Sri Lanka

The South Asian tropical island of Sri Lanka in the Indian Ocean is a lush tapestry beyond your imagination, wrapped in the natural beauty of golden beaches, tea plantations, jungles, wilderness, ancient kingdoms, colonial culture, spices and fabulous food. Sri Lankan culture is a vibrant mix of traditions influenced by Buddhist roots and colonial past. The country's rich trading history gives the island an architectural buzz, the spiritual traditions add balance, while the purist canvas of nature caters for dramatic, eye-candy drama. All this is never far from the scents of tea groves, cinnamon, pepper, clove, cardamom, chilli, cumin and nutmeg, many of these are used within Sri Lanka’s famed cuisine: a multi-plated meal of ‘rice and curry’ yields dish after dish of spiced vegetables, fish and meat.

Sri Lanka's history is as rich as its landscape. The island was home to powerful kingdoms long before the arrival of European colonisers. The ancient city of Anuradhapura offers a glimpse into this glorious past. This sacred city, with its massive dagobas (stupas) and intricate stone carvings, dates back over 2,000 years. Polonnaruwa and Sigiriya are other must-visit sites for history buffs. Sigiriya, or the Lion Rock, is particularly mesmerising - a fortress carved into a towering rock that rises abruptly from the surrounding plains. The climb to the top is steep, but the view and the sense of history are worth every step. Art in Sri Lanka is deeply connected to its religious heritage, with Buddhist temples across the island adorned with murals and statues that date back centuries. The Dambulla Cave Temple is particularly famous, with its walls covered in vivid frescoes depicting Buddha's life. Sri Lanka’s most famous architect Geoffrey Bawa decorated the isle with his signature Tropical Modernism.  

Dense rainforests, tea plantations and national parks smother Sri Lanka's landmass in a deep vert edging to the palm-fringed turquoise coastline. Sri Lanka is a nature lover's paradise, with a diverse range of flora and fauna. The island's national parks, like Yala, Wilpatu and Udawalawe, offer thrilling safaris where you can spot elephants, leopards, and a myriad of bird species. The rainforests, such as Sinharaja, are UNESCO-listed biospheres, home to endemic species and ancient trees that tower above, creating a green canopy that feels almost sacred. The Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya near Kandy are another highlight, showcasing the island's rich plant life in a beautifully manicured setting. Walk among the towering royal palms, or find peace in the orchid house, where delicate flowers bloom in every shade of the rainbow.

The southern coast is a haven for beach lovers like the soft sands of Unawatuna, or for surfer junkies, head to the wave hotspot of Arugam Bay on the eastern coast and if tranquillity is on your agenda, then the beaches of Bentota are the destination. The beach is also the place to join in the nation’s favourite pastime: cricket – you can also catch the overs at Galle’s international stadium.

The central highlands are blanketed with tea plantations, where you can take a guided tour to see how your morning brew is made. The cool climate of places like Nuwara Eliya and Ella is a refreshing change from the coastal heat. Here, you can hike through misty trails, visit waterfalls, and enjoy panoramic views that stretch for miles. 

Built on ancient origins, the southernmost point of the island on the southwestern coast is Galle's historic town, a must-do basecamp, where every stone and building has a story. Amble amid the modern urban vibe of Galle, the island's fourth largest city, until you reach the traffic-free-zone old town, where Portuguese, Dutch and British hallmarks of the past populate avenues of whitewashed walls, red-tiled Dutch villas and their verandas, churches and hospitals span cobblestone streets. The Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is the crown jewel, pop by the museum, and the Galle Lighthouse is a perfect spot for ocean viewing. 

Sri Lanka is a truly captivating island and a country bathed in culture, salt 'n turf adventures, heritage, customs and nature.