Extensive searches and long discussions, weighing the options and calculating the costs- the whole process actually took us longer than expected. However, all this finally ended and the decision was sealed: Sri Lanka it was!
Why Sri Lanka?
The question has been asked multiple times, and the answer has always been the same- because it has all that we were looking for! It has the most beautiful sights: both natural and man-made, it is safe for travelling and cherry on the top- it is light on pocket. Not only the visa is easy to obtain, but the air tickets, hotels and travelling is also quite in-expensive, rendering the country perfect for a budgeted tour.
Some essential tips and tricks for budgeted travelers
- Try travelling during off peak season- both the air fare and hotel rents would be much less as compared to the peak days. We secured our air tickets for half the usual price (or it was doubled during peak season)
- Opt for B&B’s and hostels instead of hotels- they provide the same facilities with significant difference in pricing.
- Book your residence before-hand, using the online options (we used booking.com), in order to avoid hassle at the last moment, and also to save time. Moreover, the reviews available on online booking sites would help you in settling for the best option.
- Go for local food- not only is it really good in taste, but the prices are also very low, as compared to the Western brands like KFC, Burger King and Pizza Hut.
- Use local transport. There is a huge price difference between the busses/ trains and cars, thus if you have enough time, and you tend to save, take the public transport.
- Bargain- this goes for every single place in Sri Lanka, from tuk tuk to the stores and sometimes even the hotels/ guest houses too.
- Always carry an umbrella if you are travelling in monsoon- rain could come at any time, unexpected.
Visa Processing
ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) cn be obtained online, or from the Sri Lankan Embassy. ETA is valid for 3 months, and entry time is 30 days from the issuance date. We decided get ours from the Sri Lankan embassy in Bahrain (since we are travelling from Bahrain) around 2 weeks before our departure. The visa processing hardly took 3-4 days, and we had it stamped on our passports.
Itinerary
Day 1: Colombo and Pinnawala
- Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and Zoo
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Bathing Elephants |
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View from the Zoo |
Day 2: Dambulla and Sigriya
- Golden Temple
- Cave Temple
- Lion Rock
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At the top! Lion Rock- Sigriya |
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Lion Paws- Lion Rock, Sigriya |
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View from the top- Lion Rock, Sigriya |
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Lion Rock- Sigriya |
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Cave Temple |
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Cave Temple |
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Wall Carvings, inside Cave Temple |
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On the way to Cave Temple |
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Golden Temple |
Day 3: Kandy
- Botanical Garden
- Kandy Lake
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Kandy Botanical Garden |
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Kandy Lake |
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Kandy View Point |
Day 4: Nuwara Eliya- the most amazing Train Journey
- Georgy Lake
- Lover's Leap Water Fall
- Pedro Tea Estate
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Train Ride from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya |
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The Breathtaking Views |
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Gregory Lake |
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Pedro Tea Estate |
Day 5: Ella
- Nine Arches Bridge
- Little Adam's Peak
- Rawana Ralls
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Nine Arches Bridge |
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View atop Little Adam's Peak |
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Little Adam's Peak |
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Ravana Falls |
Day 6: Udawalawe
Day 7: Galle
- Mirissa Beach
- Galle Fort
- Dutch Market
- Unawatuna Beach
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Mirissa Beach |
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Jungle Beach |
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Dutch Market |
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Unawatuna Beach |
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On the way to Jungle Beach |
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Jungle Beach |
Day 8: Colombo International Airport
Being a developing country, it has certain downsides- certain streets and roads are not as clean as they should be, and traffic might not be as organized as expected, but the natural beauty of this place, combined with the courtesy of the locals, makes it worth visiting anyway. Everything, from tickets to B&B’s, food and transportation, is reasonably priced. So, if you are travelling on budget, and looking forward towards a happening tour while witnessing nature at its best, Sri Lanka is surely the place for you!
Excellent and really very helpful post …if want to travel srilanka then apply eta visa Sri Lanka online…. Again thank you
ReplyDeleteThanks for appreciation. Yes ETA online can also be applied.
Deleteyou didn't mention the cost like you did in Maldives wala blog. There's less information in terms of the bucks. Kindly let me know if you remember.
ReplyDelete