Breathtaking Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical paradise offering lush rainforests, pristine beaches, ancient temples, and vibrant culture, all wrapped in breathtaking landscapes waiting to be explored. Being offered a place on a familiarisation trip to Sri Lanka, long on my bucket list it was an incredible opportunity, we packed a lot into just seven nights, but it was the perfect taster of how lucky I was to experience this beautiful and captivating country. We flew to Colombo with Qatar Airways, enjoying a seamless transit in Doha and the luxury of a Business Class Q Suite for part of the journey We were hosted by our Destination Management Company in Sri Lanka and expertly looked after throughout the journey by our dedicated guide, Ananda. Traveling in a comfortable mini-bus, we explored charming small towns, visited vibrant local markets, and made spontaneous stops to admire picturesque temples and waterfalls, perfect for a quick photo and a moment to take it all in.

Day 1 Our adventure began with a restful first night in Wallawana a short transfer from the airport and the perfect place to recharge. Next morning straight into culture and nature, starting with the awe-inspiring Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with ancient art. Next, we headed to Minneriya National Park for an exhilarating 4x4 jeep safari, where witnessing majestic herds of elephants up close quickly became a personal highlight. We ended the day in style, unwinding at the luxurious Water Garden Hotel. Day 2 Rising at 4 am, we climbed all 1,236 steps of the legendary Sigiriya Rock just in time for a breathtaking sunrise, every step rewarded with jaw-dropping views and the chance to wander through the ancient fortress. In the afternoon, we made our way to Kandy, staying at the charming Kandy House Boutique Hotel a serene and stylish stopover on route to the scenic tea plantations.

Day 3&4 The next morning, we boarded a local train to Hatton and arrived at the luxurious Ceylon Tea Trails, where we stayed in an elegant six-room bungalow with all-inclusive indulgence and our own personal butler, ultimate luxury amidst the hills, our home for 2 nights. A visit to the Dunkeld Tea Factory and a scenic hike through lush plantations, watching expert tea pickers at work.

Day 5 From Hatton, we embarked on a six-hour journey to Yala National Park, with a break in the middle aboard the charming Calypso steam train for an hour with a stop at the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, a breathtaking highlight that felt like stepping into a movie. In Yala National Park, we stayed at one of my absolute favourite properties, Uga Chena Hut where our luxurious hut came with a private pool, and one night wasn’t enough, just last week an elephant had wandered up to reception, though during our stay, it was curious monkeys that kept us company

Day 6 Game drives in Yala National Park are typically early morning or late evening, the prime times to catch glimpses of leopards and other wildlife as they venture out in the cooler hours. We opted for the 4 a.m. drive, and after a thrilling 3-hour safari, we were incredibly lucky to spot a leopard lounging lazily over a tree an unforgettable moment in the wild!

Day 7 After our adventure in Yala, we headed to the coast and stayed at The Fortress in Koggala, though there are plenty of other resorts along the coastline where you could easily spend a week to unwind at the end of your trip ranging from B&B and half-board to all-inclusive options. With the Indian Ocean right at your doorstep and pristine white beaches stretching for miles, it’s the perfect place to relax.

We visited the charming fortress town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site that we absolutely loved with its cobbled streets, vibrant cafés, local markets full of handmade souvenirs, and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it a perfect place to wander, soak up the history and even spend a relaxing night.

Day 8 As our journey came to an end, it was sad to say goodbye to the incredible beauty of Sri Lanka and our wonderful guide Ananda but with so much more to explore, one thing’s certain I will definitely be back.