2024AUG Sri Lanka

Itinerary

Colombo --> Nuwara Eliya --> Ella --> Arugam Bay --> Trincomalee --> Sigiriya --> Negombo --> Colombo

Sri Lanka Trip Map

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:
Other accessories include:
Got our eVisas sorted. Took us max 30min to fill it up. eVisas are now discontinued. Visa on arrival from now on as of AUG 2024.

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.

Seven Oaks Airbnb
Seven Oaks Airbnb from inside
Seven Oaks Lawn

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.

Themparadu
Food-Themparadu
Food-Themparadu

Gregory lake (map)
Paddle boats with a gorgeous view at Gregory lake.

Lake
Upper lake road

Windy scenic hilly roads on our way to Ella.

Hilly road
Mountainy view from road

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.

Happy stones entrance

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.

Happy stones entrance

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