A guided game drive at the Yala National Park offers a remarkable opportunity to witness wildlife up close. A crucial aspect of a game drive is the expertise and skills of the safari rangers, particularly their ability to interpret nature and provide insightful information about animal sightings and behaviour.
It is the ultimate test of innovative efforts and labours – will those giving eye and ear to their offerings, embrace them for further development so that the world would be Sri Lanka’s oyster for the humble jackfruit and gotukola (pennywort) and the hardly-noticed seaweed?
The towering strong, dark and textured trunk extends toward the clear blue skies. Its cascading crown of leaves bloom and spread, casting playful shadows across the ground beneath. The ‘tree of life’ as we call it, the coconut tree, is inextricably entwined with the lifestyle of our island people. From the water, milk and oil giving nuts to the fibrous husk and leaves, there is no part of the tree that goes to waste.
While Mr Fernando’s contribution and devotion to building a global tea brand has been highlighted by a multitude of tributes, his contribution to hospitality has been remarkable in so many ways. Along with his family, Dilmah created Ceylon Tea Trails, and 18 years later, the resort reached a pinnacle of being listed on the Condé Nast Traveller Gold List. Similarly, his faith in Cape Weligama and Wild Coast Tented Lodge have demonstrated his confidence in the growth of the tourism industry. We are all incredibly proud to have been part of that journey.
Are you finding it difficult to decide on the holiday vibe - relaxed and meant for romance and rejuvenation, or full of adventure, thrill and excitement? Well, when lounging loses its novelty and you’re on the verge of boredom, you could seek a dash of adventure to heighten your romantic escape.
While every aspect of a wedding is purely optional, there’s just one thing you cannot skip - the location. Finding the ideal venue can be a tough decision amongst many others a couple would have to make. However, if your heart is set on a destination wedding and the tropics are calling your name, here’s a few things to consider when hosting yours in Sri Lanka.
As the month of April approaches, the air in Sri Lanka becomes infused with anticipation, joy and a vibrant cultural energy that marks the beginning of the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, locally known as Avurudu.
The best independent restaurants and bars in Weligama, Sri Lanka
Once a sleepy village, Weligama is now south Sri Lanka’s buzziest surf town. It’s vibrant, laidback, and magical, with the sunny southern coast’s palm-fringed shores and inland paddies.
Summer on our teardrop isle is magical. Picture misty mornings in the Central Highlands surrounded by the emerald green tea fields, golden sunsets and the allure of the Indian Ocean lapping at your feet in the South, and diverse habitats, ecology and scenery across many national parks and sanctuaries. Arrive and experience a resplendent summer.
Trekking Between Bungalows at Ceylon Tea Trails – My Debut Hike
I got ready and was kindly gifted a pair of leech socks by the bungalow manager. Even though it was during the dry season and encountering leeches was unlikely, I was not going to take a chance. In true hiking fashion, I put the leech socks on accompanied by a fanny pack, just in case my hands must be free to break a possible fall.
Nestled on the sun-kissed southern coast of Sri Lanka, Cape Weligama stands as the quintessential gateway to the island's enchanting southern riviera. Flanked by the vibrant locales of Ahangama, Midigama, Weligama, and Galle, this picturesque haven offers a blend of serene luxury and adventurous spirit.
The Emerald Season in Sri Lanka, spanning from April to November, offers a unique blend of cultural festivities, wildlife spectacles and serene escapes. Lush greenery blankets the countryside, wildlife thrives, and cultural celebrations abound.
The ‘Amazing’ Tea Trails Experience with The Resplendent Traveller.
Our Flagship property Ceylon Tea Trails was recently featured in the BBC series, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby. The hosts Monica and Rob experienced first-hand, the best of Sri Lankan hospitality while enjoying a planter’s lifestyle during their stay at Ceylon Tea Trails.
Inspired by the iconic Ceylon Tea Trails feature in the BBC series, Amazing Hotels: Life Beyond the Lobby, we offer The 'Amazing' Tea Trails Experience.
Explore the emerald tea fields on foot in the company of Tea Trails Naturalist or Trail Guide. A broad spectrum of biodiversity exists in hill country - especially ours - as the plantations are interspersed with forest patches that are home to a variety of biodiversity from endemic amphibians to birds and leopards.
The City of Galle was for many centuries the capital of the Southern Province. Until about the mid twentieth century it was self-sufficient socially and economically. It had its own harbour, railway links, departmental stores, hotels, schools, a hospital, a golf course, a racecourse, and cricket esplanade.
Tusker “Kashyapa“ walked toward a bush and suddenly, he broke off a branch and picked up a stick with his trunk. The guests were amazed as they watched the elephant use the stick to clean its teeth, just like a person would use a toothbrush. The elephant held the stick in its trunk and carefully scraped away any debris, moving it around his mouth.
Summer on our teardrop isle is magical. Picture misty mornings in the Central Highlands surrounded by the emerald green tea fields, golden sunsets and the allure of the Indian Ocean lapping at your feet in the South, and diverse habitats, ecology and scenery across many national parks and sanctuaries. Arrive and experience a resplendent summer.
Depending on their species, habitat, and activity, wild animals sleep in a variety of ways. While some creatures sleep for extended periods of time, others simply sleep for brief intervals or never. We'll dive deeper into how wild animals sleep in this blog.
Restoring Ecosystems | Dunkeld Model Montane Forest
Forests act as a nature-based solution for climate change which can contribute over one third of the climate change mitigation needed by 2030. Conserving and restoring forest landscapes is not only a cost-effective way to mitigate climate change, but it also means that many other benefits are provided to local communities and wider society.
If you know anything about us Sri Lankans, it would include the fact that we love our spices. Our local cuisine is known for particular combinations of herbs, meats, vegetables, fruits and rices; which are highly centred upon the use of spices. Spices grown on our own soil and commonly used in our kitchens comprise cinnamon, pepper, clove, cardamom, chilli, cumin, nutmeg, turmeric and ginger.
Tempering is a popular sauteing method in Sri Lankan methods of cooking to infuse extra flavours or spiciness into curries and food items. It often includes diced onions, a few sprigs of curry leaves which is typically the base to tempering anything. Other spices and condiments are then added depending on what kind of dish is being prepared or made.
Recognising the long history and the cultural and economic significance of tea around the world, as well as the significant role it plays in rural development, poverty reduction and food security in developing countries, the United Nations General Assembly proclaimed 21 May as International Tea Day, calling on FAO to lead the observance.
The natural warmth of Sri Lankans and the continent's worth of attractions this small island offers makes it perfectly suited for the new breed of traveller looking for an unconventional experience.
The recent flux of requests has us thinking 2022 could be the year of honeymoons. The idea of making up for lost time and the revitalised focus of being amongst enviable locations has newlyweds also booking in on lengthier stays than...
Discover the Ten Tuskers Bar at Wild Coast Tented Lodge, that features handcrafted cocktails with hyperlocal ingredients. Sit alongside the pool, overlooking the deep blue Indian Ocean and allow yourself to journey across a tasting of...
If you’ve yet to delve into the world of cinema from a local perspective, take your pick of some acclaimed films that were shot in its entirety, and others that were partially captured on our island home. Sit back, get yourself some...
Joanne Tang: Hi, everyone. Welcome to Luxury Voices, the podcast about the luxury world in Asia with a focus on the greater China market. I am Joanne Tang, your host, founder and CEO of Infinite Luxury Group. In this podcast, we...
It’s tough to talk about the future of tourism and hospitality without taking into consideration the unprecedented times we live in. One of the hardest hit industries, the world’s lull in travel has given the opportunity for the...
Close your eyes. Take a deep breath. Count to four. Release. Whilst the challenging events of the past year have left us feeling untethered from our everyday routines, it is more apparent than ever that we as travellers, travel...
This year, World Tourism Day focuses on tourism and rural development, two areas that are significantly interlinked. Here in Sri Lanka, we have a wide variety of case studies of how tourism has been the primary driver of hyper-local...
Sri Lanka is one of the most at-risk nations in terms of climate change. Our coastlines are at risk of inundation, our forests are at risk of climate-induced die-back, our endemic species are nearing extinction while global business...
At Resplendent Ceylon, travel and tourism means the world to us; but over time we have also come to realise that it is so much more than just that. Since the beginning, we have been committed to curating meaningful journeys for all our ...
Riding the Podi Menike Train from Colombo to Hatton
It’s 4.45am and I could do with some more sleep. However, I am up and about, showered and ready to leave home – destination Colombo Fort. I suppose I need not have woken up that early as it only took me a mere couple of minutes to get...
We think it’s fair to say that we absolutely love to travel and there are a couple of things we’d typically carry with us along the way. Whether it’s heading to one of the resorts, or a circuit across all three, here’s what we’d list...
With international travel to Sri Lanka now an absolute possibility, Rebecca Recommends took a little trip down memory lane to share their experiences of travelling across this incredible country in anticipation of a long-awaited return...
Sri Lanka’s pottery industry has survived for centuries; the first identified pot dating as far back to the year 900 BC and 1120 BC. Communities and villages of these times originated this craft by preparing earthenware which were then used for their day-to-day purposes including domestic utensils, religious activities and other household chores.
Beeralu lace weaving, also known as bobbin lace, was first introduced to our islanders by the Portuguese during the 16th Century. Now a part of our own island culture and heritage, this cottage industry is practised predominantly on the southern coast; specifically in Galle and Matara.
Our little island has a long history in relation to spirits and alcohol. It has been consumed for many centuries in various forms. The most commonly consumed intoxicants on our island are made of arrack, toddy and beer. Here’s some insight on these spirits, and where to find them on your travels.
5 Reasons to Travel to Resplendent Ceylon this Eid
Experience the unique culture and traditions of Sri Lanka: Eid al-Fitr is celebrated in Sri Lanka by the Muslim community, who makes up around 10% of the population. During your visit, you can immerse yourself in the country’s diversity including visiting the Galle Fort, and experience the cultural melting pot that Sri Lanka offers.
April is one of the warmer months of the year on our island, which means guests can enjoy warm and pleasant weather, making it the perfect time for outdoor activities. In addition, many local celebrations including the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Easter and Eid all take place during this month. Experience the cultural melting pot of Sri Lanka while you travel through our island during this time.
Choosing the right transfers can set the tone for your entire trip.If you’re looking to cut travel time from one destination to another, best go for a private air transfer.Here’s why:Roads can tend to get ladden with traffic.Our island...
Tea and Opium: Liquid Jade and the Fruit of the Poppy
It is a singular irony that Tea, unarguably the most healthy beverage in the world next to water, should share a common history with Opium, the curse of many societies across the world for several centuries, particularly China; equally...
Immersing yourself in nature can surprisingly be far more beneficial than we think. From the sounds to the sights, being outdoors and deepening our connection with the natural world can yield a wide variety of mental, physical as well...
Cliches aside, our island can be viewed as ideal to visit throughout the year. Regardless of what the weather is like in one part of the country, another part would offer a great experience in likeness or kind. We’ve summed up some of...
The skies awaken as darkness turns to light. The morning rays of sun touch the tops and peek through the coconut trees, creating shadows of play. Across the paddy fields, the atmosphere shines golden and bright. The day has begun.
The story of tea in Sri Lanka began over two hundred years ago. British rule was very much under way and in the year 1824, the first tea plant was brought to Ceylon. It came from China and was planted in the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya for non-commercial purposes.
Are you the type to read all about a place you are about to visit? Regardless of whether you’ll be traveling anytime soon, here are some great selections of reads you could order online and dive right into on Sri Lanka’s rich history...
Planning A Safari In Sri Lanka? With diverse biodiversity and the numerous national parks, Sri Lankan safaris are quite unlike any other safari experience. In this blog, we share a few tips and suggestions for travellers looking to...
After a long and tiresome week, sometimes a weekend getaway is in order. Consider our ultimate long weekend guide when planning yours next! Having new experiences, even if they are over a short period of time, can be highly influential ...
We get it; sometimes it’s hard to figure out what to pack especially if you’re planning on traveling to different parts of the world. The same would be true for when you decide to travel to our island home Sri Lanka. Whilst the...
Ground. Find your center. Breathe. Breathe again. And again. As yet another year comes to an end, it is apparent we’ve plenty of challenges that continue to compromise our ideal sense of living. A global pandemic. Climate change...
It’s tough to keep up with all the development and changes within the city of Colombo. However, spending some time in the capital of our island comes with its fair share of exploration and excitement in a multitude of aspects including...
A stay at Ceylon Tea Trails would not be complete without a walk along our nature trails encompassing lush tea landscapes, local settlements and rich cultural heritage. Along these trails lie the hidden gems of flora and fauna, and if you’re lucky enough, a leopard pugmark or some fresh scat – the best indicator that we share these paths with the resident leopards of the Peak Ridge.
It seems like the ideal time to be venturing beyond your comfort zones and exploring the great outdoors even if it’s on a little island like ours. From forest reserves to rocky mountain scapes, ancient kingdoms to tea valleys, there...
Bundala is Sri Lanka’s first Ramsar Wetland – a wetland area of great international importance for the migratory waterfowl, as well as a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve declared in 2005. The Park was also declared a wildlife sanctuary in 1969. While Bundala can be visited throughout the year, December is considered the best month for birding.
Deeply connected to Sri Lanka’s ancient history and folklore tales, the art of wooden mask making is a craft that has been passed down generation by generation. Masks are also a distinct element in traditional processions and festivals...
Wild Coast Tented Lodge, situated in Yala, Sri Lanka, set a new standard for luxury safari lodges. Our island, known for its biodiversity and array of wildlife, has had its fair share of safari experiences, but nothing quite on the...
Displaying rich diversity in form and style, ancient Sri Lankan architecture is fairly distinctive. From the Anuradhapura Kingdom through to the Kingdom of Kandy, it is also clearly apparent that Buddhism had a major influence on the architecture of our island.
If you’ve seen Sri Lanka in the headlines in recent months, you’re probably aware that the country has been sinking deeper into the worst economic crisis it has ever seen. The capital, Colombo, has seen months of protests due to rising...
A keen naturalist hailing from the hill country, Rohan Gunasekara began his nature work at the Hill Country Youth Exploration Society. He was later the Secretary of the Nature Exploration & Protection Society of Nuwara Eliya due to...
Five Reasons Sri Lanka is Perfect for Family Vacations
Ours is a land that offers experiences that connect you with nature and wildlife, culture and heritage, traditional cuisine and communities of diverse ethnicities. Here’s five reasons why Sri Lanka is perfect for your next family...
Sri Lanka is experiencing a sea change. It is at times like this we believe our strengths and a sense of renewal comes to the fore.Here are five reasons why a traveller should visit our island home now...
There’s no shortage of incredible wildlife experiences in Sri Lanka. Regardless of where you may be on our island, you’ll come to discover 27 different national parks, scattered across diverse landscapes, plains and terrains. As a ...
Ruhuna, the home of Yala, was home to a community pulsating with life and a landscape teeming with lush flora and fauna. At present, not much has changed. The community still thrives as does the wondrous nature around it, from the ...
A guided nature or bush walk during your stay at Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a signature experience. In the company of a qualified and trained ranger, this is, without a doubt, the most immersive and interesting way to appreciate the...
It takes some patience to find the right meaningful souvenir so yes, take your time. There’s no rushing in finding what you need, unless of course you’re short on time itself during your travels. When browsing, keep an eye out for quirky patterns, textures, shapes and hues - this is more than often what will draw your attention and also be adopted as something unique to you.
