Soulful Sri Lanka

Often called the 'teardrop of India', Sri Lanka is a beguiling island shaped by ancient history and vibrant culture.

Picture: Brief Garden by Bevis Bawa



Our journey begins in Colombo, one of the busiest ports in Asia. Colombo Fort was first established by the Portuguese in the 16th century and later expanded by the Dutch, who added a hospital to care for Dutch East India Company staff. Its location near the harbour made it a vital stop for sailors and merchants alike. Today, the beautifully restored fort is alive with cafés, boutiques and colonial charm. Dinner at the acclaimed Ministry of Crab is a must.

Next, we travel inland to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Polonnaruwa, an ancient city at the heart of Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Once the capital between the 10th and 12th centuries, it was a thriving centre of commerce and religion. The site’s ruins are hauntingly beautiful – ornate temples, stone carvings and serene statues scattered across a lush, open landscape. We don’t miss the Vatadage, a circular relic house with a seated Buddha at its core.

Picture: Japanese Peace Pagoda, Rummasala Hill



From there, we head south to Kandy, the island’s sacred city and cultural heart. Surrounded by misty hills and tea plantations, Kandy is rich in legend, with palaces, spice markets and temples. We take the scenic train to Nuwara Eliya, where the cool-climate charm of colonialera bungalows and manicured gardens echoes Sri Lanka’s Ceylon tea heritage.

Our final stop is Galle, where the 16th-century fort sits on a rocky headland overlooking the Indian Ocean. Enclosed by Dutch-built stone walls, its car-free streets reveal layers of Portuguese, Dutch and British history. As the sun sets, we wander the cobbled lanes, soak in the golden light, and finish the day with a cocktail overlooking the sea.

This is just a glimpse of the incredible experiences waiting for you when visiting Sri Lanka, each destination a unique chapter in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural tapestry, with its diverse culinary traditions blending Dutch, Portuguese, Indonesian, and Indian influences. 

 

Picture: Stilt Fishermen of Koggala

3 Must-Dos

• Climb Sigiriya, Sri Lanka’s iconic rock fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site, as it towers 200 metres above the surrounding landscape. Once a royal palace, it blends architecture and nature with ancient frescoes, landscaped gardens and pools carved into the rock. The steep ascent rewards you with unforgettable views.

• Take the train to Nuwara Eliya renowned for its high-altitude ‘Ceylon’ tea, loved for its bright and robust flavour. This highland community with colonial era bungalows, Tudor style hotels and English-style gardens, was once the favourite cool climate escape for English and Scottish pioneers of the tea industry.

• Spot Sri Lanka’s estimated 4,000 wild Asian elephants in their natural habitat within the national parks. Watch them graze, bathe and play together. On hot days, they retreat into the jungle for shade, but by afternoon, large herds emerge to gather at lakes and watering holes, cooling off and socialising in the fading light.