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SRI LANKA

Travel

The infinity pool at Cape Weligama blends seamlessly into the Indian Ocean.

Step up your glamping game at Wild Coast Tented Lodge.

KAREN BIRKEMOE finds out what makes this tea-loving country a dream destination

1. TAKE A WALK THROUGH HISTORY

We travel south from capital city Colombo by train, daydreaming while looking out over the Indian Ocean as we make our way to Galle. Take in the history firsthand by walking the ramparts of Galle Fort, where the Portuguese and Dutch influence is ever-present. Dining, museums and shopping (jewels anyone?) will fill your day –try to find a small boutique hotel within the fort for your stay. T he Orchard House with its stunning courtyard and rooms filled with local art was a winner.

2. ELEPHANT ORPHANAGE This year Dilmah Tea Company made the commitment to invest 15% of corporate profits towards charitable and environmental projects in Sri Lanka. The Elephant Transit Home next to Udawalawe National Park is one of these projects. Set up primarily to educate the locals, it also offers a home to orphaned elephants. They’re fed every three hours, so make sure you time your visit to witness one of the sessions. It’s beyond cute and a must-see for any animal lover.

3. LIVE LIKE THE RICH & FAMOUS At the southern tip of Sri Lanka lies breathtaking clifftop resort Cape Weligama. Relax like an A-lister in a room with multiple lounge areas, a huge bathroom with a steam room, as well as a bedroom larger than my entire Sydney apartment. Designed to give the illusion of a traditional Sri Lankan village, the resort focuses on fine cuisine, surfing and whale-watching expeditions. Looking out from the curved infinity pool, you realise there’s nothing between you and Antarctica except ocean. 4. GET WILD! On the border of the Yala National Park, the Wild Coast Tented Lodge takes glamping to next-level luxury. A king-sized bed, private plunge pool and cocktails are only a phone call away. But the best bit? There are no barriers between the park and the lodge, so there’s every chance of seeing an elephant walk by in the early morning. This was my first opportunity to experience a proper safari and see elephants, crocodiles and buffalo in the wild. Our personal animal tracker even ensured a sighting of the very rare leopard. After dark we were guided to the vaulted dining area, where See adorable orphans being fed at Udawalawe Elephant Transit Home.

gourmet delights awaited. 5.EXPLORE THE TEA PLANTATIONS Ceylon tea is world famous and the misty mountains of Hatton –a half-day drive from Colombo –are home to the luxury bungalows of the Ceylon Tea Trails, where you can learn the secrets of how Dilmah crafts the perfect cuppa. One of the most tranquil places I’ve ever visited, the day starts with the traditional morning “bed tea”, where tea is brought to you in bed. Activities include hiking through the hills, a tour of the working Dunkeld Tea factory and a visit to the Research Station for the Sri Lankan leopard. Who knew there were 28 leopards roaming the local hills? As I watch the mist slowly evaporate to reveal the brilliant green of the tea plantations, I realise this really is a place I never want to leave.