Despite the fatigue that inherently comes from flying across times zones, having dinner at breakfast time and all that it takes to get from booking your trip to finding yourself in that airplane seat, the journey from the airport to our accommodation is one of my favourite periods of time. There’s the ‘I’m finally here’ sensation coupled with my insatiable impulse to get right in the thick of things. My eyes are glued to the window, knowing that sleep will have its time at the hotel.

We were headed for Cinnamon Lakeside, one of the luxurious Cinnamon Hotel properties we’d be staying at during our Sri Lankan adventure. Upon arrival, our car door was opened with a smile, our baggage taken away and we suddenly stepped into refreshing coolness. If there’s anything better than the welcome hug of heat, it’s stepping back into more moderate temperatures and sighing at the glorious contrast.

Our room on the third floor was spacious and overlooked the inviting pool. We made ourselves at home and sat down with some reading materials to map out the must’s on our month-long trip.

Sri Lanka may be quite small, but it’s still many hours on a bus to travel to all the most well-known locations. We were pleased to discover Cinnamon Air, Sri Lanka’s only domestic airline, that could get us everywhere we wanted to go in minutes, rather than hours. Plus, they use these awesome looking Cessna’s that would work perfectly for my own circa late 1920’s Amelia Earhart moment. Let’s see if we can’t make it happen.

When I first told a friend I was going to Sri Lanka, her first question was Are you going to climb that rock? That rock, she was referring to is called Sigiriya Rock, or Lion Rock. It’s the most visited historic site in Sri Lanka and one of the country’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sigirya Rock (Lion Rock) in Sri Lanka
And yes I did climb it!  Sigiriya Rock is an ancient palace that can only be reached by climbing the almost 200 metre massive rock massive.  Now seeing ancient palaces isn’t usually by goal of climbing mountains, but I was definitely game and this was definitely a unique experience, plus I LOVE castles…even if all that is left are palace ruins.

At one time Lion Rock was the capital.  King Kasyapa built his royal palace on top, which seems rather fitting for a king.  Or perhaps he was health conscious, or more likely he feared vengeance from his brother after he killed his father – oops!  Climbing up and down Sigiriya Rock  every day is a great way to stay fit!

After the king’s death the palace and capital were abandoned and later on it was used as a Buddhist monastery. As I made my  way up the seemingly endless stairs, I was greeted by several stray dogs whose ribs showed through.  If you’re an animal lover like me, it’s heartbreaking!

Fortunately though there was a mother who appeared to be taking excellent care to her clinging infant as she he clung to her chest and she kept her distance from tourists.

Today all that remains are the outline of where the palace once stood.   After you’ve ‘oohed’ and ‘ahhhed’ over the view of the lush plains stretching to the mountains, take a few minutes and plop yourself on one of the brick ruins (it’s allowed).  Take  a deep breath. I found Lion Rock to be serene and calming, whether it’s the leftover energy from the monks or the gratitude that you have for not having to climb anymore stairs, I don’t know.  But I do know that I as I started to make my way down, I was left with a All is right in the world type of feeling.

5 minutes later that changed. I had heard about the giant wasps and someone had pointed out their equally giant nests clinging to the cliffs but assumed they had been exaggerated.  As I entered into a swarm of wasps, I quickly realized the legends were true.  A local ahead of us instructed  to sit down and be quiet.  Apparently noise irritates the wasps.  We waited in silence for a few minutes and the wasps disappeared. Disaster averted! At the bottom there are vendors selling handicrafts and ice-cream!!!! Covered in sweat, I pulled out an equally sweaty 50 rupee.  At that moment I thought that ice-cream was as good as it gets…until I spotted several monkeys!

And that is as good as it gets for me…monkeys and mountains in one morning!!!

Make the Most of Your Visit to Sigirya
◾Go at 6:30 am when it opens. I know it’s early, but it gets really hot, so trust me, you’ll be happy you did!
◾Stop and check out Mirror Wall, it’s well labeled.  Look closely and you’ll see that it still retains some of its shine that it had 1500 years ago.
◾Directly above Mirror Wall look up and about halfway up you’ll see  the little remaining mural.  In King Kasyapa’s time, the entire wall was a mural.
◾When you come to the Lion’s Feet look to the left and you’ll see black things hanging to the side of the rock.  These are the wasp nests that I previously mentioned.
◾You can either return the same way down, or just before the Mirror Wall, take the stairs to the right.  This is where all the vendors are selling handicrafts…and ice-cream!
◾There are also historical gardens there, considered to be among some of the most important in Asia.  I didn’t visit them, but they looked lovely from the top of Lion Rock.
◾Expect it to be busy.  Remember this is Sri Lanka’s most visited historical site.
◾Bring water, you will sweat and there’s no place to buy it once you’ve started hiking up, until you’re at the bottom again.
◾Anyone in reasonably good shape can reach the top, just go slow and take breaks when you need them.  If you are extremely unfit, you may not get to the top.

Where to Stay
I stayed at Chaaya Village Habarana.  I really enjoyed the natural feel of this property where guests are greeted with cinnamon scented wash clothes and the open air lobby and restaurant.  The property  really does resemble a village with the thatched roof huts that guests stay in. Trees line the ample property and monkeys and giant squirrels are frequent visitors!  Even the paint used is in harmony with nature and is mixed with mud! If you’re seeking something more lavish, then try the Cinnamon Lodge Habarna. You can find both properties at Cinnamon Hotels.

How To Get There
Sigirya is approximately a 3 hour drive from Colombo.  If you’re short on time, then consider a Cinnamon Air flight, which only takes 30 minutes. Through October 2015 it costs $223 USD.   Note:  Thank you to Cinnamon Hotels for making my visit and stay possible.  As always, all opinions are my own.

Laurel Robbins – MonkeysandMountains

Blog Post – http://monkeysandmountains.com/sigirya-rock-sri-lanka

Laurel Robbins was hosted by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts and SriLankan Airlines in partnership with the Professional Travel Bloggers Association for TBCasia – Asia’s First Ever Travel Bloggers Conference 2014 in Sri Lanka.

There’s so much to see and do in Sri Lanka, you’ll need to visit here on holiday several times to enjoy everything. Here’s our list to start you off.

1.         Watch the sunset from Galle Face Green

Galle Face Green is the lung of Colombo, an open stretch of grass beside the sea that links the old Colombo Fort area with the metropolis developed to its south. The Galle Face Green faces west and is the perfect place to watch the sun, as a huge golden orb, setting into the Indian Ocean.

It’s fun (and free) to stroll along the waterfront, as the citizens of Colombo do, enjoying the breeze, the camaraderie, the evening hawker snacks, and even buying a kite and having a go at flying it, as the sun sets.

2. Swim in the Indian Ocean

Head 60km south to the gorgeous beaches in the coves and bays along the west coast at Beruwala & Bentota and Hikkaduwa (98km)from October to April when the sea is invitingly calm.

From April to October, plunge into the Indian Ocean from the beaches along the East Coast, especially at Uppuveli just north of Trincomalee (257km from Colombo) or go south east to sport in the shallow waters at Passikudah (273km from Colombo).

3. Sample Sri Lanka’s rice & curry

Rice and curry is Sri Lankans’ staple and you’ll be offered it for lunch, dinner and even breakfast. It’s amazing what canbe served as a curry; not just meat or fish but vegetables,roots and even flowers too.

A good place to experiment is a hotel’s buffet which will usually have a rice and curry corner where you can sample the items you fancy. Once you have the taste for it, angle for an invitation to lunch at a village homestead where the curries will be rich in flavour and smoky from being cooked over a wood fire.

4. Stroll around the Galle Fort ramparts

Galle Fort (116km by road from Colombo) in the island’s southwest corner is the best preserved colonial sea fortress in the whole of Asia. It’s also a thriving residential community with 470 houses, ranging in style from Dutch colonial mansions with columns and deep stoeps to nifty, art deco town houses.

It’s Number 200 on UNESCO’s World Heritage List and there’s no fee to enter and stroll its cobbled streets, popping into the trendy gift shops and cafés, and mounting the ramparts to walk right around the top of the fort’s walls.

5. Tour a tea factory and drink fresh tea

Sri Lanka is the home of Pure Ceylon Tea and there are tea factories near Kandy and higher in the hill country that welcome visitors to see how tea is processed and to taste a cup near the garden where it was grown. In Colombo, sip serendipity in the tea house run by the Sri Lanka Tea Board in the restored Grand Stand of the old Colombo Race Course.

6. Visit the Temple of the Tooth

Not only is the journey to Kandy, 116km from Colombo by road, train or air taxi, spectacular and the former medieval kingdom city endlessly interesting, the visit to Kandy’s revered Tooth Temple (Sri Dalada Maligawa) becomes a unique spiritual experience.

The tooth, taken from the ashes after the cremation of Gauthama Buddha, is an object of veneration to Buddhists and of curiosity to visitors. You don’t actually see it, but can join locals in paying respects at the shrine.

7. Ride a hill country train from Nanu Oya to Bandarawela

One of the world’s great train trips. From Nanu Oya by train on the single broad gauge track that climbs to the rail summit at Pattipola 1,911m above sea level, and then wends its way through clouds with hill top views of rushing waterfalls and plunging valleys on a unique two hour journey to the hill sanatorium town of Bandarawela., 197km from Colombo.

8. Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Like a mushroom of golden-hued granite protruding 183m into the searing blue sky from a hot, flat wilderness of scrub land (transformed in the rainy season to a water garden) the Lion Rock at Sigiriya (168km from Colombo), is a formidable sight. Seeing the ruins of a palace built in the 5^th century (and awesome views) as well as ancient, voluptuous frescoes are a fitting reward for the climb.

9.  Experience Elephants

Elephants can be seen in National Parks, in the Dehiwela Zoo (10km south of Colombo) and thrillingly in the elephant orphanage at Pinnawela (on the way to Kandy) where visitors can watch elephants bathe and even help feed orphaned baby ones. Elephant riding in a howdah can be arranged at Habarana, 197km from Colombo near Sigiriya.

10.   Look for Leopards at Yala National Park

Leopards come out to play at Yala National Park (283km from Colombo) and, as well as elephants, sloth bears and crocodiles, can be seen during dawn or dusk jeep safaris of a few hours. Lots of chances to photograph wild life in the raw before enjoying a hearty breakfast or sundowner cocktails at your hotel. (The park is closed from 1 September to 16 October every year.)

In the 1867, the fortunes of British-governed Ceylon, as Sri Lanka was then known, were enhanced by the building of the first railway track to Kandy and the planting near Kandy that same year of the first field of tea.

Tea & Trains

Tea turned out to be the freight that made the railways profitable, while without the availability of rail transport to the Colombo harbour for its shipment overseas, Ceylon tea would never have reached the outside world.

This year, 2014, Sri Lanka Railways celebrates the 150^th anniversary of the country’s first scheduled train journey. This took place on a sunny day in October 1864, when the first train to make a scheduled journey in Sri Lanka steamed into Ambepussa station, 54km from Colombo. Three years later, in 1867, the railway line to Kandy officially opened.

The idea of building a railway was first mooted in 1845. Then a bullock cart averaged 12 days to make the tedious journey of 115km (72 miles) from Colombo to Kandy, climbing from sea level to 488m (1,602ft). Coffee planters wanted a railway to transport their crop but it was not until 1856 that an ordinance was passed for the construction of a railway line between Colombo and Kandy.

A Briton, W F Faviell, who had previously helped construct railways in India, was contracted by the government in 1863 to begin building the line. It was a difficult job and the 3,000 men constructing it were hampered by malaria and cholera, monsoon rains, floods and landslides as well as rocky, hilly and steep terrain.

Yakada Yaka

Once the track was laid, rail travel by train became very popular, with the puffing steam engines becoming known as yakada yakada. Although the words mean Iron Devil in Sinhala, they are also onomatopoeic, capturing the sound made by the engine as it gathered rhythm and rattled over the points: yakada…yakada.

The first engine to steam into Kandy was manufactured in England by R Stephenson & Co and went on to serve the Ceylon Government Railway (CGR) for 60 years. The passenger coaches were uncomfortable four wheeled carriages, the only luxuries being projecting sun shades, bonnet-type side ventilation, glass drop windows and a double roof with coconut oil lamps.

The railway opened 11 years after the first line in India and reached Kandy just 52 years after the once-unconquerable hill kingdom had fallen to the British. The rolling stock at the beginning consisted of 15 goods engines with 65 coaches and 200 goods wagons.

Scenic Journeys

With the opening up of the hill country by planters there was soon a demand for the railway to be extended to keep pace with the spread of tea. As a result, the line from Peradeniya was laid to Gampola by 1873 and, in 1885, to Nanu Oya (205 km from Colombo) for Nuwara Eliya.

It wasn’t until 1894 that the line was cut through the hills, rising to its highest point of 1,898m (6,226ft) above sea level just beyond Pattipola station, to Bandarawela (197km from Colombo). This section is still regarded as one of the world’s great scenic railway journeys as well as an amazing engineering achievement.

The railways spread northwards with spurs to Matale from Kandy in 1880 and another from Polgahawela to Kurunegala in 1894, reaching Anuradhapura (206km from Colombo) ten years later. A line was also laid southwards from Colombo 116km along the coast to Galle and on to Matara (160km). By the end of the 1920s, the total network consisted of 1,530km and the railway was making a profit. A decade later, as road transport improved, that profit had turned to a loss.

Steam Memories

A hundred years after its inauguration, the inventory of CGR had expanded to 225 steam engines and 120 diesel-powered locomotives and rail cars. Fifty years later there were only four steam locomotives remaining in operating condition. However, travel in a train hauled by a steam locomotive dating from the 1920s or 1940s is still possible by special charter of the Viceroy Special train on journeys to Galle and Kandy.

Relics of the early days of railways can be seen in the small Railway Museum, just a short walk eastwards along Olcott Mawatha from Colombo Fort railway station. (www.railwaymuseum.lk).The museum consists of a hall with some railway station furniture, including a Tyers Patent Train Tablet Apparatus over 100 years old, and a station platform called Colombo Terminus, and a couple of cute steam locos. Admission is free and the museum is open from 08.00hrs to 16.00hrs every day except public holidays and weekends.

Thousands of visitors come to visit the once great kingdom of Polonnaruwa. Stupas, statues, tombs and temples are aplenty, making for an unforgettable experience. But there is more than history and ancient structures here; Polonnaruwa has the richest of stories among Sri Lankan history with hidden treasures strewn across the district and town.

We’ve uncovered 5 lesser known things about this magical old kingdom that might turn your trip into the best discovery ever.

1. No Bull Moonstones

Yes, you did read that right. There’s a strict no-bull policy that went into the sculpture and production of moonstones. Moonstones are the traditional semicircular base at the entrance to state and religious buildings, usually adorned with rows of animal figures. While its neighbouring kingdom Anuradhapura houses moonstones with cattle, the Hindu influence of the Polonnaruwa era shows to have removed the animal representing Lord Shiva’s mount, Nandi the bull from their entrances.

2. Disney Nature’s Monkey Kingdom

The critically acclaimed Monkey Kingdom released in 2015 by Disney Nature was shot entirely in Polonnaruwa. The film, narrated by Tina Fey follows a troupe of Macaques living in the ancient ruins in the Polonnaruwa jungles. The documentary is a breathtaking representation of Polonnaruwa and its world of hidden treasures. The legendary primatologist and Disney Nature Ambassador Dr. Jane Goodall also visited Sri Lanka, joining the crew in the Polonnaruwa jungles. When you visit the ruins, remember to watch out for the monkey whose kingdom this is today.

3. Duran-Duran in Polonnaruwa

The famed 80’s synth-pop band Duran-Duran spent a considerable amount of time in Polonnaruwa which went on to feature heavily in the music video of their 1982 hit Save a Prayer. The video features the band amidst the ruins – something you won’t be able to do now. Polonnaruwa is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and sacred to Sri Lankans.

4. Sri Lanka’s Lake District

Ancient Sri Lankan architecture isn’t the only element on historical wonder; our ancient engineering techniques are still revered among archaeologists and engineers today. Both elements feature in harmony in Polonnaruwa, so when you visit the ancient sites don’t forget to also visit the breathtaking vistas of the district’s many ancient, manmade lakes.

5. Jananathamangalam

Polonnaruwa was briefly called Jananathamangalam. In 1012 AD, Sri Lanka briefly fell under Chola rule at which point the kingdom absorbed many elements of Dravidian culture.  The Chola empire would refer to Polonnaruwa as either Jananatha Mangalam or Jananatha Puram and called Sri Lanka, Mummudi Sola Mundelam.

Visiting the Mask Factory and Museum will give you an insight into Sri Lankan traditional arts and crafts as well as Sri Lankan handicrafts. Although mask making is a very popular tradition in Sri Lanka, it is a dying tradition, and the best place to get your fill of mask lore is the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum. Upon your visit to the factory and museum you will be mesmerized by the rich history and lengthy procedure of making a mask. At the Museum you will witness two entire collections of masks belonging to the Sanni Yakuma ritual and Kolam Dance, and the primitive tools used to carve these masks. The museum also has a small library and a mask workshop as well. The mask library here is one of a kind and contains anthropological records of mask-making and the history of traditional performances that use masks.

It is a must to visit the workshop and watch the talented local artisans work their magic on a piece of wood. The carvings and the traditional colours used will give you a taste of the rich talent of these artisans that breathe life into pieces of wood. You can also buy yourself your own mask as souvenir to remind you of your adventures in Beruwala, Sri Lanka. If you’re feeling creative, purchase an unpainted mask and unmask your creativity.

The Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is situated merely 8kms away from Cinnamon Bey Beruwala and it is just a 15-minute drive from the hotel to the factory and museum. Leave the organizing and curating of your visit to the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum to us! We will ensure everything is done and planned out for your excursion; all you need to do is let us know your preferences. Visiting the Ambalangoda Mask Workshop and Museum is one of the most important items on the Cinnamon Bey Beruwala bucket list and we will ensure that you enjoy the experience to the maximum!

We at Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts and Cinnamon Bey Beruwala are ready to welcome you for a memorable and safe stay with us! With Cinnamon Care we ensure the safest way to visit your favourite paradise island and enjoy nature, vibrant history, Sri Lankan traditional arts and crafts and the rich culture Sri Lanka has been endowed with!

Integrated living is slowly becoming the trendiest way to live in the city. This new phenomenon of living in environments with your every need at hand has also caught Colombo by storm with the upcoming Cinnamon Life integrated development. To understand what living in an integrated complex is like, let us show you what your backyard will look like:

We constantly complain about the lack of time to do the thing we really want to because our lives are governed by the rat race. Wouldn’t it be nice to be presented with an alternative where you actually have the time to stop and smell the roses? Living in an environment that makes your life easier and saves you precious time are bound to make you happy. Cinnamon Life presents a new way of living, letting you engage in the thing you want to, from indulging in hobbies to spending quality time with loved ones.

Integrated development is fast becoming a fashion statement with younger professionals and for good reason: if you have the convenience of your every need within reach – preferably in your backyard – it makes life all the more convenient. Cinnamon Life also promotes sustainable living for residents and business operators, letting you walk to your destination or just take a short drive.

Cinnamon Life has been designed as a one-stop centre for all your needs, incorporating convenient components to integrate and compliment the many things your life is about. The residential towers are designed to co-exist with a shopping mall with separate entrances that include a drop off lobby, private residence entrances, exclusive car parks and separate security.

It also promotes the idea of live, work and play in a single location, allowing for convenience at every turn. Reducing traffic and pollution with lower usage of cars, better quality living, less time wasted commuting, pedestrian-friendly environments within the vicinity and the ability to live near all your needs combine to make this the new benchmark for 21st century living. Space to unwind and enjoy a cup of coffee and places to mingle with friends are features added specially to incorporate the essence of your lifestyle.

Integrated living endeavours to help you live a healthier and better quality life and keeps all your needs in the vicinity of your home. Just walk out of your apartment and down to the walkways lined with trees and some beautiful scenery or just pop down to the gym a few floors away. Maybe do a bit of grocery shopping on your way back home or take your family out to dinner downstairs. Everything you need literally is in your backyard when you live at Cinnamon Life.

The ever-changing needs of 21st century living are well met in the many integrated developments popping up all over Asia today. Fully functional cities, encompassing housing and commercial spaces, shopping and entertainment all within the same compound, make life more convenient and that much richer. Let’s look at some of the key developments in the region today:

CapitaLand is the largest real estate fund management businesses in Asia, with 9 Raffles City projects that are testament to CapitaLand’s leading position in integrated developments. The company’s main focus is on building quality spaces catering to discerning tastes while offering great value in the process. The already completed Raffles Cities in Shanghai, Beijing, Ningbo and Chengdu are landmarks in their respective cities, offering a better quality of life and a much sort after address.

Marina Bay Sands is an integrated development committed to meeting Singapore’s social needs while achieving the country’s’ economic and tourism goals. The destination offers a luxury hotel, state-of-the art convention and exhibition facilities, theatres, world-class entertainment and the best shopping and dining in the region. The three hotel towers are crowned by the spectacular Sands SkyPark located on level 57. Situated on 15.5 hectares of land, the property won over 320 awards since opening in 2010. Marina Bay Sands is also the first venue in Southeast Asia to attain the ISO 20121 Sustainable Events Management certification, making it a destination for those who appreciate luxury.

Another fast-growing integrated developer is Malaysia’s Sunway Properties. An award-winning developer, Sunway builds for a better tomorrow by creating an integrated environment for living, learning, working and leisure. Sunway successfully introduced the “Resort Living within the City” lifestyle concept “Sunway Resort City. The city is. home to the world’s largest man-made surf beach and the iconic Sunway Pyramid shopping mall with its landmark pyramid and lion’s head. The township is also home to a world-class centre for education and healthcare alongside the finest in retail and commercial facilities.

Colombo city’s upcoming Cinnamon Life is tipped to be a game-changer for Sri Lanka as the country gears up for a high volume of commercial development in and around the city. Dubbed Colombo’s life capital, Cinnamon Life is also the largest private sector led development project in Sri Lanka to date.

Cinnamon Life will feature residences, office complexes, a signature Cinnamon brand hotel, retail mall, conferencing facilities, entertainment venues, fine dining and more, making it a one-stop-shop for everyone’s need. Located in the heart of Colombo, this waterfront property’s multifaceted offerings are tipped to make it the most sought after location in the city.

The world over, integrated developments are increasingly becoming the preferred choice for families looking for better living environments and more time for the good things in life.

If you’ve missed out on all the action at the Cinnamon Travel Blogger Awards 2016, here’s the full list of Bronze, Silver and Gold ‘Award Winners’.

Find out more information on the Cinnamon Travel Blogger Awards 2016 and the independent judging panel with just a click.

Follow the #TBCasia on Instagram and Twitter!

The Travel Bloggers Conference Asia- more commonly known as CinnamonTBCasia, was initiated and conceptualized by Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts in collaboration with the Professional Travel Bloggers Association(PTBA).

In 2014 and 2016, Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts together with Sri LankanAirlines organized Asia’s first ever Travel Blogger Conference in Colombo Sri Lanka.

Cinnamon Holidays together with HSBC Premier will bring together the biggest Wildlife show yet, presented by Chris Packham and Paul Goldstein on the 2^nd of April 2016 at the Stables at Park Street Mews. This event is part of their official tour to Sri Lanka with Cinnamon Hotels and Resorts which is bound to be a visual treat on Big Animals across the globes most enchanting wildlife theaters.

BBC presenter, author, wildlife evangelist and conservationist Chris Packham and the award-winning photographer, presenter and legendary wildlife guide Paul Goldstein will be dazzling Colombo with a one-off spectacular evening of wildlife anecdotes and lavish images. Friends and sparring partners, these two have worked together all over the world and both are at the top of their games. Packham’s pedigree in television is second to none and is often said to be ‘Attenborough in waiting.’

Goldstein on the other hand is one of the most sought-after wildlife guides in the world and a passionate conservationist promoting sustainable tourism. They both take extraordinary pictures and are brilliant raconteurs. Neither is afraid of making enemies and are massively driven to achieve change in the way we consider animals which makes this an extra ordinary presentation for wildlife enthusiast.

Cinnamon Holidays curates holiday experiences to celebrate the natural world, admiring traditions and heritage, diversity of people and places while treading lightly among the magical spaces on earth. ‘Wildlife Exposed’ will be the launch of the luxurious African safari guided by Chitral Jayatilake, specially designed to coincide with the great migration with many more tailor made holiday extensions.

“Nature lovers and wildlife enthusiasts will have yet another opportunity to engage with two world class nature photographers and presenters at a special talk show which is probably the biggest wildlife event held to date in Sri Lanka.” –  Head of Wildlife Tourism arm at Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts