17-Nights Discover Kerala & Sri Lanka: Islands & Ruins - 18-to-Thirtysomethings

Hikkaduwa

Nuwara Eliya

Kandy

The city lies in the Kandy Valley with its beautiful tropical plantations. The city is home to many attractively adorned temples and palaces including the Lankatilaka temple, which is decorated with delicate floral designs and paintings. In August, Kandy hosts an extravagant Buddhist festival consisting of food, cultural dancing, and richly decorated elephants.

Sigiriya

On top of a rock plateau overlooking dense jungle and a vast plain, 90 mi/145 km northeast of Colombo, is Sigiriya, the mysterious remains of the fifth-century fortress of King Kasyapa. When it was built, an impressive 5-acre/2-hectare fort sat astride the rock and a city nestled at its base, but now the city is gone and the fortress is in ruins. According to legend, King Kasyapa gained power after burying his father alive. He ruled for the next 18 years, until his half brother Mogallan defeated him in battle. As his soldiers retreated, Kasyapa remained on his elephant facing the opposing army. Then, with great drama, he pulled out a dagger and slit his throat.

The ruins of Sigiriya are unique among the ancient sites in Sri Lanka. Be sure to brave the rickety-looking spiral staircase to see the 19 frescoes of female nature spirits (Apsaras) painted beneath an overhang about 300 ft/90 m up the rock. The frescoes are very beautiful—their colors stunningly vibrant after 1,500 years. A wall covered with 1,000-year-old graffiti and poetry (left by visitors who recorded their impressions of the painted women) lies just above the frescoes. Near the top of the rock fortress are a pair of huge stone Lion's Paws (all that remains of a giant stone lion). See the ruins in the morning—it's much cooler, and people and domesticated elephants may be walking along the road. There's a small archaeological museum at the base of Sigiriya.

In nearby Dambulla you can visit a series of caves on a mountain ledge. They contain frescoes showing some of Buddha's epic struggles against evil. (Photographs are not allowed in Dambulla's caves).

Sigiriya and Dambulla are usually seen together as a day trip from Kandy. If you're traveling by car, you can see Sigiriya, Dambulla and Polonnaruwa on the same day. But it will be a long day—plan to overnight in Sigiriya or in one of the beautiful resorts around Kandalama Lake (near Dambulla).

Negombo

Situated on the coast north of the airport, Negombo, founded by the Moors, is now a predominately Catholic enclave. The architectural remnants of Portuguese, Dutch and British colonial years make it an interesting place for a stroll. Attractions include decent beaches, colorful buildings, fisherfolk putting out to sea in outrigger sailboats and even a canal dug by the Dutch in the 18th century. The city itself can be seen on a day trip from Colombo, or a stop on the way to the sacred city of Anuradhapura. Be sure to sample some of the fresh catches.

Negombo is a fascinating area to visit during Christian holidays. Sri Lankan Christians pay homage to the saints with an enchanting blend of Buddhism, Christianity and Hinduism. Negombo, however, is crowded with package resort hotels—the beaches to the south are better and definitely less crowded. 30 mi/55 km north of Colombo.

Kollam

Kollam, India, is usually seen by travelers as the starting point for a boat trip down tropical inland waterways to the town of Alappuzha. Located 760 mi/1,220 km south of Mumbai, Kollam is an ancient city with traces of Portuguese, Dutch and British influence. There's a nice government rest house available for overnight stays.

Founded by a Syrian merchant in the 9th century, Kollam was one of the most important trade centers during the 12th century. It was there that Christianity first gained a foothold in India.

Kollam sits in a unique location, with the Lacadive coast of Kerala to its west and a huge network of canals and backwaters to its east. Ashtamudi Lake is the perfect starting point for a day-long backwater cruise where you can see life as it exists on these fragile yet ancient ecosystems.

Another attraction is the Thangassery Lighthouse: Built in 1902, the lighthouse is 144 ft/44 m tall, and can be climbed for a nice view of the area. The beautiful old British Residency is another site worth visiting for its pretty architecture. Close to the lighthouse is the Portuguese cemetery, built in 1519, and the remains of the St Thomas Fort.

Alleppey (Alappuzha)

Kochi (Cochin)