Sri Lanka February 2019

Sri Lanka. Intensely spiritual, tropical, ancient, booming, golden beaches fringed with palm trees, tea plantations on misty mountaintops, traffic packed cities, wild driving, elephants, leopards, bananas, coconuts, rice fields, an abundance of fresh tropical fruit and vegetables cooked to Sri-Lankan perfection, colorful birds of all persuasions, tuk- tuks, rainforests and some of the most kind, beautiful people I have ever met.

I was fortunate to visit this incredible south Asian paradise for two weeks with my partner Rick and trusty camera in hand. Enjoy!

Galle Face Hotel Colombo, Sri Lanka

Overlooking the Indian Ocean, the Galle Face Hotel has catered to world travelers since 1864. With 19th century architecture, I found it oozing history, charm, tradition and character. It even has its own professional crow chaser.

Crow chaser

Rick with the crow chaser.

Temple of the Sacred Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) Kandy, Sri Lanka

The golden roofed Temple of the Tooth houses Sri Lanka’s most important Buddhist relic – a tooth of Buddha. The temple was originally built by the Kandyan kings in the late 1600’s. It is located in the royal palace complex of the former King of Kandy.

The devotees in prayer and homage.

Devotees file slowly and quietly along the wooden gallery leaving their floral offerings on long tables in front

A photo of the golden casket shaped stupa housing Buddha’s tooth.

Geragama Tea Plantation Kandy Sri Lanka

So charming and welcoming, the Geragama Tea Plantation, built in 1903, produces some of the best black and green tea in the world. We got a tour of the factory and how the tea is handpicked and processed. As a huge tea lover, of course some of the tea made its way back to the states with me.

Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens, Kandy, Sri Lanka

One of the most spectacular botanical gardens I have ever seen, the 147 acre Peradeniya Botanical Garden was formally established in 1843. The garden includes more than 4000 species of plants, including one of the most spectacular collection of orchids, spices, medicinal plants and palm trees, and an abundance of moneys stealing flowers. My pictures really can’t do it justice. You have to see it for yourself.

Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla, Sri Lanka

Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is an ancient rock fortress built in the 4th century by King Kasyapa as his royal palace. It was built on top of a massive rock column 660 feet high with swimming pools and colorful frescoes. It is one of the most important historical sites in Sri Lanka. It is really quite an incredible feat and magnificent to see.

Rick and our guide Thomas heading up to climb Sigiriya.

Halfway up Sigiriya- Lion’s Paw entry.

Swimming pool fit for a king.

Monkey thieves waiting to grab cell phones and water bottles.

At the top, 360 degree panoramic views of the hills and jungle.

The Golden Temple of Dambulla

A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave temple houses five sanctuaries with magnificently preserved ceiling mural paintings and 153 Buddha statues most carved from granite.

Hurulu Eco Park in Habarana, Sri Lanka

We were so fortunate to take a safari into Eco Park and see elephants 10 feet away from us. What beautiful magnificent creatures.

Nilagama Village, Galewea, Sri Lanka

An afternoon spent in an authentic traditional village in the jungle. We were able to tour the village, spend time with the villagers and learn to prepare a traditional Sr Lankan meal.

Tree hut villagers stay in at night to protect their crops from wild elephants.

Papaya field.

Creating a traditional Sri Lankan dish for us.

Making rice flour.

Grating coconut.

Palm frond weaving for roofing.

Rick and I enjoying the villagers hospitality and a delicious lunch.

Our incredible village guide.

Ulpotha, Sri Lanka

We spent a week in retreat at Ulpotha, a working village 6 months out of the year. Ulpotha is a sanctuary with unparalleled natural beauty. Each morning in our hut on the edge of a rice field, we were awakened by exotic birds and monkeys, and periodically, faraway chanting from a mountaintop monastery. In addition to several yoga classes a day, a few hikes to watch the sunrise and sunset from a mountaintop, and a short ride to a local farmers market and ancient monastery ruins, we spent our time in peaceful reflection with an international group of like minded nature lovers. The vegetarian food was grown locally and prepared by the villagers in true Sri Lankan tradition, with kindness and love.