Sri Lanka was a long-awaited destination on our travel itinerary, and once arrangements were finalized for The Maldives, we realized the opportunity to explore Sri Lanka could no longer be ignored.
However, none of us—myself, Lloyd, Georgia, or Chris—possessed comprehensive knowledge about the activities and navigation within Sri Lanka. Spending an entire week in Sri Lanka necessitates exploration beyond a single location; the country offers an abundance of sights and experiences that merit a variable itinerary.
Consequently, we chose to entrust our travel logistics to professionals and coordinated our itinerary effectively. Enter Evaneos!
Evaneos represents an innovative approach to travel planning, akin to how Airbnb revolutionized accommodation. This platform connects travelers with local experts who tailor travel plans based on local insights and competitive pricing.
Unsurprisingly, the four of us eagerly delegated the planning process to the specialists, which left us with a custom itinerary, a designated driver for the week, and a sense of anticipation as we departed from The Maldives to Sri Lanka.
Upon our arrival at the airport, we were warmly welcomed by our driver, Britto, who graciously adorned each of us with garlands.
We reached Colombo about an hour after sunset and proceeded directly to our accommodation.
At this juncture, our hunger was palpable, leading us to swiftly check in and make our way to the hotel restaurant.
Our dining experience appreciably exceeded expectations and represented an exemplary introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.
Our arrangement with Evaneos included breakfast and dinner for the entirety of our stay, which was a delight. While I cannot claim to be an aficionado of Sri Lankan cuisine, I can affirm that the meal we enjoyed was exceptional—one of the finest experiences of our visit, serving as a warm introduction to Colombo.
After dinner, we opted for a leisurely visit to the rooftop pool for a relaxing swim, enjoying the ambiance of the evening before unwinding with drinks at the rooftop bar, ultimately returning to our rooms to prepare for a restful night.
We awoke early to a foggy Colombo, anticipating a day filled with travel. Our destination was the ancient city of Anuradhapura, a UNESCO World Heritage site and the first capital of Sri Lanka.
Fortunately, the early morning fog dissipated shortly after our breakfast, and by the time we made a tea stop in Hambantota, the sun was shining brightly.
The rustic rest house in Hambantota was an unexpected gem, likely to be overlooked by those arranging their itineraries independently. This place offers a charming ambiance and serves an excellent pot of tea—a notable trait in a country proficient in tea production.
Historically, these establishments were integral to pre-tourist Sri Lanka, providing locals with a respite during long travels.
The journey to Anuradhapura, spanning nearly 6 hours—including breaks—culminated with our arrival in the midday sun.
Upon our arrival at the ancient city, we were greeted by a local guide who would provide an overview of key cultural nuances to adhere to during our visit.
1.) Photographs with your back toward Buddha statues are prohibited. You may only capture images in profile, preferably with your right side facing the statue.
2.) Footwear must be removed, and it’s advisable to wear socks as the ground becomes exceedingly hot during the day.
3.) When exploring the monuments, a clockwise movement is required. This is based on the belief that blessings are conferred from the Buddha toward the right side, necessitating this directionality.
4.) It is mandatory to cover your legs, applicable to all genders. Acceptable options include long trousers or sarongs, while shorts or short skirts are not permitted.
Our tour began with a rich historical context of Anuradhapura.
Meanwhile, lighthearted distractions surfaced thanks to curious monkeys wandering about.
Some took a keen interest in the unfolding activities, while others seemed indifferent, showcasing typical monkey behavior.
Our exploration of the temple introduced us to its intricate artistry and captivating backstory, emphasizing Anuradhapura’s significance as the birthplace of Buddhism in Sri Lanka.
Among the paramount sites to witness is the Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a revered fig tree that is a branch of the original Bodhi tree from Gaya, India, the location where Buddha attained enlightenment.
This sacred tree was brought to Sri Lanka by Princess Sangamita, Emperor Asoka’s daughter, and planted in 249 BC. As the oldest documented planted tree globally and a venerated icon of Buddhist history, it holds tremendous significance worldwide.
(The tree, showcased under golden beams, is under continuous observation by esteemed botanists due to its historical importance).
Conclusively, our short visit merely scratched the surface of what Sri Lanka has to offer, and we eagerly anticipated further exploration on our journey.
