The ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean’ is having a foodie moment on these shores right now, make no mistake. Yep, Sri Lankan food has surged in popularity in recent years, with the average Jo now conversant in the merits of various hopper, the correct way to slap roti, and which sambol packs the most potent punch.

But rather than simply heading to Central London to try the finest Sri Lankan food, why not instead go all out, and travel directly to the source for your next foodie fix? The country’s ecosystem is varied and diverse, and combined with a rich amalgamation of regional and past-colonial influences (Indians, Arabs, Malays, Portuguese, Dutch and English tastes all play a part), this makes for a heady, intoxicating cuisine best enjoyed where it was born.

A close proximity to India means that the food shares similar traits and parallels, but don’t write this off as simple curry-mile fare. No, Sri Lankan cuisine really is like no other, and so much more than that. With this in mind, here are 5 must visits in your IDEAL foodie tour of Sri Lanka.

MINISTRY OF CRAB, COLOMBO

Colombo is Sri Lanka’s largest city and centre of commerce. As such, it’s likely you’ll be touching down here (at Colombo International Airport, sometimes called Bandaranaike International Airport, roughly 30km north of Colombo). For keen seafood lovers, make the Ministry of Crab in the heart of Old Colombo your first stop for a feed.

Housed in the Old Dutch Hospital within gorgeous colonial architecture, this superb restaurant is widely regarded as one of the country’s finest (it was recently voted #35 on the prestigious Asia’s 50 Best Restaurants List), and not surprisingly, the focus here is crab.

You can even order a 2KG ‘Crabzilla’, cooked in a variety of ways, including with garlic and chilli, a signature. The one consistent is the flavour of the wok; fires from a row of them lick the ceiling of the open kitchen. Amazing theatre with food to match.

A KANDY COOKING CLASS

Because you want to take home more than just souvenirs, right? How about returning with a few new dishes in your repertoire, learnt from those who understand Sri Lankan food implicitly? Sounds like just the ticket to us and the recipe for a dream foodie trip.

Perhaps the best place to take a Sri Lankan cookery class is in Kandy. Surrounded by mountains and tea plantations, the city’s unique surrounding biodiversity and cultural clout lends itself to a thriving, full throttle food scene. With the gorgeous tropical modernist design of much of the accomodation in Kandy, a stay in this famous city getting to grips with the country’s cuisine is a must.

NUWARA ELIYA TEA PLANTATION

Sri Lanka is well-known around the world for its tea, and if you’re a tea-lover, visiting Nuwara Eliya is essential. It’s the heart of Sri Lanka’s tea industry and is often referred to as the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. Here, you can sample teas, visit tea estates, see waterfalls and enjoy nature. Two and a half hours south of Kandy, the journey itself is as worthwhile as the destination, taking in the spectacular beauty of the Sri Lankan countryside from your train seat.

Ceylon Tea is perhaps the island’s most famous export and has accessible plantations in Nuwara Eliya, as well as Kandy and Uda Pussellawa. The views from these plantations, the former in particular, are usually located on elevated points of the island and are always fantastic. 

MAIN FISH MARKET, NEGOMBO

Open-air food markets in Sri Lanka are an amazing opportunity to try to diverse, delicious food of the country. It’s a cuisine which just feels right in this setting; free from the frippery of restaurant attempts to modernise what is a complex, refined cuisine anyway. 

The laid back town of Negombo, on Sri Lanka’s west coast and just 15 minutes from Colombo International Airport, boasts a bustling fish market (Lellama to the locals), with the catch of the day being bartered over from the moment the sun comes up. It’s actually the second largest in Sri Lanka, and the surrounding shacks and street food stalls are a great place to pitch up and eat. That, or you can buy fish fresh from the market and take it to a local restaurant who will happily turn it into something delicious for you.

THE BEACHES OF THE SOUTH WEST

Visitors to Sri Lanka keen on sand, surf and seafood tend to head to the country’s South Westerly beaches. Holidaymakers usually make for Bentota, a town replete with stunning vistas and perfect white sand. Here, there’s some seriously good seafood to be found. Keep a particular eye out for candied shrimp curry (as good as it sounds) and ambul thiyal, a traditional fish curry made sour with tamarind. 

Don’t stop there; make sure you seek out the famous pol sambol, a sort of condiment designed to give the meal that extra special kick. While there are lots of different sambols, pol sambol is perhaps the country’s best. Made from grated coconut mixed with red chillies, onions, salt and maldive fish, it’s so addictively good that it’ll bring you to tears knowing you can’t eat it every day back home. Or is that the chili making your eyes water? 

Located on the East Coast of the U.S., Philadelphia is rich in history, arts and culture, vibrant neighbourhoods, tax-free shopping and more. For those keen to show some kinship with the City of Brotherly Love this spring, you can now visit many of the city’s famous cultural institutions and attractions from the comfort of the sofa. And we’re all after moments of escape right now, hey?

Virtual travellers can delve into the crumbling cell blocks of the prison that once incarcerated Al ‘Scarface’ Capone with a tour of the Eastern State Penitentiary, learn about American history during an online tour of the Museum of the American Revolution, and remotely view several of the city’s art museums. 

What’s more, online holidaymakers with an appetite for local dishes can also recreate a traditional Philadelphia cheesesteak at home with help from the family run sandwich shop Campo’s Deli and listen to the sound of Philadelphia’s musical masterminds via a dedicated Spotify playlist. So, with that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL ways to bring the sights, sounds and scents of Philadelphia to your sofa this spring.

FOR VIRTUAL ‘DARK TOURISTS’: TOUR THE CELL BLOCKS OF EASTERN STATE PENITENTIARY

Opened in 1829, Eastern State Penitentiary in Philadelphia was once the world’s most famous and expensive prison until it closed in 1971. The notorious gangster Al ‘Scarface’ Capone was once incarcerated within the prison, and it is now offering online tours that highlight several cell blocks, the baseball field, and other locations throughout the historic site, both as they stand today and also as they looked in 1998. From one set of four walls to another, huh? For more information visit www.easternstate.org. 

FOR HISTORY BUFFS: LEARN ABOUT U.S. HISTORY AT THE MUSEUM OF THE AMERICAN REVOLUTION

Philadelphia is known as the ‘birthplace of America’ following its vital role in the American Revolution and is home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Independence Hall, where the Declaration of Independence and the Constitution were drafted, debated and adopted. 

The Museum of the American Revolution explores the story of the colonial revolt through a fascinating exhibition of Revolutionary-era weapons, personal items, letters, diaries, and works of art. 

For those interested in learning more about the history of America from their home, the museum  boasts a robust online tour, which navigates through the museum’s immersive galleries and incredible replicas via 360-degree, high-resolution images. For more information, visit www.amrevmuseum.org.

FOR ART ENTHUSIASTS: BROWSE THE CITY’S ESTEEMED MUSEUMS

The masterpieces that fill Philadelphia’s museums are certainly worth seeing in person, however many of the city’s institutions are now offering online tours, including The Barnes Foundation, which is allowing virtual visitors to navigate one of the greatest collections of impressionist, post-impressionist, and early modernist paintings in the world. 

What’s more, those keen to remotely view and learn more about Philadelphia’s impressive collection of outdoor art can enjoy a virtual tour of Philadelphia’s Magic Gardens and virtual art experiences from Mural Arts Philadelphia amongst other organisations via the Association of Public Art.

FOR FOODIES: RECREATE A PHILADELPHIA CHEESESTEAK FROM CAMPO’S DELI

For those craving a classic Philadelphia cheesesteak, Campo’s Deli in Old City is a family run sandwich shop that has been making cheesesteaks, hoagies and other speciality sandwiches since 1947. If you’re looking to try your hand at cooking the perfect cheesesteak at home during lockdown, Campo’s has provided a recipe to help bring the taste of Philadelphia to the kitchen:

Ingredients (makes one cheesesteak):

• 1/4 onion, chopped
• 150g shaved rib-eye steak, sliced to approximately 1/8th inch thickness
• 2 cheese slices
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 9-inch Italian roll or soft roll subs
• Salt and pepper to taste

Cooking Instructions:

• In a large sauté pan or on a griddle, add oil and heat to medium-high.
• Add onion followed by a pinch of salt and pepper. Cook onions until soft (5 minutes), stirring occasionally.
• Add rib-eye and a pinch of salt and pepper. Let each slice cook for roughly 45 seconds, then flip and cook for another 30 seconds.
• Add slices of cheese on top of steak and cover to melt cheese (10 seconds).
• Transfer steak, onions and cheese onto sliced Italian roll and enjoy! 

For more information on Campo’s Deli, visit www.camposdeli.com.

FOR MUSIC FANS: BRING THE SOUND OF PHILADELPHIA HOME

Let’s get properly immersed in Philly’s unique vibe, we thought we ought to soundtrack things, too. Fortunately, you can listen to music from some of the region’s most iconic performers via Philadelphia CVB’s “Philadelphia From Home” Spotify playlist. The playlist includes music from homegrown artists such as Will Smith, Meek Mill and Boyz II Men, plus the timeless anthem, Bill Conti’s ‘Gonna Fly Now’, which featured in the Rocky film while Sylvester Stallone ran up the iconic steps of the Philadelphia Museum of Art. 

Those with a more classical taste can stream several albums by the Philadelphia Orchestra or view a recent performance of Beethoven Symphonies Nos. 5 and 6 at Verizon Hall online. 

For more remote moments, virtual travellers can follow the #VisitFromHome and #PhillyFromHome hashtags on Twitter. For more information on Philadelphia, visit the Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau’s website, www.discoverPHL.com. And when this thing’s over, perhaps we’ll share a proper hug in the City of Brotherly Love?   

Dunno about you, but those images of an empty London doing the rounds online don’t speak of peace and serenity to us. Sure, we can joke about dolphins returning to the Thames, but the Big Smoke bereft of activity and buzz is a sad sight to us. We miss the rich tapestry of London life, the restaurants and bars, and even though they decline to greet us with a cheerful ‘Good Morning’, we miss the people! 

So, while a day out in London isn’t an option right now, an appreciation of our favourite city is easy from behind your screen. In fact, you can take a tour of tourist hotspots online which as a London resident, you may not have ever taken the time to truly appreciate. With that in mind, we’ve rounded up the best virtual tours of London. Here are 10 IDEAL virtual tours of London landmarks.

VISIT LONDON VIRTUAL TOUR

The augmented reality experts Visualise have teamed up with Visit London to bring us a 360 virtual tour of London’s most iconic sites. And might we compliment them on their timing; our longing for escapism from the four walls of lockdown living knows no bounds right now. 

Read: 7 uses for VR headsets beyond the world of gaming

All you’ve got to do is click on locations in the picture marked with ‘360’ icons and zoom in to explore them. View on your iPad for best results and click the gyro button for full interaction as you move the tablet around.  

Take the tour here

NATURAL HISTORY MUSEUM 

The closest you’ll get to frolicking in nature and history right now, we think. The Natural History Museum is home to 80 million items detailing botany, entomology, mineralogy, paleontology and zoology. Get up close and personal (whilst maintaining proper social distancing, of course) with the famous Dippy, a massive skeleton of a Diplodocus Carnegii in the main hall.

Take the tour here

MUSEUM OF LONDON 

If you can’t physically explore the capital, then you can at least delve into its history via a virtual tour of the Museum of London. In such a topsy turvy present, the turbulent past of our beloved city somehow seems even stranger.

Take the tour here

BRITISH LIBRARY 

‘And they provide a perfect form of escapism’…although books are brilliant at delivering just that, if you want to imagine there’s a secret tunnel hidden behind your bookcase which leads to somewhere even more exciting, try out the British Library’s online collection of exhibits.

Discover all the books here

BUCKINGHAM PALACE 

The official royal residence can also be explored online. Some of Buckingham palace’s staterooms where the King and members of the Royal family receive and entertain their guests for state, ceremonial and official occasions – including the White Drawing Room, The Throne Room and the Blue Drawing Room – can be viewed online via a full-circle, full-swivel tool. And who doesn’t love a 360 virtual tour, hey?

And while the doors are shut, you can also enjoy the Royal collection here: www.rct.uk 

HOUSES OF PARLIAMENT 

Take a visit to the halls of power on this virtual tour of the House of Commons, the House of Lords and the spaces in between, allowing virtual visitors in to explore some of Parliament’s most famous rooms. Though you won’t be able to chastise those in charge for underfunding the NHS on this tour, there’s still some fun to be had in role-playing it.

If you do want to have your actual voice heard, make sure you sign this petition calling for an increase in pay for NHS health workers.

Take the tour here

TOWER OF LONDON 

The Tower of London has a story spanning hundreds of years, and at times the script gets just a little bit gruesome. The Tower was used as a prison and for executions throughout history, but today, it’s a popular tourist attraction and home to the dazzling Crown Jewels; a collection of diamonds and gems that are sure to wow you if you’re a fan of bling.

Take the of the tower tour here

10 DOWNING STREET 

Though you should be keeping away from here right now, with all the viruses going around (Dominic Goings, am I right, guys?!), you can still take a virtual tour of the Prime Minister’s crib online. Just make sure you carry some disinfectant with you.

Get inside 10 Downing Street here

ROYAL ALBERT HALL

The iconic auditorium plays host to some truly dazzling spectacles. While the curtains are drawn, you can still take a look inside this most distinctive, beloved building.

Have a look inside Albert Hall here

HAMPTON COURT PALACE 

Since we’ve all grown a little tired of staring at the walls of our own place, why not go and have a shifty around someone else’s? Hampton Court Palace is usually pretty packed with visitors; here’s your chance to appreciate it without the crowds. 

Take the tour here

And if you want to continue your curiosity on the continent, here’s some more IDEAL escapism; virtual tours around 10 amazing European museums.

My body’s not a temple, it’s an amusement park. Though Antony Bourdain certainly had that right, for those who spend so much of the year maintaining peak physical fitness, the idea of a holiday spent lounging around doing very little may not appeal.

Better to opt for a sojourn which balances socialising, sunning and that all important daily physical activity, we think, enabling you to kick back whilst also kick on with your exercise regime.

A little research reveals that there are holidays to suit practically any pastime and even if you’re not heading off until next year, it’s never too early to weigh up your options. With that in mind, here are 5 IDEAL active holidays for keep-fit fans.

SURFING IN PENICHE, PORTUGAL

Beyond the beaches, the golf and the pasta del nata, Portugal’s best offering is perhaps shaped by the wind and water – the world beating waves for all year round surfing. Indeed, the surf in Portugal is as good as it gets and attracts some of the planet’s best. 

It’s a 365 days a year activity in Portugal, with a diverse and natural coastline, exceptional climate, and pristine water offering waves of every kind for every skill level.

Peniche, in particular, and the sea are inseparable. It’s one of the largest traditional fishing ports in Portugal and a major Atlantic hub for maritime-tourist activities. The town is the home of Supertubos – arguably Portugal’s most famous wave.

The “Supertubos” (super tubes) beach is known for its large tubular waves and is a perfect spot for experienced surfers. If you’re a beginner, the Cantinho da Baia beach is a better bet.

BOXING, CUBA

Cuba’s amateur boxers are in a class of their own – had they been permitted to turn pro by their native political system, many experts believe that elite fighters such as Teofilo Stevenson and Felix Savon would have cleaned up in the professional ranks.

If you’re a keen boxer, it’s possible to attend an amazing Cuba Boxing & Fitness boot camp where you’ll stay in a comfortable Havana villa and train during the day with some of the Caribbean island’s best contemporary fighters. 

Whether you participate in boxing training because it’s the ultimate workout or you actually compete back home, this unique experience will keep you fighting fit and sharpen your competitive edge.

MOUNTAIN BIKING, SCOTLAND

Scotland has been voted the world’s most beautiful country several times and if you’re fanatical about mountain biking, you can see some of its most stunning spots while tearing down terrific trails on two wheels. 

There are organised mountain bike routes at gorgeous locations like Glentress, Kingussie, Aviemore and elsewhere, but it’s probably best to take some expert advice before heading into the Highlands under your own steam – terrain can get rough and safety always comes first. Take a look at this mountain biking guide from Visit Scotland for the lowdown.

SKIING, FRANCE

A few hours on the piste skiing or snowboarding can burn a couple of thousand calories and after a week on the slopes, your legs will be more toned than ever, as anyone who’s nursed some sores during apres-ski will surely attest.

There are plenty of resorts to choose from worldwide, but French Alps resorts like Chamonix and Val d’Isere are absolutely beautiful and offer outstanding apres-ski and comfortable accommodation to boot.

If you haven’t been before, book a ski package from NUCO Travel and you’re taken care of by people who are passionate skiers themselves – hence they’re dedicated to ensuring you have the time of your life. 

HIKE THE LAVA FIELDS OF ARENAL, COSTA RICA

90km northwest of Costa Rica’s capital city San Jose lies the active Arenal Volcano and its surrounding national park, complete with a jungle, hot springs, a waterfall, lake and all the adventure activities you’d expect from such a diversity of landscape. Here you can indulge in some of the most thrilling hiking you’ll ever lay feet on.

You’ll want to head for the town of La Fortuna first, which acts as the gateway to the National Park. Even though it primarily caters to tourists, the backdrop of Arenal Volcano towering over the town is jaw-dropping, to say the least, and worth the visit alone. 

In the National Park itself, you can go on several trails and hikes which pass through lava fields, and those brave enough to get a little closer will, at night, still see lava flowing down the volcano’s sides. Fear not, the park is well patrolled and the volcano monitored by expert wardens; should an eruption be imminent, the National Park will be closed for everyone’s safety. An absolute must-visit on anyone’s Costa Rican itinerary, this one.

Trips have been cancelled. Plans put on hold. Even our afternoon stroll is under threat. Escapism; it’s all we’ve got right now. But how exactly do you see the sights of unexplored, exotic destinations from the sanctity of your living room? How do you recreate the flavours of your favourite far flung places in your home kitchen? How do you interact with new cultures with that warmth and openness which travelling nurtures so beautifully?

Here’s a start; our 6 IDEAL ways to satisfy your wanderlust during lockdown.

COFFEE TABLE TRAVEL BOOKS

Sure, there was once a time when we would’ve scoffed at huge, photographic tomes of travel snaps, tastefully positioned on a coffee table. But these are unprecedented times. Suddenly, we’re finding great comfort and wonder in professional travel photography; seeing the world rendered so beautifully makes us feel much closer to the other side of it. Check out the Independent’s tips on the 15 best travel coffee table books for inspiration!

For something a bit more purposeful (and a little less pretentious, perhaps), have you considered recipe books of exciting, exotic cuisines doubling up as a coffee table travel book? David Thompson’s brilliant book Thai Street Food has some spectacular photography of street scenes in the Land of Smiles and Spice, and is just beautiful. Or, for something a little closer to home, Nuno Mendes’ love letter to Lisbon, ‘Lisboeta; Recipes from Portugal’s City of Light’ captures the majesty of one our favourite foodie cities on the planet.

COOK THE GLOBE

Those cooking books shouldn’t satisfy only your aesthetic needs. Indeed, now is the perfect time to flex those culinary muscles and get to grips with some new recipes, cuisines, and ultimately, cultures too. 

With more time on our hands, lockdown life can offer its own sense of escapism at meal times. Why not try out a new country’s cuisines a couple of times a week? We understand that finding esoteric ingredients is tough right now, and some of the more obscure kitchen equipment from across the globe will be hard to get your hands on, but with diligent recipe reading and one-shopping-trip-a-week planning, you can have yourself a trip around the globe via your tongue instead.

A learning experience and adding new dishes to your repertoire; what’s not to love?

TRAVEL ON TV

For now, much of the joy of discovering new cultures is going to be confined to our screens. We particularly love both Parts Unknown and No Reservations by the late, great Anthony Bourdain, who shows a compassionate touch exploring the world through its food. He’s so sorely missed, but you can still watch Bourdain’s food travel shows on Amazon Prime and feel connected to cultures and people on the other side of the world. 

David Attenborough’s exploration of the natural world is also, of course, much needed when the most nature we’re currently interacting with is our pot plants. Fortunately, there’s a huge collection of his nature documentaries, from Blue Planet to Planet Earth, on BBC iPlayer available right now.

VIRTUAL TOURS

Tourism has taken a huge hit in recent weeks, with the world’s top attractions currently closed and an eerie silence descending on cities worldwide. Fortunately, you can still visit many of the world’s great museums, art galleries and other landmarks virtually. For now, that’s the best you can hope for. 

Just a few we’re particularly enjoying right now:

• Check out these 10 IDEAL virtual tours of London landmarks
• Pique your curiosity with virtual tours around 10 amazing European museums
• For something a little different, try these tips for exploring Philadelphia from your sofa
• Or, visit The Open Heritage website where you can explore some of the world’s most iconic locations including the Temple of Apollo and parts of the Roman City of Pompeii. If you’re feeling spenny, consider investing in a VR headset to immerse yourself in a wrap-around view of these amazing sites for even greater armchair wanderlust.

We’re also fans of the youtube channel Rambalac which offers virtualesque videowalk tours; there’s no talking or intrusive faces, just videos of walking through various places in Japan.

LEARN A NEW LANGUAGE

Because when you’re unleashed on the world, you’re going to want to compare lockdown experiences with new friends from across the globe, right?

Though of course there’s nothing wrong with just kicking back during this time and coping, if you do feel inclined to make use of the time productively, why not learn the language of the first place you’re planning to visit when you get out. There are apps to help with this, like Duolingo and Rosetta Stone, which have revolutionised, the way we learn languages. It’s no surprise that they’ve gotten so popular in recent years; they’re a quick, efficient way to learn the basics and pick up some useful phrases. 

What’s more, these apps usually have free versions, which although limited in scope and reach, provide an opportunity to get some beginner words under your belt. Unfortunately, they don’t offer much in the way of more advanced learning, like grammar and conversational skills, but if you’re looking for a simple and cost-effective way to start learning a new language, then download away.

In the downtime, with the added bonus of interacting with real people on the other side of the world, one of the best ways to practice your chosen language is via a ‘language exchange’ session online; you share some English conversation over Skype (other platforms do exist) with a partner, and in return, they engage in a little conversation in the language you covert.

Social learning at its finest, we think, and the worst thing that can happen is you’ll make a new friend. Here’s 9 of the best free language exchange websites.  

PLANNING

We all need something to look forward to when this thing’s over, right? Just because we can’t travel right now doesn’t mean we can’t keep the wanderlust alive through planning dream tips to come.

You could start penning your dream trip’s itinerary in anticipation of freedom, and even make an effort at learning the language of your destination, researching the cultural hotspots or maybe reading through online travel blogs to determine your perfect itinerary. Some light at the end of the tunnel, for sure.

In the spirit of that planning, check out the 7 IDEAL destinations we can’t wait to visit once this thing’s all over.