Visit Sri Lanka for a taste of the exotic
Following the end of the 25-year old civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) has once again regained its place as an idyllic place to enjoy some winter sun. Located just above the equator, the island may be small but it offers a fusion of cultures and an opportunity to immerse yourself in a completely different way of life.
With unspoiled palm-lined beaches lapped by the azure waters of the Indian Ocean, cool rivers and lagoons, serene tea plantations, wildlife, ancient cities and intricate temples, there’s something for everyone, whether you’d like to explore the remnants of its 2000 year history or you’re an aficionado of water sports.
A travelling paradise
While tourists mainly flock to the island to relax on its pristine beaches and bathe in the Indian Ocean, a trip into the hill country in the southern heartlands is a must when visiting Sri Lanka. A world away from the oppressive heat of the coast, the hill country is a beguiling mix of mountainous green hills and rugged peaks, their slopes covered in carefully manicured tea gardens.
Evidence of Sri Lanka’s British colonial heritage abounds in the southern hill country, where you’ll find the towns of Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Bandarawela and Haputale, all of which offer magnificent views and the chance to walk through the beautiful hills and tea plantations. A visit to Adam’s Peak is also a must for religious devotees, as it’s the claimed that Buddha’s footprint is imprinted into its rugged summit.
Seeped in history
Further evidence of the importance of Buddhism is found in the Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka’s northern plains, where four massive granite statues of Buddha tower over Gal Vihara and dominate the ruins of Polonnaruwa, which lay buried in the jungle for over 700 years. The museum here is stocked with exquisite artworks, together with photographs of the site before it was excavated. You’ll find a plethora of historic sites in this area, including the former capital of Kandy, the citadel of Sigiriya, and the ancient city of Anuradhapura.
Kandy was home to the island’s last independent kingdom which finally fell to the British Empire in 1815. However, you’ll still see evidence of Sinhalese traditions here, as Kandy not only hosts the Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the most spectacular festivals in Asia, but has its own distinctive brand of music, dance and architecture.
Culinary delights
If you’re a foodie, a trip to beautiful Sri Lanka offers a unique opportunity to feast on the rich, melting pot of Sri Lankan cuisine, and taste a tantalizing mix of flavors. The staple dishes are based around rice and curries and utilize a range of spices brought to the island by Arabs, Indians, Malays, Portuguese, the Dutch and the English.
Chilies, cinnamon, garlic and curry leaves together with coconut and rice, form the foundation of most dishes, the spices being blended to create hot dishes to rival those in Thai cooking. However, if you’re planning to go ‘middle-of-the-road’, be warned that to a Sri Lankan chef medium often means liberal use of chili, which is likely to leave you with an urge to down a whole pitcher of water to relieve the heat. If this happens to you, be sure to go easy on the water; plain rice, bread or even a mouthful of beer will cool your mouth much more effectively than water!
