Expedition from The Roots to the Present

Upon arrival at Bandarnayake Airport in Katunayake, Colombo, you will be welcomed by your guide and decorated with garlands of local flowers. From the airport we will take the participants of the expedition to Colombo, the largest city in Ceylon and the commercial capital of the island. During a panoramic tour of Colombo, we will see, among others, the monument and Independence Square located in an exclusive district called “Cinnamon Gardens”, two monumental congress centers donated by the Chinese nation (BMICH and Lotus Center), the city hall building, which is very reminiscent of the Capitolio in Havana, but in on a smaller scale, the colorful Pettah bazaar, the wonderful Gangaramaya temple on Lake Bera, Slave Island, Galle Face Green, the very center of the city with the World Trade Center and Bank of Ceylon towers, colonial buildings, a commercial port, a lighthouse, Hindu temples and Christian churches as well as mosques.

After sightseeing in Colombo, we will go to a resort town located in the immediate vicinity of the metropolis – Mount Lavinia, where there is a beautiful ocean beach dotted with cafes and restaurants offering cuisines from all over the world as well as local delicacies.

After breakfast, we will go to the Elephant Orphanage in Pinnawala. It is home to the world’s largest herd of captive Asian elephants, Elefanus maximus maximus. Currently, there are about 80 pieces. Depending on the time of day when we reach the orphanage, we will be able to watch young elephants being fed with a bottle of milk, as well as try to feed the baby ourselves (optional, approx. USD 2). Nearby there is a hospital for sick elephants, as well as a large clearing where these stately mammals receive countless amounts of vegetarian food every day. Great photos with elephants guaranteed. There is also a special stand in the orphanage where pregnant elephants stand waiting for treats from tourists. Platters of fresh fruit specially prepared by the orphanage staff can be purchased for approximately USD 2 and you can feed a pregnant elephant by putting the fruit directly into her mouth.

After breakfast, the elephants go to the stream to play, wash and quench their great thirst with clean water. We will follow them, but on the way we will visit an unusual factory of utility products made from elephant dung. The sight of elephants bathing in the river against the background of coconut palms and lush vegetation is enchanting.

In the Pinnawela area you can also arrange an elephant back safari (optional).

After visiting the elephant orphanage, we will take a rather long drive – a few hours to Dambulla, which will be our base for exploring the cultural triangle.

After breakfast we will go to the cradle of Sri Lankan civilization – Anuradhapura, a city that was the first capital of Sri Lanka and was founded in the 4th century BC. Currently, Anuradhapura is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Anuradhapura is a huge area that we will explore partly on foot and partly by our means of transport. There are three main monastery complexes associated with different Buddhist doctrines, as well as built by different rulers in different periods. Ruwanweliseya is the most popular monastery with a white stupa among modern residents, belonging to the Theravada Buddhism doctrine. Abhayagiriya and Jethawanaramaya are the second largest buildings in the world after the Egyptian pyramids at that time, representing other varieties of Buddhism, including Mahayana. We will see the ruins of ancient royal palaces, twin pools used by Buddhist monks for oblation, intricately carved Buddha statues, moonstones full of symbolism. We will also visit the oldest historically documented tree growing on earth – ficus religioza, which grew in Anuradhapura from a cutting of the fig tree under which Buddha was enlightened in northern India.

From Anuradhapura we will go to Mihintale, currently a temple built on the site of the meeting of the monk Mahinda with King Tissa, where knowledge about Buddhism was passed on to the ruler of Sri Lanka in the 4th century BC. On the way back to Dambulla we will visit Isurumunia – a pearl of Buddhist architecture, the oldest Buddhist monastery on the island and Aukana, where there is an artfully carved statue of the blessing Buddha from the 5th century AD.

After breakfast, we will go to Polonnaruwa – the capital of Sri Lanka from the period between the 10th and 12th centuries AD. On the way, we will visit a sculpture workshop, where masters of the craft make wooden sculptures of local gods, Buddha statues, furniture and everyday objects. It is worth watching the work of the sculptors. Masks used in Sri Lanka in magical ceremonies, for treating diseases, repelling evil forces and in theatrical arts are also made here.

The ruins of Polonnaruwa are a fascinating example of one of the most developed aquatic civilizations in the world. We will see the ruins of the seven-story palace of King Parakramabahu, the former office of the council of ministers, baths and royal pools, the temple of Shiva’s penis, the holy square with the temples of Tupa Rama, Hatadage, Atadage, Vatadage, Nissnkamala Mandapa, Gal Pota (stone book) and a temple of unknown origin believed to be as a gift from another nation. we will go to Gal Vihara, where there are Buddha statuettes carved in rock, considered to be the most beautiful on the island. Polonnaruwa is on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

After visiting Polonnaruwa, we will go to Sigiriya, a 200-meter-high monolith where King Kassjapa built a fortress in the 5th century AD. The vertical height to overcome is about 200 meters, mainly on stairs and paths. The rock has been inhabited for thousands of years, but the most visible effect of human activity is the ruins of a city from the 5th century AD, with a preserved and still well-functioning hydraulic system including spas and massage salons, swimming pools, fountains, artificial streams, cascading gardens and water holes. From the top of the mountain there is a view of the nearby jungle, rice fields, fountain gardens and pools, which we passed by earlier, and you can see a gigantic statue of Buddha in the mudra – come to me, do not be afraid. On the way we pass caves with remains of frescoes from the reign of King Kassjapa. The lion platform, once defended by the open mouth of a colossal lion built there (now only the paws with claws remain) opens the entrance to the very top. The ascent and descent will take us about 2.5-3 hours, although people with a fear of heights may have trouble reaching the very top.

After breakfast, there is a possibility of organizing a jeep safari in the Minneria or Eco national park to observe herds of elephants living in the wild (optional). However, our program focuses on visiting the temple complex in Dambulla. There are two parts – the modern one, built at the end of the 20th century with a gigantic statue of Buddha in the Darmachakra mudra and installations representing Buddha’s disciples, an artificial rock, a Buddhist museum and other shrines. The monk managing this strange product of Buddhist architectural thought also runs a radio station, a newspaper publishing house, a television station, a foundation and a Buddhist university. However, the modern part of Dambulla is not our goal. We will go to a small hill where, in caves divided into five grottos, there is a Buddhist temple founded by King Vlagambahu in the 1st century BC. There are 150 Buddha statues and a dozen or so other statues of Sri Lankan kings and nobles from different eras, as well as statues of Hindu gods and numerous bodhisattva statues.

After visiting Dambulla, we will go to Kandy, but on the way we will visit Ayurvedic medicine gardens, where we will see exotic spices, fruits and vegetables, herbs and other ingredients of the Sri Lankan diet. In the Ayurvedic gardens we will see how ship ropes are made from coconuts, how local housewives prepare the popular Sri Lankan curry spice, how roofs are made from palm leaves, and how todi is obtained – palm liquid from which palm honey and sugar are produced. palm or local alcohol – arak.

We will also see how cinnamon is extracted. We will also have a short demonstration massage using red oil – supposedly a panacea for all problems with the skeletal system, rheumatism, joint pain, etc.

After visiting the gardens and having the opportunity to purchase some products, we will go to the batik workshop, where artists create one-of-a-kind colourful fabrics dyed using a special waxing method.

After reaching Kandy, we will go to hour-long shows of folk dances, juggling, magical dances, acrobatic feats, walking on hot coals and fire swallowing.

In the evening, after the performance, we will go to the most sacred place of Buddhist worship on the island – the Temple of the Tooth of the Buddha – Sri Dalada Maligawa. We will see both the temple objects together with the building built at the end of the 16th century, which houses the most important object in Sri Lanka – the tooth of the last Buddha, as well as the outside view of the royal bathrooms located on the shore of Kandy Lake, the royal castle and the adjacent temple complex with the Anglican church, Protestant church, Hindu and Buddhist temples. A visit to Dalada Maligawa will be the last point of the program, after which we will drive to the hotel in Kandy for dinner and overnight stay.

After breakfast, we will go to Peradeniya, where the Royal Botanical Gardens are located, for less than an hour’s stroll through the wonderful garden, where you will be able to see many exotic plant species, including endemics and plants from various places around the world.

With a bit of luck, we will be able to photograph the bats living here as well as groups of monkeys – macaques. Peradenia Gardens also has wonderful trees from the Indonesian rainforest, many varieties of crotons, and an orchid house where you can see countless species of these plants. Exotic palm trees, a Japanese garden, avenues of cabbage palms reminiscent of Beverly Hills and many other attractions. After a walk around Peradenia Gardens, return to the hotel, rest, free time, dinner and overnight stay at the hotel in Kandy.

After breakfast, we will go to Nuwara Elliya, a mountainous region of the island, considered the most beautiful region of Sri Lanka. Along the way, we will visit factory showrooms selling Giorgio Armani, Hugo Boss, Lacosta, etc. products at surprisingly low prices. We will also visit a grinding shop for jewelry stones, including sapphires and rubies. Sri Lanka is famous for the best quality of these precious gemstones.

In Nuwara Elliya, on tea plantations, we will try to find Tamil women – tea fox pickers, a tea factory (visiting and tasting unblended BOP tea), waterfalls, Hindu temples, Victorian architecture, a visit to the town of Nuwara Elliya, the famous Baal Bazaar where you can buy at surprisingly low prices discounted branded sweatshirts, T-shirts, coats, Grand Hotel, golf course, Hill Club, horse racing track, Gregory’s Lake. We will be at an altitude of approximately 1,800 meters above sea level. Sometimes it can be cold, so you should take warmer things with you just in case.

Relaxation in Nuwara Elliya, free time.

Optional 1: Horton Plains (half day)

We set off from Nuwara Elliya early in the morning to Horton Plains National Park in a specially rented van or jeep. Departure at 5.00 am. We arrive at the place around 7.00. Along the way, you can admire wonderful mountain views, tea plantations, and the life of the awakening local community. In the park we start the trekking route, approximately 8 kilometers long. It runs across the border of the jungle and savannah, and we often find ourselves on a fabulously colorful road in the middle of the jungle or among the grass of the Horton Plains savannah. Our first destination is the Little End of the World, where we reach after less than three kilometers of hiking. It is a place above a 200-meter abyss where our world ends and other worlds can be seen from there. We continue our journey to reach the Great End of the World, a chasm about 800 meters high. From there, in good weather, there is a wonderful view of an even larger space than before. After visiting both ends of the world, we will hike through breathtaking plains and a short, approximately 200-meter climb along a steep section of the route to the majestic Bakersa Falls. After the falls, return across the plains to the parking lot. Along the way, we will cross several bridges over streams flowing here, admire crystal clear rivers and small ponds. After reaching the parking lot, return to Nuwara Ellia in our van. (Trekking 10 km). Dinner and overnight at a hotel in Nuwara Elliya.

Option 2: Train Travel (half day)

Nuwara Elliiya offers breathtaking views during the train journey. The railway route in the Nuwara Elliya region has been recognized by many experts as the most spectacular in the world. Countless tunnels, bridges, breathtaking landscapes, hillsides covered with pine forests, tea plantations or terraced gardens, atmospheric train stations where time stopped a hundred years ago and does not want to move from its place is an unforgettable experience. Organizing a train journey is possible in combination with a visit to Korton Plains or as a separate attraction.

Optional 3: Tea, Plantations, Waterfalls, Strawberries & Tea Castle (Half Day).

We will take you through narrow paths to the tea plantations. We will try to show you a day in the life of the Tamil Tea Plantation. Pruning, spraying, picking tea, quality control in the fields, weighing tea at distribution points. We will visit two waterfalls – St. Clair Falls and Devon Falls, a huge dam with a hydroelectric power station, we will taste local strawberries and go to a tea castle. All this can (optionally) be combined with a train ride.

Optional 4: Gayatri Temple (1.5 hrs).

Visit to the Gayatri Temple during a Hindu mass. In Nuwara Elliya there is the only temple in the world dedicated to the five-faced goddess Gayatri with two statues. It is worth visiting this temple in the evening, when Hindu rituals are performed, in which you can take part yourself. In addition to the Gayatri temple, there are smaller temples dedicated to other Hindu gods as well as the mausoleum of the guru – the founder of the temple, a person who supposedly had healing powers. The mausoleum also houses a very interesting and at the same time strange museum dedicated to the recently deceased guru with exhibits belonging to him. There are also some objects created by the guru with the power of his mind. An interesting fact is the collection of 108 Shiva penises, pebbles from the holy river in India. A visit to the Gayatri temple will provide a peculiar experience

After breakfast, departure from Nuwara Elliya. We will drive through picturesque, uninhabited areas of Sri Lanka to reach the wide plains of the island’s dry zone through the Ella Valley, one of the most beautiful landscape areas of the island.

After lunch, pick-up in 4WD vehicles for a safari in Yala National Park. In Yala you can see elephants, wild boars, roe deer, deer, monkeys (macaques and greylangers), hares, peacocks, storks, herons, bee-eaters, kingfishers, parrots, hornbills, pythons, cobras, but the main attraction are leopards, which can usually be seen in front of sunset. We drive around the park in an open 4-wheel drive car (usually a simple jeep) with a driver. The safari lasts approximately 3 hours and ends at approximately 6 p.m. after sunset. Dinner and overnight stay in Tissamaharama.

Optional 1: Kataragama Temple (3 hours).

A visit to the most important Hindu temple on the island – Kataragama. There are countless pilgrimages of followers of all four religions prevailing on the island throughout the year, because the god Kataragama has unimaginable power and fulfills all the requests of the faithful. Of course, in order for God to fulfill your requests, you must ask appropriately. Hence, in the temple square we will see entire processions of believers immersed in a trance, in an epileptic dance of kolams with peacock feathers, rolling in the sand or walking around the temple on their knees many times. All this accompanied by the blaring of trumpets, the rhythm of drums and the shouts of the ritual participants put into a trance. There is also a Buddhist stupa and a Muslim mosque in the area. Full of religious eclecticism.

An experience worth having.

That day we return to Colombo. On the way, a visit to Weligama, where, with a bit of luck, you will be able to see fishermen fishing while sitting on sticks stuck into the bottom of the ocean among shoals of sardines. From Welligama, we will take a picturesque road along the coast to Galle, where we will visit the 17th fort built by the Dutch and get to know the atmosphere of life in this most cosmopolitan city of modern Sri Lanka. The fort is on the UNESCO World Heritage List. Transfer along a picturesque highway to the airport or hotel on the beach.