Day 1: Hello Colombo — From Airport to Beach Breeze
Arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport after a smooth flight via Chennai. Immigration was easy. Mauzee Holiday’s driver met me outside — so glad I pre-booked it.
Checked into my hotel near Galle Face Green — a stretch of grassy seaside promenade where families fly kites and snack on spicy isso wade (prawn fritters).
Walked along the old colonial buildings, watched the sunset by the Indian Ocean, and bought a fresh king coconut for a few rupees.
Small moment: A local vendor told me to sprinkle chili salt on fresh mango slices — my new favorite snack!
Day 2: Kandy — Temples, Tea & Kandyan Dance
Left Colombo early for a scenic train ride to Kandy. Lush green hills, tea estates, waterfalls — the journey itself is worth it.
Visited the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist site. Joined the evening pooja — the drumming and incense are mesmerizing.
In the evening, watched a vibrant Kandyan Dance performance — fire-walking included!
Small moment: Drank tea on a tiny balcony overlooking Kandy Lake, soaking in the cool mountain air.
Day 3: Nuwara Eliya — Little England in the Hills
Took a train from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya — famous for tea plantations and colonial bungalows. The views are unreal: misty hills, waterfalls, and endless tea bushes.
Toured a local tea factory — learned how Ceylon tea is made, from leaf to cup. Sipped fresh brew with buttery cake at a 100-year-old tea bungalow.
Small moment: Strolled through the local market — vendors sell fresh strawberries, carrots, and flowers.
Day 4: Ella — Nine Arch Bridge & Hilltop Cafés
Took the morning train from Nuwara Eliya to Ella — this stretch is called the most beautiful train ride in Asia.
Hiked to the famous Nine Arch Bridge — watched the blue train pass through the lush jungle bridge. Had iced coffee at a hilltop café overlooking green valleys.
Dinner was spicy kottu roti at a local eatery — a chopped-up roti stir-fry full of veggies and eggs.
Small moment: Tried fresh passionfruit juice at a roadside stall — tangy and sweet!
Day 5: Yala Safari — Leopards & Wild Elephants
Left Ella for an early morning safari at Yala National Park. Spotted wild elephants, peacocks, and the highlight — a leopard lounging on a tree branch!
My guide shared stories about how local villages coexist with wildlife.
Small moment: Packed a picnic breakfast to eat by the park’s beautiful lagoon — monkeys tried to steal my sandwiches!
Day 6: Mirissa — Beaches & Whales
Drove south to the laid-back beach town of Mirissa. Relaxed on the golden sands, watched surfers ride waves, and joined an early morning whale watching tour — saw blue whales blowing mist into the sky!
Lunch was fresh grilled fish with Sri Lankan coconut sambal — spicy, tangy, perfect.
Small moment: Found a hidden beach bar with beanbags facing the ocean — perfect sunset spot.
Day 7: Galle Fort — Colonial Streets & Street Art
Took a tuk-tuk to Galle Fort, a UNESCO Heritage site. Walked the cobbled streets, browsed tiny art galleries, and climbed the lighthouse for panoramic ocean views.
Tried traditional lamprais — rice and curry wrapped in banana leaf — so flavorful!
Small moment: Bought a hand-painted mask from a local craftsman — each color means something in local folklore.
What to Pack for Sri Lanka
Lightweight cotton clothes — it’s humid and tropical.
A light jacket or sweater for hill stations like Nuwara Eliya.
Flip-flops for the beach; comfy shoes for hikes.
Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses — the sun is strong.
Mosquito repellent, especially for evening outings.
Reusable water bottle to stay hydrated.
A scarf or shawl to cover shoulders at temples.
Health & Altitude Tips
Sri Lanka is mostly low-altitude except for hill towns like Nuwara Eliya.
Drink only bottled or filtered water.
Street food is delicious — stick to hot, freshly cooked items.
Use mosquito repellent to avoid bites.
Sunscreen is a must for coastal and hill areas alike.
Unique Experiences in Sri Lanka
Take the iconic train from Kandy to Ella — stunning views.
Watch a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
Visit a working tea factory and pluck your own tea.
Go on a safari in Yala or Udawalawe.
Release baby turtles at a hatchery on the southern coast.
Best Ways to Travel to Sri Lanka from India
From Maharashtra (Mumbai/Pune): Direct flights to Colombo are available; connections via Chennai or Bangalore are common.
From Kerala (Cochin/Trivandrum): Excellent direct flights to Colombo; shortest flight time.
From Karnataka (Bangalore): Direct flights to Colombo; frequent and affordable.
From Delhi: Multiple daily flights to Colombo, often via Chennai.
Indian Food & Local Cuisine
Sri Lankan food is rice and curry heaven: fish ambul thiyal, hoppers, and pol sambal are must-tries.
Indian restaurants are easy to find in Colombo, Kandy, and Galle. Try Shanmugas, Mango Tree, or Chutneys.
Vegetarians: Plenty of veg curries, sambols, and lentil daals available.
Currency & Budget Tips
Currency is Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
Carry small notes for tuk-tuks and street food.
ATMs are easy to find in cities; cards accepted in hotels and big restaurants.
Mid-range budget: Expect to spend ₹4,000–₹6,000 per day including meals, local transport, and activities.
Connectivity & SIM Cards
Pick up a local SIM at the airport — Dialog and Mobitel have the best coverage.
Good 4G coverage in cities and tourist areas.
Many hotels and cafés have free Wi-Fi, but mobile data is very cheap.
Shopping & Souvenirs
Hand-carved wooden masks.
Ceylon tea straight from the plantations.
Batik sarongs and colorful beachwear.
Cinnamon sticks and local spices.
Handcrafted jewelry and moonstone gems.
Instagram Spots in Sri Lanka
Nine Arch Bridge in Ella with the passing train.
Tea plantations around Nuwara Eliya.
Galle Lighthouse at sunset.
Mirissa Coconut Tree Hill.
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Turtle hatcheries and pristine beaches near Bentota.
Final Thoughts
Sri Lanka surprised me every day with its warm smiles, coconut-scented breeze, and ancient stories hidden in misty hills. Mauzee Holiday handled every detail — from trains to tuk-tuks to temple visits — so all I did was enjoy each moment.
Want to plan your own Sri Lanka adventure?
Phone: 91-8655110202
Email: [email protected]
Website: www.mauzeeholiday.com