Ayubowan

Ayubowan is the story of scenic hills, waterfalls, and spirituality of the island country, Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka's version of Namaste is Ayubowan. They use this word as a greeting with folded hands, and you will realize this much before you even step out into the country. The airport banners in every direction are filled with the same slogan, Ayubowan.

We spent the first two days in Sri Lanka at a city called Kandy. Kandy is a beautiful mountain town. If I had to associate this place with a colour, it would be jungle green - dense and luscious. One of the most famous places to visit in the city is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic [Sri Dalada Maligawa]. The sacred tooth is said to be of the Buddha, but a little heads up, you don't get to see the tooth at the temple because it's kept reserved inside a box. Also, since this is a religious place, the rules stay the same. Wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs. Something that I often forget, so I'll say it out loud now to never forget.

An interesting location to visit to experience Sri Lanka's culture is the Kandy Art Association. This cultural centre is a hub for mesmerizing dance performances and fireworks paired with the beats of a drum.

If you're a fan of jewellery, you should definitely check out the gemstones in one of the gem stores of Kandy that gives one a wide variety to choose from.

We made multiple stops on our way to the breezy Nuwara Eliya, well known for its tea plantations lined along the hills. We head to the Glenloch Tea Factory that had these picturesque tea plantations and also happened to see exactly how tea leaves are processed. This area is surrounded by many Buddhist and Hindu temples, of which we visited one called Sri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, situated upon a hillock that lets you view the nearby Kotmale Reservoir.

One of the best lunches I've had so far has to be at the buffet restaurant of the Ramboda Falls Hotel, where we had a lovely view of the gushing waterfalls while we ate.

Before we could reach the place we were to stay at in Nuwara Eliya, we made a quick stop at a regal property called Grand Hotel. Even if you can't afford to stay or eat at this gorgeous location, make sure to just stroll around the garden or the reception area and you don't even have to be discreet about it - Parking is free.

Our home for the night was the Oak-Ray Summer Hill Breeze Hotel and boy did it stay true to its name. I'm a skinny person and easily get swayed, physically. I have to say, it was quite an adventure moving in and out from the room to the restaurant here. I'm still not sure whether it was the altitude or the season we went in or just a windy day and night in particular, but the air here was majorly gusty.

Sri Lanka's historic significance stems from the epic mythological tale Ramayana. Sita was abducted and kept captured in a location called Ashok Vatika, and this very place in present day is converted into the Sita Aman temple. To prove the authenticity of the place, you will be shown depressions on rocks beside the temple that resemble footprints and are said to be those of Hanuman's when he arrived at Ashok Vatika with the intention of rescuing Sita.

By now, we were heading down west to the coastal town Bentota. Along the way, you will drive across many waterfalls, but the one to stop and look at are the St. Clair Major Falls. It's a multi-level waterfall situated in the midst of lush green landscape. It looks a lot like a water stream in a sea of greenery.

And then, we reached Bentota. A town by the sea and one that gives you the true vacation feels. I would highly recommend a stay at Club Bentota. The hotel is a mini town in itself. It has its own backwaters and resident guests have access to a private beach. It's a stone's throw away from the Mallu Banna Adventure Sports Centre, but most importantly, it's a lovely property in itself. The good folks at the Mallu Banna Adventure Centre send across a boat to the hotel to pick you up. We went jet skiing, banana boat riding, and a unique water ride called Tube Ride. The Tube Ride is essentially a floating couch. Imagine sitting on this deflatable seat being tucked along the waters tied to a motorboat. What fun!

Bentota also houses the Kosgoda Sea Turtle Conservation Project, which is a little turtle hatchery, and you can see and touch turtles of all ages and sizes here.

We ended the short vacation at the commercial capital of Lanka, Colombo. Although I would have loved to spend more time in the city, we had only a day to spare. In Colombo, we went to the Independence Square that has an eye-pleasing, symmetric, pillared architecture. A little known fact, you must head to the House of Fashions for the best bargain on clothes. So good that if I could go back to Colombo solely to shop, I would.

And lastly, do not leave Sri Lanka without sipping on the king coconut water!