Southern India and Sri Lanka are a magical combination for the traveler seeking adventures amongst the wildlife, vibrant culture, ancient history, and cuisine of South Asian tropical climes. Travel south through Kerala, from the Arabian Sea and the lush backwaters of the Malabar, to Sri Lanka, the pearl of the Indian Ocean. Along this tropical trail daily life and the common ancestry of the South Asian diaspora is revealed within two countries separated by a narrow channel of sea. Highlights include a private Malabar houseboat and a few days at the Kutty family farm- a homestay that exudes the charm and laid-back style of life on the backwaters. Climbing through the lion’s paws to the top of Sigiriya Palace in Sri Lanka you reach the pinnacle of the “fortress in the sky.” You'll enliven your senses walking through tea and spice plantations in the cool highlands, and spice up your taste buds with seafood and regional dishes generously spiced with chile, tamarind, and coconut! On safari in the beautiful national parks of Sri Lanka you encounter wild elephants, leopards and colorful birds galore. In the end, kick back on your beachfront veranda near the hip, Portuguese-influenced coastal town of Galle. This 16-day serendipitous adventure features the best of life in South India and Sri Lanka in one perfectly-spiced package for as few as two persons on a private custom basis.
