We have arrived safely in Sri Lanka!
What an amazing country, we can already tell it's going to be a great ten days here.
It was only a forty minute flight from Kerala, India to Colombo. We were expecting that Sri Lanka would be very much the same to India but actually we are noticing that there are a lot of differences. The roads are new with road lines, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings (that vehicles ACTUALLY stop for pedestrians at). There are real shops and supermarkets rather than garages on the side of the road. We even had our first air conditioned room!
Our destinations for Sri Lanka are Mirissa - Hikkaduwa - Kandy - Ella - Colombo.
We caught the train from Colombo to Mirissa on Monday which was an extremely easy process. The train station was busy with other tourists and locals buying tickets also. We bought 2nd class but due to it being busy we had to stand nearly the entire way (three and a half hours). The train was very slow but ten times better than the Indian trains. We spent the next day at the beach. Mirissa is just beautiful. It is the low season here so there are less tourists which we think is a highlight because we have seen photos of the high season and the beaches are crowded with people. It's still 30 degrees but there is some wind. It hasn't rained yet.
Today we caught the local bus up the coast to Hikkaduwa (40 pence each - one hour ride). We have one full day in Hikkaduwa tomorrow before heading to Ella via Colombo which will be a long day of travel. We are looking forward to the famous train ride from Ella to Kandy which is known for being one of the worlds most scenic train routes.
Lunch at Mirissa Beach - Sri Lanken curry (lovely and light compared to Indian curries - similar to Thai curry) and a vegetable wrap for me. This entire meal cost us 7.20 GBP/ $13NZD at a restaurant aimed for tourists..
What an amazing country, we can already tell it's going to be a great ten days here.
It was only a forty minute flight from Kerala, India to Colombo. We were expecting that Sri Lanka would be very much the same to India but actually we are noticing that there are a lot of differences. The roads are new with road lines, traffic lights and pedestrian crossings (that vehicles ACTUALLY stop for pedestrians at). There are real shops and supermarkets rather than garages on the side of the road. We even had our first air conditioned room!
Our destinations for Sri Lanka are Mirissa - Hikkaduwa - Kandy - Ella - Colombo.
We caught the train from Colombo to Mirissa on Monday which was an extremely easy process. The train station was busy with other tourists and locals buying tickets also. We bought 2nd class but due to it being busy we had to stand nearly the entire way (three and a half hours). The train was very slow but ten times better than the Indian trains. We spent the next day at the beach. Mirissa is just beautiful. It is the low season here so there are less tourists which we think is a highlight because we have seen photos of the high season and the beaches are crowded with people. It's still 30 degrees but there is some wind. It hasn't rained yet.
Today we caught the local bus up the coast to Hikkaduwa (40 pence each - one hour ride). We have one full day in Hikkaduwa tomorrow before heading to Ella via Colombo which will be a long day of travel. We are looking forward to the famous train ride from Ella to Kandy which is known for being one of the worlds most scenic train routes.
Our guest house in Hikkudawa
Hikkudawa Beach - tomorrow at sunset we are going to try to locate the area where the locals feed the turtles seaweed that come to shore for food!
Mirissa Beach
Lunch at Mirissa Beach - Sri Lanken curry (lovely and light compared to Indian curries - similar to Thai curry) and a vegetable wrap for me. This entire meal cost us 7.20 GBP/ $13NZD at a restaurant aimed for tourists..
Finally a swim!!
Our accommodation. Lovely clean sheets and free breakfast all for 7.50 GBP/$13.70 NZD per night
Local bus ride from Mirissa to Hikkaduwa
Love to you all
G & T xxx
PS. Flight booked for Melbourne arriving 11am October 5th
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