Exploring an island paradise - Sri Lanka
Travelers today are looking for something new. Or else they’re searching for exotic places that actually meet their expectations as nature and wildlife enthusiasts. Sri Lanka ticks all those boxes. We know that this island paradise of beautiful sights and scenes was Lonely Planet's top choice for Best in Travel 2019 for a reason. The historical significance and old-world glamour are not forgotten either. So many travelers praise the Galle Face Hotel even when they check in at the iconic grand dame after so many years. They think back to the rich colonial past of this country. But Sri Lanka is fast becoming much more than just a tropical getaway for sun, sand, sea, and even history (although the warm sunny weather all year around doesn’t hurt) but is clearly upping the game in the gastronomy, high street shopping, VIP events and luxury hotelier spaces as well with the emergence of projects like Port City. Remember Cinnamon Grand's Lagoon restaurant ranking amongst the World's 50 Best Restaurants list? And while Bali and Maldives are terrific seaside resorts in our book, it is obvious that, Sri Lanka does not have one generic quality about it. The whole of the country offers new and exciting experiences full of color, depth and variety. We like to think that Lanka is right up there on the list with glamorous resorts like the French Riviera. Just like the Riviera, Sri Lanka is a wonder, and a single visit will not be enough when there is so much to explore in not simply lazy lunches, Ayurvedic spa treatments and luxurious hotels rooms. But also soulful adventure.
Here’s some of our top picks when it comes to a weekend trip in Sri Lanka.
The best hotels in Sri Lanka
Paying a flying visit or business trip to this tear-drop shaped island will usually involve the sheer luxury of the Cinnamon Grand's finer comforts. The 5-star hotel is best described as one of the more lavish business hotels in the city and a popular venue for upscale events including weddings, conferences and runway shows. But a traveler will enjoy the world-class restaurants and the sumptuous rooms and services of the hotel. It is also ideal for high tea, or an elegant lunch or dinner with your significant other, friends or family. The signature mutton rolls and array of decadent desserts at the Coffee Stop bites lounge on the ground floor is the perfect touch to a casual evening out with the gang.
Wild Coast Tented Lodge - Relais & Chateaux
Glamping is a portmanteau of the words “glamorous” and “camping”. Are you picturing this scene? It’s a style of camping where five-star comfort meets the wild backdrop of the jungle, adventure and natural setting. Well, now imagine glamping in Sri Lanka. This is certainly not your usual retreat on the edge of Yala National Park where the jungle meets the ocean. Just think, the view from your "cocoon"-style tent promises exotic adventures and the authentic Sri Lankan dining is a must. Safari vibes all the way here and the chance of glimpsing a spotted leopard or an wide tusked elephant right outside your camp makes it so much more interesting and exciting than the usual hotel stay.
The best restaurants in Sri Lanka
Founded by legendary Sri Lankan cricketers Mahela Jayawardene, Kumar Sangakkara and chef Dharshan Munidasa, MoC opened its doors in Bangkok, Shanghai and the Maldives. But there’s nothing like the good old Colombo restaurant where the magic all started. Look no further than Ministry of Crab for that star-class Sri Lankan crab experience, especially when the crabs, oysters, clams, freshwater prawns are king size and menacing in the most delicious way possible. The crabs however, as the name suggests, are the main star of the show here and are carefully and sustainably sourced from the freshwater rivers of Sri Lanka. Tuck into the famous Mud crabs or “crabzilla” tossed in aromatic Lankan spices and herbs in the historic setting of 400-year old Dutch Hospital Precinct.
Capital Bar & Grill at Shangri-La
You’re in Colombo for the weekend at it’s a special anniversary with your significant other and you want to toast in style over dinner, drinks and music. Capital Bar & Grill is the place to book but keep in mind that advanced booking is probably best as the place is buzzing weekly with Colombo’s high society. Elegant is the word and the menu superb - indulge in fresh seafood (the barramundi is often recommended) and the steaks, carbos and sides are usually spot on for what they promise. There is a lively bar for pre-dinner drinks serving a good selection of wines, cocktails, spirits and beers. Sometimes a live band will be playing soft jazz music to set the scene. Don’t miss the Blue Room which includes a show kitchen. Alfresco dining can be enjoyed out on the terrace.
The best things to do in Sri Lanka
Elephant gatherings
The Sri Lankan elephant or Elphas Maximus Maximus is recognized as one of the four elephant species in the Asian subcontinent and is native to the island of Sri Lanka. It is the largest of the four subspecies of elephant weighing over 5.5 tonnes and standing over 3 meters tall. The Sri Lankan elephant is a sight to behold. There are so many places to see elephants in Sri Lanka. Minneriya National Park is one of the oldest wildlife reserves, classed as a sanctuary in the 1930s. Get close to the Minneriya Tank reservoir for a glimpse of “The Gathering” i.e. droves of elephants approach the banks of lakes and water troughs for a sip of water during the dry season. A beautiful sight that’s easy to spot during the day.
This is a World Heritage sight not to be missed when on a weekend trip in Sri Lanka. Lovers of history will lap up the interesting facts on ancient Dambulla city and of course the rich culture of the Buddhist faith so symbolic of the place. This exquisite cave is filled with Buddha statues and drawings, mural paintings rather, that have visitors enthralled for hours at a time on what they considered a flying visit. It is regarded as the one of most well-preserved caves in the island as well as the largest - a sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries. Heads up though, there’s a lot of walking up steps and footpaths so bring a water bottle, cap, sunglasses and whatever else you need for the trip inside the sanctuaries.
If you stroll through the cities of Sri Lanka, you are bound to find traces of a colonial past, since the island was under the rule of the Portuguese, Dutch and the British for a period of 443 years. For the European style architecture blended into Asian traditions, it is best recognized on a weekend trip to Galle Fort. This city formerly was a fortress occupied by the Dutch in the 17th century. A simple stroll will excite the senses - buy yourself a cup of creamy gelato from the street side Peddlar’s Inn stall, shop around at the many boutiques and shops selling antiques, handmade jewelry and some of the best souvenirs of the islands or check into colonial style villa for the night.
This island paradise offers so many types of vacations from the world’s best beaches, thrilling safaris in the depths of the jungle, perfect conditions for surfing, sailing and stilt fishing, yoga retreats within countryside tea estates and ancient Buddhist temples, caves and ruins. Download our complete Sri Lanka city guide and plan a sun-kissed trip over here.