Sri Lanka 5-Day Tour Review: Sigiriya, Kandy & Ella Highlights
So, you are dreaming of Sri Lanka, and just maybe you’ve only got a handful of days to see the must-see spots? Then a quick five-day tour hitting Sigiriya, Kandy, and Ella sounds pretty tempting. This review should give you some insights. It should help you decide whether the “Sri Lanka Compact Highlight 5-Day Tour” is just maybe the right fit for your travel plans. Getting a feel for what to expect, the pluses, and any potential gotchas is always a super great idea, after all.
First Impressions: Is This Tour For You?
The tour pitches itself as a rapid sprint through Sri Lanka’s cultural and, too, scenic heartland. It hits the historical fortress of Sigiriya, the cultural hub of Kandy, and the picturesque hills of Ella. You should find that It is quite suited to people short on time but definitely, though, long on the desire to see quite a bit. Arguably it appeals a bit more to travelers that don’t mind a quicker pace and somewhat longer travel times in exchange for hitting some major sites. That could include first-timers to Sri Lanka, very possibly, or, perhaps, those on a stopover seeking a very intense intro. First impressions really do count, so hopefully this gives you some idea!
Day 1: Arrival and the Ascent of Sigiriya
Most tours very often kick off with a pickup from Bandaranaike International Airport. Then you are whisked away to Sigiriya. That is quite a drive. It can be around 3-4 hours depending on traffic. Therefore, use this time to take a look outside and drink in the sights of the countryside. The afternoon typically brings the main event. That’s the ascent of Sigiriya, also, the Lion Rock. It might be a truly fantastic sight. Climbing this ancient rock fortress is almost a highlight. It gives a great look back into the times of old with some stunning views.
What to expect: Thousands of steps. It can get quite hot, especially during midday. Arguably, you will want to bring plenty of water, wear a hat, and, naturally, maybe apply sunscreen. Things to remember: Take your time on the steps. They can be uneven in some spots. Keep an eye out too for the Sigiriya Frescoes about halfway up. Those can be a cultural jewel! Extra tip: It is also often quite crowded, try hitting it early or later in the day to maybe dodge some of the bigger tour groups.
Day 2: Dambulla Cave Temple and Kandy’s Cultural Show
Day two usually commences with a trip to the Dambulla Cave Temple. That’s another one of Sri Lanka’s bunch of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. You are able to explore these caves filled to the brim with Buddhist statues and colorful murals. Each is very interesting, with its own story. The afternoon takes you towards Kandy. En route, tours sometime stop at spice gardens. You can actually learn all the different spices. Also how those spices are all cultivated. Pretty interesting if that kind of stuff excites you!
The evening could conclude with a cultural show in Kandy. You should find some great traditional Sri Lankan music, dancing, and drumming. After that, there’s sometimes fire-walking! These shows really do give you a taste of Sri Lankan culture. Dambulla tip: Once again, be prepared to climb steps. Decent footwear really should be a priority! Be actually respectful when in the temple, so you’ll want to dress conservatively. Cultural show pointer: Often, the show includes a demonstration of fire-walking, which could be thrilling! Check the show schedule to know when this occurs.
Day 3: Kandy Highlights and a Train to Ella
Kandy can be an actual delight to experience and discover. So today very often begins with Kandy’s star attractions. Namely, the Temple of the Tooth, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa. It might be one of the most significant Buddhist temples on our planet. Seeing the temple and just taking it all in provides an experience to almost savor and fully value. Another stop could be the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens. It spreads across a really, truly huge area showcasing a seriously diverse collection of plants. Some might see it as almost heaven. Others as somewhere to just stroll around.
In the afternoon, the highlight for many might very often be boarding the train to Ella. This train ride is generally regarded as one of the globe’s greatest. That sounds great! And also exciting! As a bit of an exciting point, it delivers you through just picture-postcard views of tea plantations and mountains. Be aware that trains will be delayed. They very often tend to be jam-packed. Therefore you are best booking a seat! Still, it’s very easy to go chat with folks around you to try make it as memorable as it could probably ever be! Train Ride tip: For top views, so grab a seat on the right side when heading to Ella. The observation car also allows a bunch more awesome views. Don’t rely too much on schedules and take the delays quite lightheartedly.
Day 4: Exploring Ella’s Beauty
You will be pleased to find Ella really is postcard stuff, filled to the brim with so lots to do. The tours here very often involve things such as Little Adam’s Peak. That’s arguably quite a super easy hike boasting great panoramic views. If you don’t like that you could possibly consider the Nine Arch Bridge. Taking a stroll across the bridge as a train passes, can also provide a thrill. In certain cases, tour bundles additionally consist of tea factory tours. That helps understand everything involved in the tea production process.
Be aware that the Little Adam’s Peak hike can actually be done quite fast! In other words it is relatively rapid! Start actually super early to skip the crowds! The Nine Arch Bridge may be best visited prior to 9 am to definitely dodge bigger groups. Maybe have that killer photograph chance, as well. The tea factory tour can educate and offer a chance to buy fresh tea.
Day 5: Departure
Most frequently on the tour is your departure day, involving traveling back from Ella back towards the airport to, therefore, catch your flight. The journey can sometimes involve numerous hours. Sometimes more or less a straight run if the flights have been perfectly lined up to do so. If, in particular, you do have some spare time. Think, really carefully, as a bonus, of considering spending possibly an extra day or thereabouts in Colombo. At the same time seeing some urban culture could bring a great big twist, as well. Take note that the journey can be very extended, so remember some snacks and entertainment. Reconfirm flight information properly ahead of time and be available at the scheduled pick-up. If time may allow then investigate an excursion over to Colombo, that can actually complement your whole tour.
Accommodation and Food
In nearly all of the reviews from folks there’s mention that the overnight stays tend toward getting selected by either the excursion organizer. These nearly always provide convenience in getting nearer the key locations. And they quite, definitely do vary coming at the hotel or even guest-house tiering as a general level.
Important tips. Be sure about having to establish accommodation categories early-on! Especially given one’s preference on where, particularly to get seated! Regarding meal matters; the whole tour should feature lots of traditional local places offering tasty, and fairly authentic selections! Try lots! They’ll always offer plenty! Almost be adventurous. Almost!
Potential Downsides
Quick Pace: Traveling about at full speed for the key points sometimes means nearly no chance for actually longer exploring to go about with, if that may generally strike that adventurer! Lengthy Distances To Journey In-Between: Having to consider more journeying instead of locations needs, seriously should be weighed fairly too! Crowds: Expect Sri Lanka may be very extremely packed on visits! Thus it requires having so much ability to cope whenever packed spaces begin happening.
The Verdict
Overall, if possibly considering everything that is said then it could probably mean the ‘Sri Lanka Quick Must-See Points In 5 Days covering, Sigiriya, as well, Kandy and then Ella may particularly fit those who love seeing nearly everything in no more than that extremely brief trip. But probably still take quite all comments mentioned onboard whenever that particular choice still remains what quite grabs individuals. Hopefully such gives something useful. Now therefore getting underway in going about that adventure should bring some real and genuine fun along those routes!
Things to bring
- Comfortable walking shoes
- Light, breathable clothing
- Sunscreen and hat
- Insect repellent
- Adapters for Sri Lankan power outlets
- Any essential medications
FAQs
Is this tour suitable for families with young children?
The fast pace and amount of travel may not be the most enjoyable for very young kids. Older children, especially those keen on the outside could discover enjoyment though.
Can the tour be customized?
Certain tour operators often permit somewhat slight variations to itineraries contingent usually over any specific wants there exist.
What is the best time of year to take this tour?
The dry-season months (December – March) will commonly feature suitable climat conditions for explorations! However almost count in getting this period may get seriously busy.
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