I spent a relaxing three days in Kahandamodara recently at Back of Beyond. As the name suggests, this is truly back of beyond with nothing but fresh air, birds and wilderness. To me, an essential stress reliever that I yearn for time and again. Laid out on 14 acres of wilderness that borders an estuary… Read More »
Imagine a canvas of pure white sand and aquamarine blue, a picture perfect tropical paradise beach with the endless bowl of the blue sky replaced by the ocean. Into this starkly beautiful landscape a two- hour boat ride from Colombo, had sunk a small boat. Initially, it had probably sullied the pristine scene with its… Read More »
A report by Post Office Travel Money has concluded that Sri Lanka holidays offer the best value for UK travellers out of all long-haul destinations. Thailand holidays have often been praised for offering the best value, but in the latest Post office survey Thailand has nose-dived to sixth place as Sri Lanka has headed the… Read More »
Red Dot are committed to regular hotel checks and May is a month which offers us opportunities to escape the office from time to time to check out new hotels and also to catch up with those who have become a well-known part of Sri Lanka’s holiday scene. So this time it was obvious where… Read More »
If ever there was a tour that ran the whole gamut of emotion, joy, excitement, fear, despair, relief, humour my recent trip to the North and East would be it. It all began when three of my friends – Thilina, Anoma and Thushari – decided to tour the North and East and invited me along.… Read More »
I have long dreamt of the day I would get a chance to visit the eastern part of the famous Sinharaja Rainforest. Since access to this section is quite remote with a 4WD jeep is a must and the only place to stay being a forest department bungalow, getting there has been a challenge. However,… Read More »
The dawning of peace in Sri Lanka last year opened up the exciting potential for tourism in the east coast and the first visible sign of this is the opening of Chaaya Blu last week. Owned by John Keells Hotel Group and called Club Oceanic previously, the “retro-chic” four-star beach hotel was conceptualised by master… Read More »
Having finally had the chance to visit the North of Sri Lanka after many years, some of my birding pals planned a trip to experience and enjoy the bounty of bird life in the other half of Sri Lanka. First on the list was Mannar Island. Mannar Island and the strip of land on the… Read More »
One of the many blessings of a peaceful Sri Lanka is being able to explore some of the ancient sites that were hard to see just months ago. One such ancient marvel is Tantirimale, a magnificent site both humbling and inspiring. I visited recently at dusk as the sun was going down over the acres… Read More »
Fed up with the frenzy of shopping and pre-Christmas buzz in Colombo, I escaped to Galle Fort for a peaceful couple of days with friends. My nagging list of unfinished things-to-do and a rather lengthy Christmas gift list was happily put aside to do when I return from my much earned r & r. Our… Read More »
