Island
INSPIRATION
When you think of countries rich in culture, teeming with exotic wildlife and fringed by sandy beaches, Sri Lanka might not top your list. But there are plenty of reasons it should.
Words: John Pedler
The teardrop-shaped island nation of Sri Lanka, just off the Indian coast, is one of the world's travel hotspots, with visitors discovering the country's many charms. You'll want to include these experiences on your Sri Lankan travel itinerary.
INTO THE WILDS
With a protected area of 130,000 hectares, Yala National Park is home to a diverse range of environments, including monsoon forests, open grassland, scrub country and wetlands. In an ironic twist, this expansive nature preserve was once a hunting ground for the wealthy elite during British rule.
Among the many mammal species that call Yala home, there are several listed as endangered or threatened. On a wildlife safari, keep an eye out for sloth bears, jackals, cheeky toque macaque monkeys, and the stars of the show – the endemic, yet elusive Sri Lankan leopard, and lumbering elephants. Not so rare are the prolific spotted deer, seen grazing in herds throughout the park.
The wildlife-rich wetlands are teeming with local and migratory birds, while stealthy crocodiles lurk beneath the surface of lily-covered ponds.
ROCK-TOP ROYALTY
What better place to build a fortress than atop a 180-metre-high, sheer-walled rock monolith, with commanding views of the surrounding countryside. In the fifth century, the summit of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, was chosen by King Kashyapa to be the centre of his empire.
In an epic tale worthy of a Shakespearean tragedy, Kashyapa gained the throne by overthrowing his father's rule and usurping the rightful heir, his brother Moggallana. Kashyapa later died during a battle against an army raised by his brother, who'd returned from self-exile in India.
Considered by many to be the eighth wonder of the world, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Sigiriya is a truly remarkable place. The extensive water gardens at the rock's base have been creatively landscaped with ponds, canals and fountains, in a feat of irrigation engineering that was well ahead of its time.
It's a steep climb up 1200 steps to the renegade royal's lofty perch, and en route you'll pass two massive lion paws carved from rock. Time has claimed the lion's head that once sat above the paws, but a section of the stairway that passed through the big cat's mouth remains.
At Sigiriya's summit, you'll be rewarded with evocative remnants of a long-lost kingdom and breathtaking views over the forest.
Lion Rock, also pictured main.
CULTURAL KANDY
Scenically located on a plateau surrounded by lush green hills, the UNESCO-listed city of Kandy was once the capital of the Kandyan kingdom.
The town is home to several cultural landmarks, but none are more significant than Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. A shrine within the temple contains a tooth from Buddha, making it one of the religion's most revered places. It's said whoever possessed the tooth relic had the divine right to rule the land.
Spiritual ceremonies held in honour of Buddha are performed three times a day, and begin with a mesmerising drum rhythm and the distinct note of the horanewa reed pipe.
The bone-white temple's construction style is unique to the region, and features an ornate wall and gate at the entrance, and an impressive octagonal pavilion overlooking a moat. The building's interior is decorated with intricate carvings using gold, silver, bronze and ivory, and colourful frescos and murals line the walls and ceilings.
The temple lies within the royal palace grounds, where you'll also find the International Buddhist Museum, which tells the story of the how the religion has spread across the world.
BEACH LIFE
Sri Lanka's an island, so it's natural to expect plenty of great beaches – and you won't be disappointed.
On the south-west coast, the popular resort town of Hikkaduwa has a long sandy beach fringed by swaying palms.
If you're keen on water sports, Hikkaduwa has some of the best surfing in the country, while reef and wreck diving in the clear waters offshore attracts snorkellers and scuba divers.
If you'd rather pull up a seat at a seaside bar or café and watch the passing parade, there's a stool standing by.
On the far south coast, the chilled vibes of Mirissa have made it a popular seaside hangout. See traditional Sri Lankan fishers perched on platforms in the surf, then enjoy a seafood feast at a beach eatery. Walk off your body weight in fish and prawns with a stroll to Parrot Rock to catch the sunset.
If you happen to arrive in Mirissa during whale season, from November to April, you could be lucky enough to spot a massive blue whale – the world's largest animal.
Traditional stilt fishing.
HOLD THE FORT
In true colonial style, one of the first things Portuguese settlers built at Galle on Sri Lanka's south-west coast was a fort, and for good reason. By the mid-17th century, the Dutch had taken over and established extra fortifications, including a more substantial wall.
By the late 1700s, it was Britain's turn to rule the roost and add their own touches, including residential houses and a lighthouse.
Encircled by the wall, Galle Old Town is another of Sri Lanka's UNESCO sites, and is considered by the UN to be the best example of a European fortified city in South and South-East Asia.
Lighthouse at Galle Old Town. Below, a lounging leopard.
The old town seems frozen in time, with narrow cobblestone streets winding among whitewashed colonial-era buildings.
Although, the ubiquitous palm trees and tropical climate suggest you're not in Europe anymore.
Bringing Galle Fort firmly into the 21st century are the many fashion boutiques, jewellers, arts and craft stores, and up-market eateries dotted throughout town.
For such a small island, Sri Lanka punches well above its weight in attractions and experiences.
Whether it's exploring the nation's rich cultural past, spotting leopards in the jungle, or just lounging on the beach with a cocktail, there's something for everyone to enjoy.
IMAGES: Getty.
