Ark & Tat in Sri Lanka

An insider perspective

When Ark and Tat decided to visit Sri Lanka, they knew they wanted an experience that was both authentic and tailored to their preferences. They are professionally wine sommeliers working at one of the best fine dining restaurants located in Jumeirah Beach, Dubai. Their work colleague Viku was a Sri Lankan, who was a close relative of Ozzie, who has a close connection with the Alokhya Tailormade team. That's where Alokhya Tailormade came in, a local destination management company that specializes in designing personalized itineraries for travelers.

Their journey began with an early morning arrival in Colombo on Emirates flight 650, where they were greeted by Asitha & I, who represented Tailormade as their friendly travel companions (just like guide & driver). We made sure that we personally attended to this tour as it was our first tour after we launched the Tailormade brand on the 19th May 2023.

From BIA, we headed straight to Dambulla, a town in the central province of Sri Lanka.

As we drove through the scenic countryside, we suggested they stop for some roadside delicacies – freshly made coconut roti and chili onion sambol, and king coconut water. Ark and Tat eagerly agreed & were eager to taste the local flavors. The roti was warm and crispy, with a generous spread of spicy sambol that added the perfect kick. The king coconut water was refreshing and sweet, a perfect antidote to the hot and humid weather.

After satisfying taste buds, we arrived at their first hotel - Oakray Palwehera Village, a tranquil retreat nestled amidst lush greenery. The rest of the day was spent relaxing and rejuvenating, getting ready for the adventure-packed days ahead.

The next morning, they woke up early for their much-anticipated Minneriya Elephant Safari. The park is home to a large population of wild elephants, and they were excited to see them up close in their natural habitat. As they rode through the park in a jeep (Alokhya has partnered with the pioneers elephant safari operator in the region) where Ark & Tat spotted herds of elephants grazing. It was a surreal and humbling experience, witnessing these majestic creatures in their element.

After the safari, we headed to Pidurangala Rock, a lesser-known but equally impressive rock formation nearby. Climbing up the steep steps to the top, they were rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding countryside, including the majestic Sigiriya Rock in the distance. While climbing Ark made sure the locals were motivated to climb up. He sang songs in Sinhalese and spoke to the locals in Singlish. It was a moment they would cherish forever, feeling on top of the world.

In the afternoon, we left for Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. Their hotel - Oakray Heritage - was located in the heart of the city, close to all the major attractions. After freshening up, we headed out for drinks and dinner at Flower Drum Chinese restaurant, where they have a rooftop bar with panoramic views of the Kandy Lake. We had live Calypso and Jazz music added to the ambiance.

The next day was dedicated to exploring Kandy. They visited the Sri Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth, one of the most sacred places of worship for Buddhists around the world. They also took a leisurely walk in the city, exploring local markets, museums, and the picturesque Kandy Lake. Shopping was also on the agenda, and they picked up some souvenirs to take back home.

On the fourth day of their Sri Lankan adventure, we drove Ark and Tat from Kandy towards the south coast. As per the plan, we headed to the coastal town of Mirissa. However, the arrival didn't go as smoothly as they had hoped. We arrived quite late at night, around 10.30 pm, and found that the hotel we had booked - Fresh Waves - wasn't up to their expectations. The staff members were all drunk, which made them, feel uncomfortable and unsafe. So, we decided to move to another accommodation temporarily.

The next day was a special day for Ark and Tat - their second-year anniversary. We had arranged an anniversary getaway for the couple at the luxurious villa Frangipani Tree in Unawatuna, designed by the world-renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa. The villa was a masterpiece of design, blending seamlessly with the natural landscape and offering stunning views of the Indian Ocean. They spent the day relaxing by the pool, enjoying gourmet meals, and soaking up the romantic ambiance.

Days five and six were spent at their next hotel Jetwing Hotel J - on the coast. The hotel was a perfect blend of budget and comfort, with spacious rooms. They explored the nearby Unawatuna Beach, one of the most popular beaches in Sri Lanka, and enjoyed the sun, sand, and seafood. They also went shopping, picking up souvenirs and local handicrafts to take back home.

Another highlight of their stay in Unawatuna was the visit to the Jungle Beach and the Japanese Peace Pagoda, a stunning white stupa perched on a hilltop overlooking the ocean. The pagoda was built by a Japanese Buddhist monk to promote peace and harmony, and it had a serene and calming atmosphere. They also visited Coconut Tree Hill, a picturesque spot where rows of coconut palms lined the coastline, creating a stunning backdrop for photos and selfies.

It was almost the end of their tour of Sri Lanka. So far, the Alokhya Tailormade tour had provided Ark and Tat with an unforgettable experience in Sri Lanka, filled with adventure, culture, and relaxation, all balanced. And there was still one more day left - their final night in Colombo, where they would stay at a hotel in the Dutch Hospital complex. The journey had been a true testament to the beauty and diversity of Sri Lanka, and they were grateful for the opportunity to explore it with us.

After checking out from Jetwing J,in the morning of day seven, we headed to Colombo, where they stayed at The Steuart by Citrus. The hotel was located in the heart of Colombo, making it the perfect base for exploring the city. We started our day with a city walk, exploring the local markets, and shopping for souvenirs.

Colombo is a bustling city with a mix of modern and traditional architecture. We visited some of the city's famous landmarks. The city walk gave them a glimpse into the local urban way of life and allowed them to interact with the friendly locals.

Later in the evening, we had drinks and dinner at &Co Pub and Kitchen at The Steuart. The restaurant had a cozy ambiance and a great selection of food and drinks. Hot Butter Calamari was bomb they said. They enjoyed it at a couple of restaurants.

Day 8:

On the last day of our tour, we did a late checkout at 3 pm and headed towards the airport. On the way, we stopped at a waterfront restaurant for some food and to soak in the beautiful scenery. The food was delicious and reasonably priced, and the view was breathtaking.

The departure was emotional for all of us, as we had created some unforgettable memories during the past week. Ark and Tat expressed their gratitude and appreciation for making them feel at home in Sri Lanka. They even promised to return for a longer vacation next year, which was a testament to the incredible experience they had during their stay.

In conclusion, the tour organized by Alokhya Tailormade was a perfect blend of adventure and relaxation. The itinerary was well-planned, and the accommodations were comfortable. Our team was friendly and knowledgeable, and we are certain that Tailormade went above and beyond to ensure that they had a memorable experience.

End.

Alokhya Tailoramde

Let your Life travel!

12, June 2023