An unforgettable trip to Sri Lanka. Route and impressions
I really want everyone to be lucky enough to get to Sri Lanka.
This amazing island retains its originality and enchants under the tropical sun with its simplicity of speech. Most people in Sri Lanka live very modestly, but radiate the joy of life. Sri Lankans practice Buddhism and smile a lot. At first it's unusual, but then it seems that everyone is really happy for you.
Important are those here and now. In Sri Lanka, it is very easy to catch this feeling.
My main message is to fly here on your own. And it is best not to stay in one place, and change the location every 2-3 days.
There is no place to show off your wardrobe. If your independent vacation lasts 10-14 days, you need to fly with a minimum number of speeches.
So what? Chased quickly on our route!
Day # 1
The plane flies over the Maldives. And we see islands.
One, two, three…
A short stop in Mali - the capital of the Republic of Maldives. The weather is clear, the mood is rising. Sri Lanka has a few hours to fly.
And the axis on the horizon are the first palm trees. We go out in the summer. The air smells of other odors. Quite different. We are greeted by shy female smiles of airport employees, dressed in turquoise saris of incredible beauty, friendly and cheerful men.
We took a bus to Colombo. They plunged into the new atmosphere very quickly. As if with acceleration. Right above our heads, one of the fans in the bus blew on us, here we catch the inquisitive eyes of the locals, here is a man collecting money for travel and writing something down in an old shabby notebook. Tuk-tuki, signals. Everything grew like a siren.
We got off the bus near the train station in the warm, heavy rain.
Tropical rain that starts every night around 5pm and seems to hint at the end of the day. In a small dirty window where tickets are sold, two were immediately bought for Bentot.
Behind the cashier, I looked at many old wooden boxes, like in a drugstore. Everything is as old as the scenery in a movie about the colonial era. We stand with tickets in hand. Around the chaos. We can't understand anything. What places do we have?
Together with the whole wave of people returning from work in their small towns on Friday night, we got on the train. We were taken to a women's car. I stayed in the women's car, and the man in the compartment between the cars. So we went standing.
Trains in Sri Lanka run with the door open. I inspected the car and realized that it was the only non-local one. All the Lanka women smiled and whispered.
They immediately advised where to stand, where to put the backpack, and later gave way. They asked where I was from. They laughed and, I think, rejoiced. I suddenly got strong emotions from this move. Hundreds of women in bright saris, all black, without makeup and so cheerful, were returning somewhere south from work.
Bentota
In Bentota, we took a tuk-tuk and for the first time in our lives drove it from the station to the guesthouse. In Sri Lanka, this is the most common mode of transport, and tuk-tuks can be reached anywhere.
This is how our first congratulatory day went. Good weather and an annual safari were promised for the morning.
Day # 2
Bentota is a huge beach, just endless. There are very few people on the beach. There are no nightclubs or noisy bars. Such a boarding house to relax from the noise and crowds.
Since Bentota was the first place on our route, I really wanted to see the ocean as soon as possible. Before breakfast we hurried to the beach to run in waves.
And after breakfast we sailed on a summer safari (Bentota River Safari).
Our boat broke through the mangroves, we saw crocodiles, lazy crows, monkeys, snakes, flying dogs, strange birds. The boat driver examined all the animals for us.
Of course, we visited the Spice Garden. Right from the boat we were invited to see how vanilla and cinnamon grow in a house that suddenly appeared among the thick trees. In the garden they were treated to tea, explained all the intricacies of growing spices and offered a cure for all ailments. We weren't going to buy anything, but I gave up under the pressure of requests. I wanted to support the seller, whose house was waiting for 3 children and a pregnant wife.
Many Sri Lankans tell tourists similar stories about children and manipulate them.
Amazed by the tour, we returned to our house, where we were met by a lady with a plate of huge shrimp and offered to cook them for dinner.
Day # 3
In the morning we went by tuk-tuk to Hikkaduwa. With the wind in your hair and as atmospheric as possible. Tuk-tuk is always there!
The route is amazing, with stops where you want and the best views of the ocean.
Tsunami Honganji Vihara Monument:
Hikkaduwa
Our new terrace overlooking the railway track is immersed in greenery. And on the other side of the house the ocean was noisy.
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That day we had time to swim with turtles near the hotel Hikka Tranz by Cinnamon . Large turtles ate straight from their hands. An avid lancet handed out seaweed to everyone and asked to thank them a little. Some took, others waved. And I gave him a little rupees from the bottom of my heart and carefully fed the turtles what they used to eat here. And why would they still sail every day?
The most beautiful sunset in Sri Lanka we saw in Hikkaduwa. Multicolored, magical, unforgettable. Like a bright show.
Day # 4
The fourth day was a day of fish and corals. Hikkaduwa has a coral reef and popular snorkeling.
After the tsunami, the reef was damaged, but it is here that you can swim among hundreds of colorful fish in calm and clear water.
Immediately a local vendor tempted us to sail on a strange catamaran to a place with huge corals and amazing fish. As it turned out later, the fish were swimming the same as near the shore, but larger in size.
Such fish can be seen right on the shore.
In Hikkaduwa, we found a fruit market and bought a few pounds for the evening.
Day # 5
From Hikkaduwa the next day we went to Unawatuna. We quickly settled down near the third guesthouse, left our things and went to Halle by bus the same day.
All life is concentrated in these resorts near the main road. We went out of the gate immediately onto the roadway and got on the first bus in the right direction. In fact, we went back, but without backpacks.
Halle
The old part of the city of Halle and its fortifications are included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Asia.
Once the city, which periodically changed its name and owners, was a major port and shopping center. It belonged to the Portuguese, Dutch and British.
We walked slowly through the ancient walls and streets of the city. They saw schoolchildren and a private school. Traditionally, schoolchildren in Sri Lanka wear white school uniforms.
Gaul has many shops, cafes, boutiques and tourists.
Day # 6
Unawatuna
Unawatuna is a beautiful beach, here is a real "bounty".
On the sixth day we visited four nearby beaches. And they are all very different. This day we spent on the script "bought and moved to a new beach. "
Our guesthouse was located near Delawell Beach. It is a few kilometers from the famous resort town of Unawatuna.
Then we drove to Unawatuna and continued the beach.
Unawatuni Central Beach
We walked to Jungle Beach 1 from Central Beach all the time.
You can take a tuk-tuk to a certain point. But you still have to go down to the water through the real jungle on a narrow path.
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Jungle Beach (Juncle Beach 1)
Juncle Beach 1 is a small beach and in a few hours you want new adventures. Through the rocks climbed to Juncle Beach 2. It seems there is no other way.
Jungle Beach (Juncle Beach 2)
And 15 minutes from Juncle Beach 2 is a beautiful Buddhist temple Japanese Stupa of Peace. The route again ran through the jungle to the temple.
Japan Lanka Peace Temple < / p>
Japanese Stupa of the World
On the way to Jungle Beach, I forgot my hat at the gift shop. When we returned in the evening, they recognized me immediately and returned me missing. The seller was so happy. People in Sri Lanka believe in karma and do good deeds with all their heart.
Evenings in Unawatuna on the shores of the Indian Ocean - all in the best romantic movies. Torches are burning around, sand is underfoot, and the ocean is nearby.
Day # 7
Last full day by the ocean. The plan was to repeat yesterday's route. To look at the monkey again, to drink coconuts, to climb the jungle, to be satisfied, which, of course, is impossible.
When water and air +29, when comfortable in all senses, fresh fruit, seafood, but at the same time everything is very simple and accessible - it's hard to enjoy and stop.
Sri Lanka is a real mix. Many things can surprise here. There are some disadvantages. Local transport, long distances between tourist points. This list can be supplemented. But a lot of good things will happen to you as well.
Here in Sri, you are not distracted by anything in particular.
The last 3 days we spent in long journeys between cities and Wow-points.
For convenience and to save hours, rented a car with a driver ($ 280 including the cost of hotel accommodation - 2 nights). We were lucky to agree with the driver in Bentota. Recommended by Ms. Guesthouse and we did not regret it.
Most of the interesting places are in the central part of the island.
This was our first dawn. We haven't woken up so early. There were 10 minutes left before the driver arrived. We could not believe that there would be no more beaches, fish, sand.
The camera caught the first rays of the sun, and the Sri Lankans caught fish.
Amazing tradition. Pole fishermen are one of the hallmarks of Sri Lanka. You can often see images of fishermen on T-shirts, paintings, souvenirs. And from the fishermen themselves, such places with poles in the ocean are not so easy to find.
Everything, let's go!
On the way we meet an elephant. He lives in the reserve, but knows that tourists can treat. Approaching the road and waiting for a gift.
Ravana Falls >
9 Nine Arch Bridge, Demodara < / small>
Cafe Chill, Ella < / p>
The ocean was left behind, behind the window of the car - a completely different Sri Lanka.
This is how tea grows.
Tea factory.
Blue Field Tea Factory < / p>
The history of this factory dates back to 1921. The 100th anniversary will be celebrated soon.
The guide talks about the most delicious tea leaves and warns that in rainy weather you need to protect exposed skin from lychees.
Leech are terrestrial or terrestrial leeches that live in the rainforests of Sri Lanka. Many tourists refrain from visiting tropical forests in the wet season or during the rain, because at this time they are active.
At this moment, the guide notices a bloody mark on my leg and asks not to worry. I do not add a photo, but be careful. She tasted me near the 9-arch bridge and she fell off the road. This is very good, because tearing and squeezing them is not recommended. You need to read about leech and dress properly if the rain is forecast.
Day # 9
Royal Botanic Gardens of Piradenia
Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya < / p>
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Pinnavel Elephant Shelter
Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Day # 10
Sigiriya
It is a rocky plateau 370 meters above sea level, on top of which is a ruined palace and fortress complex, surrounded by a large network of gardens, swimming pools and other dilapidated ancient buildings.
Rock Fortress and Sigiriya Palace - also included in the list of UNESCO sites.
Here it will be necessary to strain buttocks and to climb a mountain on inconvenient ladders. There were very difficult areas and my knees trembled with tension and fear. Many tourists climbed with children in their arms. Brave Sri Lankans.
But at the height of fatigue retreats before the unsurpassed landscapes and beauty of Ceylon.
It's a little easier to go down. But a little.
Dambul Cave Temple
Only our feet departed from the stairs of Sigiriya, as new stairs to the temple grew before us. The height of the stone steps made itself felt. It took us a long time to climb up again. Reminiscent of the ocean and lazy days on the beach.
At the entrance you need to cover your feet and take off your shoes. I had a handkerchief with me, and my husband was rented. We also deposited our shoes for money.
Sri Lanka - you are an incredible country. I want to come back. I want your mangoes, avocados, beaches, palm trees, ocean, monitor lizards, mocking monkeys, sun, tuk-tuks, smiles and smells.
Gifts
Buy good quality clothes and souvenirs in ODEL stores! These stores are in big cities as well as Duty Free. Buy tea from MLESNA TEA . It is not so easy to find, but it is possible.
