vistor tale
Sri Lanka is a country everyone should put on their travel wish list. The magical island of Sri Lanka has a way of getting under your skin. And it’s little wonder. With palm-fringed, white sandy beaches, abundant jungles teeming with wildlife, and an abundance of historic temples and World Heritage Sites, this exceptionally diverse country certainly packs a punch.
Tearing myself away from my elegant, secluded villa (complete with private pool), early the next morning I hopped (albeit slightly bleary-eyed) into our air-conditioned minibus, eagerly anticipating revisiting one of Sri Lanka’s most popular attractions.
When I last ventured to this beautiful tropical island (think the size of Ireland), yet totally beguiling island nearly 30 years ago, one of my fondest memories was exploring Sigiriya; a towering rock formation that was well worth the 1200-step clamber. Topped by the remains of an ancient fortress, Sigiriya dates back to the reign of King Kasyapa (477-495AD), who chose this site for his impressive, fortress, palace and capital of his land.
After our 90-minute drive, I meandered through the tranquil, landscaped gardens before beginning the ascent to the magnificent summit-top ruins. Starting the monolith rock climb at 6am, to beat both the heat and the crowds, was one of many insider tips from our conscientious local guide, Kanchana, hand-picked for our show-stopper Sri Lankan adventure.
Taking in the panoramic views of the lush jungle and far-reaching mountainous backdrop to the resounding strains of the Sri Lankan National Anthem was an incredible start to an action-packed week.
Having worked up a hearty appetite, when I returned to the boutique resort it was time to get hands-on during a cookery workshop with a difference. Accompanying the chef while he picked ingredients for our lunch in a solar-powered, organic farm and garden, I inhaled the heady bouquet of fresh curry leaves, lemongrass and numerous herbs, before helping him to prepare curries and salads for a flavoursome feast for the senses.
As this visit to Sri Lanka coincided with Vesak – one of the most important festivals in the Buddhist calendar – it seemed particularly appropriate that my next port of call was Anuradhapura. In this ancient city, Buddhist pilgrims and tourists flock reverently to pay homage at shrines and relics, as well as the sacred Jaya Siri Maha Bodhi tree, planted in 245BC from a cutting of the Bo tree under which it is said the Buddha attained enlightenment.
Eco resorts provide sustainability and protecting wildlife are of utmost importance to both the traveller and the local economy.
When is the perfect time to visit Sri Lanka? Anytime! It is an all-year island with two coasts and two monsoons.
Why is Sri Lanka fast becoming the new place to be? Little did I realize that, coincidentally, just hours later, tears (of joy) would be rolling down my cheeks after witnessing the unforgettable sight of four trumpeting elephants playing gleefully in the nearby Nachchaduwa reservoir. This was a poignant highlight of our enlightening drive, taking in local villages, farmland, and paddy fields to culminate in a surprise sundowner picnic.
Later, I paddled through pretty pink and white lotus flowers and lilies, watching egrets and herons swoop effortlessly in and out of the water, during a peaceful kayak safari. That evening, feeling energized by the kayak trip and cycle ride around the paths crisscrossing this beautiful land, I travelled back in time to savour a traditional Kamatha gourmet meal.
This lovingly-cooked feast, comprising 23 mouth-watering courses, was served in the atmospheric setting of a traditional clay house (complete with thatched roof), located on the edge of a working rice paddy field. Magical indeed.
Switching up the pace, after a delicious farewell breakfast in a superb restaurant, four hours later I arrived in the island’s cosmopolitan, vibrant capital, Colombo.
It was an incredible privilege, and humbling, to be part of this colourful celebration, witnessing the procession alongside Sri Lankans dressed head-to-toe in traditional costumes, performing centuries-old dances with finesse, agility, and pride.
Bidding farewell to this oasis in the city, the next morning it was time to head south and once more become fully immersed in the natural world. I could totally understand why I’d been warmly greeted with the words “Paradise is here.” The resort nestles deep within the jungle, just a 10-minute drive from Yala National Park, an almost 100,000-hectare nature reserve.
Truly idyllic location, right on the shores of the Indian Ocean, bordered on one side by tropical jungle and on the other by a saline lake, where pretty painted storks wade gracefully in the shallows.
All the cosseting, secluded cabins have their own private deck and pool, the most comfortable beds, free-standing baths, plus indoor and outdoor showers. The sophisticated interiors, featuring tactile, solid wooden furniture, blend seamlessly, and very sympathetically, with the jungle surroundings.
The excitement in our sturdy vehicle was palpable as we made our way through the varying landscapes from forest to lagoons, scrub, and grassy plains. Within minutes, we’d spotted lolloping water buffalo grazing languidly with their young, watchful crocodiles, herds of Bambi-like spotted deer, cheeky grey langur monkeys, and the most photogenic Little Green Bee Eater birds with bright blue and green plumage hovering in the untamed, natural surroundings.
As we continued our safari, elephants passed nonchalantly by, virtually within touching distance. For me, the pièce de résistance had to be spotting a critically endangered sloth bear; mind you, catching a fleeting glimpse of a leopard came a close second.
After I reluctantly left Sri Lanka a few years ago, this teardrop gem welcomed me back with its incredibly endearing, friendly islanders stole a little piece of my heart.
It’s safe to say that when our Sri Lankan Airlines flight took off for the 10-hour flight awaiting my return to Sri Lanka for my next experience planning my next trip to this fascinating island.