Ending any Sri Lankan trip (as we did – read about the rest of the trip here) with a day or so discovering the tiny 17th century town of Galle Fort on the southwest coast of the country is a must. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best preserved colonial sea fortress in Asia, has had a bit of a renaissance over the last few years with lots of investment (mainly by expats and Sri Lankan elite), turning it into a cosmopolitan little enclave. The once run down colonial buildings that line the maze of narrow atmospheric streets within the fortified walls have been spruced up and now house boutique hotels, cute cafés, stylish shops and the whole place has a rather buzzy vibe.
Read MoreStirring up the senses in Sri Lanka
The first time Julian and I visited the tea growing island of Sri Lanka over 20 years ago, we drove from the airport to the capital, Colombo, in the thick of night down dusty roads, our taxi driver pushing his rickety car to the limit and almost (but not quite) missing the oncoming traffic as he weaved in and out. On our most recent visit the arrival was a far more relaxed affair. Our VIP meet and greet, straight off our flight, was by a rather pleasant airport official with a signboard: Mrs Ann Lesley and Mr Julian Peter. She efficiently whisked us through the form filling at immigration and, whilst we sat in the VIP lounge having our first cup of Sri Lankan tea, she collected our luggage and cleared it through security. All we had to do was slip out of the back door in to our waiting car and on to the new (Chinese funded) bypass for a smooth journey to Colombo.
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Three for the taking - my top “hot to trots” for 2012
As we start 2012, I can see your drive and steely determination are well and truly on the year ahead: resolutions to keep, targets to hit and achievements to make. However, you know that January is a tough month and by the time you get to the end of it, your determination will be waning and your minds will be straying to more enjoyable things like holidays!
From the interest I’ve had already from clients, here are 3 places I think should be on your Hot List for 2012.
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