Sri Lanka. It seems to be the holiday destination on everyone’s lips right now, and so, after spending two weeks on the sunny island off the south coast of India, I thought I’d give you my five highlights of my trip …

1. The weather. It’s amazing and you can find a sunny side of the island year round…. but be warned it’s only a few degrees north of the equator and apart from Singapore (when I nearly died running a marathon [read about that nightmare here]) and the Australian Outback (when I nearly died working in a garlic factory for 6 weeks)… I’ve rarely experienced heat and humidity like it

   

2. People. Ok so I have a soft spot for the people of Myanmar, and I do love Filipinos… but I have to say the Sri Lankan people are happy, friendly and a joy to be around. I even got a free tuktuk one night…. not a common occurence in Asia and a surefire way to win over a Scot.

   

3. Beaches. Lots of beautiful beaches one after another all around the coast… quiet beaches, local beaches, party beaches… you want it you got it.

   

   

4. Turtles! I’ve spent 8 years trying to spot a sea turtle in the sea! My quest started when I nearly lost my life snorkelling on my own in Indonesia  (never do that) and it ended last week in Sri Lanka! They’re such an intriguing living link to the dinosaur age 200 million years ago. Love it. Wanna see turtles? Go here.

   

5. Running Aw come on you didn’t think I’d write a post without mentioning running did ya? If you can handle the heat (I’d recommend setting your alarm for 5:30am) then you’re never far from a quiet wee road or track to take you through rice plantations, past wild peacocks and give you the adventure of avoiding many a territorial barking dog… if that doesn’t convince you I don’t what will.