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SRI LANKA TRAVEL DIARY
A first-hand women-friendly route
7 days and 6 nights around Sri Lanka
From airport arrival to Ayurveda, Sigiriya, Kandy, tea train, Yala safari, Galle. In line with the actual itinerary, we have summarized the local attractions and points to keep in mind on a girls’ trip.
Sri Lanka is a country where you can see completely different landscapes in one trip, from world heritage sites, tea plantations, wildlife, beaches and Ayurveda. This time, I would like to introduce my itinerary of my trip to Sri Lanka from July 9th to July 15th for 6 nights and 7 days, including my impressions and things to keep in mind from a female perspective.
In this article, I would like to tell you about the attractions and points to note when traveling to Sri Lanka from a female perspective.
Although the travel distance was quite long in the short number of days, by traveling in a private car, I was able to leave my large luggage in the car and sightsee, and was able to deal flexibly with flight delays, making it a worry-free trip. I hope this will be helpful to those who are planning a trip to Sri Lanka.
First, the overall route for 6 nights and 7 days
| date | Main area | Main contents | Accommodation |
|---|---|---|---|
| July 9th | Colombo Airport/Negombo | Arrival, purchase SIM, meet driver, move to Negombo | Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions |
| July 10th | Negombo / Sigiriya area / Kandalama | hotel visit, sunset at Ayurveda, Pidurangala | Heritance Kandalama |
| July 11th | Sigiriya / Kandy | Climb Sigiriya Rock, move to Kandy, watch a Kandyan dance performance | Lotus Lake Residence |
| July 12th | Kandy/tea area | Visit the Temple of the Tooth, tea plantations and tea factories, and visit the Heritance Tea Factory | Heritance Tea Factory |
| July 13th | Nanu Oya / Demodara / Ella / Yala | Tea train, Nine Arches, Ella light sightseeing, transfer to Yala | Hotel River Front Yala |
| July 14th | Yala / Galle | Early morning Yala safari, transfer to Galle, Jetwing Lighthouse photography | Jetwing Lighthouse |
| July 15th | Galle / Bentota / Colombo / Airport | Walking around Galle, additional sightseeing, No.11, to the airport | Overnight stay on board |
July 9th: Flew from London Heathrow to Sri Lanka and met the driver in Colombo.
For this itinerary, I departed from London Heathrow (LHR) and flew to Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) near Colombo. When I checked fares online, a realistic economy return budget was about GBP 600-850, with the lowest one-stop options sometimes cheaper and direct SriLankan Airlines flights usually higher. I planned it as an overnight itinerary so that July 9 was the arrival day.
A direct London Heathrow to Colombo flight takes about 10.5 hours, while good one-stop itineraries via the Gulf usually take around 12.5 to 15.5 hours including the connection. Depending on the airline, you can expect one or two meal services, but I recommend bringing water and a light snack so you arrive feeling fresh.
I arrived at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo in the afternoon to early evening. After a long flight from the UK, the first thing you want to do at the airport is take a deep breath. I met my driver at the paging area in the arrival lobby. It is only about a one-minute walk straight from the exit after collecting your luggage.
The video below explains the route from the exit to the meeting point with the driver. I don’t think you will get confused.
After meeting up with the driver, I went to a nearby SIM card shop and purchased a SIM card with Ranjana’s help. The package I used was 125 GB for LKR 4,200, which was roughly GBP 11 at the time, and having the driver nearby made the purchase much easier.
When traveling to Sri Lanka, it is much safer to have a private car from the moment you arrive. We loaded our large suitcases into the car and headed straight to our hotel in Negombo.
The first night’s accommodation was Jetwing Ayurveda Pabilions. I felt it was important on a women’s trip to not pack in too much sightseeing on the first day and prioritize transportation and recovery. It is located about 20 minutes from the airport. Negombo is a city that is used by many travelers as a starting point.
The hotel is clean, but there are a lot of mosquitoes, so you need to take precautions against mosquitoes. It is a good idea to bring insect repellent spray. I was bitten by a lot of mosquitoes from the first day and felt terrible.
By the way, I got so many mosquito bites that Ranjana took me to the hospital on the way from Sigiriya to Kandy on the third day. I will write about it in the section for July 11th.
July 10th: Ayurveda Experience and Sunset at Pidurangala
The second morning started at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions. It’s a hotel where you can wake up in the morning in a quiet space, so it was perfect for preparing your body for the next day. Enjoy Ayurveda as a typical Sri Lankan experience and get into a relaxing mode right from the beginning of your trip. You can also get consultation from a specialist.
As the name suggests, Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions is an inn where you can receive authentic Ayurveda from the major Jetwing group, so we recommend taking it on the first or last day.
After that, move towards Kandalama. It will take about 4 hours by car.
What you have to be careful about here is that the roads are not well maintained like in Japan. If you are sensitive to car sickness, it is essential to take medicine to prevent motion sickness, and at the same time, we recommend that you ask the driver to take breaks from time to time. I took a break at Barista Coffee on the way.
This is a branch of Barista, one of Sri Lanka’s largest cafe chains, where you can enjoy a wide variety of drinks, from authentic espresso and cappuccino to light snacks such as cakes and sandwiches.
There are good lunch options around each major sightseeing base in Sri Lanka, so I recommend deciding the area first and then asking your driver for a place that matches your taste and schedule.
In the evening, we headed to Pidurangala to watch the sunset. Pidurangala is popular as a scenic spot with a view of Sigiriya Rock, but there are some places where the footing is difficult to climb.
We recommend pants rather than skirts, and comfortable shoes rather than sandals. It takes about 30 minutes to climb to the top. It’s quite physically demanding, so let’s take care! By the way, with LankaMe, if you are on the Platinum plan or above, the driver will accompany you on the climb and provide support while providing explanations.
Pidurangala Rock never fails to impress me no matter how many times I climb it. This is a spot you should definitely stop by!
It takes about 40 minutes after descending Pidurangala Rock.Heritance KandalamaMove to.
If you can arrive at Heritance Kandalama before dark, you will be able to enjoy the atmosphere of the hotel. The hotel feels like a combination of nature and architecture, and from the moment I arrived, I felt a strong sense of being in Sri Lanka.
Below is a photo taken after climbing Sigiriya Rock the next morning. The hotel is famous for its infinity pool.
July 11th: Early morning ascent of Sigiriya Rock and Kandy dance
On the third day, we set out to climb Sigiriya Rock at 4:30 in the morning. You’ll have to get up quite early, but if you’re looking to catch the sunrise, this is the ideal time to start. Another big advantage is that the morning air is cool, making it easier to climb physically than during the day.
Sigiriya Rock has many stairs, and you will feel a sense of accomplishment when you reach the top. When it comes to clothing for girls’ trips, wear pants that are easy to move in and sneakers. You’ll be sweating, so we recommend wearing light makeup and plenty of sunscreen.
The climbing time is about 1 hour. There are a lot of stairs, but since the road is paved, you can imagine that it is a little more difficult than Pidurangala Rock.
The sunrise over Sigiriya Rock is also a truly impressive sight. Photos don’t do it justice, so I highly recommend you to visit. The surrounding area is jungle, so the scenery is spectacular.
After climbing the summit, we returned to Heritance Kandalama and had breakfast before moving to Kandy. The journey from Sigiriya to Kandy takes about 3 hours.
There is Matale, famous for its spice garden, on the way, but we skipped it this time.
Spice gardens are often of poor quality, so if you decide to stop by, you should stop by Spice Ceylon, which is run by the major Thema Collection.
On the way, Ranjana took me to the hospital to get medicine for the mosquito bite I got on the first day. Not only did they act as an interpreter for me and the doctor, but they also assisted me in preparing documents for insurance coverage.
By applying the prescribed medicine, the pain and itching caused by the mosquito bite finally subsided.
After arriving at Kandy, we ate authentic pizza at Vito Wood Fired Pizza, located in a place overlooking Kandy.
It has a clean feel and is a highly recommended option for those who are not into Sri Lankan curry every day. Of course, the pizza was delicious too.
By the way, Kandy city is quite crowded. Driver’s driving skills are required.
After lunch, Ranjana recommendedKandy ViewpointI was taken to a spot overlooking Kandy. I was very grateful for their flexibility in suggesting great spots.
At night, I watched Kandyan dance. With traditional music and powerful dances, it was an opportunity to experience the culture of Sri Lanka, which you can’t see just by visiting tourist spots.
If you want to include a Kandyan dance performance, it is best to check the showtime and location in advance and build the evening around it.
The hotel where Kandy spent the night wasLotus Lake Residenceis.
Although it is not a luxury hotel, it is a recommended hotel for those who want to stay at a good value. Heritance Kandalama and the Heritance Tea Factory the next day are quite expensive, so this is perfect for those who want to save money on accommodation!
July 12th: Tour the Temple of the Tooth and four tea factories to the tea area
On the morning of the fourth day, we went to the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Since it is a sacred place, I chose clothes that covered my shoulders and knees. White clothing is easy to wear at temples in Sri Lanka and looks good in photos. There are times when you will have to take off your shoes, so it’s best to wear shoes that are easy to put on and take off.
If you go early in the morning, you can witness the puja ceremony where the box containing the Buddha’s tooth is opened. It’s on the left in the photo below.
The pooja times are as follows. If you arrive in the evening, I think it would be best to watch the Kandy dance from 5pm and then head to the puja.
| pooja | Approximate actual ceremony time |
|---|---|
| early morning | From around 5:30 *Details of end time not listed. |
| morning | Around 9:30-10:30 (about 60 minutes) |
| evening | Around 18:30-19:15 (about 45 minutes) |
Afterwards, head to the tea area and enjoy the views of the tea fields. If there is a safe place to stop, take pictures of the tea plantation views along the way. The scenery you can see from the window while moving is beautiful, and the green world typical of Sri Lanka spreads out.
This really depends on the skill of the driver, but there are quite a few mountain roads, so be careful if you’re prone to car sickness. Ranjana’s driving was comfortable and we were able to travel for about 3 hours while enjoying the scenery of the tea plantations without getting drunk.
On the way, we stopped at a free viewing spot recommended by Ranjana, and the view was truly spectacular. This is also a spectacular view that cannot be captured in photos, so I would like you to experience it with your own eyes.
On this day, we visited four tea factories: Kingswood, Blue Field, Pedro, and Damro. A factory tour surrounded by the aroma of tea is an irresistible time for tea lovers. We had to visit four factories on a strict schedule, but we recommended Kingswood.
There are two Japanese guides at Kingswood, and you can receive detailed explanations of the tea manufacturing process. Also, the fact that you can sample as many teas as you like is a very attractive point. If you have time, you can also experience tea stacking.
The tea factory visit is easy to enjoy if you allow enough time for the tour, tasting, and a little shopping before moving on.
In the evening, we arrived at Heritance Tea Factory and took photos at the hotel. The hotel has a unique atmosphere that resembles a renovated tea factory, making staying at the hotel a sightseeing experience in itself.
By the way, Heritance Tea Factory is more than 30 minutes away from the center of Nuwara Eliya. Furthermore, the last 5km was a road that made me feel car sick.
I hope you all can take a break as needed before heading to your hotel.
The interior, which utilizes the remains of a former tea factory, is also a big attraction. Inside the building, you can feel the history of a tea factory even though it is a hotel, with the atmosphere of red steel frames and old machinery remaining.
Also, the food at the hotel was excellent. The following two are the fish steak and the chef’s special, and they were about 2,500 yen each. By the way, the buffet was 100 USD, so I recommend the a la carte option.
The taste was one of the best on this trip.
July 13th: Tea train from Nanu Oya to Demodara, via Ella to Yala
On the morning of the 5th day, we took pictures at Heritance Tea Factory and then moved to Nanu Oya station. Take the train from Nanu Oya to Demodara around 9 o’clock.
Demodara is the next station after Ella and there is a Nine Arch Bridge between Ella and Demodara so you can cross the Nine Arch Bridge by train.
Sri Lanka’s tea train is a popular route where you can enjoy views of tea plantations and mountains from the train.
It was very comfortable to be able to leave my large luggage in the car and board the train with just the things I needed. Traveling by train is photogenic, but it’s best to pack your luggage compactly on the platform and inside the train.
The best views of the section from Nanu Oya to Demodara, where we rode this time, are the first 30 minutes and the 1 hour section before and after Haputale. The left side in the direction of travel is recommended.
This time I rode in a 1st class car, but I recommend a 2nd class car with windows.
The photo below, which you often see on Instagram, can be taken by paying 1000 LKR to a first class conductor. People in second class can also ask the conductor if they move to the front of the first class.
However, passengers in 3rd class are not allowed to move to other cars, so please take a seat in 1st class instead of 2nd class.
After crossing Ella, I was able to cross the Nine Arch Bridge, which was my dream. By the way, after getting off at Demodara, I took a tuktuk to see the Nine Arch Bridge.
By the way, if you get off at Ella, you won’t be able to cross the Nine Arch Bridge by train, and you will have to travel up and down a steep slope for an hour round trip to get to the Nine Arch Bridge.
In Demodara, you can easily reach the Nine Arch Bridge by crossing it by train and then taking a tuk-tuk along a narrow road for about 10 minutes. LankaMe recommends taking the train as far as Demodara because it keeps the route smooth and still gives you the classic Nine Arch Bridge experience.
After visiting the Nine Arch Bridge, we went to Ella to have lunch. Ella has many lunch restaurants catering to Europeans, and hereCafe chilI ate an American sandwich.
After lunch, head to your hotel near Yala National Park in preparation for the Yala safari starting early the next day. The duration will be approximately 2 and a half hours.
Yala accommodationHotel River Front Yalais. There are luxury hotels near Yala, such as the Hilton Yala, but since I was leaving at 4:45 the next day, I chose a less expensive hotel because I focused only on getting a good night’s sleep. Of course, it wasn’t as satisfying as a luxury hotel, but it was enough for a short stay.
July 14th: Early morning Yala safari to encounter wild animals and head to Galle
On the 6th day, Yala safari started at 4:45am. It’s quite early, but by leaving early in the morning when animals are more active, you’ll have a better chance of encountering safari-like scenery. Riding a jeep through the national park was one of the most adventurous parts of this trip.
If you arrange a jeep through LankaMe, the driver can get in the jeep with you and give you an explanation. If you are a Japanese driver, you will be able to communicate with the English driver.
What is important is the skill of the driver who drives the Jeep.Yala National ParkAlthough it is the national park with the highest concentration of Sri Lanka leopards, it is said that the chance of encountering a Sri Lanka leopard is around 10%.
Also, even if you can see it, you will not be able to observe it from a good position unless you find a place. The drivers that LankaMe contracts with are quick at identifying locations and use brilliant techniques to get there.
Our driver Asanka used her keen sense of smell to spot the Sri Lanka leopard and even secured us a front row spot.
After finishing the morning safari, we will head straight to Galle. The journey from Yala to Galle takes about two and a half hours.
Once we arrive at the Galle, we will have a late lunch at Church Street Social. Located within the boutique hotel Fort Bazaar, which is a renovated 17th century building, the interior of the restaurant, which makes use of arches and beautiful tiles, has a sophisticated yet warm atmosphere.
The menu was very delicious, featuring fresh seafood and a modern take on international cuisine. It was the most delicious lunch I had.
After lunch, we will tour the Galle fortress. The entire city of Galle retains traces of the Dutch and British colonial era.world heritageIt is a city of
After sightseeing in Galle, we will head to Jetwing Lighthouse, our accommodation for the day, which is one of the representative Bawa architecture hotels.
Jetwing Lighthouse truly looked like a beach resort hotel! We were able to relax and spend our last night in Sri Lanka.
This is one of the hotels we recommend when staying in Galle.
July 15th: Return home after visiting Bawa architecture and Colombo.
Well, it’s finally the last day. On the last daybawa architectureWe will head to Colombo while visiting.
On this day, my flight was delayed for 3 hours, so I had some free time in my schedule. So we decided to visit Lunuganga, Heritance Ahungalla, Cinnamon Bentota and also No.11 in Colombo. The reason I was able to successfully turn my unplanned time into sightseeing was because I was traveling by private vehicle.
Tours are held daily at Lununga and no reservations are required. You can eat lunch by making a reservation, but it is not recommended as you will have to eat outside and it will be very hot.
Below are Heritance Ahungalla and Cinnamon Bentota. It felt like a resort hotel. Sri Lanka is famous for its World Heritage Sites, and its southwest region is densely populated with resort areas. If you have time, I think a good way to spend your time is to enjoy resort hotels in the southwest.
You can enjoy the same level of quality as Bali for a lower price than Bali.
After sightseeing at Heritance Ahungalla, we will drive for 2 hours to Colombo.
In Colombo, we will visit No. 11, the last Bawa building. The Number 11 tour lasts approximately 45 minutes and costs 5000LKR per person. The event times are as follows, so if you are interested, please tune in to these times.
Number 11is Geoffrey Bawa’s renovated home in Colombo, where he lived for many years. It is said to be a sacred place for fans of Bawa architecture.
After sightseeing at Number 11, head to Bandaranaike International Airport. It took about 40 minutes. At the airport, it was finally time to say goodbye to Ranjana, who had taken care of me for the past seven days.
Ranjana is a top driver and a royal driver. Thanks to him, I was able to enjoy Sri Lanka to the fullest. The service was top-class in terms of consideration, knowledge, driving skills, and tourism knowledge, and the quality of the service is one that can be confidently recommended to customers who use LankaMe.
Ranjana is planning to hold seminars for LankaMe drivers to instruct drivers in the future, and will continue to improve the overall quality of drivers at LankaMe.
Because our flight was delayed by three hours, I looked for a comfortable way to spend the extra time at the airport together with our representative Okuda. That is when we found the transit hotel.
You can visit this hotel after passing through immigration, where you can take a shower and relax on the sofa until your departure.
If your flight is delayed or you arrive at the airport early, the transit hotel and rest areas can be useful ways to spend the extra time comfortably.
The charm of a 6-night, 7-day Sri Lanka women’s trip
The charm of Sri Lanka that I felt during this trip is that you can enjoy completely different aspects of the country.
On the day of arrival, relax in Negombo, enjoy the breathtaking views and history in Sigiriya, culture in Kandy, green scenery in the tea area, wildlife in Yala, and walk along the coast in Galle. Every day had a different theme, so I never got bored.
On the other hand, the travel distance is long and there are many early morning departures. On a women’s trip, you can have a much more comfortable time if you are conscious of what you wear, take care of your health, take bathroom breaks, take sun protection, insect repellent, and take precautions against air conditioning. Especially in Sri Lanka, where the climate changes depending on the area, a thin cover-up and comfortable shoes are essential items.
And, as expected, taxi charter is essential for personal travel. Unlike Japan, the roads in Sri Lanka are not paved. There are many situations where you have to navigate rough roads.
Having an experienced driver who can take breaks and suggest great spots to stop at will greatly improve the quality of your trip. At LankaMe, we will continue to conduct inspections with our staff, including representatives, and use the points we notice to improve our services and make suggestions to everyone.
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