Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka, also known as the "Teardrop of India", is located just 30 miles south of the Indian mainland. Sri Lanka has a multi-religious culture. The majority of the population is Buddhist, but a small portion (especially Sinhalese) is Christian. The Tamil population is mainly Hindu or Catholic.
Sri Lanka, formerly Ceylon, has an emerald green interior, ancient imperial cities, tea plantations, beaches and traditional temples. Beautiful nature, with many lagoons, mangroves and several wildlife parks. All this in this travelogue.
Our journey begins in Negombo, known for the Dutch Canal. After a visit to the fish market, a Dutch church and a Hindu Temple, we begin our journey through Sri Lanka. The first stop is at the orphaned elephant shelter in Pinnawala, where they walk daily to the river to bathe. After a guided tour of a turtle care center, we continue to Galle.
Dutch influences are mainly found in Galle. At the time of the Dutch East India Company, the city was a very important way station on the east-west route and served mainly as a transshipment place.
In Nuwara Eliya, a British colonial village situated at an altitude of 1889 metres, we strolled and visited tea plantations. Early in the morning, we took a wonderful 14km walk through Horton Plains, the highest plateau in Sri Lanka (2000 metres). We enjoyed the beautiful nature and views.
In Kandy, we walked from the botanical gardens to Dalada Maligawa, the Temple of the Tooth. Here the Buddha’s tooth remains, preserved after the burning of the Buddha. The next day we headed to our hotel in Giritale, where the Lion Rock of Sigiriya is located. You have to be well prepared to climb the 430 steps, but you will be rewarded with great views at the top! Unfortunately the temples have disappeared, but we wondered how they managed to get all of them up there.
Continuing to Polonnaruwa, the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom (10th-12th century), which was discovered by the British in the 19th century. It is a pleasure to walk around here, back in time. We continue to Anuradhapura.
Anuradhapura is the old city of the King, with royal gardens, the Mahasena Palace, magnificent temples and the famous Bodhi tree. Under this sacred tree, Buddha found his enlightenment in India.
Not all tour companies go to Trincomalee, because 20 years ago, this area was still off-limits due to Tamil fighters. Here is the Dutch Fortress Frederick, where the Sri Lankan army is now stationed. We pass marching soldiers and at the end of the street we come to the Koneswaram Hindu Temple, with a beautiful view of the sea.
Before returning to Negombo, we visit the Dambulla Rock Temple. This cave temple contains more than 150 Buddhas and some paintings are over 2000 years old.
An island trip to remember!
