Worth the Wait
My original trip to Sri Lanka was scheduled for April 2020. Ha ha. Needless to say, that didn’t happen. Just over four years later it was finally the right time for my island adventure.
The island nation of Sri Lanka is packed with Buddhist cities, fragrant spice gardens, ancient fortresses and a multitude of temples all set among the verdant flora that only a tropical climate can produce. With so much diversity, Sri Lanka has enough experiences to keep anyone busy for weeks. I just had eight days and needed to make the most of my time. So, I visited with a small group tour that fit my needs perfectly.
We started off with a roar, visiting the Sigiriya rock fortress, also called “Lion Rock”. This impressive safe-haven from invaders rises over 650 feet and still has vibrant 5th century frescoes. If you climb to the top you’ll also be able to explore the ruins of a summer palace and experience the best views in the whole country.
The next day was spent in the 10th century Sinhalese capital of Polonnaruwa with its well-preserved ruins, huge Buddhist stupas and wide variety of sculptures. We then traveled to Minneriya National Park where we had the chance to see the gathering of elephants. This seasonal phenomenon draws hundreds of elephants to the area. We traveled in 4x4s and were lucky enough to have elephants walk right past us! This was an unforgettable experience!
The Dambulla Cave Temples were up next. One of the most impressive sights in Sri Lanka, this complex of five caves, adorned with ancient Buddhist murals and statues. I couldn’t believe how intricate and well-preserved all the murals were. Locals still present offerings within the caves. The local monkeys are able to sneak in every once in a while to sample the lotus flower offerings. I’m sure it’s frustrating for the worshipers, but it’s certainly something to see!
Our next stop was the picturesque town of Kandy where we had the chance to learn about local spices, watch a folk dance performance, and wander by the lovely lake at the center of town. This city is the home of the Temple of the Tooth, the home of the most important Buddhist relic in the country. It is believed that one of Buddha’s teeth was taken from the funeral pyre in 543 BCE and made its way to Sri Lanka. Hundreds of worshippers still visit the temple each day to show their devotion.
The picturesque tea country is well-worth visiting. The tea plantations started by the British have now been nationalized and are absolutely beautiful to see in person. Not only did we visit a tea factory to see how the whole process from leaf to bag is completed in just 24 hours, but we even had the chance to pick the bright green tea leaves ourselves. I may not have been very efficient, or attractive with a basket attached to my head, but it was certainly an enjoyable challenge.
On our way back to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, we stopped in the town of Kitulgala, famous for white water rafting. I was up for the challenge and a group of friends and I hopped in our rafts with our local guides to get an up-close look at the river and the surrounding areas. This was another favorite experience and I wished it could have been longer. But alas, it was time to go home. Our group spent the evening at a fantastic rooftop restaurant and celebrated our unforgettable experiences in Sri Lanka.
What’s next on your adventure list? Have you considered Sri Lanka? If not, it’s time to start considering it.
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