Day 1 - Colombo to Dambulla. Arrival inward Colombo. Took a double-decker from Katunayake nigh the aerodrome to Kurunegala, therefore some other double-decker to Dambulla. Upon arrival inward Dambulla, I checked inward to Lotus Tourist Inn Resort. Visited the Golden Temple in addition to Dambulla Cave Temple inward the afternoon. Overnight inward Dambulla.
Day 2 - Sigiriya & Dambula to Kandy. Half twenty-four hr menstruation trip to Sigiriya, visiting Sigiriya Rock & Pidurangala Rock. Upon returning to Dambulla, I checked out from the guesthouse in addition to took a double-decker to Kandy. Arrival inward Kandy in addition to stayed at Clock Inn Kandy. Overnight inward Kandy.
Day 3 - Kandy. Full twenty-four hr menstruation sightseeing around Kandy, visiting Kandy Lake, Kandy viewpoint in addition to the Temple of the Tooth to lift a few. Overnight inward Kandy.
Day 4- Kandy to Ella. Checked out from guesthouse in addition to boarded the prepare from Kandy heading to Ella. Arrival inward Ella in addition to check-in to Spice Hut Hostel. In the afternoon, I went for a curt trek to Little Adam's Peak to sentry the sunset. Overnight inward Ella.
Day 5- Ella. Went on a one-half twenty-four hr menstruation trek to Ella Rock. On the afterwards part of the day, I went to Ravana falls for an afternoon dip. Overnight inward Ella.
Day 6 - Ella to Mirissa. Visited the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge inward the morning. Afterwards, I checked out in addition to took a double-decker to Matara, therefore some other double-decker to Mirissa. Stayed at Flora & Fauna Mirissa Guesthouse for the duration of my remain there. Overnight inward Mirissa.
Day 7 - Mirissa. Sightseeing around Mirissa beach. Also visited other points of involvement inward the vicinity, such equally the Mirissa fisheries harbor in addition to Secret Beach. Overnight inward Mirissa.
Day 8 - Mirissa to Unawatuna. Checked out from the guesthouse in addition to took a double-decker to Unawatuna. Upon arrival there, I stayed at Pink Elephant Hostel inward Unawatuna. Overnight inward Unawatuna.
Day 9 - Unawatuna, Galle & Koggala. Half twenty-four hr menstruation trip to Galle inward the morning, visiting Galle Fort. In the afterwards one-half of the day, I went to Koggala beach to sentry stilt fishing. Overnight inward Unawatuna.
Day 10 - Unawatuna to Galle to Colombo. Check out from hostel in addition to took a double-decker to Galle, therefore a prepare to Colombo. Upon arrival there, I went sightseeing around Colombo, visiting Pettah market, the Fort surface area in addition to Galle Face Green, before heading to the aerodrome for my flying home.
Itinerary Map (click to sentiment POIs in addition to routes)
12.00 am - Arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo past times flying (Malindo Air) - RM584 (return)
Immigration clearance. Malaysians volition involve to apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) prior to arriving inward Sri Lanka. You tin practise it online past times visiting this website, and at this betoken of writing, costs $35 to apply for the xxx twenty-four hr menstruation tourist visa. Be certain to convey along a printed re-create for checking purposes upon arrival. In instance they inquire for proof of sufficient funds, exactly make your credit card when requested
Went to the currency central to convert some of the dollars I had into Sri Lankan rupees. There are plenty of them inward the airport, exactly select whatever one, all them offering the same rates.
Purchased a Dialog sim card (with 4GB of data, valid for xxx days) for my usage afterwards - 1,300 rupees
Had supper at the airport's cafeteria - Sweet curl & java (220 rupees)
It was silent rattling early on inward the morning time in addition to since the earliest double-decker to Dambulla is at 6am, I decided to residual for a few hours inward the airport
Arriving inward Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
Where I spent my early on morning time hours, those chairs are non equally comfortable equally they look, I truly had problem getting 40 winks on those!
Took this on my agency out from the aerodrome to start my adventures inward Sri Lanka
Colombo to Dambulla past times bus
There are many ways to larn to Dambulla but ane of the most cost-effective method is taking the double-decker from Katunayake to Dambulla. There are no direct buses however, therefore from Katunayake y'all involve to stimulate got a double-decker to Kurunegala first, in addition to from at that topographic point some other double-decker to Dambulla
5.30 am - Walked from the aerodrome to the nearby Katunayake double-decker station at Awariwatta (under fifteen minutes). To larn there, larn out the aerodrome in addition to stimulate got a right in addition to follow the route downwards for well-nigh 1km until y'all attain an arch. Upon reaching this arch, plough left before a row of shops in addition to follow this route for some other 150m until y'all attain a roundabout. Take the initiative of all left at this roundabout in addition to follow the route until y'all reckon the double-decker station on your left
6.00 am - Ride double-decker #5 (with letters 'Katunayake - Kurunegala') to Kurunegala - 100 rupees
8.00 am - Arrive inward Kurunegala (dropped off nigh the Kurunegala double-decker station)
8.15 am - 9.00 am - Photo walk around Kurunegala. Besides the Kurunegala Clock Tower in addition to Ethagala, at that topographic point honestly isn't much to reckon hither that is within walking distance. Had breakfast at a bakery contrary the double-decker station - Pastries & tea (140 rupees)
9.30 am - Ride double-decker #48 (with letters 'Kurunegala - Kaduruwela') from Kurunegala double-decker station to Dambulla - 150 rupees
The aerodrome arch on my agency to Katunayake double-decker station
The roundabout inward Awariwatta, Katunayake
Katunayake double-decker station at dusk
There's no direct double-decker from Katunayake to Dambulla, but y'all tin stimulate got double-decker #5 to Kurunegala first, therefore from at that topographic point abide by some other double-decker to Dambulla
Kurunegala inward the early on morning
Ethagala is ane of vii rocks overlooking Kurunegala, in addition to is exactly some of the sights y'all tin run into exactly a curt walking distance from the double-decker station
Kurunegala double-decker station
Waiting to board my double-decker to Dambulla
Arrival inward Dambulla
11.30 am - Arrive inward Dambulla (dropped off nigh the clock tower inward the town center)
Walked from the town centre to my accommodation inward Dambulla (under 45 minutes). Had tiffin at Sunray eating topographic point enroute - Rice & curry (300 rupees)
1.00 pm - Check-in to Lotus Inn Tourist Resort - 1,020 rupees per dark (stayed for 1 night). The identify is quite prissy for the price, even therefore due to pitiful ventilation, the rooms tin larn a combat warm in addition to stuffy, peculiarly inward the afternoons. Furthermore, it's a combat far away from town. On the summation side, the possessor (and his wife) made every endeavour to ensure my remain hither was a expert one, in addition to it's within walking distance to the Golden Temple & Dambulla Cave Temple
The double-decker I took from Kurunegala dropped me off inward the centre of Dambulla town
Walking to my accommodation inward Dambulla. Quite a considerable distance from town, but rattling unopen to the Golden Temple
Lotus Inn Tourist Resort, Dambulla
The room I got at Lotus Inn. It's non also bad for the price
Golden Temple & Dambulla Cave Temple
3.30 pm - Walked from the guesthouse to the Golden Temple (under fifteen minutes). The stairs to Dambulla Cave Temple is located within the Golden Temple's compound. Both these places are complimentary to enter. Take banking concern notation that y'all are required to stimulate got your shoes off before entering the cave temple, at that topographic point is shoe storage available nigh the entrance for a little fee (25 rupees)
Updated inward June 2017: Dambulla Cave Temple at nowadays has an entrance fee of 1,500 rupees, that y'all volition involve to pay at a ticket booth located W of the stone well-nigh 1km walk away. There's no ticket booth at the top, therefore y'all volition involve to purchase a ticket before y'all climb
The climb to Dambulla Cave Temple isn't also hard and takes well-nigh 20 minutes if you're physically fit. For a combat of motivation, the magnificent views from the top does brand all that climbing worthwhile
4.00 pm - 6.00 pm - Photo ops around Dambulla Cave Temple. There are a few caves amongst plenty of Buddha images inside, in addition to all of them tin survive seen inward nether an hr or so. Stayed around until sunset before returning to the guesthouse
Had dinner at the guesthouse - Kottu roti (300 rupees)
An afternoon inward the Golden Temple, Dambulla
This gigantic Buddha statue is the most striking thing y'all tin abide by inward the Golden Temple
Stairs to the Dambulla Cave Temple
It's a tiring but curt climb to Dambulla Cave Temple. Remember to stimulate got a breather, human face dorsum in addition to survive rewarded amongst views such equally these
The views larn to a greater extent than breathtaking the farther upwardly y'all go
Finally at the top, in addition to the views are magnificent
Dambulla Cave Temple
There are a few caves inward the area, each amongst its ain story in addition to ornate carvings in addition to statues, but this ane I liked the best out of all of them
6.15 am - Took a tuk tuk to Dambulla double-decker station (under v minutes) - 150 rupees
Based on what I've read, the earliest double-decker to Sigiriya was supposed to survive at 6.30 am, but at that topographic point weren't whatever that day, therefore I had to hold back until 7am for one. Bought some snacks at a store inward the double-decker station (50 rupees)
Alternatively, the guesthouse I stayed at provided a taxi service to Sigiriya in addition to dorsum for 1,500 rupees. Alternatively, they also rent out motorcycles for 1,000 rupees per day. Based on what I experienced, renting your ain vehicle may survive the agency to drib dead if y'all dislike walking a lot
7.10 am - Ride double-decker #490 (with letters 'Dambulla - Sigiriya') from Dambulla double-decker station to Sigiriya - 50 rupees
Taking the local bus, the cheapest agency to larn to Sigiriya from Dambulla
In & Around Sigiriya
7.55 am - Arrive inward Sigiriya (hopped off at the double-decker halt inward forepart of a dirt route that leads into Sigiriya Rock)
Walked from the double-decker halt to the entrance & ticketing surface area of Sigiriya Rock (under fifteen minutes)
It's non a rattling long walk, exactly well-nigh 1km inward distance. The path is generally apartment in addition to goes around a large moat. If y'all aren't also neat on walking, y'all tin also hire a tuk tuk to larn around Sigiriya. Have been quoted 150-200 rupees to larn to Sigiriya Rock, in addition to 200-400 rupees to larn to Pidurangala Rock
8.10 am - Arrive at the entrance & ticketing surface area of Sigiriya Rock. Only viewed it from the exterior equally the entrance fee costs 4,200 rupees! While Sigiriya Rock does stimulate got its merits, existence a UNESCO heritage site in addition to all, I establish it also touristy in addition to also exorbitant for my liking
Hopped off at the double-decker halt in addition to the initiative of all thing that comes into sentiment is Sigiriya Rock
The dirt route that connects the primary route to Sigiriya Rock's entrance. There are many tuk tuks plying the road, therefore it's non also hard to flag ane downwards inward instance y'all larn tired of walking
The moat surface area that surrounds Sigiriya Rock. There's a few signs that state 'Beware of crocodiles' planted around the moat, I'm silent wondering if that's truly true
Spotted a few black-faced macaques patch making my agency around Sigiriya
A long trace of visitors waiting to larn within Sigiriya Rock
Pidurangala Rock
8.30 am - Walked to Pidurangala Rock, non also far from Sigiriya Rock (under 25 minutes). The distance is walkable (just nether 2km), even therefore y'all tin engage whatever tuk tuk to stimulate got y'all at that topographic point for nether 200 rupees if y'all bargain
8.55 am - Arrive at the base of operations of Pidurangala Rock. The trail caput is located behind a little temple. Paid a little donation to displace into - 500 rupees
Getting to Pidurangala Rock is quite straightforward, exactly follow the trail in addition to the signs. The ascension itself isn't also challenging in addition to takes well-nigh xxx minutes. However, at that topographic point is a combat of stone climbing y'all stimulate got to practise towards the end, I recommend wearing proper footwear for this
9.30 am - 10.30 am - Photo ops at Pidurangala Rock. Amazing views of Sigiriya Rock in addition to the environs from the top! If y'all are curt on fourth dimension in addition to larn to select only one, I highly recommend Pidurangala over Sigiriya Rock
Walking from Sigiriya Rock to Pidurangala Rock
The trail starts behind a little temple nigh the base of operations of Pidurangala Rock
Climbing upwardly the few hundred steps (I lost count how many) to Pidurangala Rock
Saw this on my agency up. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 reclining Buddha paradigm carved out of the rock
Finally at the top of Pidurangala Rock, in addition to the views are breathtaking!
A unopen upwardly shot of Sigiriya Rock
Further upwardly Pidurangala Rock
Beautiful panoramic views of Sigiriya in addition to its environs from Pidurangala Rock
Back to Dambulla
10.30 am - Descend dorsum downwards from Pidurangala Rock (under fifteen minutes)
Took a tuk tuk dorsum to the Sigiriya double-decker halt (under 10 minutes) - 200 rupees
11.00 am - Ride a passing double-decker (with letters 'Sigiriya - Dambulla') dorsum to Dambulla - 40 rupees
11.45 am - Back inward Dambulla (dropped off at Dambulla double-decker station). Took some other tuk tuk dorsum to the guesthouse - 150 rupees
Heading dorsum to Dambulla
Dambulla to Kandy past times bus
12.15 pm - Pack upwardly in addition to check-out from the guesthouse
12.35 pm - Ride double-decker #42 (any double-decker amongst letters 'Kandy') from Dambulla to Kandy - 98 rupees
It's non necessary to board the double-decker at the double-decker station, I exactly hailed it from the roadside nigh my guesthouse equally it was passing by, exactly brand certain you're standing on the right side of the road
Taking the double-decker again, this fourth dimension to Kandy. Notice how total the double-decker is, I truly had to represent an hr before eventually getting a seat
Arrival inward Kandy
2.45 pm - Arrive inward Kandy (hopped off at the junction nigh my accommodation inward Kandy)
Check-in to Clock Inn Kandy - $6.70 per dark (took the capsule bed option). Stayed for 2 nights (total cost - $13.40). One of the best guesthouses I've stayed at inward Sri Lanka, truly expert value for money in addition to is within walking distance to most tourist hotspots inward Kandy. Opt for the capsule beds, they're truly spacious in addition to comfortable!
4.00 pm - 7.00 pm - Didn't truly stimulate got plans for the day, therefore I spent some fourth dimension exactly walking around inward Kandy City Center (KCC) mall. Had dinner at the mall's nutrient courtroom - Chicken tikka masala (600 rupees) & ceylon tea (200 rupees)
Alternatively, for your initiative of all dark inward Kandy, it would survive a expert thought to grab the Kandyan trip the low-cal fantastic toe performance (5pm daily, costs 1,000 rupees per person). It wasn't truly my loving cup of tea, therefore I skipped it
7.30 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Arriving inward Kandy
Clock Inn Kandy is ane of the best guesthouses I've stayed inward Sri Lanka
The capsule bed I got inward Clock Inn Kandy
Evening falls on Kandy
My initiative of all twenty-four hr menstruation inward Kandy was relatively uneventful. My even was spent hanging out inward Kandy City Center Mall
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast & tea (included inward the room rate)
Sightseeing around Kandy
8.00 am - 12.00 pm - Photo walk around Kandy, visiting the next points of involvement along the way:
Kandy Clock Tower. One of the primary landmarks inward Kandy, situated side past times side to the double-decker station
Torrington Park. Located direct across the route from where Kandy Clock Tower is. There's a souvenir marketplace direct below it on the lower level
Kandy Market Hall. Very local market, selling almost everything nether the sun. Best fourth dimension to see is inward the mornings to early on afternoons
Bogambara prison. Currently, the 2d largest prison theater inward Sri Lanka. Only viewed from the exterior equally y'all can't displace into anyways
Kandy Viewpoint. Located S of Kandy Lake, nigh Wales Park. Finding this identify isn't also hard actually. To larn hither from Bogambara prison, y'all involve to follow the route (between the prison theater in addition to KCC mall) towards Kandy Lake until y'all attain a junction. From here, follow the little path that leads uphill until y'all attain a road. Turn left, therefore walk for some other 300m until y'all attain the viewpoint
The morning time sentiment from my capsule. No, really. This is what I wake upwardly to every morning time for the few days I was inward Kandy
Going for my morning time walk around Kandy. First stop, Meera Macaam mosque
Exploring a dissimilar part of town. Taken at Yatinuwara Veediya street
Kandy Clocktower
The souvenir marketplace below Torrington Park
Kandy Market Hall
Beautiful tree amongst brilliant autumnal colors nigh the market
Locals taking a shortcut through the prepare tracks to larn to locomote or to school
Bogambara prison, the 2d largest inward Sri Lanka
Kandy viewpoint. There seems to survive a lot of structure going on at the time, mayhap at that topographic point volition survive a proper viewing deck inward the future?
Views of Kandy urban nitty-gritty from Kandy viewpoint
Sightseeing around Kandy (continued)
Lunch at the nutrient courtroom inward KCC Mall - Hyderabad chicken briyani (600 rupees) & ceylon tea (200 rupees)
2.00 pm - 4.00 pm - Continue sightseeing around Kandy lake. There's a little marketplace in addition to the Kandyan Cultural Centre (where the Kandyan trip the low-cal fantastic toe is performed) around the northeastern part of the lake
Had some refreshments at Natural Coffee cafe (along Temple Street) - Strawberry milkshake (330 rupees)
Kandy Lake
The loma where Kandy viewpoint is, equally seen from the lake
Enjoying my leisure fourth dimension around the lake
The little but rather interesting marketplace around the northeastern side of Kandy lake
Kandyan Cultural Centre, ane of few places inward Kandy where the Kandyan dances are performed daily
Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa)
5.00 pm - 8.00 pm - Sightseeing inward Temple of the Tooth. Being ane of the most sacred sites inward Sri Lanka, there's a wearing clothing code to adhere to before existence allowed entry, therefore survive certain to wearing clothing conservatively. Paid the entrance fee - 1,500 rupees (includes complimentary entry into the World Buddhist Museum)
There is quite a combat to reckon inward the temple, therefore survive certain to spare a few hours if y'all desire to reckon the identify inward its entirety. The best fourth dimension to see is during puja, a religious ceremony that takes identify a few times daily (the fourth dimension slots are 5.30 am, 9.30 am in addition to 6.30 pm). During puja, some areas (including the shrine which houses the molar relic) that are ordinarily off limits are opened to visitors
Dinner at License to Grill stall inward Torrington Park - Torrington chicken sandwich (300 rupees) & coke (160 rupees)
9.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Lawn surface area leading to the Temple of the Tooth. The Octagon edifice is usually the initiative of all thing visitors would reckon upon entering the area
The moat that partially surrounds the temple
A identify of lights, incense in addition to prayer. Particularly beautiful inward the evenings
The story of the molar relic is depicted within these halls
World Buddhist museum, likely worth a see if y'all stimulate got a lot of fourth dimension on your hands
Inside the Temple of the Tooth
The showtime of puja is marked amongst the audio of trumpets in addition to the banging of drums. This gets interesting for a while, even therefore the existent activity is truly going on upstairs
Upstairs surface area where devotees are lining upwardly in addition to waiting fervently to displace into the molar relic shrine
An ornate door guards the agency to the molar relic shrine. It gets opened for exactly a few seconds from fourth dimension to fourth dimension to allow people to displace into to glimpse the molar relic
Breakfast at the guesthouse - Eggs, toast & tea (included inward the room rate). Pack upwardly in addition to check-out from the guesthouse
7.30 am - Walked from the guesthouse to Kandy railway station (under 20 minutes)
8.00 am - Purchased a ticket (second class, complimentary seating) for the 8.45am prepare to Ella - 240 rupees
Do banking concern notation that prepare tickets (for 2d in addition to 3rd class) cannot survive booked inward advance. Tickets are sold at the ticket role on the twenty-four hr menstruation itself, therefore survive certain to larn inward at the station at to the lowest degree an hr before divergence fourth dimension to larn your tickets. These tickets stimulate got no topographic point divulge in addition to they never larn sold out anyways, therefore it doesn't affair how early on y'all larn inward at the station to larn your tickets
8.55 am - Board prepare departing for Ella from platform #2
Morning inward Kandy railway station
There was already a long queue past times the fourth dimension I arrived, but it doesn't truly affair when y'all larn your tickets equally it's all complimentary seating
Inside Kandy railway station
A piddling late, but the prepare to Ella finally arrives
There was quite a combat of commotion when the prepare finally stops moving. Everything is a mad rush in addition to most of the available seats (especially window seats in addition to side doors!) larn taken within minutes. It's all complimentary seating, remember?
The prepare ride from Kandy to Ella
The initiative of all hr or therefore of the prepare ride wasn't that interesting, therefore y'all tin sit down dorsum in addition to exactly relax. The scenery got amend in addition to amend after Watawala station
11.15 am - Arrival at Hatton station. Hop off hither if your intention is to hike upwardly Adam's Peak
The scenery after Hatton proceed to survive amazing. Lush tea fields equally far equally the oculus tin reckon all the agency to Nuwara Eliya. Do hold an oculus out for St. Clair's waterfall in addition to the surrounding panorama, well-nigh halfway to Nuwara Eliya (ideally y'all volition desire to survive seated on the left for this)
1.00 pm - Arrival at Nanu Oya station. Hop off hither if your intention is to remain the dark inward Nuwara Eliya in addition to the Horton Plains
After Nanu Oya, at that topographic point is non a lot of expert scenery, a far call from what I saw earlier. Safe to state y'all won't truly missy anything, even therefore at that topographic point are some expert bits closer to Haputale
The prepare ride from Kandy to Ella inward ane picture
Lush tea fields everywhere
This beautiful panorama after Hatton was a particular highlight of the prepare ride
Blink in addition to y'all volition missy it. Spotted St. Clair's waterfall enroute to Nuwara Eliya
Arrival inward Ella
3.30 pm - Arrive inward Ella (hopped off at Ella railway station). Walked from the station to my accommodation inward Ella (under v minutes)
Check-in to Spice Hut Hostel - 1,300 rupees per night. Stayed for 2 nights (total cost - 2,600 rupees). Despite the expert location in addition to reviews, the accommodation was a combat rundown in addition to the facilities provided were rattling basic. Therefore, I abide by it hard to recommend this identify equally it is non worth the money at all. There are amend options elsewhere inward Ella for to a greater extent than or less the same price, therefore I'd propose checking those initiative of all before considering this place. Negatives aside, if y'all don't truly remove heed the basic accommodation, the room in addition to beds were create clean for starters, in addition to the hosts were quite friendly in addition to helpful when I needed directions
Arriving inward Ella
The primary road, where most of the cafes in addition to restaurants inward Ella are located
The junction farther downwards the primary route inward Ella. Going left leads y'all to Little Adam's Peak in addition to Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. Going straight leads y'all to Ella Gap, Ravana falls in addition to Wellawaya
Settling inward to Spice Hut Hostel. Not what I expected really, but it volition do
Little Adam's Peak
4.00 pm - Walked from the hostel to Little Adam's Peak (under 1 hour)
The trail to Little Adam's Peak is a combat exterior of town, even therefore it is silent relatively slowly to locate. Simply caput S downwards the primary road, therefore at the primary junction, follow the route eastward for 1km or therefore until y'all attain the trailhead (near Chillout Ella). Follow this trail in addition to the signs through the tea plantation until y'all attain a staircase (the only hard part of this trek, fortunately it takes only 10-15 minutes to climb to the top)
5.00 pm - 6.00 pm - Photo taking at the top of Little Adam's Peak. Really impressive views of Ella Rock in addition to the Ella Gap from upwardly here. Stayed around until sunset before heading downwards in addition to dorsum to town
Start of the trail to Little Adam's Peak
You tin spot Ella Rock exactly well-nigh everywhere along the trail
Just stimulate got a human face dorsum in addition to notice how far you've come. We're almost there!
The in conclusion combat of stairs leading upwardly to Little Adam's Peak
And we're here! Little Adam's Peak is a rather large area, y'all tin truly walk all the agency to that little loma at the cease to larn a amend sentiment of the Ella Gap
Views of the Ella Gap from Little Adam's Peak
Almost sunset at Little Adam's Peak
Everything is therefore tiny from upwardly here. That's the route to Wellawaya snaking around the base of operations of Ella Rock
Back to Ella
7.00 pm - Back inward Ella. Given my before experience amongst Sri Lankan towns that usually winds downwards early, Ella was a refreshing alter amongst plenty of eateries in addition to nightlife to accommodate the backpacking niche
Dinner at Ella Village eating topographic point - Garlic chicken amongst fries (799 rupees) & Lion lager (350 rupees). Hung out at the eating topographic point for some other hr or ii before returning to the hostel
Ella inward the evenings
So many dining options inward Ella that I'm spoiled for choice, even therefore I ever kept coming dorsum to Ella Village due to inexpensive beers
Getting to Ella Rock tin survive quite confusing for initiative of all timers, even therefore if y'all follow the steps I stimulate got detailed below, it's definitely possible to practise this without a guide
6.30 am - Walked from the hostel towards Ella Rock. The trailhead to Ella Rock is somewhere nigh Kithal Ella railway station, well-nigh 2km from Ella, where y'all tin larn to past times next the prepare tracks. The prepare tracks is only a piddling ways upwardly the primary route from the hostel I stayed at (under v minutes)
7.25 am - Arrive at Kithal Ella station presently after passing a dark Fe bridge. Continued walking along the tracks for some other 400m until I establish a turn-in to a little path leading to a hamlet (it volition survive on your left if you're coming from Kithal Ella). Cross the little twain in addition to forthwith plough left in addition to drib dead upwardly the path through a tea plantation. From here, it's fairly straightforward, proceed next the path until y'all attain Ella Rock. If y'all passed past times some cabanas selling nutrient in addition to potable in addition to saw a lot of eucalyptus trees on the way, y'all know you're going inward the right direction
The trail to Ella Rock isn't also hard at first, the initiative of all one-half starts out on a gradual incline until y'all attain a wood clearing amongst expert views of the Ella Gap. The 2d one-half is quite a hard in addition to sweaty climb, fortunately it only takes well-nigh xxx minutes to larn to the top
8.30 am - Arrive at the top of Ella Rock. Amazing views of Little Adam's Peak in addition to Ella, though I honestly preferred the views from Little Adam's Peak (that's exactly me though lol).
There's a little canteen laid upwardly past times a local here, where y'all tin purchase bottled H2O if y'all ran out
Walking along the prepare tracks to Ella Rock
However, survive careful in addition to hold your eyes in addition to ears peeled for oncoming trains
Morning low-cal streaks
The dark Fe twain enroute to Kithal Ella
Kithal Ella railway station
The turn-in to the hamlet a few hundred meters past times Kithal Ella
The little twain leading to a hamlet exactly after the turn-in. To larn to Ella Rock, y'all involve to drib dead upwardly the little path through a tea plantation (which tin clearly survive seen inward this picture) right after crossing the bridge
This is the hamlet nigh Kithal Ella y'all volition run into (if y'all went straight instead of turning left after the bridge), but this is non where nosotros are headed
After navigating the path through a maze of tall grass in addition to hamlet houses, the path becomes to a greater extent than defined in addition to it's at nowadays a straight shot to the wood clearing before Ella Rock. You volition know you're on the right path if y'all reckon a lot of eucalyptus trees
Reaching this wood clearing marks the showtime of the 2d in addition to in conclusion part of the climb to Ella Rock
Views of Ella Gap in addition to Little Adam's Peak from the wood clearing
The in conclusion xxx minutes of the climb to Ella Rock is admittedly quite hard in addition to tiring, even therefore stimulate got your fourth dimension to grab your breath in addition to admire the scenery on the agency up
The summit of Ella Rock, we've finally made it!
The little canteen at the top of Ella Rock. Give that human being a pat inward the back, amend yet purchase something from him. We're only gonna climb Ella Rock ane time or twice inward our lifetime, but he's doing it almost every day!
Despite Ella Rock existence hard to abide by in addition to climb in addition to all, y'all won't survive the only ane there
Amazing views of Little Adam's Peak in addition to its environs from Ella Rock
Sweeping views of Ella town from the top. The instant y'all realize that the town is exactly sitting on a ridge on the border of the Ella Gap... mindblown
Ravana Falls
10.30 am - Head dorsum downwards from Ella Rock using the same agency I came in addition to dorsum to town
12.30 pm - Back inward Ella. Lunch at Cafe Chill - Sri Lankan curry of the twenty-four hr menstruation (650 rupees) & coke (130 rupees)
1.30 pm - Ride a passing double-decker (any double-decker amongst letters 'Wellawaya') from Ella to Ravana falls (under fifteen minutes) - 20 rupees
1.50 pm - 3.50 pm - Photo taking in addition to enjoying a cool afternoon dip at Ravana falls. There's no entrance fee to displace into the falls area
The double-decker I took from Ella to Ravana falls dropped me off nigh this bridge
Ravana falls
Enjoying an afternoon dip at the falls
Fun amongst the locals. Not trying to audio racist or anything but existence a caucasian makes y'all a celebrity around these parts
Back to Ella
4.00 pm - Ride a passing double-decker (any double-decker amongst letters 'Badulla' or 'Bandarawela') from Ravana falls to Ella - 25 rupees
4.20 pm - Back inward Ella. Head dorsum to the hostel for a well-earned nap in addition to rest
Dinner at Ella Village eating topographic point ane time again - Chicken burger (499 rupees) & Lion lager (350 rupees)
6.30 am - Hired a tuk tuk to stimulate got me to the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge, exactly nether 3km exterior of Ella town - 300 rupees
You could also drib dead at that topographic point on foot, in addition to at that topographic point are a few ways y'all tin usage to larn there. One agency is to follow the prepare tracks from Ella station going eastward for well-nigh 2km until y'all attain the bridge. The other agency is a shortcut through the forest, even therefore I am unsure where to plough inward from the route to larn to this path. Some locals told me that it's supposedly located a piddling ways past times the turn-in to the trail to Little Adam's Peak
6.45 am - The tuk tuk dropped me off somewhere nigh the Nine Arch Bridge. Followed a little trail from the dropoff betoken to the twain (under v minutes)
6.50 am - 7.40 am - Photo taking around Nine Arch Bridge. Best to fourth dimension your see when there's an oncoming train. There are usually trains crossing hither a few times a day, it's best to inquire a local what these times are. In my case, at that topographic point was ane prepare at around 7am
When inward Ella, don't forget to see the Demodara Nine Arch Bridge. It's an architectural marvel inward Sri Lanka, built alone out of bricks in addition to cement without a unmarried slice of steel
If y'all fourth dimension your see to the Nine Arch Bridge exactly right, y'all may larn a rare endangerment to sentry a prepare crossing the bridge
The walk dorsum to Ella from Nine Arch Bridge is well-nigh equally long equally the walk to Kithal Ella, but the picturesque scenery along the agency to a greater extent than than makes upwardly for your trouble
Almost dorsum inward Ella
Ella to Matara past times bus
7.45 am - Walked along the prepare tracks dorsum to Ella from Nine Arch Bridge
8.30 am - Back inward Ella. Brekfast at Remo's eating topographic point - Sri Lankan breakfast (450 rupees)
10.00 am - Pack upwardly in addition to check-out from the hostel
10.15 am - Ride double-decker #31 (with letters 'Bandarawela - Matara') from Ella to Matara - 250 rupees
There's only ane double-decker (#31) well-nigh every hr that goes direct from Ella to Matara. If y'all missed it or you're having a hard fourth dimension spotting it, alternatively y'all tin also stimulate got whatever double-decker to Wellawaya first, in addition to therefore from at that topographic point double-decker #35 to Matara
1.20 pm - Stopover at Hambantota
2.30 pm - Stopover inward Tangalle
Waiting for the double-decker to Matara. There's a lot of buses to Wellawaya but only ane or ii every hr that goes direct to Matara, therefore hold your eyes open
The trip downwards the Ella Gap is a rattling scenic, ideally y'all volition desire to survive seated on the left side to grab all the views
Quick halt inward Wellawaya double-decker station
Another alternative to Matara from Ella is taking whatever double-decker to Wellawaya first, therefore double-decker #35 to Matara
Matara to Mirissa
3.35 pm - Arrive inward Matara (dropped off nigh the suspension twain to Matara Paravi Duwa temple, direct contrary Matara double-decker station)
3.40 pm - 4.30 pm - Sightseeing around Matara, visiting some of the sights there, mainly Matara beach in addition to Paravi Duwa temple
4.35 pm - Ride double-decker #350 (with letters 'Matara - Galle') from Matara double-decker station to Mirissa - 24 rupees
The suspension twain that leads to Matara Paravi Duwa temple
Matara beach
Huge swells battering the coastline nigh Matara
Matara double-decker station
Taking double-decker #350 from Matara to Mirissa
Arrival inward Mirissa
5.05 pm - Arrive inward Mirissa (hopped off at the double-decker halt nigh the Lord's Day Shine Beach Inn). Walked from the double-decker halt to my accommodation inward Mirissa (under v minutes)
Check-in to Flora & Fauna Mirissa Guesthouse - $5.50 per night. Stayed for 2 nights (total cost - $11). I highly recommend this identify if you're staying over inward Mirissa, the rooms hither are truly prissy in addition to spacious for the price, in addition to it's only 50m away from the beach
5.30 pm - Walked from the guesthouse to Mirissa beach (under v minutes) to sentry the sunset
Dinner at Central Beach Inn eating topographic point (located on the beach) - Fish curry amongst rice (500 rupees) & Lion beer (200 rupees)
9.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Arrival inward Mirissa. The identify I stayed at, Flora & Fauna Mirissa Guesthouse tin survive seen here
The room I got at Flora & Fauna Mirissa Guesthouse
Almost sunset at Mirissa beach
Another part of Mirissa beach. Parrot Rock tin survive seen inward the distance
After sunset at Mirissa beach
One of many dining options along Mirissa beach inward the evenings
Breakfast at Mirissa Eye eating topographic point (located on the beach) - American breakfast (500 rupees)
9.00 am - Walked from Mirissa beach to the Mirissa fisheries harbor (under 25 minutes). This identify also serves equally a dock for the whale-watching boats. There's honestly non much to reckon here, other than fishing boats in addition to fishermen going well-nigh their twenty-four hr menstruation to day, in addition to the foul smells from the harbor tin survive a combat off-putting. You volition involve to pay for a gate locomote past times to displace into - 25 rupees
9.40 am - Walked from the harbor to Secret Beach, a secluded beach exactly around the corner (under 20 minutes). Easy plenty to abide by if you're coming from the harbor, even therefore y'all volition involve to larn permission to displace into the Weligambay Villas chemical compound (they exactly permit me inward when I said I was headed for Secret Beach). The views of the seaside on the agency is amazing though, in addition to exploring this surface area is definitely good worth your time
Alternatively, at that topographic point is some other agency to larn to Secret Beach without entering the harbor. Just before arriving at the gates, brand a quick left plough (if you're coming from Mirissa) into a little route that goes through a hamlet in addition to exactly follow the signs. The path isn't equally obvious though, inquire around if you're afraid of losing your way
10.00 am - 12.20 pm - Chilling out in addition to went for a swim at Secret Beach. The beach wasn't equally create clean equally I hoped, even therefore the identify is truly quiet, oft times y'all volition stimulate got the whole identify to yourself. Had some drinks at the Secret Beach Bar - Pineapple juice (250 rupees)
12.30 pm - Walked dorsum to Mirissa (under xxx minutes)
Breakfast fourth dimension at Mirissa Eye
Main gate into the Mirissa Fisheries Harbor
Fishing boats lining the wharf
Just some other day. Fishermen untangling in addition to fixing their nets after a twenty-four hr menstruation out at sea
Admiring this scenic bay nigh Weligambay Villas, on my agency to Secret Beach
Went downwards some stairs, looked dorsum in addition to couldn't halt admiring how beautiful this identify is
Making my agency farther along the coast to Secret Beach. There's a tiny blow hole inward this area, hold an oculus out for it
Entrance to the Secret Beach Bar
Secret Beach, non therefore surreptitious anymore. It's a compassion that there's quite a combat of litter on the beach
Enjoying my twenty-four hr menstruation around Secret Beach
Back inward Mirissa
1.00 pm - Back inward Mirissa beach. Lunch at Suduweli eating topographic point (located on the beach) - Sri Lankan fish curry amongst rice (650 rupees) & java (200 rupees)
3.00 pm - 5.00 pm - Fun on the beach. The sea was quite stone oil during the fourth dimension of my visit, even therefore inward Mirissa, it was rattling swimmable. Rented a bodyboard for 600 rupees (for 2 hours)
6.00 pm - Walked to Parrot Rock, a little islet off the eastern side of Mirissa beach, to sentry the sunset (under v minutes). Best fourth dimension to drib dead is during depression tide, where the H2O is only upwardly to your knees, depression plenty to traverse across to the islet
Dinner at Lord's Day Shine Beach Inn eating topographic point - Seafood fried rice (700 rupees) & coke (100 rupees)
9.00 pm - Return to the guesthouse
Having tiffin at Suduweli restaurant
Western cease of Mirissa Beach, the waves hither are larger, perfect for surfers
Enjoying my afternoon walk around Mirissa beach
Another sentiment of Mirissa beach
Parrot Rock is a crowd favorite for sunsets inward Mirissa. The H2O recedes during depression tide, making it depression plenty to cross over to the islet
9.00 am - Wake up. Had breakfast at Ocean Moon eating topographic point (located on the beach) - Set breakfast (475 rupees)
10.45 am - Pack upwardly in addition to check-out from the guesthouse
11.00 am - Ride double-decker #350 (with letters 'Matara - Galle') from Mirissa to Unawatuna - 50 rupees. Alternatively, y'all tin also stimulate got double-decker #2 (with letters 'Matara - Colombo) to Unawatuna
Arrival inward Unawatuna
11.35 am - Arrive inward Unawatuna (hopped off at the double-decker halt nigh Ridee Villa)
Walked from the double-decker halt to my accommodation inward Unawatuna (under 10 minutes)
Initially, I was going to remain at Dreamhouse Unawatuna, unfortunately Agoda somehow managed to screw upwardly my booking. Going to give them credit even therefore equally they were gracious plenty to offering me a reimbursement. In the end, I stayed at a dissimilar identify that was much closer to the beach
Check-in to Pink Elephant Hostel - 2,500 rupees per dark (took the individual room option). Stayed for 2 nights (total cost - 5,000 rupees, fully reimbursed past times Agoda). Despite the expert reviews, I truly wouldn't recommend this identify if you're choosing a identify to remain inward Unawatuna. If y'all had to, avoid the dorm choice (one of the worst dorms I've seen therefore far) in addition to pass a combat to a greater extent than on the individual rooms upstairs. The hosts were friendly, albeit a combat shady. It can't survive exactly coincidence that at that topographic point was no H2O from morning time until 5pm every twenty-four hr menstruation during my remain there
Searching for accommodations inward Unawatuna
Pink Elephant Hostel inward Unawatuna
The room I got inward Pink Elephant Hostel
In & Around Unawatuna
4.00 pm - 6.00 pm - Sightseeing in addition to photograph taking along Unawatuna beach until sunset. The beach is cipher to shout out about, in addition to is a combat also over-commercialized for my liking. Some would debate that Hikkaduwa has a amend beach, even therefore Unawatuna is a amend base of operations for twenty-four hr menstruation trips to Galle in addition to Koggala, due to its proximity to these places
Dinner at Koko's Beach Bar & Grill - Fish & chips (900 rupees) & coke (150 rupees)
9.00 pm - Return to the hostel
Strolling along Unawatuna beach
Eastern part of Unawatuna beach
A pagoda on the far W cease of the beach
Watching the Sun drib dead down
Beautiful color streaks past times sunset
Day turns to dark in addition to the Pink Elephant Hostel turns into a rather lively bar serving drinks in addition to hookah
There are to a greater extent than dining options along the beach, even therefore similar many of the beach destinations inward Sri Lanka, the card prices are disgustingly overpriced
7.20 am - Walked from the hostel to Unawatuna double-decker halt (under 10 minutes from Unawatuna, walk along Welle Dewalaya route until y'all attain the primary road, therefore plough left in addition to walk some other 50m to the double-decker stop)
7.35 am - Ride double-decker #350 (with letters 'Matara - Galle') from Unawatuna to Galle - 20 rupees
7.45 am - Arrive inward Galle (dropped off at Galle double-decker station, within walking distance to Galle Railway station in addition to Galle Fort)
Walked from the double-decker station to Galle Fort (under v minutes). Entrance into the fort is free.
8.00 am - 12.20 pm - Sightseeing around Galle Fort. There's quite a combat to reckon here, therefore I took my time. Visited the clock tower, the ramparts in addition to the lighthouse
Late breakfast at Anura's Cafe (inside Galle Fort) - Chocolate cake (250 rupees) & iced latte (400 rupees)
Galle double-decker station
Locals playing a game of cricket nigh Galle Fort
Main gate in addition to entrance into Galle Fort
View of Galle Fort in addition to its environs from the northern ramparts
Galle Clock Tower, located on the northern ramparts
The western ramparts amongst the Indian Ocean inward the background
Moving further. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 seaside wall is the only thing that stands betwixt a little urban nitty-gritty in addition to the ocean, equally seen from the southwestern ramparts
The southern ramparts in addition to Galle Lighthouse
An onetime Dutch warehouse that was repurposed into a maritime museum inward Galle Fort
Side trip to Koggala Beach
12.30 pm - Walked from Galle fort dorsum to the double-decker station (under v minutes)
12.45 pm - Ride double-decker #350 (with letters 'Galle - Matara') from Galle to Koggala - 40 rupees
1.20 pm - Arrive inward Koggala (hopped off at the double-decker halt nigh Koggala prepare station). Walked from the double-decker halt to Koggala Beach Park (under v minutes)
Lunch at a beachside stall inward Koggala Beach Park - Rice & curry (150 rupees)
2.00 pm - 5.45 pm - Photo walk around Koggala beach. Despite claims of it existence ane of the longest beaches inward Sri Lanka, it feels a lot smaller due to the fact that many parts of it stimulate got been developed amongst hotels (that are built right upwardly to the sea, therefore there's non much beach left). There is a larger beach farther W downwards the road.
The primary pull to Koggala is stilt fishing, a traditional method of fishing unique to Sri Lanka. However, I couldn't assist feeling cheated in addition to a piddling disappointed, equally the identify was to a greater extent than of a tourist trap than the existent deal. Koggala is silent worth coming for the beach lonely though
Took a double-decker to Koggala to pass the afterwards one-half of the day
Koggala Beach Park
The eastern cease of Koggala Beach
The populace beach surface area nigh Koggala Beach Park
The larger beach farther west, which also makes upwardly part of Koggala Beach. There's quite a combat of walking to practise before coming here
Stilts inward the water
Fishermen on stilts. Too bad they're non existent fishermen who are doing this for a living
Sunset at Koggala Beach
Back to Unawatuna
5.50 pm - Walked from Koggala Beach Park to the nearby double-decker halt (under v minutes)
6.00 pm - Ride double-decker #350 (with letters 'Matara - Galle') from Koggala dorsum to Unawatuna - 20 rupees
6.15 pm - Back inward Unawatuna (hopped off at the double-decker halt nigh Ridee Villa)
Walked from the double-decker halt dorsum to the hostel (under 10 minutes)
7.00 am - Wake up. Had breakfast at Full Moon Restaurant (located on the beach) - Western breakfast (700 rupees)
9.40 am - Pack upwardly in addition to check-out from the hostel
Walked from the hostel to Unawatuna double-decker halt (under 10 minutes)
10.00 am - Ride double-decker #350 (with letters 'Matara - Galle') from Unawatuna to Galle - 20 rupees
10.15 am - Arrive inward Galle (dropped off nigh Galle double-decker station). Walked from the double-decker station to Galle Railway Station (under v minutes)
Purchased a ticket (second class, complimentary seating) for the 10.55am prepare to Colombo - 180 rupees
11.00 am - Board prepare departing for Colombo from platform #1
Galle Railway Station
Just checking the fourth dimension in addition to buying my ticket at the counter inward Galle station
My prepare to Colombo arrives
In & Around Colombo
1.20 pm - Arrive inward Colombo (hopped off at Colombo Fort railway station). Stored my luggage at the cloak room within the station - 56 rupees (for ane little bag)
2.00 pm - 5.20 pm - Walking tour of Colombo, visited the next points of involvement along the way:
Pettah market. Located only minutes away, across the route from Colombo Fort. Not a rattling interesting identify if y'all aren't much of a shopper. Keep an oculus out for the Khan Clock Tower, an of import landmark inward the surface area (it's sort of hard to missy equally y'all volition locomote past times it anyways on your agency to the Fort area)
Fort area. The key problem organisation district inward Colombo. Plenty of well-preserved colonial buildings inward the area, namely the Old Colombo Lighthouse, Old Dutch Hospital in addition to the Old Parliament Building. Did some in conclusion infinitesimal shopping for souvenirs at Laksala
Galle Face Green. Influenza A virus subtype H5N1 municipal common past times the sea. There's a beach but it's truly cipher to shout out about, there's lots of street nutrient hither though. Great identify to pass your afternoons at. Had a quick snack hither patch enjoying the sea breeze - Seafood wadey (150 rupees)
5.30 pm - Walked dorsum from Galle Face Green to Colombo Fort railway station (under 20 minutes)
Arriving inward Colombo Fort railway station
The facade of Colombo Fort station
Signboard filled street at Pettah Market
Colonial buildings galore inward Fort, Colombo
Cargill's Building inward Fort, Colombo
Last infinitesimal shopping spree inward Laksala
Dutch Hospital, what used to survive the oldest edifice inward the Fort area, is at nowadays a dining surface area in addition to shopping mall
Old Colombo Lighthouse
Old Parliament Building
Galle Face Green
Crowds throwing themselves onto oncoming waves. In ane incident, some of them got swept out to sea, fortunately the lifeguard was around
Wadeys, a rattling mutual street nutrient at Galle Face Green
Colombo to Bandaranaike International Airport
5.50 pm - Back inward Colombo Fort railway station. Retrieved my luggage at the cloak room
Walked from Colombo Fort to Pettah double-decker halt across the route (under v minutes)
6.05 pm - Ride double-decker #187 (with letters 'Fort - Airport') from Pettah to Katunayake - 100 rupees
7.30 pm - Arrive inward Katunayake (hopped off at the turn-in exactly before the aerodrome arch)
Walked from the dropoff betoken to the aerodrome (under 10 minutes)
7.40 pm - Arrive at Bandaranaike International Airport for my midnight flying dorsum home. Changed all my remaining rupees dorsum to dollars at the currency exchange
12.25 am (next day) - Board flying (Malindo) dorsum to Kuala Lumpur
Pettah double-decker stop, located direct contrary the street from Colombo Fort station
Took double-decker #187 to Bandaranaike International Airport
