In the latest instalment of our team's travels we hear from our Assistant Manager, Sue... 

Name:

Sue Kinton

Where did you go?

Sri Lanka

When did you go?

May 2024

Which operators did you travel with?

Travel Gallery

Tell us about your experience…

I first visited Sri Lanka 9 years ago and really enjoyed my trip then, but my recent visit far surpassed that. There have been lots of changes in recent times with the addition of some new stunning hotels and the road infrastructure has improved by leaps and bounds.

I arrived after a great flight with Sri Lankan Airlines into Colombo and transferred to the Rosyth Estate House, which is a small family-run ‘home from home’ hotel. Here you can experience yoga, cooking classes, estate walks and learn about the tea growing process at their artisan tea factory. I also had a wonderful day spent with 2 rescued elephants at the Elephant Freedom Project - a not-for-profit ethical organisation that gives two, ex-working elephants the chance of a better life.

Next stop was the High Tea Country. A car and train journey which is classed as one of the most scenic in the world, before arriving at the stunning Thotalagala Hotel. It is a Heritage Colonial Tea Plantation Bungalow, perched high above the plains of southeast Sri Lanka and balanced on the edge of the Haputale Escarpment, a tea estate founded 145 years ago. It is a place which truly takes your breath away with views over the rolling hills towards the South Coast.

I recommend spending time in nearby Nuwara Eliya, locally know as Little England, as the British chose this area for their tea plantations for its cooler ‘British’ climate and rich soil.

Onwards South now, down to Sri Lanka’s largest National Park, Yala. Here you will find luxury tented camps to rival South Africa, where you can marvel at the abundant wildlife. I stayed at the fantastic Wild Coast Tented Lodge. There are no fences between the lodge and the park, so it is not unusual the see wildlife around the hotel.

The South Coast of Sri Lanka is dotted with a variety of standards of hotel, offering something for everyone. The beaches are beautiful against the dramatic seas of the Indian Ocean. Surf schools are popular in this part of the Island.

Ideal for some relaxation after some time touring, The Anantara Peace Haven, Sri Shavari, Cape Weligama, Malabar Hill and The Fortress all offer some chill out time alongside great service and wonderful food.

My last stop was in the Spice Route town of Galle. Having been occupied by the Dutch, Portuguese and the British, this town exudes history alongside some wonderful bars and restaurants. I stayed at the Galle Fort Hotel, a Heritage Property within the old Fort so ideally placed for exploring.

Sri Lanka really does have something for everyone and all interests. The wildlife, especially for me, was a highlight closely followed by the amazing scenery.

A reason to return?

I would definitely go back to see the Cultural Triangle, and also other National Parks in the North of the Island.