1 SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka is having its moment in the sun, and change is coming swiftly. With its mix of religions and cultures, its timeless temples, rich and accessible wildlife, growing surfing scene and its people, who defy all odds by their welcome and friendliness after decades of civil conflict, this is a country revived. The north and east, including areas previously off limits, deliver new discoveries – turn to p56 for our feature on this glorious region.
In 2014, renovated rails carried train services to Jaffna in the north for the first time since 1990, while brand-new controlled-access expressways have drastically reduced travel times to the south as far as Matara (with more routes to come). Scheduled and charter flights now speed travellers between most major cities. Destinations that once required determination and endurance to reach are now a comfortable ride away. An increasing number of quality hotels, sustainable tour operators and diverse experiences are meeting rising needs. Chances for expanded exploration abound: water sports, surfing and whale watching; jungle hikes, safaris and nature-based experiences; cooking lessons and village homestays; and yoga retreats and Ayurveda centres.