Joanna James
A tiny island in the mighty Indian Ocean, offering rich rain forests, dreamy beaches, fascinating culture and history complemented by its warm and friendly people. Tiny enough to see more of the island in fewer days. So just pack your bags and get ready to enjoy.
An inheritance from the British Colonial era, Sri Lanka's (former Ceylon) tea is world-famous. Enjoy a visit to a tea factory to see the intricacies of the tea making process and enjoy this fine brew on site accompanied by a freshly baked piece of cake or a savoury nibble.
Sri Lanka's leopards, elephants, sloth bears and much more fauna and flora must be seen in their habitat. Yala National Park is a popular choice among visitors at hotels in Ahungalla. Do a safari in the morning to get a good view, elephants especially can be seen in a herd during the early hours of the day.
A part of enjoying a holiday is experiencing different cuisine. Sri Lankan cuisine is unique, yet diverse due to the vibrant mix of cultures. Try the local rice and curry, an all-time favourite koththu roti, heavenly milk rice and mouth-watering seafood. All of these can be enjoyed at hotels such as Heritance Ahungalla specializing in Themed Nights.
Have a truly immersing spa experience from the many spa menus available such as massages, healing therapies, sauna, body treatment and more. Using natural products and trained personnel the menus offer specially curated treatment worth experiencing.
Being an island has bestowed Sri Lanka with beaches that can be enjoyed year-round. Enjoy the warm sand, deep blue waves against a paler blue sky as you relax and unwind at one of the beaches.
Have a great ride to witness mangroves with crocodiles, monkeys, colourful birds and water monitors as you glide on the lagoon. On the way, you can spot some serene Buddhist Temples too.
Observe the largest sea mammal, the whale in Sri Lanka where the sightings of both whales and dolphins can be experienced, Mirissa in southern Sri Lanka is famed for the finest sightings in the world.
This endangered species is being protected by the many Turtle Hatcheries along with the coastal towns. Securing the mother turtles as they emerge to the beach to lay eggs and moving the eggs to the hatchery and nurturing them until they are hatched. A tedious and caring process to observe.
Witness the rich and ancient civilisation of Sri Lanka in the foremost kingdoms of either Polonnaruwa or Anuradhapura. The ingenuity and skill of the workmen are evident in the palace structures, temples and monasteries.
Home to a tooth relic of Lord Buddha, this iconic temple in Kandy is revered by Buddhists from all over the world and admired by visitors. Feel the atmosphere within the complex to feel in awe.
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.
