2024AUG Sri Lanka
- Itinerary
- DAY 0: Pre-trip
- DAY 1: Colombo
- DAY 2: Nuwara Eliya
- Day 3: Ella (WIP)
- Day 4: Ella (WIP)
- Day 5: Arugam Bay (WIP)
- Day 6: Trincomalee (WIP)
- Day 7: Sigiriya (WIP)
- Day 8: Negombo (WIP)
- Constraints on trip
Itinerary
Colombo --> Nuwara Eliya --> Ella --> Arugam Bay --> Trincomalee --> Sigiriya --> Negombo --> Colombo
This itinerary was primarily designed to avoid Sri Lanka's monsoon season, which affects all regions except the North-East, where the beaches are located. Since Sri Lanka has only one international airport, returning to Colombo was unavoidable, necessitating a circular route. We then expanded the itinerary to include more cities and activities, based on the availability of accommodations for our group of six.
An itinerary focused on religious visits or architectural tourism would have looked quite different from what we planned. Nevertheless, we had a fantastic time on this week-long vacation.
DAY 0: Pre-trip
Considering the weather and destinations, we all packed:- raincoats
- flip-flops
- power banks
- swimsuits
- clothes enough to last 7-8 days
- international travel adapters
- payment cards (forex, visa)
- instax mini and mini films for instant photographs. (2x20)
- bose soundflex speakers for playing music while we travel between locations
DAY 1: Colombo
Reached Colombo at around 1 PM. Bought a sim card for cellphone. Turned out to be a great investment if your cab/driver doesn't provide wifi. Also converted currency to Lankan Rupees (LKR).Lunch at the trusty pizza hut at the airport.
Dinner at a local roadside eatery. Tried kottu - mashed paratha dish that reminds me of roti poha. Came with a spicier chutney on the side.
Travelled to Nuwara Eliya late into the night.
DAY 2: Nuwara Eliya
Reached at Seven Oaks (map) airbnb late night by 12:30am. Windy road up the mountains. Played slow cozy hindi music for everyone to sleep. Crashed immediately when I hit the bed. Great place. Clean, spacious and wooden aesthetics. A lot of nice rugs and heaters to keep you warm.
Woke up to a beautiful morning at our airbnb's huge lawn and a mountain view. Sketched the landscape.
Themparadu (map)
Breakfast at Themparadu near Lake Gregory. Loved their Hang on the Tree tomato drink. Very unique flavour of their local tomato variety.
Gregory lake (map)
Paddle boats with a gorgeous view at Gregory lake.
Windy scenic hilly roads on our way to Ella.
Went through multiple difficult 180 degree bends to reach the stay. Reached Happy Stones Airbnb at night. Lost our way using maps. Ultimately followed map and directions provided by the host to reach the stay.
The host was kind enough to cook for us after the long hours of traveling for the day. Had a hearty meal at their cozy common room. Played the piano after dinner. Played contact with friends before calling it a day. Here's a picture of us walking to the stay using flashlights.
Day 3: Ella (WIP)
- Rotti for Breakfast
- Cafe
- 9 arches bridge
- Leeches
- Picolo
- Grocery shopping at Cargills
- Books at airbnb
Day 4: Ella (WIP)
- Art books at airbnb
- Sketching
- Waterfall
- Lunch on the way to Arugam Bay: Spicy chicken curry
- Reached Riva del Sole, Whiskey beach in the evening
- Salty Restaurant
Day 5: Arugam Bay (WIP)
- Early morning sketching at the beach.
- Left for Trincomalee
- Fort Frederick view points
- Trincomalee stay at Oceanfront Condominium, Nilavelli
- Pigeon island beach
Day 6: Trincomalee (WIP)
- Sunrise dip in the ocean.
- Scuba diving at Pigeon Island
- Evening dip in the ocean followed by pool.
- Rainbow view of the beach
- Woodfired pizzas
Day 7: Sigiriya (WIP)
- Brunch at nearby restaurant in Trincomalee.
- Left for Sigiriya
- Elephant safari
- Sigiriya glamping experience.
- Reverse charades with friends.
Day 8: Negombo (WIP)
- Left for Negombo early morning.
- Breakfast at airbnb
- European food for lunch in Negombo.
- Pool dip in Negombo.
- Late night flight back.