As the Rothschild team looks beyond Africa, we have all been captivated by Sri Lanka. This small island country, located south of India, is known for elephants, tea and warm smiles.
But there is so much more to discover in Sri Lanka.
The best Sri Lanka tour packages combine wildlife, culture and history. Don’t miss these must-do experiences when planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
BEGIN BY UNDERSTANDING THE IMPORTANCE OF THE RAMAYANA EPIC
Sri Lanka has more than 50 sites related to Ramayana, an ancient Sanskrit epic attributed to the poet Valmiki. The Ramayana begins with Ayodhya in India and concludes at Lankapura in Sri Lanka.
Ramayana has fascinated many generations, and had a profound impact on art and culture in the Indian subcontinent and Southeast Asia. Sri Lanka shares a special bond with India geographically, historically, culturally and spiritually – The Ramayana is one such link.
Visiting these sites offers a wonderful opportunity to learn about the history of Sri Lanka and India.
TAKE PART IN A HANDS ON ELEPHANT EXPERIENCE
The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, providing a caring home for abandoned and wounded elephants, is often a highlight for many travelers in Sri Lanka. Here, adults and baby elephants from around Sri Lanka thrive, and a captive breeding program is also proving to be highly successful.
BE SURE TO EXPLORE ANCIENT KINGDOMS
Sri Lanka is home to several of the world’s most important architectural sites, including Buddhist shrines from the Great Sri Lankan Civilization dating back to the 4th century.
We love Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, both impressive archeological sites, as well as the towering Sigiriya Rock, considered by some to be the eighth wonder of the world. Additionally, the Dambulla Cave Temples date back to the 1st century and house a collection of exquisite Buddhas and painted frescos.
VISIT UP COUNTRY AND SEE WHERE SOME OF THE WORLD’S BEST TEA IS GROWN
Sri Lanka has been synonymous with quality tea cultivation for centuries. Visit the cool misty verdant hills and tea plantations in the heart of the country, a landscape punctuated by dramatic waterfalls.
The city of Nuwara Eliya is a charming, colonial city in which to base for a few nights. During your time here you can explore the tea plantations, lush terrain and stunning waterfalls.
DON’T MISS KANDY, A UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE
The town of Kandy is a sacred Buddhist site and home to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, the sacred tooth of the Buddha. Kandy served as the capital of the last Sinhalese kingdom, which fell to the British in 1815 after defying the Portuguese and Dutch for three centuries.
With it’s own unique culture, Kandy is also home to some of the country’s nicest boutique hotels and an excellent base for exploring the underrated terrain of the nearby Knuckles Range.
Contact us today for more information or to plan your custom adventure to Sri Lanka.