Chasing Waves and Elephants: Shreya’s Sri Lanka Thrillophilia Review for a Sri Lanka Trip
A couple of weeks before our trip, my partner and I were watching TV when we came across a travel documentary about Sri Lanka.
“Wow, those beaches look incredible!” I exclaimed, pointing at the screen. “And there are so many elephants!”
My partner leaned in, and asked, “Sri Lanka looks fascinating to me. Why didn’t we consider it for our vacation?”
I quickly reached out for my phone and texted my 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, my 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 we were on a flight to Sri Lanka with our friends, ready to explore its scenic beaches and historic attractions.
Tuk-Tuks, Towers, and Tantalizing Tastes
I looked at my partner, who was as excited as I was. “This is it! Our adventure starts now!” I said.
Accompanying us were our friends, sharing the thrill of beginning our getaway. Our first stop was Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, which effortlessly combined the beauty of colonial and modern architecture. Driving across the town, we felt its vibrant ambiance in the marketplaces, tuk-tuks, and the hypnotizing aroma of street food entering through our car windows.
We started our exploration with the popular Fort area, where we got a chance to admire several colonial buildings and monuments.
“Take a look at that historical architecture!” my partner said, pointing at a well- preserved building in the fort complex.
As we walked along the streets, we also came across the Lotus Tower. Our tour guide told us that it was the tallest tower in Sri Lanka. Our friends particularly found the view from the top of the tower to be breathtaking. We all stood at a height of more than 1,100 feet and could even admire the stunning views of the Indian Ocean.
We concluded our sightseeing tour in Colombo with dinner at a local food joint, trying the spicy local cuisine.
“Can you handle the heat?” I teased my 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
Our next morning was extra special, as we departed for Kandy, also known as 'Maha Nuwara' among locals. Our excitement went through the roof as we explored its natural beauty, as none of us were expecting to come across a hilly area in Sri Lanka.
My partner and I are wildlife enthusiasts, so we made sure our itinerary had something of that sort - Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to be precise. That's where I enjoyed interacting with several baby elephants playing in the water.
“Look at that one!” I pointed to a calf, unable to contain my excitement as a little one dived in and splashed water everywhere.
“I wish we could take one home!” my partner laughed, watching the baby’s playful acts. We also met the staff members who explained to us how the orphanage rehabilitated elephants, and I was touched by their efforts and dedication.
“They really care for these animals as a parent would,” I said, feeling a sense of admiration as I watched a calf play with the staff.
But that wasn't it, we even explored Kandy Lake, which was surrounded by lush green hills. We had a great time taking a relaxing walk in the area during the sunset. One of the most memorable moments of our trip was when all of us watched the Kandyan dance performance.
We 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?” my 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,” I said, my head still buzzing with adrenaline.
Cobblestone Streets and Ocean Views
Our friends were huge history enthusiasts, so we had also included Galle in our itinerary, where the ancient fort awaited us. I particularly loved walking along the cobblestone streets that were lined with boutiques and charming cafes.
"The place feels like a movie set,” I said to myself, as we explored the fort, admiring the views of the ocean waters crashing against its walls.
Later, all of us decided to head to the beach, known for its soft sands and clear waters.
“Anybody wants to try their luck at surfing!” my partner suggested, and in no time, we were all trying to balance ourselves on surfing boards. Laughter burst out as we kept falling into the waves.
“I’m definitely not winning this year's surfing championship,” I joked, wiping off the saltwater from my cheeks.
After spending a couple of hours trying our hands at surfing, we sat on the beach reflecting on our time in Sri Lanka.
“This trip has been simply beautiful,” my friend said, looking at all of us. “I’m really glad we decided to do this together,” she added.
On the last day of our trip, we also visited the Turtle Hatchery, located in Bentota. It was mesmerizing 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 me of how it feels to witness human babies say their first words, or learn to walk.
As we drove back to the capital city, I realized that our time in Sri Lanka was more than just a vacation. It was an experience that deepened our friendships and ignited our wanderlust.
“Let’s plan another adventure soon,” I suggested, as everyone nodded in agreement.
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