Sri Lanka Diaries

Ayubowan friends!

This post comes to you from paradise aka Sri Lanka.

My cousin’s wedding brought me and my family to this little piece of heaven. Honestly it was such a great way to end the year with the sun and sand, beachfront drinks, healthy meals, and a little R&R. I hope the year end was as good to you too!

Sri Lanka is truly a feast for the eyes. No doubt, the long hours commuting between districts can be a bit tiresome and take up most of your day but the scenic views along the way are spectacular. Once you get closer to a town, it’s a glimpse of what life is like for the locals that really transports you, as though a point of passage into their worlds.

We arrived at our resort in Galle and had the breathtaking Unawatuna beach greeting us right there at the reception, beckoning us to sink our feet into the seashell sand and warm waters. The resort had a strange mix of tourists and locals, young and old with the occasional tropical reptile but buzzing with a relaxed, homely vibe all the same. A few shacks piqued our interest along the beach but on one particular afternoon we picked a place that had something to suit everyone’s taste. We snagged a spot overlooking the waves and enjoyed, Lion Beers, jumbo prawns, authentic Sri Lankan rice, crab curry, prawn curry and fried fish over great conversation.

Bars and Restaurants along Unawatuna Beach

Sri Lankan rice

Jumbo Prawns

The wedding festivities introduced us to some beautiful luxury villas, each with its private beach and I would definitely recommend these if you are travelling with a huge group. They also come equipped with a cook and caretaker!! Now how awesome is that?

23 Palms beach villa, Matara Road, Talpe, Sri Lanka

The setup for the wedding reception

Lounging around this beautiful venue

On our day off, we explored the touristy spots and the Dutch Fort Area is honestly a place you can hang around forever, taking in the old-world charm and chilled out vibes. Picture this: the open expanse with waves gushing, setting a picturesque scenery for the shutterbugs, all this while snacking on some delicious sour mango bites..yummers!! It was also interesting to visit one of Sri Lanka’s herbal gardens. It was amazing to learn that natural cures exist for all possible illnesses but one that fascinated the ladies was the all-natural permanent hair removal cream!! Yes no more hair after 6 applications!!

Dutch Fort at Galle

Galle Fort Area

Sri Lankan Tuk Tuk

Kalapuwa Herbal Garden, Koggala Lake

Vanilla plants

It was however the day of the wedding reception, complete with live music and cocktails that I sat there in the cabana observing the most beautiful sunset I have ever seen, feeling absolutely content.

The Cabana at 23 Palms

Sunset at 23 Palms

Moving away from the humid coastal lowlands, I spent the last 2 days exploring the cooler altitudes of Kandy. The landscape here is a fascinating mix of nature and nurture. In places the mountainous green hills rise to dramatic rugged peaks with clouds frequently blanketing the hills adding a layer of mystery. In Kandy we stayed at an amazing resort nestled within the lush green tropical gardens on the plush banks of the Mahaweli River. Delightful staff and a great breakfast spread, Mahewali Reach Hotel was a highlight in itself and I cannot recommend it enough. We explored the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the bustling city center and a major tea factory but spending an afternoon at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage marked the zenith of my stay in Kandy. Seeing these beauties up close in all their glory was fascinating and finally having lunch while watching them playfully bathe in the Maha Oya River was a sight that I would say is not to be missed if you ever do visit Sri Lanka.

Views along the way to Kandy

Mahewali Reach Hotel

View from the room

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Elephants bathing in the Maha Oya River

The easiest way to navigate the island is hiring a private driver that is actually not very expensive and probably cheaper than renting a good air conditioned vehicle in the UAE. Thanks to the bride, we were introduced to the kindliest local chap who recently opened his transport business. He never had no for an answer and was readily available to attend to all our needs. To say that Sri Lankans are friendly would be an understatement. Warmth and cordiality define the local character.

The island seduced me right from its palm-fringed shores to its balmy waters and its insane natural beauty. We honestly could have stayed right there for a few more days. But I guess it is always best to leave while you’re still having fun, wouldn’t you agree?

I almost actually relived my trip writing this post and couldn't help share some more photo moments from what was a memorable vacay. Sri Lanka I am coming back for you!!

A Peace Pagoda - a Buddhist stupa; a monument to inspire peace, designed to provide a focus for people of all races and creeds, and to help unite them in their search for world peace