Brimming with colonial grandeur the beautiful island of Sri Lanka (previously known as Ceylon) is emerging as one of the world’s great new luxury holiday destinations. Hanging like a pendant from the ear of India this is an island truly blessed. Sri Lanka’s main languages and religions were inherited from India, but her culture and society have unique and distinct qualities. Signs of Portuguese, Dutch and British influences linger in institutions such as Churches, tea estates and forts, not to mention music and food.
Six years on from the devastating affects of the Boxing Day Tsunami – Sri Lanka is a true survivor. Most of the West Coast beach hotels have long reopened and have also benefited from a full refurbishment looking better than they have done for years. In fact in a clear vote of confidence several international hotel and luxury resort brands have moved to establish presence here.
The coastal south of Colombo has magnificent palm lined beaches. Try the Kandyan dances, a procession of elephants, or the masked devil dance. Explore the temples and 60m high solid brick dagobas (Buddhist shrines) of the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonaruwa. Head for the hill country where the heat of the plains and the coast fades away to reveal gorgeous rolling hills carpeted with tea plantations. Many rave about the surfing breaks at Arugam Bay, Kirinda and other beaches, if that is your thing! There are a dozen major national parks inhabited by elephants, leopards, monkeys, crocodile and deer.As Sri Lanka is but a relatively small Island a lot can be covered in a compact time period.
Recipes brought in by traders & invaders have left there mark and naturally there is an Indian influence but there are also Dutch, British, Arab and Portuguese flavours. Unlike the increasingly informal consumption of food in many countries, eating in Sri Lanka is still a ritual. To truly enjoy a Sri Lankan Curry you must forget any thoughts of cutlery and prepare to dine with your fingers – but remember not to use your left hand!
If wildlife in particular is of interest, perhaps consider a visit to the Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage, set up to save abandoned or orphaned wild elephants. Roaming freely around the sanctuary there is no where else you are likely to see so many elephants at close quarters.
If you offer the Manhouts (keeper) a few Rupee, he will let you jump in for a swim with one of the giants – a wonderful experience!
For more information on any of the areas featured in this blog, contact World Travel Professionals to speak with one of our consultants. We encourage and welcome all user comments and aim to use our blog to interact with our interested readers!
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