Helix Digi Labs
Sri Lanka is as unique a holiday destination as any other but in addition to our world-class beaches, tea and nature trails, Sri Lanka is also home to more than a few unique experiences found nowhere else. Read on for what new experience you should try out on your next trip here!
Kandy is home to the Sacred Temple of the Tooth, the royal castle of Sri Lanka’s last king and now the sacred home of the Lord Buddha’s Tooth Relic. From the Temple springs the Kandy Esala Perahera, an annual procession that occurs from late July to August as a celebration of Kandy’s religious traditions, as well as being a ceremony to usher in blessings.
The procession is an awe-inspiring phenomenon that draws an audience from all over the country but seating is always set up near and around Queen’s Hotel in Kandy, one of the oldest and most storied hotels in Sri Lanka. This is one celebration you cannot miss!
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Nothing beats a hot Sri Lankan day under the sun like a sip of water straight from a freshly cut King Coconut. At any time of day and year, you can find street vendors selling authentic and fresh King Coconuts, immediately recognizable by their bright orange shells. Buy one (or two) and the vendor will puncture it right there for you to drink deep the naturally sweet King Coconut water!
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Nothing is more symbolic of Sri Lanka’s nightlife as the rhythmic sound of Kottu in small street-food shops. A flatbread chopped up and mixed simultaneously with an insane mix of steaming vegetables and a meat of your choice, made on a hot plate right in front of your eyes. Kottu is more than just eating it, it’s also about the experience of picking the ingredients and watching it made in front of you with all the heat, rhythm and fervor of Sri Lankan nightlife around you. Truly a uniquely Sri Lankan offering.
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Minneriya National Park is a mainstay on any traveller’s list and with good reason. For it’s at Minneriya that Asia’s largest Elephant gathering occurs as the dry season prompts large herds of elephants, numbering at least 200, to migrate from the Wasgamuwa National Park to Minneriya’s abundance of food, water and shelter. A safari trip will take you right to the edge of the gathering to safely marvel at the largest elephant congregation you will ever see.
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Sri Lankan street food is truly in a league of its own. And Sri Lanka 'short eats’, typical Sri Lankan bakery and baked street food fare is a regular indulgence of many. And within its ranks, Maalu Paan takes the proverbial cake. Flavored with spiced fish and vegetables, Maalu Paan is a unique baked treat that you have to savor at least once, here in Sri Lanka.
Pro tip: Maalu Paan is best enjoyed with a cup of hot tea on the side.
PC: SL_Foodstories/Instagram
As an Island with clean (by design) oceans, Sri Lankan seafood is hard to beat and if you’ve ever wanted to taste Sri Lanka’s export-quality crab in an authentically Sri Lankan setting, make your way to the Ministry of Crab. Fresh crab caught on the same day as your dinner date served to you with the iconic Sri Lankan flair and flavor. It’s a must-do on your visit to Colombo and we’ve heard that the Garlic Chilli Crab and the Black Pepper Crab are the go-to favourites to look out for!
PC: Ministry of Crab/Instagram
