Sri Lanka Vegan Tour
14 Day Vegan Tour in Sri Lanka
Join us on an extraordinary vegan adventure to the island of Sri Lanka – a personal journey over a decade in the making, about a story that’s over 3,000 years old. Journey with us to the incredible Island of Serendib! Vegan tour to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is often portrayed by travelogues and tourist brochures as an island paradise with images of its postcard-picture-perfect palm-fringed sandy beaches and clear blue waters. And yes, it does have those – but this small island-nation located as a teardrop off the southeast coast of India is so very, very much more than that.
What's included?
Vegan Meals
38 Vegan meals
(14 breakfasts, 13 lunches, 11 dinners)
Accommodation
13 Nights Accommodations
(a combination of heritage hotels, historical mansions, charming bed & breakfasts, a forest eco-retreat, and beachside bungalows)
Tour Transport
- Private Air-Conditioned Minibus
- Jeeps
- Boats
- Auto Rickshaws
Also Included
- Daily Local Cultural Lessons and Introductions to Sri Lanka’s different ethnic groups
- Daily Local Language Lessons
- Live Traditional Music and Folk Dances
- Vegan Cooking Class (Sri Lanka rice & curry meal)
- Vegan Cooking Class (Sri Lankan snacks class)
- Vipassana Meditation Class at Forest Monastery
- Sri Lankan Kandyan Dance Workshop
- Elephant Conservation Program with one of Sri Lanka’s leading conservationists.
- Northern Sri Lankan Koothu Dance & Music Workshop
- Full-Day Program Helping with the Theater Action Group
- Vegan Meals with Local Families
- Fruit Tasting Sessions
- Local Veggie and Spice Market Exploration
- Vegan Meet-up Dinner with Local Vegans (in Colombo)
- All Local Guide Fees
- All Site Entry Fees
- Guests of Local Grassroots Educational Programs and Projects
- Guests of Local Village and Communities
- Heritage Walk in old Colombo
- Volunteer in Marine life Conservation & Protection Program
- Explore the Ancient Ruins of Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa
- Snorkeling Expedition by Boat
- Jungle Jeep Safari into National Park
- Visit Local Temples & Temple-Architecture Lessons
- Introduction to Theravada Buddhism in Sri Lanka
- Introduction to Buddhist & Hindu Ceremonies and Rituals
- Guests of Theravada Buddhist Monastery
- National Park Fees
- Donations to Local Community, Women, and Elephant Welfare Programs
- Donations to Youth Education Programs
- Complimentary Refill Water bottle and Unlimited Drinking Water
Even More Included
- Complimentary Juices, Hard Drinks, and Beers on “Dinner & Drinks” nights
- Vegan Welcome Package and Tote Bag
- Airport Pick Up*
- Airport Drop Off**
- … and all other activities, entertainment, and entry fees as per the itinerary.
*Airport picks up is provided for free if you arrive a day or two days earlier than the tour date, and staying at our designated hotel. If you will be arriving at a much earlier time, OR if you are staying at another hotel, please do arrange your own transfer, and meet us at our hotel on Day 1.
**Airport drop-off is provided for free if you depart on the last day of the tour, or the next day. If you will be departing at much later days, please arrange to have your own transfer. Thank you.
What’s NOT included?
International airfare, personal travel insurance, visa fee to Sri Lanka, gratuities/tips, laundry, and other items of a personal nature.
Tour Dates & Pricing
Sri Lanka Vegan Tour 2024
$SOLD OUT (USD)
- MAXIMUM 16 PEOPLE
- 1 PERSON (ALL OUR TRIPS ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES)
- Starts on September 8, 2024 (Sunday)
- Begins at 8:00 am
- Finishes on September 21, 2024 (Saturday)
- Ends at 3:30 pm
- Starts from COLOMBO
- Finishes in COLOMBO
Sri Lanka Vegan Tour 2025
$3795 (USD)
- MAXIMUM 16 PEOPLE
- 1 PERSON (ALL OUR TRIPS ARE GUARANTEED DEPARTURES)
- Starts on June 29, 2025 (Sunday)
- Begins at 8:00 am
- Finishes on July 12, 2025 (Saturday)
- Ends at 3:30 pm
- Starts from COLOMBO
- Finishes in COLOMBO
All Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages Adventures runs on a twin share basis. If you are a single traveler, we will pair you up with another single traveler of the same gender. If you would like to have your own room throughout the trip, upon making a booking, please select “yes” for Single Supplement and the cost shown below will be added to your total adventure cost.
$785 for 14 days: Sri Lanka Vegan Adventure
Vegan tour to Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is often portrayed by travelogues and tourist brochures as an island paradise with images of its postcard-picture-perfect palm-fringed sandy beaches and clear blue waters. And yes, it does have those – but this small island-nation located as a teardrop off the southeast coast of India is so very, very much more than that.
Imagine a country smaller than Ireland, but with almost 5 times the amount of people, who together make up not less than 20 different ethnic groups speaking 2 official national languages, with 3 commonly spoken languages along with a wide array of other dialects and creole languages. A country that is not only home to the majority Sinhalese, but also home to Sri Lankan Tamils, Tamils of recent Indian Origin, Dutch Burghers, Portuguese Burghers, Muslim Moors, Malay, Javanese, Colombo Chetties, Veddas, and Coastal Veddas, Parsis, Sindhis, Chinese, Bohras, Memons, Bharata people, and many more who have all called these shores their home for generations, if not centuries, and in some cases over a millennium.
Attracted by those fleeing persecution, or lured by its rich natural resources and the better life these resources promised, Sri Lanka has been an important hub of trade along the historically important trading routes. It has attracted seekers and preachers of spiritual enlightenment, missionaries, the usual gamut of opportunists and profiteers – the key colonialist players among them, who all took refuge on Sri Lanka’s shores, into its foothills and up into mountains. Collectively, they have all influenced and created this culturally rich, spiritually manifested, and the vibrantly diverse island nation. Despite its four centuries of colonial rule that has exacerbated old divisions that the country still struggles to overcome, the relatively recent coined “Sri Lankan – Our Identity, Diversity – Our Strength” is a telling sign of the road ahead.
Join Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages on a personal journey that is over a decade in the making, about a story that’s over 3,000 years old, as we journey to the incredible Island of Serendib. And yes, there will be sandy beaches. But there are also lush wildlife-rich jungles and savannah-like plains, ancient cities with centuries-old but still very much alive Buddhist and Hindu temples and ruins, well off-the-beaten-track villages, bustling bazaars, overflowing veggie and fresh fruit markets, and mouthwatering cuisines and magnificent living monuments. Most of all, there is a kaleidoscope of cultures all equally rich in traditions, rituals, and thought, which are preserved in their living customs and way of life today. And then there are the tragedies, trials, and triumphs of a turbulent, but surviving history that also lingers to this day. This is Sri Lanka’s story – alive and moving forward as it has for centuries, on the Island of Serendib.
On Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages vegan tour in Sri Lanka, get ready to head off-the-beaten-path! Join us as guests of our friends and their families, local activists, artists, conservationists, educators, students, chefs, filmmakers, and local communities as we delve into the heart of Sri Lanka’s story – and of course, taste our way through the varieties of the island’s delicious cuisines – all 100% veganized, especially for you.
Itinerary
Get day to day insight of the tour.
Day 1 – COLOMBO
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 the historical Mount Lavinia Hotel located right on the beach with a gorgeous pool overlooking the sea. Originally built as the Governor of British Ceylon’s residence, this historic mansion is not only one of the most iconic hotels in the country, but also one of its oldest. 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
“Where do I start? The Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) inaugural trip to Sri Lanka in 2019 “Finding Serendipity on the Island of Serendib” was beyond amazing. I got back just over a month ago and I know the experiences I had on this trip will be forever in my memory. I’m not a first-time Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) traveler, this was my 7th (yes, 7th) trip with VegVoyages. Yes, I’m addicted. No other trip will provide you with ventures off the beaten path and instill in you the history, politics, religion, culture, and customs of a country. Daily language lessons help you learn basic words you need to help communicate in the country you are visiting. This isn’t a cookie-cutter tour of a country. You immerse yourself in the country, you meet locals, and you give back. Our first few days in Colombo were spent visiting a local vegan café, learning about the reconciliation efforts post-civil war through film, visiting temples to learn the history of Buddhism in Sri Lanka to enjoying a vegan meet-up dinner with local vegans. Venturing north, we made our way to an area where tourism was off-limits until 2016. Switching gears and learning Tamil words instead of Sinhalese we were guests of the Theater Action Group which takes their street theater to local villages to help people heal and let them talk about their issues. Seeing a Hindu festival firsthand in Jaffna where self-mortification brings the devotees closer to their religion was an experience that I’ll never forget. Moving on to the forests of Sri Lanka we were able to help out local school kids and clean up the school grounds the day before they started their school year. We were also able to help fund their trip to Colombo to visit the natural history museum. We hiked to the top of Sigiriya Rock where the ruins of a former king’s palace is still present. The elephants! Who else gets to see Asian elephants in the wild and be joined by an elephant veterinarian who is on the front lines of the elephant-human conflict in Sri Lanka helping to educate people on how to live peacefully with these majestic beings. We ventured east to the coast and our snorkeling mission had two goals – see amazing fish and reefs, but also help with the clean-up of trash on the reef. Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) is also funding buoys so that boats have a place to anchor instead of anchoring to reefs and causing further damage. After our second day of snorkeling, we were joined by hotel staff, police, military, and school kids to do a beach clean-up. We picked up over 245kg of trash in under 2 hours. This effort will continue as VegVoyages has sponsored further cleanups that locals will keep doing. On to Kandy where we were guests of a Kandyan dance school and were able to see amazing performances of this traditional dance. And yes, we got a bit of a dance lesson too! Visiting a tea plantation and learning about the sordid and difficult lives of tea plantation workers who were brought from South India by the British. Visiting temples, both Buddhist and Hindu showed the true diversity of this island nation. The experiences we had will stay with me always and I’ll be back to Sri Lanka someday. The country touched me so much and I have more to see. Sri Lanka is still healing from their 26-year civil war which ended in 2009. The people of Sri Lanka were kind, gracious and so welcoming of our group of travelers. From taking us into their homes to feed us, to chefs creating amazing vegan meals (which was completely new to them), the food was delicious beyond belief. On every trip, I meet new friends, friends who I will travel with again. This is the experience you have on a Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages) trip, the amazing, unique, and incredible experience as the story of a country is shared from all angles. I am an addict, I fully admit it. If you want a fully vegan, amazing adventure, look no further than Vegan Travel Asia by VegVoyages. Sri Lanka is now my favorite of the 7 trips I have done. Nepal is calling me for 2020!”
Day 2 – COLOMBO
Waking up to the sounds of the sea a short distance from our over 210-year-old heritage 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 up 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 heritage 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
Day 3 – ANURADHAPURA
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
Day 4 – JAFFNA
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
Day 5 – JAFFNA
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
Day 6 – JAFFNA
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
Day 7 – LAKSIRIGAMA & ELEPHANT CONSERVATION PROGRAM
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
Thank you so much, Vegan Travel Asia (VegVoyages), for your latest trip to Sri Lanka. It was an incredible and memorable journey. Sri Lanka has been on my list for some time and I am grateful for the itinerary you constructed so travelers can go there as vegans. From the exquisite tastes of the country's staple, rice and curry, to the country's turbulent history, there is so much to learn from such a small island destination. Sri Lanka was my fourth trip with VegVoyages and Zac and Yusi's commitment to their customers (as well as local causes, customs, and vegan lifestyle) has never wavered. Thank you so much again. Sri Lanka is yet another trip I will never forget.
Day 8 – LAKSIRIGAMA & ELEPHANT CONSERVATION PROGRAM
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
Day 9 – THENNADI BAY
This morning we’ll explore the ancient ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage City – Polonnaruwa, which is ranked as the best planned archaeological ancient city in the country. Polonnaruwa became the 2nd capital of Sri Lanka’s early kingdoms. The area was chosen by the Chola Empire of South India who saw it as a more strategic location to defend off the invasion, as well as its rich fertile lands for farming and irrigation. The Cholas would rule here for just over a half-century from the late 10th century until the second half of the 11th century when they were defeated after a seven-month siege of the city. After exploring this historic ancient city’s fantastic ruins, we’ll head off to the east coast of Sri Lanka to one of the island’s least developed stretches of coastline. Small villages, serene post-card picture-perfect lagoons… and our personal favorite – the best reef still surviving on the island! We’ll be staying in bungalows on the shores of a tranquil lagoon, home to crystal clear blue water, and our favorite coral reef on the island, and yes, white sandy beaches! You’ll have time to freshen up before meeting for orientation to the amazing marine-life-rich coral reef waters and the struggle to save this vital and fragile eco-system, and of course, then heading out to get our first glimpse of this amazing reef as we snorkel until sunset!
Highlights of the Day:
- Explore the awesome ancient ruins of the UNESCO World Heritage City, Polonnaruwa!
- Orientation and introduction to the marine-life-rich waters around Thennadi Bay which is home to over 207 species of fish, 51 species of coral & 115 species of invertebrates! We’ll also learn about local initiatives being done to help protect this important marine eco-system.
- Explore by boats and snorkel the bay’s reefs until sunset.
- Participate in local marine conservation efforts while snorkeling the reef.
- Special local sunset snacks and refreshing seaside sundowners while we watch the colors of the day to the night.
- Special seaside-themed rice and curry meal – all 100% vegan.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 10 – THENNADI BAY
Starting the day with a delightful traditional breakfast, we’ll spend the morning and early afternoon on the water. Thennadi Bay’s beautiful waters are not just home to stunning coral reefs, but these welcoming waters offer a wonderful home to a plethora of marine life, from parrotfish, groupers, butterflyfish, triggerfish, clownfish, and sweetlips, to angelfish, Napoleons, moray eels, damsels, wrasses, rays, and sea turtles, to name a few. So, without hesitation, we’ll board our boats and continue our exploration of its delightful underwater world! After our underwater exploration, we’ll return to our beachside bungalows for lunch. Then you’ll have some time to unwind and take in the charm of the sandy shores of Thennadi Bay. Walk into the nearby village, take a dip into the pool, snorkel the nearby reef or swim in the Indian Ocean’s lovely blue waters, or just chill’ with a drink beachside – it’s up to you! In the late afternoon, we’ll meet up with local members of the nearby villages for a community beach conservation, clean-up, and protection project. Then, as the moon rises over the bay, we’ll enjoy sundowners and a vegan feast of Sri Lanka’s east coast favorites!
Highlights of the Day:
- Hop aboard boats and explore the reef snorkeling getting a glimpse of its residents that include 207 fish species (including 18 species of Butterfly Fish) and 115 species of invertebrates from sea cucumbers and starfish, to crabs & corals!
- Participate in local marine conservation efforts while snorkeling the reef.
- Join local members of the nearby villages for a community beach conservation, clean-up, and protection project.
- Vegan BBQ Dinner and refreshing local sundowner drinks.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 11 – KANDY
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
Day 12 – KANDY
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, which may be the most famous tea on the planet as this small island nation is actually the world’s 4th largest producer of tea. But there is much more to tea than just being an aromatic cup of hot or cold beverage. Tea has a history, it has a legacy, not just of trade, health, wealth, and commerce, but also, of people. So today you’ll be introduced to the story of the people behind the tea – the tea workers, from their point of view and their voice. The tea industry here employs over one million people and it is one of the leading sources of the country’s foreign exchange. Tea in Sri Lanka is relatively new, beginning with the British smuggling a tea plant to the island from China in 1824. But it wasn’t until 1867 when the tea industry took root here with the island’s first tea plantation estate being set up in Kandy on 19 acres of land. Today, tea is cultivated on roughly 464,990 acres, which is about 4% of the country’s total soil. This morning we’ll be guests of those who work on behalf of the people behind the island’s tea – the tea plantation workers. In the late afternoon, we’ll return to the town where we’ll visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic. Dating back to the 17th century, the temple was built by Kandyan Kings between 1687 and 1707 to house a tooth relic of the Buddha. After visiting the temple, you’ll have free time this evening to explore the lively colorful streets of Kandy at your own pace taking in the historical charm and pace of this over half millennium old city!
Highlights of the Day:
- Special vegan breakfast highlighting traditional Kandy fusion breakfast favorites.
- Guests of those on the frontline of giving tea plantation workers a voice who we’ll learn firsthand from about the island’s tea from the point of view of the people behind it.
- Visit one of the island’s most sacred religious sites – the sacred Temple of Tooth Relic. Believed to have been smuggled to Sri Lanka in the 4th century AD, this temple was built from 1687 to 1707 by the Kandyan Kings as a home to protect the sacred tooth relic of the Buddha.
- Traditional Hill-Country Tamil vegan lunch.
Vegan Meals Included Today: Breakfast and Lunch
Day 13 – KANDY
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, Lunch, and Dinner & Drinks
Day 14 – KANDY TO NEGOMBO (near the airport, and Colombo)
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
Ayubowan and Vanakkam! What an incredible experience that VegVoyages offers, especially in Sri Lanka! Zac, Jeewa, Tashie, Sean & Mohan curated and led a spectacular trip around the culturally diverse and beautiful island of Sri Lanka. We set off on a 14-day trip and ever single day brought new adventures, whether we found ourselves eating meals with local community members in their homes, taking a safari, walking through UNESCO World Heritage Sites, or visiting temples, the journey was never-ending! Highly recommend this trip or any trip through VegVoyages as you get once-in-a-lifetime travel off the beaten path with locals and other like-minded adventurers! Bohoma stuti & mikka nandri to the entire VegVoyages crew!