What to do in Sri Lanka

What to do in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka Itinerary

I have this specific list of all the places I wanted to go to but Sri Lanka was never on that list. Unsurprisingly, my wanderlust soul took me to this beautiful country. I'm always fascinated with places I have no interest at all. It actually took me forever to search where to go here and there for our itinerary, but when I had the chance to do so my eyes can't deny the beauty of the southeastern part of India. The tickets were expensive for direct flights to Sri Lanka, instead, we took connecting flights to reach Colombo. After work, I went straight to the airport, hop into our plane to KL, and slept as we waited for our next flight to Colombo. Let's go!

Sri Lanka 6 days Itinerary
Budget: 350 SGD
Emergency Fund: 50 SGD
1 SGD = 100 Sri Lankan Rupee


28 Jul 2016 Thu DEPART from Singapore
Singapore to Kuala Lumpur  AirAsia AK722 , 11:00Pm - 12:05Am 
Sleep in the Airport 


29 July Fri ARRIVAL in Colombo - Colombo to Hikkaduwa
Kuala Lumpur to Colombo AirAsia AK43, 8:30Am - 9:30Am 
Visa on Arrival ( Philippine Passport): 65 SGD / 40 SGD
Colombo to Hikkaduwa by Bus

Check-in: International Beach Hotel & Restaurant, Hikkaduwa thru Booking.com (pay on arrival): 94 SGD/ 13725 Rupees (2 nights)
Sunset in the Beach


30 July Sat  -Hikkaduwa
Surfing  
Seafood Meal
Sri Lanka Massage


31 July Sun -Hikkaduwa to Ella 
Hikkaduwa to Ella via Matara Station by Bus 
Check-in: Ozo GuesthouseElla (Walk-In) for 2,500 Rupees (2 nights)


01 Aug Mon -Ella
Sightseeing in Ella
Sunrise in Little Adam's Peak
Hike Ella's Rock
Check out Nine Arch Bridge
Sri Lanka Massage


Check out:
Little Adam's Peak Trail, Sri Lanka
Ella's Rock Trail, Sri Lanka
Nine Arch Bridge Trail, Sri Lanka


02 Aug Tue -Ella to Colombo
Ella to Colombo Fort by Morning Train (6:50 Am)
Sightseeing in Colombo
Colombo fort to Airport by Bus
DEPARTURE: Colombo to Kuala Lumpur AirAsia AK46, 10:55Pm - 5:15Am


03 Aug Wed ARRIVAL in Kuala Lumpur
Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore  AirAsia, 07:45Pm - 8:50Pm
KLIA Express Train to Central for 55 Ringgit
Travel time: 30 minutes 

How to go to Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka


28 Jul 2016 Thu DEPART from Singapore
Singapore to Kuala Lumpur  AirAsia, 11:00Pm - 12:05Am 
Sleep in the Airport 
29 July Fri ARRIVAL in Colombo - Colombo to Hikkaduwa
Kuala Lumpur to Colombo AirAsia AK43, 8:30Am - 9:30Am 
Visa on Arrival ( Philippine Passport): 65 SGD / 40 SGD
Colombo to Hikkaduwa by Bus

Airport to Colombo Fort Railway to Hikkaduwa:

How to get there: Airport to Colombo Fort Railway (Bus & Train Station) 
Head outside the airport gate. Take the Express bus number 187 alight at the last stop for Colombo Fort Railway.
Travel time: 1-2 hours
Bus Fare: 110 Rupees

Colombo Fort Railway to Hikkaduwa
At Colombo Fort Railway, take Bus Number 2 to Hikkaduwa, get off at the last stop. 
Travel time: 3-4 hours
Bus Fare: 120 Rupees


What to do in Hikkaduwa, Sri Lanka


Hikkaduwa is a small town located on the south coast of the Southern side of Sri Lanka. According to my research, it's the best place for beginners or amateur wannabe surfers like me on an off surf season. Surfing is widely in demand in Sri Lanka. The waves are spectacular during the surf months of October till May, there's always a place to surf as what the locals said. If you want to ride the big boys check out Arugam Bay on the East Coast from May till September and Hikkaduwa in November till April of the South Coast.

Just a reminder, most of the locals don't speak English. Make sure to ask the driver before hopping to any bus and train for the destination, don't rely solely on your research. Some may find it irritating, never mind, just make sure you'' get to your desired location. Even if the sign says your destination, it's better to ask than being sorry. The bus to Hikkaduwa was pleasing to the eyes, fresh air and blue waters welcome you to the south side of the island. There are quick pit stops to give passengers time to stretch out. On one of those stops, we bought our very first Sri Lankan snack for 40 rupees. It's like a soft Prata filled with some vegetables like curry. 

After more than three hours of sightseeing with the bus, we've arrived at a junction nearby the Hikkaduwa bus terminal. The driver said to keep walking straight from the terminal to the beach road then will eventually find our guesthouse. We did as what he said we walked with our sleepy eyes, heavy bags, and with the heat of the sun however, that took us 30 minutes to get to our guesthouse, if you got some extra rupees to wave a tuk-tuk driver. Along the way, people kept asking us if we needed a room for the night. That's just hit us if you're bound for Hikkaduwa you don't need to book a guesthouse or a hotel ahead of time. We've discovered that there are plenty of available rooms for a cheap price of 1,000 to 2,000 rupees for a night, just avoid the peak season of course. One more thing they seriously respect the human body and they don't want people to walk around parading their beautiful skin to onlookers. Just keep in mind no swimming attire in the streets. Bikini's are only allowed at the beach. 


Check-in: International Beach Hotel & Restaurant via Booking.com (pay on arrival)
2 nights, includes breakfast: 94 SGD/ 13725 Rupees 


Brunch in Moon Shadow Restaurant, located just beside the hotel.  We ordered Sri Lanka's Beer the Lion Lager, Sri Lanka's Traditional Meal which is Home Curry with Vegetables and grilled octopus with rice. What I love about this dish is the five variety of vegetables that comes along with the meal. I also added chicken curry, mixed fruit shake, and my all-time favorite watermelon shake. Our first meal was a bit pricey paid around 4,000 rupees. 

I've noticed that Sri Lankan men are friendly and kind while the females were shy and demure in the countryside. With that said I've talked to the majority of men during the whole trip. It feels like a country living in the past where only men are expected to mingle with strangers. 



No scheduled plans for the rest of the day. The remaining hours before sunset was spent strolling on the beach, running like kids, digging our toes in the sand, and playing with the water. An old man approached us while we hang out on the beach. He has a kind face with only two prominent front teeth yet gave us a smile all the way to his ears. In his hands were two aloe vera stems, he uses this for his massage services. He offered us to try it out, we declined politely. Instead of wandering off he sat down and explained his methods, a sales strategy, or just a friendly medicine man. I listened intensively to everything he said, strangers give us the most interesting bizarre stories of all time. He told me his life story as a traditional therapist, his foreign customers, and the secrets of healing. There are certain points in our body that cause and release pain. In Sri Lankan massage what they do to cure muscle strain is through pressing certain points in your body. I was tasked by the medicine man to remember these certain points, surprisingly the information is embedded in my mind. Just a press here and there and everything will be ok, If only life was that simple. When I was almost convinced to try his foot massage he got up and bid goodbye. I just love strangers! 

At dinner time we walked around Hikkaduwa and found this small restaurant by the street called Sunil's Roti Stop. The staff were friendly and accommodating. One stuffed roti and fried pineapple prata cost less than 100 rupees. 

The next day we've booked a surfing session with Thusitha Tours.  There are only a few travel tours open, they only come alive during the surf season. We meet Jhween, our surfing instructor, I'm not really sure If he's affiliated with this tour agency. He's usually booked for a private session with Russian students, yes he speaks Russian, isn't that just cool? Sometimes he even picks them up all the way from Russia to Sri Lanka for the surf lessons. Our timing was perfect he was available, I mean with my close-up perfect smile how could he say no? just kidding! Ahahaa


Surfing in Sri Lanka


30 July Sat  Hikkaduwa
Half-day Surfing lesson for 8,500 Rupees (2 pax) 
Seafood Meal at Moonlight Seafood Restaurant: 4,000 Rupees
Sri Lanka Massage for 7,000 Rupees (2 pax)
Pizza: 1,000 Rupees

Jhween picked us up with his tuk-tuk ride around 8 in the morning which gave us enough time to have our breakfast. Morning meal was served with toasted bread, eggs, jam, butter, coffee, and a banana shake. Eggs and Banana are my running crew which reminds me to go for my running routine early in the morning. It makes me wonder why I've never done any running in all my trips, I'm just slacking off and eating my heart out. Maybe for my next trip, I'll do some 5 kilometers run for a change. It was a 30 minutes ride to Galle fort and off to the beachside. The guys in the shop welcomed us with warm tea and cute smiles. As I said guys are super friendly in Sri Lanka that it might somehow be mistaken as flirting for some reason but I don't think of it that way. It feels like I've worked too long in Singapore that I forgot how it feels like to be surrounded by gentlemen. The surfer dudes were genuinely happy with their line of work. It makes me wonder if I'm doing my life right if I'm in the right job and if I still want my life in the big city. This is what traveling does to people, it opens up questions that you're afraid to ask yourself and answers you knew all along.


The sun was shining bright and the waves were joyfully at play. I was nervous. Waves reminded me of my bad experiences back when I was in college. As they say sooner or later the tides will change, you will need to face the same battle again. The only way for me to survive is to forget what happened, I did that but the feeling remained the same. I'm great with isolating and organizing my thoughts, hiding the least memorable moments is easy still depending on the extent of the damage. This past experience really affected me big time. I told myself to Focus. I trusted my surfing instructor, gulped for every passing stride, and just ride the waves. Basic hand and body postures as instructed. I learned that the back leg for support must always be strong while the front one maneuvers the rides. Sounds easy. It was piece of cake but it was a very huge kind of birthday cake wherein two people can fit inside it. Even thou it was pretty tough the surfing activity was the highlight of our trip. Being able to stand on the board was the best thing ever! 


To reward such an enormous achievement we went for a seafood platter meal to celebrate, even had pizza for dinner. We went back to the hotel with a happy tummy and a satisfied heart. Late the night we allowed ourselves to be pampered with a Sri Lanka massage. I realized an authentic Sri Lanka Massage really just focuses on pressing certain body points like acupressure massage but in a gentle way. Getting used to Balinese and Thai Massage made it feel like someone was just gently tapping and pressing my back, but at least we get to experience a different kind of massage. Done with the beach and off we go to the mountainside, our next destination is the beautiful town of Ella from the central highlands of Sri Lanka. 

There are only two places I want to visit when I go to other countries either the beach or the mountains. We were done surfing the waters of Hikkaduwa next stop is the mountain area of Sri Lanka. Ella is located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, a small town in the Badulla District of the Uva Province.

Our initial plan is to proceed to Galle to take the bus to Ella, It just a 30 minutes ride from Hikkaduwa yet we're not really sure if there's a bus to Ella down there. The tuk-tuk ride offered us around 1,500 rupees for a 20-30 minutes ride, way more expensive compared to our bus from Colombo to Hikkaduwa for only 200 rupees and that took around 3 hours to reach our destination. We figured its better to head straight to Hikkaduwa Bus Terminal which was 10 minutes away from our hotel, then take the bus to Matara Bus Station. From Matara station take another bus to Ella, this was accurate information. The ride will consume almost the whole day from our itinerary so we can't afford to get on the wrong route. 


Booking.com

How to go to Ella, Sri Lanka



31 July Sun Hikkaduwa to Ella 
Breakfast by the Beach

Check out by 10:50 Am from Hotel

Hikkaduwa Bus Terminal to Matara Bus Station to Ella:

Hotel to Hikkaduwa Bus Terminal
Tuk-tuk ride: 150 Rupees
Estimated travel time: 10 minutes

Hikkaduwa to Matara Bus Station
Bus Fare: 80 Rupees
Estimated travel time: 45 minutes

Matara Bus Station to Ella 
Bus Fare: 300 Rupees

We actually missed our bus however there are several buses available that go to the same route just make sure it passes by Ella. Don't forget to ask the driver.
Overall Travel time: 6-8 hours

We arrived at Ella late in the afternoon. Our guesthouse was nowhere to be found, we asked this Sri Lanka guy for directions, it seemed like it was nowhere in sight so he offered his guesthouse which was perfectly located on the roadside beside a massage parlor, a few minutes from the train station and steps away from Chili's restaurant. Across the road, there's the Ice Cube Bar and a few more shops and restaurants along the stretch. Plus the road to Adams Peak and Ella's rock is nearby the area too. We immediately canceled our guesthouse booking online and accepted his great offer.  

Check-in: Ozo Guesthouse
2,500 rupees per night 

01 Aug Mon - Ella
Sunrise in Little Adam's Peak
Hike Ella's Rock
Check out Nine Arch Bridge
Sri Lanka Massage

We woke up early that morning but not good enough to see the sunrise. The long hours of travel were getting on our nerves, the lack of sleep has left has tired and silent. This is one battle you face with time-constrained travel, the energy level is there but our minds just wander in empty space. Going through sleep deprivation while backpacking is part of the experience, this where your travel partner in crime comes in the picture. You try to take care of each other with laughs, tap from the back, a smile, a nod, and just knowing you're not going through it alone. If you're traveling alone this is when you rely on happy thoughts, absorb the energy from your surroundings, and just be with nature. I guess that's the reason why I prefer to be with nature when I'm on a solo trip.


Little Adam’s Peak 
Hiking time: two hours (round trip) 
5:30 Am - 9:30 Am

Little Adam's Peak stands around 1141 meters above sea level. A short, easy hike for everybody. There are no precise signs heading to Little Adam's Peak either you follow other hikers, ask a local, or get a guide. All advice was followed but instead of hiring a local guide, we took a guide map to make sure we're on the track. If you're in doubt with the route ask any local passing by the road. We were also a bit lucky that day because we found a few climbers. Little Adam's Peak is also known as Mini Adam's Peak, next to 98 Acres Resort and right side of the White Buddha. The hike to Adams Peak would take an hour which includes flat roads and straining stairs climbing before reaching the summit. A great exercise to wake up those tired muscles, smell the fresh air, and see the real beauty of Sri Lanka. Though we didn't make it for the sunrise the hike up the peak was all worth it. Ella's rock was in view just right in front of us on the other side of the mountain. We had an apple for breakfast with the breathtaking view of the mountains, salty sweat for our drink, and a happy heart for a hike well done.  



Descending down was effortless we were just in time for brunch. I made sure we get to try all kinds of authentic Sri Lankan foods in every place that we go to. This time around we got to try the famous Sri Lankan Curd drink and I love it. A milky kind of drink mixed with a sweet aromatic aftertaste feeling with every sip. Some Spicy Sri Lankan Fried Rice and Sri Lankan Noodles. 

The next stop was Ella's Rock. Our friendly guesthouse owner decided to come along with us. We took a train from Ella to a nearby town I forgot the name maybe Badulla? but it was just one train stop away. This wasn't the plan as our research told us we can actually just hike from the railway station to Ella's rock. We were with a local I mean what could possibly go wrong?! Funny thing is it was his first time to Ella's rock, no wonder he wanted to hike with us. He originally lives in Colombo and just started his business in Ella a few months ago. My friend and I got a bit worried but we made it to the train tracks which was shown on our research as the right way to Ella's rock. A few climbers were on the road with us too. 



Ella's Rock
Hiking Time: 4 hours (roundtrip)
10:50 Am - 2:00 Pm

Ella's Rock stands around 1150 meters above sea level. Hire a local guide for 1,500 rupees / 12 USD per person or better just do it yourself. Once again there's no specific trail to the summit, I heard during the hike that there's an easy and hard trail. I might say we took the latter as we didn't pass by any paved road as they say with the other trail. It's a bit challenging compared to Little Adam's Peak, our new friend had a hard time catching up so we had to rest a couple of times. The trail starts in the railway lines, passing by tea plantations and up the hills to Ella's Rock. On top, there's a guy selling bottled water, a few snacks, and even a cup of tea if you want to hang around for a while. 

The edge of the summit might not look daunting in the picture but I tell you standing there took me some time. One loses footing, one boisterous laugh and you're gone from this lifetime. As always descending down the mountain is faster but always keep in mind to be careful with your footing to avoid injuries. The hike was over, the sun was over our heads, heat exhaustion was eating us alive. A smart way to go was to retreat back to the guesthouse, get a bottle of coca-cola, ice-cream drumstick, and a power nap. By 4 in the afternoon we were up and hiking again.



Nine Arch Bridge
Hiking Time: 1 hour (roundtrip)

The last hike for the day was the Nine Arch Bridge. A famous bridge in Sri Lanka located between Ella and Demodara railway stations. It was a short hike to the bridge, like a stroll in the mall and of course, there are no signs going to the bridge. You just have to show your charisma and your pearly white teeth to the locals to show you the way. The use of phone trail maps, GPS, and a google search has limited our conversation with the outside world. We've forgotten how it feels like to get lost, ask a stranger, and be happy to find our destination. I'm still connected with my wild, free-spirited, earthly soul to ask, explore, and be in the moment. I guess that's the reason why I try not to buy or rent a portable wifi egg in my travels. It's not that I want to get lost, being away from the world wide web is liberating, some people find that weird, it is and you should try it sometime.

The Nine Arch Bridge looked nostalgic with its ash color and location. The massive bridge is built entirely with solid rocks, bricks, and cement without using a single piece of steel in its structure. An amazing piece of art standing in the mountain area of Sri Lanka. We were lucky as usual the train was scheduled to arrive at that time maybe that was around 5 or 5:30 in the afternoon. The blue train honked its horn, as locals and tourists smiled and waved goodbye at each other. We ended the day with a sumptuous Sri Lankan fried rice and noodles. Top it up with a Sri Lankan Massage before bedtime, this time around I ask the attendant to press harder but I guess they're just really gentle people with fluid hands.


The most scenic train ride ever: Ella to Colombo Fort 


02 Aug Tue Ella to Colombo
Ella to Colombo Fort by Morning Train (6:50 Am)
Train Fare: 400 Rupees

We took the famous scenic train back to Colombo. The spectacular scenery runs from Ella and Kandy. This is considered one of the most beautiful train trips in Asia or even in the world. Imagine yourself inside a train that runs on top of a mountain railway overlooking a sea of tea plantations that goes from one mountain to another. Shades of green, yellow, and brown fill all the empty space that draws to the beauty of nature.

Sightseeing in Colombo
Colombo fort to Airport by Bus
Bus Fare: 100 Rupees

Friendly Reminder when you take the bus. Don't forget your change. The drivers will not hesitate to keep the change.

I'm not a fancy traveler so sleeping in airports doesn't really bother me. Funny and disgusting as it may sound even bathing in wet tissues is not an issue for me, brushing my teeth, washing my face, and to the extent of washing just one side of my hair due to some gooey stuff. Let me focus on that last part. We went to Colombo on our last day in Sri Lanka, why not experience the city while we're still in the country. The moment the bus stopped at the terminal the heat was already present in all corners of the city. We were terribly hungry from the long ride so we walked around to find any dining place. There were a lot of birds flying around the terminal even around the pedestrian lane, I was already starting to get worried about the chances of getting bomb by those pretty birds. Expectedly the bomb was dropped and it fell on top of my beautiful, messy hair. 

This is not the first time it happened to me. I remembered even back in college while walking along with friends, the bird poop had me at first shot. I wondered of all the heads available, I was chosen. I can't recall the other times but I know it always smells bad. They said its good luck, maybe I had a passing score that day in Algebra or catch the last bus back home. This time around is different while we strolled in the streets of Colombo one guy touched me in such an unpleasant way and the next one hold me unnecessarily. It happened as I was trying to get the bird poop on my hair and in my bag. Shocked and Disgusted. I didn't get the chance to kick their gluteus maximus or even freaking just shout at them. In times of disbelief, the human brain just shuts down leaving you stunned like a stone. So where's the luck we're talking about now? But hey let's focus on positivity because my two plane rides landed safely. 

Anyway, in the end, we didn't manage to find even one restaurant, the roads were really crowded with men in all corners so we decided to head straight to the airport. The only place we feel like dining in the terminal was the burger king's fast food. What a surprise when I queued up for our burger meal, the prices were outrageously expensive normally a burger meal in Singapore would just cost me around 8 SGD instead we paid for 16 USD. The service attendant even asks me if I want my burger with cheese, just add in another dollar she said. I was actually planning to use up our extra money for souvenirs but it turns out we spent everything on our last meal. A bird poop to send me off on my last day in Sri Lanka was unexpected too. But I wouldn't change a thing about my trip, if we could have stayed longer than would have been awesome.

DEPARTURE
Colombo to Kuala Lumpur AirAsia, 10:55Pm - 5:15Am
03 Aug Wed ARRIVAL in Kuala Lumpur
Sightseeing in Kuala Lumpur
Kuala Lumpur to Singapore  AirAsia, 07:45Pm - 8:50Pm

Have fun and be safe ^__^


Do you want more adventure?
Go ahead and check out my Backpacking Trip in Cambodia  and see the ruins of Angkor Wat

Where am I going next?
My next adventure is Krabi, Thailand, and swim with hundreds of star-like bioluminescent phytoplankton's under the sea because I just can't get enough of Thailand.

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