A luxury river cruise in Sri Lanka is the best way to explore this beautiful country…
Sri Lanka is the number one place to visit this year. Everyone’s favourite travel bible told us so. However, if we’re all heading to an island the quarter of the size of the UK then you can bet your bottom dollar that it’s likely to get a little crowded in places. Want to enjoy this paradise isle but don’t fancy the crowds? Here are ten reasons why you need a luxury river cruise in Sri Lanka.
1. Avoid the crowds
This little island is even more beautiful on the inside. Its lakes and rivers sit amongst mountains and lush jungles with incredible wildlife. If you want to get away from the crowds head inland.
2. Easily accessible
Travellers miss out on a great deal of Sri Lanka mainly because many parts are still inaccessible. They’re not connected by motorways and public transport is inconvenient. However, places such as Lake Bolgoda is only 45 mins drive from the commercial capital Colombo. You can get there sooner and more easily than you think.
3. Sleep in a cabin with old world charm
Flow is a luxury river cruise operator on Lake Bolgoda. Their cabins are modelled after walawwas; manor houses of native headmen during the colonial era. So they reek of old world charm. Expect dreamy four poster beds, decorative wood carvings and hand-woven cloths against white linen. On a more modern note all cabins have the luxury of hot water, a free standing bath and wifi.
4. Get close to nature
Ever experienced a breakfast cruise? Fresh tropical fruit, buffalo yoghurt with local honey and coffee served on deck as the surrounding villages wake up to the rising sun. An expert on local wildlife comes on board to talk through all the species of birds, fish and land animals you can spot. It’s guaranteed to be a breakfast like no other.
5. Work up an appetite
If you’re feeling adventurous during your luxury river cruise in Sri Lanka, you can explore the northern part of the lake, not accessible by boat, on a jet ski. To simply work up an appetite enjoy all the optional water sporting facilities supplied by Flow as part of the cruise.
6. Eat local on board
All the meals served on board will be prepared by the chef using local produce from the surrounding villages. Your food’s travelled no further than the shores of Bolgoda. Expect seasonal vegetables, fruit and fish from the lake.
7. Learn to cook a Sri Lankan meal
Yep, this one had us too. At your request you can have a private cookery lesson with Flow’s very own chef. All the ingredients will be supplied and you’ll learn how to balance spices, use Sri Lankan ingredients and make a delicious meal. You also get to take your recipe card home with you.
8. Have lunch on a private island
Flow’s fleet of two luxury boats have only five cabins in total. However, if you would like even more privacy than this you can request for lunch to be served on an island in the centre of the lake. Everything will be laid out for you to dine in style as you enjoy the natural beauty of your surroundings.
9. Learn traditional fishing with a local fisherman
Lake Bolgoda is abundant with fresh water fish and most villagers make a living by it. They use traditional boats knowns as oruwas and home-made rods. Want to join them and catch your supper? Flow will arrange for you to accompany a local fisherman and learn the Sri Lankan method of fresh water fishing.
10. Eat dinner under the stars
No luxury river cruise in Sri Lanka is complete without an unforgettable sunset. Enjoy a delicious dinner as you cruise Lake Bolgoda while the sun goes down. Sip a cocktail, mingle and experience dinner under the stars. It will be an extraordinary evening in Sri Lanka that you won’t find in the guide books.
Flow by Amber Collections on Bolgoda Lake, Sri Lanka is a luxury river cruise operator. Prices start from US$ 200 per night including breakfast. For more information on a luxury river cruise in Sri Lanka visit: www.theambercollection.com
