Nature-lovers and adventure-lovers

Sri Lanka travel offers an array of breathtaking experiences and activities. An island country located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is physically breathtaking, boasting countless picturesque beaches, tropical rain-forests, wildlife and ancient ruins. Nature-lovers and adventure-lovers alike should travel to Sri Lanka for a taste of tropical paradise.

Colombo: The capital city offers the best array of fine dining in the country. Sri Lankan cooking is wonderful, but there is no eating out tradition and locals often eat at home or at the cheap local cafes. Most of the independent restaurants can be found in Colombo, so it is a great place to start for the foodie. Other great spots are Kandy, Galle and Negombo. Colombo is also home to several elegant luxury hotels, so here are some ideas to get you started on planning your getaway.

Elsewhere in Sri Lanka:

During your visit you should absolutely head outside of the capital and experience the natural beauty and laid back charm of Sri Lanka. Here are some of the best recommendations:

Galle: The UNESCO World Heritage City of Galle is a white washed walled fort city with great views of the bright blue ocean and it is home to this stunning 17^th century building.

Yala National Park: Take a guided safari tour through this lush park and you could possibly spot elephants, deer, peacocks, monitor lizards and if you are lucky – the rare leopard. Companies such as Kulu Safaris offer luxury camping in the national park, with open bush barbeques for dinner and breakfast served on tables in the river while the cool water soothes your feet.

Cape Weligama: Cape Weligama is a luxurious collection of private villas perched over the Indian Ocean, designed by famous Asian architect Lek Bunnag. TRULY offers a special getaway package in a butler-attended contemporary villa which includes a five course candle-lit dinner at a local restaurant, in-room spa treatments and expert-led expeditions to the attractions.

Raja and the Whales Tour Company: In the town of Mirissa on the South Coast you will meet Raja, who is passionate about offering excellent eco-friendly whale watching tours while working to protect these beautiful creatures.

Ceylon Tea Trails: Sri Lanka is known for its fantastic tradition of tea growing and visiting the tea plantations is a must during your trip. TRULY offers a package for a trip along the tea trails for two, which includes six nights in a suite for two people at the tea plantation as well as a five course candle-lit dinner.

Hunas Falls by Amaya: Located an hour’s drive from Kandy, Hunas Falls is a luxurious 31 room resort. Its 28 deluxe rooms and 3 special suites offer dazzling views of the misty waterfalls and scenery of the Hun Assgiriya mountain ranges.

Sri Lanka once again beckons visitors with fantastic beaches, ancient World Heritage ruins, superb highlands trekking, national parks full of elephants, birds and other wildlife, and first-rate hotels. From the cultural heartland of Dambulla (home to Sigiriya, the massive 5th-century “Lion’s Rock” fortress) to the lush tea fields of Nuwara Eliya; from Kandy, the last redoubt of Sinhalese kings, to colonial ramparts of Galle, towns full of temples and forts, wildlife-rich jungles, golden beaches, and mist-shrouded forests and tea plantations await. Add to this boutique hotels, luxury beach-side resorts, and knockout private villas – the quality of stays here are topped only by the genuine hospitality of the Sri Lankan people.

When to Go to Sri Lanka:

The country enjoys a tropical, balmy-climate year-round, so visit Sri Lanka at your convenience. Note, however, that while rain is common throughout the year, the island experiences two rainy seasons: October to January and May to July. In addition, surfing season on the island takes place from November to April.