Equity Magazine October 2017

TRAVEL
DAY
2&3
KOGGALA AND GALLE FORT
Koggala (the country’s largest natural lake, pictured
here) is surrounded by guest houses, hotels and temples.
From here, you can visit Galle Fort (a UNESCO World
Heritage Site) sited at the Bay of Galle on the southwest
coast of Sri Lanka. It harks back to 1588, when it was
first built by the Portuguese and further fortified by the
Dutch during the Seventeenth century (from 1649). The
fort’s ambience isn’t anything like we have experienced
around Sri Lanka. In fact, it’s almost similar to Europe,
with street-side bars, a mix of traditional and
international eateries, gemstone shops, and five-star
hotels for high tea, coupled with nurseries and
universities along the way. To explore the area and fully
immerse yourself with a tipple or two, you will need a
few hours. We highly recommend visiting Tap House
and Sugar Bistro & Wine bar for breakfast, lunch and
creative concoctions. Those craving an authentic Sri
Lankan curry, can head to Galle Things Roti for spicy
prawn, chicken and meat dishes. Most hotels can arrange
a tuk-tuk ride to and fro.
STAY AT: TRI LANKA
You may have spotted this sustainable resort on Instagram,
known for its infinity pool that looks out to the lush hills
and Koggala lake. Perched atop a hill, with cinnamon trees
and rice paddy fields dotted along the trail, this luxury
design hotel is built on the premise of catering to those
looking for tranquility. With just 11 suites comprising rooms
in the central water tower, and villas with a private pool,
the spot is ideal for those who want to catch up on reading,
laze by the pool, pack in a yoga session, and literally do
absolutely nothing for days.
Wellbeing is placed at the forefront, with a sustainable
philosophy carried throughout – from the tropical surroundings,
to the rooms and dining experiences. Our days were spent by
the private pool in the villa, with a quick trip to the library nestled
amongst foliage for a coffee and lazy afternoon reading
session. Group yoga takes place a few mornings per week,
and you can add on various excursions and activities including
whale watching, a visit to cinnamon island and a cooking
demonstration. Due to weather conditions, we opted for an
authentic Sri Lankan culinary class which took place by the
lakeside – instead of under the banyan tree. Sri Lankan meals
are quite healthy with fruit and vegetables we don’t even
come across in the UAE, used for cooking. We interacted
with the chef, assisted with vegetable slicing and indulged in a
banana blossom curry, passion fruit leaves salad, dhal and
green bean coconut gravy with red rice.
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EQUITY