Getting Started from Colombo
Srilanka map may look like a teary part of south east India but it is ranked as a top country for travel in 2019 and you know why ?It has beaches ,mountains ,forests ,best parties and it is the oldest civilization.Like others , i have a ritual too travel to a new country on every new birthday.Like last year this year i wanted to kick some ass on 30 ‘th August And My good soul friends have no choice but to accompany me in this joint venture . So well said Your vibe attracts your tribe.
First check the Srilanka map from Jafna to Matara. Decide what kind of holiday are you looking for party ,hiking or spiritual?Don’t worry much As its a small country and you can travel from one city to another in 4-6 hours across the country.It was me and my 2 friends along with my sisters we booked flight from Mumbai to Columbo. Like a website watch icon i keep stalking Skyscanner. When and where can i land this month.Voila we are going to hit the road to Srilanka via Mumbai the next night.Very next day we have made a good leap to Colombo.
DAY1
What to expect on the Columbo Airport
- Arrived from Colombo airport to our Hotel .As we reached at Colombo airport we did not need any exchange of cash .American express works on all ATMS and exchange rates are not so bad; Go ahead with your most usual travel cards.
- Then buy good data SIM ,By the way it will not be very helpful because Srilanka has Bad internet around the country.
- Very soon we started talking at different counters and we got a deal at one of the counters five day city tour and today drop to Hotel for 5 pax for affordable rates.
- This is a tropical city so you can expect rains, scorching sun and also lot of humidity.This is the place i was surprised to see for once we are near the mountains ,next we are all over covered by forests and other time its all most beautiful beaches.I am attaching a Map which came very handy for me and my friends.For the night we stayed at GSH Hotel Colombo it is affordable.Please follow the map attached.
What type of travel are you planning
Wildlife, adventurous or religious ?
Columbo
- Strolling is also fun in Columbo as you are always walking near the seashore, As good as you can dream of ! Left side traffic running on road and right side calmness and serenity.
- To my surprise Budhism and hinduism is the most significant religion Most people believe worship Here and there are lot of beautiful Budha temples can be found.
- After a good late breakfast we headed to Bentota. It took us 3 and half hours to reach Bentota and We stayed at Cinnamon Bay Bentota. If you re habituated to luxury this is it.They have the best Sinhallis breakfast and best sunsets.Cozy rooms ,and a lovely view outside the room .It was like we wanted to stay here forever.Our’s favorite and smartest street food was Egg hopper on top of that the way it is cooked is more fun than eating it.
- Headed for a beautiful sunset with light house on the shore and all the beautiful colors we saw in the sky.Raise a toast and enjoy the clear waters.
- If you feel like there are performances at Cinnamon bay too but we wanted to eat srilankan food something which was authentic to Hikkadua and Bentota.We went to below restaurant.
Bentota-Cinnamon Bay Beruwala
Pier 88 River Bar
- After swimming for hours we landed to this beautiful place and Enjoyed fish curries with closure of sundae.
- Beautiful live music with classic songs from Beetle was playing in the hotel which took the mood to another high level.Goodnight today dear people.
Day3
Kandy Vihara Temple
This hatchery is definitely worth a visit, the man who runs it explained everything perfectly and we saw every stage from eggs buried beneath the sand waiting to hatch to disabled turtles that he takes care of. We all thoroughly enjoyed a couple of hours here.This is the perfect place to see so many turtles.They not only help turtles from breed to be hatched to be fully grown but also they rescue so many hurt turtles.
Its time you enjoy some massage at kosgoda 777 Spice Garden.Did you know Srilanka is so small and it produces most of the spices world eats today.There are three types of Cinnamon and also vanilla flavor comes from a little plant.The most important Tiger Balm is also made here.Also in 70 century when middle east was ruling India and Srilanka ,Mughals use to sell all these spices like a charm and misterious stories to European nations.
Next Head to Madhu River Safari
It is totally worth the money go and enjoy.For Indians it will be like Sundervan .Its a boat ride amidst the forest and tributaries.some of the unforgetten scence.You will have a spice tour in the jungles.Then have a Fish pedicure on the river it will be like calling luxury in the middle of the river.Also a little hike to another splendid Budhist temple. Its called Balapitiya Srilanka.Every thing in a 1-2 hour of boat trip what better could i ask for.
I also had no plans of doing any river safari ,But it came along the way .At some places it was dark we were entering meadows .It was like raining also few times ,You never know what you are entering into unless you try.Sinahllis are good people they corporate and hospitality they take very seriously.
It was my day 3 here in Srilanka ,More yet to come Keep reading this space to know more about how i reached Galle fort and Sigiriya.
We had a long day we started late from Cinnamon bay after traveling for some 10 km we went to Turtle hatchery and then we had wonderful lunch at Kuma tasty foods.Then at the beautiful sunset around 4:00 pm we started Madhu river boat safari which went until 6:30.In One boat safari we had visited beautiful places ,Balapitiya Bhudhist temple and Ganagabada asiriya.This is late and we are tired but not before we end the day with yummy food at Refresh restaurant.It was pure Srilankan food we tasted best King prawns and rice curry. Dude its 10:30 pm and we still have to check in at our new place somewhere near Galle.I could never have imagined that Srilanka would be so beautiful and it has so many beautiful places to offer.It was 2 sep and its been only 3 days here in Srilanka and feels like I was born here.
Day 4 at Summer Belle Villa Unnawatuna
- This is one of the coolest houses by Airbnb very comfortable and exotic. On top of all we have arrived in Unnawatuna. Next Day we are going to most beautiful places ;With changing places we saw changing climate this day is quite hot and we almost kept asking some mercy from sun. Plan is to directly reach to Galle fort Clock tower. How many times you have seen Galle cricket stadium and thought “O when I am going there”. This is my day to see the great landmark located in a historic district. Here you will see a natural composition for all good pictures a white clock tower with green palm trees covering it, with a floor sweeping turquoise water all around. I don’t remember how many amazing captures I got here . Who can say this was built in 16 nth century by Portuguese. Of course Well done Archaeological Department of SriLanka.
- Next we headed to traditional Galle corridors and srilanka cultural shops.
- Every thing made in wood,Wood carving a a very popular form handcraft done by Srilankans.
- You can go towards Galle old hospital and there is a very famous restaurant we are heading towards a Minute by Tuk Tuk.This place indeed looks like a complete Portugese colony,The place has not only interesting name but also it is one of the best Galle view finding restaurants.We were looking for a good p lace to have lunch and we found a gem!It is tucked away on the upper floor of the Dutch Hospital.Go up the stairs you should find it! Delicious food, excellent views and great service. With beautiful view of Galle bay enjoy Salmon and good cocktails.
- After sumptuosh brunch we went shopping in the portugese galleries of Galle . You witness most beautiful sunset.We saw a Srilankan wedding.
- Trust me Galle road is a perfect place for shopping .We bought beautiful beach wear and kept roaming around.It was a complete delight. We have to head back and we need to go more south of Srilanka.
Sihilro regency Udawalawe
We have to reach to Udawalawe, Next Srilanka adventure is waiting for us.It went really late we kept driving for next 5hours and 34 minutes towards south of Srilanka.We had dinner at Pizza hut Matara. Late 11:20 we reached at Sihilro Regency Udawalawe.Its the most economical destination .These are the guys who saw are national park pass is done and ready on time. Wherever we travelled in Srilanka we got good English breakfast with egg hoppers and so much coffee.We got loaded in good safari gyp and Goodmorning to a wonderful forest drive.
Udawalawe National Park
Some important points to remember:
- All the government tickets in Srilanka are very cheap for SAARC nations. When you reach here you feel so proud if you belong to one of the SAARC nation. Well, we booked a 4 hours morning safari starting at 5:30. It was hard to get up, you have to know the park open at 6 a.m. and many jeeps are queuing (at least 25). Sihilro Regency, our guide and owner of the splendid lake view safari lodge, was on the third place.
- After entering the park, you have to buy Tickets a bit further at the admin centre, all drivers sprinted to be the first. What a spectacle!
- However we discovered many untouched park roads this morning and felt like Humboldt
The wild life was amazing. Lots of animals, elephants families with Babies (2 months), Single huge male, wo was passing a small river after drinking gallons of water ,sunbathing Crocodiles, water Buffalos in the mud, big monkeys and there families, different species of eagles, pelicans, painted stork, horn birds and many more birds.As tourist, who are interested in nature and visiting many national parks, we highly recommend this trip.
