The idea of holidaying in an international destination seems too captivating. However, the reality of travelling abroad is a juxtaposition of great experiences and a few uncertainties at times. A well-curated itinerary and a great knowledge of the local attractions often help you enjoy a fascinating holiday. If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka, you must not worry as this traveller has everything covered, from sightseeing recommendations to expenditure.
Ready To Travel To Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a good travel destination in budget ❤️
I visited Sigiriya Rock, Dambulla Caves, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, Mirissa, Unawatuna, Galle and Colombo, thereby covering all 3 – cities, mountains and beaches of the country.
Skipped Jafna, Northern Sri Lanka and… pic.twitter.com/cmYTzCINJi
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
tere naina (@nainaverse)’s recent X thread highlights all you need to know about this picturesque country before catching the flight. Sri Lanka does not only open doors to breathtaking sights and wonderful experiences but also can be explored on a budget as well, perfect for youngsters. Let’s deep dive into Nanina’s review of this country.
Day 1 – Landed in Colombo and went straight to Habarana for our stay.
It’s a smooth 4-hour drive.Stayed the night at a hotel. Woke up at 4:30 AM next day and climbed Sri Lanka’s iconic Sigiriya Rock! ❤️
Elevation – 1000+ stairs
Difficulty level – EasyOpposite to Sigiriya… pic.twitter.com/aaE9nsSmOe
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
On her holiday’s first day, she reached Habarana and climbed Sigiriya Rock. If you are an adventure buff, you may enjoy this great hiking journey.
The same day, we also visited Polonnuwara – The anxiety city of Sri Lanka (now in ruins)
Polonnuwara and Anuradhapura are 2 important locations holding ancient ruins in Sri Lanka. While Anuradhapura was the capital of ancient Sri Lanka, we chose to visit Polonnuwara for the… pic.twitter.com/wLUdCYvP4b
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
For history enthusiasts, she suggested Polonnuwara to see the anxiety city in ruins.
Day 2 – We visited Dambulla Caves which is on the way from Habarana to Kandy
Elevation – 300-400 stairs
Difficulty level – Very EasyView atop the climb to the caves is pretty 🥰 pic.twitter.com/bYIR0USawa
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Naina shared her experience of exploring Dambulla Caves en route from Habarana to Kandy. To witness the undisturbed views from the top, travellers need to walk just 300-400 stairs.
Reached Kandy and explored the city. It’s called the cultural capital of Sri Lanka for a reason ❤️
Got cool cafés and vibes, well-lit architecture. Bakery items are tasty, especially the bread. You will also find very good South Indian food here. Also try the Sri Lankan tea… pic.twitter.com/fZeC95286F
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Kandy, Sri Lanka’s cultural capital is home to beautiful architecture, cool cafes, and restaurants.
Day 3 – Went to the Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha temple (in Kandy) in the morning. It offered spectacular views ❤️
The same day, we also visited the famous Tooth temple in Kandy. This place is so pure ❤️
Also, saw gigantic real ivory and I was awestruck 😝We wanted to hike in… pic.twitter.com/wFL5da4tYI
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Naina visited Bahiravakanda Vihara Buddha Temple and Tooth Temple on Day 3. She wished to hike in the hills of Knuckles Forest Reserve in Kandy but could not as it was likely to rain heavily.
Day 4 – We left from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
On our way, we hiked to Ramboda Falls and visited Damro Tea Estate. Post check-in at our hotel, we also hiked to Lovers’ Leap waterfall.
Ramboda Falls hike – 1 km approx
Difficulty level – EasyTea Estate – Skip the tour of the… pic.twitter.com/s5fBrzEvMx
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
For the fourth day, her Sri Lanka itinerary included breathtaking destinations such as Ramboda Falls, Damro Tea Estate, Lovers’ Leap Waterfall, and Nuwara Eliya.
Day 5 – Left from Nuwara Eliya to Ella.
On our way, we trekked to Bomburuella Waterfalls. This waterfall is sooo pretty ❤️
Bomburuella hike – 2 kms approx
Difficulty level – ModerateUpon reaching Ella, we explored the city. It’s a tiny, hip town with cool cafes. pic.twitter.com/RfYKQFa9BY
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
If Sri Lanka is on your bucket list, you must add Bomburuella Waterfalls and Ella to your plans.
Day 6 – We hiked to the Ella Rock Peak early in the morning, and later in the day also trekked to Nine Arches Bridge in Ella
Ella Rock Peak – We begin our day early, catching a glimpse of sunrise. Lost our way in the hills, but thank god for the locals who were uber helpful. One… pic.twitter.com/x9oCjC7FuK
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
On Day 6, she travelled to Ella Rock Peak and Nine Arches Bridge. Surrounded by verdant greenery, the views are too scenic and blissful.
Day 7 – Drove from Ella to Mirissa. On our way, stopped at Ravana Falls. This waterfall is by the road, so there is no hike.
Legend has it that Ravana kept Sita Mata behind the caves of this waterfall.
The drive from Ella to Mirissa is beautiful. The roads are smooth and the… pic.twitter.com/ciX11Jidng
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
The road journey from Ella to Mirissa is accompanied by serenity and pretty views. After reaching Mirissa, Naina had a great time at Coconut Beach and Turtle Beach.
More About Travelling To This Beautiful Country
Day 8 – WHALE Watching 🐳
Probably my best takeaway from Sri Lanka ❤️
You must apply for Whale Watching tours at least 2-3 weeks in advance as they could be fully booked.
It’s a little exhaustive activity – waters are aggressive, so the boat rocks a lot. My suggestion is to… pic.twitter.com/LpM8xY9tUX
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Tick off a whale watching experience from your bucket list in Sri Lanka. Remember to apply for these tours about 2-3 weeks in advance as the demands are too high.
Day 9 – We left to Unawatuna beach –
It’s a very good place to stay.Post check-in, we left for Hikkaduwa beach which offers snorkeling with the turtles in their natural habitat.
Hikkaduwa beach has a long coastline and offers clear waters with abundance of marine life.… pic.twitter.com/cBsNmV2r0P
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
By the way, Hikkaduwa beach offers swimming with the turtles. 🐢
Day 10 – Relaxed at Unawatuna beach doing absolutely nothing. Took Sri Lankan Ayurvedic Spa and liked it. Went shopping at the boutiques, and they got nice collection in decent prices.
If you like surfing or… pic.twitter.com/8pV6nMxLpu
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
A few more wonderful local attractions to explore in this Asian country are:
- Unawatuna Beach
- Hikkaduwa Beach (great for snorkelling)
- Welligama Beach
- Galle
Day 12 – Visited Colombo – the capital of Sri Lanka.
We had planned on roaming around the city but were too exhausted. So we rested in our AirBNB. The owners were extremely kind to us and gave us a round of their property.
Day 13 – Return. pic.twitter.com/wAUD02V1mj
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
On day 13, Naina and her group returned home after a memorable trip to Sri Lanka.
Helping points –
Mode of travel in Sri Lanka – A Car with a driver.
You can travel from place to place using buses and trains, but we prefer convenient and comfortable travel at our own timeline, so opted for the car. The driver also helped us with providing travel-related… pic.twitter.com/vjECo62TPH— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Naina recommended exploring the country by booking a car with a driver as it is a much more convenient and comfortable option than local transportation.
Also read: Top 10 Tourist Traps In Sri Lanka And Here’s How To Avoid Them
Food in Sri Lanka – For everything is at dirt cheap prices, you can go crazy with trying different food items here.
Sri Lankan thali is decent tasty – I liked their noodle rice. Pizzas, sandwiches and burgers taste great because of Sri Lankans have mastered the art of baking… pic.twitter.com/FviPkLXNho
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Indulge in gastronomic experiences in Sri Lanka and eat as much as you can as places are very cheap there. From great bread to yummy food, you will find amazing options everywhere.
Accomodation in Sri Lanka – From 5-stars to AirBNBs and hostels, everything is available in much lower costs.
Safety – Veryyyy safe. Women travellers will feel safe travelling solo.
For a developing country, Sri Lankan locals have a lot of civic sense and manners. People are… pic.twitter.com/q70ncCYQGH
— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
From finding good-quality stays in an affordable range to providing safe experiences to solo travellers, Sri Lanka looks like the ultimate international destination for a holiday.
Expenses in Sri Lanka – How much the travel will cost?
I have already told –
1 INR = 3.5 LKR (Sri Lankan Rupee)In short, if you remove the airfare, you can travel to Sri Lanka in half or almost the same price of Goa.
1. Snorkeling with an assistant – 5000 LKR
2.…— tere naina (@nainaverse) December 1, 2024
Naina concluded her X thread by sharing how a trip to Sri Lanka can be enjoyed at “half or almost the same price as Goa” by excluding the flight ticket fares.
Are you excited for a dreamy trip to our neighbouring country?
Cover Image Courtesy: X/ tere naina (@nainaverse)
For more such snackable content, interesting discoveries and the latest updates on food, travel and experiences in your city, download the Curly Tales App. Download HERE. First Published: December 02, 2024 11:25 AM