 | Sri Lanka is home to an estimated 4000 wild Asian elephants | | | I arrived in Colombo, Sri Lanka at dawn. I was taken to a small airstrip to board a tiny plane to embark on a tour of the country’s Cultural Triangle. It was an unforgettable flight with awe-inspiring views: a vast array of deep and light greenery, grasses and plant life, tea plantations, terraces, towering trees, dotted with the occasional lake. I was mesmerized by the shadows that clouds and our aircraft cast on the ground below. This visceral memory returned during my recent conversation with Thushni de Silva, a Colombo-based local expert with Elsewhere by Lonely Planet. Born and raised in Sri Lanka, Thushni plans one-of-a-kind, customized itineraries for travelers. When we were discussing these trips, she spoke whimsically and earnestly about the wonder her home country still inspires. We talked for over an hour about how Sri Lanka draws you in and why it stays with you. Read on for more about marvelous Sri Lanka, including Thushni’s insider tips and recommendations. You can can even ask Thushni about a trip of your own! | | | | | Senior Director of Content | | | | | Here are some can’t-miss highlights from one of Thushni’s Sri Lanka itineraries. | | | | | Climb Sigiriya, a rock fortress that is Sri Lanka’s most dramatic site. Ascend the near-vertical staircases to see ancient frescos and spellbinding vistas. | | | | | See wild elephants Minneriya National Park, one of the best places in the country to see wild elephants, along with toque macaques, sambar deer, buffalo, crocodiles and leopards (the latter are very rarely seen, however). | | | | | Travel to Kandy, nestled in the hill country, to take in the local culture, explore its charming old quarter, museums, forested environs and stunning lake, along with ancient temples and lush botanical gardens. | | | | | Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s natural beauty by taking a train, particularly along the British-era Main Line, built as a conduit for Sri Lanka’s most famous export: tea. | | | | | Spend some chill time at the stunning, crescent-shaped Mirissa Beach. Take a whale-watching cruise to spot the planet’s biggest creatures, the blue whale. | | | Book a trip to Sri Lanka with Thushni | Experience the magic and beauty of Sri Lanka without worry or hassle by booking with Elsewhere by Lonely Planet. Thushni has a local’s insight into the best the country has to offer, including off-the radar stays and less-touristed sites. Let her craft a custom journey that you’ll never forget. | | | Get to know Thushni de Silva, proud Sri Lankan and travel planning expert. | | | What is it about Sri Lanka that makes it so special? | Firstly, it is deceivingly small, but then it opens up when you’re here. You see it on the map, and it’s this miniscule country. But we’ve got everything. Everything but snow: beaches, mountains, rain forests, a small stretch of desert, 2500-year-old history, crazy wildlife. We’ve got blue whales. We have the highest concentration of elephants and the highest density of leopards in Yala. We are a paradise of birds. Generally it is paradise. It is so underrated. | How did you get your start as a travel planner? | From the time I was a child, I have always been traveling with my father, who is an architect and archaeologist. I’m the youngest, so when I was born he said he [wanted to spend more] time with me. So even when I was a baby and couldn’t walk, he would bundle me up and take me on his trips. Then later, years into my career as a graphic designer, my brother who works in tourism and has a travel company tentatively approached me to give it a try. I’ve been trying it for 10 years now. | | | | | “The word “serendipity” was coined because Sri Lanka was named “Serendip.” It’s so true.” – Thushni de Silva | | | What should people know about Sri Lanka before visiting? | The weather can change within half an hour. I once had a client who said it was too wet and cold in Kandy and that they wanted to move. I said the best option is to move you to Digana. And they said, “That is only half an hour away. It will still be raining” And I said, “Just take my word. This is Sri Lanka. It will be different.” And it was bright and sunny. | How do you recommend people get around? | We use a driver who is a guide. They take you around throughout your trip. We alo try to include a train journey just to get that feeling and a tuk-tuk ride to get that experience. We also include domestic flights. It’s a great way to see the country from a different perspective: seeing the lakes, reservoirs, the paddy fields. | What’s the most unique aspect of Sri Lanka? | You kind of just bump into people you know in the most unexpected ways. That is a very Sri Lankan thing. They say the word “serendipity” was coined because Sri Lanka was named “Serendip.” It’s so true. There’s just these beautiful connections in the middle of nowhere. | | | | | PSSST! As a thank you to our loyal newsletter subscribers, we're giving you 20% off your next purchase. 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