SRI LANKA VEGAN TOUR

Ayubowan, vanakkam, and welcome to Colombo! Located along the ancient sea trading routes, Sri Lanka has been on the maps so-to-speak for over 2,000 years as it lies in the center of the Indian Ocean, at the heart of the historical trading routes between the east and west. Known for its spices (cinnamon and pepper in particular), gems, elephants, and being a convenient stop for supplies (including fresh water and food), the island was an important port of call for trading fleets as far as Greece, Rome, and Persia to the west, and the Malay Archipelago, Siam, and China to the east. Due to its prime location on the western coast of Sri Lanka, Colombo grew as a seaport for this trade between the east and west and was frequently visited by Indians, Moors, Arabs, Persians, Malays, Romans, and Chinese, among others, before the eventual occupation of the island by European colonialists from Portugal, the Netherlands, and Britain. All of these people have contributed to building Colombo, with its unique cultural diversity, into what it is today. Nestled along the coast of the Lakshadweep Sea, our home in Colombo is a beautiful hotel located right on the beach overlooking the sea.  After our orientation meeting, we’ll head out for a heritage walk into the vibrant streets of Colombo where its rich history and cultural diversity is ever so evident in its cafes, bazaars, architecture, places of worship, and its people – all a reflection of the cultural diversity of Sri Lanka as a whole.

Highlights of the Day:

• Detailed Orientation Meeting where you will get to know your fellow travelers and adventure leaders better as we discuss the adventure ahead and have our Introduction to Sri Lanka’s History, Cultures, and Diversity Presentation.
• Traditional Sri Lankan Dutch Burgher “lamprais” lunch (specially veganized just for us) accompanied by refreshing homemade ginger beer.
• Join our friend and longtime resident of the city, as we explore the back streets and back alleys of old Colombo.
• Guests of monks at one of the oldest Buddhist temples in the city and site of the first hoisting the International Flag of Buddhism.
• Introduction to the Eating Etiquette of Sri Lanka where we’ll learn how to eat a Sri Lankan “rice & curry” meal properly, following local eating customs and etiquette.
• A seaside sunset stroll along Colombo’s most popular family sunset gathering spot.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Waking up to the sounds of the sea, a short distance from our mansion, we’ll have a vegan breakfast overlooking the sea. Strategically located at the crossroads of the east and west maritime spice trade, Sri Lanka is blessed with wonderfully tasty and wonderfully diverse cuisines. The Portuguese, Dutch, and British were all drawn here, but well before they had arrived, Indian, Arab, and Chinese traders, among others, were trading with the different Sri Lankan kingdoms for centuries. This maritime trade had a very big influence on the country’s delicious cuisines that developed largely as a result of the fusion between local ingredients, cooking traditions, and the cooking traditions of the spice-seeking merchants and immigrants that came here to trade, and in many cases, settle, on the island. This morning, we’ll start with a visit to the bustling veggie and spice market, followed by a delicious cooking class where we’ll learn to make some of Colombo’s most famous dishes. Then, we’ll join a local filmmaker and learn about the evolution of cinema in Sri Lanka and the important role films are now playing in the vital peace, healing, and reconciliation process of the country. In the early evening, we’ll make our way back to our hotel, where we’ll settle down seaside, joining local vegans for a vegan feast of island classics.

Highlights of the Day:

• Vegan breakfast feast of traditional dishes overlooking the sea.
• Explore a local fruit, veggies, and spice market and learn about the different ingredients commonly used in Sri Lankan dishes.
• Cooking class where we’ll be guests of one of Colombo’s best vegan chefs who will teach us how to make a delicious vegan rice and curry meal.
• Learn about the evolution of cinema in Sri Lanka and the important role films are playing in the peace, healing, and reconciliation process of the country from a local filmmaker’s point of view.
• Join local vegans for a delicious vegan dinner of some of the island classics – all specially veganized just for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

If you take majority Buddhist populations, this small island nation is actually the oldest continuously Buddhist majority country in the world. Buddhism is practiced by approximately 70% of the population and is associated as the primary religion of the majority ethnic group Sinhalese people. It is believed that Theravada Buddhism, the oldest continuous school of Buddhist thought in the world, arrived on the shores of Lanka in the third century BC. It is said that Emperor Asoka, credited as one of the greatest influencers of Buddhism spreading to other parts of Asia, sent his son, Venerable Mahinda to Sri Lanka to help spread Buddha’s teachings. His sister followed, bringing with her a sapling from the Bodhi tree under which Lord Buddha is believed to have attained enlightenment. The sapling would be planted at the first Buddhist monastery to be established on the island, in Anuradhapura – one of the earliest, and most historically important of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals. Anuradhapura would become one of the greatest political and religious capitals the island would ever know, lasting for nearly 13 centuries. Often coined as Sri Lanka’s first capital, Anuradhapura would grow to be the “capital” of Theravada Buddhism in the world and one of the leading centers in ancient times of Buddhist studies, teaching, philosophy, art, and culture. This afternoon, we’ll spend our time as guests of a local Buddhist monastery learning about Theravada Buddhism before visiting the ancient capital’s living temples and ruins.

Highlights of the Day:

• Vegan breakfast feast of traditional dishes overlooking the sea.
• Guests of a local monastery for our Introduction us to Theravada Buddhism, its principles and practices, and the role it plays in the daily lives of the Sinhalese people.
• Vipassana Meditation lesson led by Theravada Buddhist monks.
• Visit the sacred monuments of Anuradhapura as guests of a local monk who will share with us that these living temples are doors and windows into Sri Lanka’s heritage and living historical records not only as a window into the past, but a cultural door into the present spirituality of the Sinhalese people.
• Special vegan rice and curry meal – Anuradhapura style!

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Vanakkam and welcome to Jaffna! Historically Jaffna has been the cultural and religious capital of Sri Lankan Tamils whose roots go back here well over a millennium. Known as Sri Lanka’s final frontier – Jaffna has its own unique identity, adding very much to the diversity of the island. With its kaleidoscope of colorful Hindu temples, meandering cow and palm-fringed lanes, slowly peddling bicycles, and bustling – yet strikingly calm markets complete with shops selling everything from lungis (sarongs), saris, and the latest Tamil tunes, to banana leaf rice and curry meals, freshly fried vadais and piping hot thosais. In the 1980s as the civil war began to grip the island, Jaffna became a focus of control among the different fighting factions and was occupied at one time or another for the next two decades by the LTTE (Liberation Tamil Tigers of Eelam, a.k.a. Tamil Tigers), the Sri Lankan Army and the IPKF (Indian Peacekeeping Force). Because of this, the city also has the tragic distinction of being home to some of the war’s fiercest fighting, with sieges, house-to-house firefights, and bombardments making life for locals who remained here unbearable at best. Since the end of the war in 2009, Jaffna and the people who remained, as well as those who are returning, are emerging, climbing back from decades of turmoil and isolation from the rest of the country, and much of the world. Arriving in Jaffna, we’ll meet up with a longtime local who will introduce us to the history of Jaffna as seen through its Hindu temples and ceremonies, before being introduced to the town’s famous cuisine deliciously represented through its classic banana leaf meal!

Highlights of the Day:

• Guests of sacred forest monastery where we’ll join local Buddhist monks who will introduce us to Vipassana Meditation and the benefits of practicing this exceptional mindfulness meditation technique.
• Scenic forest and coastal drive on the road less traveled from as we head northwest from Anuradhapura to Jaffna.
• Introduction to Tamil Hindu temple architecture and traditions.
• Join a local family for a home-cooked vegan banana leaf meal, where they’ll teach us the traditional eating etiquette of this very traditional Jaffna meal.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Today we’ll join a grassroots organization that is instrumental in helping in the healing process after the war and bringing communities together through music, dance, and theater. At their campus in the heart of Jaffna, the extraordinary Theater Action Group is preserving local cultural arts, music, and dance unique to the Sri Lankan Tamil communities of the north, and is on the frontline helping people to heal. Our friends at the Theater Action Group took the dying art form of village street theater and created a fantastic form of healing and counseling by using interactive performances to help people who have suffered oppression and traumatic experiences, to find non-violent ways to express themselves, to heal, and to make a change within their communities. The Theater Action Group, which is made up of people who themselves have lived through traumatic experiences, helps people to strengthen their abilities for self-love, self-expression, communication, and trust, leading to more peaceful lives for both themselves and for their communities. Through interactive cultural events and village street theater, they provide much-needed confidence for people to begin a new life and bring awareness on important social issues and how to deal, and heal, with them. Working with women and young adults who have been traumatized by years of tragic events, workshops in line with local traditions and customs, are held by their peers. Consisting of music, dance, drama, and meditation to help people confront and overcome their fears, articulate their emotions and heal. As guests of the teachers, artists, and students, we’ll learn about the extraordinary work they do and the unique art of “Koothu”, which is an ancient Tamil folk art of storytelling through music, songs, and dance.

Highlights of the Day:

• Join the teachers, artists, and students of the Theater Action Group (TAG) for a full-day program where they’ll share with us their unique cultural arts, music, dance, and healing theater that helps people and communities heal through the wonderful art of interactive street theater.
• Enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan Tamil vegan meal together with members of TAG.
• As guests of the TAG, we’ll learn about the inspirational work they do that structures participant from all ages and segments of society, with a special focus on women who have been particularly affected by decades of the tragic events in the north of Sri Lanka, to come out of their workshops having gained greater self-esteem and confidence to revamp their future. Many have compared their programs to “interventions” where their counseling is played out through interactive games and theater to bring about the healing process.
• Participate with Theatre Action Group on a cultural interactive performance with drums, songs, and street theater in a village with the focus of the program to enable people to articulate their emotions in a supportive and safe community environment.
• Tasty home-cooked vegan dinner with our friends after a long day’s work.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

Starting the day with a Jaffna-style breakfast – complete with thosais, piping hot rasam, coconut chutneys, curried potatoes, pungent pickles, and poriyal! Then, we’ll meet up with a longtime local resident of the area and set out into the lanes, by-lanes, and boulevards of Ol’ Jaffna to learn about the local way of life in this centuries-old town. Traversing the city’s back streets, back alleys, bazaars, and historical buildings on foot, and by vehicle, we will focus on Jaffna’s “living history”, cultural heritage, and the different communities that have called the city their home for centuries. In the early afternoon, we’ll take a breather from our walk as we settle down for a tasty lunch of fresh Jaffna delicacies at a local family’s home. Later in the afternoon, you’ll have the late afternoon and evening free to explore old Jaffna on your own, take it easy, relax, and get rested for the next part of our journey as we head to the jungle’s edge tomorrow morning!

Highlights of the Day:

• Traditional Taste of Jaffna breakfast specially veganized for us.
• Heritage walk with a longtime resident of Jaffna where we’ll explore ol’ Jaffna walking and stopping along the way at local bazaars, temples, the local library, fort, homes, and local landmarks as we learn about the unique way of life and history here.
• Visit a local market where we’ll pick up supplies for the marine life conservation and protection program we’ll be participating in.
• Vegan traditional Jaffna lunch and tasting session.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch

Bidding adieu to Jaffna and the Northern Province we head south, along the island’s inland historical A9 highway. Making our way into Sri Lanka’s evergreen forest interior that is home to over 160 species of birds, 34 species of reptiles and amphibians, and 24 plus species of mammals, we’ll arrive at our home in the early afternoon at the edge of a lush, wildlife-rich jungle. Over the next couple of days, we’ll be staying in forest huts and exploring the surrounding jungles and protected reserves where we’ll learn about Sri Lanka’s rich biodiversity – including the star of the island’s great mammals, the protected Sri Lankan Elephant – which is one of three subspecies of the endangered Asian Elephant! Asian Elephant populations have, unfortunately, like most elephant species around the world, declined over the past century by an estimated 70% over three generations. The main contributor to their decline is people. This happens both through habitat encroachment and habitat loss, deforestation, poaching, and human-elephant conflict, which on an island the size of Sri Lanka with a population of 22 million people, is a big issue. Over the next 2 days, we’ll join a leading elephant conservationist in Sri Lanka who will introduce us to these magnificent creatures, their plight, and the fight to save them, including the vital aspect of education to create a peaceful co-existence on a relatively small amount of land between people and wild elephants.

Highlights of the Day:

• Delicious vegan feast of local Sri Lankan Tamil dishes.
• Introduction Program to the Plight of Sri Lanka’s Pachyderms from one of the leading elephant conservationists on the island.
• Sunset hike to the top of the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Sigiriya Rock fort-palace.
• Evening Introduction Discussion and Slide Presentation on conservation work being done to help Sri Lanka’s elephants.
• Special local drinks and vegan snacks.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

After a delicious breakfast of vegan kurakkan roti, vegan lunu miris, and a selection of chutneys – amongst other tasty dishes, hot cups of black coffee, and the famous Sri Lankan tea, we’ll head out to learn more about Sri Lanka’s Elephant. Habitat loss, encroachment, fragmentation, captivity, and poaching, – these are the facts facing the Asian Elephants fight for survival, and all these facts have one thing in common – humans. Today, we will learn firsthand from those on the frontline to protect and save Sri Lanka’s elephants. From one of the country’s leading elephant experts to rangers to local communities, coming together to come up with ways to live together and protect these incredible pachyderms. Creating a peaceful harmony between people and wild elephants is probably the most important keys to Sri Lanka’s 7,500 plus wild elephants to having a peaceful existence going forward as they live side-by-side with 22 million people on an island 10 times smaller than the state of Texas! In the afternoon, we’ll head into the national park by jeep on safari to get a glimpse of these lovely beasts in the wild. Returning to our camp at nightfall, you’ll have time to freshen up before we meet up for a candlelight dinner under the stars.

Highlights of the Day:

• Sunrise hike with a local naturalist on an educational bush walk along the trails of the surrounding forest where we’ll learn about this unique eco-system and the essential resources it provides for the wildlife (including elephants) to make it a vital habitat for them.
• Meeting with rangers who will talk about their uphill battle in protecting the elephants as well as the different protected areas in the area and the flora and fauna indigenous to them.
• Education program with the local community where conservationists raise awareness about the importance of protecting wildlife and nature and Human-Elephant Co-Existence (the other side of the coin of HEC – Human-Elephant Conflict).
• Jeep safari into the jungles of the national park with one of the island’s leading elephant conservationists.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

This morning, we’ll journey to the east coast of Sri Lanka to visit one of the island’s stunning beaches. Upon arrival at our charming bungalow hotel, you’ll have time to rest, relax, and take in the beautiful views. In the afternoon, we’ll meet for sunset drinks, and as the evening sets in, we’ll gather around the dining table for a delicious feast of local vegan dishes made with fresh vegetables from the hotel’s organic garden. Tonight, we end the day, enjoying the cool breeze of the ocean, the soothing sound of the waves, and the vast, open sky..

Highlights of the Day:

• Orientation and introduction to the organic vegetables garden.
• Introduction to local veggies and spices.
• Special local sunset snacks and refreshing seaside sundowners while we watch the colors of the day to the night.
• Special garden to table dinner feast – all 100% vegan.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Good Morning! Waking up to the sounds of the waves, we’ll start the day with a delightful traditional breakfast before spending the morning getting familiar with the kitchen. Get ready to roll up your sleeves and dive into chopping, dicing, stirring, sautéing, boiling, and sprinkling! Today, we’ll have an interactive cooking class. After cooking and enjoying the delicious lunch you’ve prepared, you’ll have free time to relax, catch up on your reading, take a leisurely stroll on the beach, swim in the beautiful blue waters of the Indian Ocean, or simply unwind with a drink by the shore—it’s entirely up to you! In the early afternoon, we’ll meet up with our local friend and filmmaker for a screening of his original film, based on a Sri Lankan story.

Highlights of the Day:

• Freshly made breakfasts from the organic garden.
• Interactive Cooking Class.
• Join a local filmmaker for a movie screening with local university students.
• Vegan dinner made lovingly at a home kitchen by our friend’s family.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks

Putting the balmy bay breezes at our backs, we say goodbye to the sea and head inland up into the country’s lush green hill country. Home to thick forest-clad mountains, dense jungles, and vast tea plantations, we’ll make our way to the last capital of Sri Lanka’s independent kings – Kandy. Nestled around a lake at its center in a plateau valley at roughly 1,500 feet above sea level, the old town and its surrounding history go back well over 600 years. Being the last Kingdom to fall to colonial powers, Kandy became a bastion of art, culture, and Buddhist studies that are reflected in its music, arts, dance, temples, and architecture. Our home for the next three days is one of the most legendary buildings in the hilltop town. With the original building dating back to the 17th century, the mansion we will be residing at later became the posh palatial estate house of a wealthy British merchant, coffee, and tea plantation owner. Complete with old-world floorings, high ceilings, arches, and a vintage interior – you cannot help but be transported back to a bygone era. Located lakeside just a stone’s throw from the heart of old town Kandy, sitting across from the country’s sacred Temple of the Tooth, and a short distance to colorful markets and a plethora of cafes and pubs – this is the perfect place to take in the heritage, cultural diversity, and placid pace that is Kandy. After lunch, we’ll join one of the foremost experts and teachers of Kandy’s most revered and famous classical art forms who will introduce us to the mesmerizing and magical art of Kandyan dance.

Highlights of the Day:

• Sri Lankan east-coast traditional breakfast – made 100% vegan!
• Guests of an extraordinary family whose Kandyan dance roots trace back over 14 generations will introduce us to this incredible dance (and percussion) form, including teaching us a few of its steps.
• Special dinner of local Kandy fusion favorites – all veganized just for us.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner

We’ll meet up for breakfast, featuring traditional Kandy fusion favorites, before spending most of the day exploring this fascinating city. After breakfast, we’ll journey up the hillside to visit the extraordinary Matale Alu Viharaya. Dating back to the 3rd century BC, this sacred temple is where the Pāli Canon, the most revered text in Theravada Buddhism (equivalent to their “Bible”), was first transcribed onto palm leaves.

Next, we’ll head to the heart of Kandy for another delicious meal. After lunch, we’ll take a relaxing stroll through the historical lanes of Kandy, learning about the city’s rich past. We’ll also stop to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Built between 1687 and 1707 by the Kandyan Kings, this temple houses a sacred relic of the Buddha’s tooth and remains one of the most important pilgrimage sites in Sri Lanka.

After the visit, you’ll have free time to explore the vibrant, colorful streets of Kandy at your own pace, soaking in the historical charm of this over 500-year-old city.

Highlights of the Day:

• Special vegan breakfast highlighting traditional Kandy fusion breakfast favorites.
• Guest at the extraordinary Matale Alu Viharaya, where the Pāli Canon, the most revered text in Theravada Buddhism (equivalent to their “Bible”), was first transcribed onto palm leaves.
• Heritage Walk of Historical Kandy town.
• Traditional Hill-Country Tamil vegan lunch.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch

Breakfast this morning will be a Taste of Kandy selection of the chef’s favorite dishes – veganized especially for us! Then, since it is your last day in Sri Lanka, we thought the best way to spend it is to relax, take it easy and just kick back at your own pace, explore on your own, take a cool dip in the pool, and catch up on your journal (or Facebook) and souvenir list – as Kandy has the best shopping options of all the places we’ve been to during our journey. The wide varieties of shops spread along the colorful streets and lanes of old’ town Kandy are great for souvenir shopping. So relax with a traditional massage, sip on a hot cup of coffee or island tea while taking in views from a local cafe – or just kick back, relax and enjoy the historical and cultural capital before we meet up in the evening. As the sun sets over this almost 600-year-old city, we’ll settle down for our farewell dinner and enjoy a delicious traditional vegan Sri Lankan feast accompanied by refreshing island drinks and live music!

Highlights of the Day:

• Special Taste of Kandy vegan fusion breakfast.
• Festive farewell dinner party complete with live music and a variety of Sri Lankan vegan fusion dishes!

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, and Dinner & Drinks

Ayubowan & Vanakkam! We’ll start the day with a feast of the chef’s favorite dishes in a Taste of Kandy Breakfast, then, you’ll have some time to relax, freshen up and pack before we leave for Colombo. After 13 days of traveling together from the busy streets of Colombo to the ancient stupas of Anuradhapura. From the sleepy streets and compassionate beats of Jaffna to the flora, fauna, forests, and fortresses of the plains outside Polonnaruwa. From the reefs and laid-back pace of Thennadi Bay to the classical dance and tea plantation history of colorful Kandy. From being guests of students, teachers, home chefs, filmmakers, fellow vegans, conservationists, and pachyderm protectionists, to monks, monastics, divemasters, classical dance masters, social workers, and tea plantation workers, today sadly the journey home begins. Descending 1,500 feet to sea level from the thick jungles and tea estates of the hill country to the coastal capital of Colombo – be ready for some scenic views as we make our way back to the beginning. Arriving near the airport in the early afternoon, we’ll have lunch before we proceed to the airport where our adventure ends. If you have an extra night, our hotel is located where we are having lunch quaintly nestled on the edge of a peaceful lagoon just a 10-minute drive by taxi to the airport. Thank you very, very, very much again for traveling with us and choosing a Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages adventure!

Highlights of the Day:

• Special Taste of Kandy vegan fusion breakfast.
• Special Sri Lankan island vegan fusion lunch overlooking the bay in Negombo.
• Airport transfer.

Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch