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Sri Lanka Adventure
  • Helen Buchanan
  • Helen Buchanan

Sri Lanka Adventure

A 15-day adventure by Helen Read more
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  • Trip start
    February 21, 2026
  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler
    31

    Day 2 Negombo

    February 21 in England ⋅ ☁️ 12 °C

    Pleasant flight and managed to sleep , very swiftly through airport, money exchanged , to meet our driver/ guide for the two weeks Sri.
    Our hotel Wallawwa ( an old colonial residence) was about 30 minutes from airport and we had a relaxing afternoon by the pool chilling and then had afternoon tea .drove by some interesting rubber plantations .
    Enjoyed happy hour and watched hundreds of fruit bats flying overhead . The tree behind us is called the cannonball tree. Delicious meal tonight x    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler
    1

    Day 3 Negombo to Sigiriya

    February 23 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 25 °C

    Long day. Started with a slight problem our car had a puncture so we went to a local tyre repair place and waited for it to be mended - Kwikfit it was not!
    Then long drive up to the Sigiriya area . We went to the ancient Buddhist forest monastery of Ritigala . Bit of a climb up to see it but incredible that it was built in 2000bc . The footprints is an ancient female toilet . Then finally arrived at our hotel at 5 pm Sigiriya water garden - we were blown away with the grounds and wild life ( like being on a safari ) , not so keen on the 200+ peacocks who make quite a noise ( apparently you don’t need to set an alarm) . Our bungalow is delightful and we are looking forward to spending a few days here .Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Avudangawa

    February 24 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 24 °C

    Day 4 Sigiriya
    Early start this morning to the ancient remains of the Buddhist city of Polonnaruwa. Needed to use one’s imagination but was interesting to see. On the way there saw a young bull elephant ambling down the road ( once they are 10 they leave the family group and become solitary) . Lots of obligatory monkeys.
    This afternoon was chilling by the pool . Really enjoying the hotel.    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Day 5 Sigiriya

    February 25 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 23 °C

    6 am start to go to the Lion Rock, one of the most famous places in Sri Lanka . It was very busy when we got there and started the mega climb. Over 1250 steps ! I made it half way and Verity took one for the team and went to the top! Even from where I was the views were good . Verity bizarrely bumped into a former travelling companion from her Costa Rica trip - as they say it’s a small world !
    We then had a relaxing day in hotel and I enjoyed a facial . This evening there was a Loris walk at a different hotel and one was seen . Funny little creatures , no bigger than a hamster , red light used to spot them and reflect off their eyes .    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler
    1

    Day 6 Dambulla & Kandy

    February 26 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 20 °C

    Set off early and headed towards Dambulla. On the way saw a lone bull elephant - this one had a tracking device on him as he tends to lurk around the road area . We went to the Dambulla caves which were amazing after another 360 step climb! They are 5 rooms/caves carved out of the rock all containing a variety of Buddhas all carved from the same rock .Next we went to a herbal garden and learnt about the various herbs grown in this part of Sri Lanka - I had a hand massage with a concoction that is supposed to relieve joint pain - I then paid a fortune for a bottle!
    Then a tedious drive due to traffic towards Kandy . What is interesting is all the children who attend state school wear a government provided white uniform ( not the most practical of colours. )
    After a snack lunch we arrived at our hotel set high in the hills above Kandy on a tea plantation- it is called W15 Hathana Estate and the building we are in is a beautiful old plantation house set amongst the terraces of tea- they even have a tennis court not that we have bought our kit- had a relaxing few hours sat by the pool overlooking the mountains - thankfully a lot cooler here . Have come back to our room to find hot water bottles in our bed - was not expecting that!    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Day 7 Kandy

    February 27 in Sri Lanka ⋅ 🌙 19 °C

    Today started with a tuk tuk tour around Kandy , a little hair raising . We went to the lake view called Arthur’s seat , the market ( tried a wood apple- not very nice ) and then to the big Buddha on the hill where we climbed up to his head . We were both blessed by a junior monk and given a little bracelet for good luck .
    We then went to the temple of the sacred tooth relic . It is the most important temple in Sri Lanka. It was very busy . I’ve never walked bare foot so many times as on this holiday !
    After that we had a walk around the shopping area so Verity could buy a Sri Lankan football shirt - not an easy thing to find as it is not exactly a popular sport here , apart from cricket they are pretty keen on rugby. Then back to the hotel for relaxing by the pool. We had an afternoon tea on the lawn and Verity then went on a hike - I chose to do more relaxing ! Off grid now for next three days.    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Day 8 Kandy to Gal Oya

    February 28 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 26 °C

    Headed off to the Royal Botanical gardens in Kandy first thing . They are beautiful and well laid out . Saw the memorial garden where the Queen, Princess Anne and Prince Edward have all planted trees along with many other visiting dignitaries. There were the obligatory monkeys and a big tree full of fruit bats.
    We then set off on our long journey to Gal Oya national park. We went past the Kandy cricket ground which is about 20 miles outside of Kandy - match tonight between Sri Lanka and Pakistan .
    We drove over very high mountains and saw many examples of land slides caused by the cyclone back in November. The part of Sri Lanka where we are now is very quiet and untouristy.
    We eventually arrived at the Gal Oya lodge which is set in the jungle . We are staying in a little wooden bungalow and is what can only be described as rustic . Our bathroom is outside but nicely appointed but Verity not too keen!
    We had a nice swim to relax and discussed our excursions over next two days . We had an early supper and then went with a personal naturalist on a night walk . We saw babblers, a frog mouthed owl and he was very excited that we also saw a mouse deer. All nocturnal . Hard to photograph. The rooster is the national bird of Sri Lanka . Learnt about the problems the peacocks are causing in Sri Lanka . They kill snakes and hence the mice and rats normally killed by the snakes are growing in population. Think it is going to be a hot night under our mosquito nets .    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler
    11

    Day 9 Elephants!! Gal Oya

    March 1 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 22 °C

    Up early for our boat safari at 5.30 . It was delightful . We were on the Sananayake Samdura lake - a large reservoir. We chose this place as it’s off the beaten track and very few tourists. There were just three small boats and a few fisherman on this vast expanse of water . We saw three bull elephants , a young crocodile on a rock and various birds .
    We then came back to the hotel for 3 hours R&R , went for a swim and then off out on our jeep safari .
    This time we went to a different part of the lake and hit the jackpot with a large herd of elephants. Unbelievable sight and we were also lucky to see a rare baby with tusks, known as a tusker - our guide was very excited about this . Once we left the national park we then saw another bull elephant out for an evening stroll through a field . So many photos , spoilt for choice .    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler
    1

    Day 10 Gal Oya to Ella

    March 2 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 17 °C

    This morning we started off with a walk with a member of the local fast declining indigenous tribe . He was a Veddha chief. They are the only Sri Lankans that are allowed to get on a plane with an axe flung over their shoulder We went into the jungle and were shown various plants and trees and learnt how they use them for medicine . He also demonstrated some of his other skills including singing !
    We then had a little rest in the sun by the pool before heading off to Ella. Saw Herbert the resident monitor lizard and said goodbye to Loleta our personal nature guide.
    The news from the Middle East has spooked the population here with long queues outside petrol stations .
    We are now at a hotel called 98 Acres in Ella . Set on a steep hillside in the middle of a tea plantation with great views . Luckily little buggies can ferry you up and down the steep hill. Verity and I went to the spa and I had a massage whilst she had a facial . It’s the full moon so no alcohol generally served throughout the country but our hotel did for residents only . Definitely much cooler here , glad there is a decent duvet on the bed.    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Day 11 - Ella

    March 3 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ⛅ 18 °C

    This morning had an early hike to Little Adam’s Peak - we look at it from our bedroom balcony . Pretty exhausting but great views . We then headed down for another relatively short walk through a forest to see Nine Arch Bridge . This viaduct was built originally to ferry the tea down to Kandy . Tomorrow we were supposed to be going on a train trip but that has been cancelled due to damage from the land slides .
    After that we drove out of Ella to see the Ravana Ella waterfall - a well known tourist attraction .
    Spent all afternoon by the pool , sensibly in the shade which was very relaxing - pool water here quite chilly .
    This evening got a tuk tuk into the little town of Ella which is very young backpackers and quite hip . Had a look at the very few shops and then had a meal at a well known restaurant called Chill ( not the best we have had ). It was good to see Ella at night time but we left before it got too lairy.    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Day 12 Ella to Nuwara Eliya

    March 4 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Sat on our balcony first thing and watched the ladies on the slopes below picking the tea and chatting away. Before leaving the hotel we were given a Buddhist blessing for a safe journey and a new little rope bracelet
    We were collected and had a 2.5 hour drive to Nuwara Eliya - otherwise known as little England . Odd place up in the hills with very English architecture, a race course and a lake called Gregory’s lake . Very much an old colonial town and now a popular place for Sri Lankans at the weekend .
    After a coffee headed to our hotel which was half an hour further up into the mountains in the middle of a tea plantation . It is an old plantation managers home and only has 4 bedrooms called Goatsfell . There was a thick mist when we arrived - first time I’ve felt chilly since being here .
    After lunch Verity and I went out on our own with a gps map for a 4.5 km walk - I was relying on Verity’s D of E skills ! We saw many ladies picking tea - I learnt when I got back I should have taken chocolate to give them. Had a little conversation after a fashion with one who showed us what she was picking . Unfortunately the views were non existent due to the thick mist .
    Nice walk and then delightful supper and returned to our room to find hot water bottles in our beds .    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler

    Goatfell

    March 5 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 19 °C

    Today we woke up to bright sunshine and were able to see the stunning views. After breakfast we went in the hotel tuk tuk to the local tea plantation that does tours . It is called the Pedro plantation named after the large mountain near by .
    We went into the tea factory ( but were not allowed to take photos ) . We saw the receiving bay and learnt that the ladies pick 3 sacks a day each weighing approximately 6 kg and work for 8 hours. Then into the withering room where the leaves stay over night with hot air blasted up so that they wither , then on to grinding and rolling and finally drying for exactly 21 mins at 80 degrees. The size of resulting leaf gives the strength with the weakest tea being the largest leaf and the finest the strongest. The factory keeps a small percentage to sell direct to visitors and the rest goes in big sacks to the tea auctions in Colombo. Where the likes of Tetley , Yorkshire etc buy it to take home and blend with other teas from Kenya and India to create their own unique taste .
    Certainly changed my perspective on the whole tea drinking experience!
    Back at the hotel we briefly sat in the sun but the mist started to roll in so we sat under rugs and enjoyed reading our books . We even had a game of croquet.    Read more

  • Helen BuchananSri Lanka AdventureTraveler
    1

    Day 14 Nuwara Eliya to Colombo

    March 6 in Sri Lanka ⋅ ☀️ 17 °C

    We bade the mountains goodbye today and headed off on a 5 hour drive to Colombo. Before we left we had a little drive around Nuwara Eliya and saw the very English buildings including the Grand Hotel and Post Office as well as the golf course . In addition to the usual stray dogs and cows this town also has stray ponies .
    We stopped on the way at an impressive viewing area and saw in the distance a half full hydroelectric dam . We also went past the Labookellie plantation where King Charles stayed back in 2014 and who supply tea to the royal household . We also passed many more examples of landslides caused by the cyclone .
    Now in noisy Colombo and again we are in a lovely colonial bungalow built in 1918 still owned by the original family . We are in the master suite and very grand it is too! It is called Maniumpathy.
    On way saw the Lotus tower in the distance and drove by Colombo jail , which looked pretty grim .    Read more

  • Trip end
    March 7, 2026
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