SRILANKA TOUR TRAVEL GUIDE: BY RAJU SALVI MAR 2O15.

VISA SYSTEM: ONLINE VISIT VISA (ETA – ELECTRONIC TRAVEL AUTHORISATION) NB: 1. Have passport/s in hand bcos all information to be filled as per the applicant’s passport. 2. Have debit or credit card also in hand for making online payment of USD 15 per application.

http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ is the website link to apply for online visit visa (ETA). Hold “Ctrl” button on your keyboard & click on the link. The link will open up if your PC / Laptop has internet connectivity. MOST EASIEST SYSTEM OF GETTING ONLINE VISA. Select “English” language by clicking on it. Click “Apply” tab. Select “I agree” option to proceed further. Click “Apply for individual” under TOURIST ETA Fill ONLY the “ * ” marked data in the online application form to save time. Ignore the other data as it is irrelevant. NB: 1. If children/ s name are there in the passport then select “Enable” in front of Child information in parent’s passport & fill all the relevant details below it. 2. For address in Srilanka mention following: Shall be staying in hotels at respective sightseeing places.

Complete the form in all aspects with all the mandatory information ONLY & click next. Review the filled up information in the application form. If anything is incorrect click “change”, previous screen will open up & correct the required information & proceed again in the same manner as earlier. If all the information is correct then click “confirm” and proceed for the next step of payment. Upon completing the online process, instantly you will see the following acknowledgement on the screen. You can keep it for your reference either soft or hard copy.

Within few minutes you will receive following email from them on your approval of ETA.

You can have the print out of this approved ETA with you at the Colombo Airport. Normally the immigration officers don’t ask for it & will stamp visit visa for one month on your passport. This ETA will be valid for double entry (read the 8

th line of approval email), means you can visit Srilanka twice within a month from the date of your entry in

Srilanka on the same ETA. For validity of ETA refer 9th

line, it will be for 6 months. NB: In my June 2014 trip, Immigration officer gave Free Prepaid Sim card packet of Dialog company. Prepaid sim card had balance of LKR 50/-. I already had Hutch prepaid sim card so did not use the Dialog sim. If you are also given, then take the help of Dialog Stall in airport departure lounge for activation & reloading / recharging

the Sim card with required money. LKR 50/- will be automatically deducted from it upon 1st

top up. The prepaid sim packet will have information about activation of sim

& various sim features you can make use of while your stay in lanka. Open the prepaid sim card packet means unfold it fully as there are instructions on all the pages. Do read the instruction on it & also on the few loose pages in the packet. If you are not given then purchase from the various mobile sim company’s stall at airport departure lounge or from telecommunications shop.

SRILANKA SIGHT SEEING THRU TOUR TRAVEL AGENT

Source no. 1 for tour travel agent in Lanka: www.regencylankatours.com Lasantha Tours / Regency Lanka Tour Lasantha is my very good Lankan friend from Galle. We were in the same company in Kuwait from 2007 to 2009. We personally know each other very well as we played cricket for more than 1.5 years together. Lasantha is in this business since last 4 years. Contact him & finalise the deal for the no. of days you wish to visit Lanka. For any kind of help I am always there. Lasantha’s contact details are: Mobile no.: +94 774 360 368 (for whatsapp) Mobile no.: +94 774 607 604 (for talk & sms)

Email: lasaldk@gmail.com Facebook: Regency Lanka Tour

LASANTHA SELF

Photo at Sigiriya Junction road on Photo at Kuwait cricket ground (Oct 2008)

Source no. 2 for tour travel agents in Lanka: Reference from friends / relatives who visited Lanka Source no. 3 for tour travel agents in Lanka: Google search

Source no. 4 for tour travel agents in Lanka: Colombo airport departure lounge

Source no. 5: Tour travel agents in India. So above are the choices to choose the tour travel agent. Whosoever tour travel agent will be chosen from Lanka, on an average it will be a very good or good experience. Rarely there will be a less good experience; it will be an exceptional case.

SIGHT SEEING PLACES: Pinnawala, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhpura, Mihintale, Pollonaruwa, Passikudah, Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Tricomalee

Lanka map showing prime places of sightseeing. It would be much better if following sequence is followed for sightseeing. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Peridaniya

Botanical Garden at Kandy, Kandy to Ella Train Journey, Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Dambulla Caves, Sigiriya Rock, Anuradhpura, Mihintale, Polonarruwa, Passikudah,

Kalkudah, Batticaloa, Trincomalee. You can enlarge & see the map to know all above places.

TO EXPLORE PLACES IN SRI LANKA YOU CAN VISIT FOLLOWING VERY GOOD INFORMATIVE WEBSITE LINKS FOR SIGHT SEEING IN LANKA THAT PROVIDES EXCELLENT INFORMATION WITH PHOTOS. MY EARNEST REQUEST PLEASE VISIT THE WEBSITES. HOLD Ctrl BUTTON ON KEYBOARD & CLICK ON LINK.

http://www.mysrilankaholidays.com http://www.srilankatravelinfo.com LANKANS ARE VERY GOOD FRIENDLY PEOPLE. A COUNTRY WHERE ONE WILL FEEL VERY VERY SAFE AND SECURE.

SHOPS OPENS VERY EARLY MORNING BY 7.30 OR 8 AM & CLOSE EARLY IN THE EVENING TOO BY 6 PM. VERY FEW SHOPS REMAIN OPEN LATE AT NIGHT

LANKA IS A COUNTRY OF LAKES, YOU WILL COME ACROSS PLENTY OF BEAUTIFUL SERENE LAKES DURING YOUR VISIT..

LANKA IS A BUDDHIST COUNTRY SO YOU WILL SEE BUDDHIST RELATED ARCHAEOLOGICAL & HISTORICAL SIGHTS…

VERY IMPORTANT & MUST THING: KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN JOURNEY. IT IS AMAZINGLY MOST SPLENDID, MOST SPECTACULAR, MOST PICTURESQUE, MOST SCENIC

TRAIN JOURNEY OF MY LIFE. ONE SHOULD NOT MISS IT AT ALL WHILE IN LANKA. THOSE WHO ARE THE TRUE LOVER OF NATURE & WISH TO SEE GREEN NATURE AT ITS

BEST MUST UNDERTAKE THE JOURNEY FROM KANDY TO ELLA BY TRAIN. EVEN IF YOU IGNORE OTHER TOURIST SPOTS OF LANKA IT IS OK BUT DON’T MISS THIS

ITINERARY. I REPEAT DON’T MISS THIS ITINERARY. THE REAL ACTUAL BEAUTY OF ELLA & KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN JOURNEY IS TOO SCENIC THAN IN PHOTOS….

KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN: 6 HOURS JOURNEY THRU SCENIC MOUNTAINS. METER GAUGE TRAIN MAXIMUM SPEED 30 KPH.

TRAIN 2 TYPES

OLD TRAINS. I TRAVELLED FROM ELLA TO KANDY IN THIS TRAIN NEW CHINESE BUILT TRAINS. I TRAVELLED FROM KANDY TO ELLA IN THIS TRAIN THESE TRAINS HAVE 1

ST CLASS OBSERVATION CAR THESE TRAINS DOES NOT HAVE 1

ST CLASS OBSERVATION CAR

BERTH / SEAT / CLASSES IN TRAIN

1st class sleepers. 1st class sleeping-berths are available on a few overnight trains. The cars have lockable 2-berth compartments with separate toilet and washbasin. These cars are old, fairly basic and grubby, so manage your expectations accordingly, but they are comfortable enough, they provide privacy and clean bedding is provided.

1st class observation car. A 1st class observation car is available on one or two of the daytime trains on the amazingly scenic route from Colombo to Kandy and Badulla. The observation car is normally at the rear of the train or occasionally behind the locomotive and has comfortable though slightly grubby armchairs facing a large window looking back along the track. Seats must be reserved before departure. Seats can be reserved within 10 days of departure, but book early as the

observation car is very popular and gets booked up fast. However, the new Chinese-built blue trains now operating several departures on this route don't have

observation cars. I DID NOT GET THIS TICKET. THIS TICKET YOU SHOULD TRY FOR. OPT FOR 1ST

ROW SEAT FROM EXTREME REAR OF TRAIN OR IF NOT AVAILABLE

THEN WINDOW SEAT OF OTHER ROWS. TICKET FARE IS LKR 1500 FROM KANDY TO ELLA . SEE THE PHOTOS BELOW OF 1ST

CLASS OBSERVATION CAR.

1st class air-conditioned seats car. The new Chinese-built blue trains on the route from Colombo to Kandy & Badulla feature modern air-conditioned 1st class seats cars. (TRAVEL TIP: YOU ACTUALLY PREFER THE NON-A/C 2ND CLASS CARS AS SEATS & WINDOWS ARE MUCH BETTER FOR PHOTOGRAPHY AND SIGHTSEEING).

2nd class seats, available on all trains. These come in several versions, depending on the train:

(1) unreserved seats, where you buy a ticket, hop on and sit in any available seat,

(2) reserved seats where you must make a reservation and you get an allocated seat,

THIS TICKET SHOULD BE YOUR SECOND CHOICE AFTER OBSERVATION CLASS…I TRAVELLED KANDY TO ELLA IN THIS CLASS. TICKET FARE LKR 600 FROM KANDY

TO ELLA ON JUNE 2014. VERY COMFORTABLE & SPACIOUS SEATS COMPARED TO 1ST

CLASS AC. IF YOU ARE TRAVELLING IN THIS CLASS ENSURE YOU CARRY

ENOUGH EATABLES & DRINK ITEMS FOR 6 HOURS JOURNEY AS YOU WILL NOT GET ANYTHING INSIDE THE TRAIN AS WELL AS ON THE RAILWAY STATIONS

APART FROM KANDY. SEE THE PHOTO BELOW OF 2ND

CLASS CAR. NB: ENLARGE PHOTO AND SEE.

(3) Reserved ‘sleeperette’ reclining seats which are available on most overnight trains and recline to about 45 degrees for sleeping. 3

rd class seats, available on most trains. These come in several versions, depending on the train: Unreserved seats, reserved seats, and reserved ‘sleeperette’

reclining seats. 3

RD CLASS IS VERY BASIC AND GETS VERY CROWDED, AND IT IS NOT GENERALLY RECOMMENDED FOR VISITORS.

Privately-run ExpoRail & Rajadhani air conditioned carriages: A couple of trains a day on the Colombo to Kandy & Badulla route now carry a privately-run

deluxe car with special fares, WiFi, TV, power sockets see www.exporail.lk. A similar private air-conditioned carriage is run by www.rajadhani.lk also on the Colombo to Kandy & Badulla route. ELLA TO KANDY I TRAVELLED IN AIR CONDITIONED RAJDHANI CARRIAGE. TICKET FARE LKR 1150 FROM ELLA TO KANDY. TWO WAITERS NEATLY DRESSED WILL BE THERE FOR THE SERVICE OF SNACKS FOODS DRINKS ETC. ALL WILL BE CHARGED EXTRA. SEE THE PHOTO BELOW OF AC RAJDHANI CAR. I HAD RICE, DAL & TWO JUICES FOR LKR 800.

BOOKING TICKET:

If you are thru travel agent, inform him for booking of 1st

class observation car ticket from Kandy to Ella. For booking / reservation of ticket no personal details are

required. If you are on your own, go to the nearest railway station & book the 1st

class observation car ticket from Kandy to Ella at the reservation counter. If in

doubt, check with railway staff before boarding train for bogie & if required seat no. Normally the Air conditioned & reserved 2nd

class coaches are immediately

after the engine within 1st

three / four bogies. 1st

class observation car is at last. NB: Ticket Collector is always there at the destination station to collect tickets

before allowing passenger to exit railway station. So ensure you maintain ticket with you to be handed over to TC at gate.

ENTRANCE FEES: Costly item in Lanka. Carrying original passport will fetch concession on the entrance ticket.

Given below are the approximate entrance fees at various sightseeing places in Lanka. Entrance Fees Details In Sri Lankan Rupees

Anuradhapura 2000 Per Pax

In Anuradhapura extra charges to visit Isurumouniya & Sri Maha Bodhi 400 Per Pax

Polonnaruwa 2000 Per Pax

Sigiriya 2000 Per Pax

Dambulla Cave Temples 1500 Per Pax

Dambulla Museum 230 Per Pax

Alu Viharaya in Matale 500 Per Pax

Peradeniya Botanical Gardens in Kandy 1500 Per Pax

Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy 1500 Per Pax

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage 700 Per Pax for SAARC nations

Pigeon Island in Trincomalee (latest fee of March 2014) 1800 regn & 2300 Boat ticket

CURRENCY EQUIVALENT: 1 INR = LKR 2.18 1 USD = LKR 130.26 1 RO = LKR 338.32 LKR: Lankan Rupees Check the ongoing rate.

ATMs are there, you can withdraw money in local currency with your ATM card if it is having relevant logo matching with that ATM machine. You can get dollars exchanged at any banks or money exchange office or any jewellery shop. You need to show your passport. Debit / credit cards are accepted in good restaurants & good shopping malls / shops. NB: I HAVE USED ATM CARDS OF FOLLOWING BANKS VIZ BANK OF BARODA, SBI & BANK MUSCAT AT SHOP MALLS RESTAURANT & ATMs.

FOOD IN SRILANKA:

Rice, Fried Rice, Biryani, Dal Curry, Fish Curry, Chicken Curry are the common food items in Lanka. “Short Eat” is another common item in Lanka. Bakery & fried

products (5 to 10 items) will be served in one big plate. We can eat whatever we wish from it. Items eaten will only be charged. If one wants to have Indian food it is

available only in Kandy so when in Kandy go to Devon Restaurant you will get a quality Indian veg & non veg food. If you wish to have Masala Dosa, Plain Dosa, Idly etc

then go to Balaji Dosa on Colombo street in Kandy. Devon Restaurant & Balaji Dosa are in main Kandy city within 5 minutes walk from each other. Bake House is also a

good restaurant for food opposite to Devon Restaurant. In Devon Restaurant veg food are in the range of LKR 300 to 600, plain naan – 6 pcs for LKR 200. Before Devon

restaurant one more Indian restaurant is there. In Balaji Dosa, Masala Dosa is for LKR 175 & Plain Dosa for LKR 100. Rates are of Jan 2015. Ram / Vaani Indian

restaurants are also there opposite to Balaji Dosa. NB: KFC is also there in Kandy 50 meter before Devon Restaurant. Pizza Hut is also there next to the main temple which is 100 meter from KFC. HOTEL ACCOMODATION: SINGLE ACCOMODATION – LKR 1500 TO 2500. DOUBLE ACCOMODATION LKR 2500 TO 4500.

If hotels are standard with printed card showing rates for single & double accommodation there is little chance for bargain or negotiation. For non standard

hotels (run by the family) you can bargain & negotiate price.

If you are thru travel agent, he will take care of your stay in a decent hotel. If you don’t like the hotel you have the right to ask him to change to good hotel.

If you are on your own, hire auto rickshaw at a reasonable negotiated price & see various hotels before you finalise one that you like most.

SRILANKA SIGHT SEEING ON YOUR OWN

After coming out of Colombo airport, turn towards your left & walk straight till the paving or footpath is finished. You will see towards your right corner, AC

buses for Colombo Fort. If you have doubt ask any local over there, he will help. Board the bus. Ticket fare is LKR 120 from Airport to Colombo Fort. Airport to

Colombo Fort journey is of apprx. 45 minutes.

Colombo Fort is the Main Bus Stand for Govt. Buses. Pettah is the Main Bus Stand for Private Buses adjacent to Colombo Fort Bus Stand. Seats of Private Buses have good cushion compared to Govt. Buses. Colombo Fort Railway Station is also near within 5 minutes walk from the Colombo Fort Bus Stand. Buses are time bound. After getting down at Colombo Fort Bus Stand walk towards the exit gate of Colombo Fort Bus Stand, it is the same gate thru which the all the buses exits. After

crossing the exit gate of Colombo Fort Bus Stand, turn to right & walk on the paving or footpath of the main road for approximately 5 minutes & see towards

your left on the other side of main road the Colombo Fort Railway station a white color building. If you have any doubt on how to go to Colombo Fort Railway

Station, please ask any local at the exit gate of the Colombo Fort Bus Stand. If you have more luggage then cross the main road in front of the exit gate of bus stand, go to other side & hire auto rickshaw. NB: You have to use a Zebra crossing for crossing the main road. Metered auto rickshaws are there in Colombo . Auto meter will not change from Fort Bus Stand to Fort Railway Station. I doubt auto

will agree to come as it is very near. Ask for the booking / reservation counter & book for day after tomorrow the 1st

class observation car train ticket from Kandy

to Ella. Compared to bus, train journey from Colombo to Kandy is comfortable & takes less time. Bus takes between 5 to 6 hours & train takes 3 to 3 & ½ hours. See the possibility of travelling by intercity express trains from Colombo to Kandy by taking 2nd class or AC ticket as per your choice.

KANDY: I have attached photos of Kandy city & main temple in Kandy on page 19 of this guide.

From Kandy station take auto and tell him following hotel - Kandy City Mission on Trincomalee road. Tel nos. are +94 81 223 7081 & +94 81 222 3464. Auto will

charge LKR 150. The charge for single room is LKR 900 & for double room it is LKR 1500 as on Jan 2015. Check in time 12 noon. It has wifi facility. The biggest

advantage of this hotel is cheap, decent & in the city all the places (Internet café, market, Balaji Dosa, Devon Restaurant, Bakehouse Restaurant, KFC, Pizza Hut) are

at walking distances. If you don’t like this hotel then ask auto driver to take around all the hotels inside the city eg: 1. Next to the post office adjacent to Main Dalada Maligava Buddha temple in Kandy 2. On the Colombo street 3. On the hill street 4. On the street Kotugodelle Veediya in front of Devon Restaurant All the above locations are within walking distance so ensure only LKR 100 you pay extra. Normally auto will take on the other side of lake & on top of hill where there are plenty of hotel options. It is far away, you will always have to depend on auto for coming & going to Kandy city. Auto will ask for more than LKR 300.

1st option, auto will charge LKR 1500 to 2000 LKR for to & fro trip from Kandy to Pinnawala. 2nd option, travel to Rambukkana junction by Colombo Kandy or

Colombo Kegalle bus from Kandy bus stand which is little ahead of Kandy railway station. Auto fare from the hotel in Kandy to railway station or bus stand will be in

the range 150 to 300 LKR maximum depending on the distance. Inform bus conductor that you are going to Pinnawala so ask him to tell you when the Rambukanna

T junction arrives. Bus fare would be less than LKR 150. It is a journey of 1 to 1 & ½ hour. After getting down at Rambukanna bus stop, cross the road & go to other

side. You will see T junction & autos in queue there. You have two options to go Pinnawala: 1. Negotiate with auto on the price & ask him to take you to Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Auto fare in the range of LKR 250 to 500

2. Board the bus going from T junction to Pinnawala. If any doubt ask any local available there to confirm. Get down at the Pinnawala Orphanage Ticket Counter Gate. It is a journey of only 10 to 15 minutes from Rambukanna junction to Pinnawala. Bus fare LKR 20.

See the two photos below showing ticket prices & schedule of elephant orphanage at Pinnawala. Enlarge photo & see. You have to go & take the entrance ticket first from the Orphanage area then come back to the river to see the elephants bathing in the river. Orphanage as well as

entrance ticket counter is on the right side & river is on left side of the Rambukkana T junction to Pinnawala road.

If you want to feed elephants you can at extra cost when the elephants are brought back to orphanage after river bath. The scenic beauty of elephants bathing in

the river with the surrounding background of nature is excellent from all sides. You can see elephants from very near. Please see the wonderful photos of

Pinnawala by holding “Ctrl” button on the keyboard & clicking on the link below:

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=pinnawala+elephant+orphanage&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=GKK6U566KoK_uATQ9ICYDw&sqi=2&ved=0CDAQs

AQ&biw=1280&bih=643

If you wish to have a elephant ride you can at extra cost may be LKR 2000 at a place called Millennium few km before Pinnawala. You can travel there by auto or bus as per your convenience.

After Pinnawala you have to travel to Kandy. So you have three choices: 1. You can hire auto from Pinnawala may be he will charge LKR 2000 2. You can travel by bus or auto to Rambukkana T junction & catch bus going to Kandy. 3. Check if bus is there from Pinnawala to Kandy, if yes go ahead. If no then choose any of above 2 options.

PINNAWALA: The 2nd place I like most after Ella.

PERADENIYA BOTANICAL GARDEN: This is also the 2nd place I like most after Ella

6 km from Kandy city. Auto will take LKR 600 for drop. Bus from clock tower bus stand which is 100 meter before main bus stand of station. Bus fare LKR 20. It is one of the most picturesque botanical garden. Buy the entrance ticket, with ticket, botanical garden map will also be given showing all the locations in the garden including toilets & restaurant.

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of botanical garden. https://www.google.co.in/search?q=peradeniya+royal+botanical+garden&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Qia8U77vNdGKuAT2pIHYCw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&bi w=1280&bih=643

30 km from Kandy city. Bus from Kandy bus stand going to Nuwara Eliya via Gampola. Bus fare less than LKR 75. Negotiate & hire auto from Gampola bus stand

for to & fro Ambulwawa temple travel. Temple is on the top of mountain. Entrance fee LKR 300 in 2011. I paid LKR 50 for auto to be taken beyond the entrance

gate. Temple is a very unique one, go to the top of the temple tower using spiral staircase. You will see good scenic beauty all around from the top.

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & on the to see temple.

https://www.google.co. CAYQ_AUoAQ&bi

w=1280&bih=643#q

KANDY TO ELLA TRAIN JOURNEY:

I have already written on this journey on page no. 3, 4 & 5. Please ensure your camera battery / mobile battery is fully charged bcos you would not like to miss

snaps of beautiful amazing picturesque scenery during the train journey. From Kandy to Nanu Oya, train’s right side scenery is very beautiful & from Nanu Oya to

Ella, train’s left side scenery is very beautiful. Keep a check on both side. On reaching Ella railway station you have to handover the ticket to ticket collector,

then you can walk down to main Ella village which is at 10 minutes walk. You will come across T / Y junction, take left turn & walk straight, it will lead you to main

Ella village in few minutes. If you have luggage then take auto. Fare less than LKR 150. Many hotels are there at walking distance. You see for yourself & choose.

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Kandy to Ella Train Journey: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=peradeniya+royal+botanical+garden&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=Qia8U77vNdGKuAT2pIHYCw&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&bi w=1280&bih=643#q=kandy+to+ella+train+journey+scenery&tbm=isch See below the photos I have taken from the train. Actual scenic beauty is too good than in photos.

AMBULWAWA TEMPLE: I hired an auto from Kandy for to & fro Ambulwawa temple for LKR 2300 in 2011

PLACES TO SEE IN & AROUND ELLA: I hired auto for LKR 3500 for local sightseeing in Jun 2014. Ella – Paradise of Srilanka, God has blessed Ella with amazing beautiful natural green sceneries in Ella as well as on train & road route.

1. LITTLE ADAM’S PEAK:

1. From the main Ella village you can go to little Adam’s peak by walk. It will be 45 minutes to 60 minutes walk depending on your speed. Most of the foreigners walk. OR

2. From the main Ella village hire auto upto the Little Adam’s peak entrance gate. Auto fare between LKR 150 t0 300. Bargain & negotiate. No entrance fee

here. At the entrance gate of little Adam’s peak there is a restaurant cum hotel on your right side. If you wish you can have photos there as it is beautiful scenic

background. See its following photos I have taken:

From the entrance gate of little Adam’s peak it is graded road up to the hill. The main hill has steps. After reaching the top of little Adam’s peak you will see beautiful scenery all around. See its following photos I have taken:

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of view from top of Little Adams Peak: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=view+from+little+adam's+peak+ella+sri+lanka&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Wii8U5zHMom9uASL0YLQCg&ved=0 CBoQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=643#q=view+from+little+adam%27s+peak+ella+sri+lanka&tbm=isch

2. TEA FACTORY 5 MINUTES AUTO DRIVE FROM LITTLE ADAMS PEAK ENTRANCE GATE:

Negotiate & hire auto from Little Adams Peak entrance gate for to & fro trip to Tea Factory. Auto fare LKR 200 to 400 If you wish to see tea factory you have to pay

LKR 300 (for Indians). When you walk from Tea Factory gate to Tea Factory you will see excellent scenery to your right. Even when you stand at the gate of Tea

Factory you will see excellent scenery on both side of main road.

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of view from the tea factory: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=view+from+tea+factory+in+ella+near+adams+peak&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YNG8U- zTCcaRuAThioHwAw&ved=0CC0QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=643#q=view+from+tea+factory+in+ella+near+adams+little+peak&tbm=isch

If you wish to see the following 9 arch railway bridge ask auto driver to take you there. It is on the way from Little Adam’s peak to Tea Factory. Below photos are taken by me.

3. RAVANNA WATER FALLS, RAVANNA TEMPLE, RAVANNA CAVE – WHERE SITA WAS KEPT:

Two ways to reach Ravanna Water Falls: 1. Find out the bus going via that route & travel in it. Bus fare will be less than LKR 50. 20 minutes journey. 2. Negotiate & hire auto for to & fro Ravanna Water Falls, Ravanna Temple, Ravanna cave. On this route also you will come across beautiful scenery & Ella gap (deep valley between two mountains). If you have auto you have the advantage of stopping the

auto wherever you wish for taking photos. If you want to swim in the pools formed naturally at different levels of Ravanna water fall then do carry the required

clothes. Restaurants are also there. You will get auto as well as bus from Ravanna Water Falls to Ella.

Ravanna Temple & Ravanna cave are within 30 meters to each other. There is no such scenic beauty for these two spots, it has only historic significance. Ravanna

Temple & Ravanna cave are 2 km before Ravanna Water Falls. If you wish to see these two places then do see on your return journey from Ravanna Water Falls to

Ella. Ravanna cave has steps to climb 15 to 25 minutes journey on the mountain. Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Ravanna Water Fall: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=view+from+tea+factory+in+ella+near+adams+peak&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=YNG8U- zTCcaRuAThioHwAw&ved=0CC0QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=643#q=Ravanna+water+falls+ella&tbm=isch

Ravanna Temple Ravanna Cave

4. DOVA TEMPLE: Hire auto for to & fro Dova temple trip. It is an ancient Buddhist temple. The scenic beauty on the Dova temple route is also excellent. If you have days / time in your hand then there are still sightseeing places more than 25 km plus distance from Ella, explore those from locals or in the main village there is big poster showing such places.

NUWARA ELIYA: The coolest place in Srilanka amongst all the hill stations viz – Kandy, Ella, Badulla. Two routes from Ella to Nuwara Eliya: 1. Catch train from Ella to Nanu Oya – 3 hours. A) Catch train from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya – 6 km. B) Catch bus from Nanu Oya to Nuwara Eliya C) Hire auto 2. I am unsure whether there is bus from Ella to Nuwara Eliya. Catch bus from Ella to Badulla & then Badulla to Nuwara Eliya.

1. HAKGALA BOTANICAL GARDEN: The garden is famous for number of species of Orchids and Roses Best time to visit – March April. It is apprx 10 km from Nuwara Eliya. Entrance fee of LKR 1200. Two options to go there: 1. Catch bus from Nuwara Eliya. Check with the inquiry counter at Nuwara Eliya bus stand for bus to Hakgala. 2. Hire auto In the folklores, it says Sri Lankan demon King Ravana after abducting Sita, kept her hidden in this area and area was offered to Sita as a pleasure garden, the place finds mention in the Ramayana as Ashok Vatika. The area was named as "Sita Eliya" and "Sita Amman Temple" was built on the site. Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Hakgala Botanical Garden: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=hakgala+botanical+garden&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=qRG9U67xHZKKuASV-oCwCw&ved=0CCUQsAQ

2. SEETHA AMMAN TEMPLE:

Seetha Amman Temple is located on Welimada road approximately 1 kilometer from Hakgala Botanical Garden. The temple is located in the village called “Seetha Eliya”. Catch Welimada bus from Nuwara Eliya & get down at Seetha Amman temple. Bus fare LKR 30. Hire auto from Nuwara Eliya or Hakgala garden.

This is the place where Sita was held captive by the king Ravana in the Lanka of the epic, Ramayana. This place has historic significance. No scenic beauty around. In front of the temple you see the big mountain it is said to be the mountain of Sanjeevani vanaspati of the epic Ramayana. Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Seetha Amman Temple:

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=seetha+amman+temple&biw=1280&bih=643&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=Nxy9U8OEGoujugSihoLgAw&ved=0CC

gQsAQ If you have time in hand see the Botanical garden adjacent to Nuwara Eliya bus stand. Entrance fee less than LKR 100. Nanu Oya water falls, & you can visit lake of Nuwara Eliya that you will see on the way to Seetha Amman Temple.

DAMBULLA TEMPLE CAVES: 3rd

place after Ella & Pinnawala I like most.

Two routes to Dambula: 1. Bus - Check from Nuwara Eliya whether direct bus is there to Dambulla. If yes catch it. It will be a journey of more than 6 and half hours. If no bus you can travel

upto Kandy. If you wish to have a rest then stay that night at Kandy & next early morning you can proceed to Dambulla by bus. Kandy to Dambulla 3 hours journey.

Bus fare less than LKR 125. 2. Train – Travel from Nuwara Eliya to Nanu Oya by bus, auto or train. From Nanu Oya catch the train to Kandy or Peradeniya. If you get the train to Kandy all OK. If

you get a train to Peradeniya then exit the Peridaniya railway station. If you have luggage hire auto LKR 600 for Kandy city. If no luggage then after coming out of the

railway station towards the main road you will see bus stop on the other side of the main road. Catch bus from that bus stop to Kandy. LKR 20.

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Dambulla Rock Caves:

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=dambulla+cave+temple&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=dy29U-

KfOtOGuAS5z4C4Dw&ved=0CBoQsAQ&biw=1280&bih=643

Tell bus conductor that you have to get down at Dambulla temple. It is one or two kilometers before Dambulla bus stand. There are two ways to go on top of the mountain to see amazing huge carvings of Buddha & his disciples in the mountain caves. 1. If you facing big golden Buddha idol then on your left i.e. right of Buddha idol 2. Plain slope road on the right side of the temple i.e. to your left when facing the temple Entrance fee LKR 1500.

If you are tired then spent the night in Dambulla. Next early morning proceed to Sigiriya by bus from Dambulla bus stand. 1 hour journey. LKR less than 100.

Sigiriya Rock:

From top of the Sigiriya Rock if you watch the foothills of Sigiriya Rock it is very beautiful view. 4 to 5 ancient paintings of Apsara are there on the mountain.

Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Sigiriya Rock: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=sigiriya&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=CEe9U63cB8qIuAS3s4DwBg&sqi=2&ved=0CC8QsAQ&biw=1280&bih=643

If you are tired you can stay at Sigiriya. Next early morning proceed to Anuradhpura or Pollonaruwa as you choose. Check if direct bus is there from Sigiriya to

Anuradhpura or Pollonaruwa. If not then travel by bus to the Sigiriya T junction, it is 13 km from Sigiriya & connects Pollonaruwa to Dambulla road. From Sigiriya

junction Anuradhpura is to your left & Pollonaruwa is to your right. Bus stop is nearby. Pollonaruwa is 1 hour journey, Girithale is 45 min journey on route to

Pollonaruwa, Anuradhpura is < 2 hours journey from Sigiriya junction. Bus will come from Pollonaruwa, Kaduruwela to Anuradhpura from your right side. Bus will come

from Kandy, Colombo, Anuradhpura to Pollonaruwa from your left side. For Pollanaurwa bus you have to cross the main road from the Sigiraya T junction. You will find

information on Pollonaurwa & Girithale below & on next page. You will get bus from Pollonaruwa / Girithale to Anuradhpura too. You will get bus from Anuradhpura to

Trincomalee too. LKR for bus journey < 150.

ANURADHPURA: Place where you will find gigantic ancient Buddhist stupas i.e. pagodas and archeological things. I hired auto for LKR 1500 in 2015. Check with 3 to 4 different autos to ensure you are getting a good deal. It will take more than 3 hours for complete sightseeing. Photo of white color stupa name is Ruwanawelisaya. It is very huge 103 meter tall & more than 50 meter in diameter. The Bodhi Tree that Emperor Asoka’s daughter Sangamitra carried to Srilanka is in the premise of this stupa. Ruwanawelisya is the most sacred stupa in Srilanka. Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Anuradhpura: https://www.google.co.in/search?q=anuradhapura+images&tbm=isch&tbo=u&source=univ&sa=X&ei=x0a9U56aO8O2uASgsoH4Bw&ved=0CBoQsAQ&biw=1280&b ih=643

I hired same auto for another 1500 to a beautiful place called Mihintale which is 15 km from Anuradhapura. If you are in Anuradhapura, should not miss this place.

You have to hire auto for sightseeing. Check with 3 to 4 different autos to ensure you are getting a good deal. It will take more than 3 hours for complete sightseeing. I hired auto for LKR 1500 in 2015. Press & hold “Ctrl” button on keyboard & click on the link to see the photos of Pollonaruwa:

https://www.google.co.in/search?q=polonnaruwa+places+to+visit&source=lnms&tbm=isch&sa=X&ei=XEa9U8-

wHIy0uATOpIHIAg&ved=0CAYQ_AUoAQ&biw=1280&bih=643

Mihintale: Beautiful place that has big Buddha Idol & Stupa on top of mountain.

POLLONARUWA: Place where you will find many archeological things & gigantic ancient Buddhist stupa

Opposite to Pollonaruwa Archaeoloigical Entrance gate, at a walking distance from it, Pollonaruwa Rest House is situated on Parakrama samudra, see photos below of rest house & Parakrama samudra & rest house:

See if it rest house suits your budget. There are couple of hotels in Pollonaruwa, see if you like it. If you don’t like hotel in Pollonaruwa then go to Girithale village which is 15 km from Pollonaruwa towards Kandy road. Pollonaruwa is a small town & Girithale is a village. Two options to go to Girithale: 1. By bus LKR 20 & 30 minutes journey. By bus you get down at Girithale village bus stop. Hire auto & see all the nearby hotels & choose the one you like. 2. Auto LKR 500. NB: I stayed at Sisila Residence in Girithale. It is a decent hotel run by two young brothers Neel (Elder) & Harsha (Younger) where I stayed during my lanka trips. LKR 1500 room rent charges but Harsha charges me LKR 1000. Both are married & their wives cook the food for the hotel guests. Harsha’s wife show eagerness to learn cooking Indian dishes & to serve. I taught Chapati, Puri, Alu Paratha, Egg Burji, Half Fried Egg, Smashed Potato Vegetable. From Girithale to Sisila Residence auto fare is between LKR 80 to 100. You can visit Girithale Buddha statue. It has beautiful serene lake behind it see photos below: You have to travel to Kaduruwela to catch a bus for Trincomalee to get a seat to sit. All the buses travelling Kaduruwela to Trincomalee will travel via Pollonaruwa

and Girithale. Pollonaruwa to Kaduruewla bus LKR < 20, auto LKR < 200, 5 to 10 minutes journey. Girithale to Kaduruwela bus LKR 30, auto LKR 700, 30 minutes

journey. You can travel from Trincomalee to Pasikudah or Batticaloa or vice versa. TRINCOMALEE: Place where you will find clean & beautiful sea beaches.

You will have to hire auto for sightseeing of Koneswaram Kovil temple, Nilaveli sea beach, Marble sea beach. These are the prime places. I had gone on motorbike with my lankan friend to all these places. Koneshwaram kovil is the nearest place from Trincomalee within 2 to 3 km. Nilaveli is 10 plus km from Trincomalee town. Marble beach is also 10 plus km from Trincomalee town but on the road towards Kandy, same road thru which you came to Trincomalee. Find out from locals how to travel to nearest village to Nilaveli Beach & Marble beach by bus & then hire auto from that village.

1. KONESWARAM KOVIL: Hindu God Shankar’s Temple. Just before the temple beautiful scenic beach is there. The entrance of temple is thru Fort Fredrick. You will find plenty of beautiful spotted deers openly wandering in the fort complex & on street. From temple you will sea beautiful scenery of the sea. I was with friend so no idea whether there is any entrance ticket.

2. Nilaveli Beach:

Ensure you carry with you food items & drinks. On the beach you will not find anything to drink or eat. That is the reason you will find beach neat & clean. If you have to travel by boat to the Pigeon Island then registration is LKR 1800 & boat ticket is LKR 2300. You will not get anything on Pigeon Island to eat or drink.

There is Lord Krishan temple on the left side of the road after 5 km or so on the road to Nilaveli beach. It is built in our typical south indian style. Also there are hot water springs on the Nilaveli road. There is T off on the left, well before the Lord Krishna temple. It is 3 plus kilometer.

3. Marble Beach:

Compared to Nilaveli beach this beach is more beautiful & will find more crowd. On this beach you will get items to eat & drink. I was with Lankan friend so no idea whether there is any entrance ticket.

You can book train ticket in advance from Kandy or other railway station or on reaching Trincomalee for journey from Trincomalee to Colombo. You can spent the night in Trincomalee & proceed next day to Colombo by train.

TIP:

I had stationed myself at Sisila Residence in Girithale village which is 15 km I had stationed myself at Kandy City Mission in Kandy to avoid: before Pollonaruwa to avoid: 1. Staying at all the places such as Matale, Pinnawala, Ambulwawa, Hantana, 1. Staying at all the places such as Dambulla, Sigiriya, Anuradhura, Pollonaruwa Kurunegala, Nuwara Eliya And Trincomalee 2. Carrying my luggage with me 2. Carrying my luggage with me

On each day sequentially travelled to: On each day sequentially travelled to: 1. Sigiriya (1 and half hour journey) 1. Hantana (trekking) (1 hour journey) 2. Dambulla (2 hour journey) 2. Kurunegala (trekking) (2 hour journey) 3. Anuradhpura (2 hour journey) 3. Matale (temple) (1 hour journey) 4. Pollonaruwa (half hour journey) 4. Pinnawala (1 hour journey) 5. Trincomalee (3 hour journey) 5. Ambulwawa (1 hour journey)

6. Nuwara eliya (3 hour journey)

I use to travel very early morning to each place & use to return before 6 pm to Girithale. Likewise choose one place for stationing yourself so that you do not have to carry your luggage always with you as well as keep on changing hotel. Dambulla will be the right place to be stationed at.

If you feel OK to travel & stay in hotel at each place it is well & good to avoid return journey back provided you have very light luggage. This is the best option then.

At all the time you have the option of travelling by bus & possibly train also if those places are connected by rail. Bus journey of more than 3 hours do halt for

food snacks. Ensure you get in the bus well in time before bus driver arrives after break. Bus driver or conductor will not check at all whether all the passengers

have arrived back in the bus.

I travelled on motor bike with my Srilankan friend from Girithale to Passikudah as well as Batticaloa. Passikudah

is approximately 90 km from Girithale & from Passikudah to Batticaloa it is 40 km one way journey respectively.

Passikudah is the most beautiful sea beach I saw in Srilanka. It is a shallow sea so you can enjoy swimming as

much as you want. Have towel & swimming costumes with you if you plan to swim.

Kalkudah beach is within 1 km from Passikudah beach. More crowd at Passikudah & negligible crowd at

Kalkudah.

In Batticaloa also, you will see beautiful sea beaches around the city. You need to hire conveyance to visit the sea

beaches.

Passikudah Sea Beach Kalkudah & Batticaloa Sea Beaches (Trip during Sept 2014)

Passikudah

Batticaloa

White building in photo of Queens Hotel a five star hotel. It is in front of main temple of Kandy city.

Towards the left (Yellow arrow in the photo below) is the road to KFC, Devon restaurant (Indian Food), One

more restaurant before Devon has Indian food, Bake House, these places are at only 2 minutes walking distance

from the place where I am standing on the footpath of the main Kandy city lake. Enlarge & see photo you will see

the KFC name plate. Little ahead of KFC is one Indian restaurant & then Devon. I use to have food in these hotels

Towards the right (Pink arrow in photo above) is road to Kandy City Mission hotel. It is at 200 meter distance on

the left side of road. On the first left turn Balaji Dosa, Vaani, Ram are the restaurants where you will get Indian

food.

Behind is the Dalada Maligawa Temple. This photo is taken from the place of above photo.

In the below photo I am on the Dalada Maligava temple side. On the other side of lake there are plenty of hotels.

KANDY CITY INFO & PHOTOS: THIS IS THE CITY I PREFERRED TO STAY.

Dalada Maligava

Temple bus stop, next

to it is Mcdonald &

hotel also where

double rooms are

good. 2500 LKR

BUDGET: Ha ha ha. The last & not the least but most important point of this tour guide… Many from the readers would have thought this interesting point should have been 1

st in this guide. Anyways here it is:

AIR TRAVEL:

Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum from India is the nearest airport to Colombo. Airfare for this sector will be the lowest compared to sectors: 1. Mumbai to Colombo 2. Bangalore to Colombo 3. Chennai to Colombo So by choosing the Thiruvananthapuram / Trivandrum to Colombo sector one can save on air travel. TOUR AGENT: 1. 7 days tour for one family of husband, wife & two kids – anything from 1000 to 1400 USD (rate will vary as per the star rating of the hotel)

2. 10 days tour for one family of husband, wife & two kids – anything from 1400 to 1800 USD (rate will vary as per the star rating of the hotel)

NB: Tour agents cost will include transportation & accommodation. You have to spend on fooding expenses. You have to spend on entrance fees as given on page 4.

BUDGET FOR LONE TRAVELLER: 1. Accommodation: LKR 2000 x 7 no. of days = 14000

2. Transportation: LKR 2000 x 7 no. of days = 14000

3. Food expenses: LKR 2000 x 7 no. of days = 14000

4. Entrance fees: LKR as given on page 4. Total approximately LKR 20000 5. Miscellaneous: LKR 14000

Therefore total expenses: 1 + 2 + 3 + 4 + 5 = 14000 + 14000 + 14000 + 20000 + 14000

= LKR 76000 = USD 600 = INR 35000

HOPE THIS VIRTUAL TOUR TO LANKA WAS ENJOYABLE & YOU WILL SURELY GET THE FEEL THAT THE REAL TOUR WILL BE MORE PLEASING. FOR ANY OF KIND OF MORE INFORMATION CONTACT ME THRU: 1. Whatsapp: +968 9594 0561 2. Email: raju.salvi@yahoo.com 3. Mobile phone: +968 9594 0561 (Oman mobile no.)

+91 9011 909 452 4. Social network: Facebook / Linkedin

(Raju Salvi and Raju Dashrath Salvi)