Are you planning a trip to Sri Lanka? This jewel-shaped country in the Indian Ocean will definitely not disappoint you. Sadly enough, we only had eight days to discover it. So, driven by a book of lonely planet and the weather report, we decided to focus on the South.
Traveling through the country is very easy but a little chaotic. Buses and trains will be packed to the brim. Therefore be smart or adventurous and sit your ass on the floor from the open door and hang out at the edge. Feel as free as a bird, but be careful!
The food tasted slightly poor because we went to India before visiting Sri Lanka. I know I'm probably exaggerating, but the food in India is unreal. So that was a big difference. But I don't want to scare you; it is still ok. (: Certainly try a rotti and a plate of rice and curry.
MUST VISIT
MIRISSA BEACH
Of course, we had to skip a few stops due to the lack of time. This was not an easy task. On the other hand, it's better to enjoy a little than rush a lot. We landed in Colombo and took a train straight to Mirissa Beach. If you have enough time, please stop at Galle before heading to Mirissa. They say it's beautiful over there.
We stayed at the Charming 'Somerset Mirissa Hotel. Located only footsteps away from the beach. The impressive infinity pool and jungle views will surely make you smile. It was a remarkable recovery from a beautiful but polluted India.
Make reservations at ' Zephyr ' when you're in a romantic mood. Ask for a table at the beachfront. The food did not overwhelm me, but the view was marvelous. Mirissa Beach has a lot to offer. If you're feeling sporty, hire a board and catch some waves.
A good surf spot is right behind the Marriot Hotel (matara road) or Hikkaduwa. Because my surfing is all but flawless, I hired a surf teacher. It was only 15 euros for one hour of private lessons. A real bargain! When your surfing skills are even shittier than mine (read, you have never surfed before). I recommend going to Hiriketiya Bay—only a one-hour drive from Mirissa Beach.
UDAWALAWE NATIONAL PARK
This is the place to be when you want to get up close to the giants. There are more than 500 Indian elephants located in the reserve. We stayed in Kottawatta Village (click on the picture below for more information about our stay) and hired a jeep that brought us to the park at 5:30 am. Pretty handy if you ask me! Fun detail: we spent the night in a safari lodge (tent), which was only 15 euros, including breakfast.
ELLA
The England of Sri Lanka. And yes, it reminds me of that. The widespread tea plantations give form to the beautiful green landscape. You can hike and climb the little Adam's Peak for the more adventurous ones. It's excellent training if you want to climb the actual Adam's Peak later. The nine arch bridge and the train route between Ella and Nuwara Eliya should definitely be on your to-do list! It won't let you down!
Restaurant advice: 'Chill café,' best cocktails and food I had in Sri Lanka!
ARGUM BAY In case surfing is your thing, go to Arugam Bay. It is THE best surf spot in Sri Lanka. During wintertime, this place has terrible waves and is very quiet. Unfortunately, we weren't aware, so we went there anyway. During summertime, beginning in April, the waves should be just perfect.
Because surfing was out of the question, we made a boat trip through the mangroves instead. This was pretty cool too. We saw a sleeping wild elephant, many water buffalos, and a crocodile entering the lake beside our tiny boat. (I was scared as hell, but we survived!) (;
ADAM'S PEAK
After a couple of weeks of enjoying great Indian food, you start feeling the need to exercise. Like to lose a little weight and not afraid of stiffness? Climb the real Adam's Peak! (; We left at 3 am to escape the heat and annoying mosquitos. The climb counts not less than 6442 steps. Go slow and drink enough water, seriously! There are a few shops on the way. Very useful if you forgot your lunchbox.
We weren't lucky with the weather. It was a little cloudy when we reached the top to see the magical sunrise. So that was a bummer. It could be worse, though...
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