Sri Lanka Snapshot

A week in this small country is not enough as it is packed with a myriad of sight-seeing and adventure options.

Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, have lunch overlooking the elephants bathing in the local river then watch them be escorted back to the orphanage.

Climb the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and referred to by the locals as the Eighth Wonder of the World. With over 1,300 steps it is worth doing this early to avoid first the heat and second the crowds.

Jeep Safari in Minneriya National Park to watch the elephants graze or wash in the river, glimpse the spotted deer if you’re quick enough and spy the 100’s of bird species.

Visit the 5 temples of the Dambulla Cave Temple, which is cut into the side of a 183-metre-high rock and boasts rock paintings of vivid colours and more Buddha’s then I’ve seen in one place.

The Temple of the Tooth of Lord Gautama Buddha is an experience I will never forget. For 15 minutes the casket that holds the golden stupa which contains a tooth of the Buddha is opened for public viewing. But, beware, the surge of people trying to view the inner sanctum makes it almost impossible to stand in one position as 100’s of people tries to get a glimpse.

Ramboda Water Falls are beautiful and there are many such waterfalls in the Nuwara Eliya and Kithulgala area. A great place to have lunch and watch the white-water rafters drift on past. Or visit the many tea factories, spice gardens, silk and gem factories.

A driving city tour of Colombo might be a wise decision as the city is very large and crowded.

Other adventure activities that we didn’t do but is possible: waterfall trekking, hiking, surfing, scuba diving, tubing to name a few.

I would recommend paying a driver guide for your time in this beautiful country, the roads are narrow and windy. Plus, drivers have their own unique road rules and etiquette that we found baffling and frankly dangerous.