Travelling Sri Lanka: An Introduction.<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
For an island often described as the \u201cteardrop\u201d of India, Sri Lanka punches well above its weight. It would be hard to find another island that offers the range of history, culture, diversity of religion, beaches, tropical rainforests and mountains that Sri Lanka does, not to mention its 8 UNESCO world heritage sights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Sri Lanka is safe, welcoming and beautiful \u2013 and it has been seeing an influx of tourists since around 2014. Following 20 bloody years of civil war, peace has been fully restored, even to the north of the country which offers a completely different taste of Sri Lanka (and a chance to get well off the beaten path for those who want to experience a quieter version of Sri Lanka \u2013 see our itinerary recommendations below).<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The\u00a0history of Sri Lanka<\/a>\u00a0is a story in its own right, and today influences of Portugese, Dutch and British bids for power can be seen around Sri Lanka\u2019s port and colonial towns such as Galle, along with relics from the Sinhalese culture dating back to 900AD in the \u201cCultural Triangle\u201d in the centre of the country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Although Sri Lanka may look small on the map, don\u2019t let that deceive you. There\u2019s a huge amount to see and experience here, and a 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary will give you just enough of a taste to leave you desperate to return. A 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary allows time to take in a few less-visited spots as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The weather in Sri Lanka is affected by two different monsoon seasons \u2013 meaning that it\u2019s nearly always sunny somewhere in Sri Lanka! For those focusing on the west and south of Sri Lanka, December to March is the best time to visit for dry wether (although surfers bear in mind that the best waves for surfing in the south are May \u2013 October), and December to March is generally high season when prices shoot up and visitor numbers soar.<\/p>\n\n\n\n May \u2013 October is the best time of year for dry weather in the North and East of Sri Lanka, and for surfers. It\u2019s also when you\u2019ll find better deals in most of the country. For those who want to see it all, the shoulder seasons of October \u2013 November and April can be a good time to visit. We travelled in November and had dry weather in most places, except in the central cultural triangle area near Sigiriya where it rained for several days.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Another misconception of Sri Lanka, is that it will be quick and easy to get around. It may be an island (a pretty big one at that \u2013 Sri Lanka is about the same size as Ireland), but roads are narrow and trains run slowly. It takes time to get around Sri Lanka, as well as a little patience. Don\u2019t make the mistake of trying to fit too much in, especially on your first trip to Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Public Transportation<\/strong> is cheap and widely available in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Trains<\/strong> are the most comfortable option but don\u2019t go everywhere. Lines mainly run in and out of Colombo to different parts of the country. We don\u2019t recommend taking mail trains as these are incredibly slow, and overnight sleeper trains are not necessary either. The Tea Train<\/em>(that\u2019s the train that runs from Colombo \/ Kandy to Ella) may have become an instagram sensation, but board any long distance train in Sri Lanka and you\u2019ll be treated to beautiful vistas of beach, jungle and tea country.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Fortunately booking and travelling by train is a much more simple affair than it is in neighbouring India \u2013 you can try and book tickets in advance (only available in country) or else turn up at the train station an hour or two before the train leaves to buy unreserved tickets.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Buses<\/strong> are not for the faint hearted (mainly because the drivers careen down the middle of the road honking at whatever gets in their way) but are speedy (!) and connect most large towns with each other. They\u2019re also very cheap; you just hop on and pay on board. There\u2019s limited space for luggage (you may end up with it on you for most of the journey) and large bags usually have to go next to the driver. The bus, however is efficient and safe for travellers: our accommodations tried to steer us away from buses and to get private drivers instead \u2013 presumably because of the commission in it for them, but we found the bus just fine!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiring a Car + Driver <\/strong>is one popular way to get around Sri Lanka \u2013 especially if you are on a schedule and don\u2019t feel like sitting cheek-to-cheek on sweaty public transport. Costs start from $60 USD per day, it\u2019s best to meet your driver first to see if they are a good fit, or commit to only a day or two at a time to keep your options open. Drivers tend to encourage their passengers to stay and visit where the commissions are better for them \u2013 if you do hire a car and driver remember you are the boss and choose where to go, not them!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Renting a car in Sri Lanka <\/strong>(without a driver) is possible, but is not recommended unless you have experience of driving in South \/ South East Asia. Roads are narrow, filled with obstacles ranging from elephants to market stalls, not to mention the carefree bus drivers. If you are planning on hiring a car there are few different rental agencies in Colombo. Officially, you need an International Driving Permit to drive in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n For short distances <\/strong>or getting around town tuk-tuks (or auto rickshaws) are you go to. Just make sure you negotiate a price before hopping in!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sri Lankan transport at its finest.<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n As visitor numbers to Sri Lanka explode, so does the impact of tourism, and overtourism is becoming visible in Sri Lanka. As the tea train to Ella becomes ever more crowded with instagrammers hanging out of doorways, it becomes more and more difficult for locals to get a seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To create a positive impact during your time here, consider these best practices for responsible travel in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Got more time on your hands? Great! Checkout our 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary below, as our 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary is sure to leave you wanting more of Sri Lanka!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galle Main Road in Colombo<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrive in Colombo\u2019s capital and take time to get your bearings in this rapidly developing city by the ocean.<\/p>\n\n\n\n There\u2019s plenty of colonial architecture to explore, or wander the markets around Fort station on foot. The food and shopping\u00a0(there\u2019s a store inside the Old Dutch Hospital as well as the one on Galle Road) is not to be missed. Make a stop off at Colombo Fort railway station to buy your tickets to Habarana (Day 3). Come evening head to Galle Face to watch the sunset as kids fly their kites and families gather to eat snacks from street food vendors. For a treat, head to the Galle Face Hotel for a cocktail with a view!<\/p>\n\n\n\n On Day 2 take in more of the city or alternatively take a day trip to\u00a0Negombo<\/em>, a fishing village to the North of Colombo. It\u2019s beach is popular due to it being only 8km\u2019s from Colombo\u2019s international airport, but the way of life here is definitely slower paced than in the capital. Relax on the beach or take a tour of the fishing lagoon for a few hours. The easiest way to travel from Colombo to Negombo is by train, there are two options: Either take a direct train from Colombo to Negombo (which takes 1.5 hours each way), or take a train from Colombo to Katunayake South Train Station (1 hour) and take a 10 minute taxi ride to Negombo from there. <\/p>\n\n\n\n On Day 3 it\u2019s an early morning start to take the train to central Sri Lanka and the jumping off point for safari country: Habarana.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many of Colombo\u2019s high end hotels line the ocean front south from the city centre, although there are some great deals to be had away from the sea views. Some of our favourites:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable Choice: Colombo Court Hotel<\/strong>. This beautiful carbon neutral hotel uses solar energy, rainwater collection systems, recycled materials and eco-friendly decor.\u00a0<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Arrive in Habarana on the afternoon of Day 3 and make your way to your accommodation. For Minneriya and Kaudulla you can base yourself pretty much anywhere within the Cultural Triangle region (see below). As you\u2019ll have a few days here, you can switch it up and try different accommodations, or base yourself in one place for all nights and enjoy leaving your bags unpacked!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Elephant Safari in Kaudulla<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Minneriya is the largest national park in the area and is famous for its annual \u201cgathering\u201d \u2013 that is where hundreds of elephants and other wildlife migrate to the waterholes of the park during the region\u2019s dry season that runs from June\/July to September each year. Because of this phenomenon, visitors have flocked to Minneriya.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We visited Kaudulla for our jeep safari seeing as we were visiting in October \u2013 outside of the time of the \u201cgathering\u201d, and had a wonderful experience. Initially it was rainy and we drove for a few hours without seeing a single elephant. Eventually, we came upon a young male hiding underneath a tree, trying to stay dry! Then, as sunset began to approach, the skies cleared, the sun came out, and as we headed down to the lake we came across 20-40 elephants enjoying the sun and drinking away.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The gathering actually takes place across Kaudulla and Minneriya national parks, which are in fact right next to each other and only separated by a thin elephant corridor (jungle). Our advice is to ask for local tips on which park is best to visit at the time you are there, and which is less crowded \u2013 our sources tell us that Kaudulla still has the edge in terms of being less popular.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beyond seeing elephants, the parks are home to beautiful birdlife, monkeys, sambar deer, wild boars, and even the occasional leopard and sloth bear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n You can base yourself at any of these spots for your entire time visiting Minneriya\/Kaudulla, Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa and any other attractions in the cultural triangle. There are so many wonderful eco lodges and nature resorts, it can be hard to pick one! Here are some of our favourites \u2013 they are all eco friendly:<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable Choice:\u00a0Kuwera Eco Lodge<\/strong>\u00a0was constructed using only local materials, by local workers, and offers the chance to stay in what feels like a traditional Sri Lankan village (with a few extra creature comforts!). Located near Sigiriya, they also offer yoga retreats and classes<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wow Factor:<\/strong>\u00a0Kalundewa Retreat<\/strong>. If you have the opportunity to treat yourself to some truly amazing accommodation, you might just want to do it in Sri Lanka\u2019s cultural triangle. Luxury resorts abound and standalone villas on stilts with uninterrupted views out onto the grasslands come with some serious wow factor \u2013 few more so than Kalundewa retreat, that does it\u2019s luxury sustainably too. With just six villas, you\u2019re sure to get the VIP treatment, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Cultural Triangle on a Budget: The Green Edge.\u00a0<\/strong>Simple but beautifully done Bed and Breakfast at the Green Edge is located in Dambulla and boasts its own walled garden, with lots of water features around the property to inspire inner zen<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lion\u2019s Rock, Sigiriya<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n A couple of days here should be enough to explore Sigiriya \u2013 the Lion\u2019s rock \u2013 as well as the caves at Dambulla and a trip to Polonnaruwa. These attractions are all in the same area between Habarana to the North and Dambulla to the South \u2013 so you can combine these days with your Kaudulla \/ Minneriya safari above.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that is almost 200m high, towering over the plains and grasslands of the surrounding area. Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the area is rumoured to have been occupied by monks since prehistoric times. There are fantastic views from the top of Sigiriya rock, but it\u2019s quite a climb up to reach it! We recommend going early in the morning while the sun is still (relatively) cool. There are some beautiful caves with paintings inside on the way up.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We didn\u2019t make it to Polonnaruwa (we intend to on our next trip) but our friend Wendy of The Nomadic Vegan did! Here are some of her tips:Polonnaruwa was the second royal capital of Sri Lanka and was built after Anuradhapura was destroyed in 993. Nowadays it is an archaeological park filled with hundreds of ancient treasures, including statues, stupa, tombs and temples, and has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site.Most of the archaeological remains visible today date from the 12th century. One of the highlights of Polonnaruwa is the Sacred Quadrangle, sometimes also called the Royal Citadel, which consists of a compact group of buildings surrounded by a wall.Besides the Quadrangle, another area that\u2019s definitely worth visiting is Gal Vihara, or the Rock Temple. Here, you\u2019ll find three giant 12th-century Buddha statues carved out of a granite boulder. Each one is in a different pose \u2014 a standing Buddha, a reclining Buddha, and a seated Buddha. The reclining Buddha is the largest of the three, stretching out 46 feet (14 meters).The ruins of Polonnaruwa are spread out over a wide area in different groupings, so it\u2019s a good idea to rent a bicycle so you can explore the whole complex. You\u2019ll find plenty of homestays and other places around town that rent bicycles for the day.\u00a0While there are a couple of kiosks inside the archaeological park selling fruit and snacks, it\u2019s a good idea to ask your homestay or a local restaurant to prepare you a packed lunch.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Just \u201cdown the road\u201d from Sigiriya, the caves at Dambulla are worth a look-around if you\u2019ve not had your fill of carvings and culture. The Dambulla Cave temple is another UNESCO world heritage site and is the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. A couple of hours here also provides some respite from the midday sun as you explore the caves which have been well looked after.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy Sri Lanka<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hop on a bus from Dambulla to Kandy (around 2 hours).<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kandy is Sri Lanka\u2019s second city and is centred around its lake. Surrounded by mountains and tea country to the east, Kandy is home to important buddhist sites such as the Temple of the Sacred Tooth which is the number one visitor attraction. It\u2019s also home to some tasty eating options for after your evening lake-side stroll!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Built in the 16th century, the Temple of the Sacred Tooth is best visited early in the morning before some of the crowds pour in \u2013 it\u2019s a beautiful temple to wander for a couple of hours although please be warned that you won\u2019t actually be able to see the Budha\u2019s tooth (that\u2019s for dignitaries only it seems ? ).<\/p>\n\n\n\n For a view of Kandy from up above, climb the big buddha statue in the late afternoon for panoramic views of the city. If you\u2019re in need of some tranquility, you could pay a visit to Kandy\u2019s botanical gardens which are filled with exotic flowers, although at 15$ per person entry, it\u2019s a bit of a pricey excursion.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable Choice: Madulkelle Tea & Eco Lodge\u00a0<\/strong>Set a little away from Kandy itself, the\u00a0Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge is a retreat in the Knuckles mountains that surround Kandy. Luxury clamping style bedded tents on wooden platforms have balconies that open up to panoramic views, there\u2019s an infinity pool, and the resort also runs various community initiatives to provide welfare for its tea-pickers, workers and the local community so that they can benefit from tourism, too.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WOW Factor: Serene Kandy\u00a0<\/strong>Located in Kandy town centre, just a few minutes from the lake, Serene Kandy has beautiful, modern rooms, views of the lake and a wow-factor rooftop pool!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Kandy on a Budget: Stay Kandy\u00a0<\/strong>We stayed at StayKandy, a simple bed and breakfast which has a very welcoming and helpful family! Backpackers and travellers have been coming here for decades. Rooms are simple but clean and some have balconies too. Set a few minutes walk from the lake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The famous 9 Arch Viaduct near Ella<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Get up early this morning to catch the train from Kandy to Ella \u2013 aka the \u201cTea Train\u201d. It\u2019s worth going to Kandy Railway station the day before to see if you can pick up any tickets for reserved second class. You\u2019ll want to take the earliest train to Ella (which leaves Kandy at 8.40am). As this route gets more and more popular, be prepared for crowds on this route.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s all about the Tea! This is another spot that we didn\u2019t have time to make it to, so we turned to another of our blogging friends at \u00a0for tips:<\/p>\n\n\n\n As the undisputed tourism capital of the Sri Lankan highlands, Ella has a lot to offer. First of all, simply getting to Ella forms one of Sri Lanka\u2019s most memorable experiences. The Kandy to Ella Railway winds slowly through rolling hills of terraced tea plantations and small villages where you\u2019re certain to attract a wave or two from the locals.<\/p>\n\n\n\n While in Ella, a visit to a Tea Plantation \/ Factory is a must. Taking a tour of a tea plantation adds not only to your knowledge of what makes a good brew but gives a deep insight into the colonial history of Sri Lanka. Newburgh Green Teas on Ella-Passara Road offers tours almost on request of their small working factory.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiking to Ella Rock is a must-do adventure activity and helps to build a healthy appetite. This hike follows a mostly unmarked trail and has travellers navigating railway lines, tea plantations and some steep trails in order to get sweeping views of a multi-layered valley. Guides can be found easily or instead, like most, get a \u2018back-of-the-napkin map\u2019 from a local in the know!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ella has an abundance of accommodation running downhill from the train station.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable Choice<\/strong>:\u00a0Ella Eco Lodge<\/strong>\u00a0is managed by local conservationist Sampath Perrera, who was inspired to create Ella Eco Lodge to challenge what he saw happening in other areas of Ella \u2013 nature being rapidly destroyed by concrete hotels and guesthouses as tourism has grown. Ella Eco Lodge is built entirely from wood, and rooms have beautiful balconies to watch the forests and mountains from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Wow Factor<\/strong>:\u00a0Koslanda Heritage<\/strong>\u00a0Eco Luxury hotel, Koslanda, is surrounded by the magical forests on its own estate in the heart of hill country. Villas have their own private courtyard and long veranda and there are three ambalamas (pavilions), ideal for settling down with a good book and a cool drink. The resort is involved in reforestation initiatives as well as providing opportunities for the local community and ensuring the sustainability of the resort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Ella on Budget<\/strong>:\u00a0Tomorrowland.<\/strong>\u00a0To get off the beaten track and away from the traditional home-stays, consider venturing further afield to Tomorrowland. This hostel come campground has stylish hammock tents strung up over the tea plantations and along with amazing views has a bohemian vibe catering well for budget travellers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Beaches along the south coast of Sri Lanka (Ahangama)<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n After some fresh mountain air, it\u2019s time to head south! There is no railway heading south from Ella, so you\u2019ll need to take the bus or else arrange a transfer \/ taxi.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Where to go on the South Coast? The south of Sri Lanka has seen rapid development over recent years as hotel chains have rushed to grab a slice of the Sri Lanka tourism boom pie. If you visit outside of high season (Dec \u2013 Mar) you should benefit from fewer crowds and better room availability \/ prices. The most popular beaches in southern Sri Lanka are Unawatuna, Mirissa and Tangalle, however they are also some of the country\u2019s most crowded. Unawatuna has the benefit of being closer to Galle, whereas Mirissa offers some of Asia\u2019s best whale watching.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We fell in love with the small beaches in between Unawatuna and Matara which you could spend days exploring. For those looking to\u00a0we loved the beach break in Welligama bay and highly recommend surf camp who offer high-end surf camps and surfing lessons at international standards.<\/p>\n\n\n\n <\/p>\n\n\n\n Here are some of our favourite accommodation options along various parts of Sri Lanka\u2019s southern coast.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable Choice:\u00a0Kaju Green eco lodges<\/strong>\u00a0is an exclusive eco retreat adjacent to a Sri Lankan bird and wildlife sanctuary. Set in the grounds of a former coconut and cashew nut plantation, the property is surrounded by small canals and rivers from the lake, this is a truly peaceful spot. Yoga and ayurveda treatments \/ sessions are on offer.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WOW Factor:\u00a0Tri\u00a0Hotel\u00a0<\/strong>For next level relaxation, look no further than TRI hotel in Koggala. Just inland from Ahangama (near where we learned to surf) and set amongst the wetlands is TRI hotel, a sustainable, serene\u00a0hotel in Sri Lanka, where three-quarters of the property is surrounded by Lake Koggala.<\/p>\n\n\n\n South Coast on a Budget:\u00a0<\/strong>\u00a0(Mirissa) is simple and gets good reviews, and there are plenty of budget options in Unawatuna. <\/p>\n\n\n\n Looking onto Galle Town & Lighthouse<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Hop on the train or take a bus along the scenic coastal route towards Galle, a historic trading port during colonial times with a pretty, walled city.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old walled city of Galle is perfect to walk around and spend time browsing the artisan focused (if a little pricey) shops, sip tea in cafes, and admire the views out to sea from the town walls and lighthouse. The Old Town has special protected status as a UNESCO world heritage site.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old town can get a little busy during high season, so if you are staying nearby, head out to explore early morning before the day-trippers arrive. For those interested in history, Galle is home to the National Maritime museum of Sri Lanka, which unfortunately lost many of its exhibits during the 2004 boxing day Tsunami which badly affected this part of Sri Lanka, but the museum is still worth a look and grateful for the support of visitors. The city is home to many Dutch colonial buildings which you can explore, including the Old Dutch Market.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The old town is full of boutique hotels and smaller bed and breakfasts \/ homestays, and you\u2019ll find some larger resorts with more space outside of the town centre. Expect to pay a bit of a premium for staying inside the city walls.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Sustainable Choice<\/strong>:\u00a0Atapattu Walawwa.<\/strong>\u00a0Our friend Brianne of stayed at Atapattu Walawwa, half a mile away from the fort.Built in 1742 by Mudaliyar Don Bastian Gooneratne, it has remained in his family to this day, and many scholars, educators, doctors, and other prominent officials have called it home along the way. A protected monument, the house is an architectural feat, having remained mostly unchanged over the past 300 years \u2013 even original wood and tile remain.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The building was intentionally designed to maximize the environment for protection against the natural elements \u2013 it is cooled by the southeast winds from the Indian Ocean that whip through the central hallway and courtyard, and it never receives the sun\u2019s direct glare. During the 2004 tsunami, the dense palm trees and foliage surrounding the house provided a natural barrier, so fortunately, damage to the property was minimal. Traditional processes for dealing with rainwater and groundwater as well as termites are still used as well. Inside the house you\u2019ll spot many Buddhist motifs like lotus flowers used as decorations throughout.<\/p>\n\n\n\n WOW Factor:\u00a0Fort Bazaar hotel.<\/strong>\u00a0Once a Merchant home from the 16th century, the stunning Fort Bazaar hotel is a boutique hotel located in the heart of the Galle Fort. Built around a traditional Galle Fort private courtyard boasting the acclaimed Church Street Social restaurant library and Z Spa. Expect stylish decor, neutral tones with high end finishes, fine dining and contemporary four poster beds in the heart of Galle Old town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Galle on a Budget<\/strong>: There are plenty of homestays, bed and breakfasts and hostels in or nearby Galle \u2013 check out reviews and prices\u00a0<\/p>\n\n\n\n Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport is on the North side of Colombo (near Negombo) so if driving from Galle, you\u2019ll need to allow 3 hours travel time. By public transport there is a direct airport bus (ask around for details) which takes around 3-4 hours. If you prefer to travel by train you\u2019ll need to take the train to Colombo and then transfer to the airport bus at Colombo Fort station. Roads can get busy at weekends so plan ahead and allow extra time!<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you have more than two weeks in Sri Lanka, great! This is where the fun begins and you can get off the beaten path a bit, too. These are some recommendations for a 3 week Sri Lanka itinerary \u2013 you can go with the above one and simply stay longer in some spots, or add on an extension to Yala National Park on the South Coast, too!<\/p>\n\n\n\n Holy Cows and Hindu Temples in Jaffna, Sri Lanka<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n On day 4 of the 2 week Sri Lanka itinerary, instead of taking the train to Habarana, take the train North to Jaffna. When leaving Jaffna, take the train south to Anuradhapura<\/strong>, where you can visit this ancient Sri Lankan Capital, before rejoining the itinerary above for the Cultural Triangle section <\/em>at Sigiriya \/ Habarana by bus from Anuradhapura.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Jaffna is culturally very different than much of the rest of Sri Lanka, historically this was\/is the Tamil region of Sri Lanka and is where the \u2018Tamil Tigers\u2019 held out for longest during the Sri Lankan civil war. It has remained off the tourist map until the last couple of years, and is still a relatively off the beaten track alternative to the sometimes busy south of Sri Lanka. Even Sri Lankans are reluctant to travel up here despite the region being perfectly safe, but we highly recommend a visit here.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This region of Sri Lanka culturally has more in common with India and Hindu temples, dosas and \u2018Pure Veg\u2019 restaurants abound. There are also a number of Catholic churches that you can visit too. Take a day for leisurely exploring Jaffna\u2019s markets and temples and chatting with locals. You can also visit nearby islands off Jaffna by boat, there are a number of them that are close by and can be easily accessed.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Hiking through tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya \u2013 Picture c. Dream Big Travel Far<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n Instead of heading south from Ella (Day 10 above), head west from Ella to Nuwara Eliya to explore Sri Lanka\u2019s tea gardens further. From here you can visit the Horton Plains and even climb Adam\u2019s Peak, Sri Lanka\u2019s highest mountain. When you\u2019re all outdoors-ed out, you can head south for some well deserved R&R on Sri Lanka\u2019s beaches and pick up the 2 week itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n These tips are from our friend<\/em>. Nuwara eliya is known as the \u201cLittle England\u201d of Sri Lanka thanks to it\u2019s cooler climate, rain and amazing tea plantations! Nuwara Eliya is easily one of my favourite spots in all of Sri Lanka. To get here you can take the famous scenic train ride from Kandy, or rent your own tuk-tuk and travel through the tea fields and countryside at your own pace.<\/p>\n\n\n\n When it comes to things to do in Nuwara Eliya, you\u2019re truly spoilt for choice. Nature enthaustics will love the hiking opportunities in Horton\u2019s National Park or Moon Plains, or visiting one of the many brilliant waterfalls in the vicinity, including Lovers Leap and Devon Falls. If you\u2019re looking for a more relaxing activity, then stop by Gregory Lake and enjoy a boat ride.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Or, when the season is right, head to the strawberry fields to pick your very own delicious strawberries. If you love flowers, then visit the Victoria Park with it\u2019s beautiful flowers and fountains, it\u2019s the perfect spot for a picnic. Also, you can\u2019t leave Nuwara Eliya without visiting one of the brilliant tea factories for good cuppa.<\/p>\n\n\n\n My favourite was Tea Castle, because you had tea in a building that was shaped like, you guessed it, a castle! Plus, it has awesome views of the waterfalls. You can easily spend 3-4 days in Nuwara Eliya just reconnecting with nature and welcoming the cooler air. It\u2019s a gorgeous part of Sri Lanka and shouldn\u2019t be left out of your itinerary.<\/p>\n\n\n\n At the Summit of Adams Peak \u2013 Picture c. Two Stay Wild<\/em><\/p>\n\n\n\n These tips are from our friends.<\/a>\u00a0<\/em>Adams Peak is a deeply religious and celebrated pilgrimage site with a striking conical summit located on the southern side of central hill country in Sri Lanka. The summit itself is the site of the \u201csacred footprint\u201d (a footprint shaped indentation in the rock at the top), believed predominately to be that of Lord Buddha, however it is also believed to be that of Adam when first stepping foot on earth after he was exiled from the garden of Eden and Hindus believe it to be the footprint of Shiva.<\/p>\n\n\n\n We took on the challenge to hike to the top at the end of November 2018, just before pilgrimage season starts. We stayed in Hatton, approximately 30 minutes drive from the start of the trail, which can be easily accessed by bus\/train from most major destinations in Sri Lanka.<\/p>\n\n\n\n is plentiful and we opted for a simple homestay on the outskirts of town with views across the tea plantations. All guesthouses can arrange transport to the start of the trail at an additional cost.<\/p>\n\n\n\n It\u2019s an early start if you want to reach the summit before sunrise and we arranged to arrive at the start of the trail for around 02:30, allowing us a good 3 hours to ascend. The trail was surprisingly busy for being out of season, mostly consisting of excited tourists rather than local pilgrims. The ascent took a lot less time than we were expecting, and we reached the top in under two hours. If you are of reasonable fitness, you should find the hike easily achievable with a bit of effort.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The summit was a hive of excitement as hikers arrived and set up camp waiting for the morning\u2019s sunrise to break. Make sure to pack plenty of layers including a hat, as it\u2019s pretty chilly up there. A spare t-shirt to switch into is also a good idea, as you\u2019ll get pretty sweaty on the mission up. As the sun starts to break the sky turns all kinds of multicoloured blues and purples and if you head over to far side of the summit, you might even get a glimpse of Adams Peaks famous conical shape shadowed on the clouds. It definitely makes the early start worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Lucky you!! Sri Lanka has still more to offer \u2013 including the East Coast which is home to some beautiful beaches and surfing spots, to the incredible\u00a0 <\/a>near Yala National Park \u2013 you will find more than enough to keep you busy in Sri Lanka for over a month.<\/p>\n\n\n\nWhen to Visit Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"kandy](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Ellie-Sri-Lanka.jpeg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\nGetting Around Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"getting](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sri-Lanka-Tuk-Tuk-.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nResponsible Travel in Sri Lanka<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Colombo](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Colombo.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDays 1-3 Colombo<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to do in Colombo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to Stay in Colombo<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Day 4 Safari in Minneriya or Kaudulla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
![\"Safari](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Kaudulla-Elephant-Safari.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nSafaris: Minneriya or Kaudulla National Park?<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in the Cultural Triangle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Climbing](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sigiriya-rock-sri-lanka-copy.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDays 5 \u2013 6 The Cultural Triangle \u2013 Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Visiting Sigiriya<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Visiting Polonnaruwa<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Visiting Dambulla<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Kandy-Lake-Temple.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDays 6 \u2013 8 Kandy<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to do in Kandy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to Stay in Kandy<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ella](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Ella-Sri-Lanka.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDays 8 -10 Ella<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to to in Ella<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to Stay in Ella<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"Ahangama](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Sri-Lanka-Beach.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDays 10 \u2013 12 South Coast<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Where to go on the South Coast \u2013 Beaches<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to Stay on the South Coast<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"things](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Galle-Lighthouse.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nDays 13 \u2013 14 Galle<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to do in Galle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to stay in Galle<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Day 15 \u2013 Depart<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
3 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"Hindu](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Jaffna-Sri-Lanka.jpeg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3 Days \u2013 Jaffna<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Things to do in Jaffna<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Where to Stay in Jaffna<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"hiking](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Nuwara-Eliya.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\n3-4 Days \u2013 Nuwara Eliya & Adam\u2019s Peak<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Nuwara Eliya<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
![\"climbing](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/Two-Stay-Wild-Adams-Peak-Summit.jpg\")
<\/figure>\n\n\n\nAdam\u2019s Peak<\/h4>\n\n\n\n
Got Longer than 3 Weeks in Sri Lanka?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"The](\"https:\/\/soultravelblog.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/03\/2-Week-Sri-Lanka-Itinerary-PIN.jpg\")
<\/a><\/figure>\n\n\n\n