Sri Lanka, an island like no other with a range of experiences to elevate your holiday – quench thirst for adventure

As the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo serves up a plethora of diverse experiences to come into contact with that will see you combing through the hawker streets of Pettah and dining out at fancy restaurants that line the coast with relative ease. In short, bursts of hustle and bustle will greet you no matter where you end up in Colombo. In terms of popular places worth checking out, consider visiting Southeast Asia’s tallest free-standing tower, the Colombo Lotus Tower which boasts an incredible range of leisure facilities including an indoor and outdoor observation deck from where the twinkling lights of the city can be caught sight of.

Kandy, the citadel in the island nation’s Central Province is cloaked in mist-shrouded mountain ranges, picturesque tea gardens and a slew of cultural monuments that evoke memories of an era where kings ruled & kingdoms rose and fell. Arguably, the most visited pilgrimage site in all of Sri Lanka is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic or ‘Dalada Maligawa’ houses the tooth of Gautama Buddha believed to have been brought from India in the 4th century. Additionally, the National Museum of Kandy cannot be excluded for within its four walls are priceless exhibits that chronicle the times of the Kandyan Kingdom with opportunities to learn of the city’s ties to colonialism readily presented.

Found nearly a 2-hour drive away from Colombo in Sri Lanka’s Southern Province is the historic city of Galle which was once at the heart of trade and colonial influence. Denoting facets that date back as far as the 17th century, the town is well known for the Dutch Fort which is currently a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The magnificent Fort and its ramparts are a treasure trove of wonder with its beautiful lighthouse a standout feature and a good backdrop to strike that pose.

A stone’s throw from Galle and some 90 minutes from Colombo is the spectacular town of Hikkaduwa which ought to be penned down in your itinerary no sooner you have reserved your air tickets and accommodation. In fact, do make a beeline for Hikkaduwa Beach and its immediate environs which are ideal conditions to engage in a wide spectrum of water sports such as diving, scuba diving, snorkelling and surfing. If you desire to catch some of the finest swells that sweep over towards Hikkaduwa, then it is recommended that you grab your surfboard and be ready to hit the waves anywhere between November and March.  

The outdoors of the Emerald Isle take on varying proportions with wildlife safaris considered one of the more pleasing and insightful of escapes to come to terms with the nation’s unique habitats. Nestled in the southern portion of Sri Lanka is the Udawalawe National Park which is reputed for its elephant population and bird-watching outings and thus, a ‘must’ when on holiday. Of similar importance is the Yala National Park which finds refuge along the southeast coast of the country. Herein, lies a once in a lifetime opportunity to spot the elusive leopard which is by far, the primary reason that attracts wildlife enthusiasts. On the other hand, the keen birdwatcher in you will be enthralled by the scenes that descend over Bundala National Park which is a haven for endemic and migratory birds that arrive from as far as Siberia. Overall, travellers wishing to take in all of what Sri Lanka offers would do well to check into a favourable form of lodging. In this regard, factor in the possibility of selecting from among the best resorts in Sri Lanka presented by Thema Collection.