Your thoughts on my Sri Lanka itinerary for November 2024

hi there, what a joy this forum is back up and running! so happy to be the first Sri Lanka post. it’s helped me plan so many real trips—unlike other sites that are mostly commercial, pushing drivers, and such.

new adventure in Sri Lanka! here’s our itinerary from November 6th to 22nd, 2024.

Our plan: 3 days in Habarana (Mineriya or Kaudulla, Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, Sigiriya) 3 days in Kandy (including two days at the Elephant Freedom Project) 1 day on the train from Kandy to Haputale (Lipton’s Seat) 2 days in Ella 1 day in Uda Walawe 1 flexible day to adjust as needed 2 days in Tangalle or nearby (which beaches are the quietest?) 1 day in Galle 1 day in Colombo

thank you in advance for any tips or advice you can share—we’re so excited to explore this amazing country!

looking forward to hearing from you, we’ll be sure to share our experience when we’re back.

Monique

Hi Monique, I’ll admit my info on Sri Lanka is pretty outdated since I visited back in 2008, but here are a few quick thoughts anyway. I’d imagined Kandy as a quiet, peaceful little town by its lake, but it was actually *super* loud with tons of traffic and exhaust fumes everywhere 😅. That said, I really loved the city park and the elephant orphanage by the river. Near Tangalle, I *loved* Goyambokka Beach—we had the place almost entirely to ourselves for three days. I see on Google it’s developed a bit since then, but it’s still really beautiful.



So for me, I’d spend less time in Kandy and more around Tangalle.

Looking forward to reading your feedback! 😊

Hi Monique,

It looks coherent... Ella for 2 days if you like hiking, otherwise one day is enough... We couldn’t swim in Tangalle (but we found a hotel with a pool), but the gentle walks along the beach are really nice. If you want to see Colombo or off-the-beaten-path trails, I’ve got a plan—just let me know!

Have a great trip!

Sophie

Hi Monique,

For Kandy, I’d advise against the Freedom Project—it’s not a real orphanage, and the elephants are exploited during the Perahera. In my opinion, it’s a tourist scam.

https://www.tongsetsrilanka.com/maltraitance-orphelinat-des-elephants-sri-lanka

So one day in Kandy is plenty 😕

For Tangalle, Goyambokka Beach is lovely, and over on Madilla, there are some wave breaks. Personally, my little slice of paradise is Patini Bungalow for enjoying the quiet beach.

Happy to help if you have any questions—and so excited this forum is back! Caroline

Hi there,

I completely agree with the previous comments about Kandy: it’s noisy, polluted, traffic is a nightmare, and the traffic jams are terrible. Even the walk around the pretty little lake in the city center was far from pleasant. We only spent half a day there, even skipped the famous Temple of the Tooth, and slept outside the city. On the other hand, if you love plants, I highly recommend the amazing botanical gardens of Peradeniya nearby.

It’s better to spend more time in the tea plantations or in Tangalle.

Check out our experience here: https://www.myatlas.com/H%C3%A9rodote/dix-raisons-pour-partir-au-sri-lanka/t/1004774

Happy planning.

hi Sophie, thanks for the info—I’d love those great tips for Colombo, where we’ll spend a day or two before flying out. Have a great day! Monique

Hi there,

You can contact him via Facebook at Tue It Easy.

Olivier offers an off-the-beaten-path city tour. He’s French, married to a Sri Lankan woman. We really enjoyed his tour.

Have a great trip!