Joanna James
During your trip to Sri Lanka, you should undoubtedly take the opportunity to experience its unique culture by learning about Ayurveda, ascending Sigiriya Rock, taking a cooking class, visiting Buddhist temples and more; culture lovers will be enthralled by these distinctive experiences.
Sri Lanka boasts a number of spice gardens and an excellent one to explore is the one at Kandy which may be entered free of charge. There are many interesting experiences to be enjoyed in Kandy – such as exploring temples, attending cultural performances and strolling around the lake – but visiting an Ayurvedic spice garden is undoubtedly a highlight. During your time here, you could learn about the various trees and herbs, the different medicines and how the herbal concoctions and mixtures are prepared.
The imposing Lion Rock at Sigiriya is undoubtedly one of Sri Lanka’s best-known cultural attractions. The impressive Lion Rock which has been identified as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, at one time featured the palace and gardens of King Kashyapa I. It is always a captivating experience to make your way to the summit of the rock by climbing a series of stairways. Amongst the well-known features of this site are the Sigiriya Frescoes and the fascinating ancient graffiti you will encounter on the way to the top.
Your holiday to Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without trying out the local cuisine and taking a cooking class will be a rewarding experience. You will have the opportunity to learn the art of preparing typical Sri Lankan rice and curry. Your hosts may include a visit to a local market to buy groceries in the overall experience; you are sure to be captivated by the distinctive sights, sounds and aromas to be found in a Sri Lankan market that will add to the allure of this experience.
This nation happens to be a mainly Buddhist country and visiting the local Buddhist temples will be an absorbing experience for travellers. Many such sites including the Kalutara Temple, within easy reach of properties like Avani Kalutara Resort, are accessible to tourists and you can observe interesting sights here. Temples will be particularly vibrant on Poya (full moon) days when numerous local devotees can be seen as they engage in religious observances. Keep in mind that these are sacred sites and you need to be respectful of the local customs and wear conservative attire covering bare shoulders and legs.
If you desire to gain an insight into outstanding Sri Lankan landscaping and garden design, you should undoubtedly take the opportunity to head to the enthralling Brief Garden which was the life’s work of Bevis Bawa, the brother of renowned architect, Geoffrey Bawa. In this garden, you can admire the beautiful greenery, plants, pathways, statues and other appealing artworks. Those based at resorts in Kalutara can easily plan an excursion to the Brief Garden and enjoy the stunning beauty and tranquillity of this site.
Sri Lanka happens to be renowned for its famed Ceylon Tea and your tour of the nation’s cultural features wouldn’t be complete without exploring one of the picturesque tea plantations in destinations such as Nuwara Eliya. In addition to strolling through a tea estate, you will have the chance to tour a working tea factory where you can view the machinery, observe the stages of the processing of tea and present any questions that you may have. Of course, the best way to end your visit is by having a refreshing cup of pure Ceylon Tea!
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.
