Gay Group Trip: Sri Lanka and the Maldives

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is a 25-acre property. You’ll see abandoned baby elephants being taken care of, strolling around and enjoying life. They spend their time being fed and playing, so you can rest assured that you’re experiencing these majestic creatures in the most ethical way possible. On your way to Anuradhapura, you’ll quickly visit a coconut plantation. Most Sri Lankans work in the coconut trade.

Anuradhapura was the first capital of Sri Lanka. It’s an ancient city that was the seat of 113 kings over a time span of 1300 years. The sacred fig tree of Sri Maha Bodhi is said to be where the Buddha gained enlightenment. Planted in 288 BC, it’s the oldest known tree planted by a human. “Ohm” indeed.

Today you’ll visit rural communities and have a traditional lunch with a farming family. After lunch, it’s time for a scenic visit to the village of Hiriwadunna. The village is shaded by shrub forests and red soil and dragonflies lazily go about their business in the trees. Sigiriya rock fortress presides over the Indigo reservoir. Our day draws to a close at the 8800 hectares elephant sanctuary of Minneriya.

Today you’re taking a trip into the distant past. You’ll visit the 5th-century rock citadel of King Kasyapa and also Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The famous Lion Paws lead to the royal gardens decked with frescoes. It’s known as the “City of the Gods”. Tonight you’ll stay in the lakeside town of Kandy. Here you’ll find a preserved tooth of the Buddha. Explore the markets in the evening and check out a traditional performance.

Explore the lush Peradeniya Botanical Gardens and then drive through the tea lands and misty mountains. Here you’ll spend a couple of nights on the Ceylon Tea Trail plantations. Your time here will be spent staying in a colonial plantation house.

Today you’re free to explore the misty mountains of Ceylon at your own pace. Enjoy some spa treatments, walk in the mountains or cycle along the rows of tea plants.

Don’t worry, this one’s optional. You don’t have to brave the rapids if you don’t want to. But if you do the waters of Kitulgala await you. You’ll gather for a communal dinner in the evening.

Galle is the southern capital and it’s full of charming Dutch architecture. European colonial buildings merge with classic South Asian styles. The British coast of arms can still be seen on the old gate. Several worlds collide here. You’ll visit a family-run tea plantation in the afternoon and visit a nearby factory that doubles as a museum. Most of the machines are British and date back to the Victorian period. Enjoy a farewell dinner in the evening.

On the trip’s last full day, you’ll go for a city tour of Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial centre. You’ll visit the Floating Market, the Gangarama Temple, the Crystal White Race Course and enjoy a drink at the Dutch Hospital. Afternoon at leisure to explore at your own pace. You’ll have drinks and a final dinner together in the evening.