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
- 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
