Sri Lanka - Together in Love

Kandy is a living monument to long-lost royal might, a hill station that outstrips the expectations of a traveller or a history buff. Home to a Buddha's tooth relic, this city is unique. A World Heritage Site, it is one of Sri Lanka's most bewitching cities with ancient temples like Dalada Maligawa, Gadaladeniya Temple and Embekke Temple that sit by Kandy Lake and are surrounded by hills.

Kandy piques your curiosity. Why is Kandy Lake considered sacred if it was constructed by the last Kandyan ruler, Wickrama Rajasinha? If Buddha attained Nirvana in India, then how did his tooth end up in Dalada Maligawa? Seek out Kandyan legends to satiate your curiosity.

Once you've had your fill of legends, go hunting for gems, spices, antiques, ethnic dumbara mats and lacquer wood painting. Look over the antiques at Waruna Antiques, spilling over with ancient Sri Lankan beads, masks, statues and temple paintings.

Kandy is a popular summer destination and caters to people with a wide range of interests, and wildlife is but one of the many things you can explore. Do not miss the procession of the elephants from Pinnawala Elephant's Orphanage to the nearby river for their daily bath. People stand up on the raised sidewalk to let the elephants pass for their bath. It is amusing to watch the elephants run eagerly for a bath. Just another one of the pleasant surprises that Kandy loves to throw your way!

Sigiriya, also known as Lion's Rock, is an ancient 5th century rock fortress that along with the ruins of a castle is situated in central Matale District of Sri Lanka. An extremely popular destination for both tourists and locals, it is also famous for its ancient paintings that are very similar to the paintings of the Ajanta Caves of Maharashtra, India, as well as its water gardens, and Mirror Wall. It is one of the seven World Heritage Sites of Sri Lanka.

In Sigiriya, expect to go on a somewhat arduous journey to the top of the rock, discovering history, architecture and art along the way. Ranked amongst one of the seven World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, Sigiriya holds immense historical, religious and archaeological significance.

Who would suspect coming face to face with England at the top of a hill while getting away from the smouldering heat of Sri Lanka below? Nuwara Eliya, discovered by Dr John Davy in the 19th century soon became a hill resort under Sir Edward Barnes. Though the British are long gone, time seems to have stood still at the City of Light.

The journey to the top if taken on the tracks will put you in a state of delight long before you reach Nuwara Eliya. Neatly trimmed tea bushes, stoic tea pickers who are mostly Indian Tamils, and pretty waterfalls are a few friendly sights that greet you. The chill and the bleak weather that takes over the hill when grey clouds gather overhead, the colonial mansions with rose gardens, and streets with English names: you know why it is called 'Little England'. The old Post Office and Victoria Park push the point further.

Spend a quiet evening fishing or boating at Lake Gregory and don your finest clothes for dinner at The Hill Club which still retains the British way of doing things.

In the summertime, Nuwara Eliya is the choice destination of Sri Lankans. It isn't just the refreshing cool air. Take a break from the crowds by taking off on a trek to Pidurutalagala which is Sri Lanka's highest peak. Celebrate the arduous trek with Masala Tea and Scones, a blend of two countries on one tray that you can find nowhere else but in Nuwara Eliya.

A wondrous port city that braved colonisation and ethnic conflicts with grace and now stands with a poise to grow, that's Colombo. The colonial charm of temples, monasteries and bungalows coexists with skyscrapers, malls, tuk-tuks (auto rickshaws) and flavours of a city on ocean banks. Stroll along Pettah Market miles away from the affluent world of Cinnamon Gardens and haggle over merchandise. Wander into narrow alleyways at Galle Road, and devour steaming Egg Rotis and fresh Lemon Juice, and you're beginning to feel Colombo.

Colombo is packed with surprises, relaxation and fun. Let's begin our journey...

A charming and relaxed coastal town in southwest Sri Lanka, Beruwela offers beautiful beaches and great cuisine, along with modern facilities, idyllic markets and beachside fun all year round. It marks one end of the massive 130 km stretch of beach, which is one of the longest in the world. You can watch the fresh catch being brought in by the fishermen in the early morning, visit one the turtle hatchery, or even take a boat safari here.