Wander Woman
The DxxxxataMWild animals spotted through a safari in Yala National Park
Lauren's Journey to Cross the Globe, One Amazing Experience at a Time by Lauren Raps Wild and Wonderful Sri Lanka As I write this, having just returned from a 12-day journey throughout the country, Sri Lanka is suffering from yet another period of unrest. Its immediate future is uncertain, with citizens protesting, waiting in long lines for fuel, managing rolling electricity cuts and suffering from high inflation and severe shortages of food. While I was there, (setting off on a hike and donning my new pair of leechrepellent socks), AWA Magazine announced its theme of “all things wild,” and I knew – regardless of what’s going on Sri Lanka – that this beautiful and naturally diverse country had to be showcased. With its wild coastlines, wild food and agricultural offerings, and wildlife – Sri Lanka is a destination where you can enjoy so many different climates and settings in a small geographic area (the country is the size of Ireland!), and have a very authentic travel experience. My first stop after landing and exploring the city of Columbo for a couple of days was to the Central Province – what is referred to as the heart of the country’s Cultural Zone. This is an area rich with UNESCO 10
AWA Magazine July/August 2022
World Heritage sites and temples, as well as farms and agriculture. In this region it’s not uncommon to see a wild elephant along the road as you make your way through the national parks. This is a part of Sri Lanka that is equally as rich in cultural experiences as it is with nature and adventure. You can fill your day with hiking or exploring the water gardens of Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress that is worth all of the 1270 steps to climb to the top, or by exploring the temples and ruins of the medieval city of Polonnaruwa. Either way, be sure to make time for lunch at a local farm. Enjoy a typical farmer’s lunch made in the traditional manner with a wood fire and clay pots. Everything is that much more delicious when it’s set where your food was grown.
Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress in Central Province
After a long active day, overnighting at the Water Garden Sigiriya was just what was needed. With beautiful casita-type
