Author: Suranga Rajakaruna

#LoveSriLanka by the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance launches amid support from Sri Lankans & Travellers around the world.

In the wake of the Easter Sunday outrage, several hoteliers, including Tri Lanka came together to form the Sri Lanka Tourism Alliance, launching its #LoveSriLanka initiative. The Alliance’s main focus is the creation of an enabling online platform & community to promote & support Sri Lanka’s return to the norms of island life, specifically with regard to tourism. The initiative was launched as a response to a pressing need for the tourism and travel sector here and abroad for a single point of information that would assist the sector in responding to the current situation in the most effective way possible.

The response, an Alliance spokesperson explains, has been phenomenal. “2 days before we even launched the web portal, we realised that people, within the sector and the general public, had changed their profile pictures on social media to the Love Sri Lanka Icon. It just goes to show that there are lots of open hearts right now who crave a change to a positive direction”

The portal provides the tourism industry & potential travellers with consolidated information, updates and advice from credible sources on the ground in Sri Lanka. In addition, the portal provides updates from tourists currently in Sri Lanka, agglomerating their posts so that anyone planning a trip can see the ground realities of travel in Sri Lanka right now.

Roughly 1 in 10 families rely on the tourism sector in Sri Lanka with a pressing need for greater collaboration and solidarity within the sector. Many Tour Operators, Agents and Hotels have signed on as members and to receive regular updates. Signing on is a simple process done through the web portal. “The industry, the public and both present and past tourists have made it clear they’ll support, tag, share – and do what it takes to stand with Sri Lanka right now, and we in the industry are very hopeful” says the Alliance.

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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.

From the verdant and mist-draped valleys and soaring waterfalls of the Tea Country to the spectacular temples and vast lakes of the Cultural Triangle, it’s all too easy to miss out on Sri Lanka’s beaches. These are no Maldivian powder-white sands; Sri Lankan beaches are wild and golden, boasting crashing waves, pounding surf and distant whales breaching above the turquoise seas — and all the more exciting for it. Tucked away on the serene shores of Koggala Lake, Tri is within easy reach of some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka — here are some of our all-time favourites.

Unawatuna

Famously named one of the most beautiful beaches in the world, Unawatuna is a must-visit for any beach lover. Dotted with colourful guest houses and bars, this is one of the buzziest options on the coast, and offers brilliant scuba diving just off the shore.

Kabalana

Just beyond Koggala, Kabalana is one of our closest beaches. The gently-shelving shoreline makes this a great spot for fans of open water swimming, whilst local surf break ‘The Rock’ is rapidly becoming one of the most popular spots on the island for braving the barrelling waves.

Weligama

A long, wide stretch of golden sands and gentle waves, Weligama is perfectly located at the heart of the south coast surf scene, offering waves for all abilities. Fringed by palms and frequently passed by migrating whales, this picturesque beach is the ideal spot to while away an afternoon.

Mirissa

Vibrant and colourful, bohemian Mirissa is one of the most popular local beaches. Dotted with surf shacks and beach bars serving up fresh thambili king coconuts, the sound of music drifting on the breeze, there is a huge amount to discover on this much-loved local beach.

 Hiruketiya

Further to the east, Hiruketiya is a small collection of coves and bays dotting the coastline towards Dickwella. A little further from tourist hotspot Galle Fort, these beaches have retained their undiscovered vibe — perfect for stretching out, coconut in hand, and doing not much at all.

Rekkawa

The easternmost beach in our selection, Rekawwa is around halfway between Tri and leopard hotspot Yala National Park. Fusing wild, boulder-strewn beaches with crashing waves and swaying palms at precarious angles, this seemingly endless sandy beach offers a slice of pure, unspoilt escapism.

With the essence of wellbeing and concept of inner journey ever present at Tri, we hope that each and every guest will leave with a calmer mind, more nourished body and lifted spirits. We’re proud to pioneer the Quantum Yoga approach, a powerful platform that offers individualised and dynamic self-healing through yoga, breath and meditation. Its approach is holistic, leaning on the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda, and combining this with the modern insight of Quantum Physics.

The Health Benefits of Quantum Yoga

Quantum Physics has proven that any activity, when done with a heightened level of awareness, bears a greater transformative potential. Just by being more conscious, our cells vibrate with increased healing intention. Combine this with the therapeutic practice of yoga, and we have the ability to rewire our minds for the better.

Sanctuary of peace

Patanjali’s definition of yoga in the Yoga Sutras of the 3rd century CE is “Yogash Citta Vritti Nirodha”, literally translated as “Yoga is the stopping of the thoughts turning around in your mind.” A calming and grounding practice, yoga disconnects us from the constant hum-drum of daily stresses and offers us a true sanctuary of peace.

Increased serotonin levels

A true Quantum yogi masters the harmonisation of breath and movement, and the concentration required to fully do so can lead to a meditative or trance-like state, welcoming increased serotonin levels and in turn feelings of positivity and happiness.

 Appreciation of the now

 As a practice that promotes a conscious and loving interaction between the body and mind, yoga allows us to be grounded in the present moment, promoting an increased awareness of self, a connection to the world around us and an appreciation of the now.

 Physical benefits

 Moving beyond our spiritual and mental wellbeing, the benefits of yoga extend to our physical bodies too. The practice offers a plethora of benefits, including improved motor skills and coordination, increased energy levels, flexibility and strength, better posture, greater muscle tone and agility.

 

 

 

We’re lucky to live in such a diverse and varied country, boasting an endless variety of spectacular sights. If you can tear yourself away from our lakeside panoramas, there are a wealth of views to behold. From the highest mountain peaks to long, golden beaches, here is our round-up of the best Sri Lankan views…

Sigiriya at sunrise

Located in the heart of the cultural triangle, surrounded by towering peaks and vast lakes, Sigiriya is renowned as one of the most beautiful spots in Sri Lanka. The towering ‘Lion’s Rock’ is an icon of Sri Lanka and a place of pilgrimage for locals and travellers alike. The best views come at sunrise, but this means the path to the top is often busy. Our suggestion? Head to neighbouring Pidurangala rock. This little-known peak is often empty, and offers spectacular views of Sigiriya Fortress without the crowds.

Nuwara Eliya from the train

The train ride through Sri Lanka’s lush and mountainous hill country is renowned as one of the world’s most spectacular rides. Journeying through tea fields, past waterfalls and colourful villages, the train snakes its way from the coast all the way to the verdant central region. The most picturesque stretch goes through Nuwara Eliya, with clear days offering views right down to the south coast. Grab a ‘short eat’ of crisp vadai fritters at the station, settle into your seat and drink in the views…

Adam’s Peak / Sri Pada

A sacred place for Buddhists, Hindus, Muslims and Christians alike, Sri Pada or Adam’s Peak is a uniquely symmetrical mountain located in central Sri Lanka, known for a sacred footprint found within a rock formation near the summit. For the most breathtaking Sri Lanka view, climb the mountain in the pre-dawn darkness, and arrive at the peak in time to watch the sun rise behind you, casting a distinctive triangular shadow on the clouds lining the valley below.

Unawatuna at Sunset

One of Sri Lanka’s best-loved beaches, Unawatuna is a long, palm-fringed stretch of golden sand and crashing waves running along the island’s southern tip. Surfers and sun-worshippers flock to the beaches by day, but we think the best views come at sunset, when the sky is stained gold and pink. Relax on the sand, coconut in hand and watch the sun set over the sea with nothing between you and Antarctica.

Koggala Lake from Tri’s water tower      

Perhaps we’re a little biased, but we think that one of the best views on the island can be found right on our doorstep. Follow the spiralling path from the pool, up past the library and yoga shala to the water tower. Climb the spiralling stair case to the very top, to find our hidden little viewing platform. As the sun sets below the trees, this is our very favourite spot to relax, sip an ice-cold beer from the honesty bar and listen to the sounds of nature at dusk.

Where are your favourite views in Sri Lanka? Let us know in the comments below.

Cinnamon is all around at Tri, from the sweet scent that lingers from the wood that adorns our villas and suites, to the bark freshly cut from the tree that makes its mark in our aromatic curries and fragrant dahl. For centuries, cinnamon has been used in Ayurvedic practices to harmonise the doshas, particularly good for balancing Vata and pacifying Kapha.

More recently, the spice has been widely acknowledged for its health benefits, helping to improve everything from heart health to brain function. Here are five reasons why cinnamon’s bark is as powerful as its bite:

1. CINNAMON IS A GREAT SOURCE OF ANTIOXIDANTS

Cinnamon is jam-packed full of antioxidants – substances that protect us from free radicals (essentially, the things that cause nasty diseases). Foods high in antioxidants are associated with a whole range of health benefits, including improved heart health, better immune systems and lower risk of infection. More antioxidants = happier bodies.

2. CINNAMON CAN LOWER CHOLESTEROL

We’re constantly warned of the dangers of high cholesterol, but with different types of cholesterol in different foods, it can be confusing to know what we’re ‘allowed’ to eat. Cinnamon helps to raise the levels of HDL (the ‘good’ cholesterol) in our bodies, which in turn helps remove LDL, aka ‘bad’ cholesterol. Lower LDL means improved heart health, and likely a lower risk of heart disease.

3. CINNAMON CAN HELP TO TREAT TYPE 2 DIABETES

Cinnamon has been floated as helpful in the treatment of type 2 diabetes, as it has the ability to reduce blood pressure and have a positive effect on blood markers for those suffering from the condition. Its sweet, vibrant flavour also means it can be used as a natural sweetener in many dishes, reducing daily sugar intake.

4. CINNAMON HAS NATURAL ANTIBIOTIC, ANTI-VIRAL & ANTI-FUNGAL PROPERTIES

As cinnamon is a natural antibiotic, anti-viral and anti-fungal agent, it can be used to fight a whole range of day-to-day nasties. Next time you feel a common cold coming on, hold off on the Lemsip and reach for a bottle of cinnamon oil to rub onto your pressure points, instead.

5. CINNAMON CAN BE USED TO IMPROVE BRAIN FUNCTION

Studies have shown that one of the benefits of cinnamon’s antioxidant properties is that it can help defend the brain against neurological disorders, particularly helpful in improving motor function for those suffering from Alzheimer’s or Parkinson’s.

Take a trip with us to Cinnamon Island for the full experience from tree to tea.