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Sri Lanka - a place that glitters

  • Louise Chapman
  • 06 Feb 20

When I travelled to Sri Lanka on a Bunnik Tour I didn’t quite know what to expect, but I was delighted by my experience!

Nuwara Eliya by Victoria Hearn

Nuwara Eliya by Victoria Hearn

We travelled to Negombo, Pinnawala, Anuradhapura, Minneriya National Park, Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Yala National Park, Galle and Colombo. The most common question people ask is: What was the highlight? I’ve listed many of the incredible experiences below:

Negombo 

We enjoyed a boat ride on the Gin Oya River as the sun was setting. This was followed by an authentic BBQ dinner with a local family, who provided delicious local food, arak tasting and a fun sing-along in a beautiful forest setting.

Anuradhapura

A fascinating visit to the famous Jaya Sri Naha Bodhi (sacred fig tree), which is revered for being the oldest human-planted tree under which Buddha achieved enlightenment. This is a must for those of the Buddhist faith.

Minneriya National Park

Fantastic experience of driving in jeeps and seeing many elephants roaming in their natural habitat.

Jeep safari

Image by Roy Bisson

Sigirya

What a sight is a famous fortress known as Lion Rock. There’s a steep climb to the top but the views and frescoes are rewarding.

Sigirya

Sigirya Rock by David Hein

Kandy

The most important Buddhist temple in the country is surrounded by beautiful botanical gardens.

Nuwara Eliya

Beautiful tea plantations! We enjoyed visiting the plantations, tasting the various tea and experiencing how the local woman pick the tea leaves.

Tea plantation

Photo by Marion Bunnik

Yala National Park

The exciting safari through the jungle was an experience! The park is home to leopards, elephants, buffalo, deer, black bears and a variety of birds.

Galle

The UNESCO World Heritage sea fortress was a truly impressive sight. Galle is a compelling city that allowed for lots of exploring.

Galle Fort

Galle Fort 2

Images by Annelieke Huijgens

Colombo

Sri Lanka’s capital is such as bustling city. A real highlight was a trip to the famous Cricket Club Café, which is run by two Australians!

Sri Lanka is such a diverse and fascinating country – there truly is something for everyone. The highlight, however, was the gorgeous smiling faces of the Sri Lankan people.

Take a visit for yourself on Bunnik Tours’ Sri Lankan Discovery small group tour.