A Journey Begins: Our First Taste of Sri Lanka

Our adventure in Sri Lanka began with an eager anticipation and a touch of unexpected excitement. As we embarked on our journey in early April, a six-hour delay in Doha added an unforeseen twist to our travel plans, but it only heightened our eagerness. Finally arriving at the iconic Sigiriya, we were instantly captivated by this majestic site, which set a remarkable tone for the rest of our journey. From the very start, Sri Lanka promised an extraordinary blend of history, nature, and vibrant culture, paving the way for an unforgettable experience.

In Sigiriya, one of the highlights of our visit was the early morning climb up Lion Rock to witness the sunrise. The ascent was both exhilarating and challenging, but the panoramic view from the top was worth every step. As the sun painted the sky in hues of blue and pink, we felt a profound sense of connection to the land and its history.

Our stay at Manju Homestay added a delightful touch to our initial experiences in Sri Lanka. The warm hospitality and the delicious local cuisine offered a genuine taste of Sri Lankan culture. The first thing that struck us in Sigiriya was the lively presence of the local wildlife. Monkeys chattered excitedly in the trees, their playful antics adding a lively soundtrack to our exploration. We were also cautioned about the occasional snake sightings, a reminder of the untamed nature that surrounds this country.

Exploring Dambulla: Temples and Spirituality

Our journey continued to Dambulla, where we explored the remarkable cave temples. The intricate frescoes and statues of the Buddha within these ancient caves offered a profound spiritual experience. As we walked through the dimly lit chambers, the atmosphere was filled with a sense of reverence and tranquility. It was a reminder of the deep spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka and left us feeling both humbled and inspired.

Our adventure took us next to the Knuckles Range, a stunning and rugged area that offered both challenge and reward. We checked into Base Camp, nestled amidst the lush greenery, and prepared for an unforgettable trek. The trek to the highest peak in the Knuckles Range was nothing short of exhilarating. As we embarked on our journey, the initial hours were filled with the excitement of exploring the dense flora and fauna. However, the weather soon took a turn, and we found ourselves trekking through heavy rain. The downpour turned the trail into a slippery, muddy path, with a lot of leeches accompanying us but it also added an element of adventure to our trek. After almost five hours of hiking, including four hours under the relentless rain, we finally reached the summit. The view of the surrounding peaks shrouded in mist was simply magical. One of the highlights of our trek was finding a secluded waterfall. Despite the heavy rain, the cascading water provided a welcome relief, invigorating us after hours of hiking. The natural beauty of the waterfall and its serene surroundings made for a perfect and rejuvenating end to our trek.

After our adventure in the Knuckles Range, we made our way to Kandy. The drive was a visual treat, winding through picturesque villages and verdant tea plantations. The rolling hills and vibrant landscapes were a testament to Sri Lanka’s natural beauty. Upon reaching Kandy, we experienced the bustling energy of the city, which was a delightful contrast to the tranquility of our previous stay.

Kandy offered a different flavor of Sri Lankan life. We spent a day exploring the lively markets, where the vibrant colors and diverse sounds created a sensory feast. The local markets were bustling with activity, showcasing an array of goods from fresh produce to handcrafted souvenirs. We also took a peaceful stroll around the scenic Kandy Lake, enjoying the serene environment amidst the urban buzz.

The next morning, we were eager to board the train to Ella, famous for its scenic journey through the Sri Lankan countryside. Our journey to Ella took a memorable turn as we boarded the train in third class—a true adventure in itself. From the moment we stepped aboard, it was clear that this was no ordinary train ride. The car was packed, with people standing in every available space, creating an electrifying atmosphere. The air was filled with the aroma of snacks being sold by enterprising vendors, while lively conversations and bursts of laughter resonated throughout the carriage. Women were sitting with children on their laps, adding a sense of camaraderie to the chaos. Some passengers even took the opportunity to play instruments, transforming the train into a makeshift festival of sound and motion. We spent the first hours standing amidst this vibrant chaos, but Eirini managed to secure a spot near a friendly family and I sat on a table.

As we neared the four-hour mark, our exhaustion led us to consider alternative ways to complete our journey. We disembarked with hopes of finding a more comfortable solution, only to discover that the first-class carriages were fully booked. In a moment of spontaneous ingenuity, Eirini struck up a conversation with the conductor. With a mix of charm and a touch of humor, we negotiated our way into first class by paying for an “imaginary ticket.” The second part of the journey turned into a visual feast as we stood by the open windows, soaking in the breathtaking views of lush green hills, tea plantations, and winding rivers. It felt like we were part of a cinematic experience, with every twist and turn of the train revealing scenes straight out of a movie. We eagerly snapped countless photos, trying to capture the surreal beauty of Sri Lanka’s landscape as the train snaked its way through the stunning countryside.

Upon arriving in Ella, we decided to fully embrace the freedom of exploration by renting a moto from this local rental shop. With our trusty bike ready, we set out each day to uncover the hidden treasures of this picturesque region. Our days were filled with thrilling rides along winding roads, passing through verdant tea plantations and charming rural landscapes.

One of the standout highlights of our adventure was visiting Diyaluma Falls, the second highest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The journey to the falls was an exhilarating ride, but the sight that greeted us upon arrival was well worth it. The majestic cascade of water plunging into a series of natural pools was nothing short of breathtaking. We took a refreshing swim in one of the pools, feeling the cool, invigorating water wash away the dust of our travels. The surrounding scenery was equally stunning, with lush greenery and dramatic cliffs providing a perfect backdrop to this natural wonder.

Our days were spent cruising the open roads, enjoying the exhilarating sense of freedom and the wind in our hair. The serene beauty of the tea plantations, with their meticulously manicured bushes and rolling hills, was a joy to behold. Each turn of the road revealed new vistas and opportunities for exploration. The moto allowed us to experience Ella in a way that was both immersive and exhilarating, creating memories of adventure and tranquility that would stay with us long after our journey ended.

Our adventure took an awe-inspiring turn as we embarked on a safari in Udawalawe National Park, renowned for its thriving elephant population. Guided by the knowledgeable Sujee, we ventured into the park’s expansive savannahs and dense forests, where we were treated to a close-up view of these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. The sheer size and grace of the elephants, roaming freely and interacting with their surroundings, left us spellbound. Sujee’s expertise and keen eye ensured we didn’t miss a moment of the park’s wildlife spectacle, making the safari a truly unforgettable experience.

Following our wildlife adventure, we journeyed south to unwind on Sri Lanka’s stunning coast. We found our sanctuary at a secluded beach near Tangalle, where the pristine sands and azure waters offered a serene escape. The tranquil environment, far removed from the hustle and bustle, allowed us to fully relax and soak in the beauty of the Indian Ocean.

Our stay at the secluded beach near Tangalle was truly enchanting. We were hosted in a beautiful homestay that offered comfort and charm in equal measure. The house, with its cozy ambiance and stunning ocean views, became our personal retreat. Mornings were spent surfing the gentle waves (in Salt Surf School), a delightful experience that added a sense of adventure to our relaxing beach days. The thrill of riding the surf, combined with the tranquility of the secluded shore, made for some of the most memorable moments of our trip.

We also took a day trip to Galle, a city rich in history and cultural heritage. Wandering through the cobblestone streets of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site, we were captivated by the well-preserved colonial architecture and the remnants of the old Dutch fortifications. The charming blend of historical buildings, quaint shops, and picturesque views from the ramparts offered a fascinating glimpse into Sri Lanka’s colonial past. It was a perfect way to round out our adventure, bridging the natural beauty of our journey with a touch of historical intrigue.