Whilst in Sri Lanka we heard the news that Sri Lanka has been given the title of Destination of 2015 by the Sunday Times. It really didn’t come as a great surprise – being on the top of our list for a long time. Our most recent visit just confirmed it.
We have previously travelled extensively around Sri Lanka; covering the Cultural Triangle, the Central Highlands as well as the West and South Coast. We decided, due to the increasing demand to travel to Sri Lanka at all times of year, that we should complete the picture and visit in September when the East Coast is at its very best whilst the West and South Coast have their share of monsoons. With war a distant memory, the whole of the east coast is opening up into a fascinating destination which makes Sri Lanka a year-round attraction.
How exciting! Now that the northern parts of Sri Lanka are opening up to tourism, my husband and I have been invited back to see areas that we didn’t get the chance to visit on our last trip.
Sri Lanka is unique in that it has two monsoon seasons, affecting different areas of the country – so it enables everyone to visit all year round by choosing the areas you visit – all of which are fascinating.
The last time we went was during November when the weather is best on the West and South Coast – continuing right through until April. This time we will be going in September, so are visiting the sunny north and East Coast to see a completely different part of the country.
By Geoff Whittle; husband of Cherrie of Worldwide Holiday’s When Cherrie invited me to accompany her on a FAM trip of Sri Lanka I was less than enthusiastic. Having spent seven years living in India, Sri Lanka just seemed as if would be a ‘chip off the India block’ and held little appeal when so many other destinations beckoned – HOW WRONG! Our flight by BA stopped over in the Maldives briefly and it was all Cherrie could do to stop me getting off as I stood in the aircraft doorway and soaked up Male’s balmy heat and viewed the Indian Ocean lapping the island we’d landed on. Reluctantly returning to my seat, the short hop to Colombo transported us from island paradise to the bustle of a city and country that’s still recovering from the ravages of war and tsunami. Cherrie and I were in Sri Lanka for a few days of hotel inspection prior to a small group joining us – so we had the benefit of viewing the country from both perspectives – tour operator and tourist – a view that was an eye-opener in every respect. Driven in our courtesy car from the airport to Beruwala beach via the ‘interesting route’, rather than the new express way that cuts journey time by two thirds, all my worst expectations seemed to have been realised as the continuous ribbon of pre-stressed concrete shops and houses in a seemingly random clutter of cheap aluminium window frames and part built, grey, featureless slab architecture transported me back to memories of scruffy Indian cities – with one main difference. Although the driving style took some getting used to, even after the tiring flight I could see that Sri Lanka was immediately cleaner than India and a far cry from the ‘smells, bells and yells’ of its big neighbour.
What a wonderful country Sri Lanka is – it has surpassed all of my expectations, even though I had been there before, I hadn’t really seen the real Sri Lanka.
I was accompanied for the 3 weeks we spent there by my husband, who is always good to have around as he is an excellent photographer – and does occasionally carry my bags!
The first five days were spent on the West Coast doing hotels inspections each day, I was incredibly impressed by the standard of hotels we saw as well as the fantastic coastline where they are situated. We saw a great variety of hotels (from the boutiques to the larger and grander like the Vivanta by Taj in Bentota) all of which had grounds abutting the beach with beautiful tempting swimming pools and sun bathing areas. We also got the chance to go to Udawalawe National Park with great sightings of groups of elephants and other wildlife and bird life. A journey we took to Sinharaja Rain Forest I would really only recommend to the most ardent bird watchers for the huge diversity but it also has absolutely breathtaking scenery.
Worldwide Holidays, specialists in tailor made holidays to exotic locations, have developed the ultimate wedding gift – your honeymoon. Our innovative and exciting wedding list service allows honeymoon couples to chose a dream honeymoon destination and provides your wedding guests, family & friends the opportunity to contribute towards its cost, or alternatively, buy special activities for you to experience on you dream trip. So, instead of the usual quirky vase or additions to the Sunday best crockery, you could just as easily be having the time of your life and experiencing the stunning Costa Ricarain forests by zip wire !
Yesterday the BBC reported that the jungles of northern Mullaitivu will be converted from a war-zone into a wildlife conservation for an array of animals including Sri Lankan elephants. The area which is now being turned into a park is expected to open next year according to the Sri Lankan government which is great news for the environment as de-forestation?in the area was destroying some natural habitats of Sri Lanka’s exotic wildlife and species.
Sri Lanka’s mixture of culture, history and wildlife together with the local’s natural friendliness, make it one of the most special holiday destinations in the world. From white water rafting, trekking to the relaxing treatments of Ayurveda, you can be sure to find something of interest in this unique country.
Sri Lanka – “paradise with a smile” is the strap line here at Worldwide Holidays for Sri Lanka – well it is certainly one of the friendless countries I have ever visited. Everyone is so welcoming and seem genuinely pleased that you are taking the time to visit their country.
On my recent trip, which was my first to Sri Lanka. I travelled around most of the country so I was able to experience the culture and the variety of landscapes that Sri Lanka has to offer, including beautiful golden beaches, waterfalls and lush green tea plantations.
Paradise with a Smile
My last visit to Sri Lanka was in September 2006, I can only describe this country as a traveller’s paradise waiting to be explored. My visit incorporated a rich variety of experiences from ancient cities, religious temples, dense jungle and vegetation teeming with wildlife to exotic beaches and bustling towns.
My experience of Sri Lanka was enhanced by the local people, they welcome visitors with open arms and their hospitable nature means they are only too happy to go out of their way to ensure your visit is memorable. I was completely overwhelmed by Sri Lanka, the highlight of my visit was undoubtedly the elephant orphanage at Pinawela, being able to get so close to these amazing animals is an experience that is hard to beat and is not to be missed when visiting this beautiful country.
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