Sri Lanka the Little Wonder of Asia

Sri Lanka, known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean, has continued to inspire and heal many who travelled to its shores ever since its existence was known to the world. With its romantic landscapes, mountains that reach the skies, lush green forests, the ocean like a deep blue carpet stretching far out into the horizon and breathtaking waterfalls, it was once considered the lost paradise by many a globe trotters, who stumbled upon this land. Sri Lanka still continues to wrap her visitors in her irresistible charm, capturing their imagination with sights, sounds and flavours. Sri Lankan cuisines are a hidden treat, every bite an explosion of exquisite joy to many, while Ayurveda and meditation continue to heal the weary, bringing comfort to the mind as well as the body.

Sri Lanka is the ideal destination, the perfect getaway from Qatar and the Middle East - an affordable paradise within four hours of flight time.

Tourist Trails

Few places in the world can offer the traveller such a remarkable combination of stunning landscapes, pristine beaches, a captivating cultural heritage and unique experiences within a compact landmass. Within a mere area of 65,610 kilometres lie 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, 1,600 kilometres of coastline - much of it golden-sand beach - 15 national parks showcasing an abundance of wildlife, nearly 500,000 acres of lush tea estates, 250 acres of botanical gardens, 350 waterfalls, 25,000 water bodies, and a rich culture that has a history of over 3,000 years. Sri Lanka is a spectacular experience; affordable, the unspoiled natural beauty of the island is spellbinding.

Train Trail

The first ever steam trains in Sri Lanka carried Tea, the greatest commercial export of colonial Ceylon, from the Upcountry region to Colombo. Major Thomas Skinner was instrumental in setting up trains and he describes in his book Fifty Years in Ceylon how he had to convince the British colonial government to spend approximately GBP 800,000/- to set up the network of railway lines, bridges/aqueducts, for trains. Train travel in Sri Lanka can be an adventurous experience. One fabulous way of exploring the Upcountry region is to hop aboard a train. The early morning railway journey from Kandy to the highlands of Nuwara Eliya, Ella or Dickoya, climbing uphill up to 6,000 ft. above sea level, is a spectacular experience where one could feast the eyes on natural beauty for miles on end and of course this is a journey that renders the traveller a sense of tranquility. The picturesque landscape of the highlands awakens the senses as you wind past lush tea plantations, majestic peaks and rushing foamy waterfalls. Suggested train journeys include Colombo Fort to Hill Capital city of Kandy, Kandy to Ella Scenic Train journey, Colombo Fort to Badulla and Colombo Fort to the historical city of Galle.

l Expo Rail | The Viceroy Special | Rajadhani Express | Sri Lanka Railways

Cultural Trail

With a history expanding over 3,000 years, Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s ancient cities including Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa and Digamadulla; their once glorious townships, palaces, temples, monasteries, hospitals and theatres intricately carved and modelled out of stone lay abandoned and forgotten with time amidst the dense jungles. Many monolithic rock formations that dot the north central plains have been transformed into places of worship by expert ancient sculptors, inspired by the Buddhist way of life.

l Anuradhapura | the Polonnaruwa Royal Palace | Digamadulla |Gal Viharaya | Sigiriya | Dambulla Rock Temples | Aluvihare Cave Temples | Temple of the Tooth Relic | the Dutch Fort Galle

Tea Trail

The British planters who created “a little bit of England” in Ceylon’s “upcountry” to make way for the island’s tea plantations are long gone but their legacy of meticulously managed tea gardens still remains. A walk at leisure simply taking in the serenity that surrounds a tea estate or an adventurous trek is a delightful way to experience the varied landscapes, exotic flora, abundant birdlife and the sweet rhythm of life in a tea plantation. Follow the trail of the planters of old Ceylon, as they trekked through the dense jungle looking for the best slopes on which to plant tea. Watch the tea pluckers pick two leaves and a bud with deft fingers, then carry their precious collection to the factory where the all-important conversion to “made” black tea takes place!

l Kandy| Nuwara Eliya | Uda Pussellawa | Uva | Dimbula | Sabaragamuwa | Ruhuna

Beach Trail

With nearly 1,600 km of palm fringed coastline which creates a perfect golden border that surrounds the country, Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for beach enthusiasts worldwide.  Be it windsurfing, kayaking, yachting, water skiing, scuba diving or simply lazing on the sun-baked sand for the perfect tan, Sri Lanka offers it all.

l Bentota | Tangalle | Beruwala | Mirissa | Unawatuna | Alankuda | Kosgoda | Arugam Bay

Nature and Wildlife Trail

Despite being a petit isle tucked just beneath India, Sri Lanka boasts of one of the highest and richest biological endemism in the world. Nearly 16% of the animals and 23% of plants that are found in this small island are endemic to the country. This diversity of Sri Lanka’s wildlife is celebrated and conserved by many wildlife sanctuaries found across the country. With a history of protection and compassion extended to all living beings, Sri Lanka’s first animal sanctuary dates back to the third century BC with the arrival of Arahat Mahinda who established Buddhism in the island. There are five large national parks in the country including the Yala National Park, Kumana, Wilpattu, Galoya and Udawalawa wildlife sanctuary. Among the smaller wildlife sanctuaries are the MaduruOya, Bundala, Horton Plains and Wasgamuwa National Parks.

l Sinharaja, Sri Lanka’s last viable primary tropical rainforest | Dolphin and Whale Watching in Mirissa | Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage | Peradeniya Botanical Gardens |Udawatta Forest | Sigiriya Rock fortress |

Where to stay

Abiding by the concept, ‘home away from home’ hotels in Sri Lanka range from semi-luxury to super-luxury, making it affordable to everyone. Most business hotels are situated in the heart of Colombo city, while many hotels are clustered around main sites of attraction or sprawled along the coastline.

The Taj group of hotels in Sri Lanka are strategically situated in three regions of the Island to make it convenient to the leisure and business traveller.

The Taj Gateway Hotel, Katunayake

Nestled in the midst of a 38-acre coconut plantation bordering the Negombo road, the Taj Gateway Hotel is located five minutes away from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Sri Lanka. It is a perfect place to spend a night in order to rejuvenate and prepare to begin a memorable holiday. The hotel has over 200 rooms which are spacious and equipped with modern amenities. Some of the rooms offer a stunning view of the scenic Negombo lagoon. Relax by the pool side or make a visit to the spa for a reflexology massage.

Dining options

The hotel has an all-day dining restaurant that offers a large spread of traditional food, Indian and International cuisine. There is a live band that plays melodious traditional and western songs during lunch time. A must try would be the fish curry and the Sri Lankan Kottu Roti which is a definite treat and made to perfection.

Vivanta by Taj in Bentota

Situated along the long stretch of beach and lush green gardens is Vivanta by Taj group of hotels in Bentota. Guests can enjoy the stunning view of the Indian Ocean in the privacy of their rooms; the interiors are spacious with well-equipped modern amenities. Vivanta has a range of room types designed to accommodate every guest’s requirement.

Dining options

The Palms is a vibrant all-day dining restaurant overlooking the poolside. It offers a relaxing ambiance with live cooking stations and a wide spread of International and traditional dishes.

The Oriental Pavilion is the only authentic Chinese restaurant in Sri Lanka serving special dishes such as fried Dumplings, Peking duck and Crispy Szechuan Beef. This restaurant offers a selection of fine wines to complement the meal.

The Sea View restaurant offers a magnificent ocean view and serves fusion and continental delicacies. The chocolate mousse is a must try that offers a satisfying ending to a hearty meal.

The Shack is a seafood specialty restaurant conveniently situated on the lawns in proximity to the beach. The seafood, the freshest catch of the day, is on display for one to choose from which is then grilled and served. Taste the best of tuna, cuttlefish, jumbo prawns, lobsters and more.

The Tease Bar is the place for those of you who wish to spend a spirited evening with the magic of the dim lights and live music creating a soothing atmosphere.

Recreation facilities include lazing by the pool side or energizing your mind and body at the Jiva Spa. Jiva Spa offers the best in rejuvenation- Indian therapies ranging from massages to body scrubs within the calm settings of the spa.

Festivals

Sri Lankans sometimes claim that they have more festivals than any other country, and though it is difficult to prove the veracity of this claim, there is no mistaking the number and significance of religious celebrations and other festivals. The current calendar lists 25 public holidays, including various religious festivals celebrated by the island’s Buddhists, Hindus, Christians and Muslims, as well as secular holidays such as May Day and Independence Day. Moreover religious holidays and temple festivals that are significant to particular regions are observed in various places around the island. These festivals are commemorated with the flair of a people who are geniuses for pageantry and ritual.

l The Sinhala – Tamil New Year | Vesak Poya | Esala Perahera Festivals in Kandy | Kataragama Festival

Cuisine

Sri Lanka boasts of a fascinatingly idiosyncratic culinary heritage, the result of a unique fusion of local produce with recipes and spices brought to the island over the centuries by Indians, Arabs, Malays, Portuguese, the Dutch and English. Sri Lankan cuisine can be incredibly fiery – sometimes on par with Thai and spicier than most Indian relishes. On the opposite end of the food scale are the mouth-watering sweet delights! The sweetmeats that are artfully prepared ooze with honey and simply melt in your mouth.  

l Pol Sambol | Mallum – Gotukola sambol | Parippu Hodi | Malu Ambul Thiyal | Hoppers | Kottu | Wattalappam | Lamprais| Kiribath | Kavum |

Shopping

Although it would heal neither body nor mind or uplift your senses to a godly realm, shopping therapy is bound to provide you with temporary bliss and Sri Lanka provides excellent opportunities to immerse in shopping choosing from a wide range of brilliant jewels and jewellery, finely carved wood, pottery and metal ware, porcelain, batik, spices and tea.

l Barefoot | Sri Lankan Cashew Corporation | Odel | Pettah Markets | Cottage Crafta

Sri Lanka’s Capital Colombo

Despite being an area of just 37.31 km², Colombo offers a varying array of experiences ranging from taking a tuktuk ride, a visit to the Pettah market and digging into a plate of Kottu Roti to playing a round of golf and having high tea at one of the colonial style hotels overlooking the Indian Ocean. With many boutiques displaying international brands and local art and fabrics, Colombo is the ‘one-stop-shop’ to do last minute shopping.

Where to stay

The Taj Samudra

Strategically located within Colombo’s business hub, the Taj Samudra hotel faces the historic Galle Face Green and offers a panoramic view of the Indian Ocean.  The hotel offers 300 luxurious and comfortable rooms. The 300 rooms are categorized into Deluxe Rooms, Luxury Rooms, Taj Club Rooms and three categories of suites.

Dining options

Latitude

The all day dining multi-cuisine restaurant serves an International cuisine with an extensive spread. The Indian cuisine is a must try at Latitude.

Steak and Grill house

Open exclusively for dinner, this restaurant offers the finest gourmet food with an exquisite selection of wines served in a cosy ambiance.

Navaratna

Experience the art of the finest Indian spices blended together to present authentic Indian cuisine at the Navaratna Indian restaurant. It is open exclusively for dinner.

Golden Dragon

The restaurant offers a wide selection of signature dishes of Szechuan cuisine.

Yumi

From flared cocktails to Sushi, Sashimi, Teppanyaki and other Japanese exquisites, Yumi is a sanctuary of nocturnal indulgence.