Joanna James
With the world opening up, and flights back on track, planning your next adventure is as exciting as ever. If you're looking for an all-in-one experience, Sri Lanka offers a quintessential tropical experience to cherish.
When someone tells you that Sri Lanka has it all, you better believe it! Many Sri Lanka tours, the likes of Walkers Tours, recommend spending at least two days in the central hills of the island, and this is for good reason. The lush green mountains, never-ending tea plantations, and cold breeze make for a perfect getaway from the chaos of the city. If you're someone that enjoys a great book, scenic landscapes, and a piping hot cup of Ceylon tea, then head over to the likes of Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and even Kandy for true central province hospitality. Don't forget to get a couple of tea packets for yourself and your family back home. A taste of Sri Lanka, all the way from Sri Lanka! Be warned, however, the roads can become quite windy, so prepare yourself in advance if you're prone to motion sickness.
Sri Lankan beaches are known the world over, and how could they not? Being an island nation, Sri Lanka boasts oceans that are of the most unique shades of blue and turquoise, landscapes fit for a travel magazine, and the perfect amount of sunlight for the tan you've been craving! Beach towns like Bentota, Galle, Weligama, Hiriketiya are located in the Southern parts of Sri Lanka, and offer a little bit of everything. Young couples and party goers will find a plethora of interesting things to do and see, coupled with a string of exciting beach parties to attend. For a more family-friendly and laidback beach experience, the Eastern beaches of Sri Lanka are better suited.
While Sri Lankan cities are not all that big, there are never-ending activities at your finer tips. Whether you want to go cafe hopping, brunching, bowling, watch a movie or simply stroll the busy streets - Colombo won't bore you for sure! If you're a shopaholic looking to expand your closet with new additions, the string of new, modern malls dotted around Colombo is right up your alley. Don't forget to spend an evening (or two!) exploring the mouth-watering street food scene in Colombo.
Sri Lankan history is one for the books. This tiny island nation holds so much deep and vibrant history, even those previously uninterested in the past are likely to be lost in the lessons found in Sri Lankan history. The cultural triangle, namely Anuradhapura, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa make a fascinating visit, where you'll be transported back in time to when the Kings walked through the very same areas thousands of years ago. The ancient ruins within the cultural triangle are in pretty great shape, so don't miss.
Sri Lanka is home to an incredible array of wildlife and nature, with several national parks and nature reserves to explore. Yala National Park, located in the southern part of the country, is one of the best places to see a variety of animals, including leopards, elephants, crocodiles, and various species of birds. Udawalawe National Park is also a popular destination for elephant safaris, while Wilpattu National Park is known for its picturesque lakes and abundance of birdlife.
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.
