Reasons To Visit Sri Lanka
The Cultural Triangle contains some of Sri Lanka's finest historical sites, including the ancient capitals of Pollonaruwa and Anuradhapura. These vast complexes house temples, palaces, wonderful carvings and huge stupas. Equally jaw-dropping is the Rock Fort of Sigiriya which offers 360° views, more than justifying the climb to the top!
Sri Lanka is famous for its idyllic beaches which stretch from the undeveloped eastern coast all the way around to the west near Colombo. The beaches and the accommodation vary from small intimate boutiques to luxurious resorts on private beaches and larger hotels in more bustling places.
If you love elephants then Sri Lanka is the place for you. The Millenium Elephant Foundation and Pinnewala Elephant Orphanage not far from Kandy give you the opportunity to visit young, elderly and sick elephants but also the chance to wash them and enjoy a ride on these magnificent creatures.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without seeing some of its abundant wildlife. The best places to enjoy this are Uda Walawe, Yala, and Minneriya National Park. Here you can enjoy an exciting jeep safari which takes you close to wild elephants, crocodiles and even the illusive leopard.
Sri Lanka rises up from the coast to the hills, a rolling landscape dotted with tea bushes, and interlaced with streams and waterfalls. The lush landscape and cool climate prove to be an ideal combination for tea and Sri Lanka has long been a pilgrimage site for tea planters and tourists looking for the perfect cuppa!
Brightly painted elephants, fireworks, beating drums, and twirling dancers - Sri Lanka's festivals are as colourful and elaborate as the temples they centre on. The country’s largest festival, the Kandy Perahera revolves around the Buddhist Temple of the Tooth which is a must-see on any visit to Sri Lanka.
Visit the Millenium Elephant Foundation if you want to get close to elephants without the crowds. You even get to wash the elephants in the river with their mahout.
Some of the country's finest sandy beaches and quiet coves are found along the southern coast. Palm trees and brightly painted fishing boats on the shoreline complete the idyllic scene.
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Castlereagh is the most eclectic and individual bungalow at Ceylon Tea Trails and features parquet floors throughout and open fireplaces in the sitting and dining rooms.
Ceylon Tea Trails is a collection of four carefully restored planter's bungalows situated in different locations in a stunning area of Sri Lanka's hill country and owned by Dilmah Tea. Built between 1890 and 1939 each bungalow has its own charm, but they all combine classical and contemporary styles.
Castlereagh is the most eclectic and individual bungalow and was built in 1925 on the shore of the Castlereagh Reservoir. There are parquet floors throughout and open fireplaces in the sitting and dining rooms. There are just five guest rooms and a variety of facilities and attractions including a swimming pool, croquet, summer houses, a library and in-room spa treatments.
Hatton, high up in the hill country, is surrounded by vast tea estates that carpet the rolling hills while to the south east stands the curious pyramidal bulk of Adam's peak, which is a focal point for pilgrims.
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