Trip Overview

Explore the 12th century temple-ruins of Polonnaruwa, hike up the stone steps of King Kashyapa's fortress at Sigiriya, visit cool 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. As you explore, you'll meet a wonderful array of people, from tea planters to monks who follow the traditions of Theravada Buddhism, introduced to the island in the 3rd century BC. Optional add-ons include a cocktail-making class and tasting at a rooftop bar, and a private tour of a cinnamon estate.

Trip Highlights

• Explore Anuradhapura, where Buddhist shrines date to the 3rd century BC, colonial Nuwara Eliya, and the Buddhist cave temples of Dambulla
• Charming accommodations, from seaside hotels to chalets set among rice paddies
• Be welcomed into Sri Lankan culture, meeting monks, tea planters, artists, and students

Itinerary

Days 1-5: Colombo / Anuradhapura / Polonnaruwa / Sigiriya

In Colombo, once the traditional gateway to the Orient, explore the blend of east and west, then head out to visit the royal cities of ancient Sri Lanka. You’ll discover three World Heritage Sites: the Buddhist gardens of Anuradhapura, Sri Lanka’s capital for 1,300 years, 10th century Polonnaruwa, with its graceful pagodas, and King Kashyapa’s impressive citadel at Sigiriya. You’ll also be welcomed at a local school, present alms to forest-dwelling monks, and enjoy a lunch in a private spice garden. While in Colombo, you can learn how to make the famous “Tamarind,” a Sri Lankan “whiskey” made with Arrack (also spelled Arak), a distilled alcoholic beverage produced using coconut (you will have the opportunity to create one of your own).

Days 6-10: Dambulla / Kandy / Nuwara Eliya / Ella

Climb up to the great cave-temple complex at Dambulla, enjoy a private lunch in the home of a local professor and art collector, and travel up to tea country. In Kandy, the hill capital and last stronghold of the Sinhala kings, you’ll see the famous 16th century Temple of the Tooth, and from your heritage hotel above colonial Nuwara Eliya, walk through tea plantations and learn the fine art of “tasting” tea. A short rail journey brings you to the peaceful town of Ella, where you can enjoy a village bike ride and a lesson in preparing Sri Lankan cuisine.

Days 11-13: Yala National Park / Galle

In Yala, look for fabulous bird life, troops of monkeys chattering in the trees, and herds of wild elephant. You can add on an optional private tour of a cinnamon estate with the estate owners. After walking the ramparts of the historic seaside trading post of Galle, founded as a Dutch fort, depart on Day 13 via Colombo.