Join Annie Hawkins on a Cultural Journey through Sri Lanka
Dear Wilderness Traveler,
If you asked me for my personal list of the ten places everyone should see in their lifetime, Sri Lanka would be at the very top. It’s a must-see destination, a true trip of a lifetime, and one of my favorite places on Earth.
Sri Lanka is a resplendent island, the undeniable jewel of the Indian Ocean. A Sri Lanka cultural tour offers remarkable wildlife, a deep and ancient history, and stunning landscapes. It radiates a warm, spiritual beauty—captured perfectly by its old name, Serendib, meaning the “island of serendipity.” To me, it truly feels like that: the island of smiles, where bliss seems to be woven into everyday life.
I’ve been visiting Sri Lanka for over twenty years and feel a deep personal connection to it. I still remember one of my earliest visits. I was sitting by a quiet lake in the morning light, watching a woman half-submerged as she picked lotuses for temple offerings. This vision of pure beauty took my breath away and made me want to immerse myself even more in this rich and complex culture.
On our Sri Lanka tours, we begin in Colombo, a vibrant port city and a crossroads of cultures for centuries. Our base is the iconic Sri Lanka Galle Face Hotel, a colonial-era landmark overlooking the Indian Ocean, where a cocktail at sunset sets the tone for the journey ahead. From here, we explore lively markets, colonial architecture, and sacred sites where Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian traditions intertwine. It’s a colorful and welcoming introduction to the island’s rich cultural mosaic.
From there, we travel to the Cultural Triangle, where we explore ancient capitals rising from the jungle—massive stone stupas and ruins that offer a window into the grandeur of Sinhalese civilization. I’m always in awe of the scale and sophistication of these sites, which speak to Sri Lanka’s profound cultural and spiritual significance in Asia across the centuries.
In Kandy, the spiritual heart of Sri Lanka, pilgrims flock to venerate the sacred relic of the Buddha. The town’s gentle climate and riverside setting guarantee a pleasant stay before we ascend into the high country. There, we find ourselves surrounded by verdant tea plantations that roll across the hills like something out of a Bollywood dream. A scenic train ride carries us through the misty highlands, past colonial-era stations that evoke a bygone era.
After a stay in Ella, perched on the edge of Sri Lanka’s hill country, we descend into the island’s deep south. Here we’ll encounter traditional village life, explore jungle-cloaked ruins, and experience the wild beauty of Yala National Park. Our journey concludes in Galle, a coastal gem shaped by centuries of Portuguese, Dutch, and British influence. It is an enchanting harbor town where layered histories meet coastal charm.
Everywhere we go, we’re met with warm smiles, vibrant colors, and unforgettable flavors. From village schools to ancient ruins, misty tea hills to sunlit coastlines, Sri Lanka is a place that stays with you. Come feel the breeze off the Indian Ocean and experience the joy and spirit of this remarkable island on this Sri Lanka cultural tour. I look forward to sharing this extraordinary journey with you.
As ever,
Annie Hawkins
Trip Leader
June 27, 2025
