WELCOME TO SRI LANKA
Our journey in Sri Lanka began in the capital city of Columbo. As we had just over 2 weeks, we decided to get a train straight to the beautiful beaches in the south.
Our first destination was Weligama, it was a long 5+ hours but the beautiful views and sunset made it worthwhile.
2 WEEKS IN A TUK TUK
We arrived in Weligama and found out about a rare and unique experience we wanted to do; rent a Tuk Tuk! We found it at https://tuktukrental.com.
After passing a hilarious and interesting 2-hour driving test, we were extremely excited to have our very own Tuk Tuk and freedom to drive anywhere we wanted for 2 weeks.
HIRIKETIYA BEACH
With 4 days of beach life, I knew we had a lot to do and also how hard it would be to leave. We wanted to check out Hiriketiya beach as we heard it was paradise and more secluded than the other beaches. Was it worth over a 1hr drive from where we were staying? Yes of course. It’s a very small beach but perfect if you want to relax and escape the noise.
WELIGAMA BEACH
Weligama was our base camp for a few nights for the surfing. Weligama is known for its waves and it was without a doubt the best beach to surf. I can see why people from around the world, from beginners to the advanced flock here. There are plenty of surf schools and rental places on the beach if you want to learn at great prices. As I’ve had previous lessons, I chose to rent my own board for a few hours each day.
MIRRISA BEACH
Just a short drive from Weligama beach, Mirrisa offers a very different vibe of partying and more restaurants on the beach. At night it really transforms into a buzzing party spot with beaming lights in the sky and music heard from miles away calling you.
ELLA
After a 6 hour drive from Mirissa, we finally arrived in Ella in the late evening. Waking up to this beautiful Mountain View was surreal, and also a realisation of how high up we actually were. After a nice Sri Lankan breakfast and exploring the town, we made a plan to see the Nine Arches Bridge and Little Adams Peak a short drive away.
NINE ARCHES BRIDGE
The beautiful nine arches make it a very picturesque spot especially as it is located in a dense jungle and agricultural setting. Behind the railway, a forest is booming and below, tea leaves are being cultivated. A short climb down through the jungle led us to this peaceful place.
LITTLE ADAMS PEAK
Before the weather turned on us, we hiked the beautiful Little Adams Peak. Climbing to the peak can take anywhere between 1-3 hours, but as competition kicked in between us 4 guys, we managed to climb to the peak in under 1 hour. Reaching 1141m (3744ft), we relaxed and took in these breath-taking views.
CASTLEREIGH RESERVOIR
From Ella, we headed west to the area of Hatton in our Tuk Tuk which was a 4-hour drive. We woke up to this incredible view (main cover image) on Castlereagh Reservoir staying at Achintha Family Guesthouse, which we found on booking.com. With such a great deal, 4 double beds, £16 each for 2 nights with breakfast included, it was an easy decision.
After briefly exploring the surroundings in the little town of Hatton I needed to relax and prepare myself for Adams Peak, which was an hour’s drive away.
ADAMS PEAK
An hour’s drive away, we had to leave our beautiful lake accommodation early in the morning, as we knew how crowded it would be. Along the drive was beautiful lush tea plantations and hills as far as the eye could see.
Previously climbing Little Adams Peak we were ready for the “bigger brother”: Adam’s Peak. Reaching 2,243m (7,359ft), I knew it was going to be a challenge. 7km up and 5500 steps to be exact. Unfortunately, we did not have the best weather and visibility but all the tourists and locals kept us going up the thousands of steps.
AMBULUWAWA TEMPLE
After the exhausting Adam’s Peak trek, our next destination was a 2hr 30min drive north to Ambuluwawa Temple in Gampola.
At a height of 3567ft above sea level lies this incredible spiral tower which can be seen from miles away. Along the walk up the steep hill, we got up close up to monkeys and a few horses and enjoyed the views as we climbed.
The narrow winding stairway led to these amazing views, surrounded by 360 degrees valleys and mountains, well worth the small entrance fee, queuing at the top and climb.
ONE OF THE WORLD’S MOST SCENIC TRAIN ROUTES – ELLA TO KANDY
After the quick stop off at Ambuluwawa Temple we jumped back into our Tuk Tuk and drove further north 1 hour to Kandy. As crazy as we were (not recommended), but two of us got a 4-hour taxi back to Ella to catch the famous train ride to Kandy. Why do you ask? We booked our 1st class tickets (around 1250Rs – approx $9) in advance.
Known for one of the world’s most scenic and popular train routes, it’s a long 7 hr train ride, however with these views and being able to freely walk around and hang out of the train, time does fly by.
SIGIRIYA – PIDURANGALA ROCK
Coming to the end of our 2 week Sri Lanka experience was our last stop and Sri Lanka’s wonder and a must see – Pidurangala rock. I managed to bargain with a taxi driver who drove us to Sigiriya and back to Kandy for 1 day.
My friend and I woke up early for the 3 hour drive north to the area of Sigiriya. We chose to go Pidurangala rock as it costs $3 compared to Lion’s Rock $30, which can be seen in the distance opposite.
These incredible views were the highlights of my trip. It’s a short 20 – 30min hike up with parts being a bit “off-road” but well worth it.
With panorama views as far as the eye can see, it’s honestly a stunning place that has to be the number 1 destination on anyone’s Sri Lanka itinerary.
GOLDEN DAMBULLA ROCK TEMPLE
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1991, this golden temple was just a 30-minute drive from Pidurangala rock.
As we had another 3-hour drive back to Kandy, we had a quick stop off. With limited time we missed the five caves and the 157 status of Lord Buddha, however, managed to explore the grounds and capture photos of the many monkeys roaming around.
THE END…
I didn’t know what to expect before coming to Sri Lanka, it was a complete surprise to fall in love with this country. In only 2 weeks of exploring the island, Sri Lanka had everything. With Sri Lanka being incredibly cheap, and happy, friendly people everywhere, you cannot go wrong in this country. Also, rent a Tuk Tuk for a totally unique experience you cannot find anywhere else.
THE SOUTH: BEACH LIFE
If you want the beach life with surfing, relaxing and quality food, you have Weligama. If you want a more secluded quiet beach then Hiriketiya beach is paradise. If you want to party and more quality restaurants then you have Mirissa.
THE NORTH: SAFARI-HIKING-NATURE-TEMPLES
From the lush green tea plantations, valleys, lakes and mountains, the north has so much to offer. From hiking Adams Peak and Sigiriya rock to seeing wildlife in national parks such as Uda Walawe.
Will I be back? Yes, and I would recommend ideally a whole month as there is so much more to explore.
