Being a curry munching, tea loving Brit, I knew I was gonna like Sri Lanka.
I wasn’t expecting the natural tropical beauty, the charm and friendliness of the people, the incredible culture, lush scenery and the quality of hospitality/hotels that made me fall in love with it!
I spent a week touring around some of the hot spots with the more than “inspiring” Inspiring Vacations team. Here are my top 10 highlights.
1 Galle Fort. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Galle Fort is a well-preserved colonial fortification built by the Portuguese and later expanded by the Dutch in the 17th century.
Its narrow streets, old churches and museums provide a glimpse into the colonial history of Sri Lanka. The fort’s ramparts offer memorable views of the Indian Ocean.
2 Yala National Park. Yala is the most visited and second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. It is famous for its diverse wildlife, including leopards, elephants and a variety of bird species.
The park’s landscapes range from dense jungles to open grasslands, offering excellent opportunities for wildlife safaris and bird watching.
We had a wonderful safari jaunt around Yala and saw tons of elephants, deer, peacocks, sloths, monkeys and crocodiles. We also saw a dazzling array of birdlife but sadly the leopard eluded us. That means I have to return as I would love to see a Sri Lankan leopard!!
3 Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa). Located in Kandy, this sacred temple houses the relic of the tooth of Buddha. It’s a major pilgrimage site for Buddhists and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
With its beautiful architecture and serene atmosphere, the temple complex plays a crucial role in Sri Lanka’s religious and cultural heritage
4 Train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya. This is one of the world’s epic train journeys and not to be missed.
Mingle with the locals and marvel at the scenery. Shake your head in disbelief as you witness the daredevil antics of some of the locals performing their brand of train acrobatics in and around the carriages!
5 Nuwara Eliya. Known as “Little England” for its colonial-era bungalows and cool climate, Nuwara Eliya is nestled in the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea country.
The town is surrounded by rolling tea plantations, waterfalls and misty mountains, offering a serene escape and opportunities to explore the tea production process.
Make sure to visit a tea factory and discover the tea process from the picking to the best bit…the drinking!
6 High tea at the Grand Hotel. Located at Nuwara Eliya, The Grand offers a luxurious experience blending colonial charm and modern elegance.
Set amid lush gardens and overlooking scenic landscapes, the hotel serves a quintessential afternoon tea with an array of delicacies including freshly baked scones, delicate pastries and an assortment of finger sandwiches, accompanied by premium Ceylon teas.
The ambiance is enriched by the hotel’s historic architecture and sophisticated décor, providing a serene and indulgent atmosphere.
Be transported back to another era – I had to pinch myself here as I thought I had magically teleported into another century!
7 The Dambulla Cave Temple. Also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, this is a complex of cave temples with more than 150 statues and murals of Buddha.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site dates back to the 1st century BCE and is a major pilgrimage site, showcasing intricate Buddhist art and architecture.
8 Curry Cooking Demo. A vibrant and sensory-rich experience that showcases the island’s rich culinary heritage.
I LOVE eating curry but my cooking skills leave a lot to be desired. As I subscribe to the KISS (Keep It Simple Stupid) method, my curry making is below par!
The number of ingredients that go into a Sri Lankan curry are way too many for my poor little pantry! When I retire with time on my hands, I might consider it because the SL curries are hands down the BEST I have ever had.
Luckily for me there were some great curry powders on offer which had all three million ingredients in.
As we assisted with grinding and chopping in the tree house garden, the tropical rain belted down and provided a magical soundtrack to the eventual delightful curry consumption.
9 Jungle Medicines. The Sri Lankan jungle is a treasure trove of medicinal herbs and spices, renowned for their therapeutic properties and traditional uses.
Key herbs include gotu kola, known for its cognitive and healing benefits, and neem, used for its antibacterial properties. Spices like cinnamon, grown in the lush forests, are prized for their anti-inflammatory and antioxidant effects.
Another staple, turmeric is celebrated for its anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting qualities. These natural resources play a crucial role in Ayurvedic medicine, a traditional practice in Sri Lanka, offering holistic health solutions derived from the island’s rich biodiversity.
Our guide was very quick to pick his audience of middle aged women and extol the benefits of his menopausal meds which everyone was eager to purchase at the ubiquitous shopping stage of the tour!
10 Sigiriya. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is an ancient rock fortress and palace complex with immense historical and archaeological significance.
Rising nearly 200 metres, the rock is adorned with frescoes and features the renowned Mirror Wall. Constructed by King Kashyapa in the 5th century, Sigiriya includes elaborate gardens, water reservoirs and sophisticated engineering marvels.
The summit offers panoramic views and remnants of the king’s palace. Often referred to as the “Eighth Wonder of the World”, Sigiriya is a testament to Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage and architectural ingenuity, attracting visitors from around the globe.
Unlike our big red rock (Uluru) you can still climb the rock fortress and it’s worth every step to enjoy the magnificent views from the top.
I was lucky enough to be a guest of Inspiring Vacations on this swanky Sri Lanka famil. The itinerary was faultless with the right mix of culture, scenery, excellent accommodation and an outstanding guide.
Your clients will thank you for choosing them!
http://www.inspiringvacations.com
A VIEW FROM THE TOP
We asked Paul Ryan, CEO, Inspiring Vacations, why Sri Lanka is so popular with Australians and why travel agents should book with his company.
A: Sri Lanka consistently proves to be a favourite destination for our customers. It’s clear that the allure of this beautiful island is simply irresistible. Our Sri Lanka bookings continue to grow strongly and the feedback on return is always glowing.
Sri Lanka’s charm and diverse experiences make it a top choice for travellers. Our customers love every moment of their journeys there. The rich culture, stunning landscapes and warm hospitality ensure it remains a perennial favourite.
We make it easy for agents to sell. Our meticulously curated, value-driven packages are the optimal way to explore the world’s most iconic destinations.
We have a loyal agent base who book with us repeatedly. Our agent partnerships are growing steadily and we offer competitive commission, overrides, marketing support and training to preferred partners.
On top of this, we have a dedicated 24/7 phone support team with industry-leading response times, so agents receive prompt and reliable assistance whenever needed.
Our booking management portal provides agents with an efficient tool to oversee all aspects of bookings and commissions, and our website is also incredibly easy to use for a seamless booking experience.
