Joanna James
Sri Lanka is varied in climate and environs. There are many sites to visit for a comprehensive experience of all the island offers. Choose from relaxed to adventurous holidays across the island.
Kandy is the hill capital of Sri Lanka. A historic city which served as the nation's last kingdom, Kandy is set amidst the central hills. The city is dominated by the famous Kandy Lake across which sits the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic. This revered Buddhist temple located within the last Royal Palace holds a tooth relic of Lord Buddha. The city is home to the vibrant Esala Perahera a grand street pageant that has a magnificent tusker carry the precious tooth relic from the temple along the streets of Kandy. Kandy is also quite close to the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage where baby elephants can be bottle fed by visitors. There is also the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens home to an exotic collection of over 4,000 species of flora.
Sri Lanka is a tropical island but in contradiction to this are the chilly climes of Nuwara Eliya. The country's highest-placed city, it is better known and understood as 'Little England'. Established by the British colonist who favoured and felt at home within the areas cool climates, Nuwara Eliya is dominated by Lake Gregory and the gorgeous Horton Plains. Visit tea factories and trek through the many tea estates located across the hills of Nuwara Eliya. Hike to Bakers Falls and famous World End lookout point. Stay at colonial style bungalow and get comfy in front of a roaring fireplace.
Of all the places to see in Sri Lanka the coastal stretch is the most rewarding. Endless expanses of white sand lapped by the warm Indian Ocean promises to rejuvenate the weary soul. Snoozing under swaying palms and loads of succulent seafood are yours to enjoy and savour at the fabulous seaside resorts of Sri Lanka. Places like Trincomalee on the Eastern coast are utterly stunning not just for the glistening blue ocean but for the scenic surroundings and the fabulous chance of spotting whales and dolphins just off shore.
This is Sri Lanka's Deep South, home to the country's largest wildlife conservation the Yala National Park. The boulder-strewn beaches are wild and rustic as are the villages where chena huts built by traditional cultivators offer panoramic views across the fields. Yala with its savannah like jungles and warm balmy nights is quite the treat for all nature lovers. Early morning safaris to the Yala Park promise sights of elephants and leopards together with a large collection of amphibians, reptiles and birds. Tissamaharama just a few minutes away is an ancient heritage site; there you can tour 3rd-century shrines and lose yourself in the folds of the rustic villages.
Anuradhapura is part of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. The first kingdom to be set up the city is the country's most revered Buddhist pilgrimage site. There you have a range of ancient relics to explore from ancient palace remnants to vintage Buddha statues to fabulous gardens that hold centuries-old trees. Staying at any one of these fabulous locations is a breeze as there are many hotel chains in Sri Lanka. Choose from budget stays to utterly gorgeous boutique hotels located in unique settings across the country. Enjoy being cocooned in luxury in the savannah-like surroundings of the Deep South or beach front access on the gorgeous eastern coast; choose from the likes of Uga Escapes for a comprehensive experience of all Sri Lanka has to offer.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
