Images of Sri lanka

On the South West Coast, Traditional Fishermen on Stilts ©Solange Hando

The iconic image, is it not? The men may be doing it for real or for the photos, it is impressive either way as they need to keep their balance, whatever the waves.

Wild elephants in Sri Lanka ©Solange Hando

There are only 5000 left on the island and the best place to see the herds is in the Kaudula National Park, a reasonable drive from some of the main cultural sites.

A jeep safari is the best way to get around, most rewarding late afternoon when the elephants venture on the plain to feed on succulent grass.

Waterfall on the Horton Plain ©Solange Hando

Don't be fooled by the name, this is in the Central Highlands, a great place to trek and enjoy the views from the dramatic World's End to Adam's Peak in the distance.

Trails are well marked but can be rough at times so allow plenty of time to make the most of the experience.

Yala National Park ©Solange Hando

This is a highly popular park but one needs to be very lucky indeed to spot a leopard. Quieter in the afternoon but creatures tend to hide deep in the shade.

Nevertheless monkeys are always on the prowl and you might see exotic birds, wild buffaloes and maybe a couple of elephants or a lonely crocodile.

Madu River ©Solange Hando

Near the estuary on the south west coast, cruises up the Madu river are delightful, taking in mangroves and lakes, quiet villages, shellfish farms and a sprinkling of islands.

You can land on Cinnamon Island and meet a family devoted to the trade and on Temple Island where you will find an inspiring Reclining Buddha.

Tea Plantations ©Solange Hando

Then of course, wherever you are and whatever you do, you can enjoy a cup of Ceylon tea, straight from the Central Highlands. Any island tour will take you there and the fresh mountain air and lush scenery are truly enjoyable.

Sunset on the Indian Ocean ©Solange Hando

Sri Lanka Earl's Regency Luxury Hotel in Kandy

Earl's Regency Hotel in Kandy, Sri Lanka ©Solange Hando

Known as Sri Lanka's cultural capital, Kandy is a must-stop on the tourist trail at the heart of the central highlands. There is plenty of accommodation for all budgets but this five star hotel on the edge of town is the perfect place to relax after a busy day sightseeing.

  View from the Earl's Regency in Kandy ©Solange Hando

The hotel is up on a hill with views stretching from the city on one side to the wooded hills and river on the other.

The Mahaweli is the longest river in Sri Lanka and almost encircles the town. This is the view you might enjoy from your balcony as you listen to myriad birds twittering in the greenery.

Guest Room at the Earl's Regency ©Solange Hando

Maidens on the wall? Lucky indeed for these are decent reproductions of cave frescoes in Sigiriya, the dramatic rock fortress not so far away where photographs of the maidens are not allowed.

The Earl's Regency has 104 rooms spread across the main building and two wings, ranging from Deluxe to the exclusive Mountbatten Suite. All mod. cons, including free bottled water, tea and coffee facilities and signature toiletries from local herbs.

Looking down on the Swimming Pool ©Solange Hando

Pool aside, you will find a gym,  tennis courts, badminton and putting green. There's also a business centre, gift and jewellery boutique and a spa for massage and facials. Wedding facilities available. 

Buffet in the Main Restaurant ©Solange Hando

The Earl's Regency caters for traditional and international tastes. Far Pavilions, the main restaurant, has an extensive buffet, a show kitchen and theme nights, with seating indoors or on the terrace.

You may like to try the Royal Spice Indian Restaurant or just relax with your friends in one of the bars.

Lovely Lake in the Kandy Town Centre ©Solange Hando

From the lake and Temple of the Tooth to the Royal Botanical Gardens, there's plenty to see in town (and beyond) and the Earl's Regency can organise sightseeing tours and excursions.

Alternatively, book a taxi or if you want to go really local, try a tuk tuk for a short trip.

Sri Lanka Cultural Sites

Sigiriya ©Solange Hando

This is the Lion Rock, the island's most iconic site where in the 5th century, patricide king Kasyapa built his palace on the very top to ensure his safety.

Climbing up there may be a challenge but the views are spectacular while on the way you can see ancient frescoes depicting the sensuous but beautiful ladies of the Court. 

Hindu Temple ©Solange Hando

Also known as Sita Amman, this is an important site near Nuwara, Eliya, welcoming Hindu pilgrims from across the island and India.

According to the Hindu epic, this is where the Goddess Sita held captive by a king prayed to be rescued by Rama. She is the regarded as the goddess of good fortune and all feminine virtues. 

Seated Buddha in Polonnaruwa ©Solange Hando

Polonnaruwa is the site of a medieval capital with extensive ruins, lots of walking but you could hire a bicycle. Vestiges include those of a palace, temple and shrines.

It's mostly stones and bricks but most impressive are the four Buddhas in different positions carved into a single rock surrounded by prayer flags.

Kandy ©Solange Hando

Capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom before the British take over, Kandy is considered the most sacred city on the island. The Temple of the Tooth holds a Buddha's relic, celebrated every summer with a highly colourful pageant.

The lake was created for royal pleasure with a special bath-house for the Queen (above). You can walk all the way round or enjoy a boat trip.

Anuradhapura ©Solange Hando

This is the oldest of the ancient capitals, once home to thousands of monks and 113 kings. Arts and culture flourished and temples and palace were stunning.

There are plenty of remains but most pilgrims gather around the branch of the original bo tree and the huge finely restored stupa (above) surrounded by a wall of life-sized elephant statues.

Mihintale ©Solange Hando

On a hilltop above frangipani and mango trees, Mihintale is another inspiring site as the birth place of Buddhism on the island, They say that in 247 BC the king on a deer hunt met an Indian Prince who converted him.

It's a steep way up to the panoramic site scattered with rocks and temples but a colourful Reclining Buddha invites you to meditate or just relax in a cool shaded place.

Sri Lanka, Heritance Tea Factory Hotel in Nuwara Eliya

Heritance Tea Factory Hotel, Nuwara Eliya ©Solange Hando

This unique Heritance Hotel has it all: quiet hill top above a traditional village, mist drifting around now and then and when it all clears, superb views across rolling hills and lush tea plantations.

It's 9 km from Nuwara Eliya, driving along a fertile valley then up winding country lanes unsuitable for coaches. Taxis and cars are alright and the hotel has its own minibuses. 

Welcome to the Tea Factory Hotel ©Solange Hando

Step through the door and you are back in 19th century Ceylon, amid the old girders and ironwork, rickety lift, coal fire and some of the machinery briefly set to work every evening to bring back the atmosphere of yesteryear.

Guest rooms are upstairs around the open galleries looking down on the atrium. Walk up the narrow steps or if you dare, try the old-fashioned lift.

Guest Room at Heritance Hotel, Nuwara Eliya ©Solange Hando

The hotel has 52 rooms, superior and premium, two junior suites and top of the range, the luxury flowerdew suite. Rooms are spacious, colourful and light with large windows and all the amenities you would expect, tea and coffee making facilities, bottled water, free WiFi.

The Tea Factory is an eco-friendly hotel and this is encouraged in every room. No restriction on guests'comfort but a sign in the bathroom lets you know that one minute under the shower uses nine litres of water.

Enjoy the Grounds ©Solange Hando

The Heritance Tea Factory has scenic grounds with a rose garden, lawns and a plantation where you can learn how to pick tea then have it manufactured especially for you on the spot.

Other activities include horse riding, mountain biking, bird watching and eco-trekking or you could head for the gym or the 'Misty Mountain Spa' for a massage or facial based on local organic herbs.

The concierge can arrange excursions and special events, such as a Hindu style wedding or an anniversary blessing in the local temple.

Heritance Tea Factory Restaurant ©Solange Hando

In the old sifting room, the Kenmare restaurant has kept its frame work and tea crates, brightened up by Sri Lankan Lion flags and colours. Guests can choose à la carte or buffet with sumptuous choices for both international and local food, such as banana blossom soup.Tasty food and friendly staff. 

Alternatively treat yourself to a special dinner in the old train carriage kept in the grounds. This came from a railway line opened in 1903 for the benefit of the planting community.

Tea Plantations around Heritance Tea Factory ©Solange Hando

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