In 2018, the planning of our 1st discovery trip to Sri Lanka formerly Ceylon. We spent 15 days in Sri Lanka, the beginning of our trip very active in terms of cultural discoveries, the end being dedicated to a little rest. Our aim on this trip was to discover the cultural aspect of the country and its gastronomy while staying in beautiful hotels, nothing under 4 stars. We left as 2 adults at the end of September.
To prepare for our trip, we consulted the Tongs & Sri Lanka blog, which was super comprehensive (unfortunately there hasn’t been any new content for a few years).
As we didn’t know much about the country, we used the local agency Mai Globe Travels to find a guide for Sri Lanka (French-speaking). If we go back, we’ll use a guide/driver directly, as they’re fairly easy to contact via social networks (Facebook, but WhatsApp is preferred).
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Day 1: Negombo to Ella
Our plane arrived early, so we headed straight to the far side of the island, making a detour to the Buduruwagala temple. It’s not the distance that makes Ella remote, but the fact that it’s in the mountains. It takes over 6 hours by car from CMB airport to Ella.
For our 1st hotel, where we stayed for 2 nights, we chose Ella Planters Bungalow 4*. There are very few hotels in Ella with at least 4 stars. And if you’re looking for a hotel with a swimming pool, it’s even more difficult. If you’re looking for a hotel with less than 3 stars or no stars, you’ll have plenty of choice in the centre of Ella.
Day 2: Lipton’s seat
Depart at dawn to take a tuk-tuk to visit the tea plantations and reach Lipton Seat.
After a bite to eat at the top of the Lipton Seat, we take the opportunity to take a stroll through the tea plantations.
Back to Ella, for a short walk to discover the view from Little Adam’s peak. It’s easy to get there and the walk is short.
And not having had enough yet, we walk from Little Adam’s peak to Nine Arch(see photo opposite).
Before returning to our hotel, we went to Ella station to pick up our train ticket for the next day.
Day 3: On the road to Kandy
The train journey from Ella to Nanu Oya is a must. It passes through tea plantations, mountains, creaking bridges and more.
After our train ride, we’re off to eat at Hela Bojun Hala. This is one of the low-cost roadside restaurants run by local women who serve delicious, nutritious food in a jiffy. To find out more: thenationalnews.com
We continue on our way to Kandy.
Day 4: Kandy
We stayed for 2 days in Kandy, at 390 Villa Vista, which is not very close to the city centre.
This stopover gave us the opportunity to visit the botanical gardens.
Discover the Temple of the Tooth and end the day with a traditional show.
Day 5: En route to Dambulla
On the way to Dambulla, we stopped to ‘visit’ the spice garden, or ‘tourist attraction’ as it is known.
The photo of the swimming pool alone will give you an idea of the superb hotel where we stayed for 2 nights. The Jetwing Lake in Dambulla, which has a booking rating of 9.1/10 (and we can confirm this).
At the end of the day or very early in the morning (because you visit this temple barefoot and it is on very hot rock), visit the caves at Dambulla.
Day 6: Sigiriya
If you’re in the region, this is a must. Get up very early and climb Sigiriya.
We didn’t know it at the time, but we recommend that you also try Pidurangala, which will give you a view of Mount Sigiriya.
Our 1st safari at this time of year, under the expert guidance of our guide Manoj, will be in Minneriya National Park.
Departing early in the morning or late in the day, we were able to see lots of birds, cattle and, of course, elephants. It was superb but expect to queue up with hundreds of other jeeps and tourists (often, unfortunately, too intrusive and not respectful of the animals).
Day 7: On the way to Polonnaruwa – Giritale
An overnight stay at The Deer Park Hotel in Giritale, to enable us to visit Polonnâruvâ. This is one of the sites in the ‘cultural triangle’ and was also the former capital of Sri Lanka between the 11th and 13th centuries.
The site is particularly large and there are many monuments, including a 15-metre sculpture of Buddha reaching nirvana.
Day 8: East coast – Trincomalee
We’re in Trincomalee for 6 nights, mainly to relax.
Our choice of hotel:Amaranthe Day Resort & Spa on a half-board basis.
For lunch, we found some nice little 100% local restaurants in the street (Sarvodaya Rd) just next to the hotel.
Days 9 to 13: Trincomalee
To be honest, there’s not much to do in Trincomalee itself, but we did have two great experiences there.
Two experiences where we have one recommendation, don’t forget the sun cream, you’re going to get cooked.
An encounter with whales and hundreds of dolphins, while respecting them. You won’t be hunting for the best photo with a motorboat, but rather a day on a catamaran with Sail Lanka Charter.
Day 14: Back to Negombo
After 7 days in Trincomalee, we crossed the whole country from East to West.
We’ll be staying in Negombo for 2 nights – in fact, it’s one night, as the second night we’ll be taking the night flight and we wanted to get some rest before the return flight. We chose the Heritance Negombo hotel. The little extra of this hotel is the swimming pool.
Day 15: Negombo
Honestly, if you can avoid Negombo on your trip, you’re not going to lose much. The beach is big, but not particularly beautiful, and there are huge waves. It’s a town close to the airport and too dedicated to tourists (souvenir shops, expensive and uninteresting restaurants). In fact, it was the only town on our trip where we came across beggars.
Budget
With the flight from Brussels, the hotels, all the meals, the excursions, the driver, the tips, the little gifts, the visas, and so on.
We were looking at just under €6,000 for 2 adults, all inclusive.
In detail, that works out as follows:
- Flight with Qatar from Brussels to CMB with a stopover in Doha: 1700€.
- Minimum 4-star hotel: €1850, including the hotels in Dambulla and Trincomalee on a half-board basis.
- All excursions, meals, jewellery and gifts: €1300.
- Driver: €1,000.
