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Travel Blog: Short Trip in Sri Lanka - My Impressions of the Green Paradise

Before writing a more detailed blog/s about my trip to Sri Lanka, I thought of sharing first my impression of this beautiful country.

I came to Sri Lanka as a complete stranger, I didn’t know anyone in this country or even from this country (who is in Dubai). Well you might be wondering why I decided to visit this country? Why not? I have been reading how beautiful the beaches and how rich the culture of Sri Lanka are and this two elements combined together creates a perfect get away ( and yes, I need to get a way for a little while ^^).

As I searched several blogs, trip reviews and travel agencies, I went to Sri Lanka along with a friend of mine expecting a wonderful adventure a head of us.

Almost all of the countries (including the Philippines - which I am a passport holder) can apply for a visa upon arrival. Although it is quite easy to get a visa at the airport, the line can be too long and it will eat up a lot of your time (which for sure you would rather spend in touring the country).  What me an my friend did was to apply online prior to our flight to avoid the lengthy queue.

Sri Lankan Immigration introduced ETA System (Electronic Travel Authorization) in 2012. Now travelers can obtain ETA to Sri Lanka online. ETA is linked to your passport electronically. When you arrive in Sri Lanka, you just need to show your passport and (tada!!!) the Immigration Officer will find you in their system right away and will give you a small visa sticker.

With our short trip (meaning we only got a portion of this country can offer), below are the things that I got from it!

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Kandy

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Kandy

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Kandy

Sri Lanka is indeed a GREEN PARADISE.

From the airport until our final location, all we saw were never ending green landscapes; valleys, trees, mountains and more trees. This was really a different view from all the skyscrapers in Dubai.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Rambukkana Bible Rock Nature

………..more trees!!!

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Rambukkana Bible Rock Nature

Thick green mountains, water falls, lakes and beautiful beaches, you can all find it here.

Sri Lanka is  a small island nation, so you can go from coast to coast easily. You can hop on a train (mostly recommended) or rent car (which we did due to the short time we have —but I will try that train ride soon). You will be in a mountain area now and after just 5 hours on the road you will find yourself standing on a sandy beach.

If you are thinking of booking a private tour, with a private car to roam around Sri Lanka, you can check out http://www.travel-srilanka.eu and choose from their wide selection of tour packages.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Ramboda Falls Nuwara Eliya

The city of Kandy, where we stayed overnight was no different as well. Even though this is one of the biggest cities in Sri Lanka, the town is very clean and as you can see in photos below, the natural landscape is picturesque.

I even saw my first cherry blossom tree here. ^^

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Kandy

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Kandy

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Negombo beach jetwing blue hotel

We were so lucky that our driver was very helpful and when we mentioned about wanting to see the beaches, even though it was not part of our tour package, he went out of his way and brought us in this magnificent sunset view.

More than the green forests and terrains, Sri Lanka is famous for its beaches. After seeing this, I am not wondering why any more.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Negombo beach jetwing blue hotel

Another thing that I love about Sri Lanka is their diverse and amazing wildlife. Being a tropical country, Sri Lanka is a haven for different types of animals (and insects). Even though bugs can become annoying, instead of complaining, just appreciate that you are one with nature. (if you will just complain about bugs, just stay inside your hotel room—-sometimes I am guilty of this).

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days pinnawala spice garden

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days kandy lake

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days kandy lake

Speaking of being one with nature, it was a privilege having a close encounter with these beauties. This was the closest I’ve been with an elephant. I got to ride on its back and even scrubbed and bathe it. Although, what I felt, before, during and after was pretty much a roller coaster of opinions and emotions, I must say that this is one of the highlights of my trip. More of what I think about the Elephant Orphanage in another blog soon.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage

Aside from the rich natural beauty, Sri Lanka is also rich in culture. Everywhere you look, you can see traces of what Sri Lankan believes and also bits of its history.

Being a Buddhist nation, temples and different statues of Buddha can be seen everywhere. Although we didn’t visit a lot of temples, our trip to the Tooth Temple in Kandy gave us a glimpse of the Sri Lankan devotion to Buddha.

Sri Lanka is a location for 8 Unesco Heritage Sites, this speaks well about the Sri Lankan culture and heritage.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days tooth temple kandy

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days tooth temple kandy

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days tooth temple monk

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Kandy dance

Sri Lanka is also a nation rich in festivities and arts. We saw a full-length show of different Kandy Traditional Dance gracefully performed by the local artists.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days kandy dance

I also saw how PASSIONATE the locals are with their crafts. I’ve seen Sri Lankan laborers in Dubai and I know for a fact that they are one of the most industrious people in the world.

On our way to the tea factory, I saw these women plucking tea leaves under the scorching sun. I actually tried it and it was really hard. What I loved about this is that these beautiful ladies with their surely aching back still has a smile in their face ready to greet us.

One sad thing though, tourism really took its effect in some of the areas in Sri Lanka. I can say that I was a little shocked (but understood why) that a lot of people who helped us expected a tip right away. Tipping became a norm and can range from 500-1500 Sri Lankan Rupees. That is why whenever someone took their time to help us without actually expecting anything in return I was really happy and we appreciate it very much —-there are still a lot of them out there ^^.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days nuwara eliya tea plantatiok

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days nuwara eliya tea plantation

Everyone offered us a big warm smile wherever we go! (that kid at the center smiled after I took this photo :P)

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage students

image

I really am not that familiar with Sri Lankan food, that is why before going here, I consulted blogs (and youtube videos) in order to know what to expect. After having a taste, I can say that Sri Lankan food has this interestingly flavor. Somewhere in between Indian and Thai food, most of their cuisines are spicy and blended with curry and coconut milk.

I will not pretend that everyone will like it, but it can be an interesting adventure for your taste buds.

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days food sri lankan food devilled prawn

Sri Lanka Road Trip Tour 2 Days food sri lankan food dal curry papadam

Sri Lanka Pinnawala Food tea spice garden

If you are planning for a  trip where you can just unwind, be embraced by nature and immersed in the culture, you should consider visiting Sri Lanka. Either for a short or long trip, I am sure you will love this place the way that I loved it (even more).

kenneth surat dubai food and travel blogger

 

18 comments

  1. Chanell Heidmann19 May 2015 at 14:55

    I really like and appreciate your post.Thanks Again. Will read on...

    ReplyDelete
  2. Lorna Berkshire21 July 2015 at 14:20

    I wanted to show my appreciation for your point of view on this topic by leaving you a good comment. Thank you for writing quality material for readers like me. You are a blessed writer.

    ReplyDelete
  3. insurancewhisper.com26 July 2015 at 17:49

    This article proof that there are writers who really care about the quality of content they share. Thank you for being this kind of writer.

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  4. After Dubai I will save money to visit Sri Lanka as well. I am going to Dubai this coming Christmas to spend the holiday with my mom who is based on that country.

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  5. Oooh wow! Enjoy the Green Paradise!

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  6. Nice and interesting information and informative too. Can you pls let me know the Srilanka Visa we can also visit here for how to get Srilanka Visa. Please refer : Srilanka Visa

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  7. Hi John,

    Thanks for the additional information. ^^

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  8. If you need to get an idea of the cost of holidaying in Sri Lanka

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  9. Hi,
    Nice post..!! It's really outstanding photography and this is a very helpful information about Sri lanka.
    thanks for sharing your good experience with us.

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  10. Hi Suraj,

    Thank you very much. More about this trip soon.

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  11. One of the best travel entries I've read about Sri Lanka. Your blog is very simple yet informative. I am going there this coming February 2017. I'm a bit hesitant to travel alone and hopefully I could find a travel buddy but I'm excited either way.

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  12. hahaah dont be afraid. just travel safe.

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  13. Perfect Title of the blog- The Green Paradise Sri Lanka!
    Thanks for visiting my country and narrating it soo well.
    Nice and informative blog. Loved your images :)

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  14. Impressive content with beautiful photos. The title Green paradise is well describes the Sri Lanka and its beauty. It is looks like you had no chance to visit the World heritage sites in Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is one of the most famous place among those heritage sites.

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  15. Great post...! Thanks for writing about Sri Lanka.. The pictures are stunning too.

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  16. Thanks for visiting the blog :). Sri Lanka is Amazing

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  17. Amazing post....! Really loved it....this post reflects the pure cultural side of Sri Lanka....thanks for Writing about Sri Lanka... The pictures are stunning.. .. Keep writing.

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  18. thank you. I want to go back in SL.

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