hi all, after a month in india i think it will be time for a relaxing week (10 days) in sri lanka (january) i will be traveling on my own and was looking for some tips on the beaches with a backpacker feel, huts and beach bars that kind of thing. i would also like to see some of candy and a bit of the jungle posibly some treking of kayaking, all suggestions welcomed
The south coast has the nicest beaches, in my opinion, with Mirissa a personal favourite, but I haven't seen all that much of the east and people rave about it - Arugam Bay is a hot spot for surfing if you're into that.
You might find the west and southwest beaches (Hikkaduwa, Bentota etc.) overrun with tourists, but it might also make for a bit more of a social atmosphere. They're also much easier to get to.
The hill country is beautiful; try to climb Adam's Peak if you get the chance. Maskeliya is the nearest town. I like Ella and Haputale, too (Bandarawela is near Haputale and is generally considered more of a tourist destination but I've never been there), and Nuwara Eliya isn't bad. Bring a jacket if you're going up here - it does get quite chilly.
The best jungle I've heard of is the Sinharaja near Deniyaya, I haven't been there but I've heard good reviews, and I'll be going in January myself. I've also been white water rafting in Kitulgala - it's fairly tame, but good fun. You might be able to find better spots elsewhere though.
As far as cities go, I don't think much of Colombo, but Galle is very nice. It almost feels like you could be in Europe, except you can get a meal for a pittance. The Fort is particularly good.
It's a very small country and you might be tempted to try to cram a lot in, which is fair enough as there's plenty to see, but the trains are slow and the roads are slow, so it takes a fair while to get from town to town. Keep in mind, too, that everything in Sri Lanka runs late, but you can have a look at http://www.railway.gov.lk/index.php for indicative train times.
Brilliant country - lots to do and see (and a huge variety of things to do and see), extremely friendly locals and it's much less hectic and intense than India, so it'll be a nice way of winding down before you go home.
Anything else, just ask.
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