A relatively undemanding tour, mainly by bus, of most of Sri Lanka’s highlights ranging from amazing Buddhist images and the fascinating remains of a former capital to tremendous short hikes, a bike ride, a beautiful seaside hotel, wildlife safaris and visits to rural homes. The hotels were good or excellent and the mainly local food was very good with good non-local alternatives.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya Trips
Crowning a titanic granite column, the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya surveys the rainforest of Sri Lanka. These are the fifth-century ruins of King Kasyapa’s home and palace, with superb water gardens and paintings. And the location is truly incredible… Lion Mountain is a vast 200m-high monolithic rock pillar that juts from the middle of a plain. Reaching the summit is tricky enough now, with its steep steps and gangways; building a huge fort there 1,500 years ago, must have been near impossible.
From the top, there are breathtaking countryside views. There’s a certain sense of foreboding as you step between the paws of a huge lion carved into the rock to enter the site. And under the deep green and red leaves of the Indian rose chestnut trees below, giant golden Buddhas gleam, peacefully guarding colourful cave temples.
Sigiriya Holidays
Gwilym Harbottle Discover Sri Lanka
Michael MacRae Cycle the Back Roads of Sri LankaThis trip was on the whole a very balanced experience. There was plenty of cycling combined with a wide range of cultural activities and enough free time to explore on one’s own. Hotels were all very comfortable. The people were welcoming and friendly and we came away with an impression of a country with plenty to offer. However, to call this trips “back roads” cycling is rather generous. There were plenty of days where cycling was in high traffic conditions and inhaling diesel fumes and pollution was rather unpleasant. Some of the roads were bumpy and dangerous.The cycling on the country roads was delightful. The support team was always on hand to make sure every aspect of the trip went smoothly.
Anne Day Discover Sri LankaThis was an amazing trip with such a varied itinerary – trying to remember everything we did at the end of it was quite a challenge. At the same time we didn’t feel over rushed although we were on the go much of the time. The hotels were great with really lovely swimming pools which we made the most of. We were lucky enough to travel with a great group of people who quickly became friends and to have a fantastic team taking us around this beautiful country.
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