Chasing Waves and Elephants: Shreya’s Sri Lanka Thrillophilia Review for a Sri Lanka Trip
A couple of weeks before their trip, Shreya and her partner were watching TV when they came across a travel documentary about Sri Lanka.
“Wow, those beaches look incredible!” Shreya exclaimed, pointing at the screen. “And there are so many elephants!”
Her partner leaned in and asked, “Sri Lanka looks fascinating to me. Why didn’t we consider it for our vacation?”
Shreya quickly reached out for her phone and texted her colleague, “Hey, we just saw a documentary about Sri Lanka and I think it'll be a perfect destination for our vacation. What do you say?”
A few moments later, her phone chimed with a notification that a text had come in:
“I just checked a few travel blogs about Sri Lanka, and it looks incredible! My partner also loved the idea, let’s book a trip!”
Fast forward a couple of days, and they were on a flight to Sri Lanka with their friends, ready to explore its scenic beaches and historic attractions.
Tuk-Tuks, Towers, and Tantalizing Tastes
Shreya looked at her partner, who was as excited as she was. “This is it! Our adventure starts now!” she said.
Accompanying them were their friends, sharing the thrill of beginning their getaway. Their first stop was Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, which effortlessly combined the beauty of colonial and modern architecture. Driving across the town, they felt its vibrant ambiance in the marketplaces, tuk-tuks, and the hypnotising aroma of street food entering through their car windows.
They started their exploration with the popular Fort area, where they got a chance to admire several colonial buildings and monuments.
“Take a look at that historical architecture!” her partner said, pointing at a well-preserved building in the fort complex.
As they walked along the streets, they also came across the Lotus Tower. Their tour guide told them that it was the tallest tower in Sri Lanka. Their friends particularly found the view from the top of the tower to be breathtaking. They all stood at a height of more than 1,100 feet and could even admire the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
They concluded their sightseeing tour in Colombo with dinner at a local food joint, trying the spicy local cuisine.
“Can you handle the heat?” Shreya teased her partner as he took a generous sip from his bowl.
He laughed, as his face turned a bit red, “Challenge accepted!” he said.
Elephants, Lakes, and Unforgettable Performances
Their next morning was extra special, as they departed for Kandy, also known as 'Maha Nuwara' among locals. Their excitement went through the roof as they explored its natural beauty, as none of them were expecting to come across a hilly area in Sri Lanka.
Shreya and her partner were wildlife enthusiasts, so they made sure their Sri Lanka tour package itinerary from Thrillophilia had something of that sort – Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, to be precise. That’s where Shreya enjoyed interacting with several baby elephants playing in the water.
“Look at that one!” she pointed to a calf, unable to contain her excitement as the little one dived in and splashed water everywhere.
“I wish we could take one home!” her partner laughed, watching the baby’s playful acts. They also met the staff members who explained to them how the orphanage rehabilitated elephants, and Shreya was touched by their efforts and dedication.
“They really care for these animals as a parent would,” she said, feeling a sense of admiration as she watched a calf play with the staff.
But that wasn’t it. They even explored Kandy Lake, which was surrounded by lush green hills. They had a great time taking a relaxing walk in the area during the sunset. One of the most memorable moments of their trip was when all of them watched the Kandyan dance performance.
They watched in admiration as the artists performed brilliant moves, their vibrant costumes swirling with the rhythmic beats of the traditional music.
“Are they actually going to walk on fire?” Shreya’s friend whispered, her eyes wide in disbelief. All the people in the audience erupted in applause as the professional dancers walked across the embers.
“That looks like something I'm never going to forget,” Shreya said, her head still buzzing with adrenaline.
Cobblestone Streets and Ocean Views
Their friends were huge history enthusiasts, so they had also included Galle in their itinerary, where the ancient fort awaited them. Shreya particularly loved walking along the cobblestone streets that were lined with boutiques and charming cafes.
“The place feels like a movie set,” she said to herself as they explored the fort, admiring the views of the ocean waters crashing against its walls.
Later, all of them decided to head to the beach, known for its soft sands and clear waters.
“Anybody wants to try their luck at surfing!” her partner suggested, and in no time, they were all trying to balance themselves on surfing boards. Laughter burst out as they kept falling into the waves.
“I’m definitely not winning this year's surfing championship,” Shreya joked, wiping off the saltwater from her cheeks.
After spending a couple of hours trying their hands at surfing, they sat on the beach reflecting on their time in Sri Lanka.
“This trip has been simply beautiful,” Shreya’s friend said, looking at all of them. “I’m really glad we decided to do this together,” she added.
On the last day of their trip, they also visited the Turtle Hatchery, located in Bentota. It was mesmerising to watch little turtles preparing themselves to head out on a journey to the ocean. They looked so vulnerable, trying to cover such a long distance with their small feet. It reminded Shreya of how it feels to witness human babies say their first words or learn to walk.
As they drove back to the capital city, Shreya realised that their time in Sri Lanka was more than just a vacation. It was an experience that deepened their friendships and ignited their wanderlust.
“Let’s plan another adventure soon,” she suggested, as everyone nodded in agreement.
Read More: Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews