The Ceylon Tea Trails may well be the most entrancing place I have ever stayed. A collection of four colonial-style bungalows built for British tea estate managers in the days of the Raj, they enjoy spectacular views overlooking the rolling green of Sri Lanka’s hill country. I boarded the old steam train at Kandy for the delightful journey to Hatton. If you are planning a Sri Lanka luxury family holiday, this will be a thrilling ride through the undulating hills. At Hatton I was greeted by my cheerful driver from where it was a short drive to Castlereagh, the stunning residence overlooking the reservoir.

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Guests staying at any of the Tea Trails bungalows are welcome to visit the three other bungalows for lunch or afternoon tea. Days can be spent walking from one bungalow to the other or on a tour of one of the factories nestling either side of the valley followed by a tea tasting.The bungalows come with staff and the food and service are exceptional. This is high-end tourism at its peak. From here you have a panoramic view of the reservoir and dam where half of Sri Lanka’s energy is created.

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From the Tea Trails I travelled down to the Yala National Park where I camped inside the pristine forest. The camp set up by Mahoora Yala Safaris was beautifully. Each of us had a tent with a double bed and en suite facilities. Food was delicious and was arranged either by the river offering plenty of bird watching opportunities or a candle lit dinner under a humungous banyan tree. Spending the night in the heart of Yala gives you the opportunity to gaze at the millions of stars glittering, listen to the occasional sound of elephants in river close by and the sounds of the nocturnal creatures around. Yala National Park is mostly open parkland, making the wildlife easier to see, particularly in the December-March dry season. The landscape is varied, with rock outcrops, scrub jungle, lagoons, lakes, rivers and even beaches, and it has a rainy season from April to June. Yala West is one of the few places in Sri Lanka where it is relatively easy to see a leopard, either strolling beside the track or, with luck, draped elegantly in a tree. There are estimated to be around 35 leopards and 400 wild elephants, as well as wild buffalo, musk deer, mongoose, pangolins, sloth bears, macaques, jackals and numerous species of bird.  I would highly recommend it to people planning a Sri Lanka luxury family holiday.

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After a bit of adventure at Yala I drove along the southern coastline to arrive at my lovely beach villa.  There are several dotted around the coast between Tangalle and Bentota. My favourite was Apa Villa and for someone keen to have a luxury villa The Reef is a fantastic option. Apa Villa is an elegant, discreet retreat that house seven sumptuous suites, where the mood is stylish and leisurely as you ease into swimwear or a sarong to enjoy the seaside garden. If you have an extended stay at Apa Villa, do visit Mirrisa from where whale watching cruises can be arranged during November – April. Alternatively you can visit Illuketia, a lovely old plantation house, where you can lunch on the verandah watching monkeys swing in the jungle in front of you, and follow your meal with a swim in a pool surrounded by a spice garden. The Reef is a spectacular villa, set in three acres of exotic tropical gardens with palm fringed pavilions and reflection pools that create the romance and grandeur of Sri Lanka. They offer only seven unique and exclusive palatial suites deisgned on Indo – Colonial lines The furniture is exquisite and the entire place is tastefully decorated.  The property boasts of a vast sandy beachfront and huge lily ponds and a fabulous spa. It is intimate, beautiful and a great way to end your Sri Lanka luxury family holiday.

After visiting North India last year on a superbly arranged tailormade holiday, we decided to explore the Eastern Delights a bit more.  We therefore decided to go on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka that been this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon to most of us. Though my son is well travelled and although I shall enjoy the explorative journey; the colonial history, the fascinating culture, the beautiful geography, I would without a doubt opt for the Aman hospitality as they create an exciting and enticing holiday experience for you.  Sri Lanka has, of course, been many things to many people, but to most of us it was this mysterious rich tea country, Ceylon.  Its natural beauty combined with two Aman resorts makes a perfect recipe for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka.

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Nestled in the centre of 400-year old Galle Fort — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — Amangalla is housed in historic colonial buildings formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel. The property was founded in 1863 and traded under this name for 140 years. Amangalla is Amanresorts’ first property in Sri Lanka and perfect place to embark on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka. It re-opened in February of 2005 after extensive renovation and restoration. Traders, merchants, and Dutch and English colonists have all left an indelible stamp on the character of Galle Fort. Today it is part of Sri Lanka’s living heritage and Amangalla plays an integral role. It is here that one can explore the history and understand the unique character of a town that has drawn to its port several famous names including national cricket hero Muttiah Muralitharan and, for my sons, this alone is an excellent reason for going.

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Amangalla provides a tranquil and period styled base from which to explore the fascinating culture and tumultuous history of Galle Fort and Galle, which is acclaimed for its Dutch Fort, intricate Galle lace, ebony, woodcarvings and polished gems. It is surrounded by antiques, old prints, polished aged-floors, crisp white linen, pristine walls, rich mahogany, wood and rattan planters together with a gracious, welcoming and warm staff. Gentle strolls directly from the hotel unravel the unique history of this magnificent 36-hectare hexagonal stone fort, revealing colonial buildings still in use today, bustling narrow streets proffering the crafts of many generations, and the ramparts and seawall, where locals and visitors gather alike to fly kites, play cricket or simply inhale the wonders of its maritime legacy.

Entrance corridors, bedrooms, Chambers and Suites offer views overlooking Galle Fort or the hotel’s lush gardens. Suites feature antiques and well crafted reproductions set on polished teak floorboards dating back 300 years. While on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka one would like to certainly like to rest and relax, something quite welcome while travelling with kids. Amangalla’s spa is known as the Baths. An arched hallway leads to five serene treatment rooms. Centered within the resort’s gardens, the Swimming Pool offers five shaded ambalamas and a series of sun loungers. Also nestled in the gardens is a Meditation and Yoga Pavilion.

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For families this is an ideal as its one of the best locations in Sri Lanka for whale watching. Located just 40 minutes drive from Amangalla and 90 minutes from Amanwella is Mirissa Harbour. Here one boards an Indonesian fishing trawler restored for leisure cruising and sets sail for Weligama Bay where the giant mammals are known to cruise by. Guests can swim and snorkel from the boat, watch for whales and dolphins, do a spot of fishing with a hand line and have a picnic in a coconut-fringed cove.

Beyond Amangalla one can extend their Aman experience and their luxury holiday to Sri Lanka by visiting Amanwella which is situated in a mature coconut grove overlooking the mesmerizing Indian Ocean with a crescent shaped beach. The resort has 30 suites each with a terrace and plunge pool. Architecturally it looks stunning and has used natural materials, clay, stone and timber, to incredible effect. It is modern and calm, serene and stylish, a retreat dedicated to its environment with an innate understanding of what is required to enjoy the spoils of this rich land without compromising on location, authenticity or modern necessities. The scenery is tropically stamped: long white beaches, tall leaning palms, rocky outcrops, dense turquoise ocean, a buzzing local village life, nearby rock temples, and heart-surging wildlife.

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Suite interiors are decidedly contemporary, with ocean or coconut plantation views on one side and access to a plunge pool on the other which you will expect whilst on a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka. Each has a spacious private terrace. The Restaurant offers vistas of the coconut grove and beach. It serves both Mediterranean and local cuisine, with fresh fish delivered daily by the local fishermen. Amanwella offers a number of cultural and nature tours, starting with the famous rock temples at Mulgirigalla. The Uda Walawe National Park is 75 minutes away and is renowned for its large herds of elephants and other wildlife. Even closer to home, there are several beaches where giant turtles lay their eggs every season.

For families looking for a luxury holiday to Sri Lanka, Amanwella’s golden sand beach is located in an 800m crescent-shaped cove, fringed with palm trees. During the winter months guests can enjoy swimming on calmer days, while snorkeling is possible along the southern headland, usually protected from the ocean swell during the dry season. During the summer months large waves make swimming conditions less favorable, but beach strolls and sunbathing are particularly enjoyable with the cooling onshore breeze.

Combining these two stays is known to Amanjunkies worldwide as the ‘Aman Sri Lanka Experience’ where culture, history and national treasures are brought to you in unparalleled style. Yes, we are the envy of many, but you, too, can experience this luxury holiday to Sri Lanka first hand.

There are always plenty of holidays to choose from, but why not choose your Holidays for Sri Lanka and the Maldives this year? These are two of the most amazing places to visit and although within easy distance of each other, they are simply worlds apart. They make a fantastic combination for a holiday and one can easily combine the highlights of Sri Lanka with a four night or more stay on any of the atolls in the Maldives. From September onwards the weather is wonderful and these places are not only perfect for sun bathing and diving as you can combine it with sightseeing and culture.

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Sri Lanka offers an amazing variety of scenery across the country with a lot of varied things to see and do – There is the cultural aspect where you learn about the importance of masks to visiting some of the largest built statues on the island; The chance to take part in an unique safari experience in a 4×4 jeep to find the elusive leopard or on elephant back in the northern safari parks; No visit would be complete without seeing the beautiful sandy beaches of the west coast that are always inviting unless you are limited in time to visit the Maldives of course! There is plenty to see in Sri Lanka including the large Sigiriya rock fortress, the ancient cities that are truly fascinating, temples built in caves, Kandyan dancers, the vast tea plantations and the process of making tea or simply enjoying the finest high tea!

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In season, this island provides fabulous boat trips to see dolphins and even up to three different kinds of whales! This is a remarkable island and a perfect place to spend at least two weeks. The accommodation varies in style from simplicity to super luxurious and this is one of the most affordable islands to book too.

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Maldives offers incredibly silky beaches and there are literally hundreds of islands to choose from. The hotel is incredibly important where you stay as it needs to offer great accommodation, good food, fantastic beaches that are not affected by the tides and of course, great activities like snorkelling, diving and other watersports. There are chalets that offer straight access to some of the most tremendous beaches whilst other bungalows are built on wooden decks above the water where one can simply dive in and have a swim. It is all about relaxing on these atolls with the chance to be as active as you like with the amount of sports available on the water. Snorkelling and diving on the majority of the reefs are simply breathtaking and perhaps also the most popular past times. The seafood available is magical! There will be plenty of choice as most hotels have more than one type of restaurant, but the fresh catch of the day is normally enjoyed most. What better way to end off a fabulous holiday with time relaxing on the beach and savouring the delightful fresh food all with great views and tranquillity.

Luxury Holidays Sri Lanka – this really does tend to sound expensive, but this is a country not only with interesting culture, beautiful sandy beaches, good wildlife and a rich birdlife, but it is affordable! There are a variety of things to do in this stunning country, be it going for forest walks in Sinharaja Rain Forest or ride an elephant into the jungle to relaxing on a beautiful beach or even going whale watching in season. You can spend a day out with the tea pickers and learn how they produce the tea which is fantastic, visit the elephant sanctuary of Pinnewela or go on a safari looking for leopards in Yala National Park – whatever your interests, the list for exciting things to do are endless and you can never have a dull moment! Although this is a poor country, tourism is one of the largest incomes and you will find the people so friendly and helpful wherever you go, making you feel very welcome right away!

Luxurious holidays in Sri Lanka

Whilst it is great to do all the sightseeing and learn more about the culture, some time relaxing at either the beginning or end of a holiday is extremely important and the more time you have the better. Sri Lanka offers luxurious lodges that are inexpensive and I found a lot of my preferred places in the country are easy to incorporate in any itinerary keeping the price reasonable. I could mention ten top places that are imprinted in my memory forever, but one of them in particular is simply fascinating. A lot of the west coast beaches can get very crowded, so it is only natural that when I found my favourite place for ultimate relaxation, I did not want to leave! Aditya is situated on the south west coast along a private, white sandy beach and near the historic Galle Fort – a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is easy to visit whilst staying at Aditya. Galle has beautiful beaches that tend to be less crowded than those around Bentota and it is an eye-catching site to see the traditional stilted fishermen reel in the catch of the day around sunset. For me Aditya not only has the best stretch of private beach, but the fact that it is not a large hotel with no character; instead it is a stunning intimate lodge with colour and passion injected into the place from the locals. Their rooms are luxurious and come with either your own little garden or a balcony with your own Jacuzzi and views of the Indian Ocean! Either way, the rooms are really beautiful with a lot of space, all modern comforts and even the bathrooms are wonderful. If you are on honeymoon or want some quality time with someone, then this is one of the most chilled out places you can find whilst having friendly staff, great service and heavenly food. This all adds to the great time I’ve had here recently and I already can’t wait for my next visit back!

Luxury Holidays in Sri Lanka from IndianExplorations.com