A Journey Through Sri Lanka: Ancient Cities, Wildlife Encounters, and Coastal Bliss
Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island nation in the Indian Ocean, is a country of extraordinary diversity. From ancient archaeological wonders to pristine wilderness and idyllic beaches, my recent adventure through this captivating land left me convinced that one could return five times over and still discover new treasures.
Cinnamon Lodge: Our Gateway to Ancient Wonders
Our journey began at the Cinnamon Lodge, a perfect base for exploring the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka. Nestled in serene surroundings, it offers the perfect base for comfort and tranquility after days filled with exploration.
From here, we ventured to the ancient cities that tell the rich history of this island nation. The highlight was undoubtedly scaling Sigiriya Rock, an ancient rock fortress rising dramatically from the surrounding plains. The climb is not for the fainthearted, it’s challenging but rewarded with breathtaking panoramic views and remarkable frescoes that have survived for centuries.
The Dambulla Buddhist Caves left me in awe of the work that went into creating these sacred spaces. Five caves housing over 150 Buddha statues and stunning ceiling paintings demonstrate the artistic achievement of ancient Sri Lankan civilization.
Our cultural exploration continued at Polonnaruwa Ancient City, once a thriving commercial and religious center in the 12th century. Walking among the remarkably preserved ruins of palaces, temples, and massive Buddha statues carved from solid rock, I felt transported through time.
Gal Oya: A Wilderness Adventure
Our next destination, Gal Oya National Park, provided an immersive nature experience that was perhaps a bit too close to nature for some travellers. We stayed at Gal Oya Lodge, where the boundaries between accommodation and wilderness delightfully blur - although my mother felt the proximity of the jungle was a little too much for her!
The beautiful pool offered refreshing respite from the tropical heat, while hiking massive rock formations provided stunning vistas of the surrounding wilderness. One of my favorite memories was participating in a jungle cooking class, learning to prepare authentic Sri Lankan dishes using local ingredients and traditional methods.
The true magic of Gal Oya revealed itself during our jeep safari and walk through Nilgala. The park is home to diverse wildlife, but nothing compared to the extraordinary sight of elephants swimming alongside our boat as they crossed the waters between islands. This rare spectacle, watching these magnificent creatures navigate the water with surprising grace, remains etched in my memory as a truly special wildlife encounter.
The Scenic Railway to Kandy
No visit to Sri Lanka is complete without experiencing the famous train journey from Ella to Kandy. Often described as one of the world's most beautiful rail trips, the reality exceeded all expectations. The train wound through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and verdant forests, with each bend revealing more breathtaking scenery than the last.
CoAstAl indulgEnce
We concluded our journey at KK Beach, a gorgeous coastal retreat that offered the perfect balance of luxury and authentic Sri Lankan character. The sister property, Kahanda Kanda, located just 20 minutes inland, provided an unforgettable dining experience amidst stunning surroundings - our meal there was nothing short of fabulous.
A land of endless discovery
As I reflect on this journey through Sri Lanka, I'm struck by how much we experienced and yet how much remains unexplored. The island's compact size belies its incredible diversity of landscapes, wildlife, culture, and cuisine. I could return five more times and still discover new wonders in this enchanting country.
For travellers seeking a destination that offers ancient history, wildlife encounters, culinary delights, stunning landscapes, and beautiful beaches- all within a relatively small area - Sri Lanka stands as one of the world's most rewarding destinations.