Joanna James
The teardrop-shaped emerald of the Indian Ocean is iconic for its tropically warm smiles, stunningly diverse landscapes, and nature-kissed heritage marvels. Here are some unmissable experiences to chase in Ceylon’s scenic, rustic-chic enclaves.
While the decadent jungle-and-sunset enchantment of Lanka’s south coast leaves nothing to be desired for anyone bitten by the wanderlust bug, with its surf-perfect, jewel-toned swells, dusky mangrove forests, and heritage-rich hideouts, Yala National Park is arguably its crowning enticement. A colonial hunting grounds once upon a time, this beautiful wildlife sanctuary is now a refuge for 44 species of mammals and over 200 varieties of birds, including the majestic Asian leopard, gargantuan yet gentle elephant herds, massive lagoon crocodiles, gorgeous parading peacocks, and vibrantly feathered storks, which you can thrillingly encounter from the open top of your jungle safari jeep.
The lush repertoire of meaningful experiences in Sri Lanka is vast and vibrant, from waking up to sipping amber liqueur above undulating tea terraces, soaking up the serenity in quaint fishing villages canopied by brilliantly painted skies, and scaling cloud forests exuberant with exotic species to shopping, dining, and bonding in trendy city quarters infused with a tropical-meets-native twist. If you’re enamoured by the vision of postcard-perfect cobblestone streets hemmed by artisan boutiques, olden day homes, charming eateries, and stunning villas, or of walking the picturesque ramparts looking over a tapestry of beguiling ocean views, fascinating Technicolour buildings, and timeless monuments interlaced by enlivening island greenery, timeless UNESCO-listed Galle Fort should dominate your itinerary.
Every moment of frolicking along the pristine Sri Lankan coastlines is a mesmerising polaroid of gliding over coral realms in glass-bottomed boats, cinematic lookout points over jungle-clad seascape panoramas, and enigmatic silhouettes of fishermen balancing on stilts as the sun sets over silken waters. If you’re looking for an off-the-beaten-path seaside haven for blissful self-discovery amid untouched nature, Kalpitiya proffers a sublime backdrop full of irresistible allures, from flying over dunes in 4WDs, kitesurfing over turquoise waves, and chasing lively dolphins to diving into iridescent reefs, exploring historic Dutch Forts, and unwinding at rustic beach rendezvous. If you’re visiting Sri Lanka, vacations of customised finesse can be planned for your optimal enjoyment by the likes of Walkers Tours.
From the legendary grace of the Hill City and the retro-chic settlement of Ella accessed via the world-famous train journey across the picturesque Nine Arches Bridge to the abundance of zip-lining, waterfall-leaping, and panoramic hiking for adventurers of every calibre, Sri Lanka’s highlands are steeped in phenomenal sensations. However, suppose you’re pressed for time. In that case, the Instagram-worthy ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka feels like stepping into an old-fashioned painting, with its misty blue hills, plush tea plantations, strawberry farms, exquisite cottages, colonial landmarks, and refreshingly cool nature-dipped beauty.
A whimsical East-meets-West romance, this ambient commercial cityscape is a fascinating study in contrasts, with its colourful potpourri of neo-classical and historic architecture, flashy high-rises, luxuriously sweeping avenues of vintage glamour, and rambunctious marketplaces hawking everything from glitzy sarees and chunky costume jewellery to sewing machines, party décor, and surprisingly fancy watches! Whether you enjoy handcrafted souvenirs and excellent coffee, organic farmer’s markets selling eco-friendly artisan products, or seaside promenades lined with delicious street food stalls, or leafy park walkways strewn with artwork, Colombo has something to uplift every wanderer.
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A travel writer who has a pas...
