Lanka Tales

Itinerary is prepared based on my neck deep research which will suit debut solo backpacking for 9 days with 30k budget inclusive of flight charges. Did i over run the budget? Why SRILANKA? Srilanka being a diversified island with culture, marvelous beaches, water rafting, hiking, blue whale watching etc., As am inclined towards beaches & mountains, shortlisted SL and went ahead. 

Initial Plan:Colombo -> Anuradhapura -> Sigiriya & Dambulla -> Kandy -> Dalhousie -> Ella -> Tangalle -> Galle -> Colombo

So which places i missed?

Almost moved the base everyday, new people, new place, new experiences. Even before the trip, decided to blog the experience. Have captured the most I experienced on a daily basis. This blog is intended for any traveler who would like to visit srilanka :)

Click on the below links to check how the 9 days were turned!

Day 1: Chennai -> Colombo ->Anuradhapura

Day2: Anuradhapura to Dambulla

Day3: Dambulla to Kandy

Day4 - Kandy to Dalhouise

Day 5 : Dalhouie

Day6 : hatton to ella

Day7 ;Tangalle to hikkdadua

Day8 : Tangalle to galle

Day9 : Galle to Colombo to Chennai

P.S TO REMEMBER :)

• With travel comes the eventualities, Do the booking for homestay/hostels/stay through booking.com/airbnb for 2 to 3 stay for the same place you would stay. Research the place, book and cancel the backups.  When there is a need you could rebook them, as cancelling the last minute has $7-$10 attached with it. Was quiet helpful when was in a situation to replan. Though many people don’t book their stays, for me staying at a safe place was priority :)
• While choosing the home stay consider the feedback from women travelers
• Ask for directions or any information to shopkeeper’s/police constables/traffic police/fellow travelers but not to tuk tuk as they mostly redirect you or market you for ride.
• Always bargain with Tuk Tuk drivers, before reaching the stay call them up and find out the prices/direction/time taken
• Never smile at tuk tuk drivers who smiles at you continuously with no reason especially in south srilanka
• Being an Indian has its own advantages and disadvantages, some people really annoy you. Make wise decision and stay quiet at times
• Srilanka is well very connected through trains/buses, avoid taxi and take public transport
• Language: Northern region speaks Sinhalese majorly and hard to find English speaking, while the central and southern part we can find people who talk English, at least most of them would understand if you speak English slowly.
• Anyone planning srilanka divide them into (North & a part central region) or (south & a part of central region). Would require 20 days to cover complete srilanka
• Roads & Traffic: from Apura to coastal areas, highways are of 2 lanes and encountered only one speed breaker. People follow traffic rules diligently except pedestrians, they have a privilege to cross anytime, the vehicles will pull down whatever speed they are if they see people in pedestrians. 2 wheeler drivers and pillion riders wears helmet & its mandate. 
• Petrol - 2 types are petrol are available ask for the 2nd grade if you are just riding for few days
• Food portions are usually large, certain places they accepted to provide half portions
• Expenses subject to the place

          - Water 60-100 LKR

          - Aerated small bottle 75-110 LKR

         - Tender coconut 60-100 LKR

         - With my filtered bottle didn’t spend much on mineral water