This sun blessed island is more than just a land of sun and cinnamon. Beyond the blissful beaches you can visit timeless temples, ruined kingdoms, monumental religious sculptures, wild elephants on safari and graceful tea plantations in the hills.
In order to get the ‘best of Sri Lanka’ you should consider a bespoke tour of this compact tropical island that swims with the flavours, smells and sounds of the Indian subcontinent. Here are just a few of the highlights, unique to Sri Lanka
Climb Sigiriya Rock
The 5th century Sigiriya Rock Fortress is a world heritage site, built by King Kashyapa (477-495AD). Known as the ‘Lion Rock’ this citadel of unusual beauty rises 200 metres from the scrub jungle and you can climb to the very top by a combination of both original steps and constructed ramps. A moat, rampart and extensive gardens including the renowned water gardens ring the base of the rock.
Visit Kandy
Kandy was the last ancient capital of the Sri Lankan kings and is another world heritage site. The name Kandy conjures visions of splendour and magnificence and many of the legends, traditions and folklore are still lovingly kept alive. Wander around Kandy Lake built by the last Sinhala king, Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe in 1798 and the streets of Kandy to get a feeling for this wonderful city and explore the local markets. A visit to Kandy would not be complete without exploring the city’s Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and experiencing a Pooja ceremony with a superb performance of Kandyan dancing and drumming.
Drink tea in Nuwara Eliya
The best way to arrive to the hillside tree plantations is by train. The train timetables can be a bit tricky and are subject to last minute changes but the views during the journey are magnificent if you are lucky enough to experience this.
Nuwara Eliya is dubbed the Little England of Sri Lanka and located in the thick, misty hills of this paradise isle. The colonial atmosphere remains preserved and you can get an insight into tea production and taste probably the best cuppa on earth
Safari in Udawalawe National Park
Udawalawe National Park, nourished by the Udawalawa reservoir and located between the Sabaragamuwa and Uva provinces is just one of the many national parks where you can really get close-up to nature. Venture out in a jeep safari over 30,000 hectares and enjoy elephant gatherings, flocks of sambar deer, wild buffaloes, crocodiles and much more.
I have visited Sri Lanka several times and know that this short article can only give you a taste of what this beautiful island offers, so if you would like to know more contact me on 01428 748440.
As a Personal Travel Consultant, I am able to organise fantastic holidays all over the world that are completely ABTA and ATOL protected. Also being part of the Hays Travel Group, I have the backing and resource of the largest independent travel group in the UK – meaning great service and prices!