Srilanka

Srilanka

Sinhala Kingdom (සිංහල රාජධානිය)

Sinhalese Culture, dating back to 2600 years and has been long influenced by Theravada Buddhism passed on from India. The history of colonial occupation with Portuguese, Dutch and British has intermingled the various traditional facets of Lankan culture.

Srilanka is one of the beautiful Islands and a perfect destination to make a wonderful trip with your loved ones :)

Check out my YOUTUBE link : https://youtu.be/iTRTPU7Q1EQ

Itinerary: - Click  here

What can you expect from Srilanka ? ☺☺

Here you go -

 Ancient ruins, Cultural shows, Hill stations, Tea plantations, National park, Beaches, 

Whale watching, Dutch colonies, Buddha temples .....

1. Anuradhapura

It's was the ancient capital of Srilanka. The historical complex has a rich culture of archaeological and architectural wonders like Stupas and Royal pools

Abhayagiri Dagoba in Anuradhapura

Isurumuniya temple in Anuradhapura

2. Polonnaruwa

Its a second most ancient city of Srilanka and declared as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.The ancient ruins are well preserved and maintained.

TIP: If you have less time choose Polonnaruwa over Anuradhapura.

The Royal Palace of King Parakramabahu

3.Sigriya Rock

According to locals and historical past, King Kashyapa selected this site for his kingdom and built the fortress above the massive rock nearly 200m high. The Royal Palace was abondoned after kings' death. Later, this was used as a Buddhist monasetry.

Climbing up this Sigriya Rock is fun and as well challenging. It offers beautiful views of greenery and another Rock called Pidurangala which is less populated with tourists.

Sigiriya Rock from the main public entrance

on the top of Sigriya Rock

Pidurangala Rock from Sigiriya Rock

3. Dambulla Cave Temple and Golden Temple

Pagoda and The Golden Buddha Statue (Dambulla Golden Temple), downhill from Dambulla caves

The Golden Buddha Statue

Dambulla cave monastery remains are best preserved and dates back to first century. Inside the caves, beautiful murals are painted by Buddhist monks related to Gautama Buddha and his life. Budhha Stautes and Paintings are spread over five caves built at the base of 150m high Dambulla Rock.

4.Kandy

Kandy is the home of the Temple of the tooth-relic, one of the most sacred place in Buddhism. On the wall paintings, the story of how and who brought the tooth relic of Gautama Buddha to Srilanka is depicted. Its also interesting to read that the tooth has been protected under different rulers, kingdoms and how the enemies wanted to destroy it. 

Royal Botanical Gardens

If you are really a fan of variety of plants, flowers, trees and then it is a must visit. Make sure you have plenty of time to walk through the Gardens in Kandy. This botanical garden is spread across vast area and divided based on plantation. Definitely worth to see Orchid families - never imagined that there are many varieties.Enjoy walking through the palm trees towards the Maheweli River 

Kandy is also a place to attend the cultural show. This event will be held in a hall near the Kandy lake. After the event, its a good idea to visit the Kandy tooth relic temple - for the aarti (evening prayers) 

Shopaholics : Kandy is a good place to indulge yourself in shopping.

There are few vegetarian Dosa centre's in this city. For a South Indian like me,I thoroughly enjoyed eating Dosa with Sambar :) Yummy !!

5. Nuwara Eliya

This morning we started off to Nuwara Eliya by road. I read many blogs saying its a beautiful train journey from Kandy to Ella, takes about 8hrs. Due to lack of time in the plan,opted to go by road. Nevertheless,  it is beautiful with tea plantations, greenery all around. In my view this place is like Munnar in Kerala ( one of my favourite destination in India). Visited a Tea factory and also a place to buy the varieties of Tea.

On the way, stopped at a Hanuman temple ( Its important to wear right clothing any temple visiting -no sleeveless, no shorts) Its a good idea to carry a scarf always.

Its a small temple on the hill and very serene place with a huge Hanuman Statute. The Surroundings are so beautiful to indulge in a small talk over cup of coffee while enjoying the nature. On a holiday, where there is no time pressure, its best to enjoy the moment.

Next Sightseeing is at Ramboda Falls - one of the highest waterfall in Srilanka. You can watch them only from a farther distance.  I must appreciate our tourist guide+driver for taking us to the best view points.

Ramboda Falls

Finally arrived in Nuwara Eliya - It was planned to spend some time along the Gregory Lake.But first we made a brunch lunch or early dinner break- whatever you say. we should eat something as we dint get to stop-by anywhere on the way. After fueling, visited a post office to buy post cards and there's also an opportunity to post them (for little money). 

Its a beautiful hill station and worth to spend a day. At around 6 PM , started to be foggy and chill weather. Just visited Sita Ram temple. At last, I found some evidence to Ramayana :) But hardly locals talk about Ramayana in this country.

Missed to hangout at Gregory lake, may be next time !! After a long exhausting drive on the hair pin bends, I was very much looking forward to rest and reach Ella.

6. Ella

I tried hard to get the pronunciation right but it always sounded funny whenever i say it. even now while writing this :)

Fully energized to climb up Little Adam's Peak.

Little Adam's Peak 

Trek down to view the Nine Arch Bridge, constructed during the colonial-era. Beautiful to watch with the greenery in the nearby hill sides.

Nine Arch Bridge

Stayed in a nice hotel with the beautiful views. Each Penny is worth it !!

Had late breakfast and then started off to Yala National park for the next adventure which was to sight a Leopard.

view from the hotel, Ella

Again Lipton's seat is a miss due to time and long distance to drive and also trek to the Diyaluma Falls (It was advised not to trek as it's been raining in the past days). One more additional day of stay in Ella would have worked out to do the above mentioned activities. on the way to Yala National Park, stopped at Ravana Falls and Diyaluma Falls

Ravana Falls

Diyaluma Falls

7.Yala National Park

Its a beautiful safari experience unlike my past experiences in Ranthambore and Kanha National Parks. 

on my research , I've learnt Block 1 has more chances of Leopard sighting. 

I prayed and wished to see a Leopard. As our safari driver was very slow, I thought may be the chances are low. But here comes the experience in action.Never underestimate anyone and nature teaches you to be patient.And I learn it better each time when I'm in nature.

we were one of the lucky crowds who did see the Leopard that day.. It was remarkable experience.

Not just Leopard, but Yala offer much more Flora and Fauna (Birds, Mammals, Reptiles, ..)

Patanangala, rock outcrop in the Yala beach

Locals said, in 2004 when Tsunami hit this area, no animal was dead or trapped as they predicted the environmental changes and moved to safe place. This proved animals do sense danger in environment before humans.

After the Safari, now its time to head to Beach.. Yeah.... I was all excited to Soak in the Sun.

On the way, visited a Turtle Hatchery.

Turtle Hatchery:

Its interesting to learn how these hatcheries rescue the wounded, disabled Turtles. These disabilities are sometimes caused by us - humans (they hit by the boats and the nets used for fishing etc - loose the arm to swim or sometimes the outer shell is damaged that the Turtle cannot float anymore). Its really sad to hear stories.

We as humans should learn to coexist on this planet. While I'm writing this blog, whole world is hit by COVID-19. I really hope that we all learn to give importance to the nature and our cohabitants on this planet. Only then our Universe will have balance. Else, ......................

8. Hikkaduwa beach  - Soak in Sun and Salt

Seven days spent sightseeing in the country, its time to rest and relax.Soak in the Sun and Salt.

This area Hikkaduwa is famous for surfing. One can also get the classes to undergo training. Beautiful beach , less crowded and very clean.

9. Mirissa (Whale Watching) 

Got enough sun tan and Vitamin-D in 4 days ;) now its time to do whale watching at Mirissa

Blue whale is the largest mammal ever known and Mirissa is the only place to see these amazing creature in the South Asia.

We headed to Blue Whale Safari early morning 5am. Around 6 am we boarded the ship. Its a good idea to take sea sickness tablet if you are having sea sickness. It's crazy how the ships are raced against each other in the ocean for the blue whale sighting. Also, the ocean offer you to see Dolphins, Sperm whales.

But the Blue whale sighting is incredible. These creatures are amazingly awesome. The euphoria I get when I had tiger sighting in my earlier trips and now Leopards and Blue Whales in this country cannot be explained in words.

10. Galle Fort

After whale watching at Mirissa, freshened up at the hotel and then headed to Galle Fort. A  beautiful small town can be covered on foot.

Galle Light house in the background & Galle beach on the side

Whale watching is a trying activity. Though Galle was interesting, there was no energy left to roam around. Hence, decided to head to Bentota to rest and relax for another two days along side the back waters.

11. Bentota

Reaching Bentota felt like a bliss. Stay was awesome with the beautiful sunset views along the Lagoon. Bentota beach as well a nice,quiet beach.

12. Negembo + Colombo

Final destination is Negembo. 

But what is missing - Colombo. Yes, a day trip to Colombo before we relax at Negembo. 

 Negembo Beach

 Colombo Lotus Flower, Colombo

Gangaramaya Temple 

Located on Beira Lake, a mixture of modern culture and architecture. There are many gifts (Buddha - Idols , Statues, Paintings) from other parts of the world where Buddhism is followed.

 Gangaramaya temple, Colombo

 Independence Memorial Hall, Colombo

Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Colombo

Srilankan Cusine :

String hopper, Boiled Rice Cakes,  Coconut + Jaggery pan cakes (yellow)

“Live with no excuses and travel with no regrets” ~ Oscar Wilde