From coastal retreats to cultural marvels: Ayubowan, Sri Lanka

Ayubowan, ‘could you’ve gotten the present of lengthy life’, is the standard greeting in Sri Lanka. This can be a nation the place hospitality isn’t only a custom, it’s a lifestyle. Often called the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean, each smile, greeting, or shared cup of tea in Sri Lanka displays its folks’s real heat. This can be a place I might fortunately return to time and time once more.

Listed here are the highlights of my newest go to, and I can say with out hesitation, that each single one in all these locations deserves a spot in your Sri Lanka itinerary.

Negombo

At round 8km from Colombo’s Bandaranaike Worldwide Airport, Negombo is a good place for vacationers in search of a delicate welcome to Sri Lanka, whereas avoiding the hustle and bustle of the massive metropolis. There’s a cluster of seashore resorts right here, perfect for these flying into Colombo, or those that need to take it simple in earlier than flying house. 

The place to remain

Perched on the banks of a lotus-filled lake inside simple attain of the worldwide airport, The Notary’s Home in Makandura is a perfect first or remaining cease in your island journey. This luxurious boutique resort, set amidst massive gardens and a coconut grove, is conveniently positioned simply 45 minutes from the airport and half-hour from Negombo.

The home was designed with the huge open areas of nature in thoughts and is a cautious stability of luxurious and leisure. Every of the six high-ceilinged rooms overlooks manicured gardens and the calm waters of the lake, whereas the fusion of latest structure and quirky vintage decor provides oodles of character. Remnants of the unique home, together with a formidable frescoed Buddhist shrine have been rigorously preserved.

Wilpattu Nationwide Park

At 130,000 hectares, Wilpattu Nationwide Park is Sri Lanka’s largest and oldest wildlife sanctuary. Wilpattu means ‘pure lakes’ in Sinhala and ’10 lakes’ in Tamil. The complete park is dotted with pure lakes that entice wildlife, particularly through the dry season. Customer numbers are low, even in excessive season, giving the park a real sense of wilderness. You do need to work somewhat tougher for animal sightings, this can be a place for the extra devoted safari-goer, however you’ll (hopefully) discover an array of wildlife, together with leopards, sloth bears, noticed and sambar deer, wild pigs and crocodiles.

Residence to roughly 149 chook species, together with residents, migratory birds, and endemic species birders, particularly, will love Wilpattu.

The place to remain

Adjoining to Wilpattu, Thamaravila Wilpattu is completely positioned for visits to the park. Thamaravila is glamping in model – 5 luxurious tented chalets, constructed on stilts with thatched roofs, picket decks and plunge swimming pools.

Safaris might be organized and Nadeesha Deemantha, the resident safari information, is extraordinarily skilled and educated.

The north

The north is a world away from the remainder of Sri Lanka. Nearer to southern India than to Colombo, the area was settled in across the 2nd century by Tamil migrants from southern India and has retained a singular character and tradition, one which owes extra to Hindu India than Buddhist Sri Lanka.

Jaffna

In contrast to anyplace else in Sri Lanka, Jaffna within the northern tip of Sri Lanka, affords a captivating perception into the island’s Tamil tradition, in addition to many reminders of its colonial and civil struggle previous. Jaffna was the capital of a Tamil kingdom for hundreds of years earlier than it was conquered by the Portuguese in 1619. A bastion of Hindu tradition and custom, Jaffna is off the same old vacationer path, however you’ll discover each a heat welcome and a wealth of historical past right here.

When visiting Jaffna, begin with the city’s immense fort. Constructed by the Portuguese within the 17^th century, and later occupied by the Dutch and the British, the pentagon-shaped fort is the biggest in Asia and overlooks the Jaffna lagoon.

Subsequent head to the large Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil temple. Relationship from 1734, that is probably the most spectacular Hindu temple in Sri Lanka. Topped by a towering god-encrusted, golden-ochre entrance tower, the large compound is stuffed with ornamental brasswork, larger-than-life murals, pillared halls and a colonnaded holy pool. Cacophonous pujas are held seven occasions a day and the temple is the main focus of the spectacular Nallur Pageant, which runs for 25 days in midsummer.

Cross by the Jaffna Public Library. Burnt down by pro-government mobs in July 1981, through the build-up to the civil struggle, the library was an necessary Tamil cultural and historic establishment. Its world-renowned assortment, destroyed within the fireplace, as soon as included greater than 90,000 volumes, most irreplaceable. The library was one of many first main buildings to be rebuilt after the 2002 ceasefire.

Close to the library is one other architectural curiosity that’s value a fast look. The spindly Clock Tower was erected in 1875 to honour a go to by the Prince of Wales. In 2000 the then Prince of Wales, now King Charles, donated new clocks, to exchange these broken within the struggle.

Set again from the highway, Mantiri Manai, now derelict, its partitions lined in graffiti, is a keeper of secrets and techniques. There’s a lot debate about its background. Some say it’s from the Jaffna Kingdom, others place it within the Dutch or Portuguese colonial period, whereas just a few declare it was constructed as just lately because the Nineties. No matter its historical past, the dilapidated mansion appears to embody each colonial and Hindu structure and is value a go to.

The place to remain

The Thinnai was Jaffna’s first five-star boutique resort. Providing 39 suites and heat, genuine northern Sri Lankan hospitality, the resort is nice for travellers who need to unwind in what generally is a barely chaotic city.

There’s a particular emphasis on sustainability right here, with the recent produce used within the kitchens coming from the resort’s natural farm, positioned only a few km away, or native farmers and fishermen.

Be part of the resort’s cooks for an interesting cooking demonstration and uncover the secrets and techniques behind Jaffna’s wealthy and various delicacies – a speciality is the standard crab curry, an area favorite.

The east coast

Sri Lanka’s east coast is a mirror picture of its west. When it’s monsoon season within the west, the solar is shining within the east; the place the west coast is predominantly Sinhalese, the east is essentially Tamil and Muslim; and whereas components of the west coast might be moderately crowded with vacationers and a surfeit of lodges, the east coast stays largely untouched and tourist-free.

Kalkudah Seashore

For those who’re in search of a tropical paradise with swaying palms, limitless sandy seashores, and a relaxed, easy-going vibe, you’ll find it irresistible right here. Kalkudah Seashore stretches so far as the attention can see and is lined with coconut palm estates and cashew nut plantations. Other than a sprinkling of resorts, the seashore is in any other case utterly undeveloped.

You’ll be able to stroll for miles alongside gentle sand with out seeing a soul, apart from native fishermen casting their nets into the ocean.

The place to remain

Set on a former coconut plantation, Karpaha Sands is a luxurious boutique resort with 17 tented suites, tucked away in lush gardens. Monumental rooms with hovering canvas roofs, big beds, deep bathtubs and improbable out of doors rain showers.

Quirky art work is dotted across the property and the meals is improbable – a mix of Sri Lankan and Mediterranean, that includes regionally sourced elements, with seafood being caught by the native fishermen.

The Cultural Triangle

Central Sri Lanka served because the cradle of the nation’s civilization for nearly two thousand years – from the institution of the primary Sinhalese capital in about 400 BC to the ultimate abandonment of the town of Polonnaruwa within the thirteenth century.  For hundreds of years these nice cities lay forgotten, reclaimed by the jungle, till rediscovered by the British within the nineteenth century.

The spectacular citadel of Sigiriya rises sheer and impregnable out of the plains, sitting atop an enormous outcrop of rock towering 200m above the encompassing countryside. The shortest-lived however probably the most extraordinary of all Sri Lanka’s medieval capitals, Sigiriya (Lion Rock) is a World Heritage Web site and a outstanding archaeological website.

The nice ruined capital of Polonnaruwa is likely one of the undisputed highlights of the Cultural Triangle, certainly of the entire island. Within the twelfth century, Polonnaruwa was one of many nice city centres of South Asia. Inside a century although, the town had been deserted to the jungle, the place it remained hidden for seven centuries.

The atmospheric Buddhist rock temples of Dambulla are crammed with a whole bunch of statues and adorned with the best murals within the nation. In the meantime, the ruins of the traditional metropolis of Anuradhapura are one in all Sri Lanka’s most compelling historic websites, and Mihintale is revered because the place the place Buddhism was launched to the island.

Minneriya Nationwide Park affords a change of surroundings for these saturated with ruins. This is likely one of the greatest locations within the nation to see wild elephants. This comparatively small park has vary of wildlife, together with deer, langur monkeys and macaques, buffalo, the occasional leopard, and a myriad of various birds, however it’s most well-known for elephants. Massive numbers of elephants are discovered right here year-round, however through the dry months (July – October) herds of elephants transfer by way of the park looking for water and recent grass. Minneriya Tank is a man-made reservoir constructed within the third Century. Often called ‘The Gathering’, as many as 300 elephants might be noticed on the reservoir through the dry season, making it the most important focus of untamed Asian elephants on the planet.

The place to remain

Water Backyard Sigiriya overlooks the traditional rock fortress of Sigiriya. The grounds are an oasis of lakes and streams, paying homage to the traditional water gardens of Sigiriya fortress.

The 30 freestanding villas, a number of with non-public swimming pools, really feel terribly spacious and are organized across the birdlife-rich lakes.

The south coast

Sri Lanka’s south coast is superb, golden sand seashores, set towards emerald paddy fields, coconut groves and sleepy villages.

Galle

Perched on the coast near the island’s southernmost level, Galle is Sri Lanka’s most completely preserved colonial city, its historic Dutch quarter hidden behind the big ramparts of Galle Fort.

If Galle Fort might speak it will be Shanjei Malraj Perumal. Shanjei gave up a profession in promoting to change into a strolling tour information, although he’ll let you know “I don’t do excursions and I’m not a tour information. I’m an entertainer and what I do is experiences”. Be part of one in all his Gale Fort Walks and also you’ll not solely have an fascinating cell historical past lesson of ‘tall tales and true’, however you’ll spend a few hours wandering the fort’s charming, cobblestoned streets, studying about every little thing from colonialism to structure, politics to avenue meals, and doubtless stopping alongside the way in which for a beer in a basic Sri Lankan dive bar – the proper introduction to native historical past and tradition.

Rathgama

The southwest coast of Sri Lanka is stuffed with lodges and a fair proportion of ‘vacationer tat’, however there’s a stretch, simply north of Galle, that’s largely unknown. Rathgama, a small coastal city, is house to an attractive seashore, the place palm bushes wave within the salty breeze and fishing shacks substitute large resorts.

The place to remain

On the pristine seashores of Rathgama, Aditya Rathgama is a small luxurious resort, set in a shady, hammock-strewn backyard, on a stretch of abandoned seashore.

The resort is small and intimate, and its mild, ethereal rooms function antiques and art work from throughout the subcontinent.

There are non-public plunge swimming pools, expansive balconies overlooking the ocean, and a spa is famend as among the best wellness retreats in Sri Lanka.

The west coast

The west coast of Sri Lanka stretches from Galle all the way in which to Colombo.

Kalutara

Positioned simply 43km south of Colombo, Kulutara has a vibrant cultural heritage. Significantly value a point out are the Warakagoda Gallena Rajamaha Viharaya, a historic Buddhist cave temple, and Fa-Hien caves, the biggest pure stone caves in South Asia, inhabited since prehistoric occasions.

The place to remain

Glenross Dwelling is a 160-year-old colonial manor home, on a former tea, rubber and cinnamon plantation. Set on a misty hilltop, amid tropical forest, this boutique resort is a haven of wellness. With a holistic strategy to wholesome dwelling, on supply are guided meditation classes, yoga lessons, Angampora lessons (an historical martial artwork), and health classes. Add to this a luxurious spa, an in-house nutritionist and natural eating. That is the proper place to focus in your well-being.

The previous manor home on the coronary heart of the property has been lovingly restored, and a brief distance away, three stand-alone putting trendy villas cling to the hillside, with non-public infinity swimming pools and 180° panoramic views.

Colombo

About two-thirds of the way in which down the west coast, Sri Lanka’s sprawling capital, Colombo, is normally low on guests’ checklist of priorities, nevertheless, beneath its unprepossessing floor lies a vibrant and characterful metropolis.

Join with  Colombo Metropolis Walks for a personalised, leisurely 2-3 hour stroll, that may take you thru the hidden treasures of Colombo’s heritage. Take the heartbeat of the capital metropolis with Colombo by Jeep and cruise by way of Colombo’s streets on a metropolis tour in an open-air classic jeep. Immerse your self in centuries of historical past and uncover a few of the metropolis’s hidden treasures, all whereas using in jeeps that when carried presidents and troopers.

Finish your day at Galle Face Inexperienced – take a stroll alongside the seafront promenade, seize a avenue meals snack or head for a sundowner on the historic Galle Face Lodge.

The place to remain

The Galle Face Lodge is located alongside the seafront and dealing with Galle Face Inexperienced. In-built 1864, that is the town’s most well-known resort and an oceanfront landmark, with baggage of colonial attraction and quirky character. The resort embraces its historical past and traditions, proper right down to the bagpiper who serenades the decreasing of the nationwide flag at sundown day by day, on the resort’s oceanfront terrace.

The rooms could also be somewhat pale, however they’re atmospheric and no go to to Colombo is full with out staying at this iconic resort.  

Sri Lanka is a world in a single island. Palm-fringed seashores, rice paddies and lily ponds, historical cities, lush rainforests, fabulous nationwide parks and heat, beneficiant welcoming folks; this tear-drop-shaped island positively doesn’t disappoint.

Selecting journey planner for Sri Lanka

This was my second go to to Sri Lanka. I’d liked my first and was eager to return, and as soon as I’d met Sheri Fazleabas, I found simply how a lot I’d missed out the primary time.

Born in Sri Lanka, Sheri’s love for journey began younger. “My household was at all times travelling, we spent weekends and holidays exploring each nook of the nation.” After time at boarding college in England, Sherri returned to Sri Lanka and started a profession in journey planning that has spanned many years.

Now dwelling within the USA, Sheri’s connection to her roots stays sturdy. “Sri Lanka is house. I’m going again yearly, making it some extent to discover the nation over again – there’s at all times one thing new to find.” Right now her firm, A&S Signature Journeys, is thought for crafting bespoke journey experiences. “It’s not nearly reserving flights and lodges,” she says. “We dive deep into understanding what our purchasers need. Are they foodies? Historical past buffs? Journey seekers? Each itinerary is tailor-made to their pursuits and finances.”

Sheri not solely deliberate the proper itinerary, however she additionally gave me the form of insider ideas and proposals that you simply simply don’t discover in any guidebook.

Ayubowan, Sri Lanka!