Sri Lanka, you are beautiful, unique and full of cultural experiences, and we are so very glad we finally made it.
3 years of trying to come across the Indian Ocean was worth it!
From Sea to Tea and Safari in between, the magic triangle in the South did not disappoint. Even though we experienced the start of the monsoon and rain was a daily occurrence it didn't dampen the experience.
We decided to make Sri Lanka a stop on our way home from the beautiful Maldives.
They are two very different destinations, and definitely a great combination if you want to combine a re-charge/relax style of trip, with some culture and great sightseeing. The curfews that were in place on our arrival due to the Sri Lankan Government being thrown out, but it didn't stop us, and we are so glad we continued our plans as they were laid out.
Our first stop was Cape Weligama.
This is a 2-hour drive south of Colombo International Airport, the perfect spot to relax after travelling and soak in the amazing views. You should visit Galle Fort and, if the weather permits. Sri Lanka is a hotspot for whale watching, or if you prefer to stay on land, why not jump in one of the many tuk-tuks to the local beaches. Watch the stilt fisherman at work. Their typical catch is 4-5 kilos a day, which they sell for $2-$3 per kilo at the local markets which are great for people watching.
Next stop, Safari time at Yala National Park.
We are always keen for a bit of 'glamping' and Wild Coast Tented Lodge really does deliver. Doing a Safari so close to the ocean is unusual, but the coast is actually the edge of the safari landscapes. Wild Coast Tented Lodge is set amongst it all. You may find the odd elephant walking around the property (without notice!) and cheeky monkeys in the trees. With 2 safari drives a day, fabulous food and amazing views, this is a great combination to see some wildlife (including leopards if you are lucky). Relax with a post-safari spa treatment or two, before sundowner drinks watching the huge waves crash on to the rocks in front of the property.
Ceylon Tea Trails is a 5-6 hour drive from Yala National Park.
Out of Colombom the curfews were over. Definitely more congestion on the roads, but so good to get that feeling of travelling in a place that is not your usual home. Driving is the perfect way to watch some of the traditional Sri Lankan day-to-day activities. You journey through many small villages, heading up into the hills, across the escarpment and down into the valley, the Golden Valley of Ceylon Tea!
Castlereigh Bungalow Tea Trails really does feel like a home-away-from-home.
We crossed the lake by boat to start our Tea Trails experience. We were met by the friendly team at the house, and straight into a classic Sri Lankan lunch! After some unpacking, time for high-tea, which went into pre-dinner drinks, followed by dinner. We never went hungry! Surrounded by tea plantations as far as the eye could see, the views are calming and majestic.
We made a trip to the Dilmah Tea Factory, learning all things tea.
You can learn everything from growing to picking and processing tea, followed by a tea tasting of different tea varieties and blends to finish off a fascinating morning. We never realised creating our favourite morning cuppa was actually such an involved and complex process!! Knowing the process will definitely make us appreciate those cups of tea going forward!!
Weather permitting, there are some great hikes that can be done around Tea Trails. Between the various bungalows you can even get out into the plantations and do some of your own tea picking with the team. Kayaking on the lake is also available. If you feel like a little relaxation, in-room massages are available. What a perfect way to end a stay at the beautiful Tea Trails, before heading back to the airport on our long journey home.
Sri Lanka, and its people, are beautiful, it should definitely be on your travel radar and bucket list. Our trip, really was just a glimpse, a taster, of what Sri Lanka has on offer, and we will definitely be back to explore and enjoy more in the coming years!
If you would like some help planning your Sri Lanka adventure, contact us here.
