Exploring Sri Lanka

We knew it would be hard to top the beaches of South Goa during our travels. The serene, natural and quiet beauty of the rustic beaches and small coastal towns took our breath away. In a lot of regards, we were right… so far. But South Sri Lanka and its stunning array of beaches and vibrant towns spanning the shoreline, all offering something different, give South Goa a good run for its money. If you want to hear about my four standout beachside spots as well as stories of running from Saltwater Crocodiles and mixing with Hollywood A-listers, keep reading. Untouched bliss, Tangalle Tranquil Tangalle We’d been recommended Tangalle by a couple who explained how it reminded them of how South Goa was like ten years ago. A very small coastal village with one road running parallel to the sea, a couple of kilometres long, and only a handful of shanty-style food and drink shacks and a few beach bars and restaurants. Tangalle's one coastal road A very peaceful area with few travellers and ...

Despite the vastly different climate, acres of wilderness, thick jungles and tropical wildlife, Britain’s legacy in Sri Lanka is clear from the outset and beyond. Noticeably Colombo, Galle and Kandy pay tribute to a clear past of European occupation – Galle Fort the standout with a deep history of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence. However, when considering the British rule as a standalone to its European counterparts, it is remote town of Nuwara Eliya that still showcases the British hallmark more than most. An abundance of tea leaves, Nuwara Eliya Little England Known for its rolling hillside tea plantations, luscious green valleys and breathtaking waterfalls, Nuwara Eliya is one of the most beautiful places we have visited yet. Because of its higher altitude and location in the central highlands, which causes moisture-laden winds to rise and cool, the temperature is cooler and rain is more common than elsewhere in the country. It is not a surprise then to understand that...

Whilst travelling through Sri Lanka and the beautifully secluded hill town of Nuwara Eliya, I stumbled across one of the most picturesque racecourses I have ever been to. Nuwara Eliya is a small hillside town with the climate perfect for the growing and farming of tea leaves. The region is cooler than the rest of Sri Lanka, being of higher altitude, and is rich in luscious green shrubbery, serenading waterfalls and jaw-dropping valleys. Now picture a racecourse settled in the middle of all of that. Whilst occupying Sri Lanka, Nuwara Eliya, or ‘Little England’ as it's popularly known, was one of the focal points for the British due it importance in the growing and then exporting of tea. Closely resembling the British climate, it also became a place where officials would seek respite from the soaring temperatures of elsewhere. Subsequently, for their enjoyment, the Nuwara Eliya racecourse  was built in 1875. View from the parade ring The racing season hadn’t started yet when I ...

Sri Lanka has been high on my list of countries to visit for some time now, and for good reason. For those who seek getaways that involve remote-island-style beaches, a wide array of tropical wildlife, adventurous jungle treks and a beautifully diverse and spiritual population, Sri Lanka is a must. Waves crash on Tangalle Beach, Sri Lanka We landed at Colombo airport around midday, only a short journey from Chennai in neighbouring giant India. Being Sri Lanka’s capital, largest and most populated city, we knew it would be busy. Immediately, however, it was clear that despite still being all of the above, it was nowhere near as overwhelming compared to the cities of its closest counterpart. Traffic seemed to flow at a smoother rate, pavements allowed for safer pedestrian movement and a wide display of shops, restaurants and European-styled bakeries lined the streets. Colombo being clearly less busy than places that we had previously visited provided a strong and assuring suggestion th...