Sri Lanka: Up Close and Personal
Sri Lanka parked perilously close to India is the jewel of the Indian Ocean that will enchant you with a bounty of treasures. After the end of its brutal civil war and the 2004 tsunami devastation that raged the island, Sri Lanka is now bursting with optimism (but not crowds). A visit to this island should be on the bucket list of all travellers!
The island may be smaller in size, but it’s got it all. First, the variety of natural environments found here is overwhelming, with habitats ranging from thick, tropical rainforests to verdant green rice paddies and misty highlands. Then there’s also the rich wildlife – one can’t help but be awed by the sight of great herds of elephants, elusive leopards, schools of dolphins, hundreds of species of colourful birds and reefs teeming with fish.
Rich in culture, the island has abundant religious and historically significant sites. For culture lovers the temple complex of the Anuradhapura is a must. A Buddhist pilgrimage site, the ancient city has wonderful stupas and temples. The rock fortress of Sigirya is an enervating climb on an island mount in the middle of the country with vertiginous views and wonderfully preserved cave paintings. Don’t miss visiting The Temple of the Tooth in Kandy which is housed in the royal palace complex of the former kingdom of Kandy. The relic of Budhha’s tooth was believed to give its holder the rule of the country. Watch the majestic beasts eat, play and bathe on the riverbanks at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage which provides a natural habitat for nearly 100 elephants! Then there are the cave paintings of Dambulla where dimly lit caves house thousands of painted Buddhas.
As much as it is known for its culture, Sri Lanka is known for its beaches – and no introduction to Sri Lanka would be complete without some sandy suggestions. The southern part of the island is almost given over to a beachfront culture, broken only by the magnificence of the 17th century UNESCO World Heritage fort at Galle – a must see. Here endless stretches of azure-blue seas and white-sand beaches draw visitors from around the world. For walkers and those who prefer the cooler highlands, visit the verdant hills of Hatton. Stay in a restored, colonial-era bungalow in the heart of lush tea country. Discover the art and science of growing, harvesting and making some of the world’s finest teas. Afterwards, participate in an interactive session where you will learn to train your palate to discern the qualities that make this tea. Hot cue- this is where you replenish your stock of Ceylon tea!
To experience the best of wildlife in Sri Lanka, visit Minneriya National Park, where elephants go in the dry season to eat the sweet grasses exposed by the receding waters of a massive reservoir built some 1,700 years ago by one of the Anuradhapura kings. If time permits, take out a few days to include a visit to Yala National park to look for the shy and elusive Leopards.
