Month: July 2018

Sitting a stone’s throw from the equator, within the warm and fertile waters of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is home to a mind-boggling diversity of marine wildlife. From tiny, colourful reef fish to magnificent cetaceans, there’s a whole underwater world to discover.

Our local waters are famous for whale watching, with the opportunity to spot blue whales, humpback whales, sperm whales, fin whales, Bryde’s whales, bottlenose dolphins, spinner dolphins and much more. With such a wealth of marine wildlife, it’s important to ensure that any whale watching is operated through a responsible business.

Raja and the Whales is one such business — set up in 2008 by Raja Madushanka, a former fisherman who chose to dedicate his life to protecting the oceans. The company works alongside the Biosphere Foundation, the University of Rahuna and the International Fund for Animal Welfare on the Indian Ocean Marine Mammal Research and Conservation Project, collecting data to identify and protect local whale populations.

An alternative option for responsible whale watching leaves the oceans far below — taking to the skies in a whale watching seaplane instead. This offers a bird’s eye view of whales and dolphins splashing about below, whilst ensuring no disturbance of their behaviour.

Turtles are a little easier to spot on our shores: they nest on the southern coast beaches. There are many local turtle hatcheries looking after sick and injured turtles, as well as overseeing the safe hatching of new babies, and you can visit our local hatchery, Koggala Turtle Farm every day from 8am to 6pm. If you’re lucky, you could also happen upon a green turtle nesting on one of our local beaches if you visit at night.

Dolphins are perhaps our most visible oceanic residents, frequently spotted surfing the waves along the south coast and performing aerial acrobatics amongst the sea spray. Head down to the beach and watch the waves to catch a glimpse of local bottlenose dolphins — and look out for spinner dolphins, so called for the way they spin through the air!

There are few more enjoyable parts to a holiday than settling down in the evening, drink in hand, to watch the sun dip below the horizon. We’re lucky enough to have a wealth of great local bars for sundown sipping, so here are a few of our very favourite little gems.

Galle Face Hotel, Colombo

One of Colombo’s most iconic luxury hotels, the Galle Face Hotel has hosted generations of travellers since 1864. Head to the terrace by the pool to sip an icy G&T as the sun slips into the sea beyond.

Elephant Palace, Kabalana

One of our local spots, chic Elephant Palace is situated on beautiful Kabalana beach and is the perfect spot for sunset cocktails. Make like the locals, and dress in sunset-coloured silk kaftans from Galle Fort’s Mimimango for extra style points.

The Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo

Ideal for celebratory drinks, the luxurious Kingsbury Hotel is situated between Galle Face Green, the World Trade Centre and the Dutch Hospital Precinct in Colombo. With a strict dress code — no shorts or sandals to be seen here — this is the one for special occasion sundowners.

Unawatuna Beach

One of Sri Lanka’s most famous beaches, Unawatuna is a wide, golden stretch of sand fringed with countless colourful beach bars. Following a tough surf session, this is just the place to rest aching limbs with your toes in the sand, and rehydrate in the most delicious way.

Tri’s Water Tower

Following a touch day of relaxing in the sunshine, restorative yoga classes, listening to the sounds of the jungle — and perhaps a midday excursion to Cinnamon Island for tea — there’s nowhere better for sundowners than our very own water tower. Located at the heart of the resort, the spiral staircase winds upwards to an open terrace, where you can enjoy an icy beer from our honesty bar, or call down for a spicy carrot martini from the bar. Settle in and watch the sky turn pink and violet — sheer bliss.