Tea, sea and OMG ... spice up your life touring simply stunning Sri Lanka
‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is every bit as attractive an embodiment of natural beauty as the prized gemstone itself.
Consistently combining culture, character, colour and contrast across a country rich with attractions, aplenty as precious blue sapphires mined in abundance, "Teardrop of India" exudes only Sinhalese cordial congeniality, consistently friendly countrymen and women's welcoming smiles wider than Mahaweli Ganga river.
Eclectic as they are engaging, Sri Lankan highlights are best experienced on exploration steered by Travelsphere, leaders in their sphere since 1962, spearheading escorted group travel "led by the heart, guided by experts" excellence.
As we were, host with the most Udi - professional and personable in equally impressive measure, enlightening as Sigiriya Rock spectacular sunrise - superbly supervising days packed with discoveries and evenings, unpacked and unwinding, enjoying comfort and cuisine of quality bolthole hotels, each accommodation owning an individual vibe.
Cultural Triangle to tea plantations, Buddhist temples to baby turtles, adventurous safaris to aromatic spices, basking crocodiles to bamboo catamarans, majestic mountains to mischievous monkeys, windswept coasts to waterfall cascades, exquisite orchids to elephant orphans, our tour traversing paradise island similar size to Ireland had it all. And then some!
Not least great gregarious group of fellow globe-trotters, sociable companionship complementing fond memories of my dear departed dad, whose national service saw Ceylonese posting before I was born.
From moment flag-bearing SriLankan Airlines’ flight from Heathrow approached Bandaranaike International Airport, it became clear dream trip of a lifetime would become memorable reality.
Colombo - invitingly warm as Kottu Roti street food - saw seamless transfer to Cinnamon Lakeside, where overnight rest offered first gentle immersion into island’s rich hospitality, dinner at sister hotel setting culinary tone with traditional spread of rice surrounded by cornucopia of curries containing fish, meat, vegetable and lentil, accompanied by tangy pickles and crisp salads.
Morning saw the capital reveal itself as metropolis where old and new share architectural truce, colonial facades and serene temples shoulder-to-shoulder among reflective skyscrapers and upscale boutiques. But heart of this nation beats further inland, long and winding road unfurling toward cultural epicentre Sigiriya. Two-night stay at Habarana Village by Cinnamon offered ideal base to appreciate archaeology and authentic village life, Minneriya National Park showcasing packs of pachyderms grazing grasslands, framed by shimmering reservoirs, soundtracked by low rumble of wilderness wildlife.
Nothing quite prepares we tourists - especially arthritic asthmatics among us! - for exhilarating climb challenge of proud atop rolling plains towering UNESCO-listed Sigiriya rock fortress, ancient water gardens, moats and imposing Lion Gate whispering tales of lost kingdoms, famous frescoes of ethereal maidens glowing softly against stone, Mirror Wall inscribed with centuries-old (and more recent) graffiti.
Daily life takes centre stage in nearby village of Hiriwadunna, TucTuc and tractor trailer rides weaving past tank reservoir bund and forest fringes to humble wattle-and-daub abode where home-grown hospitality is abundant as tree-hugging torque macaque before jungle rivulet catamaran crossing completes bucolic picture.
Road arcing onward toward Kandy, Dambulla temples astonish with 150-plus Buddhist paintings and carvings across cavernous chambers while nearby Matale National Spice Garden introduces fragrant building blocks of country's kitchen, offering various samples and valuable insights to take back to Blighty, Cinnamon Citadel riverside setting becomes scenic new base.
Perfectly landscaped Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, established in 1821, boast 5,000 plant and tree species in meticulously manicured verdant grounds. Lunch provides food for thought at Sthree Craft Shop and Café, supporting women within the community with fair wages, training skills set and safe environment to thrive, serving seasonal locally sourced dishes steeped in purpose.
Kandy itself delights with bustling Market Square and, most impressively, Temple of Sacred Tooth Relic. Among most revered sites in Buddhism, artefact believed to have arrived from ancient India in fourth century AD. Centuries since have seen rulers add to the complex, most magnificently in gleaming shape of Golden Canopy sheltering inner shrine, symbolic of spiritual devotion.
Onward and upward into elevated areas, bound for Nuwara Eliya and Araliya Green Hills base camp, landscape softening into undulating emerald slopes, Rothschild plantation delicate leaves of famed Ceylon tea picked by hand with expert exclusively female precision to produce Brits' beloved brew, before literal high dining at Glenloch, as Celtic name suggests mirroring mountainous Scotch mist.
Blooming brilliant "Flower Prince" Dilip Madushanka is king of this hill, ever smiling social media teen sensation regularly sprinting several kilometres up steep leech-infested trails to repeatedly intercept Kondagala coachloads of tourists - us included - selling flowers to support the now famous fell runner's impoverished family.
Circuitous route calls at Udawalawe’s Elephant Transit Home, injured and orphaned Dumbos rehabilitated here before release into adjacent national park, region’s rich mosaic of open plains, Monsoon-swollen lagoons and and lakes nurturing creatures many and varied, some cleverly cloaked by camouflage, best experienced with Yala National Park breakfast.
Sunrise safari saw, in fortunate stroke of serendipity - appropriate in nation named Serendip by Persian and Arab settlers - leopard spotted. Full disclosure, many Lions & Tigers (both 4.8 & 8.8 % ABV ales) were also discovered during every evening's entertainment!
Finale unfolds around Cinnamon Bey coast, home to among longest beaches, awash with sea, sand and slow time. Nearby Galle's layered history abounds around atmospheric port, discovered by Portuguese then shaped by Dutch, churches, ramparts and alleys still defining old town heritage.
Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Research Centre hatchery offers poignant reminder of conservation efforts, protecting endangered hatchlings before release into oceanic natural habitat, while Beruwala itself remains characterful town, busy, bright and brimming with unaffected charm.
Book now to next year follow our cross-country unforgettable footsteps - supporting tourism across fascinating nation, reeling from recent Cyclone Ditwah, which claimed 600-plus lives - assured discovering simply stunning Sri Lanka was music to our collective ears. "Pearl" jam greatest hits, if you will.
Fact file Operator: Travelsphere Itinerary: Highlights of Sri Lanka Departure date: November 23, 2026 Duration: 13 days Price: From £2,999pp Departure city: Colombo Visits: Sigiriya, Minneriya National Park, Hiriwadunna, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala, Beruwala Highlights: Minneriya National Park, village walk including catamaran ride, Dambulla cave temples, UNESCO-listed Sigiriya rock fortress, spice garden, Royal Botanical Gardens, Temple of the Tooth, tea plantation, Nuwara Eliya sightseeing, Yala National Park safari, Galle Dutch colonial rule reminders, turtle hatchery Included: London return flights, overseas transfers, 11 nights in four and five-star hotels, select meals, welcome drink, holiday director Information: www.travelsphere.co.uk / 01858 415074.