How to Spend a Christmas in the Tropical Paradise of Sri Lanka – A Memorable Festive Experience Awaits
Just as in innumerable other countries across the world, Christmas is joyfully celebrated in the island nation of Sri Lanka. Although the majority of Sri Lanka’s population doesn’t happen to be Christian, the Christmas spirit would be very noticeable when the month of December comes around. Described below are some of the enjoyable things you could do whilst spending the Christmas season in Sri Lanka.
Help yourself to Christmas cake
Enjoying the special Christmas foods would undoubtedly be part of the spirit of the season and one of the most loved festive foods in Sri Lanka would be the distinctive local Christmas cake. Sri Lankan Christmas cake reflects the influences of foreign culinary traditions brought over in the nation’s colonial era but retains its uniqueness. The recipe for this Christmas cake would include a host of special ingredients including preserved cherries, dates, sultanas, raisins, dried orange peel, cashew nuts, pumpkin preserve, brandy, a selection of spices and so on.
Experience Midnight Mass
Many people would take the opportunity to experience midnight mass at a church or cathedral which may be regarded as a cherished Christmas tradition. As its name indicates, this service would typically commence just before the hour of midnight. Many Christians would observe this mass as a reflection of their steadfast faith. Families would often make the effort to observe midnight mass together as a Christmas tradition. In Sri Lanka, you would be able to experience midnight mass at Colombo’s St. Lucia’s Cathedral as well as at many other churches across the country.
Savour Christmas dinner
In Sri Lanka, as in many other nations across the world, this season wouldn’t be complete without the feasts involved, particularly Christmas dinner. As you might expect, many of the favourite festive dishes would be present at such feasts, including both home-grown and foreign-influenced dishes. Naturally, many of the restaurants and hotels would offer special festive meals and events during the Christmas season, sometimes accompanied by live music and dance performances. A great way to experience festive foods and celebrations during this festive season would be to enjoy tailor-made tours on offer by travel specialists such as NKAR Travel House; you can look forward to stays in key properties across the island too including hotels in hill country of Sri Lanka.
Engage in shopping
Your Christmas experience in Sri Lanka wouldn’t be complete without engaging in some festive shopping. At this time of the year, you would find several lively markets where you could purchase seasonal foods and gifts. As you might expect, these markets would be vibrantly decorated with Christmas trees and fairy lights, with a festive ambience adding to the carnival atmosphere. Amongst the markets to look out for would be the Colombo Christmas Street and the Galle Face Green Fair. You may also find Christmas promotions at various other shopping venues in major cities and towns.
Cycle through the countryside
Although it wouldn’t be a traditional Christmas activity, the festive season would be a great time at which to cycle through the pleasant countryside of Sri Lanka. As you cycle in Sri Lanka, you will pass through picturesque landscapes amidst beautiful tea estates and rice fields. The island nation’s tropical weather would make cycling an appealing experience as you make your way across the varied terrain. Naturally, cycling would also be excellent exercise, assisting you to shed any surplus holiday pounds that you may have put on!
Enjoy camping
You will find that Sri Lanka features an array of green spaces and mountainous areas where you would have the opportunity to go camping. In fact, this activity would be a marvellous experience to undertake during the festive season. As you camp out in Sri Lanka, you could experience the allure of pristine nature and the pleasure of spending a night outdoors. During your camping trip, you could admire the stars of the clear tropical skies and fall asleep to the soothing sounds of the wilderness on a unique and unforgettable Christmas holiday.