Gems of Ceylon Tour

Enjoy the scenic landscape, cultural triangle, wildlife and gorgeous beaches of Sri Lanka

Shane Cleary from Malvern Travel & Cruise recently had the pleasure of spending 12 lovely days in Sri Lanka. It is country rich in history dating back to the 6^th Century BC. Buddhism is the main religion and it shows in some of the country’s most beautiful and historic landmarks. For the record Buddhism arrived in the 3^rd Century BC. It also has a history with the Portuguese, Dutch and English colonials which make it a very interesting place to visit.

The best way to travel in Sri Lanka is by road using the services of a private driver/guide. Infrastructure is noticeably underdeveloped. However it is completely forgivable as every journey is colourful. Getting from A to B usually involves sharing the road with tractors, cows, dogs and pedestrians. The Cows and Dogs have no discernible fear of the bigger road users and as such dodging is an essential skill to look for in a driver. Roadsides are littered with stalls and makeshift shops selling local produce and snacks to the passer-by. Individual areas have their specialities and everything is as fresh as can be.

Sri Lanka is very much a travelling and visiting destination. In the central part of the country Dambulla was a great base to see the sites of the area. Dambulla Cave Temple, Sigiruya Rock Temple, Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa are all within a maximum 1 and half hour drive and having the driver with you really makes the difference. Most of these sites have been recognised by UNESCO with World Heritage listings, while others are a throwback to when Buddhism was introduced. On a slightly smaller scale these sites rival the likes of ruins in Cambodia.

Climbing to the top of Sigiruya Rock was a real highlight and similar to our Aboriginal art. There are some fine examples of rock art to break up the trip to the top. Dambulla Cave temple is also very beautifully adorned with carvings and paintings. For those that travel with kids (or are big kids like me) the Monkeys are a good source of entertainment as they swing around the sites. The Asian Elephant also resides in the tropical forest surroundings and is a welcome break from all the ruins. You can even go on a game drive to view them at Minneriya National Park. The day I went was a light day for viewing with only 50 or so Elephants hanging around the watering holes. In the south of the country (Yala National Park) you can also see Leopards and other wildlife among the Elephants.

In the highlands of the country (near Kandy), places like Nuwara Eliya are Sri Lanka’s tea growing areas. Visiting a plantation and watching how the process is done is a must do. Tasting the tea fresh from the source is also surprisingly lovely! Nuwara Eliya was a playground for British Colonials who introduced Tea to the area. There is still a Golf Course, Race Track and various country club style retreats (Like the hotel Jetwing St Andrews) that make it a must-see even if only for the day. Close by is the beautiful 98 Acres Resort which looks over Small Adams Peak. An easy climb for an amazing view. And a short walk downhill to Ella town for some local cooking. Being amongst the tea plantations in a cooler climate is a welcome change mid itinerary!

From the high country it is about a 2 hours decline down to the Island’s beautiful beaches. I chose to stay at Aluthgama just outside of Bentota and wasn’t disappointed! It was at this point we said goodbye to the driver and did our own thing. The water at the beach was just slightly cooler than the pool and the waves were gentle enough to body surf on. The Palms gave the tropical feel and the breeze is very welcome. All in all Sri Lanka has some very nice beaches. On a sombre note it is important to note that 45,000 people in this region lost their lives in the Boxing Day Tsunami.

An hour away by local train is the Port City of Galle. Galle has a fortress which hails from the Dutch occupancy and is really easy on the eye with its Dutch architecture and solid walls. It has undergone a culinary revival lately and offers fresh seafood at reasonable prices. The region is also home to the famous stilt fisherman which are fascinating viewing. Wandering around inside the fort is definitely not a waste of a day! If you are tired take a Tuc Tuc tour.

The Capital, Colombo carries on the Colonial theme with its Architecture. It is quite a modern city with a vibrant nightlife and certainly offers a larger variety of dining. One or two days would be ample to explore the city itself either on the way in or way out of the country.

With all that said I would like to invite all of our Malvern Travel and Cruise clients to join me for a tour of Sri Lanka in November 2015. I have tailor made the 12 Night itinerary with luxury and comfort in mind. It is a comprehensive view of Sri Lanka and has been organised in conjunction with Sri Lanka’s biggest and best ground operator. It will be escorted by myself to make sure things go smoothly. Given the nature of the its global position it may be a good opportunity for those wishing to extend in to places like the Maldives or India. I am more than happy to discuss all possibilities with you. Numbers will be strictly limited so get in early to reserve a spot! You won’t be disappointed with the destination and tour!