5 unforgettable things to do in Sri Lanka – surround yourself with distinct vibes and scenes!

Sri Lanka or Ceylon as it was formerly referred to is famous for its tea which continues to entice and enthral. Therefore, to get up, close and personal with how this beverage is made, it is advisable to schedule trips to the central highlands of the island nation and specifically, to towns in the likes of Nuwara Eliya, Haputale or Kandy. In and around Lipton’s Seat which is a popular stopover, one will discover lush green tea plantations where scenes of keen tea pluckers can be caught sight of. A short distance away is the Dambatenne Tea Factory where the intricacies of tea production can be learnt of as part of a guided tour.

A wildlife safari will easily come off as one of the fonder moments of your time in Sri Lanka for there is much to choose from with each nature reserve offering its own unique journey. The magnificent Yala National Park is home to the elusive leopard species and though, you will certainly need lady luck to smile on you in order to catch a glimpse of these animals, the experience will be more than worth it. Aside from leopards, Yala is also home to a wide spectrum of animals which range from elephants, water buffaloes, monkeys and even crocodiles.

Rising to an imposing 656 feet in the air and nestled within the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle is the glorious structure of Sigiriya. Called ‘Lion Rock,’ this colossal construction once contained the palace and court of King Kashyapa and to this day, reveals a rich legacy that is appreciated by those of all ages. Though, climbing Sigiriya is no mean task, what you will witness en route will be nothing short of magical. The famed frescoes which depict the maidens who served the great king himself will have you exploring every inch and stroke of these magnificent murals. Once atop, vistas of verdant stretches and mountains will warmly welcome you and this is why carrying your trusty camera is essential. Should you be on the lookout for a sound base from where such trips can be planned, then do factor in the possibility of staying with Browns Hotels & Resorts an iconic hospitality chain that offers some of the best resorts in Sri Lanka.

Equipped with conducive conditions and affordable board rentals to tap into, surfing in Sri Lanka is gathering momentum as a pastime amongst the young and young at heart. If you want to learn the basics of this water sport, then arriving at any time of the year will bode well for you. However, for the more daring and skilled practitioner, consider the period of January to April for the west coast while the eastern shoreline is best accessed during May through July. Start off at Weligama Beach on the south coast which is perfect for catching a few waves while the surf schools that scatter Arugam Bay on the country’s east coast will surely elevate your surfing experience considerably. Generally, lessons will incur a cost of around USD 14 for 2 hours but if you come in groups, expect to pay a lot less.

Enter the charming Jathika Namal Uyana where you will be treated to a host of remarkable sights. The rose quartz mountain found here is said to have come into existence over 550 million years ago and a hiking expedition is considered the best way to appreciate its sheer stature and shades of pink that would be hard to miss out on. What’s more? Moving in the direction of its immediate environs will showcase ruins of ancient monasteries and tree temples which go back to the Anuradhapura period that in turn, would cap off a truly sublime time.