I jumped at the chance when offered a famil to Sri Lanka. It’s somewhere I really didn’t know a lot about and hadn’t sent many clients to, so what better way to learn than go on an Adventure World famil?
I truly had no idea what a wonderful destination this was going to be. I thought it would be much like India and while there are some similarities, Sri Lanka stands alone when it comes to culture, food, religion and natural beauty.
From Buddhist temples to elephants roaming free in the wild, from tea plantations to the beautiful coastline of the Indian Ocean, we saw it all as we made our way around this small island in a whirlwind eight days.
The Food
Did I mention how amazing Sri Lankan food is?
Tasty curries with a minimum of 10 accompaniments. Sambal made from freshly picked coconuts with lime, chilli and salt – so simple yet so tasty. Paired with the best roti – made from rice flour and fresh coconut – that I’ve ever tasted. Mouthwatering.
Being surrounded by the Indian Ocean, the seafood was fresh and abundant. I found myself eating curries and sambal for breakfast…pretty good for a non-breakfast eater!
One of the culinary highlights was lunch at the Uga Chena Huts just outside of Yala National Park. The setting was much like an African safari lodge but overlooking the Indian Ocean, where Sri Lanka’s food and nature came together beautifully.
Nature
Seeing elephants roaming wild and free (although locals consider them a pest!) was a true highlight of the journey, along with the wildlife viewing at Yala National Park.
Seeing a newborn baby elephant emerge from the bushes with its mum had us all in awe of these beautiful animals. Our hearts were full!
Not to mention the abundant birdlife, monkeys swinging through the jungle and the serenity of the mountains. Everything in this country was thriving and pristine.
Religion
I was surprised to learn that 70% of the population are Buddhists, hence the many visits to temples and the peaceful nature of the people.
We visited the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, a 2000-year-old sacred Bo tree where Lord Buddha found enlightenment and which is now a place of worship.
Next door is Ruwanwelisaya, a gigantic stupa where thousands of pilgrims visit daily. We witnessed large processions where gifts were laid before praying, much like the wailing wall in Jerusalem. It was a very moving experience.
Natural Beauty
Sigiriya was definitely one of the highlights of the trip. An ancient rock fortress and World Heritage Site surrounded by symmetrical royal gardens. We stepped eagerly through the gigantic Lions Paws to embark on a vertical climb to the top.
Most people struggled but when I saw a very elderly man make it to the top, I knew I’d witnessed something very special. The views at the top were spectacular!
A hot air ballooning experience over the Cultural Triangle is a must do and a wonderful way to start the day.
There’s something special about watching the world come to life as you’re floating peacefully through the air while trying to spot wild elephants, monkeys and water buffalo.
Upon landing we were greeted by hundreds of locals fascinated with what they had just witnessed and a group of people that looked so foreign to them. With a glass of champagne in hand at 7am, what better way to start the day!
As we wound our way through the country we headed to the hills to visit the tea plantations. It was a welcome relief from the heat and humidity that we had been experiencing.
We were treated to a tour through the plantations, topped off with the best cup of tea and honey cake I’ve ever tasted.
A train ride from the mountains to the coast offered incredible views through the hill country and a glimpse into life on the land, so peaceful and serene.
Our journey was quickly coming to an end but the best was still yet to come. Galle, the southern capital where Dutch architecture meets a tropical setting, created a vivid atmosphere.
With its streets now filled with boutique shops, restaurants and bars, tourists were aplenty! The fort dominates the town and overlooks the cricket ground where Australia whipped Sri Lanka earlier this year.
Kosgoda, a sleepy beachside town, offered a nice place to relax on the beach after a busy week. I was surprised on my morning beach walk to see cows laying happily on the beach with not a care in the world.
I can’t thank my hosts enough for making this Sri Lankan famil as special as the country I’d grown to love in just one week.
