Sri Lanka packs an extraordinary variety of experiences into an island roughly the size of Ireland. Ancient capitals, Buddhist temples, tropical forests, tea-covered mountains and historic coastal towns are all within relatively short travelling distances. For Canadians looking beyond the more familiar destinations of Asia, well-planned Sri Lanka vacation packages offer an excellent combination of history, culture, scenery and comfortable travel.
Ancient Cities and Buddhist Heritage
Sri Lanka has a recorded history stretching back more than 2,000 years, and some of its greatest attractions lie in the island’s Cultural Triangle.
Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura preserve the remains of ancient Sinhalese capitals, with palaces, monasteries, stupas and sacred sites scattered across extensive archaeological areas. At Sigiriya, the ruins of a fifth-century royal complex sit atop a granite rock rising approximately 180 metres above the surrounding countryside. The climb is demanding, but Sigiriya remains one of Sri Lanka’s most impressive historic sites.
Dambulla adds another dimension. Its famous cave temple complex contains more than 150 Buddha statues along with extensive murals depicting Buddhist history and teachings.
Kandy and Sri Lanka’s Tea Country
Surrounded by hills in central Sri Lanka, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of Buddhism’s most important pilgrimage sites. Nearby, the Royal Botanic Gardens at Peradeniya cover 147 acres and contain more than 4,000 species of plants.
From Kandy, the landscape changes dramatically as the road and railway climb into Sri Lanka’s central highlands. Tea plantations spread across steep green hillsides around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, a reminder of the island’s long association with Ceylon tea.
One of the highlights of our Sri Lanka tour is the scenic train journey through this mountainous region, followed by visits to a tea plantation, the Nine Arch Bridge and Little Adam’s Peak.
Galle and the Southern Coast
On the southwest coast, Galle reflects another chapter of Sri Lankan history. Galle Fort was first established by the Portuguese and greatly expanded by the Dutch. Today its old streets, churches, fortifications and lighthouse make it one of the country’s most interesting places to explore on foot.
Sri Lanka’s natural environment is equally rewarding. At Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the country’s last major area of virgin tropical rainforest, travellers can walk through an ecosystem known for its exceptional biodiversity and large number of endemic species.
A Premium Way to See Sri Lanka
Laurus Travel’s 12-day Sri Lanka Discovery travels from Colombo through Polonnaruwa, Habarana, Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella and Galle before returning to Colombo. The itinerary combines major UNESCO World Heritage sites with cultural experiences, a cooking class, scenic rail travel, tea country and rainforest hiking.
Our Sri Lanka vacation packages are designed for travellers who value comfort without sacrificing substance. Group size is limited to 20 guests, accommodations are in premium hotels, and three meals are included daily on most touring days. Just as importantly, there are no shopping stops built into the itinerary.
With nearly three decades of experience operating tours to Asia, Laurus Travel places particular emphasis on knowledgeable guides, carefully paced itineraries and quality meals. The objective is simple: give travellers enough time and context to appreciate Sri Lanka rather than rush them from one attraction to another.
For Canadians interested in the history, culture and natural beauty of South Asia, Sri Lanka is a rewarding destination in its own right.
