Sri Lanka Unveiled : A Week of Adventure, Culture and Natural Beauty
Day 1-2: Kandy - The Cultural Capital Our adventure began with a red-eye flight from Dubai to Colombo, landing at Colombo Airport, the main international gateway to Sri Lanka. Our first destination was Kandy, the island's second-largest city. Nestled within its lush hills, we stayed at the charming Kandy House, a traditional boutique villa. The highlight of Kandy was undoubtedly the Sacred Tooth Relic Temple, where we witnessed the enchanting evening prayers amidst thousands of oil lamps and fragrant blue water lilies. Stepping on the moonstones at the temple's entrance, we embraced the local tradition of surrendering our worries. Kandy - Trekking and Village Exploration Our adventurous spirit led us downhill to Knuckles Peak, starting from Rangalla in the Central Highlands. This trek, curated for beginners, allowed us to delve into the biodiversity hotspot and immerse ourselves in village activities, forging connections with the locals.
Day 3-4: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya - A Scenic Train Ride Leaving Kandy, we embarked on a scenic train journey to Nuwara Eliya. This mode of travel is highly favored by both locals and tourists, offering breathtaking views of the central highlands. Nuwara Eliya - Tea Plantations and Waterfalls Our two days in Nuwara Eliya were filled with adventure and culture. We explored the lush tea plantations, visited the Labookellie tea factory, hiked to the Bomburella waterfalls, and paid a visit to the Lord Rama - Sita temple, steeped in legend and history.
Day 5: Ella and Yala National Park - A Glimpse of Colonial Heritage En route to Yala National Park, we made a brief stop at Ella to witness the colonial-era Nine Arch Bridge, a favorite among Instagrammers. Our destination was the newly opened Hilton Yala Resort, where we experienced the magic of a Bush Walk in the heart of the national park.
Day 6: Yala National Park - A Wildlife Safari Extravaganza An early morning wake-up call brought us an unforgettable wildlife Jeep Safari in Yala National Park. Our luck seemed boundless as we spotted a leopard, an elephant, peacocks, wild boars, and various birds and deer. Sri Lanka, the "leopard country," lived up to its reputation.
Day 7: Tangalle and Kogalla Beach - Serene Coastal Retreat As our action-packed adventure concluded, we headed for Tangalle, stopping at the Old Town of Galle to relive Sri Lanka's historical past. Our second-to-last night was spent at Coco Tangalle, a boutique-style beachfront stay, indulging in delicious homemade curries by our in-house chef. Our final stop, Kogalla Beach, welcomed us with open arms at the Fortress, a stunning property overlooking the Indian Ocean, where the sight of Stilt Fishermen painted a picturesque scene.
Sri Lanka, with its incredible diversity, left us yearning for more adventures. From the cultural marvels of Kandy to the scenic wonders of Nuwara Eliya and the wild beauty of Yala National Park, our journey was a testament to the island's allure. As we bid farewell to Kogalla Beach, the emerald island etched unforgettable memories into our hearts, promising a return for even more adventures in this mesmerizing destination. Sri Lanka had truly cast its spell on us, leaving us eager for the next chapter of our travel adventure.