The recipe for the perfect family vacation is simple: just add some sea, sun, sand and safety. Whether you are a single parent, an older sibling, or a part of a bigger family unit, it goes without saying that a seaside getaway in the tropics is the best way to […] The post Best family beaches in Sri Lanka appeared first on Travellers Isle ..read more

Growing up in a Sri Lankan Buddhist family meant that, almost each school holiday, you got to go on family pilgrimages to Buddhist temples in different parts of the island. My childhood memories are filled with such long-winded yet delightful journeys; they were always looked forward to, because, well, who doesn’t love a road trip! My father, with his deep interest in archaeology and Buddhism, would read up historical details of these temples, and tell us names of the kings who built this Buddha statue and that Buddhist stupa, and in which centuries. I believe that this practice instilled i ..read more

To say that Sri Lanka promises the adventure of a lifetime is an understatement. Once you set foot on the island, you will get to experience an all-in-one package of lush forests, centuries-old ruins, cerulean beaches and scrumptious local cuisine. Simply put, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. But planning the perfect itinerary to explore Sri Lanka with a toddler is easier said than done. With so many options to choose from, finding a good balance of activities and leisure to keep your family in high spirits can be a challenge. To help you get the ball rolling, this week’s article will ..read more

When you are out in the wild hoping to catch a glimpse of leopards for the first time, you have big dreams about how your first leopard sighting will go. My first leopard sighting in Sri Lanka was a let-down. Armed with a professional camera, the bare necessities, and big dreams, I had consulted every nook and cranny on the Internet for advice on where to see leopards in Sri Lanka. I ended up visiting Yala national park, but alas, absolutely no luck with leopards. I came out of the experience convincing myself that there would surely be a “next time,” and thankfully, there was! But sin ..read more

A casual tour of Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle would tell you everything you need to know about the island’s centuries-old history and colonial past, but the crushing years of its civil war are a different story. If you would like to unearth this layer of history, consider stopping by the northern city of Jaffna. My first trip to Jaffna is still fresh in my mind. I remember driving past its ruins before getting to the main town, where vibrant paintings of Hindu deities and popular landmarks decorated the streets. With the years of the war behind us, Jaffna is now a flourishing city that is ..read more

Although world-renowned today for its iconic 16th century Galle Fort, the Galle city has an ancient reputation of being a vibrant economic hub along the Silk Route. Its prosperity is described in Sinhala literature from the 14th and 15th centuries AD. The Moroccan explorer Ibn Battuta recalls in his writing his amicable visit to the city of 'Qali', which is the 14th century version of Galle. Furthermore, the Galle Trilingual Inscription dated 1409 is archaeological proof of Sri Lanka's ancient relations with neighbouring empires. This majestic stone slab was brought to Sri Lanka by the Chin ..read more

The beautiful island of Sri Lanka is an absolute delight with so many different attractions to see. From cultural and historical sites to golden sandy beaches and amazing wildlife, there is so much to love about this picturesque island nation. Although it is the diversity of experiences that makes Sri Lanka one of the best holiday destinations in the world, its wildlife alone is a good enough reason to visit Sri Lanka for a couple of days. A significant portion of the wildlife in Sri Lanka is endemic to the country, while some, such as western reef egrets and Pacific Golden-Plover, migrate ..read more

Crystalline waters, sandy shores, and the sweet-and-sour taste of king coconut water on the tip of your tongue—need I say more? Travellers from across the globe view Sri Lanka as an island paradise with sunny beaches that are perfect for unwinding from the stress of their daily lives. That being said, not every beach is safe for a quick dip. If you do not do your due diligence, you run the risk of getting caught up in a rip current. This powerful stream of water may snatch you from the shore, pulling you into deeper waters before you even know it. Since safety is our priority, we ..read more

After figuring out what you want to see and where you want to go, the next step is to pack for your trip, but that is easier said than done. Somewhere along the line, you might ask yourself if you are packing the right clothes and if there is a dress code you need to follow. The good news is that Sri Lanka is pretty lenient with its dress policy. However, there are certain limitations enforced by its culture and weather conditions which make some clothes more acceptable than others. To get the ball rolling as you pack for your trip, today’s Travellers Isle article will walk you through the ..read more

What comes to mind when you think about Sri Lanka? Like most travellers, you would think about the island’s sandy beaches, national parks, elephants and leopards, and so on. Turtle watching would probably be the last thing on your mind. If so, you would not be the only one. Many are unaware that turtle watching is an excursion here. Though it might not be on everyone’s to-do list at first, I can confidently say that this excursion is enjoyed by travellers of all ages—especially children. Many of our guests are families travelling with young children, hence turtle visits are often highlights ..read more