Sri Lankan fishermen who spend the morning atop stilts, patiently waiting for their catch.
Not interested in India? Looking for an alternative Asian adventure?
Stick Sri Lanka on your bucket list and check out these tips to having an unforgettable trip. Author: catherine mcgloin
With pristine beaches, delicious street food and cheap-as-chips accommodation, it’s time to suss out Sri Lanka and enjoy a spot of surfing, sunbathing and sea temple touring. Intrepid traveler, Lezaan Roos, spills the beans on seven of the best things to see and do in this slice of island paradise.
1. Pick the perfect spot for palm trees and coconut cuisine
When you think of Sri Lanka, do you think of tropical turquoise water, palm tree covered, coconut dotted sandy beaches? Well, you won’t be disappointed by places like Mirissa, southeast of Weligama - it's the perfect place for taking selfies to tease your friends back home with. Watch surfers above the waves, amazing red snapper under them, and savour a range of fish and coconut based curry delicacies on the shore. Take surf lessons or lounge around watching the waves for the ultimate beach experience that dream trips are made of.
2. Tour state temples and Portuguese style fortresses
The architecture in Sri Lanka is astonishing, some ancient temples and towers dating back 100,000 years. Explore early medieval ruins, nestled amongst fortresses left from the Portuguese colonial period, which began in 1505 and whose cultural impact can still be felt today.
3. Stay cool on the coast
Accommodation further inland can be hot and stuffy, so head towards the shore to stay comfortable. Check out the Paradise Beach Club in Mirissa, a variety of bungalows and rooms set directly on the sands with unobstructed views of the ocean. Accommodation prices range from £30 to £60 depending on the level of luxury you prefer. Take day trips around the southwest; there are trains and some buses, but taxis were the best way to get around, and most of the hotels will arrange these at the best price. The drivers tended to be a bit like guides, so leave the GPS at home.
4. Enjoy the life aquatic
No island paradise would be complete without an underwater kingdom waiting for you to explore. Home to five of the world’s seven species of turtle, spend the day snorkeling or diving, you're guaranteed to bump into them. If you prefer to stay on dry land then visit one of the hatcheries where they're bred, alongside other rescued sea creatures. Head to Rekawa beach for a rare sight of turtles laying their eggs come sundown. More of a morning person? Get up before sunrise and sail away for some whale and dolphin watching. Some tours will even give you a second trip for free if you don’t catch a glimpse of the Indian Ocean’s amazing wildlife, so you’re guaranteed to go home with snaps to give David Attenborough a run for his money.
5. Pay homage to Buddha
Buddhism is the most widely practiced religion (about 70 per cent of the population) in Sri Lanka. So it’s not uncommon to see larger-than-life Buddha statues towering over temples in and around the southwestern cities. One of the most impressive is Mulgirigala temple, located 30 minutes inland from Tangalle in Sri Lanka's south. A third century monastery, here you’ll find rock temples carved out of the face of a huge boulder, giant reclining Buddha statues and beautiful paintings. A bit of a climb to the top of the temple, it’s worth it for the view.
6. Get on the road to Galle
Driving from Mirissa to Galle you'll come across little islands or temples in the sea, stretches of quiet coastline, local fish markets and Sri Lankan fishermen who spend the morning atop stilts, patiently waiting for their catch. Galle is a great place to see the Portuguese impact on the country, having once been a fortified city full of brightly painted buildings. Try staying in Galle for a spot of souvenir shopping and a lazy lunch in one of the colonial restaurants overlooking the ocean.
7. Spot Safari
Make sure you pack your binoculars and get out to Yala National Park, for the opportunity to see leopards, crocodiles and other Sri Lankan wildlife on a Jeep safari. An early start (4am) from Mirissa is the best way to make sure you catch the animals out on their morning stroll before they hide away from the afternoon sun.
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