Review: Negombo to Nuwara Eliya & Kandy Waterfalls Tour

Okay, so you’re thinking about doing that two-day trip from Negombo to Nuwara Eliya and Kandy, you know, with the waterfalls? Very cool, actually! Well, I just got back, and thought I’d give you the lowdown on what it’s really like. I mean, the pictures look amazing, they truly do, but what about everything else? Is it actually worth your time and, you know, your money? Let’s find out, I suppose!

The Start in Negombo: Beach Vibes and Beyond

Negombo itself is fairly chill, almost a great spot to, like, start or finish your Sri Lanka thing. It’s pretty near the airport, that’s useful! I spent, very briefly, a morning wandering around. The beach is, you see, alright, I guess, a bit on the gritty side maybe. The fish market is definitely something, yet! Get there super early, it can be, that is, a sensory overload type of thing with all the activity and, like, smells, you know? If your tour starts from here, be sure to soak it in just a bit because, as a matter of fact, things are about to, in some respects, get moving, so very fast.

Heading Inland: The Road to Nuwara Eliya

The drive is, arguably, where the magic pretty much starts, just so you know. You quickly, almost, leave the coast behind, right, and you, like, begin to climb into the hills. Now, I will tell you, the roads can be, that is, a bit windy. If you’re even a little bit prone to, in a way, car sickness, you’ll want to, of course, pack something! The views though? I mean, just absolutely incredible! Lush green hills going on seemingly forever. We, almost, stopped at a few viewpoints along the way, actually. Each stop had even better views. You know, where you, sort of, feel like you’re inside a postcard? Basically that.

Nuwara Eliya: Little England in Sri Lanka

Okay, Nuwara Eliya is, it’s almost, super unique, and, I guess, sometimes people even call it “Little England” type of deal, that. You see, it’s very colonial architecture, which, honestly, is, in some respects, a bit of a surprise after coming from the coast. We, really, visited the tea plantations. That was, you see, the thing I wanted to do! Getting to wander through the green rows, hearing how they make the tea, just cool, that. And the smell! Oh man, fresh tea leaves. After that, naturally, a cup of Ceylon tea. Can’t beat it!

Waterfalls, Waterfalls Everywhere

This tour is, that is, all about the waterfalls, so, obviously, I’m going to chat a bit about them! We hit a couple of pretty, very major ones. They, actually, varied quite a bit too. Some you just, sort of, view from a distance, you see, snapping pictures from up high, something. Others? We got really close, really! So close you could even feel the spray! Do wear, possibly, shoes you don’t mind getting wet, because, very naturally, you will get wet, and things like that, too! The water looks pretty clean, honestly. Seeing all this power, completely unspoiled, definitely something that humbles you a bit, you see. Pretty cool!

Kandy: Culture and History

Kandy feels like, really, a pretty busy place compared to, maybe, Nuwara Eliya. That’s where the Temple of the Tooth is located, where one of Buddha’s teeth is, more or less, supposed to be kept, allegedly. You know, I went there, and there was just so much going on! People making offerings, really, chanting, all that. Even if you’re, for example, not all that spiritual or very religious, really, it’s pretty fascinating to experience, maybe. And, too, the lake there is fairly nice for just, almost, a stroll, just for the views. As I was saying, lots to see, lots to take in, very.

Food Along the Way: Fueling Up for Adventure

Now, the food, or rather what I ate along the way. Every meal was pretty different, even! So, of course, I ate rice and curry every single time, or rather, nearly. That, arguably, comes with the territory. But, truly, the curries changed depending on where you eat. Some were, you know, mild, while some set my mouth completely on fire, actually! If your taste buds, literally, aren’t that keen on spice, maybe mention that when you order, like you should know. I, myself, am just pretty adventurous. I like trying the different, or rather very local spots the guide picked, actually. It made things pretty memorable. From trying kottu roti from a street vendor to having hoppers made fresh, everything tasted amazing.

Things to Keep in Mind

Okay, just some points that, really, popped into my head that, for example, might be good to know! The weather in the hills can turn quickly, especially, just like that! Pack layers, and very consider having something waterproof, just in case! Bottled water is, possibly, your friend. That goes for all of Sri Lanka, though! And, I might add, be, obviously, mindful of local customs when visiting temples, really! Cover your shoulders and knees, you probably should. Oh, too, and bargaining is very common when you are buying things. The local store keepers expect to negotiate.

Final Thoughts: Was It Worth It?

So, basically, to bring everything together, was the “From Negombo Two-Day Nuwara Eliya Kandy Waterfalls Tour” worth my precious time and money? Well, you know, I really do think it was! You do see a ton in a short period of time, just, I’m being honest. I, personally, think it’s a nice way to experience the highlights of Sri Lanka’s natural landscapes and cultural sites without having to, you see, plan everything, really, yourself, I mean the best way for someone looking for adventure! Just keep my, pretty brief, notes in mind and you are sure to enjoy yourself. Alright? Safe travels!