Sri Lanka!

Early Arab traders who happened upon the teardrop-shaped isle of Sri Lanka called it Serendib, from which we get the English word serendipity, or the making of happy discoveries by chance. This storied isle has always charmed travelers, and it is full of treasures, from rainforests where elephants roam to 2,000-year old ruined royal cities. On this WT Expedition with Trip Leader Ivan Somlai, we explore the glorious legacy of an early Buddhist civilization, walk in rainforest reserves, visit with tea planters, meet young Buddhist monks in their saffron robes, sample the curries, savor the teas—among the best in the world—and visit beautiful Yala National Park, with its extraordinary birdlife and elephant herds. Colorful festivals are a wonderful part of Sri Lanka’s heritage, and our departure witnesses the vibrant Navam Maha Perahera festival, celebrated on the full-moon day of February.

Itinerary at a Glance

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Days 1-2
Colombo / Sri Navam Maha Perahera Festival

In charming Colombo, we explore the local bazaar and attend Navam Maha Perahera, a spectacular pageant held during the full moon each February, complete with elephant processions.

Days 3-5
Habarana / Anuradhapura / Sirigiya / Polonnaruwa

We enjoy a jeep safari in Habarana, habitat for Sri Lanka’s incredible biodiversity, including herds of wild elephants. At Anuradhapura, we see the island’s oldest Buddhist shrines, some dating back to the 3rd century BC, and at Sirigirya, we explore the famed rock fortress of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD), with its pavilions and pleasure gardens. We also visit Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s lovely medieval capital.

Days 6-8
Temples of Dambulla /Kandy / Elephant Orphanage / Nuwara Eliya

After a sunrise hike to the village of Hiriwaduna, we explore the ancient cave temples at Dambulla, then head to Kandy, with its golden-roofed 16th century Temple of the Tooth, where a tooth of the Buddha is said to be preserved. We visit the Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage en route to the highlands to the beautiful colonial town of Nuwara Eliya, surrounded by mountains and tea plantations.

Days 9-10
Yala National Park

Descending to the coast at Yala National Park, we enjoy a game drive to search for painted storks, troops of monkeys, and herds of elephants. Our beachside hotel has nature trails and an inviting pool.

Days 11-13
Yala National Park / Galle / Hikkaduwa

After a safari in the park, we head for the ancient trading post of Galle, a World Heritage Site on the southernmost tip of Sri Lanka. Here we stroll past the Dutch church, the Governor’s house, spice warehouses, court square, the lighthouse, and city ramparts, and the next day, enjoy a boat cruise in the mangrove waterways. We also visit the eco-friendly Handugugda Tea Estate, with its acclaimed Virgin White Tea, deemed the purest tea of all. Depart via Colombo on Day 13.

For a more complete description, Download Full Detailed Itinerary

What the Trip is Like

This trip is rated 2+, easy to moderate. Accommodations are in hotels. Comfortable walking shoes are recommended and occasionally we must take off shoes to visit temples. There are nature walks and hikes at archaeological sites throughout the itinerary.

Explanation of Trip Levels