One of the exotic destinations for a travel freak is Sri Lanka. The ancient culture, rich and diverse history, endless stretches of beach, tea plantations and spice gardens etc., Sri Lanka has so much to offer. Very few places in the world offer such remarkable combination of stunning landscape and cultural heritage within such a compact space.

THE SOUTHERN BEACHES
On the country’s southern coastline, there is the historic port of Galle. Galle is the most important reminder of Sri Lanka’s Dutch colonial era, and the houses behind the walls of Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, have remained virtually unchanged since the 17th century. The port was developed as a little country within a country. Galle’s popularity has also risen by the advent of test cricket to the area. Set against a backdrop of the fort and with breathtaking views over the Indian Ocean, the cricket grounds here are possibly some of the most picturesque in the world. Getting to Galle from the capital Colombo has also just become easier. With the new Air Taxi service operated by Sri Lankan Airlines, it only takes 40 minutes to get to Galle from Colombo by air, compared with 4-5 hours by road.
One of the renowned hotels in Galle is The Lighthouse Hotel and Spa which is a structure that interacts and harmonizes with the natural beauty of its surroundings and aims to merge with light throughout. The most distinctive feature as you enter the hotel is a sculpture metalwork balustrade on a spiral staircase that sweeps up to the rooftop. The Serena Spa at the hotel is a blend of rich Ayurvedic heritage and more modern, aromatherapy-based concepts. On offer is everything from massages to scrubs, wraps, facials and indulgent packages, including the exclusive Adam & Eve Spa Dining Experience. This is truly the ultimate in romance comprising a couple’s massage followed by flower bath with cocktails under the stars plus a feast of champagne and the day's freshest lobster all in complete privacy overlooking the ocean.
About 20 minutes drive south of Galle is the Barberyn Beach Ayurveda Resort in Weligama, a place to experience Ayurveda at its best. From the moment you arrive, breathing in the aroma of fresh herbs, you feel the peace and calm flowing through yourself.

SRI LANKA’S HEARTLAND- THE CULTURAL TRIANGLE
Further north and inland of Galle is the country’s cultural heartland, known as The Cultural Triangle. Ancient sites here include Sri Lanka’s 3rd-century BC capital Anuradhapura; the 11th-century capital Polonnaruwa; Mihintale, a sacred monastic centre of temple ruins; Dambulla, where you will find caves filled with hundreds of Buddha images and paintings; and the spectacular rock fortress of Sigiriya.
Driving through the islands interior you will be amazed by the vast range of fresh, local produce - fruits of all kinds, vegetables, cashew nuts and a myriad of indigenous spices.