Sunday, April 13, 2008

Good morning, Lanka


Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is also famous for its lush tea plantations, (think about an English Breakfast at a five star hotel), Dutch forts and untouched tropical beaches.

Mystically tucked beneath the southern tip of India, the tropical island of Sri Lanka is one of the most popular holiday destinations in Asia.

Lying between the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea, 'The Pearl of the Indian Ocean' packs everything from sandy beaches to lofty mountains, a geographical diversity that most other destinations can only dream of.

Founded on over 2500 years of rich cultural heritage, the island offers the chance to experience the splendor of a bygone era. From sprawling irrigation tanks to magnificent dagobas, Sri Lanka has enough ancient sites to excite even the most jaded of archaeologists.

Yes, there may be a civil war going on, but who cares……the tourists still flock despite the travel warnings about visiting the country. A day after you arrive, an explosion may go off and there may be roadblocks everywhere…but, it's still reasonably safe for visitors.

For those who know South Africa, Sri Lanka reminds you of a mixture of the KwaZulu Natal North Coast, plus Umhlanga and more like Tongaat and Stanger.

Basically, it's bustling, busy, hot and humid.

The tourist industry has suffered as a result of the violence and the tsunami three years ago, but it still lures adventurous holidaymakers and those who prefer an un-packaged destination And, believe it or not, it is one of the more peaceful places, though it’s classified as violent and it sounds almost mystical, but there is something about Sri Lanka that do touch a few rather deep, that they stay on.

They say Sri Lanka is a gentler, kinder version of India. But, this itself is enough of an assault on the senses. There's not much prettiness around. But there are similarities and despite it all, it is all rather charming in a faded colonial sort of way. And for an Indian he is totally at home.

For the westerner, the restaurants appear friendly; the prices are dirt cheap and the fare surprisingly delicious.

There's little to do at night for those who are not night-clubbers, so you can head for bed early and wake up to a slap-up English breakfast waiting for me with a cup of the finest Ceylon tea, bacon and eggs, a basket of toast and a platter of freshly cut fruit.

What a way to start the day.

Good morning, Lanka !!!!

A holiday in Sri Lanka is not simply a vacation, but an experience that will change the way you look at Asia itself.

1 comment:

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