Batik workshops to the world’s first arrack-speciality bar — a lowdown on lesser-known destinations of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is trending, especially among Indian travellers, given its proximity, connectivity, pristine beaches, boutique hotels, safari parks and outstanding experiences for travellers. According to the numbers released by the Sri Lankan tourism board, the island nation clocked 2.17 million tourists by December 11, which, despite the effects of the cyclone, have surpassed last year’s numbers, with the India continuing to be the highest generator of tourists. We ask three influential locals, insiders in their own right, to give us their ‘local’ recommendations on things to do that are off the beaten path. Colombo can be looked at as a hub for trendy design, art and architecture; Galle, albeit touristy, is a hotbed of insider experiences, and the unexplored parts of Yala National Park can also be looked at through a cultural lens, beyond wildlife. In and around Colombo Dambulla/Inamaluwa, Sri Lanka - December 10, 2016: Local women make the colourful batik. The material created by the batik-makers is used to produce bed covers, tablecloths, wall pictures, dresses, shirts, sarongs, beachwear and others men's and ladies' wear. Each batik piece is individually handmade by adult women who look very young. The manufacture and export of the batik textile products are one of the biggest industries in Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: Adam Smigielski Few tourists spend more time in Colombo and areas surrounding it. Colombo is a bustling hub of art, design, culture, food and drink, as well as fashion. Since I love the Sri Lankan art form of batik, I would definitely recommend visitors to take a half-day trip just outside Colombo to the batik village of Koswadiya. Located just 65 kilometres outside Colombo, closer to the town of Negombo, here you can attend a batik workshop to understand how saris and sarongs are made in batik and interact with the artisans. The Buddhi Batiks batik workshop is a great place to do this and you can follow it with a simple, Sri Lankan vegetarian meal cooked by the villagers. Another place to explore, before heading to the Bandaranaike International Airport, is the seaside town of Negombo. It is just a couple of minutes away from the airport. Negombo’s main beach road, brimming with restaurants and cafes, is popular with tourists but it is a great place to see authentic Sri Lankan daily life. I enjoy going to Negombo over the weekend. Darshi Keerthisena | Photo Credit: Special arrangement I highly recommend spending some time in Colombo to experience the local lifestyle - There are art galleries like Saskia Fernando Art Gallery, or the Radicle art gallery in a restored heritage building with a chic café at the corner, and hidden bars like Kampong in a nondescript part of town. -Darshi Keerthisena, fashion designer and batik specialist Nature’s lap An Asian elephant can be seen walking along a dirt road at Yala National Park in Tissamaharama, Southern Province of Sri Lanka. | Photo Credit: SolStock While Yala National Park’s popular touristy areas may be done to death, and often...

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