Ayu in the Wild’s List of 20 Exclusive Sri Lanka Travel Experiences
As emails roll in for holidays to Sri Lanka and our small team of travel designers get back to (slowly and with fingers crossed) stitching up Sri Lanka travel itineraries in a post coronavirus world, there’s no denying the new normal. A lot has changed since travel came to a standstill in 2020.
Yet, every travel enquiry we’ve received still has that one common request. Whether you call it the Ayu magic, our pixie dust or our secret formula, Access is our differentiator.
So, what is it exactly? It begins and ends with our local connections that open doors to an immersive side of Sri Lanka through privately guided experiences with wonderfully insightful local guides and naturalists with a few exclusive access experiences thrown in. It elevates how we edit this island for you. Here’s a sneak peek into Ayu in the Wild’s pick of 20 Sri Lanka Travel Experiences you must not miss.
1
Canoeing on the Black River
Black River or 'Kalu Ganga' flows from the Sri Pada or Adams Peak through the central highlands and meets the sea on the Southern coast. Explore the soft swallows of the river in local canoes while scenes of life around the river bund, swarms of wild fish and endemic birds pass by.
2
Sinharaja and the Beautiful Mulawella Hike
A 2.4 Km soft hike across Sri Lanka's last remaining virgin rainforest while learning about the roots and rainforest canopies and behaviour of endemic Purple-faced leaf monkeys.
3
A Luxury Safari Experience
Is Sri Lanka one of the world's best wildlife destinations outside Africa? We say Yes! Our tiny island has Elephants, Whales, Leopards, Bear, Birds, Primates and more but the trick is to know when to visit which National Park and to travel with Ayu in the Wild’s exciting Naturalists.
4
Forest Bathing
Ayu in the Wild’s guided forest bathing walks are led by local naturalists who know Sri Lanka's natural history like the palm of their hands. It’s quite handy as you step on our forest floors.
5
The Pooja at Nallur Temple
At 4.30 pm the bells start ringing and the smell of incense wafts across sacred passageways in this 15th century Hindu temple on the island’s northern tip. It is a sight to behold, and a wonder to learn its history as the inner temple courtyard comes alive in faith and fervour.
6
Sunset Boat Ride for Views
Bored of swooning over IG sunsets on travel grids post Covid? Yes, us too. But this is what we escape to on our Sri Lanka travels for a healthy dose of fresh air, dusky light and island vibes.
7
Farm-To-Table Experience
We never imagined that the farm-to-table experience we curated with the rural family by the lake would one day be part of a fabulous selection of real culinary experiences with real people - and one of Ayu in the Wild’s most sought after soul-stirring experiences.
8
Loris Watching
Sri Lanka’s elusive local chipmunk is quite shy but it is exciting to lock eyes with the Loris on a nighttime trail.
9
Sigiriya Rock
There really isn’t much we could say that hasn’t already been said about Sigiriya. But at Ayu in the Wild we know how to experience Sigirya a little differently with a lot more detail than the everyday Sri Lanka Travel Guide.
10
First Royal Kingdom of Anuradhapura
While Julius Caesar was invading Britain and Christ was born, Sri Lankan Kings defended Royal dynasties and fought invasions in Anuradhapura. This ancient city is part of the Sri Lanka Cultural Triangle and comes alive with stories and folklore, culture and treasures on Ayu in the Wild’s privately guided walks.
11
Yoga and Wellness
A healing island holiday itinerary can start with a day of relaxing mindfulness meditation by the beach or Yoga, before heading to your escape up in the hills where customized traditional Ayurvedic treatments will help you re-balance your Ayurvedic ‘Dosha’.
12
Visit the Elephant Transit Home
Nothing and absolutely nothing sets the tone for the day than seeing baby elephants running (pushing, shoving and sometimes even doing the odd dance) for their first milk feed at the Elephant Transit Home where they live till they are strong enough to go back into the wild.
13
Classrooms in the Wild
Ayu in the Wild’s most sought after family holiday experience and the one memory that remains with our guests, long after their holiday ends...it involves 30 young kids, backyard cricket, chats in imperfect English and heart. Lots of heart.
14
Galle Fort
If you’re a discerning traveller who loves exclusive experiences, we’ve got our little black book to uncover the secrets of this historic Fort with exclusive heritage dining and traditional blessings through our local connections.
15
Birding Experience
Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot and one of the best places in the World for Birdwatching. Don’t take our word for it, here’s what David Chandler from the Birdwatching Magazine said about Ayu in the Wild’s Bird Watching Experience.
16
Surfing Sri Lanka
Yes we love Arugam Bay too. But, do you know where the locals surf on the other side of the island?
17
Whale Watching
The rich nutrients that flow from the hills through farmlands and estuaries meandering through rivers into Sri Lanka’s surrounding narrow continental shelf, make it one of the best places to observe whales and dolphins incredibly close to shore or from the skies!
18
Adam’s Peak Climb
High up in a mountain in Sri Lanka, 7,359 feet up in the clouds in fact, multi-faith harmony reigns supreme. Adams Peak must surely rank as one of the most thrilling and challenging night hikes in the world.
19
The Historical Temple of the Tooth Relic
A UNESCO World Heritage Site explored deeply with Ayu in the Wild’s local community guide before heading off for some time with a wonderful family with genealogical connections to the temple.
20
Uda Diyaluma Falls
A favourite Ayu in the Wild guided waterfall chase through tea country, cloud forests and pine jungles following the rhythm of gurgling water and till it changes to the mighty roar of crashing water.
Ayu in the Wild Holidays is a 100% Sri Lankan owner-run bespoke luxury travel agency and are specialists in curating sustainable slow luxury holidays to Sri Lanka, since 2012. Founders of @sustainabletravelsrilanka
Whatsapp +94 77 248 1100
or email info@ayuinthewild.com