From Elephants to Ocean Waves: Saagar’s Sri Lanka Journey with Thrillophilia

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PNR: BKD4KQ4DNJV
Rating: ★★★★★
Traveller: Saagar Malhotra
Trip Duration: 6 Nights | 7 Days
Travel Date: 24 Mar 2024 to 30 Mar 2024
Destination: Sri Lanka
Package Booked: 7 Days Sri Lanka Tour Package

Seven days in Sri Lanka can take you through a surprising variety of landscapes. Between Kandy, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa, Galle, Bentota, and Colombo, the itinerary moves through ancient landmarks, misty mountains, tropical gardens, wildlife, beaches, and historic coastal towns.

For Saagar Malhotra, that variety became a big part of the experience.

The journey began with a scenic drive from Colombo to Kandy and gradually unfolded into a packed island adventure. From watching elephants at Pinnawala and climbing the ancient Sigiriya Rock to exploring tea-country landscapes, heading out for whale watching, and walking through the historic lanes of Galle Fort, every day brought something different.

By the time the journey reached Colombo, Saagar had experienced several distinct sides of Sri Lanka, all within a single week.

Here’s what stood out the most.

Elephants on the Way

The journey to Kandy came with an early introduction to Sri Lanka’s wildlife. En route from Colombo, Saagar stopped at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where Asian elephants are cared for in a setting surrounded by greenery.

The visit offered plenty to watch, from elephants being fed milk to their bathing routines and interactions with one another. It was an engaging first stop before the road continued towards Kandy.

Later in the evening, Saagar headed to Upper Lake Drive for panoramic views across the city. The day ended with a Kandyan dance performance, where traditional music and vibrant costumes set the stage for a spectacular fire-walking finale.

Kandy had already managed to bring together wildlife, hill-country scenery and culture within the first day.

Climbing Sigiriya

The following morning brought one of Sri Lanka’s most recognisable landmarks. Rising dramatically from the surrounding green forest, Sigiriya Rock Fortress dominates the landscape around it.

Reaching the top meant tackling rocky steps and narrow metal stairways under the tropical sun. The reward came at the summit, where the landscape opened into a sweeping 360-degree panorama of forests, lakes, plains and distant hills.

After the descent, the journey continued to Dambulla Cave Temple. Inside its five main caves are more than 150 Buddha statues alongside elaborate paintings and murals. The temple sits above the plains of Dambulla, adding another striking heritage site to the day. Two ancient landmarks, one demanding climb and plenty of history, made this one of the most action-packed stretches of the journey.

Into the Tea Country

Leaving Kandy behind, Saagar travelled towards Nuwara Eliya, with several important stops along the way.

The Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue offered expansive views over Kandy before the journey continued to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. The golden-roofed temple houses one of Sri Lanka’s most revered Buddhist relics, traditionally enclosed within a series of ornate golden caskets. A leisurely walk around Kandy Lake followed, with the lake’s nickname, the “Sea of Milk,” reflecting its distinctive appearance and setting in the heart of the city. The route then continued to the Royal Botanical Gardens at Peradeniya, home to thousands of plant species, along with popular areas such as the Spice Garden and Orchid House.

As the road climbed towards Nuwara Eliya, the tropical surroundings gradually gave way to cooler mountain scenery. Gregory Lake and the lively Bale Bazaar rounded off the day, giving Saagar a taste of the town’s distinctly cooler atmosphere.

Waterfalls and Legends

The next leg of the journey continued through the highlands before heading towards the southern coast.

Ramboda Falls provided one of the major scenic stops, with water cascading through the lush mountain landscape. The journey also brought Saagar to the Seetha Amman Kovil, a Hindu temple connected with the Ramayana and the legend of Sita’s time in Sri Lanka.

The surrounding landscape added to the atmosphere, with the temple nestled amid the greenery of the central highlands. Hakgala Botanical Gardens followed, bringing another collection of tropical plants, themed gardens, roses and ferns into the itinerary.

By the end of the day, the mountain scenery had begun giving way to the warmer coastal landscapes around Mirissa.

Whales and Galle Fort

The fifth morning started early with whale watching off the coast of Mirissa. The waters around the southern coast are known for sightings of large marine life, making the early-morning excursion one of the most exciting experiences on the itinerary.

After returning to land, Saagar continued towards Galle. The historic Galle Fort brought centuries of Portuguese and Dutch influence into the journey, with its old fortifications, streets and colonial-era buildings still defining the character of the area.

There was plenty to discover within the fort, including the lighthouse, Clock Tower, Dutch Reformed Church and museums. Cafés and small shops added a modern layer to the historic setting before the journey continued towards Bentota for the evening.

Colombo Takes the Stage

The final full day brought Saagar to Colombo, Sri Lanka’s commercial capital.

The city offered a completely different atmosphere from the hill country and coastal towns of the previous days. The exploration began around Colombo Fort and Beira Lake before moving towards Pettah and its bustling streets.

The Lotus Tower added a dramatic element to the skyline, while Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple offered a closer look at Colombo’s cultural side. The temple combines Buddhist traditions with an eclectic collection of architectural influences, creating one of the city's most distinctive landmarks. The final stops included the Colombo National Museum and Independence Square, bringing together the city’s history, architecture and cultural heritage.

Why Saagar Recommends Thrillophilia

Saagar’s seven-day route brought together an impressive range of Sri Lankan experiences, with the itinerary connecting Kandy, Sigiriya, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa, Galle, Bentota and Colombo in one continuous journey.

The planning kept the journey moving through different landscapes and experiences each day, from wildlife and heritage to mountains, beaches and city sightseeing. Saagar’s simple verdict reflects the result: “The experience was very good, and we enjoyed the trip.”

Also Read: Anamika Rawat's Personalised Journey with Thrillophilia