Sri Lanka: An Unforgettable Journey
Hey everyone! My travel group and I just returned from an amazing 11-day trip to Sri Lanka during the Lunar New Year. I absolutely loved it and wanted to share my experience with you all. I'm so excited to share my insights and tips for exploring this beautiful destination.
Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?
Absolutely, 100% yes! It's especially incredible if you have kids. Wildlife is everywhere! Imagine elephants roaming freely on the roads. I personally watched a young elephant spend five hours just washing grass by a lake. Amazing! Kids will adore Sri Lanka because of the incredible safari opportunities, the diverse wildlife on land and in the sea, and the chance to swim alongside sea turtles. How cool is that?
Even without children, Sri Lanka is still fantastic. The biggest draw for me is the pristine and gorgeous beaches. Personally, I enjoyed Sri Lanka more than Bali. To find beautiful beaches in Bali, you often need to stay in resorts in the Lovina area or take a boat to Nusa Penida. In Sri Lanka, just head to Galle or Mirissa, and you're set. Sri Lanka offers a similar range of adventurous activities and relaxing retreats as Bali. Plus, the seafood is freshly caught, unlike the often frozen options in Bali.
When is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka?
The ideal time is between December and April, which is the peak season for the southern region. I only visited temples in the north and didn't explore the northern beaches, so I can't comment on their beauty. However, the southern beaches are stunning and incredibly clean. I found myself captivated by the beaches there, even more so than those on the Amalfi Coast or Costa Brava.
Where Should You Go in Sri Lanka?
If you're a Buddhist devotee, consider visiting Anuradhapura to explore its ancient temples. The Rock Carving Temple in Dambulla is also breathtaking and worth a visit. For a classic itinerary, make sure you include Sigiriya, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya (similar to Da Lat in Vietnam), Ella, and Galle. I especially loved Galle because I met the friendliest tuk-tuk driver who showed me all the best spots for food and fun, from morning until late at night. It was an amazing experience!
If you're physically fit and have strong religious faith, you can challenge yourself by climbing Adam's Peak. However, be aware that the steps are steep, the wind can be freezing, and you might encounter congestion during the pilgrimage season in January and February. Therefore, it's not recommended for those with limited physical fitness. It took me a total of 12 hours to return to the hotel, including a five-hour wait on the mountain.
Skip Colombo. I regret wasting a day there. It was incredibly dull!
Should You Book the Kandy-Ella Train?
Everyone raves about this train journey, so it's worth considering. However, securing tickets is harder than getting tickets to the Colosseum in Rome. I wasn't able to get those tickets, so I opted for a ride on a steam train instead. The trip was still enjoyable, though I missed the Nine Arch Bridge (because I bought the wrong ticket; I should have gotten off one stop later) and the views of the tea plantations.
What is the Food Like in Sri Lanka? Is it Expensive?
If you enjoy local cuisine, it's quite affordable. You can spend around 100k-150k VND for two people, but be prepared for a lot of curry. To sample different local dishes, try visiting a curry buffet restaurant. There's a wider variety to avoid getting tired of the same flavors. Local restaurants often serve naan bread with a bowl of curry (without meat) or massive plates of fried rice.
Food prices tend to increase as you head south. Seafood can be quite pricey. The best option is to visit Galle and contact my tuk-tuk driver friend. He can take you around and cook for you. It's delicious, affordable, and caters well to Vietnamese tastes. Oh, I still miss his cooking!
Western food costs around 150k VND per person (this price is for 5 people ordering 4 dishes) in the north or in the Kandy-Ella region. In the south, expect to pay around 300k VND per person (with seafood).
Should You Book a Driver for the Entire Trip or for Individual Legs?
Drivers in Sri Lanka can be unreliable, often showing one thing and delivering another. They might present pictures of nice vehicles but provide something worse. Therefore, if you're traveling in a group, it's best to book a driver with a good reputation for the entire trip, if possible. The driver I booked was honest and helpful. Also, my tuk-tuk driver and cook in Galle is incredibly kind. He now offers tours for groups of up to 14 people, so feel free to contact me for his contact information. Otherwise, be cautious.
What is the Train Experience Like?
The steam train experience is good. The train is clean, beautiful, and doesn't have air conditioning, but the weather is cool like in Da Lat, so it's fine. The local train from Galle to Colombo, on the other hand, is a unique experience. The scenery along the way is gorgeous (running along the coast), but the 3-hour trip lacks air conditioning, and you have to fight for a seat. If you choose this option, remember to bring a small suitcase. In Sri Lanka, luggage isn't allowed at the front of the train or in the aisles; it has to be placed above your head (like in an airplane cabin). Imagine lifting a 15-20kg suitcase up there! Fortunately, my tuk-tuk friend in Galle decided to join us on the train to Colombo. As a result, he became my porter! Without him pulling me through the crowds and carrying my luggage, I would have been standing for three hours to Colombo! I had to rely on local expertise to navigate the chaos.
What are the Hotels Like in Sri Lanka?
Be aware that many hotels don't have hot water or air conditioning. So, be sure to check with the hotel before you arrive.
Sri Lanka E-Visa?
There are fake websites, so be careful. The fake websites look identical to the official government site, but they send you emails urging you to pay quickly or you won't receive the preferential rate. If something like that happens, it's a scam. To differentiate, remember that the ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) price is $50, whereas fake websites charge $150 per person.
```