Sri Lanka Travel Diary – Day 1–3 (Negombo → Sigiriya)

6/3/26 – Touchdown in Sri Lanka

We arrived at Colombo Airport around 8pm and honestly, getting a transfer was super easy. For just 6000 LKR (around $27 AUD), we were on our way and at our hotel in about 15-30  minutes.

Our first stop was Hive 68 Hotel & Resorts in Negombo (booked via Booking.com). The room was clean, simple, and comfortable — nothing over the top, but perfect for a quick stay.

And then… our unexpected wake-up call
At 5am, the nearby mosque went into full chant mode. Safe to say, no alarm needed — a real cultural experience right from the start!

Breakfast was a winner — delicious and only $9 AUD… cheap as chips! The staff and owner were incredibly friendly and welcoming.

Road Trip to Sigiriya

Our guide and driver arrived right on time, and we kicked off our journey to Sigiriya — about a 4-hour drive.

Along the way, we got our first taste of local life:

• Roadside fish stalls
• Rice laid out on the roads to dry (yes… actual roads!)
• Our first and only Sri Lankan bike shop spotting

Our first morning tea stop was along Kurunegala–Dambulla Road, where things got interesting:

• Pop up kitchen on the side of a busy main road
• First monkey sighting
• Tried local snacks (still not 100% sure what we ate… but it was good!)
• Drank fresh local tea

Staying in Sigiriya

We checked into Maapagala Resort, Sigiriya — spacious rooms and surrounded by nature.

Within minutes:

• Spotted our first peacock
• Monkeys swinging through the trees
• Had our first swim in the resort Pool

Climbing Lion Rock

That afternoon, we tackled the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress for sunset.

• Around 1200 steps to the top
• Absolutely worth every step
• Rewarded by a beautiful sunset.

Highlights:

• Ancient frescoes
• The famous Mirror Wall
• The incredible Lion Paw entrance

Wild Encounters

We were warned in Sigiriya not to walk around at night …Why? Because wild elephants roam freely and a tourist died the week before. We took our guides advice and it was a good reminder — this is their home, and they are not to be messed with!

8/3 – Culture + Adventure

Started the day with a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast before heading out to explore Anuradhapura.

At the sacred Ruwanwelisaya Temple, we had to remove our shoes — and wow, you quickly realise how soft your feet have become walking on hot ground and pebbles!

The experience was incredibly moving:

• Locals bringing flowers, incense, and food offerings
• A deep sense of devotion everywhere
• Ongoing restoration work on the temple

It was a real eye-opener — and for some of us, quite emotional.

Hidden Swim Spot + Spicy Feast

On the way back, our guide took us to a local swimming spot at a reservoir outlet — apparently the current president had swum there as this was situated in his village!

Not the most scenic place, but:

• Super refreshing
• A cool, unexpected experience

We finished the day with lunch at a local buffet — VERY spicy but delicious, with plenty of options to choose from.

9/3 – Temples, Culture & Colour

We kicked off the day at the incredible Golden Temple of Dambulla.

This place is seriously impressive:

• Huge Buddha statues everywhere
• Cave temples carved into rock
• And… lots of cheeky monkeys

(There are actually a few different types of monkeys in Sri Lanka — something we definitely became more aware of as the trip went on!)

Next stop was the peaceful and lesser-known Nalanda Gedige, often referred to as the central point of Sri Lanka.

We also visited a Hindu temple where we were welcomed with a blessing and given a red mark on our forehead — something I’ve always wanted to experience. Even though it’s very sacred, we couldn’t help but have a little laugh seeing each other afterwards — all marked up and smiling.

9–10 March – Dorwin Heights

We stayed at Dorwin Heights and wow — this place was beautiful.

• Stunning accommodation
• Rooftop pool with views
• Relaxed, peaceful vibes

We also went to a traditional cultural dance and fire show, which was such a fun experience.

Later, we enjoyed a cold Lion Beer on the rooftop… although funny enough, it was actually a bit too chilly for a swim!

10–12 March – Ella Adventures

On the way to Ella, we had our first elephant sighting on the side of the road — and definitely not the last!

After a long but scenic drive, we arrived at Divine View Homestay Ella — and the name says it all. Difficult to get to (happy I wasn’t driving) but the views over the valley and plains were absolutely next level.

While in Ella, we packed in a lot:

• Quad biking adventures
• Visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge
• Exploring tea plantations
• Swimming at a waterfall

At the waterfall, we had one of those wild travel moments — little fish nibbling at the dead skin on our feet. There were also a couple of monks nearby… but they were far too shy to jump in.

Also… small sacrifice to the travel gods — I lost one of my earrings somewhere while drying off. Gone forever

Gal Oya – Safari on Water

On our way to Gal Oya, we passed through a small town that felt straight out of an old Western movie:

• Dusty roads
• Colour everywhere
• Locals going about their day
• And we were definitely the only tourists there

Once we arrived in Gal Oya, our guide had organised a boat safari at Gal Oya National Park — and this ended up being one of the highlights of he trip.

We saw:

• Elephants eating on the Plains with their young
• Water buffalo
• Crocodiles
• Birds, foxes, even rabbits

It honestly felt like being on safari in Africa — but on water. So unique and 100% worth it.

Gal Oya Lake Club – A Hidden Gem

We stayed at Gal Oya Lake Club, and this place was something special.

• Luxury, 5-star feel
• Peaceful, retreat-style atmosphere
• Stunning lake views

We only stayed one night… and instantly regretted it. This is the kind of place you could easily spend a few days just relaxing.

The food was amazing, and the next morning — surprise! It was my birthday
I was treated to my first birthday cake of the trip, and it was delicious.

Roadside Eats & Real Experiences

On the way to Laya Safari Resort, we stopped in the Monaragala District for a quick bite.

These roadside stops are:

• Super cheap
• Freshly made food
• A little bit out of your comfort zone

To be honest, we were a bit nervous eating at some of these places… but everything was cooked fresh, and none of us got sick! Definitely worth the experience!

A Once-in-a-Lifetime Experience

One of the most unforgettable parts of our trip was a bushwalk with a local indigenous man.

• Walked around 8km through nature
• Crossed creeks along the way
• He cooked us a potato curry with coconut using local ingredients
• Started a fire from scratch
• Made us a fresh mandarin drink
• Blessed us
• Sang and performed a traditional dance
• Even gave us a bow and arrow lesson

This was a real pinch me moment.
To be welcomed into his world like that felt incredibly special — something you just wouldn’t experience on a typical tour. Huge thanks to our guide for making this happen.

Laya Safari Resort & Yala Adventures

We arrived at Laya Safari Resort, and the views were next level.

• Massive infinity pool overlooking the ocean
• Absolutely stunning setting

The ocean looked inviting, but we were warned not to swim — strong currents and past drownings made it too dangerous.

That night, we celebrated my birthday with our guide and driver — such a fun evening, although an early one… we had a 5:30am safari start the next day!

Safari Day at Yala National Park

Our full-day safari was incredible — adventurous, exciting, and full of wildlife.

We saw:

• Elephants
• A rare sloth bear
• Crocodiles
• Water buffalo
• Deer
• Monkeys
• Countless birds, including a hawk

We were all very disappointed there was no leopard sighting. We will leave that for next time!

The next day back at the resort, we had the most surreal moment…
A wild elephant wandered right up to the pool area.

He:

• Knocked over bins
• Stopped for a drink
• Hung around for hours
• Through water on himself.

Watching him up close was amazing. We even learned that elephants often sleep standing up, leaning on something for support.

Sunset at Kirinda Temple…That evening, we visited the beautiful hilltop Kirinda Temple near Yala.

Set high on the rocks overlooking the ocean, it’s rich in history and believed to be where Queen Viharamahadevi came ashore. The sunset here was something really special — peaceful, spiritual, and a perfect way to end our stay.

16–18 March – Hiriketiya Bay Vibes

Next stop: Salt House, Hiriketiya Bay.

• Boutique hotel just 75m from the beach
• One of the oldest in the area
• Amazing atmosphere and laid-back vibe

This place was a highlight:

• Incredible food
• Yoga + Pilates classes
• Relaxed coastal energy

We also:

• Swam with turtles
• Visited a traditional brass foundry — one of the last in Sri Lanka

Watching the brass being melted in intense heat was fascinating. I ended up buying a little brass elephant that had some imperfections — saving it from being melted down felt like the right thing to do.

Mirissa & Southern Coast

Another day, another incredible experience — more turtle swims in Mirissa

We also visited the southernmost point of Sri Lanka, with:

• A stunning lighthouse
• Beautiful beaches
• Friendly local kids who came up to chat

Galle Fort Charm

We then made our way to Galle Fort.

Our accommodation host was an incredible artist, which added such a unique touch to the stay.

Galle Fort gave me major European old-town vibes — think:

• Cobbled streets
• Fortified walls
• Cute boutiques and cafes

It actually reminded me a lot of Rhodes Island, Greece. The people were so welcoming and friendly — such a lovely place to wander.

Colombo – Final Stop

Our last stop was Colombo, where we stayed at Mount Lavinia Hotel.

We:

• Took our first tuk tuk ride into the city (about an hour!)
• Crossed train tracks right along the beach to get there

The hotel itself had a bit of an old, colonial English feel:

• Lobby, restaurant, and pool were great
• Rooms were a little run down but still for the price was good value.

The only downside was the beach — unfortunately, there was quite a bit of rubbish, which was disappointing.

That said, the staff were incredibly friendly and helpful, which always makes a difference.

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka completely surprised us — from wild safaris and ancient temples to hidden local experiences and coastal gems.

It’s a place full of:

• Adventure
• Culture
• Wildlife
• And genuinely kind people

And for us… a trip we’ll never forget

A huge thank you to our guide Naveen and our driver Rajee — they truly made this trip what it was. From hidden local spots to unique, off-the-beaten-track experiences, we got to see a side of Sri Lanka we never would have found on our own. If you’re planning a trip, I can’t recommend booking with Naveen enough — it made all the difference.

Travelling in GG Cyclewear was an absolute win. The fabric is lightweight, breathable, and offers UV protection — which made a huge difference in the Sri Lankan heat. It kept me cool throughout the day, didn’t crease (perfect when you’re living out of a suitcase), and was comfortable enough to wear from morning adventures through to relaxed afternoons. I loved that I could move easily, stay cool, and still feel stylish and sporty wherever we went.