The what, why and how of my Sri Lanka itinerary

Sri Lanka’s natural beauty pulled me towards it. So, this February 2017, I packed my bags and flew to the beautiful island. When I reached there, I realized that it has everything that the wanderlusts like me are looking for.

In this write up, I have explained the places that I covered, the spots that I skipped, and the sights that I have reserved for my next trip. I have also left comments and suggestions, which will help you with planning.

Day 1:

Started from Mumbai in a Jet Airways flight at 17:45 and reached Colombo at 9 pm.

Had dinner with my Sri Lankan friends at the arrivals. [COMMENT: Food is very costly at Colombo airport]

Booked Kangaroo cab for Adam’s Peak (or Sripada). [COMMENT: Kangaroo cab service is quite reliable]

[SKIPPED – I skipped an adventure spot – Kithugala, which was on the way. I had to skip this due to paucity of time. This place is famous for water sports. I had it in my first planned. I hope to visit this place on my next trip.]

I reached Maskeliya at 1 am. It is a sleepy down near Adam’s peak.

Kept my bags in a pre-booked accommodation and took the same cab to the base of Adam’s peak. [COMMENT: It is better if you book accommodation at the base of Adam’s peak]

Started trek for Adam’s peak. The complete travelogue is here:

On the top of the world @Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka

Day 2:

Back to base by 8 am. Had breakfast.

Went back to Maskeliya by a tuk-tuk (autorickshaw).

Rested for an hour and immediately started for Nuwara Eliya.

I did the tea trail on my way to Nuwara Eliya. Click Here to read:

I had hired the bungalow for three nights – the Gregory Lake Inn, which was perfect to my requirement and budget.

Rested for the remaining day.

Slept early after having a sumptuous dinner.

Day 3

Explored the Nuwara Eliya city.

Saw Lover’s Leap waterfalls

The Lover’s Leap Pedro Tea Estate

Took a walk in Galway’s Land National Park [COMMENT – one can skip this!]

Had lunch at a city restaurant. [COMMENT – Sri Lankan food is very tasty. One must try the non-veg dishes]

I saw the iconic post office of Nuwara Eliya and wrote a letter home.

Then went to Mackwood Tea Estate. Click here to read:

Exploring the tea trail of Sri Lanka

And, by the evening, I went to see the majestic Rambooda Falls.

Back to Gregory Lake Inn.

Day 4

Started for Horton Plains National Park.

Read complete story:

A walk through Horton Plains, Sri Lanka ...and gazing over from the World’s End!

Back to Nuwara Eliya.

Explore the city – the temples and lanes.

Booked tickets for Nanu Oya to Ella [COMMENT: This train route is very beautiful.]

Back to Gregory Lake Inn in evening.

Had a good sleep.

Day 5:

Went to see the beautiful Gregory Lake Inn of Nuwara Eliya.

Goofed around in city. Saw the market and had authentic food at a local restaurant. [COMMENT: Do have food at Brinda’s in Nuwara Eliya city. It was like my ‘discovery’!]

At 3 pm started for Ella.

Reached Ella at 8 pm.

Had a stay at the beautiful Ella Inn.

Sipped coffee in their cafeteria and started to explore the cute little town of Ella.

[COMMENT: Ella enamored me. It is a small sleepy town that is full of beautiful sights]

Ended the day on a happy note of being in Ella.

Day 6:

Started day with a trek to Ella Rock.

Read:

Ella, Sri Lanka - adventure and peace guaranteed!

Came back from Ella Rock by noon.

Started for Ravana Falls.

Took a bus to Demodara (20 mins); and walked to the Nine-Arch Bridge.

[SKIPPED: Little Adam’s Peak again due to paucity time.]

Came back to guest house.

Went on an exclusive dinner.

Closed the day contended as a traveler.

Day 7:

Took train from Ella Railway Station to Colombo.

[SKIPPED: Kandy city was in my wish-list, but RESERVED it for my next trip]

Spent all day in train. The Expo rail of Sri Lanka is worth appreciating.

Reached Colombo at 8 pm.

I had to reach Airport from Colombo Railway Station, which was a hour or more.

The Mumbai flight was in the morning; 5 am, so I decided to hang out in Colombo till 11 pm.

Cloak room service was closed at the Colombo Railway Station, so I had to convince the policemen at railway police station to keep my bags. They agreed.

I went out to the famous Dutch Café of Colombo. It was a place to remember; I highly recommend it. A live music band was going on and the youth of Sri Lanka was enjoying to the fullest.

Back to Railway Station at 11 pm. Picked up bag and hired a tuk-tuk for airport. He charged LKR 2000. [COMMENT: I should have opted for Kangaroo cabs instead of tuk tuk since it was a cold night and Colombo streets were polluted with dust and carbon]

Day 8:

Reached Airport by 1 am. [COMMENT: The food at airport is VERY costly. Do pack snacks and water bottle for yourself]

The 5 am flight to Mumbai got delayed by an hour. Spent time at airport.

Boarded flight. Had a fight with co-passenger. The airhostess gave me a better my seat :)

Reached Mumbai at 9 am.

Exchanged the remaining Sri Lankan currency notes with Indian Rupees.

Went to Dadar to get a bus for Pune!

Sri Lanka was a memorable experience. I would definitely visit the country again. The people are very nice too. Read:

In praise of people of Sri Lanka

Bharati Nadkarni is a Pune-based software professional and travel writer. She can be contacted on Facebook.

Suggested further reading:

Traveling to Sri Lanka? These tips will make your trip smoother and cheaper