• Curating the best of the island with Christine Abayasekara

Much is said about the power of Sri Lanka as a tourist destination and much of the hype is true. As a tiny island, we boast incredible natural biodiversity, a wide range of different tropical environments – from the beach to the jungle to the cooler climes of the hills – all easily within reach, a history spanning thousands of years, spectacular local cuisine paired with a robust international food scene, a vast range of activities from adventure to wellness, and of course, the ever-hospitable Sri Lankan people. 

Experiencing all Sri Lanka has to offer is nigh impossible, even for most Sri Lankans. There’s just so much to choose from – so many interesting sights and sites to see. For foreign visitors who don’t know much about Sri Lanka to begin with, this is even more of a conundrum. 

This is where the curated travel itinerary can play a pivotal role – structured and tailored plans that serve as a roadmap guiding visitors through the attractions most likely to inspire them on their visit while making the most of their time and resources. For tourism, itineraries can really help showcase the potential of a country and get visitors coming back for more.

This week, The Sunday Morning Brunch chatted with travel blogger Christine Abayasekara (@rebelkids on Instagram) on the importance of itineraries as well as about the perfect itinerary to discover Sri Lanka if you haven’t already or to explore it better if you already have. 

A rebel kid

Christine’s background is deeply rooted in Sri Lanka’s tourism industry, having been raised in a family immersed in the realm of travel and hospitality. Half-German, half-Sri Lankan, her father worked in hospitality and her mother was a flight attendant, which is where Christine’s own passion for exploration and discovery came from. 

Despite her familial ties to tourism, Christine initially pursued higher education in political science, specialising in cybersecurity. However, her focus extended beyond the technical aspects of cybersecurity to encompass online safety, particularly for children. Christine’s academic pursuits and research in Sri Lanka further honed her understanding of the country’s social dynamics and its implications for tourism.

She was also a passionate photographer and would frequently help her friends with photography for their businesses, gaining a deep understanding of social media (something she was already familiar with from her work in cybersecurity). The onset of the pandemic put Christine at a professional crossroads, prompting a full-time dedication to her passion for travel and hospitality. 

Presently, Christine manages social media for the Gekko Group in Germany (a branch of Marriott Hotels). Additionally, she operates Rebel Media, an agency specialising in social media management, where she provides consultancy services to businesses in Sri Lanka’s hospitality sector. Amid all this, Christine has kept her love for travel alive, and when in Sri Lanka, she looks to capture the beauty of the country for the rest of the world to see. 

“I am very passionate about promoting sustainable tourism in Sri Lanka. I’ve travelled so much and seen so much of the country that I have learnt quite a bit about what its best features are. There is currently a huge gap when it comes to planning a visit to Sri Lanka or even travelling around as a local,” Christine shared, explaining that tourists coming to Sri Lanka typically had one of two options – to plan their whole trip by themselves from A to Z or to go through a travel agency which would propose a limited number of pre-packaged tours to choose from, which may or may not suit their interests completely. 

This is where curated travel itineraries – a concept she has been working on for the last few months – come in. 

The importance of curated itineraries

Christine’s curated itineraries are based on her personal experiences travelling and taking visitors around the island – she has had many friends visit Sri Lanka with her and this has put her in the position of planning many trips that show off the best of Sri Lanka within a limited time – and also look to boost local business in challenging times. 

For example, she frequently promotes the off-season to tourists who reach out to her, because despite it being the monsoon season, that doesn’t mean it isn’t sunny and these locations are not enjoyable. Promoting off-season travel also keeps the smaller local businesses in the area running. 

Curated travel itineraries play a pivotal role in promoting tourism in countries like Sri Lanka by offering structured and tailored experiences that cater to the diverse needs of travellers. This doesn’t apply exclusively to luxury travellers. For budget travellers too, curated itineraries that include affordable accommodation, transportation, and activities provide a cost-effective way to explore Sri Lanka without compromising on the quality of their experience. 

“Itineraries are a segment in the market that people are looking for – the comfort of having their holidays planned,” Christine said on the importance of curated itineraries, adding that over the last several months, she had focused heavily on promoting curated itineraries for different travellers visiting Sri Lanka based on their specific needs. 

“I’ve travelled so much and seen so much of the country, and despite being a travel blogger, I don’t do collabs or free stays and experiences. I pay for all my travel. Everything I recommend to people is genuine and comes from a place of unbiasedness. I have gone there and experienced everything and I wanted to use my knowledge to market our country as a product to the many tourists looking at Sri Lanka on social media,” Christine said of how she approached the itineraries she curated. 

Unlocking the perfect itinerary

Part of what drew Brunch to Christine was her unveiling of the perfect Sri Lankan itinerary – a meticulously crafted journey that encapsulates the country’s diverse landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and authentic experiences. Spanning between 10 and 14 days, this itinerary offers a comprehensive glimpse into the essence of Sri Lanka, striking a balance between exploration, adventure, and relaxation.

The itinerary begins in the southern region of Sri Lanka, where travellers are immersed in the idyllic coastal charm of places like Unawatuna, Ahangama, and Weligama. Here, they can indulge in a myriad of activities, from sun-kissed beach days to adventurous hikes, to day trips to nearby Galle and Matara. 

Christine’s itinerary also incorporates lesser-known gems such as Ella, renowned for its scenic tea plantations and adventurous activities like zip lining and hiking. 

Continuing northward, the itinerary ventures into the central heartland of Sri Lanka, with Kandy as a focal point. Travellers have the opportunity to explore the historic city, home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic and other architectural marvels. 

The journey then leads to the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, offering panoramic views atop its ancient citadel. Along the way, stops at the Dambulla Cave Temple and a wildlife safari provide immersive experiences in Sri Lanka’s natural wonders.

The itinerary culminates in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s vibrant capital, where travellers can venture into the bustling city, sample delectable cuisine, and explore hidden gems like the Pettah market. Christine underscored the importance of experiencing Colombo’s dynamic food scene and engaging with the unique sights, sounds, and experiences of Colombo.

“This is my favourite route, with some of the most interesting sites that you can do in two weeks. Every friend of mine who has visited Sri Lanka has been taken on this route,” Christine said, adding: “I’ve made a map guide of Sri Lanka which includes more than 300 must-see locations, hotels, photo spots, historical sites, and more, which is for sale through my Instagram.” 

Overall, Christine’s perfect Lankan itinerary offers travellers a well-rounded journey through Sri Lanka, carefully curated to showcase the country’s best-kept secrets and authentic experiences. By emphasising sustainability and supporting local communities, the itinerary not only enriches travellers’ experiences but also contributes to the preservation and promotion of Sri Lanka’s cultural and natural heritage.

Which locations of Sri Lanka are the most underrated? The east coast. Christine shared that there was much to do in this often-overlooked part of Sri Lanka. “Trincomalee is good for diving and whale watching (make sure the company is ethical). And of course, there’s Arugam Bay for surfing, as well as Kumana National Park for sighting elephants and leopards. Nilaveli also has some beautiful beaches and Pigeon Island is great for snorkelling.” 

Other itineraries for discovering Sri Lanka 

Christine also shared some other itineraries for travellers looking to explore a particular aspect of what Sri Lanka has to offer.  

For the adventure traveller

Ella: Zip line through the treetops, conquer challenging climbing routes, and embark on breathtaking hikes that offer panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.

Sigiriya: The iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nearby Pidurangala, offers an alternative vantage point with equally stunning panoramas, and for the wildlife adventurer, elephant safaris in nearby Habarana. 

Dambulla: A hot air balloon ride over the majestic landscapes of Dambulla complete with ancient ruins, verdant forests, and serene lakes. 

Kalpitiya: A paradise for kite surfing and scuba diving enthusiasts, with opportunities of diving beneath the surface to discover vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life. 

As a bonus – Arugam Bay/Weligama/Hikkaduwa: Depending on the time of year, surfers can chase the waves in renowned surfing hotspots such as Arugam Bay, Weligama, or Hikkaduwa.

For the wellness-focused traveller

Kandy: The historic and lush city of Kandy also plays host to a number of yoga retreats with daily yoga sessions, guided meditation, and holistic wellness practices that promote inner peace and harmony. 

Koggala: An idyllic southern coastal town that rejuvenates the body and soul with luxurious spa treatments that harness the healing powers of traditional Ayurveda and a hub from which to explore Sri Lanka’s rich culinary heritage through eating and cooking lessons.  

Talalla: Another tranquil town on the southern coast where the ancient wisdom of Ayurveda meets the serenity of yoga, with yoga sessions led by experienced instructors and holistic Ayurveda healing through personalised wellness treatments. 

For the historically-minded traveller

Kandy: The ancient city of Kandy, once the capital of Sri Lanka’s last kingdom and home to the majestic Temple of the Tooth Relic. 

Sigiriya: The iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Sri Lanka’s most renowned archaeological wonders, armed with magnificent frescoes, intricate rock carvings, and panoramic views. 

Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura: Once thriving capitals of ancient Sri Lanka, the ruins of towering dagobas, intricately carved stupas, and sprawling monastic complexes give history buffs much to ponder.

Galle: The enchanting city is home to the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, endless colonial charm, and landmarks like the Dutch Reformed Church and the National Maritime Museum.