MT Sobek Sri Lanka Adventure Travel Webinar

Hear from MT Sobek’s Asia expert Rebecca Liebeskind who shares an insider’s perspective on our immersive adventure through Sri Lanka. Exploring the highlights of this unforgettable journey—from sacred Buddhist temples and misty tea country to elephant-filled forests and tranquil mangroves. Blending vibrant culture, rich biodiversity, and breathtaking landscapes, this webinar offers a vivid glimpse into why Sri Lanka is known as the “Resplendent Isle.” Ideal for future travelers or anyone curious to learn more.

Sri Lanka Webinar Overview

Discover Sri Lanka with MT Sobek: Tea Trails and Temples

Welcome to our webinar on discovering Sri Lanka with Mountain Travel Sobek. I’m Rebecca, your host and Asia Program Director. I’m excited to share why Sri Lanka is a destination close to my heart, what makes it so special, and how our Tea Trails and Temples trip combines adventure, culture, and relaxation.

We’ll start with a broad overview of Sri Lanka, then dive into our specific program and logistics. Feel free to drop any questions in the chat, and my colleague will address them. If we don’t get to your question today, we’ll follow up shortly.

Why We Love Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a diverse yet compact island, offering a wealth of natural, cultural, and religious experiences. Roughly the size of Ireland, it boasts everything from golden beaches and misty highlands to ancient cities and rainforests. It’s a biodiversity hotspot, home to many endemic species. Imagine watching elephants in the wild, sipping tea in the hills, and enjoying a sunset on a palm-fringed beach, all in one day!

It’s also a wildlife paradise, one of the best places outside Africa to see large mammals like elephants, leopards, and whales. With over 2,500 years of recorded history, Sri Lanka is rich in culture, preserving remnants of ancient civilizations. Its cultural tapestry is woven from Buddhist, Hindu, Muslim, and Christian communities, visible in its year-round festivals, art, and architecture.

Sri Lanka is a place of great spiritual depth, with a primarily Buddhist population where spiritual life is deeply ingrained in daily rhythms. You’ll truly feel this spiritual quality during your travels. Our trip includes visits to five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from cultural capitals to natural reserves.

Perhaps most memorable are the people and their hospitality. Sri Lankans are renowned for their warmth, treating guests like family. You’ll feel welcomed and invited back by many you meet.

Geographical and Historical Context

Sri Lanka, often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” is strategically located between the Middle East and Asia, placing it at the heart of ancient trade routes. This has layered its culture with influences from diverse peoples. Situated just off India’s southeastern coast, it has historically beckoned traders and travelers with its rich natural resources, including cinnamon, cardamom, and rubber.

The island’s geography features extensive coastal belts with beautiful beaches, lagoons, and coral reefs, which we’ll explore. The central heartlands are characterized by misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and cascading waterfalls, offering cooler climates perfect for hiking. The northern dry zone is home to ancient ruins and wildlife destinations.

Our “Tea Trails and Temples” Itinerary

MT Sobek’s 13-day Sri Lanka itinerary covers a significant portion of Sri Lanka’s most impactful destinations. We explore the central highlands, home to ancient civilizations and UNESCO sites, interspersing hikes with cultural adventures. We’ll ascend to Horton Plains, a UNESCO natural wonder known for its high concentration of species, and descend to Yala National Park, which boasts the world’s largest concentration of leopards. We conclude on the southern coast, enjoying its slower rhythms and perhaps spotting whales.

Experiences on our trip include:

• Cultural Treasures: Sunset at Pidurangala, climbing the iconic 5th-century Sigiriya Rock Fortress, exploring the sacred Dambulla Cave Temple complex, visiting the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and strolling the colonial streets of Galle (another UNESCO site).
• Scenic Hiking & Nature: Trekking sections of the Pekoe Trail through tea country, inspiring hikes to Little Adam’s Peak, Ella Rock, and Horton Plains. We’ll also kayak through mangroves on Kogalla Lake.
• Iconic Journeys: A scenic train ride from Nuwara Eliya to Ella, considered one of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world, passing through lush highlands and coastal plains.
• Wildlife & Conservation: A jeep safari in Yala National Park to spot elephants, leopards, and sloth bears, a visit to a turtle hatchery, and observing traditional stilt fishermen.

Throughout the journey, you’ll savor delightful Sri Lankan tea and experience the memorable warmth of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Sri Lanka’s Unique Allure

The name Sri Lanka translates to “the resplendent Isle,” a fitting description for its lush beauty and vibrant culture. Historically known as Serendib by Arab merchants (inspiring the word “serendipity”) and Ceylon during British colonial rule (referring to its tea), it’s a land of striking contrasts where ancient cities meet misty highlands, and timeless rituals blend with modern rhythms.

Tea Heritage: Sri Lanka’s renowned tea is a legacy of the British colonial era. The cool, misty highlands are ideal for tea cultivation, making Sri Lanka one of the world’s top tea producers. You’ll experience this firsthand by walking through rolling green hills, seeing tea being picked, and visiting a tea factory. Portions of our treks follow the Pekoe Trail, winding through scenic tea estates and offering insights into this iconic export.

Ayurveda: Meaning “the science of life,” Ayurveda is an ancient healing practice rooted in South India and Sri Lanka. The island’s rich biodiversity, from coastal regions to mountain ranges, provides a natural pharmacy. Thousands of native plant species, like Gotu Kola, cinnamon, and sandalwood, have been used for centuries to create traditional herbal medicines. Today, modern hospitals coexist with Ayurvedic ones, reflecting a balance between heritage and progress. As a traveler, you can experience herbal treatments, spice garden visits, and Ayurvedic massages at our hotels, offering insight into nature’s role in well-being.

Culinary Delights

Food is a memorable part of the journey, reflecting the island’s diverse produce. Sri Lankan cuisine is spicy and flavorful, using spices like chili, curry leaves, cinnamon, and cardamom, which also have medicinal properties. Rice and curry is a staple, featuring various whole-grain rice styles served with an array of curries—from medicinal herbs like Gotu Kola to lentils, pulses, fish, and meats, all brightly flavored with local spices. Coconuts are ubiquitous. A must-try is Pol Sambol, a spicy coconut relish served alongside many meals. For seafood lovers, Sri Lanka is a paradise, especially known for its delicious crab.

Comfortable and Unique Accommodations

After rich and full days, you’ll relax in beautiful properties chosen not just for comfort but also for their unique cultural or historical significance.

• The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya: An iconic colonial-era hotel (established 1828) in the “Little England” region, exuding old-world charm with Victorian architecture, sprawling gardens, and teak interiors, offering a glimpse into the colonial past.
• Heritance Kandalama: Nestled harmoniously in the jungle near Sigiriya, this award-winning, eco-friendly design by renowned architect Geoffrey Bawa seamlessly merges with the natural environment, offering sweeping views of the lake and forest.
• Yala National Park Property: Located where the coast meets the forest and safari, this unique property offers a blend of environments.
• Jetwing Lighthouse in Galle: Another property touched by Geoffrey Bawa, this hotel embodies contemporary Sri Lankan sensibilities while incorporating local materials and craftsmanship.
• Hyde Ella: Built into the side of the mountain, this intimate hotel allows you to feel truly immersed in the unique mountain environment.

Many hotels offer swimming pools and spa services for relaxation.

Highlighted Regions: Coast, Yala, and Central Highlands

The Coast and Yala National Park: Our journey begins and ends here. Beyond Yala’s leopards, you might witness stilt fishermen, a remarkable traditional practice unique to Sri Lanka’s southern coast, particularly around Koggala. These fishermen expertly balance on wooden stilts in shallow waters, a captivating and photogenic way of life that Sri Lanka is working to preserve.

The Central Highlands: Features iconic sites like Sigiriya Fortress, the historic city of Kandy, and breathtaking views. The train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is renowned as one of the world’s most scenic train rides, offering a panoramic view of Sri Lanka’s lush hill country—rolling tea plantations, misty mountains, dense forests, and cascading waterfalls. We’ll also walk out to see the famous Nine Arch Bridge.

UNESCO World Heritage Sites & Wildlife

We are proud to visit five UNESCO World Heritage Sites: Sigiriya Rock, Galle Fort, Dambulla Caves, and Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains is a protected area known for its stunning highland nature, grasslands, cloud forests, and deep valleys, creating a dramatic and serene environment. It’s a must for hiking, offering panoramic views, waterfalls, misty forests, and abundant wildlife, including rare species like the sambar deer and purple-faced langurs.

For birders, Sri Lanka is spectacular, boasting over 450 recorded species, including 30 endemic to the island. From rainforests to wetlands, grasslands, and highlands, it’s an ideal environment for diverse birdlife, with species like the blue magpie and junglefowl.

Multi-Adventure Activities

Our trips are synonymous with adventure. We offer a diverse range of activities that highlight the island’s incredible variety:

• Hiking: Ancient rock fortresses, scenic mountain trails (like the Pekoe Trail and Little Adam’s Peak), and walks through high plains.
• Wildlife Safari: In Yala National Park.
• Kayaking: Through mangroves.
• Boat Rides: On the southern coast.
• Unique Transportation: The memorable train ride and fun tuk-tuk journeys.

This variety ensures you stay energized and engaged, balancing cultural exploration with nature immersion and active outdoor fun for a dynamic and deeply memorable journey.

Our Expert Guides

Our guides are exceptional, combining deep local knowledge, genuine passion, and extensive experience. Farlin, Raja, and Shabeeb each have around 20 years of guiding experience in Sri Lanka. They don’t just lead; they bring destinations to life with fascinating stories, cultural insights, and access to hidden gems. Their warm, attentive approach and embodiment of Sri Lankan hospitality ensure every guest feels cared for and connected to the place.

Planning Your Trip

Our trip page is the best resource for detailed day-by-day itineraries, accommodation information, and more. Our team is also available to answer any personal questions.

We offer departures during two favorable weather windows: January through March and October through December. These seasons provide comfortable and inspiring conditions for enjoying the diverse landscapes and activities.

• January-March: Ideal for generally warmer and drier weather along the West and South Coasts (perfect for beaches in Negombo and Galle), with mild, pleasant temperatures in the hills (ideal for hiking and tea plantations). It’s also a great season for wildlife viewing in Yala National Park as animals gather at water sources. Expect sunny skies, comfortable humidity, and minimal rain.
• October-December: The tail end of the monsoon season, bringing lush richness and brief showers followed by sunshine, leading to cooler and sometimes mystical conditions in the highlands. By December, it transitions into the drier season.

No matter when you travel with us, you’ll experience the island’s diversity and beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Vehicles: For smaller groups, we use comfortable Toyota Hiace vans with air conditioning and ample space. For larger groups, we utilize spacious Toyota Coaster mini-coaches with air conditioning, fridges, and reclining seats for relaxed travel.
• Dietary Needs: This trip accommodates vegetarian, pescatarian, and gluten-free diets very well, given the rice-based cuisine and the accommodations’ ability to cater to various needs. While cross-contamination concerns should always be discussed with us, in general, the trip is well-suited for a variety of dietary requirements. You’ll also enjoy a plethora of fresh, healthy tropical fruits and vegetables.
• Longer Transfers: The longest transfer is about 3.5 hours with stops. Distances are manageable and scenic. We break up longer drives with unique meals or cultural experiences, such as visits to spice or tea plantations, and stops at nice restaurants to stretch and interact with locals.
• Trekking Poles and Hiking Boots: Both are highly recommended. Trekking poles are helpful for the varied terrain, including rolling hills and some climbs. Sturdy hiking boots are essential for varied terrain and potential stream crossings. Water shoes are also recommended for kayaking.
• Multi-Adventure Definition: Our trip is classified as Level 3, featuring a mix of activities including diverse hikes (to temples, UNESCO sites, through plantations, and high plains), kayaking through mangroves, boat rides, scenic train journeys, and tuk-tuk rides. These activities are designed to connect you to the country, its landscape, and its people, offering a wide variety of adventure for a broad audience.

We’re incredibly excited about this trip and hope you are too! We invite you to experience the magic of Sri Lanka like never before on this unforgettable journey.

Thank you for joining us today. Please don’t hesitate to contact us with any further questions via phone at 800-974-0300 or email info@mtsobek.com.