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Everyday is an adventure in Sri Lanka

An illustrated itinerary of one of our many gay travel adventures. This information supplements our
shorter Overview of Song of Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka appears surreal to the first time visitor, like a day at the circus. The famous Kandy perahera (parade) entertains casual viewers with bare-chested men bearing whips, boys on stilts, jugglers, fire bearers and crimson-robed elephants who lumber alongside their bejeweled mahouts. And the festive atmosphere doesn't stop there. Sri Lankans smile constantly -- amused, joyous -- or perhaps enthralled with the never ending spectacles that surround their daily lives. Suddenly, it all starts to feel like a never-ending parade, and even as a traveler you'll be swept along with the spirit of the people, their joy, their amusement, and instead of watching their world, you'll be part of it. An exotic and wonderful experience you'll never forget.

The island of Sri Lanka sits in the Indian Ocean off the southeast coast of India like a delightful tear-shaped jewel. In this week of discovery, we will explore many facets of this magical land. We’ll see some of the finest Buddhist temples in all of Asia, and caves carved with art treasures dating back to the 5th century A.D. In Colombo, we’ll enjoy the bustle of this seaside city with its fine flair of entertainment and cuisine. In Kandy, we’ll enjoy fresh mountain air, striking landscapes and a visit to the Spice Garden. We’ll visit Nuwara Eliya, a delightful town straight out of the colonial days of the British Empire, complete with Victoria Park, exquisite gardens and architecture. And what trip to the island formerly known as Ceylon would be complete without a tour of tea plantations?

1: Arrival Day

Upon arrival at the Colombo International Airport, in Sri Lanka's capital, we will transfer to our hotel in Colombo. Most flights will arrive in the afternoon. This evening we will enjoy a Welcome Dinner and perhaps a stroll around Colombo for sightseeing or shopping.

2-3: Dambulla: Orphan elephants and a magnificent rock

After breakfast, we proceed by mini-bus approximately 130 miles to Dambulla, Sri Lanka's first capital and one of the premier ancient cities. En route, we stop to visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, started in 1975 to house abandoned and wounded elephants. The number of elephants has increased to more than 65 now, including baby elephants brought from various parts of the country, as well as the 14 babies born as a result of the captive breeding program.

In the afternoon, we’ll climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, that dates back over 5000 years to the Mesolithic period. One of Sri Lanka’s major attractions and a World Heritage Site, Sigiriya (Lion Rock) came into prominence in the 5th centaury AD, when the patricidal King Kasyapa, afraid of reprisals led by his half-brother Mogolan, chose to move the seat of power from Anuradhapura to this 1500 foot rock. It was Kasyapa and his master-builders who were responsible for the complex plan which made Sigiriya a glorious capital for 17 years (477 – 495 AD). The frescoes of the “heavenly maidens,” halfway up the rock in a sheltered gallery, are the only painted renderings of a secular subject from this era. The “mirror wall,” which records the poetic outpourings of early visitors to the rock and the colossal plan of the royal palace, water gardens and fortifications, is also fascinating. Our accommodations for the next two nights are at the Culture Club Resort, Dambulla.

On our second day in Dambulla, we’ll take an excursion to Polonnaruwa, which was the early capital of Sri Lanka dating from 1073 into the 14th century. Some of the sites include: the remains of the King’s council chamber, the Royal Citadel, and the Vatadage Relic House (which is lavishly decorated with moonstones, guard stones, and a sculptured railing). Tivanka has the best example of frescoes of the Polonnaruwa period. We will also visit a wood carving center, and return to Dambulla for the evening.

4-5: Kandy

After breakfast, we proceed to the hillside city of Kandy, considered by some as Sri Lanka’s most beautiful town. En route we’ll stop at Dambulla Rock Caved Temple. It was here that King Valagambahu took refuge in the 1st century B.C. The view from atop this 350 ft. high rock is breathtaking. Below, we’ll tour a series of five caves transformed into magnificent rock temples. In the first cave is a recumbent image of the Buddha 47 feet long, carved directly from the rock. Among the many images of deities associated with Buddhism, we’ll see frescoes on the walls and ceiling dating to the 15th - 18th centuries. In the second cave are more than 150 life-size depictions of various deities. We can walk along the frescoes and observe the great events in the life of the Buddha and the history of the Sinhala people (the majority Sri Lankan ethnic group). Later we will visit Spice Garden in Matale. Our hotel for the next two night is Le Kandyan Resort, Kandy.

On the following day, we’ll visit the Royal Botanical Garden in Peradeniya, with an amazing variety of trees, plants, and flowers. We’ll also take in the Upper Lake and Gem Museum. The rest of the day will be devoted to Kandy, with its many wonders, including a wide variety of native handicrafts. These include items made from copper, silver, brass, ebony, and bronze, as well as high quality ceramics, lacquer work and batiks.

This evening, we’ll visit the golden-roofed Dalada Maligawa, called Temple of the Sacred Tooth. In this stunning structure, the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha is enshrined. It is a focal point of the town and from here we enjoy a promenade of the area, including a display of Kandyan Dance and Fire Walking.

6: Nuwara Eliya: Hail Victoria!

After breakfast, we proceed to Nuwara Eliya, set in the heart of tea-country. In this beautiful town the British succeeded in re-creating the English countryside, with homes in styles from Georgian to Queen Anne. Well-kept lawns with hedges, an Anglican church, a famous golf course and beautiful parks give the place an air of nostalgia. Situated almost 6000 feet above sea level, the air is cool and fresh – a serene retreat from the hustle and bustle of Colombo. During “season” low-country folk flock to Nuwara Eliya to escape the sea level heat and humidity. Accommodations tonight will be at the Grand Hotel, Nuwara Eliya.

7: Back to Colombo

After breakfast, we head back to Colombo via Kitulgala. The film “The Bridge on the River Kwai” was shot here, due to less expensive labor and ease of construction compared with filming at the actual River Kwai bridge location in Thailand. We return to Galadari Hotel, Colombo for our last night and enjoy a Farewell Dinner.

8: Departure Day

After breakfast and leisure time, we transfer to the airport for our flights to India and/or home.

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