The Bucket List
Holidays come and go so fast that its time you made use of it. Take some time off make a few plans and make sure you make it happen. There are so many things to do, see and spend your time on so start laying down the wood work. Get your parents to say yes and venture out on your own and the most essential element of having fun doing it. Here’s the bucket list teens can try out this year and make it one of those summers we’re never going to forget.
Take a Walk
Colombo is the most active city in the whole of Sri Lanka. Its frantic buzz of energy is something that most Sri Lankans don’t stop to enjoy. Take a break and walk across the Galle Face Green just before the sun rises, visit the Colombo National Museum, clock tower and art gallery, enjoy the cool shade of cinnamon gardens with its downpour of flowers from the trees above, watch the sunset while you walk by Marine Drive, step back and watch the city in fast motion. It lets you enjoy the smaller things in life.
Be the pebble in the water
Sri Lanka has the most beautiful coral reefs in the world, go out for a snorkel and enjoy the breathtaking view of the world under the sea. Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, Trincomalee and Galle are just some of the most breathtaking locations to take a peek at multicolored fish, coral and get a sun tan while you’re at it. Take a glass bottomed boat ride if you’re not much of a swimmer and watch the shoals of fish in motion.
Take part in HIStory
Sri Lanka has numerous heritage sites such as the city of Galle Fort, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Polonnaruwa, Kandy, Anuradhapura and Sinharaja Rainforest which has so much to see and learn all at the same time. Maybe you could even learn about the story of SL’s very own Robin Hood, grab the lions paws, imagine living the life of a monk in caves which are 1000’s of years old, be stunned by the captivating stupas and life size statues of the Lord Buddha and all in all have fun doing so.
Get on an elephant
Most tourists travel great distances to see this majestic animal. Therefore, this holiday it’s your turn to get on its back and go around town. It gives you a greater perspective and feeding an elephant is always an experience. Watch it dance with its headshakes and one legged poses and you would never want to part ways.
You may also join the Elephant Volunteering Project just down the road from Pinnawala. Here you can stay from one week to one year and during your time you will be involved in all things elephant! From daily care and feeding, to learning about anatomy and health and sickness signs, to helping the vet with the regular monthly vet check. As a special treat you will also be shown how to handle your elephant using traditional mahout skills plus plenty of riding and elephant cuddling.
Whale Watching
Sri Lanka is becoming the hub for whale and dolphin watchers all over the world. The Dondra Point located down south is currently the main port of Whale Watching in Sri Lanka between December and April. During the Avurudhu Season (April) there is over a 95% chances of spotting Sperm Whales as well as spotting Blue Whales due to their migration path being just off Dondra Point.
Food Trail
Sri Lanka has every single type of cuisine you can think of all in one tiny country. Italian, Russian, German, Thai, Pakistani along with our very own Sri Lankan Kotthu and Katta Sambols. If not for food, think about all the coffee houses sprouting in Colombo in every nook and corner. Have a bet with your friends to try out as many as you can by the end of the holiday. (Please note make sure you have enough cash to complete your trail)
Volunteer
Take some time off for the people who are less fortunate than you are. You can figure out where your passions are, is it the environment? Humanitarianism? Women’s rights? Leadership? Delegation? or any of the sort and find the organization that best suits you. A few of the examples are British Council, Beyond Borders, Road to Rio+20, United Nations Volunteers as well as almost all NGO’s have their own volunteer forces under them.
Night Life
Go check out Sri Lanka’s night clubs, Lush, Blue Elephant, KamiKaze, Kama, Amuseum and rock the night away. If you are more into the calm night out with acoustic music in the background head to 7 Degrees and listen to live bands while looking out at the Beira Lake. You could also enjoy it for free while sitting down at the lounge of almost every major hotel in Sri Lanka. Also, Sri Lanka’s newest addition the Nelum Pokuna provides us with cultural shows all year long from music to plays to talent shows it has it all.
Lay down and watch them lay
Five out of the seven species of sea turtles come ashore to nest in Sri Lanka, making it an ideal country to go turtle watching. The turtle can only be approached when she starts laying the eggs because by then she is engaged in a almost trance-like behavior and it is unlikely for her to be frightened by spectators. Of course there is no guarantee that the turtles come to nest every night, but sitting on a deserted beach under the open starry sky in Sri Lanka is an incredible experience in itself.
Relax, Chill out and await the madness after holidays are done
You can always take the easy way out by spending your holiday from the luxuries of your bed. Sleep in, watch movies, listen to music and just chill out cause Hakuna Matata it’s your problem free your philosophy till these holidays are done…..forget about exams and tension and all the drama. In essence as Linkin Park say “Remember all the sadness and frustration and let it gooooo…..”
