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Embarking on a journey to Sri Lanka is like stepping right into a world the place historical historical past, vibrant tradition, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the luxurious tea plantations of the hill nation to the golden shores of its pristine seashores, this island nation within the Indian Ocean guarantees a tapestry of experiences ready to be explored. Whether or not you’re drawn to the UNESCO World Heritage websites that whisper tales of a bygone period or yearn for the spicy aromas of its bustling markets, Sri Lanka gives a charming mix of journey and serenity. So, pack your luggage and put together to be enchanted by the wonders that await on this gem of South Asia.
I spent slightly below two weeks touring by Sri Lanka and whereas I may all the time use extra days, I discovered this to be sufficient to see the highlights of the nation.
The place to go in Sri Lanka to your itinerary
Sri Lanka may look small, but it surely packs fairly a punch. There’s a world to discover and also you gained’t be capable to see all of it in two weeks and fewer. I used to be actually not in a position to see as a lot as I’d have appreciated however I felt like I may see the highlights.
These are a few of the locations I went on my itinerary
ColomboKandySigiriya RockEllaTea plantations round EllaThe passenger practice between Kandy and EllaHiriketiya BeachAhangama BeachGalle
I spent about half of the journey within the inland space of Sri Lanka and half alongside the south coast seashores. The inland areas supplied stunning jungles, mountains, tea farms, and historic sights whereas the seashores supplied wonderful browsing, cafes, and that tropical island vibe.
I skipped out on Yala Nationwide Park which was a preferred advice amongst many. This park is house to an abundance of wildlife and lots of come to do a safari. Nonetheless, as I had been on many safaris all through Africa, I used to be suggested that I most likely wouldn’t get too excited concerning the sport viewing right here. As I used to be already restricted on time, I made a decision to skip Yala Nationwide Park.
Keep away from spending an excessive amount of time in Kandy
For no matter motive, each weblog I wrote promoted Kandy a lot. Positive, Kandy is likely one of the historic capitals of Sri Lanka, however I truthfully didn’t perceive the hype. There isn’t that a lot to do in Kandy itself, and even much less to do within the rapid neighborhood.
Positive Kandy has a stupendous lake with good views available however past that, there was not a lot to supply. I feel Kandy is perhaps price a one evening cease in the event you actually wish to see the Temple of the Tooth (which wasn’t something spectacular) and the botanical gardens.
I’d as a substitute divert any days spent in Kandy to Ella or Nuwara Eliya. These areas of the nation are far more picturesque in my view with extra actions round. Even in the event you plan to do nothing, I feel staying in Ella remains to be a lot nicer as you’re surrounded by beautiful views.
Finest time of yr to go to Sri Lanka?
In the event you’re considering a journey to this island paradise, you may marvel when the perfect time to go to Sri Lanka is. This small island has two geographical areas that take pleasure in completely different seasons
Sri Lanka’s climate is predominantly formed by two monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon, often known as Yala, and the northeast monsoon, known as Maha.
Yala Season
Yala season, spanning from Might to September, brings heavy rainfall and excessive humidity to the southwestern areas, together with Colombo and the west coast. The hill nation additionally experiences important rainfall throughout this time, leading to lush greenery. Regardless of the rain, sure areas just like the Cultural Triangle can nonetheless be visited, as showers are sometimes temporary.
Maha Season
Maha season happens from October to January, primarily affecting the northeastern elements of the island, equivalent to Trincomalee and the east coast. Conversely, the western and southern areas expertise drier situations, making it a perfect time to discover seaside locations like Galle and Mirissa. The hill nation additionally enjoys dry and funky climate throughout this era, good for trekking.
Moreover, two inter-monsoon durations happen: March to April (First Inter-Monsoon) and October to November (Second Inter-Monsoon). These durations convey transitional climate with heat and humid situations and sporadic rainfall throughout the island.
Finest Time To Go to Sri Lanka?
One of the best instances to go to Sri Lanka is determined by your itinerary. In the event you’re following this itinerary specializing in the inland areas and the southern seashores, the perfect time to go to is in the course of the November to April time-frame.
Throughout this time, you can too count on to see probably the most vacationers particularly round Easter. This season aligns completely with the European winters the place everybody needs to flee to hotter locations. I visited in February and the temperatures had been scorching, and the solar was out on daily basis.
The way to get round Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a simple nation to journey round. It’s not too massive and there’s sufficient connections between vacationer hotspots that you could transfer round shortly. Relying on the period of time and finances you will have, you may take into account completely different choices of getting across the nation.
By public buses and practice
The preferred choice would be the bus and practice system. Buses make common connections between locations like Colombo, Kandy, Ella, Nuwara Elia, and numerous places on the coasts.
Buses will be gradual as they usually cease in numerous cities to select up and drop off individuals. The bus from Colombo to Kandy will take 4+ hours typically. Nonetheless, that is by far the most cost effective approach to journey across the nation.
Equally, you can too take the general public trains. The trains join Colombo to most of the hottest locations in Sri Lanka. The preferred of those practice rides is from Kandy to Ella which passes by the magnificent tea farms.
By personal driver with a automotive
Much like touring in Madagascar, Sri Lanka may be very common for renting a automotive with a driver. The motive force will drive you wherever you need, everytime you need at some stage in your journey with them. This can be a nice choice for these which can be time strapped and don’t wish to cope with figuring bus time tables and different logistics.
I really used a non-public driver with a automotive for the primary few days of the journey once I was touring within the inland space between Sigiriya and the southern coast. It was nice to have a driver that was ready for us within the mornings to take us the place we needed to go.
I paid $75 USD a day for the motive force which included his lodging, meals, gasoline, parking, and tolls.
By Uber Intercity
Uber is available all through the nation, and is very common in Colombo. Uber additionally launched Uber Intercity which is an effective way to journey from metropolis to metropolis.
You will get very aggressive costs to go from someplace like Colombo to Ella with a non-public driver. See the instance beneath from Uber’s web site:
As you may see, you may journey between the 2 cities for 18k LKR which is round $60 USD on the time of scripting this. This can be a nice worth in my view for a 5 hour drive that’s 300 kilometers. Nonetheless, do be ready for the motive force to name you typically to ask for the next worth.
Uber can be nice to make use of for shorter distances with tuk tuks. This was particularly the case once I was touring within the southern a part of Sri Lanka alongside the coast.
Lease your personal Tuk Tuk
A well-liked choice amongst vacationers is to hire a tuk tuk to discover the island. I noticed many vacationers renting their very own tuk tuks and a few even traveled the whole nation with it. Count on to pay about $20 a day and there are pickups close to the airport.
Whereas renting your personal tuk tuk sounds good, these items aren’t probably the most comfy to drive and so they’re designed in a means that in the event you’re above 180 cm, you’ll should slouch to see by the window. Not a snug approach to journey for hours on finish in my view. Worst of all, they max out at about 50 km/hr!
Full Sri Lanka two week itinerary
Lastly, onto my Sri Lanka itinerary! The journey begins in Colombo the place virtually each worldwide flight lands. I made a decision to not keep in Colombo after studying by many blogs. Whereas there are some things to do within the Capital metropolis, it simply wasn’t an excellent use of my restricted time.
From Colombo, I went straight to Sigiriya the place I spent the evening so I may get up early the next morning to climb Pidarangula rock for the attractive and iconic dawn. After spending the morning in Sigiriya, we drove to Kandy within the afternoon the place we spent the subsequent two days exploring the historic capital. I wasn’t an enormous fan of Kandy so I feel two days is the utmost you want.
From Kandy, we drove south to the city of Nuwara Eliya and stopped at a tea farm alongside the best way. From Nuwara Eliya, we took a practice from the close by city of Nanouya onward to Ella. This is likely one of the most well-known practice rides on the earth and it’s greater than probably you’ve seen all the photographs on Instagram. Many individuals begin this journey from Kandy to Ella however the reserved practice tickets had been already totally offered out. I didn’t wish to likelihood having to face for the 7 hour practice experience so we began the practice experience half means by as a substitute. Many of the finest viewpoints are after Nanouya anyhow.
From Ella, we visited the 9 arch bridge and close by waterfalls/mountain climbing for the subsequent 3 days. I discovered Ella to be one of the stunning elements of Sri Lanka. There’s a motive it’s develop into so common! From Ella, we went to Hiriketiya, a sleepy surf city on the southern coast of Sri Lanka. We spent a complete of 5 days on the southern coast and break up our time between Hiriketiya and Ahangama. I want I had a couple of extra days on the coast because it was so stunning and stress-free.
From Ahangama, we took a taxi to the airport and flew house from there.
Day 1-2: Sigiriya
The itinerary begins off in Colombo with a drive on to Sigiriya. I didn’t keep in Colombo as I didn’t have the time sadly. From the airport to Sigiriya 3h drive. One of the best time to see Sigiriya is within the early morning in my view.
Dawn View from Pidurangala Rock
The overwhelming quantity of vacationers will go to Sigiriya rock for the dawn. It’s a particular place in any case and everyone seems to be informed to look at the dawn from the rock, just like my expertise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I feel that may be a mistake.
I a lot reasonably most popular the view from neighboring Pidurangala Rock which has a useless on view of Sigiriya. I feel the star of the present within the space is the truth is Sigiriya so why not watch the dawn with the rock within the precise body. That is additionally why I a lot desire the view from the highest of the Rock in New York Metropolis over the Empire State Constructing as a result of you may see the enduring Empire State constructing from the opposite! Equally, that is what I did in Borobudur Temple as they closed it off for dawn and we went to a neighboring hill.
We determined to hike up Pidurangala Rock for the dawn. The hike up the rock is just not so troublesome however it’s bodily difficult for some. In contrast to my beloved Lion’s Head in Cape City, Pidurangala is pure stair grasp for almost all of the hike.
Close to the highest, you’ll should maneuver your means by rocks like an impediment course which could possibly be difficult for some. Many different blogs declare that the hike takes 30-40 minutes. I completed the hike in quarter-hour and I don’t assume I used to be even strolling that quick. In case you are a decently match particular person, this hike shouldn’t take you greater than 20 minutes.
One of the best a part of Pidurangala is that it solely prices 1,000 LKR to enter and hike up the mountain. This entrance price is definitely to pay for the temple on the very starting of the hike. You’ll stroll by this temple in 2 minutes earlier than beginning on the hike as much as the highest of Pidurangala. They supply you sarongs to cowl up your legs and shoulders freed from cost.
Dawn is at 6:15 or so with the colours of full show by 7am. If you wish to watch the dawn, I’d begin your hike round 5:30am. This mountain will get packed (albeit nonetheless lower than Sigiriya) with vacationers however there may be loads of area to unfold out to benefit from the view. By 7:30am, many of the early risers are gone which suggests you will have loads of freedom to take images. I feel the perfect lighting for dawn is definitely between 7 and 8am.
Visiting Sigiriya Rock
After the dawn from Pidurangala Rock, we had a strong breakfast at Lily’s of Coconut Roti with honey (my god so scrumptious) and proceeded to go to Sigiriya Rock.
Regardless that we didn’t do the dawn from Sigiriya, it’s nonetheless one of the well-known locations in Sri Lanka.
In contrast to Pidurangala, the doorway price for Sigiriya is a whopping $36 USD / 11,000 LKR (As of 2024) which is about 10x dearer. In the event you solely need a dawn view, I’d positively suggest solely going up Pidurangala and skipping Sigiriya altogether. Sadly, if you would like the well-known images of the rock like these images, you’ll must pay the doorway price.
Is Sigiriya Rock price visiting?
The query turns into, is Sigiriya rock price visiting? I feel in the event you’re not money strapped, it’s positively price a go to. This is likely one of the most historic sights in all of Sri Lanka and the views are completely unbelievable.
It will be a disgrace to return all this manner and never go to Sigiriya.
Historical past of Sigiriya Rock
Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka has a wealthy historical past relationship again to the fifth century AD when it was chosen by King Kashyapa I as the positioning for his new capital. Looking for refuge from inside conflicts, Kashyapa remodeled Sigiriya right into a formidable fortress and a logo of opulence. Expert artisans adorned the rock with intricate frescoes, notably the Sigiriya Damsels, showcasing the inventive prowess of the time.
The ascent to the summit of Sigiriya was marked by spectacular engineering feats, together with gardens, swimming pools, and terraces, making a harmonious mix of nature and human ingenuity. The Lion Gate, guarded by colossal lion paws, served because the centerpiece of the ascent, though the remainder of the lion construction has eroded over time.
Regardless of Kashyapa’s formidable imaginative and prescient, his reign was lower brief by a profitable rise up led by his half-brother, Moggallana, in 495 AD. With Kashyapa’s defeat and demise, Sigiriya fell into obscurity, finally reclaimed by nature.
It wasn’t till the nineteenth century that Sigiriya was rediscovered by European explorers, who marveled at its architectural splendor and historic significance. At this time, Sigiriya is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Website, attracting guests from all over the world desirous to discover its historical wonders and study its cultural significance.
Climbing up Sigiriya
The hike up Sigiriya is just not as difficult as Pidarangula. The climb is much less steep and there are stairs in every single place to make it simpler. All in all, it takes roughly 10 minutes to climb to the highest of the rock.
Alongside the best way, you’ll be greeted with quite a few viewpoints and historic artifacts. Whereas there are many tour guides you may rent on the entrance, I opted to not get one so I can’t present a lot historic context right here sadly.
Day 2-4: Kandy
Kandy is Sri Lanka’s second largest metropolis after Colombo and it’s seen because the cultural capital of the nation. It’s place within the heart of the island makes it a perfect cease alongside the itinerary for many Sri Lankan vacationers. Whether or not you’re making a day journey to Sigiriya or embarking on the well-known Kandy to Ella practice, there’s one thing for everybody in Kandy.
Kandy is known for his or her Temple of the Tooth, an necessary spiritual website believed to deal with a secret relic, the tooth of Lord Buddha—the temple holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide. Stepping by its ornate entrance gates, guests are enveloped in a way of reverence and tranquility. As one of many holiest shrines in Buddhism, the Temple of the Tooth isn’t just a spot of worship but in addition a residing museum, adorned with intricate carvings and vibrant murals that inform tales of centuries previous. It’s a must-visit for these in search of to delve into the non secular coronary heart of Sri Lanka and witness the enduring devotion that surrounds this sacred relic.
Historical past of Kandy
Let’s kick issues off with a little bit of historical past, lets? As soon as the capital of the traditional kings of Sri Lanka, Kandy holds a particular place within the island’s cultural heritage. One of many metropolis’s most iconic landmarks is the Temple of the Tooth Relic, or Sri Dalada Maligawa, which homes a sacred tooth relic of the Buddha. This UNESCO World Heritage website is a must-visit for anybody thinking about exploring Sri Lanka’s spiritual and cultural traditions.
However Kandy isn’t nearly historical past – it’s additionally a vibrant metropolis bustling with life and vitality. Among the best methods to absorb the environment is by taking a leisurely stroll round Kandy Lake, identified domestically as Kiri Muhuda. You possibly can hire a paddleboat and glide throughout the serene waters whereas having fun with panoramic views of the encircling hills and metropolis skyline.
You can too benefit from the views of Kandy from one of many bars or viewpoints on the hills overlooking the picturesque lakes.
In the event you’re a nature lover, you’ll be spoiled for selection in Kandy. Only a brief drive from town heart lies the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, the place you may wander by superbly landscaped gardens and marvel at unique flora from all over the world. Don’t overlook to take a look at the towering large bamboo and the beautiful orchid assortment!
Botanical Gardens of Kandy
Visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy is a pleasant escape into the luxurious, tropical great thing about Sri Lanka’s pure landscapes. Positioned only a brief distance from the bustling metropolis heart, these gardens provide a serene oasis of tranquility and botanical marvel. As you enter, you’re greeted by a symphony of colours and fragrances, with sprawling lawns, towering bushes, and a various array of plant species from all corners of the globe.
Wandering alongside the winding pathways, you’ll encounter an interesting number of flora, from towering palm bushes to delicate orchids and vibrant tropical blooms. The gardens are meticulously curated, with themed sections that showcase completely different botanical wonders, together with medicinal vegetation, unique palms, and fragrant spices. One of many highlights is the orchid home, the place you may marvel on the beautiful variety of orchid species, a few of that are discovered nowhere else on earth.
Along with its botanical treasures, the Royal Botanical Gardens additionally boast a wealthy cultural heritage, with historic buildings and landmarks dotted all through the grounds. The centerpiece is the imposing Queen’s Pavilion, a colonial-era constructing that provides panoramic views of the gardens and the encircling hills. Whether or not you’re a nature fanatic, a pictures buff, or just in search of a peaceable retreat from the hustle and bustle of metropolis life, a go to to the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy is bound to go away you enchanted and impressed.
Ambuluwawa temple
First issues first, let’s discuss historical past. Ambuluwawa Temple isn’t simply your run-of-the-mill spiritual website – it’s a charming mix of cultural influences and architectural wonders. Perched atop Ambuluwawa Mountain, this distinctive advanced boasts a wealthy historical past relationship again to historical instances.
Legend has it that Ambuluwawa Mountain was as soon as the positioning of a fortress constructed by King Buvanekabahu IV in the course of the 14th century. Over the centuries, the positioning underwent numerous transformations, finally turning into a logo of spiritual concord and cultural variety in Sri Lanka.
Quick ahead to the current day, and Ambuluwawa Temple stands as a testomony to the island’s multicultural heritage. The temple advanced options a mixture of architectural kinds, together with parts of Hindu, Buddhist, Islamic, and Christian design. It’s a real melting pot of spiritual and cultural traditions, reflecting Sri Lanka’s lengthy historical past of coexistence and tolerance.
The journey to Ambuluwawa Temple is an journey in itself, as you wind your means by scenic countryside and dense forests. The views open up shortly after you permit Kandy with beautiful mountains terrains. From Kandy, you may take a tuk tuk to Ambuluwawa which is able to take 1 to 1.5h and can price round 5000 LKR.
One of many highlights of a go to to Ambuluwawa Temple is the enduring spiral tower that spirals skyward, providing breathtaking views of the encircling panorama. Climbing to the highest is just not for the faint of coronary heart, however the sweeping vistas of rolling hills and distant mountains are nicely well worth the effort. The steps develop into ever extra slender as you ascend to the highest.
Day 4-7: Ella
Ella, nestled in Sri Lanka’s hill nation, is an enthralling city famend for its pure magnificence and vibrant tradition. Surrounded by lush greenery and misty mountains, it gives guests an ideal mix of journey, leisure, and cultural exploration. It’s the proper spot to base your self inside the countryside of Sri Lanka. Not solely are there so many actions to do within the space, but it surely gives a few of the most breathtaking surroundings in all of Sri Lanka.
Ella in recent times has gained an enormous reputation enhance amongst vacationers (it was all the time a touristy place) and these days, you may see the principle city is kind of completely geared in direction of overseas vacationers. From Ella City, you are able to do great hikes, go to the well-known 9 Arch Bridge (extra on that later), see beautiful waterfalls, go to tea plantations, and simply be immersed in stunning jungle surroundings.
Ella can be outfitted with loads of good eating places, cafes, bars, therapeutic massage retailers, and extra.
Go to a Tea Plantation
Sri Lanka is likely one of the largest producers of tea on the earth. It was one of many fundamental commodities that was exported out from Sri Lanka throughout British colonial rule and the explanation they created all of the trains within the first place. The inland space between Kandy and Ella are numerous tea farms. Tea farms are superbly terraced and seem like a cross between a rice subject and a vineyard.
We handed by so a lot of them on our means from Kandy to Ella on the practice experience. I visited the Damro tea plantation which is simply outdoors of Nuwara Eliya. At a tea plantation, you may take a tour of the grounds the place they’ll present you ways tea is produced adopted by a tea tasting. You can too select to take a jeep tour of the fields the place they’ll go into extra element about how tea is grown.
Ravana Waterfall
Rawana Falls is a wide ranging pure marvel nestled within the lush greenery of Sri Lanka’s hill nation. Positioned close to the city of Ella, within the Badulla District of the Uva Province, Rawana Falls is a outstanding attraction famend for its majestic magnificence and tranquil ambiance.
The waterfall is called after the legendary determine of Ravana, a central character within the Hindu epic, the Ramayana, which is deeply ingrained in Sri Lankan tradition and folklore. In keeping with native legend, Rawana Falls is believed to be the place the place King Ravana, the legendary ruler of Lanka, kidnapped Princess Sita, the spouse of Lord Rama. The cascading waters of the falls are stated to be the tears of Sita as she awaited rescue by Lord Rama.
Standing at roughly 25 meters in peak however it’s break up down a number of layers making the whole waterfall construction nicely over 100 meters. Whereas not as spectacular as one thing like Victoria Falls, the truth that it’s simply on the facet of the street so that you can see makes it a should go to in my view.
Visiting 9 Arches Bridge
Indisputably, one of many fundamental highlights of any journey to Ella is to view the enduring 9 Arches Bridge. You’ve undoubtedly seen numerous images of this bridge in your Instagram feeds even in the event you’ve by no means had Sri Lanka in your crosshairs.
Nestled amidst the luxurious hills of Ella, Sri Lanka, the 9 Arch Bridge is an unbelievable testomony to each engineering and pure magnificence. Surrounded by tea plantations and dense vegetation, the bridge gives breathtaking panoramic views, particularly in the course of the practice crossings. You can find plenty of vacationers attempting to get the proper shot in the course of the golden hours of dawn when the tender daylight bathes the panorama.
Apparently whereas it was constructed in the course of the British colonial period the bridge was really constructed by locals. Initially the British deliberate to construct a metal bridge nevertheless, as WWI broke out the British metal was reallocation to the weapon business thus leaving the locals to make use of stone bricks and cement. Figuring out this makes the bridge much more fascinating than it already is.
Historical past of the 9 Arch Bridge
The historical past of this bridge is fascinating. As with a lot of the development taking place in Sri Lanka throughout colonial instances, the principle goal of this bridge was to move tea from the mainland of Sri Lanka to the coasts. The British Authorities needed to assemble the bridge with metal which was the fabric of selection within the early twentieth century.
As World Struggle I broke out in Europe, a lot of the metal capability was diverted again to Europe for the battle. The bridge was due to this fact unfinished for a while. Locals nevertheless, took it into their very own fingers, establishing the bridge with stones and cement which most likely left the British baffled.
These days, this practice not is liable for a lot tea transportation. Trains nonetheless run throughout the bridge recurrently all through the day however as a substitute of transporting tea, it’s largely transporting vacationers and locals (however largely vacationers). As nicely, the bridge itself is a vacationer hotspot with individuals flocking to the bridge to take images.
Attending to the 9 Arch Bridge from Ella
There are quite a few methods to get to the 9 Arch Bridge from Ella. The only is to only stroll from city. This can take about half-hour from the principle street. You’ll must climb down and up a couple of hills however typically this isn’t a troublesome hike in my view.
One other technique is to take a tuk tuk on to the practice tracks. As it is a tremendous touristy endeavor, you may count on the costs to be jacked up. I heard of individuals paying 3,000 LKR for the 10-15 minute tuk tuk experience which might be loopy in another occasion moreover this.
Finest time to go to the 9 Arch bridge
Indisputably, the perfect time to go to the 9 Arch bridge is in the course of the dawn. The nice and cozy colours of the morning actually pair nicely with the aged stone and the close by tea fields. It’s a lot simpler to take images as nicely with out the solar shining down inconsistently on the bridge.
The morning can be the perfect time to keep away from the crowds as swarms of vacationers will come in a while within the day.
Dawn is usually round 6am in Sri Lanka. I arrived on the bridge simply after 6am which suggests I left my guesthouse round 5:40am to make it in time. This was good as there have been just a few different vacationers round which allowed for getting wonderful images!
From 7am, the vacationers begin to present up and by 7:30am, it may be very busy. I discovered the perfect lighting to be round 6:45 to 7:15am!
Take images on the bridge
The bridge is free to roam and wander as you please. You possibly can stroll on the tracks, stroll alongside the tracks, or contained in the tracks. In the event you’re feeling courageous, you may even sit or stroll alongside the perimeters of the bridge for that iconic bridge picture shot. We spent plenty of time attempting to get the appropriate shot from the bridge and you’ll see the fruits of that labor in these images.
The practice passes by this bridge a number of instances a day with the primary practice passing by at round 6:30am. I had fairly the scare when this occurred as I used to be busy taking images on the sting of the bridge. The practice was filled with vacationers hanging out the entrance door like I had executed the day gone by. There aren’t any boundaries or warning both. Some man who doesn’t work for the transportation division will often come onto the observe and inform individuals a practice is coming.
I believe this can most likely change sooner or later with extra vacationers flocking to this ever common bridge. I also can see extra accidents taking place with individuals falling off the bridge or getting struck by the practice.
Take images within the tea plantation
The bridge is surrounded by tea fields which make for an incredible juxtaposition with the 9 Arch Bridge. Subsequent to the bridge on the south facet are a couple of tea fields and an area store promoting coconuts and snacks.
Merely stroll a couple of steps down into the tea fields and also you impulsively have model new picture alternatives with the bridge straight in entrance of you. Don’t take my phrase for it, merely take a look at these wonderful images!
Take images above the 9 Arch Bridge
Lastly, you must take some images overlooking the bridge. One of the best space for that is the perspective straight above the bridge on the north facet. The precise location is the “9 Arch Bridge Viewpoint“. It really seems like somebody lives right here however they only allow you to use the perspective to take your images. They do go away a field for ideas nevertheless!
Day 7-10: Hiriketiya Seaside
Subsequent cease up after Ella is lastly to go to the seashores of Southern Sri Lanka! I had executed plenty of analysis beforehand on the seashores in southern Sri Lanka and bought a advice from a pal to go to the surfside city of Hiriketiya. I made a decision to base myself in two completely different places alongside the coast to higher discover the world, with Hiriketiya being the primary cease.
As we had rented a automotive with a driver, it’s a 3h drive from Ella to the coast by unbelievable mountainous terrain. The realm round Ella is actually beautiful and beckons for images to be taken left and proper.
Finest Seashores round Hiriketiya
The seashores within the japanese half of the southern coast are beautiful. You’re spoiled for selections so far as seashores go. Whether or not you need one thing with loads of sunbeds and seaside bars, or one thing that’s utterly distant and untouched, there’s one thing for everybody. Here’s a checklist of my favourite seashores:
Hiriketiya Seaside: Near house, this seaside is nice for surfers and those who don’t wish to journey farDickwella Seaside: That is close by to Hiriketiya and gives an enormous stretch of open seaside outfitted with loads of eating places and sunbedsHiru Seaside: If you wish to be alone and easily admire nature with out being disturbed by the plenty, that is the seaside for you. Completely untouched, untamed, and wild.Silent Seaside: A well-liked seaside subsequent to Hiru seaside with barely extra facilities. It’s additionally shared with the Aman resort so you realize this seaside shall be nicely saved.
Remember the fact that the seashores in Sri Lanka will not be the tropical seashores of the Maldives. They’ll’t examine to that sort of crystal clear blue water and white sand such as you’d discover on the Ritz Carlton Maldives.
Sri Lanka seashores are extra wild and untamed. Whereas the water is just not crystal blue, it’s good for browsing as waves crash onto the shore. The sand can be a lot finer and is among the many softest sand I’ve felt. The palm bushes in Sri Lanka are among the many tallest I’ve seen and so they completely protrude out of the bottom and above the water.
Go to Smoke and Bitters
The scene round Hiriketiya is rising quick with loads of new cafes and eating places popping up. One among them is world famend cocktail bar and restaurant Smoke And Bitters. This stylish bar and cafe was voted #40 in the perfect cocktail bars in Asia. Contemplating virtually the entire entries on this checklist are in main cities like Singapore, Hong Kong, Tokyo, or Bangkok, it’s a miracle {that a} bar in the course of a sleepy surfside city made it on this checklist.
Make sure that to make reservations upfront as this place will get actually busy. They’ve nice views over the seaside in addition to the sundown. The meals can be elevated Sri Lankan and pairs improbable with the cocktails.
Day 10-12: Ahangama
Ahangama was the ultimate vacation spot on my Sri Lanka itinerary. I figured, it could be an excellent halfway level between Hiriketiya and Colombo, but in addition enable me to discover extra of the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Attending to Ahangama
Touring alongside the southern Sri Lanka coast is easy. You possibly can take the native buses which traverse the size of the island or just take tuk-tuks. Ubers are simply obtainable in most elements of the southern coast and that’s what we did. I took an Uber from Hiriketiya to Mrissa for my whale watching tour (extra on that later), after which from Mrissa to Ahangama.
A mini Canggu in Sri Lanka
I had heard that Ahangama was like a mini model of Canggu in Sri Lanka so I needed to go test it out as I did dwell in Canggu, Bali in any case.
Ahangama is roughly 1.5h away from Hiriketiya alongside the principle coastal street. This city was as soon as a sleepy surf city that has shortly develop into the bohemian and hipster capital of Sri Lanka. Suppose hordes of gorgeous trendy cafes, stylish eating places, and seaside bars all crammed right into a small strip of street alongside the principle coastal freeway of Southern Sri Lanka.
Ahangama does have a allure to it although because the seaside may be very stunning and doesn’t really feel as packed as neighboring seashores like Unawatuma or different extra mass produced tourism locations nearer to Galle. Ahangama maintains its surfer vibes alongside stylish cafes making an ideal place for surfers and digital nomads alike.
For now.
The development pace Ahangama is experiencing is unprecedented. All of the cafes and eating places are already positioned alongside the principle street which is shared by scooters, tuk tuks, automobiles, buses, and vans which make the bottle neck on the town insufferable. I feel one other yr or two and Ahangama will succumb to the destiny of all these stylish Bohemian villages which have sprung up in numerous creating world places.
Ahangama jogs my memory a bit extra of Lombok than Bali. Lombok has related Canggu vibes with out the crowds and site visitors; as if it was 5 years earlier. Lombok can be a surf paradise just like Ahangama, albeit the seashores in Lombok are nicer in my view.
The cafes and eating places right here have nice vibes and views, however the meals high quality is missing and doesn’t examine to these in Bali or Lombok. Costs in Ahangama (and Sri Lanka basically) are additionally noticeably greater as nicely. Finally, Bali has the perfect cafes on the earth in my view so it’s arduous to actually examine.
Finest seashores round Ahangama
The seashores round Ahangama are very stunning. Suppose stunning Indian Ocean blue waters, powdery sand, and stretches of seaside that span for a lot of kilometers. The seashores round Ahangama aren’t overly developed both so you may chill out with peace in thoughts. The principle seaside round Ahangama is supplied with quite a few eating places and cafes to take pleasure in a drink or lunch.
If you’d like one thing extra chilled, take into account going to Koggala seaside which is a really lengthy sandy stretch of seaside additional west of Ahangama. Koggala doesn’t have any eating places, seaside golf equipment, or cafes. It’s simply untamed seaside with stunning waters in entrance.
Browsing in Ahangama
One of many fundamental attracts, and rightly so, of Ahangama is the browsing. The entire space in south Sri Lanka is ideal for browsing in my view. Ahangama particularly is nice for newbie surfers in my view.
The waves break near the shore that means you’ll simply must swim a brief distance out to seek out waves. When you end driving a wave, you’ll be in shallow sufficient water to face up. The waves by no means get above 1.5 meters that means you may catch good waves however not be overwhelmed by waves too highly effective for newcomers.
There are quite a few surf retailers throughout the city in addition to on the seaside the place you may e-book your classes or surf boards. Ahangama can be house to quite a few surf faculties that run surf and keep in addition to surf and yoga packages.
Go to the colonial fort city of Galle
Galle, a coastal metropolis in Sri Lanka, is a spot the place historical past whispers by its charming cobblestone streets and historical fortifications. Initially based by the Portuguese within the sixteenth century, Galle turned a big buying and selling port for spices, gems, and unique items. Nonetheless, it was the Dutch who left probably the most enduring mark on town. The imposing Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage website, stands as a testomony to Dutch colonial structure and engineering. Constructed within the seventeenth century, the fort’s sturdy partitions and bastions have withstood the take a look at of time, defending town from invasions and pure disasters.
At this time, Galle Fort is a charming mix of old-world allure and trendy vitality. Strolling alongside its ramparts gives panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, whereas exploring its slender alleys reveals a treasure trove of boutique retailers, artwork galleries, and cafes. The Dutch Reformed Church, with its easy but elegant design, stands as a reminder of town’s colonial previous, whereas the Galle Maritime Museum gives perception into the area’s maritime historical past.
For these seeking to immerse themselves in Galle’s cultural tapestry, a go to to the Galle Nationwide Museum is a should. Housed inside a Dutch colonial constructing, the museum showcases artifacts that inform the story of Galle’s various historical past, from historical instances to colonial rule. Close by, the Historic Mansion Museum gives a glimpse into the lives of rich retailers in the course of the Dutch interval, with its opulent furnishings and interval structure.
Whale Watching in Mrissa
The waters surrounding Mirissa are wealthy in vitamins, significantly throughout sure instances of the yr, making them a perfect feeding floor for blue whales. These whales, often known as the biggest animals on Earth, migrate by these waters as a part of their annual migration patterns.
In the course of the peak season, which generally runs from November to April, guests to Mirissa have a excessive likelihood of recognizing blue whales on organized whale watching excursions. Having seen plenty of underwater animals throughout my time, I’ve by no means encountered blue whales earlier than. They’re the largest animals to have ever roamed the Earth so naturally it’s excessive on my bucket checklist.
I booked a tour with one of many many operators in Mirissa to go whale watching. I didn’t count on it to be practically as full because it was. The boats are actually massive and utterly packed to the brim with individuals. There was most likely 200 individuals on my boat unfold out like sardines on the higher and decrease decks.
Along with my boat, there was at the least one other 10 boats of various sizes all in search of the whales which brings into query the ethics behind these mass whale watching setups. That is just like the quandary I confronted when going bull shark diving in Fiji however this appeared far more intrusive than in Fiji.
Ultimately, I didn’t see any blue whales and solely settled for dolphins which was a let down. I most likely wouldn’t do that journey once more simply due to the sheer quantity of boat site visitors that goes out in search of the whales.
Sri Lanka Day by Day Itinerary
I hope you loved my itinerary for Sri Lanka and I hope it may well make it easier to plan your personal journey. This part is a abstract of my day-to-day itinerary so you may see what I did on daily basis.
Sri Lanka Full Itinerary
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, drive straight to SigiriyaDay 2: Sigiriya for the dawn and morning, drive to Kandy within the afternoonDay 3: Full day in Kandy: Discover town, go to the Botanical Gardens and Ambuluwawa templeDay 4: Depart for Nuwara Eliya within the morning, cease at a tea farm alongside the best way. Take the practice from Nanouya to Ella within the afternoonDay 5: 9 Arch Bridge within the morning, chill out in EllaDay 6: Climbing round Ella together with Little Adam’s peak, go to the Rawana waterfallsDay 7: Drive all the way down to Hiriketiya on the southern coastDay 8: Discover the seashores within the areaDay 9: One other seaside dayDay 10: Hiriketiya to AhangamaDay 11: Full day exploring the seashores round Ahangama. Go to Galle within the afternoonDay 12: Depart for Colombo
Sri Lanka One Week Itinerary
With only one week in Sri Lanka, I’d lower out elements of the seaside as I feel the inland areas of Sri Lanka are extra distinctive.
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, drive straight to SigiriyaDay 2: Sigiriya for the dawn and morning, drive to Kandy within the afternoonDay 3: Full day in Kandy: Discover town, go to the Botanical Gardens and Ambuluwawa templeDay 4: Depart for Nuwara Eliya within the morning, cease at a tea farm alongside the best way. Take the practice from Nanouya to Ella within the afternoonDay 5: 9 Arch Bridge within the morning, go to the seaside within the afternoonDay 6: Full day round AhangamaDay 7: Full day round AhangamaDay 8: Depart for Colombo
Sri Lanka Two week itinerary
With two full weeks, you will have extra time to actually benefit from the numerous places in Sri Lanka.
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, drive straight to SigiriyaDay 2: Sigiriya for the dawn and morning, drive to Kandy within the afternoonDay 3: Full day in Kandy: Discover town, go to the Botanical Gardens and Ambuluwawa templeDay 4: Depart for Nuwara Eliya within the morning, cease at a tea farm alongside the best way. Keep in Nuwara Eliya for the nightDay 5: One other evening in Nuwara EliyaDay 6: Morning practice from Nanouya to EllaDay 7: 9 Arch Bridge within the morning, chill out in EllaDay 8: Climbing round Ella together with Little Adam’s peak, go to the Rawana waterfallsDay 9: Drive all the way down to Hiriketiya on the southern coastDay 10: Discover the seashores within the areaDay 11: One other seaside dayDay 12: Hiriketiya to AhangamaDay 13: Full day exploring the seashores round Ahangama. Go to Galle within the afternoonDay 14: Depart for Colombo
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