WITH its lush forests, tumbling waterfalls and abundant wildlife, Sri Lanka is an alluring destination that has not been damaged by the footprint of tourism. Its 26-year civil war kept the majority of visitors away but the land pristine - the very reason why tourists are returning now that the conflict has ended.

The tear-drop island has sun-kissed beaches, tropical forests, cool mountains and historical areas. The "most memorable single attraction", according to Rough Guide, is Sigiriya, or Lion's Rock.

Built by King Kasyapa (477-495 AD), this Unesco World Heritage site contains the ruins of a short-lived but fascinating kingdom. After seizing the throne by imprisoning his royal father and exiling his brother, Kasyapa had his palace hewn in the shape of a lion from a 370m-high rock tower.

To get to it, visitors climb some 1,200 steps. The path leads to a cave with beautiful frescoes of heavenly nymphs, voluptuous figures that historians believe were inspired by the ladies of Kasyapa's court. Near the summit, the two huge stone paws are the only remnants of the lion after centuries of erosion.

The ruins of the once-majestic palace are perched on top. One of Kasyapa's thrones is still intact, overlooking what experts suggest was a dancing hall where ladies of the court would perform, vying for attention and a night with the king.

From there, tourists can enjoy a panoramic view of greenery, a testament to the untainted beauty of a land that teems with wildlife.

About half-an-hour's drive from Sigiriya is Minneriya National Park, a 8,890-hectare expanse with a lake in its centre. More than 150 elephants come here to feed, bathe and mate each year in a phenomenon known as "The Gathering".

My companions and I travelled in a jeep along a dirt trail through thick forest, stopping periodically for glimpses of peacocks, birds, monkeys and deers. The safari continued over grassland and ended at a lake, where we saw dozens of species of birds flying over the water, catching fish and preening themselves.

Most delightful, however, was the sight of elephants crowded together on the banks of the lake. They seemed oblivious to us, and munched on grass while small white birds hunkered down beside them, pecking at insects unearthed by the great beasts.

Sri Lanka has at least 20 national parks and 63 sanctuaries under government protection, many of which are bigger than Minneriya. Some, previously closed to visitors because of its proximity to rebel-controlled areas, are expected to open in the years to come.

Now that the war is over, Sri Lanka is set to become a must-see destination for the adventurous traveller seeking a taste of the wild.

 

This trip was made possible by the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau and Singapore Airlines.

 

Sri Lanka sights

>> Kandy

The capital of the last Sinhalese empire is found in Kandy, home to Sri Lanka's most important religious site, the Temple of the Buddha's Tooth. Thousands of devotees throng the temple halls each year to catch a glimpse of the Buddha's Tooth relic. Just around the corner are the remaining buildings of the ancient royal palace. Some are now museums showcasing treasures and jewellery from the Kandyan era. Visitors can also watch traditional dances and fire-walking.

 

>> Tea Hills of Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya, also known as "Little England", is the highest town of the southern hill country. The British established it in the 19th century, setting up tea plantations where the famous Ceylon tea is grown till this day. Colonial-style buildings and hotels, such as Grand Hotel, can be found here. Visit a tea factory and sit back with a cuppa while enjoying the breathtaking view of waterfalls below.

 

>> Traditional markets

Visit markets such as the Central market in Nuwara Eliya - a back alley flanked by rows of stalls selling everything from betel leaves to dried fish to fruit. Shopkeepers still use double-pan weighing scales and wrap fresh meat in newspaper before handing it to the customer.

 

How to get there

Singapore Airlines has five flights a week to Colombo, the capital. The journey takes four hours from Singapore. Prices for a round-trip ticket start from $869, all inclusive. Minneriya National Park and Sigiriya are about five hours' drive by bus from Bandaranaike International Airport.

 

When to go

It is wettest along the west and south-west coasts from May to Sept, and along the east and north-east coasts from Oct to March. The best time to visit overall is from Jan to April. To catch The Gathering, go during June to Sept, when the lake waters recede.