Here at Direct Traveller we like to offer holidays to the places our team know best. This way we can ensure that you’re getting the most accurate information about where to go and what to see, as well as some great deals.
Two of our team members are the lovely Nilupa and Savidu, who are originally from Sri Lanka and therefore know it better than anyone! They agreed to let us pick their brains about the destination, which will hopefully give you a better idea of the varied attractions and scenery this beautiful country has in store for visitors.
Elephants in Sri Lanka

What should those visiting for the first time do while in Sri Lanka?

Nilupa:
Sri Lanka is a diverse country. It has un-spoilt sandy beaches, history dating back to 3000 years, wildlife & nature, beautiful landscapes and a hospitable culture. So whatever your intentions in visiting Sri Lanka, you won’t be disappointed.
Savidu:
My recommendations would be the following:

 1. Colombo city – Museum, Galle face (at night time), Old & new parliament and a Colombo city tour.2. Kandy – Temple of the tooth, Ambecke & Gadaladeniya Temple, Peradeniya botanical garden and Kandy market.

3. Nuwaraeliya (Little England) – Haggala Gardens, Ohiya forest, Horten place, nuwaraeliya lake and nuwaraeliya gardens.

4. Sigiriya & Dambulla

5. Anuaradhapura & Polonnaruwa

6. National Parks: Yala, Udawalawa, Vilpathuwa, Wasgamuwa and the Singharaja forest.

7. Pinnawala elephant orphanage

8. Galle fort

9. Beaches: Unawatuna Beach, Mathara Polhena beach and Nigombo beach.

10.Trincomalee – the natural port and Nilaveli marble beach

 

What is the food like in Sri Lanka? Do you have any recommendations of meals or restaurants visitors should try?

Nilupa:
Sri Lankan’s like spicy food. Seafood is my favourite and I would recommend this to anyone. There are plenty of restaurants to try out where ever you go.
Savidu:
I am a food lover. I like to try foods from all over the country, as each area has its own special dishes.
My absolute favourite place would have to be my mom’s kitchen. She is all the time preparing different types of amazing Sri Lankan and International cuisine, although unfortunately, not everybody can eat here! So these are my recommendations for eating out in Sri Lanka:
– Colombo City – I am a Colombo boy and therefore whenever back in Sri Lanka, I am always visiting the local restaurants.
–  Majestic City – Majestic city is a shopping mall. The ground floor is where the ‘Food court’ is, which sells amazing Sri Lankan and international foods. My favourites include biriyani, Sri Lankan hoppers and curry and rice, along with all the Thai, Mongolian and chains food options.
– Sought Indian food (Lunch or Dinner) – Srathwati Lough in Wellawatha (Colombo 4), Shanthi Vihara (Colmbo 3), Vanivilas (Colombo 14).

– Galle face (Dinner) – This place is near to the beach and specialises in serving BBQ foods such as grilled meat along with other options such as naan bread, prawns wadei, kottu roti, Sea food and some cool beers to wash it all down.

– Curry Leaf – best Indian food in sri lanka (Colombo 4 – Wellawaththa)
– Best Sri Lankan traditional food – Mount Lavinia Hotel restaurant (Chef – Mr Pabilis Silwa)
– Kaluthara – Blue Water Hotel is good for dinner or lunch (buffet style – Sri Lankan rice & curry).

Do you have a favourite hotel, and why?

Nilupa:
As a nature lover, my personal preference is the Heritance Kandalama. This hotel is part of the landscape and overlooks the Kandalama Lake and Sigiriya Rock Fortress.If you like being part of the nature whilst enjoying luxury comforts this is one of the best places to be.

Savidu:

     Some of my favourite Sri Lankan hotels are the following:
  1.      Kandalama hotel – Relaxing atmosphere and very nice Sri Lankan food
  2.      Sigiriya village
  3.      Hunas Falls Hotel – Beautiful views and good service.
  4.      Galle Lighthouse hotel – Best beach hotel.
  5.      Tea factory hotel – I like the decorations and food here – great tea too!
  6.      Vil Uyana – Relaxing & in a great location.
  7.      Kitulgala rest house
  8.      Miridiya – Anudhapura
  9.      Earl’s regency Kandy – Near to Kandy City.

 

 If visitors want to go shopping, whereabouts should they go?

Nilupa:
Colombo, being the commercial capital of the island, is where many shopping centers can be found. Odel, Majestic City, House of Fashions are a few examples of popular shopping malls.Savidu:
Definitely Colombo City! Including the Majestic City & liberty plaza shopping mall, House of Fashion and Odel. There are also many local supermarkets around.

Where is the best beach to go to for water sports?

Nilupa:
Sri lanka has long stretchy sandy beaches throughout the island.  Bentota & Hikkaduwa (South West coast) are the most popular beaches for water sports. Also, Passikudha & Nilawali beaches in the North East coast of the island is getting increasingly popular for snorkeling as well as whale watching.
Savidu:
There are a variety of beaches that are great for watersports, depending where you are situated. Near to Colombo, at Mount Lavinia Beach, Kaluthara Beach and Nigombo Beach you’ll find plenty of activities to do in the sea. In the south there’s also Galle Beach, Mathara, Polhena Beach, the Hekkaduwa coral sands and beach, and Tangalle Beach. In the east there’s the Nilaveli, Trincomalee and Batticaloa beaches.

Where’s the best place to see the wild life?

Nilupa:
For the wildlife enthusiast the Yala National park is the best place to find the big ‘Five’. The Elephants, Leopards, crocodiles. Sloth Bears & and the Blue Whales are common. However, the best time to visit ‘Yala’ is the dry season between November to April.

Also, the Udawala National Park & Minneriya National Parks are famous for large gatherings of Asian elephants in their hundreds yearly from June to September during the dry season. Situated in the central north of Sri Lanka this is one of the driest areas on the island and there are other hundreds of species of animal to be spotted, many endangered.

 

 

Savidu:
There are many places! Yala , Udawalawa, Kumana, Monaragala – hadapanagala, wilpatuwa, wasgamuwa,

 

sinjharaja entrance (rain forest) – and more!

Lastly, if you had to describe Sri Lanka in just one way, what would it be?

Nilupa:
Sri Lanka ..A land like no other
Savidu:
Fantastic!
For more information on holidays to Sri Lanka, get in touch directly through calling 0208 185 0440, or e-mailing: info@directtraveller.com.
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Here at Direct Traveller we like to offer holidays to the places our team know best. This way we can ensure that you're getting the most accurate information about where to go and what to see, as well as some great deals. Two of our team members are the lovely...