Having visited a complete of 9 new international locations this 12 months, 2016 for me has been a collection of first-time journey adventures. From Bali to Belize and Vietnam to Croatia, I’ve ticked so many desirable international locations off my bucket listing. Final month I visited the attractive nation of Sri Lanka, which was my ultimate new nation and my ultimate journey of the 12 months (needed to exit with a bang didn’t I?)
The journey was organised by Thomson Holidays (now TUI), who’ve lately launched a model new flight path from Gatwick Airport to Colombo Worldwide Airport. This opens up a very new vacation spot to Thomson prospects, and I used to be given the prospect to provide the vacation expertise a little bit of a check run. Learn on to learn the way I spent 1 week in Sri Lanka and the way you are able to do the identical…
Vacation spot 1: Kandy
The place we stayed: Ozo Kandy Resort
What number of nights: 3
After flying into Colombo Airport on the model new 787 Dreamliner, it was time to drive straight on to our first vacation spot. Kandy is a well-liked Sri Lankan metropolis situated 3-4 hours drive inland from Colombo. It’s most well-known for it’s scenic environment, central lake, close by tea plantations and The Temple of The Sacred Tooth. Should you actually wish to get your tooth into the colors and tradition of Sri Lanka, that is the place.
Day 1: Royal Botanical Gardens and Tea Plantations
The breathtaking surroundings in mountainous Kandy Province is one thing you can’t miss. The easiest way to get out and see it for your self is by visiting one of many close by tea plantations. We began the day with a go to to Loolecondera Property and Tea Manufacturing unit which included lunch at Taylor’s Hill, a colonial boutique guesthouse within the coronary heart of the property.
The guided tour of Loolecondera’s Tea Manufacturing unit helped us to observe and perceive the historic Ceylon tea making course of, from selecting the leaves to tasting the completed product. It gave me a brand new discovered appreciation of the exhausting work that goes in to creating my morning cup of tea!
Within the afternoon of Day 1 we visited the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy. It is a serene and protected haven away from the bustling tuk tuk-filled streets of Kandy. I completely beloved strolling by way of the gardens, regardless of an sudden inflow of about 200 faculty kids! Wild monkeys roam free and the flowers and crops are gorgeously tropical. The gardens are effectively value a go to.
Day 2: Exploring Kandy Metropolis
On Day 2 I used to be itching to get out on to the streets of Kandy with my digital camera in hand. We had the choice to go on a guided tour, however fellow blogger Carlie (of CarlieTasker.com) and I made a decision to go at our personal tempo. First we visited the Central Market which sells vibrant fruit, greens, unique spices, meat and naturally Ceylon tea. It’s the proper place to return and decide up genuine souvenirs at an excellent worth. We then took a stroll across the central Kandy Lake the place you should buy duck meals and feed the geese.
Our night started with a efficiency on the Kandy Sri Lankan Cultural Present, which is situated in a theatre proper subsequent to the lake. The showcase of conventional Sri Lankan dances was vibrant, energetic and charming. Anticipate to see folklore tales, spinning plates, spinning individuals(!) and an al fresco grand finale of strolling on scorching coals. Tickets could be booked by way of most accommodations.
We ended the day with a go to to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, undoubtably Kandy’s most-visited attraction. The temple is believed to accommodate considered one of Buddha’s unique tooth, which has develop into an extremely sacred relic. The tooth is housed in an ornate golden construction in the midst of the temple, and seeing the locals, guests and pilgrimages come to worship it was an eye-opening expertise for me.
Visiting Kandy first gave us a tremendous introduction to the wealthy tradition and lifestyle in Sri Lanka. The encircling surroundings is gorgeous and the locals are very happy with their city.
Vacation spot 2: Ahungalla
The place we stayed: The Heritange Ahungalla and Riu Sri Lanka
What number of nights: 2
Subsequent up it was time to move to the small coastal city of Ahungalla in Galle Province. While Ahungalla is extra suited to a calming seashore vacation, there are nonetheless loads of issues to find on and away from the seashores. Our principal base was the spectacular Riu Ahungalla, a model new resort which is solely owned by Thomson Holidays.
Day 3: River Boat Trip and Galle
A half day tour alongside the Madu Ganga River is a good way to see a few of Ahungalla’s surrounding areas. The river is a collection of large canals and slender mangrove waterways. With rumours of crocodiles inhabiting the river, concern turned to giddiness as we boarded the boat. While we didn’t see any crocs, we noticed some wonderful birds, monkeys, snakes and an enormous dragon-like reptile. Pack your binoculars and your zoom lens when you’re a eager photographer!
After lately studying about Galle on the Conde Nast Traveller UK web site, I used to be excited to see it for myself. We visited Galle within the afternoon and headed straight for Galle Fort, an iconic a part of the city wealthy in historical past and the odd snake-charmer. The fort dramatically overlooks the ocean and there’s a beautiful coastal stroll to the left of the ruins.
We discovered an ideal little lunch spot known as Church Road Social which is situated in Galle’s Fort Bazaar, a superbly designed boutique resort in centre of city. I extremely suggest visiting right here, even when it’s only for a fast chew or a instagrammable espresso!
The ultimate cease of Day 3 was to go and go to the Stilt Fishermen of Galle Province. The traditional artwork of stilt fishing remains to be practiced in Sri Lanka at this time and is a extremely revered career. The fishermen even allow us to have a go at fishing on the stilts and all I can say is, they make it look a lot simpler than it’s!
Day 4: Udawalawe Nationwide Park
On day 4 among the group took a visit to the Udawalawe Nationwide Park, considered one of Sri Lanka’s largest eco-tourism locations. Elephants and wildlife roam free in 30,821 hectacres of dry zone recreation park. The park can be house to water buffalo, water monitor lizards, sambar deer, monkeys and the occasional leopard. While I personally didn’t go to the nationwide park, the opposite individuals in my group completely beloved it, a few of whom noticed wild elephants for the primary time. Excursions to Udawalawe Nationwide Park could be organized on the Rui Ahungalla and different accommodations.
Vacation spot 3: Bentota
The place we stayed: Vivanta by Taj, Bentota BeachHow many nights: 1
Day 5: Spa Day at Vivanta by Taj
Our Sri Lanka itinerary was in all probability equal to what most individuals slot in to 2 weeks, so day 5 was all about enjoyable. Earlier than we arrived on the resort, we made a pit cease on the aptly named Massive Buddha Temple which is a 5-10 minute drive from the resort.
The Vivanta by Taj was essentially the most luxurious resort of the journey, so it was nice that we had time to profit from our environment. Taj Inns are famend for his or her unimaginable spas, so I booked myself into the Jiva Spa for a natural facial. On my approach to the spa the climate turned and the heavens opened – but it surely didn’t matter – I used to be protected contained in the soothing and sheltered spa.
The therapy itself was great and made me drift into a real state of rest. After the facial I sat within the central courtyard and sipped ginger and honey tea because the rain poured down. It was considered one of my favorite moments on the journey.
The Verdict
My week in Sri Lanka was a whirlwind of tradition, curries, nice firm, wild animals and spectacular surroundings. While I didn’t have a lot time to spend on the seashore or on the pool, it was clear that Sri Lanka is equally a spot for enjoyable in addition to adventures. The unique tradition of Sri Lanka is obvious even within the large accommodations, which supplies a refreshing twist on the common seashore vacation. With year-round sunshine, sandy seashores, pleasant locals, unimaginable meals and direct flights from the UK, including Sri Lanka to your 2017 journey plans could possibly be the most effective determination you’ve made all 12 months.
What did you consider my Sri Lanka itinerary? Are you planning to go to Sri Lanka in 2017 or has this put up simply persuaded you? Should you loved studying this put up please depart me a remark within the field under! X
My journey to Sri Lanka was complimentary courtesy of Thomson Holidays, now TUI. This Sri Lanka Itinerary weblog put up has additionally been sponsored by Thomson Holidays. All views are my very own
This bespoke tour of Sri Lanka was organised by Aitkin Spence Travels, a neighborhood companion of Thomson Holidays, now TUI.