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Embarking on a journey to Sri Lanka is like stepping right into a world the place historic historical past, vibrant tradition, and breathtaking landscapes converge. From the plush 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 provides a charming mix of journey and serenity. So, pack your baggage 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 way of Sri Lanka and whereas I might at all times use extra days, I discovered this to be sufficient to see the highlights of the nation.
The place to go in Sri Lanka in your itinerary
Sri Lanka would possibly look small, nevertheless it packs fairly a punch. There’s a world to discover and also you received’t be capable to see all of it in two weeks and fewer. I used to be definitely not capable of see as a lot as I’d have favored however I felt like I might see the highlights.
These are a number 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 provided lovely jungles, mountains, tea farms, and historic sights whereas the seashores provided superb browsing, cafes, and that tropical island vibe.
I skipped out on Yala Nationwide Park which was a well-liked advice amongst many. This park is dwelling to an abundance of wildlife and lots of come to do a safari. Nevertheless, as I had been on many safaris all through Africa, I used to be suggested that I in all probability wouldn’t get too excited in regards to 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 cause, each weblog I wrote promoted Kandy a lot. Certain, Kandy is among 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 speedy neighborhood.
Certain Kandy has a wonderful lake with good views available however past that, there was not a lot to supply. I feel Kandy is perhaps value a one night time cease when 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 when you plan to do nothing, I feel staying in Ella continues to be a lot nicer as you’re surrounded by gorgeous views.
Greatest time of yr to go to Sri Lanka?
For those who’re considering a journey to this island paradise, you would possibly surprise when the very best time to go to Sri Lanka is. This small island has two geographical areas that get pleasure from completely different seasons
Sri Lanka’s climate is predominantly formed by two monsoon seasons: the southwest monsoon, generally 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 vital 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 transient.
Maha Season
Maha season happens from October to January, primarily affecting the northeastern elements of the island, resembling Trincomalee and the east coast. Conversely, the western and southern areas expertise drier situations, making it a super time to discover seashore locations like Galle and Mirissa. The hill nation additionally enjoys dry and funky climate throughout this era, excellent for trekking.
Moreover, two inter-monsoon intervals happen: March to April (First Inter-Monsoon) and October to November (Second Inter-Monsoon). These intervals carry transitional climate with heat and humid situations and sporadic rainfall throughout the island.
Greatest Time To Go to Sri Lanka?
One of the best occasions to go to Sri Lanka depends upon your itinerary. For those who’re following this itinerary specializing in the inland areas and the southern seashores, the very best time to go to is in the course of the November to April time-frame.
Throughout this time, you may also anticipate to see probably the most vacationers particularly round Easter. This season aligns completely with the European winters the place everybody desires to flee to hotter locations. I visited in February and the temperatures had been scorching, and the solar was out day-after-day.
How one can get round Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a straightforward nation to journey round. It’s not too large and there’s sufficient connections between vacationer hotspots that you may transfer round shortly. Relying on the period of time and finances you’ve gotten, you would possibly think about completely different choices of getting across the nation.
By public buses and practice
The most well-liked 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 could be sluggish as they usually cease in numerous cities to select up and drop off individuals. The bus from Colombo to Kandy will take 4+ hours generally. Nonetheless, that is by far the most affordable option to journey across the nation.
Equally, you may also take the general public trains. The trains join Colombo to lots of the hottest locations in Sri Lanka. The most well-liked of those practice rides is from Kandy to Ella which passes by way of the magnificent tea farms.
By non-public driver with a automotive
Just like touring in Madagascar, Sri Lanka may be very in style for renting a automotive with a driver. The driving force will drive you wherever you need, everytime you need at some stage in your journey with them. It is a nice choice for these which are 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 after 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, fuel, parking, and tolls.
By Uber Intercity
Uber is available all through the nation, and is particularly in style 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 under 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 penning this. It is a nice worth in my view for a 5 hour drive that’s 300 kilometers. Nevertheless, do be ready for the motive force to name you generally 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 after I was touring within the southern a part of Sri Lanka alongside the coast.
Hire 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. Anticipate to pay about $20 a day and there are pickups close to the airport.
Whereas renting your personal tuk tuk sounds good, this stuff aren’t probably the most snug to drive and so they’re designed in a means that when you’re above 180 cm, you’ll need to slouch to see by way of the window. Not a snug option 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 nearly each worldwide flight lands. I made a decision to not keep in Colombo after studying by way of many blogs. Whereas there are some things to do within the Capital metropolis, it simply wasn’t a superb use of my restricted time.
From Colombo, I went straight to Sigiriya the place I spent the night time so I might get up early the next morning to climb Pidarangula rock for the gorgeous 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 way in which. From Nuwara Eliya, we took a practice from the close by city of Nanouya onward to Ella. This is among the most well-known practice rides on this planet 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 absolutely bought out. I didn’t wish to likelihood having to face for the 7 hour practice trip so we began the practice trip half means by way of as a substitute. Many of the finest viewpoints are after Nanouya anyhow.
From Ella, we visited the 9 arch bridge and close by waterfalls/mountaineering for the subsequent 3 days. I discovered Ella to be one of the lovely elements of Sri Lanka. There’s a cause it’s grow to be so in style! 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 cut up our time between Hiriketiya and Ahangama. I want I had just a few extra days on the coast because it was so lovely and enjoyable.
From Ahangama, we took a taxi to the airport and flew dwelling 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 spite of everything and everyone seems to be instructed to look at the dawn from the rock, much like my expertise at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. I feel that may be a mistake.
I a lot slightly most well-liked the view from neighboring Pidurangala Rock which has a lifeless on view of Sigiriya. I feel the star of the present within the space is actually Sigiriya so why not watch the dawn with the rock within the precise body. That is additionally why I a lot choose 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 isn’t so tough 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 need to maneuver your means by way of 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. If you’re 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 payment is definitely to pay for the temple on the very starting of the hike. You’ll stroll by way of 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’s loads of area to unfold out to benefit from the view. By 7:30am, many of the early risers are gone which implies you’ve gotten loads of freedom to take pictures. I feel the very best 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.
Despite the fact 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 payment for Sigiriya is a whopping $36 USD / 11,000 LKR (As of 2024) which is about 10x dearer. For those who solely desire a dawn view, I’d positively advocate solely going up Pidurangala and skipping Sigiriya altogether. Sadly, if you would like the well-known pictures of the rock like these pictures, you’ll have to pay the doorway payment.
Is Sigiriya Rock value visiting?
The query turns into, is Sigiriya rock value visiting? I feel when you’re not money strapped, it’s positively value a go to. This is among the most historic sights in all of Sri Lanka and the views are completely unimaginable.
It might be a disgrace to come back 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 location for his new capital. Looking for refuge from inner conflicts, Kashyapa reworked Sigiriya right into a formidable fortress and an emblem of opulence. Expert artisans adorned the rock with intricate frescoes, notably the Sigiriya Damsels, showcasing the creative 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 insurrection led by his half-brother, Moggallana, in 495 AD. With Kashyapa’s defeat and loss of life, 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. As we speak, Sigiriya is acknowledged as a UNESCO World Heritage Web site, attracting guests from all over the world desperate to discover its historic wonders and study its cultural significance.
Mountaineering up Sigiriya
The hike up Sigiriya isn’t as difficult as Pidarangula. The climb is much less steep and there are stairs all over the place to make it simpler. All in all, it takes roughly 10 minutes to climb to the highest of the rock.
Alongside the way in which, 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 middle of the island makes it a super 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 essential non secular web site believed to accommodate a secret relic, the tooth of Lord Buddha—the temple holds immense significance for Buddhists worldwide. Stepping by way of 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 additionally a dwelling 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 religious 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, we could? 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 web site is a must-visit for anybody thinking about exploring Sri Lanka’s non secular and cultural traditions.
However Kandy isn’t nearly historical past – it’s additionally a vibrant metropolis bustling with life and power. Probably the greatest methods to take in the environment is by taking a leisurely stroll round Kandy Lake, recognized regionally as Kiri Muhuda. You may hire a paddleboat and glide throughout the serene waters whereas having fun with panoramic views of the encompassing hills and metropolis skyline.
You may as well benefit from the views of Kandy from one of many bars or viewpoints on the hills overlooking the picturesque lakes.
For those who’re a nature lover, you’ll be spoiled for alternative in Kandy. Only a brief drive from the town middle lies the Royal Botanical Gardens in Peradeniya, the place you may wander by way of fantastically landscaped gardens and marvel at unique flora from all over the world. Don’t neglect to take a look at the towering big bamboo and the gorgeous orchid assortment!
Botanical Gardens of Kandy
Visiting the Royal Botanical Gardens in Kandy is a pleasant escape into the plush, tropical fantastic thing about Sri Lanka’s pure landscapes. Positioned only a brief distance from the bustling metropolis middle, these gardens supply a serene oasis of tranquility and botanical surprise. 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 a captivating 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 crops, unique palms, and fragrant spices. One of many highlights is the orchid home, the place you may marvel on the gorgeous 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 gives panoramic views of the gardens and the encompassing 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 certain to depart you enchanted and impressed.
Ambuluwawa temple
First issues first, let’s discuss historical past. Ambuluwawa Temple isn’t simply your run-of-the-mill non secular web site – 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 historic occasions.
Legend has it that Ambuluwawa Mountain was as soon as the location of a fortress constructed by King Buvanekabahu IV in the course of the 14th century. Over the centuries, the location underwent numerous transformations, finally changing into an emblem 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 components 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 way of scenic countryside and dense forests. The views open up shortly after you allow Kandy with gorgeous mountains terrains. From Kandy, you may take a tuk tuk to Ambuluwawa which can take 1 to 1.5h and can value 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 encompassing panorama. Climbing to the highest isn’t for the faint of coronary heart, however the sweeping vistas of rolling hills and distant mountains are properly definitely worth the effort. The steps grow to be ever extra slim 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 provides guests an ideal mix of journey, rest, and cultural exploration. It’s the proper spot to base your self throughout the countryside of Sri Lanka. Not solely are there so many actions to do within the space, nevertheless it provides a number of the most breathtaking surroundings in all of Sri Lanka.
Ella lately has gained an enormous recognition increase amongst vacationers (it was at all times a touristy place) and these days, you may see the primary city is kind of solely geared in direction of international vacationers. From Ella City, you are able to do fantastic hikes, go to the well-known 9 Arch Bridge (extra on that later), see gorgeous waterfalls, go to tea plantations, and simply be immersed in lovely jungle surroundings.
Ella can be geared up with loads of good eating places, cafes, bars, therapeutic massage outlets, and extra.
Go to a Tea Plantation
Sri Lanka is among the largest producers of tea on this planet. It was one of many principal 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 fantastically terraced and appear like a cross between a rice discipline and a vineyard.
We handed by way of so lots of them on our means from Kandy to Ella on the practice trip. I visited the Damro tea plantation which is simply exterior of Nuwara Eliya. At a tea plantation, you may take a tour of the grounds the place they’ll present you the way tea is produced adopted by a tea tasting. You may as well 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 surprise 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 line 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 top however it’s cut up down a number of layers making the whole waterfall construction properly over 100 meters. Whereas not as spectacular as one thing like Victoria Falls, the truth that it’s simply on the facet of the highway so that you can see makes it a should go to in my view.
Visiting 9 Arches Bridge
Indisputably, one of many principal highlights of any journey to Ella is to view the enduring 9 Arches Bridge. You’ve undoubtedly seen numerous pictures of this bridge in your Instagram feeds even when you’ve by no means had Sri Lanka in your crosshairs.
Nestled amidst the plush hills of Ella, Sri Lanka, the 9 Arch Bridge is an unimaginable testomony to each engineering and pure magnificence. Surrounded by tea plantations and dense vegetation, the bridge provides breathtaking panoramic views, particularly in the course of the practice crossings. You will discover a whole lot of vacationers making an attempt to get the proper shot in the course of the golden hours of dawn when the comfortable daylight bathes the panorama.
Curiously 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. Realizing 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 occurring in Sri Lanka throughout colonial occasions, the primary objective 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 alternative within the early twentieth century.
As World Battle I broke out in Europe, a lot of the metal capability was diverted again to Europe for the struggle. 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 in all probability left the British baffled.
These days, this practice now not is chargeable for a lot tea transportation. Trains nonetheless run throughout the bridge often all through the day however as a substitute of transporting tea, it’s principally transporting vacationers and locals (however principally vacationers). As properly, the bridge itself is a vacationer hotspot with individuals flocking to the bridge to take pictures.
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 simply stroll from city. This can take about half-hour from the primary highway. You’ll have to climb down and up just a few hills however typically this isn’t a tough hike in my view.
One other methodology is to take a tuk tuk on to the practice tracks. As this can be a tremendous touristy endeavor, you may anticipate the costs to be jacked up. I heard of individuals paying 3,000 LKR for the 10-15 minute tuk tuk trip which might be loopy in another occasion in addition to this.
Greatest time to go to the 9 Arch bridge
Indisputably, the very best 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 properly with the aged stone and the close by tea fields. It’s a lot simpler to take pictures as properly with out the solar shining down erratically on the bridge.
The morning can be the very best time to keep away from the crowds as swarms of vacationers will come afterward within the day.
Dawn is mostly round 6am in Sri Lanka. I arrived on the bridge simply after 6am which implies I left my guesthouse round 5:40am to make it in time. This was excellent as there have been just a few different vacationers round which allowed for getting superb pictures!
From 7am, the vacationers begin to present up and by 7:30am, it may be very busy. I discovered the very best lighting to be round 6:45 to 7:15am!
Take pictures on the bridge
The bridge is free to roam and wander as you please. You may stroll on the tracks, stroll alongside the tracks, or contained in the tracks. For those who’re feeling courageous, you may even sit or stroll alongside the perimeters of the bridge for that iconic bridge photograph shot. We spent a whole lot of time making an attempt to get the proper shot from the bridge and you may see the fruits of that labor in these pictures.
The practice passes by way of this bridge a number of occasions a day with the primary practice passing by way of at round 6:30am. I had fairly the scare when this occurred as I used to be busy taking pictures on the sting of the bridge. The practice was filled with vacationers hanging out the entrance door like I had achieved the day gone by. There aren’t any obstacles or warning both. Some man who doesn’t work for the transportation division will normally come onto the monitor and inform individuals a practice is coming.
I believe this may in all probability change sooner or later with extra vacationers flocking to this ever in style bridge. I can even see extra accidents occurring with individuals falling off the bridge or getting struck by the practice.
Take pictures within the tea plantation
The bridge is surrounded by tea fields which make for a tremendous juxtaposition with the 9 Arch Bridge. Subsequent to the bridge on the south facet are just a few tea fields and a neighborhood store promoting coconuts and snacks.
Merely stroll just a few steps down into the tea fields and also you unexpectedly have model new photograph alternatives with the bridge immediately in entrance of you. Don’t take my phrase for it, merely have a look at these superb pictures!
Take pictures above the 9 Arch Bridge
Lastly, it is best to take some pictures overlooking the bridge. One of the best space for that is the perspective immediately above the bridge on the north facet. The precise location is the “9 Arch Bridge Viewpoint“. It really appears like somebody lives right here however they simply allow you to use the perspective to take your pictures. 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 achieved a whole lot of analysis beforehand on the seashores in southern Sri Lanka and received 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 raised discover the realm, 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 way of unimaginable mountainous terrain. The world round Ella is really gorgeous and beckons for pictures to be taken left and proper.
Greatest Seashores round Hiriketiya
The seashores within the japanese half of the southern coast are beautiful. You might be spoiled for decisions so far as seashores go. Whether or not you need one thing with loads of sunbeds and seashore bars, or one thing that’s fully distant and untouched, there’s one thing for everybody. Here’s a checklist of my favourite seashores:
Hiriketiya Seaside: Near dwelling, this seashore is nice for surfers and people who don’t wish to journey farDickwella Seaside: That is close by to Hiriketiya and provides an enormous stretch of open seashore geared up with loads of eating places and sunbedsHiru Seaside: If you wish to be alone and easily recognize nature with out being disturbed by the plenty, that is the seashore for you. Completely untouched, untamed, and wild.Silent Seaside: A well-liked seashore subsequent to Hiru seashore with barely extra facilities. It’s additionally shared with the Aman resort so you already know this seashore will probably be properly saved.
Understand that the seashores in Sri Lanka aren’t the tropical seashores of the Maldives. They’ll’t examine to that kind 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 isn’t crystal blue, it’s excellent 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 in every of them is world famend cocktail bar and restaurant Smoke And Bitters. This fashionable bar and cafe was voted #40 in the very best cocktail bars in Asia. Contemplating nearly 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.
Be sure to make reservations prematurely as this place will get actually busy. They’ve nice views over the seashore in addition to the sundown. The meals can be elevated Sri Lankan and pairs incredible with the cocktails.
Day 10-12: Ahangama
Ahangama was the ultimate vacation spot on my Sri Lanka itinerary. I figured, it might be a superb halfway level between Hiriketiya and Colombo, but additionally enable me to discover extra of the southern coast of Sri Lanka.
Attending to Ahangama
Touring alongside the southern Sri Lanka coast is straightforward. You may 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 reside in Canggu, Bali in spite of everything.
Ahangama is roughly 1.5h away from Hiriketiya alongside the primary coastal highway. This city was as soon as a sleepy surf city that has shortly grow to be the bohemian and hipster capital of Sri Lanka. Assume hordes of lovely fashionable cafes, fashionable eating places, and seashore bars all crammed right into a small strip of highway alongside the primary coastal freeway of Southern Sri Lanka.
Ahangama does have a attraction to it although because the seashore may be very lovely 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 fashionable 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 primary highway 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 fashionable Bohemian villages which have sprung up in numerous creating world places.
Ahangama jogs my memory a bit extra of Lombok than Bali. Lombok has comparable Canggu vibes with out the crowds and site visitors; as if it was 5 years earlier. Lombok can be a surf paradise much 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 typically) are additionally noticeably larger as properly. Finally, Bali has the very best cafes on this planet in my view so it’s laborious to actually examine.
Greatest seashores round Ahangama
The seashores round Ahangama are very lovely. Assume lovely Indian Ocean blue waters, powdery sand, and stretches of seashore that span for a lot of kilometers. The seashores round Ahangama aren’t overly developed both so you may loosen up with peace in thoughts. The primary seashore round Ahangama is supplied with quite a few eating places and cafes to get pleasure from a drink or lunch.
If you would like one thing extra chilled, think about going to Koggala seashore which is a really lengthy sandy stretch of seashore additional west of Ahangama. Koggala doesn’t have any eating places, seashore golf equipment, or cafes. It’s simply untamed seashore with lovely waters in entrance.
Browsing in Ahangama
One of many principal attracts, and rightly so, of Ahangama is the browsing. The entire space in south Sri Lanka is ideal for browsing in my view. Ahangama specifically is nice for newbie surfers in my view.
The waves break near the shore which means you’ll simply have to swim a brief distance out to seek out waves. When you end using a wave, you’ll be in shallow sufficient water to face up. The waves by no means get above 1.5 meters which means you may catch good waves however not be overwhelmed by waves too highly effective for newcomers.
There are quite a few surf outlets throughout the city in addition to on the seashore the place you may e book your classes or surf boards. Ahangama can be dwelling to quite a few surf colleges 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 way of its charming cobblestone streets and historic fortifications. Initially based by the Portuguese within the sixteenth century, Galle grew to become a big buying and selling port for spices, gems, and unique items. Nevertheless, it was the Dutch who left probably the most enduring mark on the town. The imposing Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage web site, 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 the town from invasions and pure disasters.
As we speak, Galle Fort is a charming mix of old-world attraction and fashionable vitality. Strolling alongside its ramparts provides panoramic views of the Indian Ocean, whereas exploring its slim alleys reveals a treasure trove of boutique outlets, artwork galleries, and cafes. The Dutch Reformed Church, with its easy but elegant design, stands as a reminder of the 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 numerous historical past, from historic occasions to colonial rule. Close by, the Historic Mansion Museum provides 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, notably throughout sure occasions of the yr, making them a super feeding floor for blue whales. These whales, generally known as the most important animals on Earth, migrate by way of these waters as a part of their annual migration patterns.
In the course of the peak season, which usually runs from November to April, guests to Mirissa have a excessive likelihood of recognizing blue whales on organized whale watching excursions. Having seen a whole lot of underwater animals throughout my time, I’ve by no means encountered blue whales earlier than. They’re the most important 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 anticipate it to be practically as full because it was. The boats are actually large and fully packed to the brim with individuals. There was in all probability 200 individuals on my boat unfold out like sardines on the higher and decrease decks.
Along with my boat, there was a minimum of one other 10 boats of various sizes all on the lookout for 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.
In the long run, I didn’t see any blue whales and solely settled for dolphins which was a let down. I in all probability wouldn’t do that journey once more simply due to the sheer quantity of boat site visitors that goes out on the lookout for the whales.
Sri Lanka Day by Day Itinerary
I hope you loved my itinerary for Sri Lanka and I hope it could possibly enable you to plan your personal journey. This part is a abstract of my day-to-day itinerary so you may see what I did day-after-day.
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 the town, go to the Botanical Gardens and Ambuluwawa templeDay 4: Go away for Nuwara Eliya within the morning, cease at a tea farm alongside the way in which. Take the practice from Nanouya to Ella within the afternoonDay 5: 9 Arch Bridge within the morning, loosen up in EllaDay 6: Mountaineering 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 seashore dayDay 10: Hiriketiya to AhangamaDay 11: Full day exploring the seashores round Ahangama. Go to Galle within the afternoonDay 12: Go away for Colombo
Sri Lanka One Week Itinerary
With only one week in Sri Lanka, I’d lower out elements of the seashore 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 the town, go to the Botanical Gardens and Ambuluwawa templeDay 4: Go away for Nuwara Eliya within the morning, cease at a tea farm alongside the way in which. Take the practice from Nanouya to Ella within the afternoonDay 5: 9 Arch Bridge within the morning, go to the seashore within the afternoonDay 6: Full day round AhangamaDay 7: Full day round AhangamaDay 8: Go away for Colombo
Sri Lanka Two week itinerary
With two full weeks, you’ve gotten 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 the town, go to the Botanical Gardens and Ambuluwawa templeDay 4: Go away for Nuwara Eliya within the morning, cease at a tea farm alongside the way in which. Keep in Nuwara Eliya for the nightDay 5: One other night time in Nuwara EliyaDay 6: Morning practice from Nanouya to EllaDay 7: 9 Arch Bridge within the morning, loosen up in EllaDay 8: Mountaineering 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 seashore dayDay 12: Hiriketiya to AhangamaDay 13: Full day exploring the seashores round Ahangama. Go to Galle within the afternoonDay 14: Go away for Colombo
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