Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier
Sri Lanka. “Is that part of India?” people asked. A few others warned: “watch out for the terrorists – are you sure you want to go to a place so dangerous?”
Yes, I was sure.
But what about traveling through these lands when the terrorist group, Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), had organized a few suicide bombs earlier this year?
A few years ago the “guerilla-ravaged” lands of Colombia gave me an amazingly different reality than what appeared on the television screen. Why not go for round two in another place?
I went, and I am very thankful for my decision. Here are 9 reasons to consider visiting Sri Lanka in 2009:
1. The Art of Smiling
If you have not seen enough smiles lately, go to Sri Lanka. The frequency with which locals will beam their brightness at you is mind-boggling. In a few days of venturing out of the capital city of Colombo, you will probably receive more smiles than you did in the previous two months back home.
2. The Land
Sri Lanka is a bit larger than the state of West Virginia. But this nation contains over a thousand miles of coastline, vast tea plantations in the mountains of the central highlands, rainforests, deserts, and brilliant beaches. Its three zones are divided by elevation: the central highlands, the plains, and the coastal belt.
Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier
3. Fruit
Kings coconuts are widely sold in road-side shacks. Costing roughly 30 cents, they are hacked open by a vendor, who will stick a straw inside and presto – you have a refreshing all-natural drink said to help with digestion.
Don’t miss the wood apple. About the size of a small orange with a rock hard stone-looking shell, this fruit is smashed down on a hard surface in order to be cracked open. The ripe wood apple is on the sweet side, and is best used as a jam. The unripe wood apple offers nature’s version of Sour Patch Kids. It’s an unreal nature-candy if you like sour flavors.
4. Friendliness with Interest
After seeing my friend (who is African-American and has braids), a Sri Lankan man in a restaurant could not stop himself from overflowing with excitement. He immediately began to say “Bob Marley!” over and over again while asking to take multiple pictures with my buddy.
In general, families seeing a foreigner walk by their home are inclined to invite them inside for a cup of tea. They want to hear what you think of the country and its people, and they usually get a thrill out of having their picture taken.
Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier
5. Architecture
This is a land of temples – Buddhist and Hindu. Some of these praying structures are magnificently large and visited by many; others are small and seemingly known only by locals. Don’t be surprised to find yourself unexpectedly stopping in a small village to see a beautifully crafted Hindu statue or other eye-catching structure.
6. Commercials
No joke – they are hilarious, as is much of the media. Picture a young girl sitting in the backseat of a car with her mother driving. They stop, get out of the car, and walk into a park full of trees. The child later drops her toy on the ground. A man then picks it up and hands it over with a smile. Next appears a close-up shot of the car’s wheels, for a tire advertisement.
The commercial was so unconnectedly entertaining that it was difficult to forget – like a few other Sri Lankan adverts. But that is the whole idea, right?
7. English Spoken Here
Due to the British colonization lasting over 150 years, a good percentage of the population speaks English – especially in the cities. When a traveler is lost or curious, the locals’ fluency in English comes in handy. A warning to those having difficulties picking up accents: some pidgin English is spoken here. My friends had no problem understanding from the start, but I was lost in this seemingly foreign language for a few days.
Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier
8. Surf’s Up
Sri Lanka has been rebuilding itself, with the help of many nations, since the horrific tsunami in December, 2004. In this restructuring, beach resorts – such as Awanatuna Beach – were built on the southwest side to cater to surfers from April to October. Waves are reported three to eight feet – substantial swells. The off season would be better for novice surfers as the swells usually come in at two to six feet.
9. Watch a Forming Culture(s)
Sri Lankans have fought for independence for more than 400 years, starting with colonization by the Portuguese in 1505, the Dutch in 1660, and finally, the British in 1796. Each colonizer has left its respective mark on the Sri Lankan society. A consistent example of one of these marks is a popular men’s clothing style: a sarong (traditional), accompanied with an incongruous collared shirt (British) to complete the outfit.
Since 1948, Sri Lanka has been a sovereign nation. In 1972, the country changed the British-bestowed name “Ceylon” to “Sri Lanka”, which roughly translates to “prosperous island.” Now, Sri Lanka is making its own way in the world, and figuring out who it is in the process.
Photo above by Dominic DeGrazier
Community Connection
For more on Sri Lanka, check out Hidden Hope: A Visit To A Sri Lankan Tea Estate, or several Sri Lankan blogs from Matador member khammons.
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15 Comments... join the discussion!
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I liked your article. I've always wanted to go to Sri Lanka, now i REALLY want to go. A side note, Dominic. Thanks for using your own photos in your articles. Not all the authors do that, but it makes it a better article, knowing it's not just something off istock. Your photos add more depth to your articles, keep it up.
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I have met lotta sri lankans on my visit to india. I've heard a lot about this country and seen some pictures as well. I am sure to visit it soon…
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no.1 place id love to visit. sounds and looks amazing
thanx
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If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka please contact me. I will help you as a very memorable visit.
Hope to see you soon.
Sanath↵ -
My Sri Lankan friend just had to sign up for 2 years in Saudi Arabia, leaving his wife and his 2 darling daughters behind. No jobs to be found @ home- in the tourist industry or elsewhere. So please, by all means, visit Sri Lanka this year. Your being there will make a difference- 10th reason!
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someone's terrorist…another's freedom fighter.
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ATTN: LADIES while you are IN SRI LANKA- Foreign or Local . Come and join me in a delightful, safe, discreet environment for exploration of the wisdom of your body. I immensely enjoy meeting new people who are interested in self exploration. My sensual massage service is also available in your home or hotel. I AM A MALE!
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Enduring wanderlust, Kjrsten (Kirsten?), Hannahbanana: Thanks for your comments!!
Reina: great #10 reason!
Dominic
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Dominic. Love the pic of the veges. Is it possible to copy? Just this one!
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The picture of the beach is gorgeous! Awesome photo work!
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never never never not part of the india
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Nice article. But you didn’t mention the best thing they have. Tuk Tuks. Those three wheeled e-tickets from Disneyland. All chromed up and tuck and rolled and pimped out! The pride of the poor! The heart stopper of the tourist over fifty! And then there are the only not so nice things about Sri Lanka. The mosquitos and the driving. Talk about Mister Toads Wild Ride. I went there with slightly greying hair at the temples and returned three weeks later completely white haired. But I loved every second of my stay there.
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Dear Friends,
By proffesion I am Japanese Speaking Touris Guide Lecturer. There is no fear to Visit Sri Lanka. Please visit our country, the Pearl of Indian Ocean. This is the best season to visit Sri Lanka. Fruit Season and festival season. Because of the terrorist problems tourism industry had lot and lots of problems. Please come and visit our historical places which connects to 2500 years of our history. Please enjoy our hospitality. If anyone needs any clarifications about visit to our country please contact me vis e-mail. I am happy to help you. Specially Japanese Nationals, you can visit our country with very special discounted air fairs, up to August this year. Hope to see you here!↵ -
I am back in Colombo having spent the weekend in some seriously wonderful boutique hotels along the Southern coast. Check out http://www.anilana.com. As a Sri Lankan who keeps coming home I find myself constantly in wonderment. Every place here is unique, special and interesting. Yes, we have a huge problem with dengue at the moment, so bring plenty of mosquito repellent. It’s also available to buy here. Actually, everything’s available here other than sub-zero temperatures!
Sri Lanka needs a lot of tourism to help its rural economy. So, when you travel here you are not only getting real value for your money but also helping this wonderful place get back on its feet again.
Take it from me, Sri Lanka’s THE place to visit and you will never stop talking about it.
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