Love For Travel
I blame Roger Moore for my wanderlust. Seeing his James Bond in exotic places like Thailand, Hong Kong and the West Indies, inspired me to pack my bags when I was old enough to buy an air ticket. In my 30 years of travelling I have visited 35 countries including Brazil, China and Pakistan but there is one country I keep going back to. That country is Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean.
Accessible Experience
I first visited Sri Lanka in December 1999 and have visited every year since. What started as an annual visit for Ayurveda and Acupuncture treatment soon turned into a love-affair with this small island. Every visit uncovered something new and although accessibility back then was difficult, if you made the effort, new experiences would open up.
On the day of my first visit Sri Lanka, the country’s president lost an eye in a bombing attack. The country was in the middle of a civil war and with daily power cuts and bombings, I wondered what I’d let myself in for. I came so close to flying back to the UK but one thing I’ve learnt is that traveling is full of unexpected moments and hilarious mishaps. From experiencing hurricanes in Florida to floods in Bangkok, you just have to embrace the unpredictability and enjoy the journey, no matter what surprises may come your way. So, I persevered. And I am so glad I did.
Once the war finished in 2009, tourists discovered that Sri Lanka is a treasure trove of natural beauty, rich history, and vibrant culture. It is amazing how diverse this tiny island is, whether it be climate, nature, cuisine and people. There can’t be many countries where you can be sunbathing on a palm lined beach in the morning and then be trekking through rainforests in the afternoon.
Unfortunately, the whole idea of accessible tourism was an alien concept to the local tourism industry. However this changed in 2019 when I started working with a major tour company on introducing the country’s first wheelchair accessible tour van. We also designed wheelchair accessible itineraries, including rainforest trekking in an all-terrain wheelchair.
Island For Everyone
Whether you’re seeking ancient history, trekking, whale watching, safaris, zip-lining, meditation, cooking classes or just relaxation, this island paradise has something for everyone. And with a growing list of accessible activities and hotels, you should definitely put Sri Lanka on your ‘To Visit’ list.
Once the country has touched your heart, you will never forget it.
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