There is a magic deeply rooted in Sri Lanka. Interwoven within the breathtaking landscapes and teeming wildlife, Sri Lanka is deeply spiritual. Shrouded in legends and myths during Marco Polos time, it was considered the home of the ten headed demon king Ramayana. Merchants believed the indigenous were not of this world and harbored magical abilities.

I was eager to seek out the ancestors these revered people, the Vedda, found deep in the jungle. My travels took me through the vast Sinharaja Rainforest, teeming with an odd array of unique wildlife, from vine snakes and pit vipers to the bug eyed Loris.

I adventured through the raging waters of Kitulgala and sailed through the Indian ocean to the fishing capitol of Negombo. In Koggala, I learned the dying art of “Stilt Fishing”. The journey led me through thriving Theravada Buddhist monasteries and to the top of the mysterious Sigiriya rock fortress. Locals consider it the 8th wonder of the world. As I stood at the highest point of Sigirya in the jungle, I too was captivated and convinced of such a claim. This was a land teeming with hidden knowledge and history. The people are the bond holding it together, and despite some of their internal struggles, they were some of the most resilient I have met.