Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a land like no other. Framed by golden sandy beaches and the blue Indian Ocean the island in its heart holds chilly and misty mountains, savannah like jungles and rustic animal parks.
An all-night climb up historical Adams Peak will reward you with one of the most stunning sunrises you will ever experience. Better known as Sri Pada this beautiful peak rising from the southern hill country of Sri Lanka has been a pilgrimage site for over 1000 years. Debates have been raised as to who's footprint is embedded at the summit of the mountain; 'Sri Pada' translating to 'holy foot'. The all night climb is a revered journey and in the chilly night air quite a task made light by the gravity of the holy journey you are on. Mostly a Buddhist pilgrimage site, for many believe it is Lord Buddha's footprint imprinted there; Adams Peak rewards you with verdant surroundings and a magnificent view at the top. The trek to the base of the mountain is one nature lovers enjoy; several paths and tracks through various villages and forests will certainly satisfy your need for rustic surroundings. This makes a trek to Sri Pada part of most Sri Lanka tours itineraries.
Rustic beauty is all over Sri Lanka; you could be in the middle of bustling commercial capital Colombo and still be mesmerized by a glowing sunset. Head over to the expansive Galle Face Green; once a race course and front lawn of a British Governor's mansion. The green looks out to the huge Indian Ocean and welcomes you with huge gusts of wind and refreshing sea air. The green has been in existence for over 100 years and welcomes all lovers of nature and fresh air. Park your car and walk down to the edge of the green where you can sit on the retainer wall and enjoy a sunset like no other; while ironically behind you traffic is a chock a block and harried commuters traverse the busy streets.
Sri Lanka may be known for its tropical beaches and swaying palms but did you know that in its centre are misty mountains that weave a magical mist all around. Take the Knuckles Range for instance located between Matale and Kandy districts the mountain range is home to beautiful woodlands and verdant hillocks. Treks to the summit will take you past bubbling streams and beautiful fields while the view is one to be enjoyed in solitude. The summit of the Knuckles Range is usually covered in thick cloud forests offering one a magical aura and sense of freedom.
Head over to the towns of Yala and Bundala along the south eastern coast and you will love the rustic beaches framed by forest. Wandering herds of elephants may surprise you around Yala while exploring further inland you will come across boulder strewn lagoons and savannah like jungles. The beaches are beautifully decorated with huge rocks and places like Kirinda is steeped in historical tales; ones to be enjoyed around a village campfire. In fact booking a 'Sri Lanka tailor-made' tour package incorporating all your rustic outback passions will certainly pay off with a holiday of many memories.
Enchanting surroundings do not get any better than the hills and woodlands of Nuwara Eliya. The cold chilly weather and mist covered mountains will transport you to an old English village while visiting UNESCO World Heritage Site – Horton plains National Park will certainly rewards you with sights of indigenous wildlife and rich flora that's quite unique to the region.
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.
