Quite possibly one of our favorite trip so far has been Sri Lanka. It was just such a gorgeous scenic country that has everything you can think of – lakes, mountains, rivers and beaches. You also come across amazing culture, people, ruins and architecture. It’s definitely one of those destinations that is better than you expect. However, since we are not full-time travelers and have limited time, we didn’t get to see everything or visit everywhere that we hoped to. So are here are five things that we missed, didn’t have the time to experience or wish we did in Sri Lanka.
Take the scenic train to Ella or Nuwara Eliya
Although we took the train almost everywhere we went in Sri Lanka, there are a few scenic routes we missed. It was just the way we planned our trip that we just could not fit it into the itinerary. We did the Colombo – Polonnaruwa, Kandy – Colombo and Colombo – Hikkaduwa – Colombo journeys, which they were fantastic on their own. However, we heard from locals and other travelers that we must try to fit in a trip to Ella and/or Nuwara Eliya. Unfortunately we could not so I guess another trip is needed where we cover the North and East part of the country.
I mean come on. Just look at some of these views (photos are credited).
via nerdnomads.com
We specifically wanted to see the Nine Arches Bridge, which is between Ella and Demodara railway stations. Looks like an awesome place for a photo shoot!
Sip tea at tea plantations
Another good reason to visit Ella or Nuwara Eliya is to see and taste the famous Ceylon tea. The region is known for some amazing and picturesque tea plantations. Another thing we failed to experience during our trip. We had a chance to do it in Kandy but we were busy doing other things and had only stayed there for one night.
via pinterest.com
However, we did buy lots of tea from Colombo.
Explore Dambulla Cave Temple
This was initially in our itinerary as several travelers and locals told us about it when we were planning our trip. However, it wasn’t that easy with time limitations, even though it was in our travel path. While taking a bus from Polonnaruwa to Kandy, we actually saw a sign for it but at that point we just wanted to get to Kandy.
via ruchitours.com
The Dambulla cave temple is a UNESCO world heritage site, which houses many beautiful statues, paintings and carvings.
See Leopards at Yala National Park
This is something that Kanika really wanted to do but it was quite far from the places we had planned in our itinerary. It just didn’t fit in. I wish I had though somehow since seeing wildlife is something we both like to do. Instead we opted for seeing hundreds of elephants at Minneriya national park.
via srilanka101.com
Pristine beaches and surfing
Due to its geography, the monsoon hits the country in different parts at different times. We went to the South-West and Central parts during its low season, which also meant it was right in the middle of the monsoon. Although we were lucky not to encounter a lot of rain during our visit, the sea at Hikkaduwa wasn’t the best for swimming or doing any water activities. This left us sitting around the resort and exploring the streets.
Everyone told us to go to the east side, specifically Arugam Bay. We did try to change our itinerary but hotels seemed pricey or mostly booked so we decided against it. We do however, wish we went in the right season for the beaches so we could snorkel and surf, which Arugam Bay is popularly known for. Other places we could have gone were Batticola or Trincomalee.
Looking back, we had planned our trip a bit strangely and definitely there are things we wish we did in Sri Lanka but you know what, no regrets! We did Colombo – Polonnaruwa – Kandy – Colombo – Hikkaduwa – Galle – Colombo. But, if I had to redo the trip, I would have gone Colombo – Polonnaruwa – Kandy – Nuwara Eliya – Ella – Arugam Bay – Yala – Galle – Colombo. However, for that we would definitely need more days.
Great list! I went to Sri Lanka for a week last year, but I was there for work and so hardly had any time to do anything else. Going back and riding the train to Ella is still high on my list!
Try the coastal route also from Colombo – Galle. It’s also very beautiful!
I love this retrospective post, it’s refreshing! So much of the time I feel like I have to post all of the things I did and act like I’ve seen it all. But in truth there is so much to explore that it’s almost impossible to see it all. Also I’ve never really thought of going to Sri Lanka, but I’m definitely intrigued with the idea now, I need to read more.
I reeeeaally want to go to Sri Lanka! Some friends of mine recently went for their honeymoon and had the best time. Thanks for your tips on what you wish you had done – usually blog posts explain “we did XYZ and you should too” so it’s cool to see that there are some places you feel you missed out on. I would love to see the leopards personally – and that beach is beautiful!! I’m Pinning this post for future if/when I go to Sri Lanka – Thank you!! 🙂
Seriously, everywhere needs to stop having so many incredible things to see. We are only humans with limited time, after all.
And I have to say, I’m not sure I’d ever get off the train in Sri Lanka. It looks like an amazing way to see the country!
Great list guys! I am actually looking to head back to Asia for a 6 month backpacking trip and will definitely hit Sri Lanka on the trip. I have a friend who just completed Sri Lanka (Country number 88 for him). I really want to get there soon because I also want to go relax in Maldives as well!
I have such a love for exotic animals and seeing a leopard would be pretty sweet. Imagine seeing a leopard in the morning and relaxing at a beach in the evening. Sounds like the life I’m trying to live 😀
Good post. I am definitely doing the Ella train and post lots of pictures at http://www.feetonthemap.com. keep you posted and mat be share a few live stories for you two 😍