Sri Lanka! – a gem blessed with so much cultural diversity, heritage and natural wonder- all packed onto one island. Following decades of conflict in the shadow world of politics, may peace now prevail.

Ancient history of Lankapura and the reign of the infamous King Rawana of the Ramayana dates back to 2000 years before Christ.

During the time of Buddha’s enlightenment ( 500 BC), a north Indian Sakya prodigal prince, Vijaya was banished from home and drifted by storm to Lanka. Vijaya befriended and married the local princess Kuweni and henceforth a series of royal intrigues and migrations took place. Sri Lanka is a land with fascinating heritage, history, and myths.

Buddhism was introduced in the 2nd century by Mahinda, the son of Indian King Ashoka whose sister Princess Sangamitta brought a cutting of the sacred Mahaboddhi tree from Bodhgaya to present day Anuradhapura which flourished as a great Sinhalese capital for 1000 years, but finally gave in to south Indian invaders. The capital was moved to Polonnaruwa which flourished until 13th century when Sinhalese power shifted further south again.

The colonization of the Portuguese in 16th century (who called the country Ceilao – and hence later Ceylon) followed by the Dutch and British, also shaped the fascinating multi-cultural character of Sri Lanka today.

Various legends tell of the Buddha leaving his footprint on Sri Pada – also known as Adam’s Peak, a main pilgrimage site on the island. Another story tells of the footprint belonging to Adam as he took a last look at Eden. Hindus believe this is where Shiva left his footprint.
More on:  https://www.sripada.org/

The Ramayana Story includes the chain of islands linking Lanka to India which Rama crossed with the help of the Monkey King Hanoman, to rescue Sita from King Rawana. And today, one can visit the sites of Hanoman’s path where it is said Sita was found and which today are sites of Rama, Sita and Hanoman worship. Healing herbs flourishing in gardens today are also said to have been brought to Lanka by Hanoman on his (personal- not commercial!) flight from the Himalaya.

Positioned strategically in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka had been a trading hub with early Arab traders. Some historians believe that Galle on the south coast was the biblical port of Tarshish where King Solomon found spices and gems, elephants and peacocks.

The Romans knew the island as Taprobane– referring to their hands turning a copper color when they touched the sands. Muslim traders talked of Serendip– meaning island of jewels in Arabic. This became the root word of serendipity- the art of making happy and unexpected discoveries.

Today, a journey to Sri Lanka is indeed full of wonderful discoveries!

–My visit to Sri Lanka some years ago began with a retreat at Nilambe Meditation Centre in the cool hills above Kandy. Nilambe follows the tradition of Acarya Godwin Samararatne, one of the best known meditation teachers in Sri Lanka who passed away in March 2000. Godwin’s teachings focus on metta- loving kindness and his wish for everyone was to be happy and free of suffering. He also embraced the teachings of yoga and it was wonderful to have the yoga sessions in combination with noble silence. Movement of the body helps so much to bring openness and calm to the mind. The center is cozy with space for about 40 participants. Very simple but all you need is there in a very peaceful setting- wonderful food lovingly prepared and there is a well stocked library of books. The only nuisance are the leeches during the rains! There is no electricity at Nilambe. The quiet nights by candelight reminded me of my early days in Ubud. I loved my stay at Nilambe:  https://nilambe.lk

More background on Acharya Godwin on: www.godwin-home-page.net

Kandy
Full Moon is a beautiful time to visit Kandy for the puja at the Temple of the Buddha’s Tooth Relic. Pujas are actually held twice each day regardless of the moon- early morning at 0530 and evening at 6:30 with crowds of locals coming quietly to offer flowers.

The famous Esala Perahera ceremony which includes a procession of elephants, dancers and musicians, takes place around the Full Moon of July or August.
Learn more:    https://sridaladamaligawa.lk/kandy-esala-perahera/ 

The best place to stay in Kandy for the Perahera is The Queens Hotel directly opposite the Temple of the Tooth which offers a comfortable view right on to the procession:   https://www.queenshotel.lk/

Travel around Sri Lanka is relatively easy 
Out of the main towns, you are quickly onto country roads amidst stunning scenery. Each destination on the Sri Lanka circuit is within a few hours reach. Roads are mostly in good condition with some routes serviced by local Inter City buses, but the trains are fun and very inexpensive. Hotels can also arrange private car with driver.

Click Below for:
–Ancient Sites- The Cultural Triangle,  Elephants, Minneriya National Park, Dambulla and Kandy

–Train to Tea Country, down South to Yala National Park, southern beaches, Galle Fort

–Trincomalee and the Abode of Ravana’s Temple with rediscovered sacred Lingga

Colombo and arriving in Sri Lanka:
Many travelers opt to skip Colombo and head first to Negombo, the beach resort town which is a short ride north of Colombo airport. But Colombo is very worthwhile to get to know and a new AIRPORT EXPRESSWAY makes access easier.

Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara – approx 7km north of Colombo is graced with incredible mural paintings. Throngs of worshippers coming during late afternoon time.
See photos and learn more about the history:
https://kelaniyatemple.lk/

Cinnamon Gardens
The leafy embassy row neighborhood of Colombo is also home to Viharamahadevi Park and the National Museum.

The Old Fort area of Colombo is where you can visit the Old Dutch Museum and see colonial British buildings. Nearby is the lively Tamil Pettah district and the Fort Railway Station.

Galle Face Green – just south from the Fort area along the coast is where locals come to stroll and picnic- especially lively at sunset time and evenings.

The Galle Face Hotel of Colombo is still a choice place to stay or at least, to have tea or a drink looking out to the sea. This historical place has welcomed guests and royalty since 1864.
The classic rooms of the old wing have been totally renovated and there is also a newer Regency Wing:
https://www.gallefacehotel.com/

Each evening most likely you can encounter a local colorful wedding reception complete with welcome Kandyan dancers in the lobby.

Other Colombo Accomodation Options:

Havelock Place – Boutique Bungalow in quiet residential area of Colombo 5- also open to outside guests for lunch and dinner:
Check  on Booking.com
very close to Buddhist Cultural Center which has a great bookshop as well as interesting activities.

MOSS  Bnb:  clean and friendly- budget option also walking distance to Buddhist Cultural Center, Barefoot Crafts and Cafe and other cafes and galleries.
https://mossbedbreakfast.hotels-colombo.com/en/

Art and Crafts:

BAREFOOT Crafts and Cafe supporting a cottage industry of weavers.
Relaxing place for lunch too:  https://barefootceylon.com/

THIMBLE Crafts providing income to women and daughters
Handpainted wall-hangings, table runners and other items- mostly of elephants in beautiful Sri Lankan colors. Some of the best items for gifts or for your own home.
Check out their stall on lower level of Crescat Shopping Center just next to the supermarket check-out. They also now have a shop open in Negombo and at the airport.

The Old Colonial Dutch Hospital  in Colombo has been renovated into a new shopping and dining complex.

Negombo:
If prefer to be closer to the airport for the late night or early morning departures- Negombo is a lovely stretch of beach, but the strip of accommodations has been undergoing a major face-lift from the tired run-down former mass tourism type places, so may be best to check out newest developments via Booking.com

Ranweli Eco Resort–  approx 20 min drive north of Negombo.   A long time established property on a secluded beach and eco area for birdwatching.
https://ranweli.com/page/

PRIVATE GUIDE and DRIVER for Sri Lanka:

Contact Amith de Silva – one of the most wonderful, professional knowlegable, friendly English speaking guides I have met. Very efficient and responsible- highly recommended!
Amith and Family also run their Homestay close to Colombo Airport:
https://www.ayubowanhomestayinsrilanka.com/

Email: amithdmc@gmail.com

E-Visa:  is required for all visitors.
Apply on the official site:  http://eta.gov.lk

Ayubowan! is the traditional greeting wishing Long Life.
May Sri Lanka now enjoy a long life in peaceful times!

Click Below for:
–Ancient Sites- The Cultural Triangle,  Elephants, Minneriya National Park, Dambulla and Kandy
–Train to Tea Country, down South to Yala National Park, southern beaches, Galle Fort
–Trincomalee and the Abode of Ravana’s Temple with rediscovered sacred Lingga