Sri Lanka 10-Day Tour: My Sigiriya, Kandy & Ella Review

So, you’re thinking of visiting Sri Lanka, is that right? Specifically, the legendary trio of Sigiriya, Kandy, and Ella? Very, very good choice. I just wrapped up a 10-day escapade myself, and you know, I’m still daydreaming about those lush landscapes. My goal here is to give you, like your very own personal travel guide, a realistic, down-to-earth peek into what this itinerary really holds. No fluffy brochures, just honest talk about what worked, what wowed, and maybe what could have been a bit smoother.

First Impressions: Colombo and Beyond

Landing in Colombo is quite the experience, alright? It’s this lively mix of old and new, so it is. The city can be, in some respects, a little intense – so get ready for some traffic! We spent a bit of time just wandering around, soaking it all in. The Pettah Market is very much an explosion for the senses, and the colonial architecture is definitely worth a look. However, truth be told, Colombo mostly served as our launchpad. We were honestly itching to get out into the countryside. Maybe give Colombo one or two days, tops. Then? Adventure truly calls!

Sigiriya: Climbing the Lion Rock

Oh, Sigiriya, this place, very very justly, gets a lot of hype. Picture this: you are climbing an enormous rock fortress, which actually comes with ancient frescoes and unbelievable panoramic views. Now, the climb, by the way, it can be slightly challenging, particularly in the midday heat, is that right? Start early, bring a lot of water. Trust me on this. Once you’re at the summit, though, oh man! You’ll feel like an absolute king. The history of the place is quite captivating, and the engineering feat is just astonishing, or something along those lines. Is Sigiriya crowded? Often. Very often, even. Yet, very honestly, it’s one of those must-see places, so, I mean, deal with it. Plan around the crowds if you can.

Kandy: Culture and Serenity

Kandy, so different from Colombo’s, kind of has a frantic vibe. Kandy definitely feels calmer, more cultural. The Temple of the Tooth is quite a spiritual center, you know? Participating in a ceremony there is more or less an unforgettable experience. Kandy Lake offers a peaceful escape, alright? Walk along the shore, relax, is what I did. We took in a traditional Kandyan dance performance too – alright, a bit touristy, yet I enjoyed it all the same. Kandy is a pretty decent place to shop for souvenirs. Just maybe be ready to haggle a bit.

Ella: Hiking and Breathtaking Views

Ella, that is very much where my heart is. This place? Oh, so so gorgeous! Rolling hills, tea plantations, just like that fresh mountain air – what’s not to adore? Little Adam’s Peak is more or less a really rewarding hike that offers incredible views without completely killing you. Ella Rock? More challenging, I think, a bit more strenuous, maybe grab a guide. The Nine Arch Bridge is one of those like Instagram-worthy spots, especially when the train comes chugging through. Don’t only take in the sights in Ella though; slow down. Sip tea. Mingle with other travelers. It’s such a friendly, laid-back atmosphere.

Food Adventures

Alright, can we please talk about the food now? Sri Lankan food, that tastes absolutely fantastic! I actually was in absolute heaven. Rice and curry will probably become a staple – and honestly, so you’ll very unlikely hear any complaints from me. Hoppers and kottu roti are a must-try, of course. Do be sure to check out the local restaurants; those are often so much better, even, than the touristy spots. Fair warning, the spice level is, rather typically, high. When you say “mild,” double check that they actually truly mean mild!

Where to Stay

Accommodation can really, quite easily, make or break your trip. I went with a mixture of guesthouses and hotels. In the larger cities, perhaps think about, more or less, sticking to reputable hotels. In smaller towns like Ella, you’ll also get super-charming guesthouses with the local owners and are very accommodating and all. Booking.com and Airbnb tend to be quite decent places to start. Read the reviews thoroughly and make sure your guesthouse is quite secure and has a reputation for friendliness and, very particularly, cleanliness.

Getting Around

Traveling in Sri Lanka can sometimes be a bit of an adventure. The trains are incredibly scenic, is that right? But they, quite very frequently, get delayed, or are overcrowded, that type of stuff. Buses can be very much cheaper, are very often faster, alright, but you know, a little bit bumpy too. Tuk-tuks are definitely ideal for short hops. Haggle on the price before you hop in, that’s for sure. Hiring a driver for your entire trip can actually also be pretty affordable and definitely takes away the hassle. Talk to fellow travelers for recommendations!