Sri Lanka - The Island Life

It's April 2020, and I recently celebrated my birthday during the lockdown caused by the pandemic. It's astonishing how rapidly things have changed over the past few weeks. Even though I had wished to take a break from the exhausting work travel schedule at that time, I never anticipated being confined to my home for such an extended period. Looking back over the past year, I frequently think about Sri Lanka, where I spent the majority of the last seven months. It was truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience.

What makes Sri Lanka so special and memorable for me? I think there are a few reasons.

Beaches

What do you think of when you hear the word "island"? That's right, beaches! Sri Lanka boasts a coastline of approximately 1,340 km, featuring numerous pristine beaches. I consider myself fortunate to have spent some of my weekends on these stunning shores. Sri Lanka seems to offer a beach for every mood: Bentota for tranquility and solace, Hikkaduwa for an adrenaline rush, and Mirissa for simply enjoying the beauty of nature.

Sri Lankan Hospitality

Ayubowan! (Wish you a long life) That’s how you are greeted in Sinhalese.

If you're visiting Sri Lanka, prepare to enjoy the incredible Sri Lankan hospitality. It's not limited to the hospitality industry; locals, in general, are friendly and welcoming to all tourists. Thanks to my client, I had the chance to experience this warm hospitality at some of Sri Lanka's finest places. However, my favourite was the Hilton Colombo Residence. I adored everything about it: the spacious and airy apartments, delicious breakfasts, a pool with stunning views of the Lotus Tower, incredibly nice staff, and, not to mention, some rare vintage photographs of Sri Lanka.

Sunsets

“You said good things about the sunsets a hundred times? Not Enough” said someone, and I completely agree. Watching sunsets and sipping my tea is probably my favourite thing to do on a holiday and Sri Lanka is one of the best places to do so. The clean skies, vivid sunset colours & beautiful Indian ocean are a treat for anyone!

Trains

If you have ever googled Sri Lanka for planning a holiday, you would've come across numerous pictures of blue trains on the famous nine arch bridge or of people hanging from the train doors in the beautiful tea estates of Ella. Indeed, the train journeys are beautiful in Lanka and we have our pleasant memories of these journeys. However, what I enjoyed the most was watching these trains every day with a beautiful backdrop of the Indian Ocean from my workplace or on the occasional morning runs.

Buddhist Temples

Have you ever closely observed the Sri Lankan flag? While many can recall the golden lion holding a kastane sword, you might not have noticed the four small golden leaves in the corners. These four bo leaves symbolize the Buddhist principles of Kindliness, Friendliness, Equanimity, and Happiness. Theravada Buddhism is predominantly practiced in Sri Lanka and is integral to cultural tourism. The country is home to numerous captivating Buddhist temples, and we had the chance to visit some of these sites.

That’s all! Does it feel incomplete? It certainly did to me while writing. How could a post about Sri Lanka overlook its rich tea heritage? The country is one of the largest tea exporters and is home to the renowned Dilmah brand! As a tea enthusiast, I was genuinely eager to explore what Sri Lanka had to offer. However, I found myself enjoying the tea rooms even more than the tea itself, often missing the comforting taste of Indian Chai. Perhaps the extended travel time contributed to my nostalgia for my favorite brew back home. Regardless, I am happy to have my assumptions challenged and to discover the unique tea culture of Sri Lanka. It’s a reminder that every experience can offer something unexpected, enriching our understanding of the world.