Sri Lanka – a jewel of an island!
Sri Lanka is a country in the middle of the Indian Ocean a paradise, endowed with many mysterious features – from nature, wildlife and adventure to culture and heritage. The island is encircled by many beautiful beaches and filled with green vegetation, enjoying pleasant tropical weather. The warm temperature and sandy coastlines make it an ideal destination for tourists to enjoy. However, Sri Lanka is not just sand and sun.
I began my expedition of the island in the southwestern part of the country where the most exotic shores stretch from Beruwala, 75 km from Colombo, to Hikkaduwa only 20 km away from the historic city of Galle. The area is mostly popular for snorkeling, scuba diving, whale watching and marine turtles. Many resorts, hotels and restaurants have been established along this so-called golden stretch. You have a great variety of dining options and can enjoy the lavish seafood and Sri Lankan curries.
I arrived at the Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel in the heart of the town of Hikkaduwa to spend the first night of my journey. I entered my suite to find a variety of fresh fruit and chocolates laid on the coffee table as a welcome gesture. There was a large bedroom, a separate sitting area and a large balcony on which an outdoor jacuzzi, overlooking the ocean with a stunning panoramic view of the hotel landscapes along the beach. The suite was equipped with a mini bar and two large TV screens in two rooms.
I stood on the balcony feeling the refreshing sea breeze. The musical sound of waves reaching the beach and crashing on the rocks was the precursor of a great holiday to come.
In a tour around the resort, I discovered the eccentric decor of the hotel reflecting the local art and traditions with colourful paintings telling a simple story on the walls in the reception area. The resort’s rooftop SPA offers treatment to rejuvenate your body and soul after spending a long day by the beach or nearby attractions.
The sandy beach right in the front of the resort is ideal for relaxing and soaking up the sunshine. If you wish, you also have a choice to go into the swimming pool while children can play in a smaller fun pool. There is also an area for guests to play volleyball.
While I was walking along the beach, I noticed a large crowd gathered by the sea around a large turtle. They are common marine creatures in this region. After the turtles mate in the ocean, the females lay their eggs on the seashore. The staff in the hotel help to protect the eggs. There are several Turtle Farms in the southern part of Sri Lanka, mainly in the Galle District, to maintain the survival of the remaining rare Sea Turtles. If you are lucky, you can see one of these creatures by the beach shores or in your underwater diving or snorkeling. You could also visit one of the nearby farm sanctuaries which care for turtles.
There are many options in the resort restaurant buffet of Tranzfusion which has a variety of local and international foods and desserts. I enjoyed tasting a variety of Sri Lankan curries. In the resort, there is also a coffee shop, the Tranzfuse pool bar and the speciality Crab restaurant.
The Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel is a four star hotel with 150 superior, deluxe rooms and several family and large suites. The large Tranzition ballroom is a great space that the hotel offers for local and international visitors, for leisure or business, to hold events, conferences and wedding ceremonies.
I spent only one night in the hotel, but my short stay was full of joy combined by the great hospitality of staff, wonderful cuisine and vibrant nature. I truly felt comfortable and wished to stay longer.
One of the must-see places near the hotel is the historic town of Galle. When I checked-out of the hotel, I took the hotel manager’s tip that I should visit this fortified city which has a mix of Portuguese, Dutch and local traditions. The UNESCO World heritage fort city of Galle is one of the largest fortresses in Asia.
If you wish to explore the area and plunge yourself into adventure, the staff in the hotel would be able to tailor great excursions and interesting activities from water sports, scuba diving, whale watching to nature trails and safari trips.
The Hikka Tranz is conveniently located in a high street in the heart of Hikkaduwa, which is accessible to all nearby attractions. It is an excellent walking distance spot for shopping. You could also find many restaurants, bars and coffee shops nearby.
More information
Reza flew to the Sri Lanka on a direct Sri Lankan Airlines flight from London Heathrow Airport to Colombo.
For more information about the Sri Lanka, visit Official UK Travel Guide for Sri Lanka.
To view more about the Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon Hotel visit Cinnamon Hotels.
To see more images of the hotel and Sri Lanka, go to www.amirinia.com/sri-lanka/.
Silver Travel Advisor recommends Tropical Sky for trips to Sri Lanka.
