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Sri Lanka

Mountains and sea

By Bianca Janelle

October 8^th, 2020

Spontaneous travel destinations are the best ones.

Having visited many countries until now, Sri Lanka felt very close to my heart. Culture and traditions are very significant and define everyone. My cultural upbringing was exciting and full of surprises because of my parents. They are from different countries, but both opened up my horizon and understanding of the world. I was always so intrigued by my mother's family heritage. My grandmother is Hindu, and I've witnessed many traditions and ways from a young age. Sri Lanka brought me back to my childhood, not only because of the culture but also with the smell of curries and fresh seafood.

True to myself, I planned nothing for this trip—only excitement and nervousness.

The Lion Rock

This part of the world has only started to get recognized for about a decade. Sri Lanka went through a horrible 26 years of civil war. It's now slowly getting back on its feet and inviting people in.

This island has everything for a perfect trip: mountains and beaches.

Sigiriya, also named the Lion Rock, located in the middle of the island, is the perfect example of its rich history. Part of the UNESCO World Heritage, it is an ancient rock fortress. Around the 5th Century, an old king built this heaven as a safeguard from his enemies.

It is a big tourist attraction with lots of furry friends and steep stairs.

Kandy

Located South of Sigiriya is the beautiful capital of the central province, Kandy. This is a very peaceful and cultural part of the country.

Tea plantations

One of the most important agricultural activity in the country is tea. In fact, Sri Lanka is one of the leading exporters of tea in the world.

A local tuk-tuk driver brought us to a tea plantation near the village of Nallathanniya. The views on the hills are stunning.

The workers were mainly older women in the area. Our tour guide mentioned they work very long hours at a low wage. Unfortunately, they were not comfortable around us, which was a first after arriving in the country. Sri Lankans are very curious about foreign travellers and are normally very happy to help out!

We also visited a local tea factory. The waiting room was very cute!

Adam's Peak

In the region of Nuwara Eliya lies the second highest mountain in Sri Lanka, Adam's Peak. It is home to a sacred footprint. Many climb the 5 000 steps to witness it, but it was mostly for the experience for someone like me.

I was astonished by the number of people, young and old, from around the world walking up those stairs. It's not for the faint-hearted, but the experience is unique!

We decided to start climbing in the early hours of the morning to watch the sunrise. As you get higher, you can feel the fresh air, but the views were incredible!

Beautiful sceneries

I definitely recommend riding the train from Nanu Oya to Ella. The countryside views are incredible if you are lucky enough to sit by the train's doors. The train network was introduced by the British colonies back in the mid-1800s. Don't worry; it's still safe!

Nine Arch Bridge

From the hills to the sea side

Arugam Bay, located on the South East Coast, is a very famous surf spot in Sri Lanka. The best time to go is from May to September. Please don't go in January, as we did. It is dead, and the waves are nowhere to be seen!

Yala National Park

I never thought elephants existed in this country! The first ones that we saw were in the wild, crossing the road on our way to Arugam Bay. They seemed like they belonged there, minus the road and the cars driving by. Then, we spotted a few in the national park. I felt so small in their presence but so lucky having seen elephants in two different countries in the past two months.

Although not all of them are treated and cared for the same way, some elephants are still common in the tourist industry, like riding them in Sri Lanka. Nowadays, with all the advertising and awareness around elephant riding's negative side, I hope tourists and locals change their habits.

Galle Fort

I am still amazed by the influence of different cultures in this country! At one point in its history, Sri Lanka was influenced by Portuguese. As Galle's city was used as a port for centuries, the Portuguese landed there back in the 16th century. They had a perfect relationship with the Sri Lankan king at the time. The fort was built by the Portuguese and later on, fortified by the Dutch during the 17th century.