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Author: Alka
When dreaming of an International getaway, our minds often wander to far-off lands, yet we overlook a true gem for Budget travelers- the enchanting Island of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka has a special experience for every traveler. So dive in, as adventure awaits you from a thrilling safari to a relaxing yoga session in the countryside. Here are some experiential tours in Sri Lanka packed with essential tips:
Colombo’s Tour: Country’s capital
Interestingly Sri Lanka has two capitals- Colombo & Sri Jayawardane Pura Kotte. Colombo is a dynamic blend of history, culture, and modernity. You can start day 1 of your Sri Lanka trip with Colombo’s exploration by visiting these destinations.
1. Gangaramaya Temple: Explore the Gangaramaya Temple, a Buddhist temple with a fascinating mix of traditional and contemporary architecture. Here you will discover an old museum, prayer hall, and secluded meditation chambers, providing a rich cultural experience. You can reach the temple from Colombo’s city center via Darley Road in just 10 minutes. Tickets are not required to enter the temple premises, but there’s a fee for the museum. The most popular spot of all these buildings from the point of architecture is the Simamalaka Shrine built using money from donations. The temple timings are from 6 a.m to 10 p.m, every day.
2. Pettah Market: Visiting a destination without immersing yourself in its local markets is like skipping the heart of its culture. As a traveler, the true essence of a place lies in its bustling bazaars and Pettah Market brings the city’s spirit to life. It’s packed with colorful stalls selling everything from fresh produce to clothes, spices, electronics, and jewelry. At the end of Pettah lies Sea Street, which is Sri Lanka’s gold market and attracts buyers of gold jewelry from all around. So explore the market while bargaining with vendors, and tasting local street food like Kottu Roti.
3. Galle Face Green: This is more than just a park- it will surely give you a Marine Drive feel where the city’s energy meets the tranquil rhythm of the ocean. The Galle Face Green is a beautiful urban park located in Fort Colombo along its eastern coastline spread over almost 5 hectares. It’s best to enjoy a relaxing day by the sea, indulge in some of the best street food, or simply take in the stunning sunset views. There are a lot of fun and exciting things to keep one entertained for most of the day as you can watch the soothing sunset; enjoy authentic Sri Lankan snacks; visit the luxurious Galle Face Hotel and take a historical tour of the Galle Fort. Hiring a private taxi to Galle Face Green costs around Rs.2,000 but there is a cheaper option, as you can take a direct bus from the Katunayake Airport Bus Station for Rs.50.
4. Sigiriya Tour: A Majestic journey through Sri Lanka’s ancient Past
There are no direct buses from Colombo to Sigiriya, so you have to go through Dambulla which is 18 km from Sigiriya and the bus would cost Rs. 30 to reach this iconic landmark. This ancient rock fortress is a UNESCO World Heritage site that combines history, architecture, and stunning natural beauty. Sigiriya Lion’s Cave: The Lion’s cave is located on the lower half of the Sigiriya rock, just before you begin the steep climb up to the summit. Though only the large lion’s paws remain today, they still evoke a sense of the impressive monument that once stood there. It’s better to arrive early in the morning before 9 a.m. or late in the afternoon as it may become hard to climb during noon due to intolerable heat. The entry fee is around Rs.2,000 but worth the experience.
5. Pidurangala Rock: Pindurangla is a massive rock formation located a few kilometers north of Sigiriya in Sri Lanka. It has a history attached to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, climbing to the top of Pidurangala Rock is a little more arduous task than climbing Sigiriya. It takes 30-40 minutes to hike with an entry fee of Rs.145.
6. Kandy Tour: Small but infinite in wonders
To explore Kandy, you can hire an auto for Rs. 1,200-Rs.1,500 which is 75 km from Dambulla and 115 km from Colombo. Ideally, you should opt for a bus as it only takes Rs.75 for Kandy. It’s renowned for its religious significance, particularly as home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. Buddha Tooth Temple: The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa) in Kandy is a UNESCO World Heritage and one of the most sacred places for Buddhists worldwide. It houses a tooth relic of Lord Buddha and offers visitors a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s spirituality and culture. The entry fee for SAARC Nationals is around Rs.290 and Rs.350 for other foreign Nationals. Make sure you follow the dress code for the entry and enjoy the cultural performances.
7. Kandy Lake and Tea Museum: Kandy Lake is also known as Kiri Mahuda, created in 1807 by King Sri Wickrama Rajasinghe which has become a favorite spot for locals and tourists alike. There’s a well-maintained path where you can stroll, a small island at the center believed to have been used as the royal harem and later for British military purposes with the decorative wall bordering the lake, which remains an iconic feature. The lake is beautifully lit at night, creating a magical atmosphere for evening visitors. There are guided paddleboat tours available for Rs.1,000-Rs.1,200.
8. Nuwara Eliya Tour: The Little England of Sri Lanka
Nuwara Eliya is a charming hill station known for its cool climate, colonial-era architecture, and lush tea plantation. You can explore the places here in an auto for Rs.50, as it is perched in the middle of Sri Lanka. Ensure to carry some warm clothes for Nuwara Eliya as this is quite different from other spots of Sri Lanka. Here there are three additional things to do, namely:
1. Gregory Lake: This picturesque lake is perfect for boating, picnics, or even for a leisurely walk along its shores. Paddle and speed boats are available for hire at Rs.600.
2. Tea Plantation: You can explore estates like Mackwoods, Pedro Tea Estate, or Damro Tea to learn insights about tea production and enjoy tastings. The estates are surrounded by stunning vistas of rolling tea gardens. This place is less crowded than the other spots of Sri Lanka.
3. Hakgala Botanical Gardens: These gardens feature exotic plant species and vibrant blooms, perfect for nature enthusiasts and photography with an entry fee of Rs.800.
CONCLUSION
To truly experience Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean”, all you need is an adventurous spirit and a dash of curiosity. However, to make your journey seamless and memorable, keep in mind these points that will surely work as a tip:
Now, you’re all set to embark on your journey in Sri Lanka, a treasure trove of wildlife, tea plantation, and adventure.
IMPORTANT INFORMATION
1. How to Reach?
Flight Duration:
Airlines such as Sri Lankan Airlines, Air India, and Indigo, are some options for you, keep in mind that booking your flight from the southern region of India is cheaper than the north.By Train & Bus: While there is no direct land route to Sri Lanka (due to the ocean barrier), you can combine bus and train journeys to reach closer points in South India and then take a flight: You can take a bus to Tamil Nadu or travel by train to Rameshwaram.
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