A world in one so brilliantly describes the tear drop shaped island of Sri Lanka. An island rich in so many aspects from art, history, customs, flora and fauna, gemstones and enticing cuisine. Here are some reasons why you need to arrange a private journey with Wildlife Safari for you to discover the island of Sri Lanka.
1. History
Ancient temples, ruins, stupas and statues are scattered across the island, revealing Sri Lanka’s unique relationship with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions. Sri Lanka’s history stretches beyond two millennia, its civilization shaped largely by the influence of the Indian subcontinent. Thanks to its position on maritime trade routes, the island was known to sailors from Greece, Italy, Persia, Malaysia, Armenia and China before the Europeans discovered the ocean passage to India in the 15th century. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and British tussled for colonial rule, with the British conquering the island in 1815. Wander the narrow cobblestone lanes in Galle Fort, a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover picturesque Dutch and British colonial architecture.
2. The Cultural Triangle
Ancient temples, ruins, stupas and statues are scattered across the island, revealing Sri Lanka’s unique relationship with Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim and Christian traditions. Sri Lanka’s history stretches beyond two millennia, its civilization shaped largely by the influence of the Indian subcontinent. Thanks to its position on maritime trade routes, the island was known to sailors from Greece, Italy, Persia, Malaysia, Armenia and China before the Europeans discovered the ocean passage to India in the 15th century. The Portuguese, Dutch, French and British tussled for colonial rule, with the British conquering the island in 1815. Wander the narrow cobblestone lanes in Galle Fort, a living museum and UNESCO World Heritage Site, to discover picturesque Dutch and British colonial architecture.
3. Traditional Arts
The island’s rich history of artistry is delightfully expressed in traditional dance, folk music and admired in the craft of masks and puppetry. Jewellery starring sapphires, rubies, aquamarines and emeralds and other precious gems highlight the artistry of the many jewellers producing exquisite crafted and unique items.
4. Festivals
Religious festivals occur throughout the year, with regular holidays honouring Poya (full moon) and key occasions. Highlights include Sinhala & Tamil New Year (usually mid April), which celebrates the end of the harvest season or spring. Vesak is celebrated in the first week of May, commemorating the crucial milestones in the Buddha’s life: birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. During this week-long celebration, the island is glowing with lanterns and illuminated pandols (illustrated stories) representing the Buddha’s light. Kandy is renowned for Esala Perahera, an annual pageant held in August, with its nightly procession of vibrantly decorated elephants.
5. Influential Architecture
Religious festivals occur throughout the year, with regular holidays honouring Poya (full moon) and key occasions. Highlights include Sinhala & Tamil New Year (usually mid April), which celebrates the end of the harvest season or spring. Vesak is celebrated in the first week of May, commemorating the crucial milestones in the Buddha’s life: birth, enlightenment, and nirvana. During this week-long celebration, the island is glowing with lanterns and illuminated pandols (illustrated stories) representing the Buddha’s light. Kandy is renowned for Esala Perahera, an annual pageant held in August, with its nightly procession of vibrantly decorated elephants.
6. Incredible Wildlife
Whether you want to see whales breaching in the Indian Ocean, elephants and their babies wandering through the jungle, gem-bright birds flitting through their tropical habitat or elusive leopards lounging in national parks, Sri Lanka is home to all creatures great and small. National parks stretch to all corners of the island teeming with wildlife and endemic treasures.
7. Thrilling Safaris
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without a safari adventure. With over 22 national parks visitors are spoilt of choice to discover and explore the legendary wildlife reserves. Bundala National Park is renowned for birdwatching, while Udawalawe National Park fed by the Walawe River is considered the best spot to observe elephants. Yala National Park in the southern base of the island is famous for its leopards, boasting the highest density of these elusive big cats in the wild worldwide. Wilpattu in the dry zone is a unique complex of wetlands and the oldest and largest park in Sri Lanka. Wildlife Safari can arrange a private safari to many of the parks or in combination with other adventures.
8. Glorious Beaches
With a coastline spanning 1,340km Sri Lanka flaunts an abundance of white sand beaches and coconut palm fringed golden beaches. Swim with turtles and dolphins in Mirissa or take a seasonal whale-watching trip on a luxury charter. Wildlife Safari has a brilliant collection of beach side retreats.
9. Coastal Adventures
If you crave adventures on land, water or in the air, Wildlife Safari can arrange. Sri Lanka is the perfect place for forest hikes, mountain-bike rides and trips to cascading waterfalls to deep-sea fishing, surfing and snorkelling.
10. Flavour Packed Cuisine
Sri Lanka cuisine is characterised by unique spice blends with a heavy use of cinnamon and black pepper as well as goraka, pandan leaf, jaggery and Maldives fish. For breakfast we suggest you try an egg hopper topped with zingy sambols. Rice and curry is the national staple often served on a banana leaf. Highlights include incredible seafood, tantalising spices and the freshest produce. Guests with a sweet tooth will delight in the array of tropical fruit including over 29 varieties of banana, king coconut, jackfruit, rambutans, or curd and treacle a popular sweet treat and the deliciously sweet jaggery.
11. Tea
It’s always tea time in Sri Lanka, the fourth-largest producer of tea in the world. European planters came to the island in the early 19th century to grow coffee and when the crops failed due to coffee rust fungus, James Taylor turned his efforts to growing tea. Tea grows throughout the island however it is the central highlands that claims the title of Tea Country. Ceylon Teas are grown in six major regions thorough out, but it is the high elevation teas that are distinctive in flavour and taste. As you journey through the island you may pass a tea estate or two and Wildlife Safari can arrange a tea factory tour to learn about the iconic beverage from leaf to cup or we will recommend a stay in a boutique hotel formerly a tea managers bungalow in a working estate for a truly unique experience.
12. Ancient Wisdom
Sri Lanka has ancient traditions of indigenous wellness, known as traditional medicine or Hela Wedakama, practiced for thousands of years. The island also has its own version of Ayurveda, encompassing Indian, Indigenous, Greek and Arab influences. The ancient kings helped protect the survival and continuation of Ayurvedic wisdom which is widely practised. Guests can experience Ayurvedic spa treatments, purchase products at the spa of a number of properties in our Wildlife Safari collection.
13. Yoga
Sri Lanka is a popular haven for the practice of Yoga. The island is home to some beautiful and relaxing retreats with many found on the southern beaches while others are remotely located in lush estates. Wildlife Safari can advise on the properties perfect for your requirements.
14. Sport
With limited knowledge of cricket or a cricket tragic you are always welcome to join the locals in a game of street cricket. Or ask Wildlife Safari to arrange your island journey around a test match. Cricket arrived on the island during the colonial era with the British and the earliest-known match was recorded in 1832. Resorts on the coast offer a variety of water sports and land activities.
15. Remarkable People
Most importantly Sri Lankans are the perfect hosts, and it is the people who will always make your journey so memorable. Warm, curious, resilient and welcoming, the people you will encounter on your travels are a beautiful representation of the island’s natural charm.
