Joanna James
The palm-fringed tropical island of Sri Lanka offers first-time visitors the perfect mix of nature, art, and culture to immerse themselves in. However, enjoying everything this beautiful country has to offer in a leisurely manner is not a luxury everyone has. If your keen on ensuring your trip is well-rounded as it can get, here is how to enjoy a week in Sri Lanka.
Kick off your week-long stay on the island by arriving at the Bandaranaike International Airport in the commercial capital, Colombo. It's a great place to start your stay in Sri Lanka, as it gives you the chance to shake off the jetlag while making sure to take in the urban capital as much as possible. Simply rest and rejuvenate at some of the best luxury resorts in Sri Lanka before you head off to enjoy the rest of the island at resorts offered by popular chains such as Heritance Hotels.
Just a four-hour drive from Colombo or a quick 30-minute domestic flight if your keen on saving time no matter the cost, missing Sigiriya should not be an option. Home to the iconic Lion Rock Fortress, a designated UNESCO World Heritage site, Sigiriya forms a part of Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle. Climbing the rock during the early morning or late afternoon to take in the panoramic views, the sky palace, and moats, the site is home too, is highly recommended as it can get scorching hot during the afternoon and really zap your energy.
Ella is a charming mountain town nestled among the lush central highlands of the island. Top attractions to check out while here include the UVA Halpewatte Tea Factory, which can be followed by a trek to Little Adam's Peak. Consider having lunch at one of the many restaurants and cafes found in the town, followed by a walk along the very scenic train tracks at Nine Arch Bridge and finally a cooling dip at the Ravana Falls. Note that you can get around with ease in Tuk-tuks here, as it's the most popular mode of transport with visitors.
Sri Lanka is home to abundant wildlife and if you're an animal and nature lover, embarking on an exciting wildlife safari is a must. The drive from Elle to Yala will take approximately two hours so one can arrive in time for an afternoon safari drive if one ensures to leave Ella in the morning. The safari drive finishes at approximately 6 pm in the evening and is one of the best places to spot leopards, as it's known to be home to the highest leopard densities in the world.
After the constant travelling of the past few days, the historic town of Galle is the ideal place to simply kick back and relax. One has the option of lounging by the pool, going for a long lazy swim in the turquoise blue Indian Ocean, surfing, or possibly even practicing yoga at the many open-air shalas! Don't miss out on indulging in some mouthwatering seafood dishes while there.
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 pas...
