Sri Lanka

Bentota, Sri Lanka – Everything You Need To Know

April 29, 2020 by sarita

Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Bentota is a gorgeous resort town, known for its laid back vibe. The town is popular not just for its golden sandy beaches and thick mangroves forests but also for its exotic aquatic life and adventure watersports.

Bentota , Sri Lanka – Everything You Need To Know

Bentota Highlights

Sri Lanka’s quaint town – Bentota, is popular for its:

Water Sports- Including paragliding, snorkeling and parasailing
Pristine Beaches
Cinnamon Trade
Cycling Trails

Bentota Neighbouring Areas:

Galle
Rathgama
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Kalutara

How to Reach Bentota

Located approximately 100 km from the capital city of Colombo, Bentota can be accessed both by rail and by road. If you are looking for some more adventure, you can also opt for a helicopter shuttle service.

By Road:

Bentota is located on the A2 highway connecting Colombo to Wellawaya.
You can reach there by taking the Southern Expressway in around 2 hours. And, in case you are arriving from Galle, it shouldn’t take more than 1.5 hours to get there.

By Train:

You can also enjoy a beautiful rail journey from Colombo by taking the Southern Rail Line.

Where to Stay in Bentota

If you are looking for a luxurious experience, Bentota has a number of posh resorts with breathtaking views of golden shores, backwaters and tall green trees. Alternately, you can also choose to stay in a comfortable, no-frill hotel, if on a budget.

The Best Time To Visit Bentota

As Bentota has a tropical climate, the best time to visit is from November to April. But, don’t worry; you won’t really be disappointed even if you visit during some other time of the year.

Bentota – Top Things to Do and See

1. Bentota Beach – Surf, Swim & Relax

Bentota Beach Sri Lanka

Bentota has a bunch of stunning beaches, so make sure you spend ample amounts of time here relaxing and strolling amidst lofty coconut trees or going for a swim. There is no dearth of water sports at this beach. Jet skiing, banana rides, paragliding, parasailing, scuba diving! You name it and they have it. So, don’t forget to get your adrenaline pumping and try at least a couple of these adventure sports.

2. Sea Turtle Hatchery

Bentota Sea Turtle Hatchery

One of the top things to do in Bentota is to visit a Sea Turtle Hatchery. The turtle hatchery in Bentota works towards conservation of sea turtles and provide visitors with lots of useful information about the different varieties and their preservation. They collect injured turtles caught in fisherman’s nets or washed up on the beach. They also collect the eggs laid on the beach, so they can be stored and protected from predators, and then safely released into the sea.

3. Madu Ganga River Safari

Madu Ganga River Safari Bentota, Sri Lanka

A must-do for nature lovers, the Madu Ganga River Safari takes you through thick mangroves forests where you can easily spot some rare birdlife. The Mandu River is home to over 111 species of birds and is a paradise for not just tourists but also researchers and ecologists. The safari makes a stop at a couple of islands allowing visitors to get up up close with nature and learn about various species of plants and animals.

4. Brief Garden

Spend a day strolling through this beautiful garden designed by Bevis Bawa, a well-known artist of Sri Lanka. The Garden spans over five acres and has a rich collection of tropical trees and some really artsy sculptures.

5. Lunuganga

Explore the home of Geoffrey Bawa, a renowned architect while you are here. Geoffrey was a pioneer of the theory of “tropical modernism” in architecture and his house speaks volumes of his craft and is also plush with some extraordinary plants.

6. Cycling

Hire a cycle to explore the paddy fields and ancient temples in the town. You can paddle at your own pace and also get to see murals on the walls of Mullegoda temple on the way.

7. Visit Ambalangoda in neighbouring Galle

Drive to Ambalangoda, a coastal town located around 24 km from Bentota to buy local artifacts like devil masks. The town has a number of antique and jewelry shops and will serve as an ideal spot to acquire souvenirs for your friends and family.

Days Required to Explore Bentota:

2-3 Days

River Safari – Bentota, Sri Lanka

Bentota has a lot to offer apart from the lovely beaches, so we recommend spending 2-3 days here. Also, don’t forget to carry your vibrant swimsuit, quirky shades, beach shorts, camera and a pair of comfortable flip-flops to have a memorable experience. And if you are wondering about other places to visit in Sri Lanka, take a look at the hill city of Ella, Sri Lanka here.

Negombo, Sri Lanka – Everything You Need To Know

April 29, 2020 by sarita

Located on the west coast of Sri Lanka, Negombo is popular for its long fabulous beaches and age-old fish trade. The city lies just about an hour’s drive from the capital Colombo, and serves a perfect getaway to soak in some sun and spend quality time with friends and family.

Negombo , Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Negombo Highlights

The beach city of Negombo, Sri Lanka is known for:

Long Sandy Beaches
Negombo Fish market
Lagoon Boat Ride
The Dutch Fort
Ancient Sacred Places

Negombo Neighbouring Areas

Colombo
Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
Puttalam
Kandy
Ginigathhena

How to Reach Negombo

Negombo is located just around 38 km to the north of Colombo and is well connected by both road and by railways.

Negombo by Road:

From Colombo, you can either take a bus or drive on the Airport Expressway and it shouldn’t take you more than 30 minutes to get there. And, in case you are coming from Galle, you can choose one of the highway bus services from Galle to Negombo.

Negombo by Train:

You can also enjoy a scenic train ride by taking an intercity express between Colombo and Chilaw and get down at Negombo Downtown or Kochchikade train station to reach Negombo from the capital city.

Where to Stay in Negombo

Negombo Luxury Resorts

Negombo offers a number of beach-facing budget as well as luxury hotels along the Porutota Road. You can easily access the golden sandy beaches if you stay here. There are also numerous luxury resorts offering facilities like swimming pool and spa for a complete rewinding experience.

The Best Time To Visit Negombo

The climate of Negombo is similar to that of South India. While the rest of the year has hot-dry climate, the months of December to March are considered just ideal for an enjoyable experience because of pleasant weather. Alternately, you can also plan to visit from May to August as the city witnesses cooling rain showers during this time.

How to Get Around Negombo

The easiest way to get around Negombo is to hire a tuk-tuk. But, do make sure to bargain the price as the drivers can sometimes overcharge the tourists.

Negombo – Top Things to Do and See

There are plenty of fun-activities to do in Negombo apart from noticing the Dutch influence. So, take a look at the top things to do in Negombo, Sri Lanka.

1. Negombo Beach

Negombo Beach in Sri Lanka

If you are short on time, spend the maximum amount of time on Negombo beach, enjoying a beautiful sunset or just taking a stroll or a swim. The shore is lined with palm trees and fishermen’s boats, and definitely offers a refreshing atmosphere. If you are looking for a beach close to the airport, then Negombo Beach is the best choice!

2. Walk along Porutota Road

Witness Negombo vibrant nightlife with music, drinks and delicious food along the Porutota Road. It is a great road to wander along if you are looking for restaurants, cafes, bars, shops , restaurants & cheap massages.

2. Negombo Fish Market

An ideal way to experience the local culture in Negombo is to walk down the fish market and interact with the local fishermen and women. Negombo was originally known for its fish trade and the fishing industry still remains the backbone of the city. Also, don’t forget to click a few pictures here as you might spot a lot of exotic varieties of fish and other seafood.

3. The Dutch Fort

The Dutch Fort Negombo Sri Lanka

Visit the ruins of the Dutch fort, near the mouth of the Negombo lagoon. The fort is close to the seafront and was built by the Portuguese to defend Colombo in 1672. It sure serves as an important historical site in the city.

4. Negombo Lagoon Boat Ride

One of the most relaxing ways to enjoy the city is to take a boat ride on the blue canals of the city. The boat ride down the Hamilton Canal may take anywhere from 2-3 hours and show places like St. Mary’s Church, Angurukaramulla temple, Fisherman’s bay and the city.

5. St. Mary’s Church

Head to the iconic St. Mary’s Church to get amazed by its opulent architecture and beautiful paintings. Being one of the largest cathedrals in Sri Lanka, St. Mary’s is visited by locals and tourists alike.

6. Angurukaramulla Temple

Out of the many ancient sacred places in the city, Angurukaramulla Temple is one of the most famous. The gorgeous temple is known for its iconic image of Buddha and beautiful murals, and is definitely of interest to anyone keen in ancient art and history.

Days Required to Explore Negombo:

2 Days

Negombo Attractions

Along with these fun-activities, Negombo also offers mouth-watering Sri Lankan cuisine. Make sure to try quite a few seafood dishes on the restaurants and cafes in Porutota Road and take back unforgettable memories from this beach city of Sri Lanka.

Ella, Sri Lanka – Everything You Need To Know

April 23, 2020 by sarita

Located in the Badulla district of Uva province, Ella is a beautiful hill city in the south of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by lush tea plantations and hills that are often covered with clouds, it is no wonder that Ella is one of the top tourist destinations in Sri Lanka.

Ella Travel Guide

Ella Highlights

Sri Lanka’s hilly countryside – Ella, is popular for its:

Hiking Trails
Cascading Waterfalls
Caves
Zip-Line activity
Lush Tea Gardens &
Panoramic views of the surrounding hills

Ella Neighbouring Areas:

Dambulla
Yala
Demodara
Bandarawela

How to Reach Ella

Ella is located around 225 km from Colombo and can be easily accessed both by road and by rail.

Ella by Road: The town lies on the Colombo-Badulla road and from Colombo, it can take anywhere between 5-7 hours to get there. And, incase you are coming form Dambola, it should not take you more than 4 hours to reach.

Ella by Train: The train journey from Ella to Colombo is one of the most scenic journeys in the country that takes you through lush forests and greens hills. It can take anywhere from 5-6 hours to reach the hill city from Colombo and incase you wish to take a take a train from Kandy, and you’ll reach in around 4 hours.

Where to Stay in Ella

Ella Luxury Hotels

Ella serves as a perfect weekend getaway and has a variety of stay options ranging from cozy homestays to luxurious resorts surrounded by trees and hills. If you are a backpacker, you can also choose to stay at one of the camps in the city. Many reasonable hotels are also available and you can choose the one that fits your budget and style. However, if you wish to experience local hospitality along with a total immersive experience, we recommend opting for a homestay.

The Best Time To Visit Ella

Given its elevation, Ella has a cooler temperature than its surrounding lowlands and this makes it suitable to visit all the year round. However, summer months from March to June and winter months from December to February remain the busiest. It also means that the city will experience a heavy footfall during these months and will be comparatively a little more expensive.

How to Get Around Ella

A good way to enjoy Ella is to rent a bike or a scooter. In case if you are a family with kids, you can also rent a taxi. Alternatively, you can also enjoy a ride in the local Tuk-tuk to go from one tourist spot to another.

Ella – Top Things to Do and See

Ella is one place where you can spend your time hiking to beautiful cascading waterfalls, admiring the breathtaking architecture of the city and visiting some ancient heritage sites. So, if you are looking for a list of top things to do and see in Ella, Sri Lanka keep reading.

1. Mini Adam’s Peak

Mini Adams Peak, Ella – Sri Lanka

One of the most popular treks in Ella, a hike to the Little Adam’s Peak can take anywhere between 2-3 hours. The trail takes you through lush tea plantations where you’ll also get a chance to see tea pickers. So, make sure to take in all the amazing views and click enough pictures on the way. The peak stands tall at 2,243 m and offers panoramic views, making the hike worthwhile.

2. Ella Rock

Ella Rock Sri Lanka

To get to the famous Ella Rock, you’ll have to get to Ella railway station and then walk south along the railway lines. The trail is well marked and it is best to stick to these marking and not fall prey to local touts who might mislead the tourists to make quick money. The path is well laid-out right till the peak and offers stunning views from the top. Also, it is advisable to wear comfortable shoes and avoid sandals or flip-flops for a comfy journey.

3. Ravana Cave

Ravana Cave, Ella – Sri Lanka

Located just 5 km from the Ravana waterfalls and around 2 km from the Ella Town is the famous Ravana cave. At 1370m, one needs to climb around 650 steps to reach the cave. Although the cave is not as big, measuring just about 50 feet in width, 150 feet in length and 60 feet in height, it is definitely significant according to the Hindu mythology, as it is believed that Ravana hid Sita in the same cave. While a gratifying experience for those who enjoy a hike, those with mobility issues might want to omit hiking to this particular site.

4. Ravana Waterfall

Ravana Waterfall, Ella – Sri Lanka

A trip to Ella is incomplete without visiting the gushing 3-tier cascading Ravana waterfalls. Surrounded by lush greenery, the falls drop into a cool pool of water, which makes for an ideal spot to take a refreshing dip. This is also one spot where you’ll find the maximum amount to tourists waiting to take pictures. It will truly be a rewarding experience to spend some time here with friends or family, just make sure not to climb the rocks surrounding the falls, as they tend to get quite slippery.

5. Nine Arch Bridge

Nine Arch Bridge, Ella – Sri Lanka

Located in Demodara, just 3 km from the Ella railway station, the Nine Arch Bridge is an absolute architectural wonder. Surrounded by verdant forest, it is also called the Bridge in the Sky, given its majestic size and shape. There are 3 different routes to get to the bridge and you’ll have to hike a bit to reach this spot. So again, make sure you wear comfortable shoes. Also, don’t forget to click a few pictures sitting on the edge of the bridge while the train crosses.

6. Ella Tea Factory

Halpewatte Tea Factory, Ella – Sri Lanka

Because of its lush tea plantations, Ella has a couple of popular tea factories including Ceylon Tea Factory and Halpewatte Tea Factory. While the former is located around 2 km from the town, the latter lies at around 8 km from the city center. You can easily spend around 2-3 hours in any of these tea factories, observing the lovely process of tea making and thereafter, tasting some freshly brewed tea. The restaurant in Halpewatte Tea Factory overlooks the mountains and offers a memorable experience to its guest as they sip hot-flavorful tea in such a scenic setting.

7. Diyaluma Falls

Diyaluma falls , Ella – Sri Lanka

Located just 40 km south of Ella, the Diyaluma falls are the second highest falls (220m) in Sri Lanka, and offer jaw-dropping views of the town of Ella and the surrounding hills. In order to get there, you can hire a taxi and follow the road to the Ravana Falls and keep driving further, until you reach the falls.

8. Dhowa Rock Temple

Located in the small village of Dhowa, the Dhowa Rock Temple is a protected heritage site of Sri Lanka. In order to get there, you can drive on the main road of Badulla to Bandarawela. The temple is known for its magnificent unfinished image of Buddha, which is cut onto its rock face. The 2000-year-old temple offers a glimpse of the beautiful Mahayana sculpture and is a delight for those interested in learning about ancient architecture and history.

9. Ellawala Waterfalls

Though not as popular as the Ravana Falls, Ellawala Waterfalls deserve a visit, as these are still hidden from the prying tourist eye. The pristine falls can be easily reached from Ravana Falls by moving further down on the same route until you reach this spectacular cascading beauty. The pool at the bottom of the falls serves as an ideal spot to take a relaxing dip after a long hike. Definitely, a perfect getaway for those looking for some quiet moments in nature.

10. Ella Town

If you are wondering what to do at night while you are in Ella, we recommend exploring the main town. The town has a number of good bars, cafes and restaurants where you can enjoy a refreshing drink as well as local cuisine after a long day of hike. You’ll not only get to enjoy a relaxed vibe but also get to meet fellow travellers in the town.

Days Required to Explore Ella:

3 Days

Ella Town Sri Lanka

Ella definitely has a bunch of spectacular places to visit, so, we recommend planning your trip to Sri Lanka in such a way that you at least get to spend at least 3 days in the hill city. Also, since a lot of these places require a bit of hike or some amount of walking, we recommend carrying weather-appropriate, comfortable clothes and shoes to make the most of your trip. So, pack your bags and head to this breathtaking place in Sri Lanka.

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka – Everything You Need to Know

April 13, 2020 by sarita

Sigiriya, located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla, in the Central Province of Sri Lanka, is one of the top tourist spots in the country. The beautiful landscape and countryside vibes of the region has a lot more to offer than the well-known Sigiriya Rock.

Sigiriya Travel Guide

Sigiriya Highlights

Sigiriya, is popular for its:

UNESCO World heritage sites
Elephant Safari
Elephant Rides
Rock Climbing &
Panoramic views of the surrounding hills

Sigiriya Neighbouring Areas:

Habarana Village
Dambulla
Minneriya
Polonnaruwa
Anuradhapura & a few more..

Accommodations in Sigiriya

Sigiriya is a great place to stay, with a plethora of options ranging from lavish hotels to cottages in the forest area, you can take up an accommodation as per your convenience. There are jungle hideaways that will give a forest life feel and experience where you will find yourself to be a part of it. Rural accommodations are also there which will take you to the local culture of this place. Furthermore if you can also avail the services of luxurious resorts and villas.

How to Get Around Sigiriya

The most appropriate way to move around in Sigiriya is by bikes or scooters, which are easily available at a low price. The average hire cost of the bike lies between LKR 300 – 1500. Tuk-tuk is also available on hire, which you can use to explore the off-beat places. You can also book a rented taxi.

Sigiriya – Top Things to Do and Sights

Sigiriya is the ideal base for exploring the neighbouring cities, the various temples and national parks. Here is a list of things one can do around Sigiriya.

1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress

Sigiriya Rock Fortress

This is one of the iconic destinations of Sri Lanka. The extremely famous ancient rock fortress is considered as the UNESCO World Heritage site. The rock plateau is formed from magma of an extinct volcano and is popularly known as the Eighth Wonder of the World by the locals. It is undoubtedly one of the most visited tourist spots in Sri Lanka.”

2. Sigiriya Museum

The Sigiriya Archeological Museum is in the same building as the Sigiriya Rock ticket office, and it is included in your entrance ticket. With little detour from the rock, you can add this museum to the list. It gives amazing details about the historical and geographical importance of this place. It is a good idea to visit the museum first and then the fortress as you will be filled with knowledge and information before you visit the site.

3. Pidurangala Rock

Pidurangala Rock

Just opposite to the Sigiriya fortress, a few kms away is the Pidurangala Rock – popular hiking tourist attraction of Sigiriya. If you are into hiking or rock-climbing you must not miss climbing this rock. Besides a thrilling experience you will be rewarded with the best views of the Sigiriya fortress from the peak.

4. Dambulla Cave Temple

Dambulla Cave Temple

A UNESCO world heritage situated in the heart of Sri Lanka is a must-visit cave temple. It is considered to be one of the oldest, dates back to 1st century BCE, and the largest preserved cave temple of Sri Lanka, having five sanctuaries. It is famous for its 157 statues and Buddhist mural painting. The temple represents a paramount shrine in the Buddhist religion, practiced in Sri Lanka. To reach the temple one has to go to a 160-meter-high hill, and make sure one gets his ticket before going as the ticket counter is at the bottom. It is not easy to reach the temple as the hard climbing, and the monkeys on the way are not easy to tackle. The caves are open for almost 12 hours, starting from 7 AM in the morning.

5. Habarana Village Tour & Elephant Ride

Habarana Village Elephant Ride

Habarana is located 210 km northeast from Colombo and just 17.7 km from Sigiriya. It has an amazing elephant safari experience that will surely make your trip a memorable one. The total safari is 4 hours, and it starts around 10 AM. This ride includes a journey through the pathways, villages, jungles, swamp, and river. Post this you can also enjoy the local village life and culture. After this you can hop on the boat and reach the river bank from there you can get transferred to the village house by a jeep for a delicious local village lunch. Your activity will end at 2 PM, and you will undoubtedly take a lot of memories home after the trip.

6. Minneriya Safari

Minneriya Safari

Minneriya is a small area located in Sri Lanka. It is popular for its lake and national park. Minneriya national park is known for its large number and a wide variety of elephants. The other attraction of this park is its safari. It is a jeep safari, which gives a wonderful experience to be in the middle of wild animals with great freedom. May to October is considered the best time period to visit and enjoy the safari as many wild elephant herds gather. Safari starts at 6 AM in the morning, and the last one is at 3 in the afternoon. It takes you through the park to get you to enjoy and experience nature like never before. Many local companies like “Minneriya safari tours,” “Minneriya Jeep Safari,” provide safari service along with pick-up and drop service.

7. The Rice Terraces

Sigiriya is a beautiful location not only to experience a picturesque view of the rock but also the countryside. You can explore the place by bicycle, and it would take half a day to enjoy it here. If not bicycles the local transport is also available. The rice terraces and lakes in the countryside can make your morning sights a memorable one. Try not to ride in the dark as elephants roam in the area.

8. The Ancient City Of Polonnaruwa

Polonnaruwa was the capital city hundreds of years ago, and it consists of few historical ruins. Currently, there are no residents to this place, but it has temples and carvings all around. It is undoubtedly one of the top things to do in Sigiriya that should not be missed. From Sigiriya, it’s about one hour’s drive, and a driver can be hired for a day.

Days Required to Explore Sigiriya:

Minimum 3 Days

Sigiriya, Sri Lanka is one of the most enthralling destinations to visit in the country. Regardless of whether you are visiting with your family, partner or friends, this place is the perfect pick for you. Get your bags packing and book your trip to Sigiriya today!

Sri Lanka Takes New steps to Promote Tourism

September 18, 2019 by sarita

Since the attack faced by Sri Lanka on the fateful Easter morning in 2019, causing death of more than 260 people, the island nation is finally making headway. In an effort to increase tourism, Sri Lanka government is taking new steps while ensuring tourist safety.

Let’s check out the steps taken by the Sri Lankan Government:

A New Port City – The government has purchased 269 acres of land from the Indian Ocean, over which it plans to construct a port city in the capital, Colombo. As per an official from Sri Lanka, the new port city will have resorts, hotels, water parks, hospitals along with theme parks.

Reduced Airfares – To further encourage tourism Sri Lanka government has reduced the airfare.

No Visa Fee – The Sri Lankan government has also put off the mandatory visa fee for travellers for the next six months. Starting August 2019, 48 countries including India have been exempted from Sri Lanka visa fee of $35 (equivalent to INR 2500)

Safety Prime Concern –Sri Lanka government has also beefed up security everywhere within its boundary to make sure tourists feel safe and at ease during their stay.

Kudos to Sri Lanka government for taking these steps. Sri Lanka is a very beautiful country. With so many scenic attractions and wildlife adventures, the country will surely gain more tourists in the coming time. All The Best!