During her childhood, Heather had always been encouraged by her parents to travel and interact with different cultures via exchange programmes and family trips. A school programme to Hiroshima, Japan, proved to be a pivotal point in igniting her passion for learning about different cultures and perspectives. It motivated her to study psychology at university, with the aim to further understand the implications of culture on behaviour.
After university she embarked on a unique opportunity in Sri Lanka, where she could fully immerse herself in a culture she had always wanted to explore. Living in a local Sri Lankan home, she lived like a local and participated in a variety of local community projects. An 8 week trip eventually turned into an incredible year in which she learnt a huge amount about this vibrant and diverse country.
From Sri Lanka she crossed the Palk Strait into Tamil Nadu, from where she explored South India — and more recently, China; a truly diverse destination, rich in history and excitement for the future.
who's been there
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I recommend visiting - The Cultural Triangle
The tranquil and beautiful Ella, situated in the heart of the tea plantations is an absolute must in any trip to Sri Lanka.
This small village is the perfect location to unwind after a few busy days travelling in the Cultural Triangle. The train ride from Ella through the breath-taking hill country to Kandy is often a highlight for many people's trip. For individuals seeking a bit of adventure you can hike to local waterfalls, or make the hour journey to Haputale - the home of Lipton's Seat.
To get here you can enjoy a seven kilometre walk through local tea planters' villages to one of the most incredible viewpoints of the whole of Sri Lanka. On a clear day, you can see all the way across to Uda Walawe and across the south eastern province. It's a view that really exemplifies the diversity of this small island and will leave you amazed.
I recommend staying at - Rajakkad Estate
Set in the Tamil Nadu side of the Western Ghats in India, Rajakkad Estate is a beautiful property which has a fantastic homely feel.
They provide excellent personalised service and its integration and interaction with the local community provided a very different experience to what I experienced at other properties.
The journey to the property, with its hair pin bends and single lane roads, can be interesting but the views and the experience are well worth it.
I'll never forget when…
The most memorable experience of my recent trip was the evening I spent at Kulu's Safari Tents in Yala National Park, Sri Lanka. We went for a drive around the lake, and enjoyed a cold beverage watching the sunset. We then spent half an hour spotting the glistening eyes of the crocodiles in the lake before returning to the camp for a feast of delicious home cooked food under the starry Milky Way. A wonderful escape that really brought me back to nature.
Photos of Heather
Heather on the Hungry Farm Tour in Dewalokum, Kerala, India
Heather on a Top Station Trek in Munnar, India
Heather visiting a village on the Sigiriya Tour, Sri Lanka
Photos taken by Heather
Temple at the summit of Emei Mountain
Views from the summit of Emei Shan
Gold temple at the summit of Emei mountain
Buddha at the summit of Emei Shan