Sri Lanka is undoubtedly one of the most popular destinations to see this year and it turns out that the bars and clubs can be a big draw.
Recently a friend of mine traveled to the beautiful teardrop island for many reasons. She and her boyfriend wanted an experience like no other. They wanted to enjoy great traditional food, drink cocktails sitting under the cinnamon trees, and just generally have a vacation that other tourists haven’t experienced yet. “We wanted to see Sri Lanka in its original state, before the big hotel chains invade and the place becomes the newest tourist destination,” said Luci Martin. “I used to go to Thailand for a real Asian vacation, but it’s become overcrowded with tourists, chain hotels, department stores, and it just doesn’t have the same feeling anymore.”
Luci said Sri Lanka certainly doesn’t advertise itself as a nightclub and nightlife hotspot, but it definitely has a more thriving party scene than neighboring Nepal or India. “Alcohol laws are not as strict in Sri Lanka as in other Asian countries,” she said. “We found that there were loads of places where we could drink and dance in the capital city of Colombo.” Most of the bars and clubs are located in five-star hotels. Gambling is illegal in some South Asian countries, but they get around it by calling the casino clubs.
Luci recommends some great places to drink and dance here. The Blue Elephant for great lighting and the ability to request your favorite songs. For retro beats and the most beautiful view on the beach, head to Sri Lanka’s oldest nightclub – The Hut. Glow plays host to live bands, Zanzi Bar offers a top-notch party venue, and The Library is just that: a library by day and a nightclub by night. This is a classy and stylish place with a very relaxed atmosphere.
No matter where you spend your evenings, you can be sure that your cocktails will contain the signature Sri Lankan spice. Cinnamon is used in food, beverages, and contains an essential oil that gives it its aromatic flavor when extracted from the bark of the tree. The native spice has a warm, sweet woody aroma that is delicate yet intense. You’ll usually find the aromatic spice added to cocktails served warm, and bartenders typically make a cinnamon-based syrup that they mix into cocktails. The best drinks to pair with cinnamon are apple cider or bourbon. It also goes well with almond, blood orange, blackberry, blueberry, tangerine, fig, chocolate, coffee, pear, walnut, and banana.
If clubs and bars aren’t your thing, there’s plenty more to do and see in Sri Lanka. A highlight for Luci was the day she cycled through paddy fields, temples and villages to visit icons like Sigiriya Rock. She loved the nine-course Sinhalese meal at the former home of a Kandayan chief. [now known as the Kandy House]. You can also climb Sri Pada, Sri Lanka’s holiest mountain, swim at Wijaya Beach, or munch on coconuts while strolling through tea plantations.
Whatever you do while you’re there, be sure to take in the smells, the stunning visual landscapes, and of course, try the bars and clubs. We think you should do it now before others find out about this new and unique vacation destination.
