Sri Lanka has been widely overlooked as an incredible destination and I was even unsure and not too excited about visiting at first. Located approximately 160 kilometers north of the equator, this country is a diverse tropical paradise that is home to stunning beaches, tea plantations, wildlife game reserves and enthralling culture.
Nestled in the Indian Ocean in South Asia, the tropical island nation has a history dating back to the birth of time. It is a place where the original soul of Buddhism still flourishes and where nature’s beauty remains abundant and un-spoilt. Did you know, there are eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka? Sri Lankan cuisine has many influences from varied destinations such as North and South India, Persia, Malaysia, Holland and Portugal. Rice, which is usually consumed daily, can be found at any special occasion, while spicy curries are a favorite dish for lunch and dinner.
Day 1
We departed from Melbourne International Airport and flew to Colombo on Sri Lankan airlines. Very comfortable flight of around 10 hours and we enjoyed the Sri Lankan hospitality onboard. Our arrival was late at night and we transferred to our hotel Ozo Colombo for a well-deserved rest in their incredible ‘sleep’ rooms.
Day 2
This morning we awoke to the sight of a fabulous skyline of the commercial capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo. The throbbing metropolis - located in the West - is not only the country's commercial capital, but also the turbine that impels above 50% of the national GDP flanking Colombo's fancy urban development effort. We drove along the clean streets edging the crystal white Race Course - horse racing hub in 1893 and World War II airstrip - furnished today with lavish clothing, food and tea boutiques. We headed along Bauddhaloka Mawatha towards 'Arcade' facing a historic way post, the Independence Square. Every designer boutique, top notch cuisine outlet and even the 'walk-over fish tank', have revamped this colonial masterpiece into one of the trendiest shopping and hangout zones in Sri Lanka.
Following our city tour around Colombo, we travelled to Pinnawala. As we entered the 25-acre coconut property, we were surprised to witness baby elephants being bottle fed and moving around freely. It was incredible to see how these gentle giants - orphaned and sometimes three-legged - were looked after and cared for since 1975 at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Up to date, over 20 calves have been born here, and it is surprising to hear that some of the inmates have even seen their grandchildren during the past few decades!
What an experience to watch them walk across the road and down to the river to take their bath. We enjoyed a wonderful buffet lunch overlooking the river. Such a magical place that I think all should see at least once in their life. Following lunch, we proceeded to Sigirya and checked into the hotel Aliya Resort and Spa for our overnight stay.
Day 3
A very early start this morning for us to visit Sigirya and climb the rock to beat the heat of the day.
The 5th century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and World Heritage Site, Sigiriya not only boasts of ancient Sri Lankan engineering and urban planning supremacy, but also acclaims to be one of the finest monuments of art and culture. We stepped through the gigantic 'Lion Paws' overlooking the symmetrical royal gardens below to comprehend the absolute splendor that once dominated this rock fortress. Surrounded by ramparts and moats, the Lion Rock resembling the mythological 'City of Gods' is coated by frescoes reminiscent of Gupta paintings found in Ajanta caves of India. Walk in the shade of an eminent 'mirror wall' embracing the Western face of Sigiriya representing an artistic hundred meters laminated with graffiti. We wandered into the well-fabricated museum downstairs for an epic journey of yesteryears to learn how the citadel floated above citizens with the castle, ponds and irrigation systems that pumped water right up to its summit using an ingenious hydraulic system. A colossal masterpiece of the great king which remained a wonder in Asia for centuries.
Day 4
We Proceeded to Kandy this morning after breakfast, stopping en route in Dambulla to visit the Dambulla Cave Temple. In the city of Dambulla lies a hub which has been treasured by many kings since the 1st century B.C. Today, it is an icon in the face of Sri Lanka. Dambulla Rock Temple houses some of the most unique drawings in magnificently constructed five cave temples flanking the golden temple of Dambulla. It was incredible to see the exquisitely cave paintings along walls that shelter 150 statues of Lord Buddha. As you enter the retreat, look straight up to the gigantic Buddha statue glittering in gold over a land, which today houses an important junction in the country's economic and cultural uplifting.
We then travelled to visit a spice garden in Matale which is in the hill county of Kandy. Sri Lanka is well renowned for its spices and natural ayurvedic remedies and Matale spice garden delivers it all! We were able to stroll through the hand reared and harvested plantations of natural spices to satisfy the three main senses. We looked in awe at the large tropical trees and took in the fragrant aromas. We were fortunate enough to be able to touch many of the plants and learnt about the popular and exotic spices that are so readily used in Sri Lankan cuisines and ayurvedic treatments. You also had the opportunity to try some Sri Lankan cuisine using the popular spices after watching a cooking class and had a healing massage from some of the staff. After our tour we were able to purchase medicinal and cosmetic products created using natural spices. After such a lovely day, it was wonderful to share some cocktails on the rooftop of our hotel for the night – The Ozo Kandy.
Day 5
After breakfast we said goodbye to the beautiful Kandy and started our journey to Galle. Galle is the epic Southern capital. It is the intersection where classic Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting, creating a vivid atmosphere in beauty. We walked the Dutch-haunted streets listening to the creaks of wooden saloon doors and observed how European architecture mingles with South Asian traditions. It’s original ramparts and bastions preserved up to date, showcases evidence of a heritage preserved for more than three and a half centuries. It was fun to walk clockwise within the fort to observe the 'old gate' carrying the British coat of arms. Flanking the old gate is the Zwart bastion, the oldest of all and the lighthouse standing 18 feet in its glory next to the Point Utretcht Bastion. This Dutch bliss is painted with streets that spread in a rectangular grid pattern pierced with houses carrying Dutch colonial style verandas.
Following our interesting day, we checked into our fabulous hotel the Amari Galle to relax for a couple of hours. Then we enjoyed some sunset cocktails at the rooftop of the hotel, prior to having a scrumptious seafood BBQ dinner on the beach – such a memorable evening.
Day 6
After breakfast, we were taken back to Colombo airport for our flights home.
Final comments – Sri Lanka, you were amazing. Surprised me with all there is to offer and I definitely will be back. If Sri Lanka is not on your bucket list, add it right now. You won’t regret it!