Undercover LUXURY
Gourmet Traveller|August 2023
Sri Lanka's east coast is still wonderfully unspoiled, writes LEE TULLOCH.
LEE TULLOCH.
Undercover LUXURY

There is so much beauty and abundance in Sri Lanka, but the teardrop-shaped island has suffered more than its share of misfortune. The 2004 tsunami, which claimed 30,000 lives, the 26-year civil war, the Easter 2019 bombings, and last year’s economic crisis, which saw scenes of peaceful protests at the Presidential palace, have all had a severely dampening effect on tourism over the past two decades.

And yet, you would not have an inkling of this now as you cycle down its shady lanes, visit its many uncrowded beaches, take in its temples and ancient monuments, wander through its verdant tea-planted hill country, or take a thrilling safari in its eastern jungles. The war ended in 2009, the economic crisis has been averted and the incredibly resilient people are the most welcoming in the world. Wander through any village and you’re likely to be invited in for a cup of tea.

Sri Lanka was once thought of as a backpacker’s destination and even though a few coastal towns such as Hikkaduwa attract the sort of tourist that might gravitate to Bali’s Kuta, there are hundreds of beaches that see few people except local fisherman, even on the busier southern coast. Now the country is seen as a luxury destination, with a very high standard of service and accommodation, but still relatively inexpensive, due to a good exchange rate with the rupee.

Bu hikaye Gourmet Traveller dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

Bu hikaye Gourmet Traveller dergisinin August 2023 sayısından alınmıştır.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 9,000+ magazines and newspapers.

GOURMET TRAVELLER DERGISINDEN DAHA FAZLA HIKAYETümünü görüntüle
From personal experience
Gourmet Traveller

From personal experience

Former Hope St Radio chef ELLIE BOUHADANA invites you to gather your loved ones and enjoy an evening of good food and laughter with recipes from her new cookbook, Ellie's Table.

time-read
8 dak  |
September 2024
Kimberley Moulton
Gourmet Traveller

Kimberley Moulton

Kylie Kwong celebrates the individuals helping to grow a stronger community. This month, we applaud the international curator and Yorta Yorta woman who is shining a light on First Peoples.

time-read
3 dak  |
September 2024
Tom Wallace
Gourmet Traveller

Tom Wallace

We share a drop with the head winemaker for Devil's Corner, Tamar Ridge and Pirie Sparkling, a master of cool-climate grapes.

time-read
1 min  |
September 2024
Best in class
Gourmet Traveller

Best in class

The top drops to keep an eye out for on wine lists (and why they're worth the splurge)

time-read
3 dak  |
September 2024
A taste of refuge
Gourmet Traveller

A taste of refuge

Fleeing war and persecution, Australia's new arrivals push our food culture forward. DANI VALENT explores the contributions of the country's refugee communities.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 2024
BE OUR GUEST
Gourmet Traveller

BE OUR GUEST

Inspired by the sense of place conjured by Europe's Michelin-star restaurants, local restaurateurs are expanding their hospitality remit to include accommodation

time-read
6 dak  |
September 2024
Barcelona BUZZ
Gourmet Traveller

Barcelona BUZZ

A popular drawcard for digital nomads and expats alike, the Catalonian capital offers equal parts sophistication and fun. Here, DANI VALENT discovers the latest dining hotspots.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 2024
HEATHCOTE BOUND
Gourmet Traveller

HEATHCOTE BOUND

MICHAEL HARDEN hits the road to explore regional Victoria's Heathcote, home to this year's Best Destination Dining and a host of other delights.

time-read
4 dak  |
September 2024
The art of...relishing restaurants
Gourmet Traveller

The art of...relishing restaurants

Does working in hospitality make someone a better or worse diner

time-read
3 dak  |
September 2024
HEART AND SOUL
Gourmet Traveller

HEART AND SOUL

Not a vegetable but rather a flower bud that rises on a thistle, the artichoke is a complex delight. Its rewards are hard won; first you must get past the armour of petals and remove the hairy choke. Those who step up are rewarded with sweet and savoury creaminess and the elusive flavour of spring. Many of the recipes here begin with the same Provençal braise. Others call on the nuttiness of artichokes in their raw form. The results make pasta lighter and chicken brighter or can be fried to become a vessel for bold flavours all of which capture the levity of the season.

time-read
7 dak  |
September 2024