Village Life in Dunagaha

After breakfast, you'll be met by your local guide Shelton to begin your day of exploration! The best way to discover a country is through its people! Although English is spoken in Sri Lanka, communication can prove to be difficult at times, but a smile always goes a long way. Your visit contributes to the local economy by providing job opportunities to local guides in this rural area. Start the day by taking a tuk-tuk to explore the small villages around Dunagaha. Visit a pineapple farm, a small brick factory, and meet with a local family who specializes in textiles using wooden looms. There is plenty to be seen and enjoyed in the rural back roads. End the journey with a simple rice & curry lunch at a local house in the village. (This service is on a private basis.)

Meet The Manjas: Music of the Ceylon Africans

Along the way, you'll stop in a small village tucked away in Puttalam which is home to a community of Ceylon Africans. Also known as Sri Lankan Kaffirs, they are descendants from the Portuguese traders who frequented the country in the 16th century and the Bantu people, an ethnic group hailing from sub-Saharan Africa who was brought to the country as slaves.

It is not surprising if you haven’t heard of this community before, as many Sri Lankans themselves are unaware of the Kaffirs themselves. During the colonial era, Sri Lanka was under Portuguese colonial control and many Africans slaves were brought to Sri Lanka as laborers or soldiers to fight the Sri Lankan rebels and protect the Portuguese. Whilst most of the Bantu people left with their masters, a few of them remained in the country and the Sri Lankan ‘Kaffirs’ are those descendants.

Their distinctive “Creole” native language has unfortunately faded away and is now virtually extinct. Their language was based on Portuguese and referred to as ‘Sri Lankan Kaffir’ which differs from Sri Lankan Portuguese Creole. In an attempt to keep their traditions alive, Peter Luvie, a fifth-generation descendant brought together some village members and together they formed a band which they named “Ceylon African Manja”. Their songs and dances have now become the only form of passing on the language to the next generation.

Their songs usually start solemnly with an almost pensive character but gradually the tempo picks up the pace and before you know it, you are enveloped in an upbeat cascade of rhythm and percussion. The music has distinctive elements of Baila or Kaffringna which are the more popular forms of African influenced folk music. The music itself is a sight to behold and you will see the band members playing on local Dolki drums as well as many makeshift instruments such as coconut shells, tablespoons, and empty bottles.

They say Music is the universal language – it becomes even more beautiful when it forms a bridge between people and a means of preserving an entire culture. We ensure that these hidden gems are kept under the radar and are not commercialized, and visits like this contribute to exactly that. (This service is on a private basis.)

After the tour, head towards Wilpattu for a couple of nights in the wilderness.(This service is on a private basis.)

Wilpattu

Wilpattu sanctuary was declared as a National Park in 1938. Wilpattu National Park is located on the west coast close to the historical city of Anuradhapura. The dry zone jungle is thickly grown. Wilpattu National Park is home to many villi or natural lakes that dot the landscape in the Wilpattu National Park. These lakes contain rainwater, thus are essential for resident and migratory water-birds. The history of the park is also of interest with ancient ruins having been discovered in Wilpattu National Park. Queen named “Kuweni” (considered to be the mother of the Sinhala race) is said to have lived in the place known as Kalli Villu. Historical evidence also shows the fact that Prince Saliya, son of King Dutugemunu, lived in Wilpattu over 2,000 years ago.

There are approximately 30 species of mammals in the Wilpattu National Park, which include the Sri Lankan Elephant, Sri Lankan Leopard, Lankan Sloth Bear, Sri, Spotted Deer, Buffalo, Sambar, and Mongoose. Wetland bird species found in the Wilpattu National Park include the Garganey, Pintail, Whistling Teal, Spoonbill, White Ibis, Large White Egret, Cattle Egret, and Purple Heron. Also, many species of Gulls, Terns, Owls, Kites, and Eagles live here. The endemic Sri Lanka Jungle fowl, Little Cormorant, and the Painted Stork can also be seen.

Journey to Jaffna

After an early breakfast, make your way to the Anuradhapura Railway Station to catch the Queen of Jaffna Express Train to Jaffna. Jaffna, along with the North of Sri Lanka, used to be isolated from the rest of the country for over 30 years! You will be able to get a unique glimpse into this world. This 3 hour train ride takes you across the barren landscape of the Vavuniya - controlled by the Tamil Tigers this area has suffered attacks from both the Sinhalese forces as well as the Tamils leaving thousands of people displaced. Looking out the window at the dry landscape dotted with the occasional village is a somber reminder of the folly of men.

On arrival in Jaffna, lunch will be served in a traditional home. With the help of a local Tamil guide, you will have the opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the family's everyday lifestyle and cultural values. For the main course “Pittu” (rice flour and coconut scrap) will be served with crab curry, fried prawns, cuttlefish, mashed omelets mixed with dry fish, dhal curry with fish, and plain gravy. This is the real deal, a true Jaffna feast! Depending on seasonality you'll also get to try some delicious mangoes, jack fruit, papaya, or a special local banana called "Nettrampalam".

Next, you'll enjoy a bit of exercise as you explore the city with vintage bicycles! On your ride, you will get to see some of the city highlights including the Jaffna Fort, which was built during the Portuguese reign, and the Jaffna library, which used to be one of the largest in Asia and was tragically destroyed during the civil war. Other highlights include: the Subramanium Children’s Park, the Statue of King Sankili (the last King of the Jaffna Kingdom), coastal villages, the largest church in Jaffna, and Rio ice cream for a refreshing treat. After an action-packed day, head back to the hotel and enjoy a well-deserved rest.

Jaffna

Jaffna, the Northern Province, is located in the northernmost peninsula of Sri Lanka. The Jaffna district is one of the 25 districts organized into the nine provinces, an artificial creation of the Colonial British (1815-1948) for the administration of the Island of Sri Lanka, then called Ceylon. This 4,000-year-old city just currently opened its doors to visitors after a disturbing and civil conflict that lasted for years.

Whether it's art or architecture, history or nature, you are sure to find something new at every corner. Visit one of the area's many religious sites - the famous Nallur kovil, the alluring Manthiri Manai, or the historic Nagadeepa temple. Or take a walk through the first capital of Northern Ceylon. For nature lovers, Jaffna offers some of the most secluded beaches or indigenous birds at the Chunikkulam bird sanctuary.

Delft Island Excursion

There are only a few places in the world that capture the imagination of travelers like Delft Island. Think a small island lined with small walls made of coral, with no cars, the ruins of a Fort and feral horses left by the Arabs and the Portuguese over 400 years ago. Then there are the beaches...

Today, meet with your driver, who will take you to Kurikadduvan jetty, where you will board a local ferry for the 1-hour boat ride to Delft Island. Along the way, your local guide will explain the lifestyle, wartime history, and Hindu lore of the Jaffna Islands. Upon arrival, a special vehicle will be waiting to take you to see the highlights of the island including the: wild horses, huge baobab tree, Dutch Fort, Pigeon Cage, Coral Fences and more! The atmosphere of Delft is hard to put into words and you have to experience it to believe it, it's as simple as that.

Lunch will be served at a local home on the island. This is as authentic as it gets and the curries prepared will depend on the season.

In the late afternoon, you'll return to the pier where you'll board the return boat to Jaffna. Enjoy the remainder of the evening at your leisure.

Tips and Notes:
We always try to give you the experience on how the locals would do it because it is the best way to acclimatize to your surroundings easily. Best example would be the boat ride to Delft Island. The boats will be very basic and are in place only to ferry people and their effects and hence what we advise is to visit as early as possible because the first priority when boarding the ferry will be for the Delft Island residents. This is all about traveling with the locals, which is amazing and you will get the chance to have a nice chat with them where you can share your experiences. If you have any communication problems when it comes to language while talking with the locals, Mohan is there to help you and just sit enjoy the experience. It is also better to take the seasick pills even though you are a seasoned traveler because prevention is always better. With regards to the traveling inside the Island, please note that the pick-up trucks modified to resemble safari rides are basic and the roads not that paved so be prepared for a bumpy and a dusty ride. At the end of the day it’s all about the experience you get there and visiting Delft is chance which you get once in a blue moon.

Discover Polonnaruwa

Today you will be driven approximately 1 hour to Polonnaruwa to discover everyday life in the local villages. There is no better way to explore than pedaling on two wheels and taking the less traveled back roads (Please Note: The trail is approximately 13km and mostly flat terrain). The first section of the trail will take you along the canal, where you will see the locals using small wooden bridges to cross the canal! Travel along many lakes and observe the techniques of the local fisherman, all while keeping an eye out for the resident birdlife. En route, you will stop at a scenic location to enjoy picnic-style snack break.

Notes: Your cycling guide for the trail will be a villager from the area itself and fluent English doesn't come to them naturally. But he will make up for it with his typical Sri Lankan hospitality and in depth knowledge of the area. The trail is approximately 13 KMs in distance and anyone with decent fitness and cycling balance can manage it since its mostly flat terrain.

Next, enjoy a feast of rice and ten varieties of curry at a local restaurant bordering the scenic rice fields, away from the main roads. The Sri Lankan version of Rice & Curry is something not to miss while visiting the country. The locals will curry literally everything ranging from meat, tubers, lentils, vegetables and even fruits. Take it slow and enjoy the difference in each item, which all blends in perfectly to create a unique taste.

Tip: One golden rule when eating rice and curry is that you have to leave aside cutlery and use your fingertips to mix the food and gently push into the mouth with your thumb. Try to master that art while you are here but don’t worry if you really want some cutlery they will provide it.

Afterward, continue exploring this ancient city. Grand Palaces-Check! Monumental Stupas-Check! Life carved into harsh granite-Check! These are the things to look for at Polonnaruwa, which perfectly displays the divine right of the King and his ardent devotion to the philosophy of Buddhism. Ranging from the colossal remnants of King Parakramabahu’s palace, which was equal in splendor to the palace of Kubera, to the place where the stonemasons of yore showcased their greatest work in the mystical yet serene Image House at the Gal Vihara showcasing the infinite wisdom and overflowing kindness of Lord Buddha etched from the bedrock.

Recognized as one of the best-planned archaeological relic sites of the country, Polonnaruwa will impress you with its remarkable sculptures and temples with intricate carvings. You will be surprised to see most of the ruins are still in good shape even after 800 years. Another highlight of Polonnaruwa is its population of toque macaques. These monkeys have been residing in the ruins since the human occupation and still continue living there long after the humans left. (This service is on a private basis.)

The History of Tea

This morning, join Mr. Das, the superintendent of the Estate, to learn about the history of tea! Start by learning the art of picking tea alongside tea pickers and see how they handpick the best "shoots" (two leaves and a bud). Afterward, try your tea tasting skills! This experience helps you identify various grades grown in different altitudes of the country ranging from low country, mid country, to up-country.

In the afternoon, go on a short hike to One Tree Hill and enjoy a high tea at the top (total duration: approx. 2- 3 hrs; total distance: approx. 7km). This is an easy but lovely walk partly along the road, through the local villages, past temples, and along off-road tracks up to the final peak. As you enjoy the tea from the top, you can see the Estate, nestled between the jungle and tea fields.

Sadly, it's time to leave the isle of serendipity.

You will be transferred to the airport in good time to board your international departure flight.

We hope you have had an incredible adventure and wish you safe and happy travels home!