A teardrop in the ocean
An ancient isle of wonder, Sri Lanka offers historic charm with a modern edge
Can you picture yourself lounging on a palm-fringed beach? Or are you more of an adrenaline junkie who gets a buzz from surfing or white-water rafting? Perhaps temples or elephants are more your thing? Well, you can enjoy all of these in Sri Lanka, the former British colony known as India’s teardrop due to the island’s curious shape and location.
Cultural Triangle
Head north from the lakeside town of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, and you’ll arrive at the Cultural Triangle. It’s the nickname for the cluster of Unescolisted World Heritage sites at the heart of the island, including the sacred cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa and the fresco-lined caves of Dambulla.
Only have time to visit one? Scale the 200 metre-high Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an imposing seventh-century natural landmark. Clamber up 1,200 narrow steps to the top, passing ancient frescoes painted on the rock face, and you’ll be rewarded by awe-inspiring panoramic views.
Water Garden Sigiriya is the place to stay. Check into a spacious villa with plunge pool, dine in the glass-walled restaurant with wraparound terrace and take a dip in the pool overlooking the water gardens.
Close to nature
Set around a third-century reservoir, Minneriya National Park near Sigiriya is a wonderful place to see elephants in the wild. A safari here can bring you close to large herds as they come to the water to drink.
Or visit Yala National Park, on the southeast coast, which has the highest density of leopards in the world, plus elephants, sloth bears, monkeys, crocodiles and wild boars.
Stay nearby at the all-inclusive Wild Coast Tented Lodge and take a sunrise or sunset jeep safari excursion to discover the quieter areas of the extensive park. The luxurious jungle-meets-beach safari camp features rustic-chic cocoon-style suites hidden amid dense greenery, a dreamy infinity pool and an open-sided bamboo-clad bar and restaurant. Eagle-eyed visitors may spot turtle tracks on the beach left behind after the timid creatures emerge from the sea to lay their eggs at night.
Coastal treats
Sri Lanka boasts over 1,340km of coastline. The more developed beaches are on the west coast close to the island’s largest city, Colombo. Head to the south for lovely low-key beaches such as Tangalle, Mirissa, Weligama and Koggala. Here, you’ll also discover Galle Fort, an enchanting walled fortress town perched on a promontory jutting out into the ocean, with beautiful Dutch-era colonial architecture. Wander the ramparts, shop in the chic lifestyle boutiques and enjoy a delicious dinner at Fort Bazaar, set in a colonial mansion.
Just a short drive away, the elegant clifftop resort Cape Weligama offers lavish suites and villas. The crescent moon-shaped infinity pool and the cliffside alfresco restaurant add the wow factor. The hotel’s beach club can organise whale and dolphin watching trips, surf lessons, kayaking and diving expeditions.
Hill country
Visit Nuwara Eliya, the pretty colonial-era hill station in the heart of mist-shrouded tea plantation country. It’s known as Little England due to its Queen Anne-style houses, golf course, racecourse (yes, really!) and British colonial buildings.
In this mountainous region in central Sri Lanka you can also go white-water rafting, or take an overnight hike up the 5,000 steps to the top of Adam’s Peak, the island’s tallest point at 2,243 metres, to watch the sun rise.
Perched high up on a hill amid tea bushes on the Concordia Estate near Nuwara Eliya, Goatfell is a luxury four-bedroom former estate manager’s bungalow hotel with an infinity swimming pool and heavenly views of the tea-carpeted valley from the verandah.● s
Resplendent Ceylon offers a three-night all-inclusive package staying at Wild Coast Tented Lodge from £2,147pp. It also offers a seven-night B&B package staying at Cape Weligama from £2,711pp (resplendentceylon.com). Experience Travel Group (experiencetravelgroup.com) offers a seven-night half-board package, including UK return flights and hotel transfers, staying at Water Garden Sigiriya from £2,330pp. It also offers a seven-night all-inclusive package, including UK return flights, hotel transfers, staying two nights at Wallawwa B&B and five nights at Goatfell, from £2,350pp. For more information, visit srilankacollection.com.