09 Oct 2025
Our journey included pickup from the airport late at night and transfer to a local hotel.
We then traveled in the heartland of Sri Lanka including Pinnawala, Sigiriya, Habarana, Polonnaruwa, Minneriya national park, Kandy, Nuwera Eliya, Kandy and Colombo.
Highlights for in included:
Pinnawala elephant orphanage. The elephants appear to be treated well, and you can see them up close.
Sigiriya Lion Rock fortress is a must. At age 50 and a little unfit, we had to take our time but it was well worth the climb. With steps and handrails it is very safe. The views are breathtaking and the architectural undertaking is mind-blowing.
Jeep safari in Minneriya park was a little expensive at USD$80 (independent operator, not Apple vacation) but it was nice to see elephants in their natural environment, albeit with a lots of jeeps and tourists around... Although the elephants seemed entirely oblivious to us.
Train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. Trains are a great way to see this country. Pay a little extra and get an air conditioned carriage.
Other things we enjoyed:
Village cooking demonstration.
Bicycle ride
Nuwera Eliya (lovely town)
Cultural dancing show in Kandy
The huge meals!
Things we wouldn't do again:
Visit to the Herbal Spice Garden
Gem museum in in Kandy
Tips
The trains never run on time.
Tour operators always take you to some specialty experiences that are free, but there is an assertive sales pitch at the end by the operator (that's how they make their money). You don't have to buy anything.
Engage with the locals where you can, they are a friendly people.
Tip generously, Sri Lanka s probably don't earn as much as you.
Don't spend too long in Colombo. Sri Lanka had much more to offer.
Be open to new experiences and a welcoming, friendly and generous culture!