Overview
Join veteran Trip Leader Annie Hawkins to discover the golden temples, terraced tea plantations, and 2,000-year-old culture of Sri Lanka. We’ll explore the 12th century temple-ruins of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka’s lovely medieval capital, and hike up the stone steps of King Kashyapa’s fortress at Sigiriya. We’ll also visit cool green highlands where tea is cultivated, sample Sri Lanka’s famous fish curries, and look for wildlife at Yala National Park, haunt of elephant and leopard. Annie’s deep local connections bring us into the heart of Sri Lanka as we meet a wonderful array of people, from tea planters to art collectors to monks who follow the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, introduced to the island in the 3rd century BC.
We very much enjoyed the diversity of experiences—visiting historic and religious sites, interacting with local people, viewing wildlife, and experiencing different environments. Each day was a new adventure!
— Jo L., Santa Barbara, CA
Itinerary at a Glance
Days 1-5
Colombo / Anuradhapura / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya
After a visit to Colombo’s markets, we head to our lovely resort hotel near Sigiriya. Here we’ll explore by jeep to look for herds of wild elephants in Kaudulla National Park, then visit the three royal cities of ancient Sri Lanka: the garden pavilions of Anuradhapura, the graceful pagodas of 10th century Polonnaruwa, and King Kashyapa’s impressive citadel of Sigiriya. All three are World Heritage Sites. Near Ritigala, we visit a local school to chat with some of the young students, then head to the historic village of Angampora to see a private demonstration of Sri Lanka’s indigenous martial arts.
Days 6-10
Dambulla / Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Ella
After a climb up to the great cave-temple complex at Dambulla, we’ll be welcomed for a private lunch in the home of a local professor and art collector. We continue to Kandy, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala Kings, nestled in the splendor of hill country at 1,600 feet. Kandy is a cultural sanctuary where legends and folklore are kept alive, and we’ll see the famous 16th century Temple of the Tooth. From our heritage hotel above colonial Nuwara Eliya, we walk through tea plantations and learn the fine art of “tasting” tea. A short rail journey brings us to the peaceful town of Ella, where we can enjoy a village bike ride and a lesson in preparing Sri Lankan cuisine.
Days 11-13
Yala National Park / Galle
In Yala, we look for fabulous bird life, troops of monkeys chattering in the trees, and herds of wild elephant. After walking the ramparts of the historic seaside trading post of Galle, founded as a Dutch fort, we depart on Day 13 via Colombo.
Sri Lanka
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A Cultural and Wildlife Adventure
Discover Sri Lanka's ancient Buddhist culture at Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, and Kandy, see the wild elephants of Yala National Park, all with your private guide.
