Sri Lanka – the pearl of the Indian Ocean

After a very comfortable 13 hour flight we landed in Colombo. We took a short transfer to the 4 star Jetwing Blue Hotel in the beach resort of Negombo. After a good night’s sleep we headed to Anuradhapura, en route visiting Pinnawela elephant orphanage. It was fascinating watching these magnificent animals being washed in the river and then seeing the babies being fed with bottles. For a small fee you can buy tickets to do this locally.

Our accommodation for the night was the beautiful 5 star Ulagalla Wallawwa Resort. This hotel is one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World, featuring 20 private ecologically built stilted chalets set within a 58 acre estate. The four poster bed and plunge pool make this a perfect romantic getaway where you can enjoy private dining, a leisurely bike ride, or a dip in the beautiful infinity pool. It is a unique boutique hotel and one I would definitely recommend.

We visited the ancient ruined city of Anuradhapura which was the first chronicled capital of ancient Ceylon. There are many temples and Sthupa to visit and the sacred Bo Tree where we were blessed. Later on in the afternoon we were treated to a jeep safari at Minneriya wildlife sanctuary. If you love elephants and birds, this is the place to visit. The views were outstanding.

On arrival in Dambulla, our hotel for the night was the 4 star Heritance Kandalama. This hotel is an architectural masterpiece by Geoffrey Bawa, built overlooking the rock fortress of Sigiriya. The hotel sits at the heart of the cultural triangle of Sri Lanka, close to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Monkeys climb the balconies, so keep the doors closed!

The next day, we were to climb Sigiriya Rock. Considered the eigth wonder of the world, Sigiriya was built in the 5th century. Over 600 feet high and 1200 steps, oh how my legs ached once we arrived at the top, but the views were amazing and worth every step! During the afternoon we visited Dambulla cave temples. Dambulla is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There are five caves one of which is home to 150 life size statues of gods. The ceilings are covered with frescoes and depict great events in the life of Buddha.

We then set off for the picturesque drive to Kandy, which is a peaceful haven to retire to and enjoy the cooler climate. Kandy is the cultural centre of Sri Lanka, dominated by its lake and the nearby Temple of the Tooth which houses Sri Lanka’s most sacred relic. Our stay here was at the 5 star Cinnamon Citadel. A lovely modern hotel offering lovely food and simply the best desserts housed in their very own room!

Next stop, Kegalle to experience the low country tea estate and traditional planter’s life of a bygone era. We stayed at the 5 star Rosyth Estate House and we fell in love with it the moment we arrived! Here you can visit a traditional tea factory, have a fascinating traditional cookery lesson and take walks around the local area to see tea picking and how the locals live.

For the last two days of our trip we headed to the Southern Coast and Galle. We visited the famous Dutch ramparts in the Galle Fort and colonial style buildings. Our next hotel was my personal favourite, The Fortress Koggala. The rooms here are just divine! Lie in bed, open the balcony doors and hear and watch the ocean waves crashing on the shore. A luxury resort to recharge your batteries.

Finally for our last stop we headed along the coastal road for our final stay at the Centara Ceysands in Bentota. A hotel located on a peninsula so for us only reached by boat!

To sum up our taste of Sri Lanka, beautiful beaches, plenty of culture, superb food, the most welcoming people and the best tea I have ever had whilst abroad! I have left a piece of my heart in this lovely country and will definitely return again.

For more information or a quote please contact me on 01582 809640.