Sri Lanka’s remote East Coast is an interesting region where the seas are in season from about March to October. Having spent much time in Trinco, Pasikudah and Arugam Bay this season, we are always reminded of how magnificent this island is where the scenery changes from moment to moment… and a myriad of exotic sights and sounds; tastes and aromas entices your senses. Trinco…short for Tincomalee located in the north east, is blessed with a natural harbour that continues to attract many a seafarer from the Colonial period to today. The white sandy beaches and turquoise seas of Nilaveli, Uppuve ..read more

Travelling across this island by road through a myriad of ever changing landscapes, is a memorable experience. Flying above all this beauty is even more breathtaking…. luminous green paddy fields, jungles and mountains to turquoise seas and clear blue lakes. Recently we took the Cinnamon Air taxi from Colombo on the west coast to Sigiriya in the north-central region. The 30-minute flight was a treat! This bird’s eye view of Sri Lanka’s north-central region was just incredible! Peering down as we took off from Colombo, the golden beaches and shimmering seas soon gave way to paddy fields lined u ..read more

We had such a great experience using Roads Less Travelled Sri Lanka.  Our guide was excellent in every way.  Our Road Less Travelled reps were also great.  I wish we had critiques for you, but the trip was perfect! We couldn’t ask for a better experience.  Now we just need to come back for a longer time next time.  We will certainly use Road Less Travelled next time we are in Sri Lanka! The post A & T Gunn, Washington, D.C., USA appeared first on Roads Less Travelled - Sri Lanka ..read more

We just returned from Wilpattu National Park in the north-west. Although we’ve been in Wilpattu many a time, we never tire of exploring these jungles which are quite different to other National Parks on the island – thick jungle with age old vines wrapped around tall trees and intermingled with scenic villus – shallow, natural lakes & water holes where wild animals graze and come to quench their thirst. We set off in the morning from Colombo and headed north along the west coast via Chilaw and Puttalam. The scenic Mundel & Puttalam lagoons and the saltpans, soon gave way to thick jungl ..read more

The North-central region is steeped in history and there is much to be experienced for those who are more adventurous and willing to go on roads less travelled. The kings that ruled this region from about 3rd century B.C – 11 th century A.D went about building many temples, monasteries, lakes and reservoirs that still remain. Remote village life and nature in this region is also wonderful to experience. Here are 5 things-to- do off the beaten track in the north-central region other than the main heritage sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla. Ritigala forest monastery: Tre ..read more

`We have no hesitation in recommending RLTSL as your Sri Lankan travel agent when arranging a tour. They especially cater for the off the beaten track tourist, and do it very well.’ The post M & T Wright, Australia appeared first on Roads Less Travelled - Sri Lanka ..read more

`We regarded the Sri Lankan tour as one of the best overseas birding adventures we have had. Much credit is due to you (Roads Less Travelled Sri Lanka), as the travel agent, and Upul and the crew for the excellent way they handled the trip throughout. Also, the friendly and helpful attitude of almost everyone we met along the way was exceptional. I would not hesitate to recommend your agency for anyone else contemplating a tour such as ours.’ The post R Jordon, Australia appeared first on Roads Less Travelled - Sri Lanka ..read more

There are hundreds of lesser known heritage sites in Sri Lanka that gives a fascinating glimps einto this island’s ancient past. One such site is the Hatthikucchi Viharaya (temple) complex dating back to the 3rd century B.C that we visited recently. Travelling along the Kurunegala roadin the North Western region, about 40 kms before Anuradhapura is this ancient monastic complex which spreads across 300 acres of wilderness. The area is strewn with huge rocks and boulders many of which were used as `Kutis’ (shelters) by meditating monks. Ruins of a Stupa, Image house, a hospital for monks and mu ..read more

Having been confined to the city for a while, a visit to the Kalametiya Sanctuary and Bundala National Park in the deep south, was literally a much-needed breath of fresh air! Our base was the remote Back of Beyond Kahandamodara, an eco-retreat set on an estuary where a tranquil lagoon meets the sea. Days were spent exploring the wilderness in search of the birds of Kalametiya and Bundala. We were not disappointed! Over a 100 species were recorded including the uncommon migrant…the Bay-backed Shrike. Both Kalametiya and Bundala are rich in bio-diversity. Kalametiya is a beautiful coastal wetla ..read more

We just returned from an adventurous journey to Mannar and Jaffna – hotspots for migrant birds. Mannar on the North West Coast, is the closest landfall between India and Sri Lanka. The two countries were connected centuries ago at this point by a series of small sandy islands known as Adam’s Bridge. The ancient port of Mantai located here was once a busy trading hub on the old-world trade routes used by Moorish and European traders. Continuing north along the west coast from Mannar via the Sangupiddi bridge, is the Jaffna peninsula. Mannar and Jaffna have landscapes that are dotted with Palmyr ..read more