Sri Lanka by Tuk-Tuk

Sri Lanka by Tuk-Tuk



2014
marks the tenth year since my first visit to Sri Lanka, the
pearl drop in the Indian Ocean. Culturally, Sri Lanka has a lot to
offer, with a plethora of heritage sites and captivating
landscapes, harmoniously dispersed across the small island. For
foodies, a cornucopia of delicious fresh produce and local dishes
(traditionally, and best eaten with hands) are on offer; kottu
rotti, sear fish curry, dhal, egg hoppers, string hoppers with kiri
hoddi – Sri Lankan cuisine is bursting with a distinctive and
aromatic flavour, often laden with coconut milk.

The most charming quality of Sri Lanka, however, is found within
the people. After 27 years of internal conflict and the devastating
effect of the tsunami in 2004, Sri Lanka has unquestionably
suffered. Despite great times of hardship, the nation is blessed
with strong-minded, warm-hearted individuals who are appreciative
of the most fundamental elements of life and have worked together
to rebuild their beautiful country.

The nature of my latest visit was a coast to coast, west to east
‘Tuk Tuk challenge’ (a popular, 3-wheeled mode of transport in Sri
Lanka) as part of British Airways’ efforts to raise funds for their
charity ‘Flying Start.’ The itinerary for the 240km journey
showcased diverse landscapes and offered plenty of opportunities
for wildlife encounters (including an elephant safari) and visits
to cultural heritage sites. High on the agenda was to offer support
to needy children by hosting a team building day, supplying a
library with books and giving each child in two local east coast
schools a backpack with school pens and essential stationary
items.

For the ‘Feed a Family’ task, we were given a shopping list of
staple commodities to purchase: rice, milk powder, fruit and
vegetables, and asked to find and deliver to a family in need. In
pursuit of completing our task, we drove 20 minutes off the beaten
track, our tuk tuk journey into the jungle resembling more of a
roller coaster ride than our previous drift along the main road.
Upon arrival at the door of a modest mud shack, our delivery was
met with equal measures of bewilderment and gratitude.

The call of the peacock heralded our arrival at the eco-luxe
Jetwing Vil Uyana after our winding journey down the mountains of
Kandy to Sigiriya. In comparison to our mode of transport, this
really was an oasis of beauty and calm amidst the unrefined sights
and sounds of nature. Following a culinary challenge preparing
authentic Sri Lankan dishes, we witnessed the most beautiful sunset
in the evening, the sky metamorphosing into a kaleidoscope of
romantic hues reminiscent of a Turner painting.

@styleinsrilanka
| styleinsrilanka.com

Activities and accomodation coordinated by jetwing.com

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