Ceylon Secrets

Galle, on the southern coast of the island nation of Sri Lanka, is the epitome of an ocean paradise. Aindrila Mitra discovers the gem on a ‘secret itinerary’.

- Aindrila Mitra

WHILE THE WORLD IS STILL coming to terms with the Easter blasts that killed over 250 people in Colombo, there’s nothing that can beat a true-blue traveller’s spirit to explore. This piece on Sri Lanka shows why the destination needs to be on every travel aficionado’s bucket list, now more than ever. I undertook this trip to the island nation two weeks before the tragedy, and I’m on my way to planning the next one.

I’m a traveller who likes her routines. I spend a substantial amount of time figuring out an itinerary, then operate as per plan. So, when I’m thrown into a situation where I do not know what I’m supposed to do, where to go or dine, I’m in a fix. But as a firm believer of the adage that change is the only constant, I finally give in to my friend’s request to embark on my maiden trip to Sri Lanka sans a plan. He calls it #CeylonSecrets, a curated experiential trip that I agree to take on blindfolded.

I arrive in Colombo on a rather balmy morning. I’m sleep-deprived, thanks to a red-eye flight, but I can’t control my curiosity. The Sinhalese driver who greets me at the arrivals gate is affable. He reveals that we’re headed to the southern coast of Lanka, specifically Galle. It’s a smooth two-hour drive (116 kilometres) from Colombo, unless you get entangled in city traffic. We drive on coastal roads, crossing small beach towns, and arrive at what looks like a secret hideout in the port town. #CeylonSecrets is finally unveiled.