Showing all posts tagged "Tangalle Resort"
How to plan a trip to Sri Lanka – Getting your head around a vacation to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
A holiday to Sri Lanka brings with it countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the splendour and multi-cultural identity which will be very much evident, regardless of where your journeys lead you to. Outlined below is a detailed guide on what you need to make allowance for when it comes to vacationing in the Emerald Isle.
Image via Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Have your travel documents in order
Obtaining a tourist visa to Sri Lanka is not rocket science and can be completed in a matter of 2 to 3 days but this is subject to you having a passport that is valid for a period of 6 months after the conclusion of your holiday. An online visa application can be made to the Department of Immigration & Emigration to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is a prerequisite.
Check currency requirements
Know that converting currency before leaving home would be futile practice on the back of the Sri Lankan Rupee is treated as a closed currency. Thus, you can opt to either carry your own cash and convert same at local money exchangers or banks or utilise your bank card for the sake of making withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Further, it is wise to spend all of your Rupees before you leave Sri Lanka as it can be an arduous task to change the same back to your own country’s currency.
Time your visit
To be captured running helter-skelter for the nearest shaded area amidst heavy downpours can be quite the mood killer. This is why timing your holiday to Sri Lanka is a pivotal point for the island nation is subjected to two monsoon periods. The northeast monsoon descends from October to mid-December and generally, covers a major part of the country. Therefore, it is best to avoid making preparations during this timeframe. On the other hand, the southwest monsoon as its name suggests merely impacts the southwest and converges from May to June. Hence, in the event you seek the pleasures of the beach, then it would be prudent to settle down to the thought of staying along Sri Lanka’s eastern coastal belt. However, the best month to factor into your travel plans is September which is known for brilliant weather and importantly, off-season prices on accommodation.
Zone in on your preferences
Sri Lanka is made up of paradisiacal environs that include towering mountains, free-flowing rivers, sun-soaked beaches, bustling marketplaces and rich heritage sites that date back to the times of the kings and colonial rulers. In short, one will be presented with several opportunities to embrace the nation’s many flavours and offerings. Thus, conducting some research and thereafter, deciding on and fine-tuning an itinerary will be preferable practice. For instance, you can kick off your travels with a few days in Colombo which is replete with high-rise buildings, museums, places of worship, lavish hotel properties, lovely gardens to go on walking tours and street food outlets to snack on an assortment of fried delicacies. Also, pay attention to the Cultural Triangle where you will be directed towards climbing the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, exploring every nook there is to the Dambulla Cave Temple and scouring through the unspoilt wilds of Habarana. Further, never forget to visit the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa that retain pride of place for those with a craving for history, age-old civilisations, stupas and remnants of kingdoms of a bygone era.
The cool climes that envelop regions in the likes of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya or ‘Little England’ together with Ella will ensure that you are confronted with opportunities to bask, hike as well as live life on the edge with a bit of ziplining over deep gorges and tea plantations. On a concluding note, the southern province would warrant closer inspection and enjoyment given the pageantry that it plays host to. Among the notable outings that you can look forward to will be touring through the ramparts of Galle’s Dutch Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to going turtle watching on Rekawa Beach where the offspring of the leatherback and hawksbill turtle can be seen dashing the welcoming expanses of the Indian Ocean. If you choose to be based at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort which is a good Tangalle beach resort in the area, the above pastime can be scheduled while you tuck into flavoursome bursts of seafood, curries and Western specialities.
Posted on May 22nd, 2023
How to Immerse Yourself in Sri Lankan Culture – Ways to Experience the Teardrop Island
Sri Lanka is a country rich in history, culture, and tradition. From its stunning beaches to its ancient temples, there is so much to explore in this beautiful country. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you simply have to immerse yourself in the local culture to get the most out of your experience.
Image via Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Learn about Sri Lanka's history and culture
To fully immerse yourself in Sri Lankan culture, you should learn about its history and culture. You can start by visiting the National Museum of Colombo, which offers a comprehensive overview of Sri Lanka's history and culture. You can also visit other historical sites like the ancient city of Anuradhapura or the Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
Visit a tea plantation
Tea is an important part of Sri Lankan culture, and visiting a tea plantation is a must for every tourist visiting Sri Lanka. Some tourist hotels arrange tea plantation visits for their guests. For example, if you stay at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort, you’ll have the opportunity to visit Handunugoda Tea Plantation.
Try traditional Sri Lankan food
One of the best ways to experience Sri Lankan culture is through its food. Sri Lankan cuisine is a fusion of flavours and influences from various cultures, including Indian, Malay, and Dutch. Some of the must-try dishes include rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti. To sample Sri Lankan food, you either head to a roadside stall or choose to dine at one of Sri Lanka’s luxury resorts.
Learn how to cook Sri Lankan dishes
If you are interested in cooking, taking a cooking class is a great way to learn about Sri Lankan cuisine. Many hotels and guesthouses offer cooking classes where you can learn how to make traditional dishes like curry, hoppers, and string hoppers.
Visit local markets
Visiting local markets is a great way to get a glimpse of Sri Lankan culture. At these markets, you can find fresh produce, spices, and other local products. The Pettah Market in Colombo, for example, is one of the largest markets in Sri Lanka and is a must-visit for anyone interested in experiencing local culture.
Learn about Buddhism
Buddhism is one of the main religions in Sri Lanka, and learning about it is a must if you want to have a cultural experience. You can visit Buddhist temples or participate in a meditation retreat, which often doubles as a nature retreat.
Visit ancient temples
Sri Lanka is home to many ancient temples, some of which date back thousands of years. Some of the must-visit temples include the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Ruwanwelisaya Stupa in Anuradhapura.
Watch a traditional dance performance
Sri Lankan traditional dance is a vibrant and colourful art form that is a delight to behold. The Kandyan Art Association and Cultural Centre in Kandy and the Colombo Cultural Show offer you the opportunity to witness traditional Sri Lankan dance.
Visit a spice garden
Sri Lanka is renowned for its spices, and a visit to a spice garden is an excellent way to gain knowledge about them. You should get your hotel or local tour operator to arrange a spice garden tour to discover the diverse range of spices utilised in Sri Lankan cooking.
Go on a wildlife safari
There’s a diverse range of wildlife in Sri Lanka, including elephants, leopards, and monkeys. Going on a wildlife safari is the best way to encounter these animals. Yala National Park and Udawalawe National Park are two of the best places to see wildlife.
Attend a cultural festival
Sri Lanka hosts many cultural festivals throughout the year; the Kandy Esala Perahera and the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year are the two main cultural celebrations in the country. Attending these festivities is a great way to immerse yourself in culture and have fun.
Posted on April 17th, 2023