TOURISM INDIA MARCH 2019 Tourism India January 2019 IA | Page 41

winters is that the island’s toasty
weather avails you to a spectrum of
adrenaline-boosting physical activities
that you cannot experience elsewhere.
With endless stretches of pristine
coastline, Sri Lanka’s beaches are
ideal for a range of water sports with
their many shipwreck diving spots,
waves for surfing and winds for kite
surfing. This December, make it a
point to travel further inland into hill
country, particularly to Kithulgala and
Ginigaththena, you can enjoy white
water rafting, kayaking and waterfall
free jumping.
When in Yala, safari, sun and sand
are the only orders of the day. Those
who thirst for adventure and desire to
journey into the unknown are in for a
treat with a plethora of exotic flora and
fauna here. Camp outdoors or pamper
yourself with luxury accommodation
at resorts like Cinnamon Wild Yala,
where specialized naturalists take
guests on guided nature walks,
Infrared night drives or safaris and bird
watching tours. A winter holiday in Sri
Lanka would be incomplete without
exploring the country’s wild side
that is home to leopards, elephants,
crocodiles and hundreds of bird
species.
The train trip from Ella to Kandy in
Sri Lanka, or the other way around,
is considered to be one of the most
picturesque train trips in the world.
Winters being the ideal time, the
seven hour long journey will take you
through stunning landscapes of green
and lush tea plantations, mountain
views, charming villages, waterfalls and
bridges with seemingly huge drop-offs.
Hop onto this ride and visit the scenic
city of Kandy with a stay at Cinnamon
Citadel Kandy located on the banks of
Mahaweli River.
Sri Lanka’s tropical weather and the
many new hotels, eateries, shopping
malls and excursions that have cropped
up in recent times make it the perfect
destination for those desiring to
experience a winter vacation with a
difference. Be sure to add the above
to your bucket list of things to do to
make the most of your trip to this
quintessential island.
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