Sri Lanka is a remarkable island country located just off the southern coast of India and is the perfect destination for an unforgettable luxury holiday. An undeniably magical and captivating country, it is no surprise it is nicknamed the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Here you'll find hundreds of cultural sights (including eight World Heritage sites), an abundance of wildlife, impressive colonial architecture, and an undeniably stunning landscape. Unsure of where to visit, what to do, or just want some first-hand advice? Well lucky for you, our product manager, Ali, recently had the opportunity to spend two weeks travelling around Sri Lanka and we are delighted that she has decided to share her journey with us.
Read on for some invaluable advice about this fascinating country from someone who’s personally experienced it!
“I recently spent an incredible two weeks travelling around Sri Lanka and what I really loved was the variety this destination has to offer. To discover the most of what Sri Lanka has to offer, I'd recommend spending the first week to 10 days touring around and visiting different areas before finishing the trip with some relaxation time at one of the many great beach resorts. Aside from the diversity of this destination the two absolute key highlights of any visit to Sri Lanka are the food (the local cuisine is flavoursome, delicious and plentiful!) and the people. Sri Lankans are some of the most warm, hospitable and friendly people you can ever have the pleasure of meeting, and it is impossible not to come away having made new friends.“
“For first time visitors, the tried and tested route of the Cultural Triangle, followed by a stay in the Tea Country is a great way to become immersed in the rich cultural heritage and beautifully diverse landscapes. From here, wildlife lovers might want to head down to Yala or Udawalawe National Park to spend time observing Sri Lankan elephants and, if you’re lucky, spot an elusive leopard or two. The birdlife, flora and fauna are signatures of a Sri Lankan safari. From there head to the coast, on this trip we chose to spend a couple of nights in the charming, fortified city of Galle before finishing our trip in the beachfront town of Mirissa, one of the best spots for heading out on whale watching tours.“
“One of the highlights of my trip was getting the train from Kandy up into the Tea Country. It is quite a touristy experience now but also widely used as a method of transport by locals who like to holiday in areas like Nuwara Eliyia in the highlands to get a break from the heat of the cities, so it is not uncommon to have the chance to get chatting with a local family or hear music and singing throughout the carriages. The landscape changes dramatically as you climb higher into the mist shrouded hills, and you can catch a glimpse of everyday life as you pass through colourful towns and villages.“
“The Sri Lankan Rupee is a closed currency so you cannot exchange cash before you travel, on arrival your guide will direct you to the best place at the airport to exchange currency. Having a great guide 100% elevates a holiday to Sri Lanka – we work with some of the best and most experienced guides in the country, whose knowledge will amaze, and their enthusiasm is infectious. Although it is a relatively small country, driving distances can be long but this is just part of travelling to Sri Lanka, especially if you want to make the most of your trip, embrace the journey! The changing landscapes, stories from your guides and growing appreciation for the country will soon pass the time.”
“It’s honestly too hard to pick just one, there are some amazing properties in Sri Lanka and wherever you stay you’re sure to experience outstanding hospitality. I did particularly enjoy my time at Fort Bazaar in Galle on this trip, a boutique hotel with just 18 rooms and extremely spacious suites. The location of this hotel is perfect with lots nearby in walking distance and the atmosphere in the hotel is very relaxed while still offering the utmost in luxury service. The 'Press for Champagne' button in the room didn't go down too badly either!“
With so much to offer, we are sure you will not be disappointed with a trip to Sri Lanka!