Your Sri Lanka itinerary: 5 trip ideas to explore the country
21.07.2023 - 08:26
/ roughguides.com
Sri Lanka is deceptive. On a map of the world it appears to be tiny, but the moment you arrive you’ll realise that within its diminutive borders it packs in an astounding array of attractions, landscapes and climate zones – with countless activities to boot.
Unless you have a couple of months at your disposal you can never hope to tick off all the country's highlights in one go. To make the most of your time, here are five trip plans that will help even the most time-strapped traveller to see the best of Sri Lanka.
With a huge variety of habitats and wildlife, Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s great wildlife-watching destinations. Start your safari in the dry woodlands and lakes of the huge and peaceful Wilpattu National Park, which is known for its sloth bears and herds of spotted deer.
Cut across the country to Minneriya National Park, which annually (in August or September) plays host to the largest meeting of Asian elephants anywhere in the world.
Drive down to Yala National Park, which is regarded as one of the best places in Asia to see leopards. En route stop at nearby, and little-visited, Bundala for gorgeous scenery and thousands of birds. Carry on along the coast to Mirissa where you can head out to sea in search of blue whales.
Finish up by heading inland again to the steamy, bird- and insect-filled rainforests of the unique Sinharaja forest.
Leopard © Andaman / Shutterstock
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Sri Lanka’s Hill Country is swathed in a vast carpet of rippling tea estates – and one of the most enjoyable ways of exploring the region is by focusing on everyone’s favourite morning cuppa. Kickstart your tour by getting some background knowledge at the Ceylon Tea Museum, which is located just outside Kandy.
With your wealth of new knowledge, immerse yourself in the colonial tea planter’s life by treating yourself to a night or two in a luxury converted tea estate bungalow, such as those offered by Ceylon Tea Trail.
Next head over to the tea town of Nuwara Eliya. While in town, don’t miss High Tea at The Grand Hotel. For the night, book a room at the Heritance Tea Factory, a boutique hotel made out of the shell of a tea factory.
End your tour by taking a look at where the stuff is made. Arrange a visit to the Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, which is located just outside Ella.
© Carlos Amarillo / Shutterstock
Renowned far and wide for the beauty of its beaches, Sri Lanka is a dream destination for watersports enthusiasts. Start your trip at the gorgeous sands of Bentota, where you can take to the waters with catamaran sailing and waterskiing.
Hop south from Bentota to brash Hikkaaduwa, which is home to surf