A Taste of Paradise: Shreya’s Sri Lanka Trip Thrillophilia Review
Around 2-3 weeks before our trip to Sri Lanka, I came across an amazing travel blog that caught my attention. It featured breathtaking images of Sri Lanka - beaches, lush green landscapes, and historical buildings.
Full of enthusiasm about the new destination that I found, I immediately shared the blog with my partner. As he went through it, he developed the same level of excitement for exploring the wonders of the island.
We've been planning a vacation with another couple that we were friends with, so I thought of suggesting the idea of a group trip to Sri Lanka. And within a couple of hours, messages started flooding our group chat, each person joining in with excitement about their travel preferences.
After a couple of days, our group reached a collective decision to book a trip to Sri Lanka. Before we could realize it, our travel plans started unfolding, and we began our countdown to a memorable adventure.
Sunset Strolls and Sacred Spaces
Our adventure began in Colombo, the vibrant capital of Sri Lanka, often referred to as the 'gateway to the island.'
Our guide informed us that it is the largest city in the country. The most fascinating part about Colombo for me was how it was a beautiful blend of modern skyscrapers and colonial architecture.
As we moved on, we visited the vibrant Pettah Floating Markets, where vendors were selling a variety of items including fresh produce, jewelry, handicrafts, spices, and textiles.
“Look at those tropical fruits!” I exclaimed to my friend, pointing towards the vibrant displays of fruits.
The air filled with the aroma of spices tempted us into trying and buying several curry powders and sweet desserts. I purchased so many items from the floating market that it felt like I was carrying a mini Sri Lanka in my shopping bag.
Next, we visited the historic Sri Kaileswaram Hindu Temple, where we got a chance to admire the stunning carvings and beautiful statues. Every statue was symbolic of a story about local culture and devotion towards the almighty.
As we walked across the temple grounds, we felt a renewed sense of peace. Another religious site that we visited was the Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, which was an incredible combination of modernity and tradition.
It had a serene atmosphere that echoed the soft chanting of monks and offered peaceful moments of reflection. My partner was particularly amazed by the stunning architecture and felt a deep connection with its spiritual heritage.
“This place is truly magical,” he said, taking in the beautiful views around.
During the sunset hours, we took a stroll along the vibrant streets, where a hypnotizing aroma of street food filled the air. As we walked, we tried several local dishes - it was a symphony of spices and coconut on my palate.
Gentle Giants and Cultural Delights
Sweet and fruity is how I'd explain our experience in Kandy, a Sri Lankan town known for its scenic landscapes and Elephants.
Adding Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to our itinerary was one of the best decisions that we made. It was a sanctuary that housed injured and abandoned elephants, fed and cared for by a dedicated staff. Watching the orphanage staff work tirelessly for the comfort of the gentle giants helped us develop a new sense of appreciation for wildlife conservation.
It was magical to see the emotional bonding the majestic creatures shared with humans, trusting them with their lives. I fell in love with the sight of baby elephants playing in the water.
"Look at those adorable calves," I said, pointing at young elephants, as they splashed around.
The little ones would run around and sometimes even tumble over each other, making us laugh at their adorable acts. We had a great time interacting with the staff members, who told us several fascinating stories about the elephants that lived there. Watching the gentle giants roam freely and interact with travelers was such a beautiful feeling.
That place was more than just an animal shelter; it was a ray of hope, offering a better future for these extraordinary creatures.
We also visited Kandy Lake, which was located among the lush green hills. My partner was amazed by the number of lotus flowers at the lake - a sight he had never seen before. During the evening, we attended a traditional Kandyan dance performance, where skilled dancers moved to the rhythmic beats of drums.
And right when we thought it couldn't get more amazing, they performed an act of walking through the fire - a truly memorable experience.
Coastal Delights
Our visit to Galle, our next stop, was a tour steeped in history.
We visited Galle Fort, which according to our tour guide, was listed among the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. I couldn't help but feel fascinated by the outstanding blend of Dutch and Portuguese colonial architecture of the fort. We walked around the cobblestone streets while admiring the fort's splendid design from various perspectives.
After exploring the historical heritage of Sri Lanka in Galle, it was time for us to visit Bentota. We enjoyed spending time at the Turtle Hatchery, located in Kosgoda, where we got a chance to look at many newborn turtles.
“Look at how small those turtles are!” I exclaimed, as my heart swelled with delight.
I found the experience of watching the little creatures prepare for their voyage to the ocean waters truly mesmerizing.
Later, we indulged in a unique experience at the Fish Pedicure Centre - a Fish Spa - where little fish nibbled at my feet, making me burst into giggles.
“This feels so funny!” my partner said, laughing at the sensation.
I found it to be a great way to unwind after a long day of incredible sightseeing tours. We couldn’t have asked for a better way to refresh ourselves before heading to the airport.
From floating markets to peaceful temples - our vacation in Sri Lanka was a feast for the senses. Thank you, Sri Lanka, for embracing us in your breathtaking landscapes, historical heritage, and exotic wildlife.
Read More: Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews