What to do in Sri Lanka

Start the trip in the capital city
Make Colombo your quick introduction to Sri Lanka. This port city offers a variety of experiences ranging from a spiritual break in the temples, exploration of culture in the museums, taking the vantage point from rooftop bars to a wide range of markets and retail options. The local team at OZO Colombo recommends a late morning visit to Pettah Market to enjoy he energy of the historic streets crammed with fresh fruit, daily supplies and fabrics. This bustling area provides an adrenaline filled discovery through the city’s busiest neighbourhood. The dynamic arrangement of heritage buildings, makeshift stores and generations-old shops is like a living museum, offering authentic insights into the local lifestyle and culture, as well as providing a unique backdrop for your photo gallery.

Take a scenic train ride 
The three-hour train journey connecting Sri Lanka’s capital to Kandy, the cool city located in the inland hills, is a scenic delight. This train ride is not just a mode of transportation to OZO Kandy, but the highlight of the visit itself. The train leaves from the coastal lowlands and chugs up through the hill country past rolling and lush green rice fields, local communities, forests, gurgling rivers and tea plantations. All scenes provide snapshots of Sri Lanka’s dramatic scenic contrasts. For the best views, locals recommend sitting on the right side of the train while en route to Kandy.

Explore the birthplace of Ceylon tea 
Crucial to the nation’s economy, Ceylon tea is renowned worldwide and has an interesting 150-year history that can be traced back to the period of the British Empire. The first successful experiments in tea cultivation were made and the first tea plantations were established in Kandy, making the city a great destination for tea lovers. To learn about the production of tea, marvel at the old machinery, and taste the various blends, the team at OZO Kandy suggest a visit to the Ceylon Tea Museum, located three kilometres from the hotel, or a venture into the countryside to the Geragama Tea Estate.

Wander through time in a beautifully preserved colonial towns
Be transported back to colonial times at Galle Fort, a Unesco World Heritage Site and the largest remaining European fortress in Asia. The fort was first built by the Portuguese in the 1500s and later fortified by the Dutch. Wander around impressive monuments and museums from Dutch Reformed Church to the iconic Galle Light House. Today the fort is no less vibrant with chic boutiques, cafes and galleries. Destination Amari, a local guide prepared by the team at Amari Galle, recommends Stick No Bills, a poster gallery featuring a rare variety of vintage movie posters as well as retro postcards depicting the vibrant colours of Sri Lanka.

Lounge around the beach
Sri Lanka is well known for its beaches. For beach enthusiasts, seeking a day at a beachfront retreat in Galle is recommended. From Amari Galle, which offers an expansive beach-facing pool and guaranteed sea views from every room and suite, take a tuk-tuk ride to the shores of nearby Unawatuna and get active with watersports such as diving, fishing and boating. To laze the day away, head to the stunning, intimate and isolated Jungle Beach to take a dip in the Indian Ocean. No trip to Galle would be complete without checking out the traditional stilt fishermen at the Ahangama and Koggala Coasts, the best places to catch this centuries-old activity in full action.

Until December 31 OZO Colombo and OZO Kandy are offering 15-percent off on room rates when booking a minimum stay of three consecutive nights. Get 15per-cent off when booking at least 45 days in advance or 10-per-cent off when booking at least 14 days in advance, along with free early check-in for stays until December 31. For details, visit www.Onyx-Hospitality.com.