Tangalle private beach by the Palm Paradise Cabanas hotel is very quiet and peaceful. Unwatuna beach is longer, more lively, doted with numerous bars and restaurants. Both of them are nice in their own way and great for running and…

Day 13 – Tangalle and Unawatuna – beaches

Day 12 – Ella to Tangalle
To get from hill country – Ella to the southern beaches – Tangalle we caught the bus from Bandarawella to Tangalle. Our journey was comfortable and took us through the beautiful lush countryside and area near the national park, where we spotted…

Day 11 – Ella Rock
Hiking to Ella Rock is a rewarding experience, with beautiful scenery, and part of the trail taking you through the active railway track – definitely a must-do in Sri Lanka! It was a highlight of our trip in this country.…

Day 10 – Nuwara Eliya to Ella
A second-class train journey from Nuwara Eliya to Ella turned out to be a very comfortable and memorable experience with some of the most beautiful views we’ve seen in Sri Lanka. Many local people told us that getting from Nuwara…

Day 9 – Nuwara Eliya and tea plantations
Cycling was a great choice for exploring Nuwara Eliya, the surrounding tea plantations, and meeting local people. The mountain climate in Nuwara Eliya is much cooler than the places we previously visited further north, as such we slept well and…

Day 8 – Kandy to Nuwara Eliya
A First-Class train journey from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya (Nanu Oya) is a pleasant and surprisingly affordable experience with beautiful views. Having had a second good nights’ sleep at 36 Bed & Breakfast, we get to the railway station a…

Day 7 – Kandy + Hiking the Knuckles Range
The Knuckles Range is a great off-the-beaten track attraction for anyone interested in hiking (as opposed to visiting touristy sites in Kandy). We wished we could spend there a bit more time, and we wished that we had leech proof…

Day 6 – Pidurangala rock in Sigiriya
Pidurangala rock is cheaper and less touristy alternative to the expensive main attraction – Sigiriya rock. It comes with a fantastic view of Sigiriya rock – a highly recommended off the beaten track site! We wake a little late, and have…

Day 5 – Exploring Polonnaruwa
The best way of exploring the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa is by taking a tuk-tuk to the main gate and then walking at your own pace – local people will try to convince you that walking is crazy idea… but…

Day 4 – Anuradhapura to Polonnaruwa
A long 4 hours bus journey took us to Polonnaruwa – the remaining afternoon was a perfect time to relax in the amazing Lake Hotel, booked at the discounted rate on Agoda! The manager at our hotel in Anuradhapura warned…

Day 3 – Cycling around Anuradhapura
The best way of visiting the ancient sites in Annuradhapura is via tuk-tuk or cycling. We have opted for more active way and it was also a great way of meeting local people. It’s been a very good day. It…

Day 2 – Colombo to Anuradhapura
It took about 6 hours to get by A/C minibus from Colombo bus station to Anuradhapura. It was definitely a very local experience with ear plugs a real asset! Rich arrives to meet me in Colombo, and after a bit…

Day 1 – Colombo (Sri Lankan capital)
We wouldn’t recommend including Sri Lankan capital Colombo in your itinerary, it’s just a city, and not an appealing tourist destination. Negombo is a nicer place to stay and also closer to the airport. My experience with Colombo wasn’t good……