The iconic tea plantations of Sri Lanka originate from the British colonisation of the island hundreds of years ago, when the jungle-clad mountains were cleared to make way for their favourite beverage – tea.
The tea from Sri Lanka is world renowned and the tea estates which produce the popular leaf are a magnet for tourists. And it’s little wonder – the sweeping plantations perched across the misty Sri Lankan mountains are a truly beautiful sight and make for an educational trip. Visiting one of the vast tea estates, taking a tour inside the tea factory or simply enjoy a cup of your own in one of the local tea shops is a must when you travel to Sri Lanka!
When the British colonised Sri Lanka over two hundred years ago they introduced two pastimes which the island is now renowned for worldwide – tea and cricket!
If you’re interested in the former, take a look at our recent article about visiting tea plantations in Sri Lanka for some ideas. For cricket fans, Sri Lanka offers the unique chance to visit a beautiful island with its amazing wildlife, white-sand beaches and historic sites together with watching the nail-biting cricket the island is famous for.
Having made their World Cup debut in the 1975 World Cup, Sri Lanka has won the cup once in 1996, coming runners up in 2007 and 2011, and the sport is played all across the island.
No holiday to Sri Lanka would be complete without spending a lazy day or two relaxing on one of the many idyllic white sand beaches this beautiful island has to offer.
And in Sri Lanka, you’re spoilt for choice. Whether it’s the more Westernised and developed West Coast of Sri Lanka, the alluring south with its wildlife parks and Buddhist shrines, or the unspoilt East Coast – there is no lack of beautiful beaches to retreat to.
Are you the adventurous type looking for a holiday that encompasses a personal challenge? If so, then the Adams Peak Pilgrimage climb in Sri Lanka maybe something you would want to include on your next tour.
The Adams Peak Pilgrimage season is nearly on us – starting on the Full Moon (Poya) Day in December (12th December 2016) and finishing on the Full Moon (Poya) day in May (10th May 2017).
These Full Moon Poya Days have huge significance for Buddhists – each one is a significant day in the life of Lord Buddha.
Full Moon (Poya) day of December marks the arrival of the Bo tree sapling in Anuradhapura. This sapling was taken from the very tree under which Buddha reached enlightenment.
Full Moon (Poya) day of May celebrates the 3 key events in Lord Buddha’s life – his birthday, enlightenment and passing away.
With the celebration falling on the 13th night and 14th day of the Hindu month of Phalguna or Maagh, the 2017 Maha Sivaratri Sri Lankan Festival, which in held in honour of the Hindu god Shiva, will this year take place on 24th February 2017.
The event is of great importance to the many Hindus in Sri Lanka who believe that worshipping Shiva through chanting prayers, meditation, fasting and Yoga will cleanse themselves of their sins. Maha Sivaratri, or “the Great Night of Shiva”, is said to mark the day Shiva married the Goddess Parvati and performed the cosmic dance known as Tandava Nritya.
The unique and exuberant Galle Music Festival is making its annual return in May 2017 – a family friendly music and cultural event taking place in the stunning city of Galle looking out onto the Indian Ocean.
A very much different experience than the muddy, overpriced UK music festivals, the Galle Music Festival has been running annually for the past five years and is a melting pot of Sri Lankan music and dance. It takes place on the ramparts of Fort Galle with its views over the specular Indian Ocean.
Free to enter, the festival has a family friendly slot between ten in the morning and one in the afternoon where you can wonder around the various food and craft stalls while various acts perform impromptu sets as a teaser for the main events after sunset.
The music and performances are a fusion of different styles from across the island. The festival itself prides itself on its musical and cultural diversity which brings together people from different backgrounds across the island to celebrate through music and dance.
International artists also attend the event, with Raghu Dixit Project – the famous Indian singer-songwriter, producer and film score composer – being a notable past performer at the event.
