Quintessentially Sri Lanka

Jutting 200 metres out of the jungle, you can’t miss the iconic ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya, the Lion Rock. Whilst it’s a fun and popular climb, we prefer to view it from the adjacent Pidurangala Rock. A more adventurous scramble, but the higher peak rewards you with sweeping views and a fraction of the crowds. You can also explore more of the rural landscape on two wheels with a cycling tour. Pausing in one of the region’s ancient capitals, either Anuradhapura or Polonnaruwa, is a must, as they offer such a tangible sense of the grandeur of Sri Lanka’s past.

Seeing everything that the Cultural Triangle has to offer in one trip would be a whirlwind, to say the least! Pick a few sights and experiences that really fire your imagination and save some downtime to simply soak up your surroundings; experience tells us that when you are staying somewhere this beautiful, it’s worth making time to really appreciate it. Take it slow, follow unscheduled detours when something catches your eye, and make each journey part of the experience.

It instantly evokes the enduring romance of rail travel and the sense of adventure that comes with it. We think there’s no better way to travel through Tea Country than by train. Perhaps slightly counterintuitively, we’d recommend not booking first class as, whilst undeniably comfortable and very pleasant, they don’t offer the full experience of what riding this train is all about: feeling the fresh breeze blow through the open windows, and enjoying the freedom to move about a little as the train slowly meanders and clacks through the verdant scenery.

There are many options for where you can board and disembark, with your preferred style of accommodation and activities dictating your route. For those seeking easier hiking routes and a more lively spot, you can’t go wrong with the town of Ella, with its easy access to the Nine Arches Bridge, Little Adam’s Peak and the start of a popular stage of the Pekoe Trail. If you are looking for more tranquillity, then we can recommend accommodation outside of town or other quieter areas of tea country like Haputale. Stay in the midst of the tea fields at an organic farm or in a converted tea planters’ bungalow for a unique stay which matches the beauty of your surroundings.

A mix of styles, with overarching influences from the 17th-century Dutch settlement, the city’s long, rich history predates these ‘newer’ structures by hundreds of years. Inside the sheltered walls of the fort, you’re met at every turn by finely preserved buildings and picturesque cobbled streets. Discover grandiose frontages, sun-bleached glory, fat pillars, high arches, and an age-old, gnarled banyan tree.

Explore chic boutiques, artisan jewellers’ shops and cool cafes. Stay in some of the most stately hotels in all of Sri Lanka, and feast on fine cuisine and local delights in the restaurants nestled within the walls. Walk along the ramparts at sunset, enjoying a cool tropical breeze and watch children play cricket on the green. Your guide will help you get your bearings, then you can simply follow your instincts and see where your wanderings take you.