Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a tiny island located on the Indian Ocean; one of the world's most sought out tropical holiday destinations, the little nation offers quite the experience from safaris to see exotic wildlife to idling on the most exquisite beaches. Listed are the best island experiences.
That's right, all you surfer enthusiasts out there, Sri Lanka is one of the world's top surf destinations. The island caters to both the novice and professional surfer with plenty of surf schools located along the coast to get you started. The town of Hikkaduwa on the south coast started out as a hippie community in the '60s, today it's a surfing hotspot and party central, Arugam Bay in the east is home to daredevil reef breaks attracting professionals from across the world while plenty of sandy breaks are there to gently catch you. Places like Weligama are home to a lovely bays and surf schools for beginners to get the hang of wave riding. With many a travel agency in Sri Lanka, creating tailor-made packages to suit each individual's tastes, it's easy to settle on the type of island experience you crave. Check with professionals like Holidays by Design, or any other recommended tour operator for an experience that fits your lifestyle.
Ceylon tea is famous the world over and you can get a taste of this ancient industry by travelling into the central highlands. The weather changes to resemble colder climates and places like Nuwara Eliya are referred to as 'Little England'. The British colonists who set-up the tea industry in Sri Lanka, created a slice of home in the central hills, hence you are treated to rolling hills covered in blue-green tea bushes, warm cosy and fragrant tea factories to explore and sip deliciously comforting cups of tea, as you take in the gorgeous views. The central highlands are indeed beautiful with hills and vales to explore and plenty of waterfalls to chase, so go ahead and choose a holiday of hikes and trails, relaxing in old colonial bungalows in front of a roaring fire and exploring lush parks and reserves by opting to explore central Sri Lanka.
Make the spiritual trek up Adams Peak and savour a feeling of blissful accomplishment. The mountain one of the most sacred in Sri Lanka is called Sri Pada (pada meaning foot) or Adams Peak. A footprint lays engraved at the summit of the mountain which Buddhist's believe to be that of the Buddha and others the footprint of Adam. The climb to the top is a trek of about 8 hours and requires some physical fitness, although many an elderly Buddhist devotee is seen making the sacred journey to the peak. Start your ascent at night and get there in time to witness a glorious sunrise and stunning birds-eye views of the surroundings.
The country is well connected by rail, and the most scenic and enjoyable route is from Colombo to the central highlands. The town of Ella is a favoured destination as your train ride will wind along the mountains, past lush vegetation, silvery waterfalls, hills covered in tea bushes and loads of smiling locals ever ready to wave a hello.
The Yala National Park is the islands most popular animal sanctuary, and there are many to choose from. Yala is home to one of Asia's largest collection of leopards, together with wild elephants, sloth bears a host of other exotic mammals, amphibians and an astounding variety of birds. The boulder-strewn wild beaches are home to wandering herds of elephants, the lagoons and marshes are full of colourful flamingos and toothy crocodiles while peacocks and other feathered beauties promise to catch your eye. You can savour all this and more on the sunny island, by getting in touch with an experienced tour organiser in Sri Lanka.
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