Blessed land of the Gods, Sri Lanka, the ancient Ceylon is a playground without limits. The land of Buddha has sublime beaches, waterfalls galore, an antediluvian equatorial forest, sumptuous landscapes, historical monuments, an ideal climate... However, the island had to go through many storms since its independence, between clashes between its different ethnic groups, tsunami or attacks. But to go to this mythical piece of land is to discover many treasures

A capital with two faces

Colombo, the first contact with Sri Lanka, is a rather disconcerting city. On the seaside, it does not offer any opening on the ocean and one is almost disappointed not to find long sandy beaches. And so much the better, because one could miss its soul. Like any self-respecting capital, it is not, at first sight, representative of the rest of the country. Only here, in the heart of the city, the Fort, is there ultra-modern architecture, between slender business centers and five-star hotels of contemporary design. The old Clock Tower, a former lighthouse, and the Grand Oriental Hotel, a stigma of the European presence, are still functional.

And there, close by, spreads out the popular district of Pettah, the Hindu enclave of the city; between its tumultuous market and the joyful animation of its streets, it is difficult to grasp this striking contrast with the square layout of the Fort

Further on, it is the colonial style that dominates, with British buildings recognizable at first glance and whole blocks dedicated to a Victorian architecture. The Colombo railway station is one of the most remarkable remnants.

A seven-sided triangle

We are now heading to Kandy, the vital center of the last Sinhalese kingdom, located in the heart of the Highlands. It is clear that the ancient city has nothing to do with the western metropolis. Here, the city is on a human scale. It can be visited on foot and the agitation is lived more in slow motion. Tourist site par excellence, holy city, religious capital, it is her that one comes to see from the four corners of the world, she that the tourists seek, camera already engaged. Its temple conceals a relic of the tooth of Buddha, a treasure whose value exceeds the borders of the island.

People also flock to its summer Perahera, probably the most popular in the country. The show is grandiose thanks to the dozens of elephants that parade.

Now it's time to go to Anuradhapura, for another holy city, also protected by Unesco. Built more than twenty-five centuries ago, it was the first city of the country for 1,400 years and houses the most sacred dagobas of the island. These gigantic domes attract pilgrims from all over the world. The seven sites listed as World Heritage Sites are endless: Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya and Dambulla have their stones speaking for themselves, witnesses of the thousand-year-old history of the island. Galle, on the south coast, bears the old imprint of a glorious colonial past. Finally, the Sinharaja rainforest, the island's forest reserve, is the seventh jewel of the Sri Lankan diadem.

A unique nature

For birdwatchers, Sinharaja, a primitive site declared a biosphere reserve, is a must. This rainforest displays brilliant colors and the fauna and flora are superb. So, take your binoculars!

Nearby, sports enthusiasts can try their hand atAdam's Peak, the sacred mountain. The giant footprint on its summit is considered to be that of Adam for some, of Buddha according to others. 2 238 meters to climb to watch the sunrise, a physical performance that is worth the candle!

In a different genre, we will not miss the hills covered with tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya, hand carved by thousands of Tamil fingers. A panorama of which one does not get tired.

Going further east, it is the Knuckles that will hold your attention. This mountain range, difficult to access, is one of the most confidential natural sites of the island. Here, we are at the end of the world, without traffic jams or tourists. Take advantage of this escapade to go and meet, in Dambana, the primitive society of the Veddas. Physically close to the aborigines, they are the first inhabitants of the island

For a more wildlife immersion in the Sri Lankan nature, we will not hesitate to dive in its national parks, the one of Yala in particular which has the singularity of having the largest proportion of leopards in the world. We will not miss the elephants, kings of the country. Finally, nature lovers will not be able to resist the possibility of witnessing, at night, the laying of water turtles all along the coast

Multiple activities

For sportsmen, the choice is vast: rafting in the Kitulgala rapids, surfing in Arugam Bay (east coast) or Hikkaduwa (west coast) depending on the season, diving all along the coastline, golf in Nuwara Eliya, one of the best greens in Asia, etc. Trekkers will be spoilt for choice between climbing the mountains in the heart of the country, visiting the Horton plains or the rainforest. Birdwatchers will also be delighted with the abundant wildlife present in the area. Between reserves and national parks, dozens of endemic species and other rarities are easily observed and the guides are there to help you find them. Be prepared to be amazed!

Finally, between two excursions, how not to be tempted by the sweet call of the Sri Lankan medicine, the ayurveda? Between flower baths, relaxing massages and herbal treatments, this practice is very pleasant

After so many emotions, it is necessary to sustenance. The dishes could be summed up in only one, which is declined in an infinity of possibilities, the curry. It consists of a plate of white rice with coconut milk, papadam and various sauces: chutney, fish, vegetables, chili, etc. The coconut milk is there to calm the heat of the chili, sometimes red, sometimes green. But make no mistake, this apparently simplistic cuisine is truly gastronomic. The products are fresh, often fished or picked the same day, and the arrangement of spices and herbs always respects the rules of ayurveda - again!- to provide you with a perfectly balanced dish.

It's time to go home now, if you can find the courage to fly back. Because Sri Lanka is bewitching and tends to mark you with an indelible trace. An impression of peace and harmony that will not leave you soon..

Smart info

When to visit? Outside the monsoon periods - the small one from November to January in the east of the country and the big one from May to June in the center and west - Sri Lanka enjoys a warm and sunny climate all year round.

Getting there. Among the companies serving the country, Sri Lankan Airlines, Air France, Qatar Airways or Emirates. The flight time is approximately 11 hours.

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