Sri Lanka among the hottest new stopover destinations: The Sydney Morning Herald

Beyond Singapore and Dubai: The hottest new stopover destinations

All but written off during the pandemic, when travellers wanted to get from A to B with as little hassle and risk as possible – think excessive security, mask-wearing, the chance of being infected – the stopover has defied the cynics and is back in a big way

Veterans, and for that matter, masters of long-haul travel by necessity, Australians are once more looking (or should be) to break their journey, pack more into their holiday and explore multiple destinations.

THE (NOT INDIA) SUBCONTINENTAL STOPOVER

Steeped in colonial history and a colourful spice and tea trade, a spirited revival gives ample reason to break your journey in Sri Lanka’s buzzing capital en route to the Maldives via its capital Male. In Colombo, admire magnificent colonial buildings housing chic homeware stores, art galleries and department stores, take a tuk tuk (or three-wheeler) tour, hit the baffling Pettah Market, sip on a king coconut from a street vendor and visit the home of the late renowned local architect, Geoffrey Bawa. Stretch your legs with a stroll along the seaside at Galle Face Green where kids fly kites and shy couples hold hands. Sri Lanka Airlines flights between Australia and Male include transit accommodation at the airport. A visa is required to enter Sri Lanka.

Source: https://www.smh.com.au/traveller/inspiration/beyond-singapore-and-dubai-the-hottest-new-stopover-destinations-20230414-p5d0kq.html