2012-12-20 14:46
When Lonely Planet announced its
top 10 destinations for 2013 earlier this year, it was refreshing to find the little tear-drop shaped island of Sri-Lanka at the top of the list.
Although
the well-loved travel site dubbed it a cut-price paradise, a lot of
budget travellers seem to disagree, citing exuberant prices to enter
some of the country's most famous attractions. So, while we do suggest
that you splash out on at least one or two extravagant spends (perhaps a
visit to the Pinnawala Elephant Sanctuary, which will cost about R200
or entering the famous citadel of Sigiriya for about R216), here are
five awesome things to enjoy without spending a cent.
1. Visit the pretty village of Ella
Surrounded
by tea plantation-covered hills as well as burgeoning jungles, the
highlands village of Ella is located 23Km from capital city, Colombo at a
Elevation of 1041m and provides the perfect spot from where to explore
Sri Lanka's natural bounty. Walk all along the railway line, through
lush vegetation, and discover hidden waterfalls and temples or spend
some time finding out more about the way your 11 o'clock brew comes into
being.
While you could make it a cheap and pretty easy day trip,
you may want to stay on for a day or two in one of the numerous
guesthouses run by locals.
2. Climb Adam's Peak
Adam's
Peak is a mountain located a few hours from Colombo in the
south-central hill district. What makes it special, however, is the fact
that it's considered to be a ‘holy mountain' and also a religious
pilgrimage site for Hindus, Christians and Buddhists. Between December
and May every year, thousands of pilgrims make their way up the mountain
after dark, with the idea of watching the sun rise from their and
witnessing the legendary sri pada shadow, which forms a perfect
triangle. Visitors are welcome to join in the annual trek.
While
you could also climb up during the day, sticking to the way locals do it
is probably best - as you avoid the heat of the day, and also get to
experience the picturesque procession of lights. The climb takes about 3
hours, and warrants a bit of effort.
3. Visit some of the old colonial buildings
Colonised
by both the English and the Dutch at different times, Sri Lanka still
carries the vestiges of these European cultures in various forms. One of
the most pleasing ways to explore this part of the country's past is to
check out some of the beautiful old, colonial buildings dotted around
Colombo, the hill district and the south west coast.
Many of them
are currently being used to hotels, giving visitors the opportunity to
explore free of charge. Galle Face Hotel in Colombo and The Grand Hotel
in Nuara Ellia are two examples of grand British colonial architecture.
4. Hike to Lipton's Seat
Lipton
tea has become something of a household name in tea drinking countries
across the world, however, what many may not know is that it has its
humble origins in the hills of Sri Lanka.
The original plantation
can be found close to Haputale and still produces and sells a variety of
teas. While you may be charged to do a tour of the plantation, visitors
can hike up to the spot where mr. Lipton himself used to sit and look
out over rolling green terraces free of charge. The hike takes between
two and three hours and has been described as somewhat strenuous. The
hike takes you up along steep back roads, through fragrant tea bushes
and right among the plantation workers.
5. Bum around on the beach
Like one would expect from any island worth its salt, Sri Lanka is rimmed by a treasury of incredible beaches.
As
with most coastal areas, some have become overly commercial in the past
few years, while others are known as a paradise for laid-back surfers
and sun-seekers.
If you want to experience Sri Lanka's coastal
living at its best, head to the town of Unawatuna in the Galle District.
A huge variety of beaches, coral reefs and mangrove forests are easily
accessible from here.
http://www.news24.com/Travel/International/Five-free-things-to-do-in-Sri-Lanka-20121218
