| September 2016 |
unique ways to showcase Indian Subcontinent |
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| Discover,
Dream, Experience |
This month’s spotlight newsletter features Sri Lanka as its destination. The sheer diversity contained in this tear drop shaped island belies it’s size, from jungles to golden beaches, from monasteries and temples, from misty mountains to tea plantations, ancient cities and colonial history. It has something for everyone, from families to incentives to honeymooners. A journey around Sri Lanka will leave you spell bound. |
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| Experience: Sigiriya Rock Fortress |
| The 370-metre-high rock citadel of Sigiriya, is a UNESCO World Heritage monument and one of the most impressive sights of Sri Lanka. It towers impressively over the surrounding jungles and plains and only becomes even more extraordinary when one realises that it was built by King Kasyapa in the 5th century. It contains beautiful frescoes, most notably the ‘celestial maidens’ in a cave halfway up, with their expressive faces and exquisite headdresses. Look out for the Mirror Wall, polished to reflective brilliance, and the remains of gardens on the summit. The engineering used to produce fountains and pleasure gardens is awe inspiring. Arthur C Clarke who lived in Sri Lanka named Sigiriya his 8th Wonder of the World. |
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| Visit: Weligama |
| Weligama is perhaps most famous for its distinctive stilt fisherman who can be seen in the early hours of the morning and early evening. However, it is also a bustling coastal town on the southernmost tip of the island and is a charming destination where one can witness day-to-day Sri Lankan town life. It’s beach is also wide and long and is famous for its gentle waves and warm water which have made it a perfect spot to learn to surf with the global surf instructors the area attracts. For wildlife lovers, it is also just a five minute drive from Mirissa Harbour where whale-watching excursions depart from. After all the activity, there are also plenty of beautiful places to relax and watch the world go by. Weligama packs a whole lot into a sea side destination. |
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| Visit: Nuwara Eliya |
| Nuwara Eliya was established as a summer retreat by the Governor of Ceylon, Sir Edward Barnes, in 1828 due to its elevation and therefore cool year round temperatures. Twenty years later it was developed into a resort by Samuel Baker to provide 19th-century colonials with respite from the lowland heat. Tea estates also developed to surround the area, which are still maintained today. As a destination it has an air of wistful, nostalgia, with mock-Tudor houses set in carefully-tended gardens, winding roads, trout streams, a golf course, race-course and botanical gardens. Close by is Horton Plains National Park, most famous for its views from the sheer, 700-metre drop known as World's End |
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| Stay at: Anantara, Tangalle |
| Hidden on a rocky outcrop along a secluded stretch of Sri Lanka’s southernmost coastline, Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort boasts of having one of the most beautiful locations on the island, set amidst a coconut plantation and golden crescent shores with glorious Indian Ocean views. There is yoga and a spa, surf lessons, cookery classes, wine cellar and a library as well as a choice of restaurants and private dining venues. Opened in October 2015, Anantara has 152 rooms and villas, all with adaptable facilities for their guests’ needs and requests, this is one of the most exclusive resorts on the island. |
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