Joanna James
Resembling a tiny teardrop on the mighty Indian Ocean, the paradise isle of Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of nature's bounty, a vibrant mix of cultures and boasts a rich and ancient history making it an enticing choice of holiday destination to many visitors.
Known as the most ancient healing practice on the island introduced by Indian immigrants, Ayurveda is a well-established healing system prevalent in Sri Lanka. Try an Ayurvedic Herbal Massage to rejuvenate you at the end of a busy day of Nuwara Eliya sightseeing, or a herbal treatment to detoxify and cleanse your system whilst you are in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lankans love easy cotton clothing due to the tropical climate. Sarongs in vibrant tones of cotton are attractive, easy to wear and provides comfort as worn by men whilst women opt to wear dresses or sarees in vibrant hues. Try some of these traditional garbs, enjoy the experience and capture the images for sweet memories.
Rice the staple food in Sri Lanka is consumed with a variety of accompaniments called curries. Coconut milk is often used to turn out the tasty dishes of curry, though spicy, when eaten together with steamed rice it becomes a delicious combination. Sri Lankan cuisine has its distinct flavours bringing out the goodness of the vegetable or seafood used. Try a typical rice and curry meal at a hotel such as Heritance Tea Factory.
Buses and train rides in Sri Lanka are exciting experiences, however, hailing a tuk-tuk to get to those quaint places which cannot be done by bus or train is fun. It is convenient, fast and is value for money. The drivers are friendly and are thorough with the localities. Agree on the fare beforehand if it is not a metred tuk-tuk.
Don't miss Sri Lanka's authentic alcoholic brew, the local Arrack. A potent brew in being one of the foremost distilled spirits in the world using fermented fruit or distilled molasses. Of the many varieties available, coconut arrack remains supreme. Try this strong and flavourful concoction with coconut water or with ice.
Seeing them in their habitat is the ideal experience. Try one of the three national parks to spot large numbers of elephants, doing an early morning visit will enable you to witness the elephant gatherings at water bodies.
A mouth-watering dessert made out of creamy coconut milk, kithul and eggs beaten together and flavoured with a fistful of pounded spices and steamed to perfection. Garnished with flakes of cashew nuts this aromatic dessert must be savoured.
Do a visit to the Horton Plains National Park, a unique combination of montane grassland as well as cloud forest thus rich in biodiversity. Step into a mystic experience and observe dozens of fauna and flora not found elsewhere, the visit will remain a profound experience for a long time.
Being a predominantly Buddhist country temples are found in almost every city and village. Do a visit to a temple to be embraced in tranquillity. If you happen to be there on a full moon Poya Day, there will be more devotees yet the experience will fill you with serenity. Take care to dress modestly.
Not far from the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress is this rock offering you a breathtaking view of the lush greenery from the top, added to that is the fantastic view of the Sigiriya rock itself in majesty. The climb is not too difficult and the crowds are far less.
Hoppers are a delightful meal, doing a hopper meal at a local restaurant is an experience to be savoured. Dinner time is ideal as it permits you to linger and chat. This wholesome yet light food item is made out of rice flour and creamy coconut milk in a little wok type pan, turning out scooped hoppers, with the outer edge crisp and a soft centre. Served with tasty seafood curry and grated coconut sambol.
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