From ancient world heritage sites to colonial-era railway excursions and stunning beaches, you’ll find a bit of everything in Sri Lanka.
Paul Dymond vividly remembers the day he woke up at his resort in Yala National Park in Sri Lanka, and looked down from his balcony to see fresh elephant footprints in the sand.
“You have to be very careful if you’re walking out of your room at night because the elephants don’t care where the boundaries are,” says the managing director at Wendy Wu Tours.
“They love wandering down the beach, and bathing in the sea, and walking through the resort.”
Even herds of cows, sacred among Sri Lanka’s vast Hindu population, can be seen wandering along the beaches, and the country’s native peacock is everywhere.
Whether you visit to enjoy the abundant wildlife or discover ancient world heritage sites, there’s a lot to do and see on this relatively small island.
“One day you could be searching for elephants and leopards,” says Dymond, “the next you could be visiting a Victorian tea factory or lying on a beautiful beach in a Dutch colonial town.”
That diversity makes for an unforgettable but potentially tricky-to-plan itinerary, which is where Wendy Wu Tours excels. The tour company is renowned for its service and fully inclusive experiences that take the stress out of travelling, right down to finding “hidden gem” restaurants beloved by local guides.
Wendy Wu Tours’ 16-day classic group tour is bookended in Colombo, with its mix of modern hotels, Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial architecture and vibrant nightlife, before setting off to ancient highlights such as the mysterious Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress, perhaps the most physically demanding point of the trip – but is also completely optional
“You climb a staircase 200m up the side of a sheer rock face,” says Dymond. “From the summit you get fantastic views and what feels like an undiscovered fortress in the middle of the jungle.”
Nearby lies Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage site and former royal capital, where stupas, frescoes and statues remain remarkably preserved. Travellers also explore Anuradhapura, with rock carvings dating back to the 1st century BC.
A visit to a spice garden and cooking demonstration makes for a sensory visit to the Buddhist city of Kandy, also home to Peradeniya Royal Botanical Gardens and the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the world’s most hallowed Buddhist sites.
Then it’s off to Yala National Park, where a jungle safari unearths not just elephants but leopards, sambhur, wild buffalo and more than 130 bird species.
“Yala has the highest density of leopards anywhere in the world but they’re pretty shy creatures,” says Dymond.
“Spotting one within 200m is such an incredible experience, especially when you’re travelling with a group. You can discuss it with people who have different ideas and opinions over a meal afterwards. It’s a great way to put things into context and share your experiences.”
In Ella, travellers board one of the world’s most scenic rail journeys, through misty mountains, verdant tea plantations and dramatic valleys on an impressive colonial-era railway.
Then finally it’s time to head to Galle, famous for its seafood, much of it caught by fishermen perched on stilts that can withstand the pounding surf.
As well as offering huge variety, Sri Lanka is a good introduction to Indian subcontinent culture, without the huge crowds of cities such as Delhi and Mumbai, says Dymond.
“Sri Lankans are very friendly and welcoming, and the people are very proud of their country. I found it extremely clean and tidy. They’re also obsessed with cricket, which is always a good icebreaker for Kiwis.”
Wendy Wu Tours only employs local guides, “so you really do get experts who live and breathe the country,” he says.
Being fully inclusive means Wendy Wu travellers get to try regional dishes you wouldn’t otherwise stumble upon.
“We take you to experience the local cuisine and culture in restaurants where the guides often know the owners personally.”
The food can be spicy, but like the scenery and culture, there’s a lot of variety, from creamy coconut curries to marinated meats, along with plenty of salads and vegetable dishes.
Sri Lanka boasts excellent value, with Wendy Wu travellers staying in beautiful 5-star resorts, some of which have swimming pools that can stretch for up to 100m.
“The standard of accommodation in Sri Lanka for the average traveller will blow you away,” says Paul. “You really do get value for money.”
Discover Wendy Wu Tours’ fully inclusive Highlights of Sri Lanka tour itinerary and book now at wendywutours.co.nz