you can even see Asian elephants swimming on a boat safari at Gal Oya Lodge. Whilst “twitchers” can delight in over 200 different species of birds from the everyday vibrant green bee catcher, to kingfishers, painted storks and the Malabar Pied Hornbill.
Glorious Galle
If possible in an itinerary, I always try to fit in a couple of nights in the tiny 17th Century town of Galle Fort on the southwest coast. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best preserved colonial sea fortress in Asia, is a cosmopolitan little enclave. The once run down colonial buildings that line the maze of narrow atmospheric streets within the fortified walls have been spruced up and now house boutique hotels, cute cafés, stylish shops and the whole place has a rather buzzy vibe.
The stunning countryside on the outskirts of Galle is a great place to experience authentic rural life; first by boat and then by bike as you cycle through paddy fields and villages where smiling locals are still inquisitive. Maybe stop en-route for a hands on lesson in hopper making, a local delicacy which is much like a pancake and is served with egg or sambal and is utterly delicious.
Coastal Calling
Sri Lanka is blessed with a wonderful coastline. The caramel sand beaches backed by overhanging palm trees have a rugged, wild beauty so if you’re looking for white sands and flat as pancake seas you will need to combine Sri Lanka with the Maldives, which is very doable. The thing about Sri Lanka’s coastline however, is its variety from sheltered bays in the south to mile upon mile of empty sand to stroll in the east.
Beachside accommodation varies from boutique hotels to some fabulous private, exclusive use villas. Or head to the hills, with amazing views down to the coast, and stay at dreamy Kahanda Kanda or Malabar Hill.
Round Up
Sri Lanka really is waiting to be discovered and it’s perfect for families and couples alike. The east and north are in season in our summer months, so make it perfect for an extended trip during the school holidays.
I create totally bespoke trips for each of my clients that showcase the spirit and soul of this wonderful country and which are filled with authentic experiences, culture and a little bit of la Concordia magic.
If you’d like some more information on visiting Sri Lanka, or would like to chat through an itinerary that could work for you, then please do get in touch.