Sri Lanka is what I call
‘Ravan Land’- coming from the Indian mythology epic ‘Ramayana’, where Ravan,
ruler of Lanka, abducted and imprisoned Lord Ram’s wife. Sans grandma, I could
forget the myths, and focus on the road- 850km from beach sand to rainbow.
At sea level, you're
running parallel to railway tracks now abandoned. Moving inland is richness- of
greenery and culture! The road has much to offer- evidences of strength and
survival through Tsunami ruins and revived sustenance by art. All one can give
back is respect for the hidden jewels off-the-map. Here’s to road lessons that
begun mid air when we took off on a bumpy ride to beauty! Gear up for things no
travel itinerary mentions:
1 You get FOUR, not 2 liquor bottles’ permit, at the Arrival duty free- and
Prosecco will be awesome champagne when you hit the pool
2 For saving on big bills, check the day’s dollar conversion. A little Math is
good for the road
3 Food joints close at
8pm (in my driver’s words- “we are humans, not bats and owls”), so stock up in
advance
4 If planning your own trip- budget for approx. 10,000 SLR for various entry
fees- and it’s worth it! (Includes Island Hopping, Turtle Hatchery, Dambulla,
Temple of Tooth Relic, Sigiriya, Pinnewala)
5 Island hopping on River Maduganga is one of the richest interactions you can
have with wildlife, i.e if you want to boast about holding a crocodile in your
bare hands, or a fish pedicure directly from the river!
6 Art lovers can walk into mask factories, wood carvings, Batik and Noritake
(Bone China). These beautiful workshops are spread throughout the region
7 Try road side Appams (veg/egg hoppers) and more food from my Facebook album
‘Yummy Yummy now in my Tummy’
8 Inside the Galle fort, you can pick souvenirs at Barefoot Café (recommended-
various tea and coffee flavors)
And just before you bid
adieu, relish your last King Coconut for all the sweetness you will never find
anywhere else on the planet. Happy SL!
