Like most of my friends, or should I say, most Asians, Sri Lanka, Lonely Planet’s hottest destination in 2019, is a country that we never dream of visiting. It doesn’t even cross my mind.
However, my crush tells me that he’s been to Sri Lanka four times and the country is one of travel’s best-kept secrets.
Really? What are the good things in Sri Lanka?
Soon after, Lonely Planet named Sri Lanka the best country in the world to visit in 2019! I feel so curious. I know that I need to see and experience the country myself.
“You better hurry or it’ll soon become packed with travellers, just like Thailand,” he says.
I book my private tour and flight a week later. #kiasu
Sri Lanka, you’re my birthday trip so I hope you won’t disappoint me, I tell myself. Unfortunately, I feel regret.
If you’re curious about Sri Lanka, here’s a peek at my 6 days budget itinerary (I’ll share the regret part later):
Day 1 – The Golden Rock Temple (Colombo – Dambulla)
After arriving at Colombo airport, drive to Dambulla to visit The Golden Rock Temple. The Buddhist temple is located inside of a cave and has been there since the 1st Century BC.
Day 2 – Sigiriya, Spice Garden, The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Dambulla – Kandy)
Sigiriya is a must-visit destination in Sri Lanka. Basically, it’s a ruin of a 5th Century AD kingdom located on top of a 650 feet high rock fortress.
There are 1,200 steps to reach the top, so prepare your most comfortable shoes!
If shopping is on your list, the products in any spice garden are sure worth your money. Otherwise, you can enjoy a complimentary shoulder, hand and legs massage from the place.
It’s totally worth it after your Sigiriya ‘workout’!
After that, get ready to visit one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the world – The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic.
It’s where a tooth of the Buddha is kept in a beautiful, golden-roof temple.
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Day 3 – Ramboda Waterfall, Tea Factory, Town Post Office, The Hill Club (Kandy – Nuwara Eliya)
One of a few beautiful waterfalls in Sri Lanka, you will pass Ramboda Waterfall on the way to Nuwara Eliya.
Depending on your
Sri Lanka is famous for its tea, so you must visit one of their tea factories.
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Sri Lanka’s weather is hot and people there get tanned because of it, but!
Nuwara Eliya, a city on top of a hill with English architecture, has pleasant weather that could go down to 3°C at night.
Day 4 – The Most Spoken and Sought Train Ride to Ella, Gregory Lake (Nuwara Eliya – Ella)
Travellers rave about this train ride. Some say it’s the most scenic, some say it’s the most beautiful train ride.
Many people suggest taking the Kandy – Ella route (6 hours). However, my guide, Rukshan, says that the most scenic part starts from Nuwara Eliya (Nanu-Oya).
It’s better for you to take Nuwara Eliya – Ella route (3 hours).
Yes, it’s beautiful, however since I grow up in Asia, I don’t feel as excited as those non-Asian travellers.
However, I agree that Ella 9 Arch Bridge offers a fantastic view!
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Day 5 – The Galle Fort, Bentota (Bentota)
The Galle Fort is a Dutch historical, heritage monument
If you arrive in the afternoon, you can have a pleasant walk beside the sea.
If you want to have a quiet, romantic stay at a private beach, swap
To give you a
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Day 6 – Colombo City Tour (Bentota – Colombo, 11pm flight)
From Bentota to Colombo is just 40 minutes, so you can have a late check-out.
If you still have a lot of cash, you can opt for a river safari in Madu River plus visiting a turtle hatchery.
In Colombo, remember to visit Seema Malaka Temple, Old Parliament, Galle Face Green and Beira Lake.
The bonus of this trip is a catch up with my university friend, Dilhan. He’s a Sri Lankan and coincidentally stays in Colombo.
*Total spending for this solo trip (return flight, accommodation, meals, entrance fees, tips, miscellaneous) = around RM5,200
Do your ‘homework’ thoroughly when you’re
organising your trip so you canmaximise your experience
I Feel Regret…
Sri Lanka is beautiful and the food is great, but up until today, I still feel regret.
I regret that I didn’t hike Adam’s Peak, Little Adam’s Peak, or Ella Rock but was focused on creating beautiful photos instead.
Fyi, Adam’s Peak is the mountain where hikers and believers from around the world would come and hike at 2 am to see the holy footprint.
The Buddhists believe it’s the footprint of Buddha.
The Catholics, Christians
Why oh why did I bring only dresses, skirts and Mary-Jane shoes??
In addition, I should plan the trip properly and bring hiking shoes.
I don’t care if I need to stretch out my travel budget to add a few more days just so I can hike the mountains and visit more waterfalls…
Also read: “Nuwara Eliya: An English Tale in Sri Lanka”
Also read: “Traditional Dance and Damro Tea Center, Sri Lanka”
Moral of the story: do your ‘homework’ thoroughly when you’re
I can’t fit the hiking activities on my itinerary because I don’t have enough time. Moreover, the mountain and waterfall are located far far away.
As a result, I finally visit Lonely Planet’s hottest destination in 2019 but return with regret.
“It’s ok, you can come again,” says Rukshan. “Hopefully, with that hiking guy!”
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