Sri Lanka – a tiny unassuming Country that is not on many people’s bucket lists. In fact, it wasn’t very high up on ours either. It was a surprise entry to our 2022 list since a planned and booked trip to another beautiful Country was cancelled, thanks to Covid.
But, boy are we glad that we changed plans and decided to explore this beauty, nestled in the middle of the Indian Ocean. A little paradise filled with jungles, wildlife, mountains, waterfalls, tea plantations and pristine coastlines.
What did we do on our 9-day trip?
Our travels are packed to the brim with activities because that’s how we like it. We managed to explore tiny hole-in-the-walls, insta-worthy places and offbeat locales in 9 days. Use this itinerary to explore the best of Sri Lanka.
Day 1 & 2 – Sigiriya and Kandy
Not surprisingly, most of our trips begin with a long first travel day. And that’s exactly what this day was. We flew out of Chennai International Airport, India and landed in Bandaranaike International Airport, Sri Lanka. We grabbed a quick bite to eat at the small (non-existent) cafeteria of the Airport and booked a cab through PickMe and embarked on a 150-kilometer scenic drive to Sigiriya. We drove through vibrant markets and lush plantations, where we got glimpses of local children enjoying a game of cricket and vendors selling refreshing coconuts.
For our first stop, we had booked a homestay with a local family to experience authentic Sri Lankan hospitality. We reached our accommodation after sunset, and it took us a bit of time to find the right directions. Note – Coordinate with your stay and get directions beforehand, because network coverage isn’t too great.
We were exhausted and decided to call it a night in our charming but slightly eerie treehouse. In the wee hours of the morning, we woke up to kick-start our adventure to Pidurangala Rock, which was just a 10-minute drive arranged by our gracious host.
- Pidurangala Rock Arguably the best viewpoint in Sigiriya, right opposite the famous Sigiriya Lion Rock. It offers panoramic views of the surrounding scenery. It is a great place to watch the sunrise and sunset. It’s much less crowded and cheaper to climb compared to the famous Lion Rock. The hike up is short, 30-40 minutes, but extremely challenging at a few places. We reached on top just before the sunrise and believe you me, it was the most spectacular sunrise I have seen thus far. The 360° panorama from the top gave us an unforgettable view of the Sigiriya Lion Rock. Cost – $3-$4 or LKR 1000 Wear – Cover your knees and shoulders since there is a temple enroute. Also, scarfs/wraps are available at the ticket counter, in case you need one. When – For sunset or sunrise
After our early morning hike, we returned to our homestay to a scrumptious Sri Lankan breakfast prepared by our gracious hosts. The warm, flavourful meal was a perfect way to refuel and the hosts’ kind gestures and attention to detail truly showcased the renowned Sri Lankan hospitality.
We were fortunate to have our previous day’s cab driver offer to take us to our next destination. The punctuality in Sri Lanka is noteworthy, and we appreciated this aspect during our travels. With grateful goodbyes to our homestay hosts, we headed towards our next destination, Kandy.
- Dambulla Cave Temple On our way to Kandy, we made a stop at the iconic Dambulla Cave Temple, a complex of multi-caves that is said to house over 100 Buddha statues. The caves are adorned with beautiful murals and paintings that depict various stories and events from the life of Buddha. It’s truly an impressive sight and an essential stop for anyone visiting the area. The murals are rich with meaning, and you can hire a guide to take you through the history and symbolism of each one. Cost – $7-$10 or LKR 2000 Wear – Cover your knees and shoulders since this is a temple When – 7AM to 7PM, plan to visit early in the morning
After arriving in Kandy, we ordered a delicious Sri Lankan meal for lunch and then took a much-needed nap to recharge ourselves. Kandy, with its serene and laid-back atmosphere, is a perfect escape from the hustle and bustle of busy cities. We spent the rest of our day exploring the city on foot, indulging in coffee at local cafes, shopping at local markets, and buying souvenirs at high-end galleries.
- Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic One of Kandy’s main attractions is the Temple of the Tooth, which draws visitors from all over the world. We arrived just in time for the daily closing ceremony, which begins at sunset and features the beating of drums and the mesmerizing chants of the monks. The temple houses the sacred tooth of Buddha, which is carefully preserved and revered by locals and tourists alike. In addition to the temple itself, there is a museum that provides insight into the spread of Buddhism throughout Sri Lanka and the journey of the sacred tooth to its final resting place in Kandy. Cost – Free Wear – Cover your knees and shoulders since this is a temple When – Just before sunset, the colours of the sky against the white temple are spectacular
Day 3 – Kandy to Ella
One of the main reasons we included Kandy in our itinerary was to take the train journey from Kandy to Ella. This scenic route takes you through tea plantations, forests, and waterfalls, offering stunning views of the landscape. The train ride is not only a great way to travel but also an opportunity to meet and interact with locals. Make sure to book your tickets in advance as they sell out quickly. Cost – $10 or LKR 4000 when booked online in advance When – Take the morning departure train from Kandy, you will be able to enjoy the best of the journey
After reaching Ella, a popular town known for its hipster vibe, we were greeted with a range of cafes and restaurants catering to every palate. The town is mostly frequented by foreigners and offers plenty of activities like hiking, safaris, and visiting waterfalls and plantations. We wished we had more time to explore this charming town and its surroundings. Make Ella your base to plan your adventures in the region.
Day 4 – Ella
Our day kicked off with a sumptuous breakfast on the deck of our hostel, which had a breathtaking view of the magnificent mountains around Ella. We were brimming with excitement as we had two major items on our bucket list to tick off. To get to our first destination, we opted for a tuk-tuk ride, which took us about 10 minutes from the main town.
- Nine Arches Bridge If you request your tuk-tuk driver, they can drop you off at either the tunnel near the start of the bridge or on the opposite side, allowing you to hike for a few minutes and stroll along the train tracks before reaching the bridge. As you trek through the lush jungle and sprawling tea plantations, you’ll be mesmerized by the stunning view of the bridge. The rustic stone structure stands out against the greenery, evoking a feeling of time travel. However, the real spectacle comes when a train rumbles across the bridge, bringing everything to a halt and making the experience even more awe-inspiring. Cost – Free When – Ask your hotel for the current train timings; there are 2 to 3 trains that pass by at hourly intervals in the mornings.
- Diyaluma Waterfalls This was undoubtedly the highlight of our trip – we relished every moment of this exhilarating adventure. After a delightful early lunch, we embarked on our journey towards the second-highest waterfall in Sri Lanka, cascading a whopping 220m. We hired a tuk-tuk for the 2-hour ride from the main town and were enchanted by the scenic vistas along the way. Upon arrival, we hiked for around 20 minutes to the awe-inspiring Upper Diyaluma waterfall. The highlight of this waterfall is the natural infinity pools that form just before the drop, providing the perfect spot for a refreshing dip. Splashing around in those pools, we felt utterly liberated, experiencing a sense of freedom we had never felt before in our own country. Cost – Free, but we suggest taking a guide Wear – Comfortable clothing for the hike, bathing suits for the dip, raincoats or umbrellas since it rains often When – Sunset, stunning views of tea plantations and forests from the top
After returning to the main town, we retreated to one of the charming cafes in Ella. It’s hard to put into words just how much we adored the food in this Country. Each dish we tasted was a delightful explosion of flavours, and the variety of spices and ingredients used was simply mind-boggling. From the aromatic curries to the succulent seafood, every bite was a treat for our taste buds. We’re still reminiscing about the mouth-watering meals we enjoyed during our trip and can confidently say that Sri Lankan cuisine is one of the best we’ve ever had.
Cafe to try – Cafe Chill, Cafe UFO, 360 Ella
Day 5 – Ella to Yala
We had originally planned to hike up the Little Adam’s Peak in the morning, but instead, we decided to take it easy, do some yoga, journal, and connect with fellow travellers at our delightful hostel. We have no regrets about our decision. However, if you have the time and energy, we highly recommend embarking on the sunrise trek to Little Adam’s Peak. The short hike, which takes just 15-30 minutes, will transport you to a magical world that is well worth the effort.
Later, we returned to our favourite cafe for lunch, bid farewell to the wonderful waiters, and purchased some excellent Ceylon Tea as souvenirs.
Note – Souvenirs here were much cheaper than the ones we bought in Kandy.
We asked around and eventually found a reasonably priced cab that would take us all the way to Tissamaharama. The journey was an absolute treat, with breathtaking views and the friendly locals making us feel warm and safe throughout.
Tissamaharama is a charming little village with many excellent accommodations that serve as a gateway to the magnificent Yala National Park. We booked the most adorable BnB, and our host was an absolute delight to converse with. He also hooked us up with an exceptional guide for our Safari the following day. After indulging in a sumptuous dinner at The Flavors Restaurant, we retired early, eager for the next day’s adventure.
Day 6 – Yala National Park
We woke up before the sun had even risen and eagerly awaited our guide/driver to pick us up at 5AM. As we drove to the Park Entry, we couldn’t help but marvel at the stunning sunrise, and the beautiful landscapes that surrounded us. Upon reaching the park, we were amazed to see a long line of jeeps already waiting there. Our guide took care of standing in the line to buy the entry tickets, allowing us to sit back and take in the scenery.
Unfortunately, one thing that marred our experience was how some of the guides seemed to be in a race with each other, dangerously speeding through the park in order to get their guests the best view of the wildlife, presumably for better tips. Additionally, some guests from various countries were misbehaving with loud sounds to attract the wildlife, which made us feel uncomfortable.
Thankfully, our guide was one of the better ones. He had patience, coordinated with his fellow guides, and made sure we had a great time. As soon as we entered the park, we were greeted by a family of majestic elephants, and soon after, we saw dancing peacocks and prancing deer. But the highlight of the safari was undoubtedly when we saw a leopard just a few feet away from us. It was a breathtaking sight that gave us literal goosebumps. Yala National Park has the highest population density of leopards, but they are still elusive creatures, so we were beyond thrilled to have witnessed this incredible moment.
Cost – $70-$80 or LKR 25000 for the entire jeep to yourself, including park entry tickets Wear – Comfortable light-coloured clothing, it can get hot When – Both morning and evening safaris are great
Elated with our safari experience, we headed to the final leg of our trip. Our wonderful host at the BnB arranged a convenient cab for us to travel to Mirissa. Upon arrival, we were immediately captivated by the laid-back atmosphere and stunning scenery of the beach town. Our accommodation was located right across from the beach, allowing us to quickly change and dive straight into the ocean.
We spent the rest of the evening alternating between swimming in the crystal clear waters and sipping on refreshing bottles of beer. The town also offers a bunch of beach shacks to choose from, catering to different tastes and preferences. Mirissa was safe and welcoming which made us feel at ease and allowed us to truly unwind.
Day 7 – Mirissa, Galle, Wijaya Beach
We had a peaceful start to the day with some yoga, journaling, and admiring the stunning sunrise from the balcony of our charming room. After enjoying a delicious breakfast, we hopped onto a local bus to make our way to the historic city of Galle.
- Galle Experience the blissful Dutch and Portuguese influenced city of Galle with its European-styled buildings and streets. Galle Fort, a UNESCO Heritage Site, offers plenty of places to explore within the fortified city, including De Groote Kerk, All Saints Church, and Old Dutch Hospital. Converted into artsy cafes, boutiques, and hotels, these heritage buildings are a sight to behold. You can cover the entire fort on foot within 2 hours or hire a tuk-tuk to explore the highlights. Don’t miss the Oldest Lighthouse of Sri Lanka, which offers breathtaking views of the surrounding area. We spent a good amount of time here just enjoying the crazy breeze.
- Wijaya Beach Wijaya Beach is a must-visit location for the Insta-worthy beach swing. This reefy beach is home to the famous Dream Cabana Cafe, which features a beach swing that has gone viral on social media. The best time to visit is during sunset, as the views are truly breathtaking. Take a swing on the beach and capture a moment you’ll never forget. You can then relax at the cafe and enjoy the setting sun. Cost – $2 or LKR 500 for 3 swings
When – Sunset would be a great time
Day 8 – Mirissa
As we woke up on our last full day in Sri Lanka, we felt immense gratitude for the incredible bond between us girls, and how this trip brought us even closer together.
- Coconut Hill Heralded as a must-visit spot, Coconut Tree Hill has become synonymous with Sri Lanka’s picturesque coastline. The name of this attraction is self-explanatory – it is a hill adorned with coconut trees. Located near Mirissa beach, it is best explored in the morning as the sun can be quite harsh later in the day. Although it is partly a private property, there is no entry fee. Once you make your way to the top, you will be treated to breathtaking views of the surrounding area. The different shades of the ocean will leave you awe-struck and make your trip to this hill worth every moment. Cost – Free When – Early morning to avoid the crowds and heat
Today we had planned to explore various beaches in and around Mirissa. However, we ended up spending most of our day on Mirissa beach. We took refreshing dips in the ocean, lounged in our favourite beach shack, and indulged in endless amounts of fries and Arrack. We even danced our hearts away to the lively music. It was the perfect way to end our unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka.
Day 9 – Travel Back Home
As our trip to Sri Lanka came to an end, we arranged for a cab to take us from Mirissa to the airport. Although it was a long ride, the smooth and well-connected highways made the journey comfortable. However, the drive was filled with melancholic emotions since these last few days were truly amazing. We promised ourselves that we would definitely come back to this beautiful country.
What is the best time to visit?
When planning a trip to Sri Lanka, it’s important to consider the weather patterns of the different regions. The best time to visit most parts of the country is from March to April when rainfall is minimal, but be prepared for hot and humid conditions. The rainy season can be a good time to visit if you want to see the lush green landscapes, but it may limit access to the beaches and national parks. It’s recommended to research the weather conditions of the specific areas you plan to visit and pack accordingly. Overall, Sri Lanka can be visited year-round with careful planning.
How did we get the visa?
Apply for an E-Visa here. To enter Sri Lanka, you will need a valid passport and a return ticket. The good news is that obtaining an E-visa is a simple process that can be completed online in as little as 10 minutes. The cost of the E-visa ranges from $20 to $50 depending on your nationality, and it is valid for a maximum stay of 30 days. If you wish to stay longer, it is possible to extend your visa for up to 6 months.
There are health insurance providers approved by the Govt. of Sri Lanka, ensure that you buy sufficient health cover from these providers only.
What was our budget?
True to our style, we mostly stick to budget stays with a sprinkling of luxury stays here and there. We spent close to INR 60,000 or $700 for our entire trip. Here’s the breakup –
| Flights | 30% | INR 18,000 |
| Stays | 15% | INR 9,000 |
| Activities | 15% | INR 9,000 |
| Food | 15% | INR 9,000 |
| Transportation | 10% | INR 6,000 |
| Shopping & Misc. | 10% | INR 6,000 |
| Visa & Insurance | 5% | INR 3,000 |
How did we manage the network, currency and payments?
- Sim Card Purchased right outside the Airport. We bought 2 different SIMs by different providers. However, network connectivity is patchy in some areas regardless of the network. It’ll cost you $4-$5 for the basic pack with internet.
- Currency You can exchange currency right outside the Airport. But, please note that they don’t exchange Indian currency and hence it is best to carry USD. We, however, found it easier to just withdraw from the ATMs with our Indian debit cards. A nominal fee is applied for conversion.
- Payments Credit cards work in most cities and are the easiest way to make payments in this Country. However, cash is still king for local restaurants, tuk-tuks and cabs.
That’s it for now. We hope this guide helps you plan and enjoy this beautiful country and all that it has to offer!
Winding Roads & Pages 
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