Sri Lanka - Tea, sea and safari

Sri Lankans gather along the waterfront at dusk to fly their kites and watch the sunset. Take advantage of the charming Galle Face Hotel to witness the spectacle. To the east, you'll see an area with the sadly evocative name of Slave Island. This is where you can find the Sri Subramia Kovil, a multicolored Hindu temple like a beacon, and the Seema Malake Buddhist temple, an unusual modern building that stands on Beira Lake.

The impressive white colonial building built in 1877 south of Viharamahadevi Park houses the treasures of the former royal family and some impressive masks from antiquity. The latter were worn for kolam, dances performed by indigenous peoples to exorcise demons and appease evil spirits. The museum also traces the history of Sri Lanka, while providing an excellent insight into art and crafts on the island.

Dispersed in the Bogowantalawa valley, the bungalows of the Ceylon Tea Trails have the quaintness of an English cottage or a 1950s village. Fans purr over the pool and lounge chairs await you on the terraces. The « early bed tea » ritual is unique, the scenery breathtaking, walks enchanting and tea gatherers found at the end of the terrace.

Although not the highest summit on the island, Adam's Peak (2,243m) is one of the holy places on Sri Lanka that is venerated by Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims. To climb to the summit is a true pilgrimage. Thousands of men and women climb thousands of steps during the night to reach the peak in time for sunrise. The shadow of the holy mountain is cast as far as the ocean...

One of a kind in Sri Lanka, the Kataragama temple welcomes Buddhists, Hindus & Muslims who come here to pray and make offerings. Dating from the 4th century, for 10 days and 10 nights every year between July and August, a festival is held that brings thousands of pilgrims to the figure of Skanda (god of war). This celebration is a mix of dancers, musicians and the devout...