Plan your GETAWAY

Here are some suggestions that are sure to make your summer break more memorable

Figuring out where to go on your summer escape can be a bit daunting, especially if you’re Instagram feed has started to look like a travel brochure. If you still haven’t decided where you should travel this season, worry not. Here, we’ve compiled some exciting summer vacation ideas — right from witnessing cultural happenings to exploring lesser-known landscapes and sampling exotic dishes. There is a whole world’s worth of places for you to discover, so pack your bags now!

Festive fervour in Kandy

Every country in the world has a story to tell through its famous festivals. Be it the Carnival of Rio de Janeiro in Brazil, Spain’s La Tomatina, or Thailand’s Songkran festival, these events are the perfect opportunity for tourists to get a glimpse of the country’s rich traditions. This summer, head to Kandy, Sri Lanka, between July 18 to 28, to experience the annual Esala Perahera festival. People travel from all over the world to the beautiful town to see the renowned Buddhist festival and the elegant costumes, dances and decorated elephants that have become symbols of the exuberant celebration. While there you can hop onto a Tuk Tuk and check out Kandy’s Spice Gardens, which are said to be must-see attractions in town. These are home to different spices such as cocoa, pepper, cloves, cinnamon, and sandalwood, among others. The cool breeze and the peace and quiet of the spice gardens are perfect to spend some time close to nature and get the muchneeded digital detox. You can also stop by the National Gem Museum and see one of the world’s biggest uncut sapphires. Known as the Gem Island, Sri