...Insight
A jewel in the Indian Ocean
Culture Overload
Like a teardrop off India, Sri Lanka was championed by Marco Polo as the finest island of its size in all the world. Seven centuries on and we see no reason to contradict him.
Positioned along ancient trade routes, Sri Lanka blends a 2,000-year-old culture with a colonial legacy left behind by a potpourri of European traders, spice merchants, sailors and settlers. Here are a few of our can’t-miss experiences.
“Few countries on earth offer such variety in such a small space. From blue whales to Buddhist culture, cricket to curry, and tea plantations to timeless train journeys, Sri Lanka has it all.”
Stephanie Carthy
Personal Travel Designer
01488 689700 stephanie.carthy@baileyrobinson.com Read Stephanie’s profile
SIP TEA AT SOURCE
Tea has been grown in Sri Lanka since the 1860s and is as synonymous with the country as cricket and curry. Colonial-era trains still wind their way from Kandy to the misty peaks of the hill country, where beautifully restored plantation houses have been transformed into luxury hotels.
Meet with a resident planter to learn the age-old art of tea making, then enjoy a good cuppa while taking in the views of emerald peaks and hillsides carpeted in terraces of tea.
TAKE A HIKE
Pilgrims and keen walkers have been heading for Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada) in the southern Hill Country for over 1,000 years. Jutting skyward from lush jungle, Sri Lanka’s holiest mountain features a ‘footprint’ on its summit that’s believed to be Adam’s by Christians and Buddha’s by Buddhists.
The ascent is traditionally made at night to reach the summit for sunrise. If you don’t fancy the 5,000-plus steps, Little Adam’s Peak near Ella makes a great alternative and can easily be combined with a visit to the famous Nine Arches Bridge nearby.
Sri Lanka Property Spotlights
Water Garden Sigiriya
Water Garden’s spacious, free-standing villas are set either astride or beside interlinking pools crafted from former rice paddies. All have stunning views of the surrounding water gardens or, in the case of the higher room categories, the ancient Sigiriya rock fortress, just a 20-minute drive away.
All have separate living and bedrooms that open onto a private terrace, and many have private plunge pools. Food is of the highest quality and there’s a spa, fitness centre, and a large pool that looks out at distant Sigiriya.
Must do
Besides Sigirya, other nearby attractions include the ancient Buddhist cave temples at Dambulla and the ancient monastery at Ritigala. Day trips to the ruined cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, as well as elephant safaris in Minneriya National Park (best from late July to October), are also possible.
Ceylon Tea Trails - Hatton
Our top choice in the Hill Country, Ceylon Tea Trails’ handful of plantation bungalows, lovingly restored in a hybrid colonial/contemporary style, are scattered along a valley overlooking endless tea gardens. Each is divided into separate suites or is available in its entirety.
Tours of the tea estate can be arranged, as can all manner of outdoor expeditions, from kayaking on Castlereagh Lake to climbing Adam’s Peak. Then again, so plush are the suites that it’s tempting just to sit back, relax and take advantage of the all-inclusive service.
Must do
Join the resident tea planter on a guided tour of the Dunkeld Tea Factory and discover the tea-making process from field to factory and finally to cup.
Chena Huts - Yala National Park
Sandwiched between a gorgeous beach and the wild grasslands and forests of Yala National Park, Chena Huts offers luxury, safari-style cabanas just a stone’s throw from the highest density of leopard in the world. The 14 cabanas all have large outdoor decks with private plunge pools and sun loungers.
Inside you’ll find safari décor in keeping with the jungle surroundings, as well as large, comfy beds and free-standing bathtubs. You can dine at the beautifully designed restaurant, in your cabana or at a private table set up beneath the stars.
Must do
As well as doing game drives, we recommend the bush walk from Chena Huts, which allows you to encounter flora and fauna you wouldn’t normally see from a jeep.
Amangalla - Galle
At the start of the century, this landmark building was in a sorry state of disrepair. But if anyone can bring light back to a faded star it’s Aman. Today the Amangalla is the best of two worlds – both the height of modern luxury and an authentic testament to colonial finery.
The contemporary décor is visibly colonial-inspired and the hotel’s location, within the walls of Galle’s old Dutch fort, brings a timeless sense of history. Butlers are on hand to see to your every need and when you’re tired of browsing Galle’s many shops, you can return to relax beside the 21m pool or at the Ayurvedic spa
Must do
Galle is one of the best places in Sri Lanka to buy jewellery and precious stones. At the last count there were at least 60 jewellery stores within the walls of Galle Fort alone. Serious shoppers should take their time, visit several and compare prices.
To get you started, try Lihiniya Gems on Hospital Street or MM Ibrahim on Church Street. There is also a great selection of individual cut stones and beautifully finished pieces at the Historical Mansion on Leyn Baan Street.
Just back from
The Punjab & Rajasthan
Our Travel Designer Steph recalls the highlights of her most recent visit to the subcontinent, travelling south from the Punjab, the heart of India’s Sikh community, to Rajasthan, the land of maharajas and medieval forts.
Booking with Bailey Robinson means access to the finest travel experiences. When planning your holiday we do all the hard work – in-depth research and meticulous organisation. You can be confident in the individual care for your holiday from your dedicated and experienced Personal Travel Designer and Concierge.
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