India and Sri Lanka are both amazing places to visit with their rich cultures, culinary delights, historic sites and relics, and incredible wildlife.
But while India may be perceived as the more popular destination of the two to Westerners, the trend is shifting and Sri Lanka – “The Pearl of the Indian Ocean” – is fast becoming the preferred choice.
Unlike years of the past, Sri Lanka is now truly open for business and offers Western tourists a less intimidating, quieter option compared to India, yet with equal delights.
You will now find the popular Western retail and food outlets in the main Sri Lankan cities, yet not nearly as many as you typically find in other Asian tourist destinations. Familiar, yet sparse Western brands, along with the extremely friendly Sri Lankan people, make Sri Lanka feel both welcoming yet entirely authentic.
The iconic tea plantations of Sri Lanka originate from the British colonisation of the island hundreds of years ago, when the jungle-clad mountains were cleared to make way for their favourite beverage – tea.
The tea from Sri Lanka is world renowned and the tea estates which produce the popular leaf are a magnet for tourists. And it’s little wonder – the sweeping plantations perched across the misty Sri Lankan mountains are a truly beautiful sight and make for an educational trip. Visiting one of the vast tea estates, taking a tour inside the tea factory or simply enjoy a cup of your own in one of the local tea shops is a must when you travel to Sri Lanka!
When the British colonised Sri Lanka over two hundred years ago they introduced two pastimes which the island is now renowned for worldwide – tea and cricket!
If you’re interested in the former, take a look at our recent article about visiting tea plantations in Sri Lanka for some ideas. For cricket fans, Sri Lanka offers the unique chance to visit a beautiful island with its amazing wildlife, white-sand beaches and historic sites together with watching the nail-biting cricket the island is famous for.
Having made their World Cup debut in the 1975 World Cup, Sri Lanka has won the cup once in 1996, coming runners up in 2007 and 2011, and the sport is played all across the island.
No holiday to Sri Lanka would be complete without spending a lazy day or two relaxing on one of the many idyllic white sand beaches this beautiful island has to offer.
And in Sri Lanka, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether it’s the more Westernised and developed West Coast of Sri Lanka, the alluring south with its wildlife parks and Buddhist shrines, or the unspoilt East Coast – there is no lack of beautiful beaches to retreat to.
Are you the adventurous type looking for a holiday that encompasses a personal challenge? If so, then the Adams Peak Pilgrimage climb in Sri Lanka maybe something you would want to include on your next tour.
The Adams Peak Pilgrimage season is nearly on us – starting on the Full Moon (Poya) Day in December (12th December 2016) and finishing on the Full Moon (Poya) day in May (10th May 2017).
These Full Moon Poya Days have huge significance for Buddhists – each one is a significant day in the life of Lord Buddha.
Full Moon (Poya) day of December marks the arrival of the Bo tree sapling in Anuradhapura. This sapling was taken from the very tree under which Buddha reached enlightenment.
Full Moon (Poya) day of May celebrates the 3 key events in Lord Buddha’s life – his birthday, enlightenment and passing away.
