As I came out from the airport and met my chauffeur, at first I was a bit startled and anxious by seeing him as he looked very tough and tall. He is Singhalese guy knew only English and he carried my luggages to his car.
I was enormously excited & electrified for my first adventure trip!
Stepping out of the airport, I was greeted by my chauffeur – a tall, formidable-looking Sinhalese man who spoke only English. As he effortlessly hoisted my luggage into the car, I felt a twinge of nervousness. Little did I know that this marked the beginning of a thrilling adventure in the heart of Sri Lanka.
Enveloped in a palpable sense of excitement and electrifying energy, I arrived in Colombo as the sun began its descent. On my way to the hotel bungalow where I would spend the night, I noticed an array of religious statues representing Christianity and Buddhism, setting the stage for a journey infused with spiritual encounters.
As we approached the city, my guide, sensing my eagerness, suggested a detour to St. Anthony’s Shrine, Kochchikade – a renowned Roman Catholic church dedicated to St. Anthony of Padua. Grateful for the opportunity to commence my journey with a divine blessing, we navigated the darkened streets of Colombo, arriving at the prominent St. Antony’s Church around 8:30 pm.
The night took an unexpected turn as we reached an isolated bungalow where only one elderly caretaker resided. Concerned about my safety, I immediately called my travel agent, expressing my desire to relocate to a hotel closer to the city. However, reassurance came in the form of the agent’s words, assuring me that the place was safe and secure. Despite my initial unease, I arranged my luggage near the door, engaging in frequent phone calls with friends throughout the night to ease my nervous apprehensions.
By 6 am, I was ready to embrace the day. Opening the door, the caretaker inquired about preparing breakfast, promising it would be ready by 8 am. With a nod, I ventured out to explore the surroundings, eager to immerse myself in the unfolding adventure until breakfast beckoned.
I entered into an isolated Bungalow, where there was only one old person who was the care taker of the bungalow. I was very much concerned and called my travel agent to shift me to another hotel which was closer to the city. But he assured that this place was very safe and secure. I arranged all my luggages near to the door, furthermore, I couldn’t sleep the entire night and was in contact with a few of my friends over the phone , since I was very much nervous and apprehensive.
By 6 am sharp, I was all decked up and when I opened the door and the care taker uncle asked if he could prepare my breakfast which would be ready by 8am. So I informed him and went out to explore the area for some time till breakfast was ready.
``Hotel Omni Bungalow``
“Hotel Mt. Lavinia”
“Train Track near Beach”
EMBRACING SERENDIPITY: A DAY AT MT. LAVINIA BEACH
To my delight and surprise, the bungalow I found myself in was nestled right next to the picturesque Mt. Lavinia Beach. It was a moment of sheer wonder as I gazed upon the train tracks tracing the shoreline, leading my eyes to the iconic Hotel Mount Lavinia a few kilometers away. Excitement coursing through me, I couldn’t resist the call of the beach.
As I stepped onto the sandy shores, the vastness of the Indian Ocean unfolded before me, a breathtaking panorama. Solitude became my companion, and I reveled in the sheer magnificence of the surroundings. The rhythmic melody of the waves crashing against the shore provided the soundtrack to my solitary exploration.
Returning to my accommodation, I was greeted with a spread of lip-smacking breakfast, a perfect prelude to the adventures that awaited me. The driver, ready to usher me into the heart of Sri Lanka, was keenly aware that I had ventured out to the beach alone. Concerned for my safety, he kindly requested me to stay close, offering to be my companion throughout the day. His thoughtful guidance and attentive care eased any lingering concerns, transforming my solo expedition into a journey marked by newfound assurance and relaxation.
In that moment, a profound realization dawned on me – solo travel isn’t about being truly alone. Instead, it unveils opportunities to cross paths with incredible individuals, forging connections that resonate long after the journey concludes. The reassurance of camaraderie, even with newfound friends, turned an ordinary day into an extraordinary adventure.
and my Srilankan adventure starts from here…Colombo Unveiled: A Day Of Exploration And Transformation
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2.Srilankan Adventure ~ Embarking On The Journey
In that moment, a profound realization dawned on me – solo travel isn't about being truly alone. Instead, it unveils opportunities to cross paths with incredible individuals, forging connections that resonate long after the journey concludes.
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1.Escaping From The Heat & Fear ~ Embarking On A Solo Adventure
Embracing the uncertainty of this first-time solo adventure, I took the phone number of a friendly face at the counter, providing reassurance that Sri Lanka is indeed a safe haven.“SRILANKA IS A VERY SAFE PLACE AND NOT TO WORRY ABOUT
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3. Colombo Unveiled: A Day Of Exploration And Transformation
In that moment, I embraced the transformative power of a makeover. It was not bound by rules or dictated by perfect timing; it was a personal choice to look and feel like myself—more radiant, more confident, and simply better.
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4. Exploring Cultural Splendour: Gangaramaya Temple In Colombo
First on my list was the quest for the perfect hat—a fashionable companion for my Sri Lankan adventures. Colombo's shopping landscape unfolded before me, offering an array of choices that blended traditional charm with modern allure.
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5.Immersing Into Nature’s Elegance: A Majestic Journey Along The Maadu Ganga River
Navigating through the gentle currents, the boat carried me to the point where the river gracefully embraced the open sea. This juncture, where freshwater and saltwater converged, painted a breathtaking tableau.
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6.A Seaside Sojourn: Bentota’s Enchanting Embrace
Evenings were reserved for strolls along the beach, where the sea, in all its grandeur, whispered tales of timeless romance. Each sunset was a masterpiece, a canvas painted with hues of warmth and tranquility—a visual symphony that resonated with the
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7. Into The Wild: A Spine-chilling Odyssey In Sinharaja Rain Forest
Amidst the towering trees and vibrant flora, we reached an ancient giant—a testament to the timeless beauty of the rainforest. The air was thick with the essence of the jungle, a heady mixture of earth, moss, and the elusive fragrance
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8.Life’s First Thrill: White Water River Rafting In Srilanka
Amidst the heart-pounding adventure, the coach encouraged me to jump into the water and float, life jacket securely fastened. A surreal moment unfolded as I found myself floating alone, away from the boat, with nothing but the rushing river around
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9. Nuwara Eliya: A Journey Into Nature’s Embrace
Continuing on, I encountered friendly Tamil Sri Lankans, most of them local farmers selling fresh carrots and tending to tea estates. The scenic beauty prompted numerous clicks, with each frame capturing the essence of this heavenly place.
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10. Trek To Horton Plains: Unveiling Nature’s Majesty
As our trek progressed, we reached a breathtaking spot known as World's End, a cliff with a sheer vertical drop of 4000 feet. The fear of heights didn't deter me; instead, I ventured closer to the edge, urging my companions
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11.Lake Gregory – Nature’s Embrace In A Peaceful Paradise!
As the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow upon the water, the lake's enchantment grew. The shimmering reflection of stars in the crystal-clear waters transformed the lake into a celestial spectacle.
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12. Kandy Cultural City, Culture Vs Nature!
Observing the temple's rituals and traditions, I met a Srilankan female cop who commented on my appearance, mistaking me for a Sinhalese girl. The cultural exchange and warm reception from the locals made the visit even more special.
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13. Beauty Vs Beast – Me with Mother nature’s Majestic Masterpiece !
The entire spectacle unfolded amidst an atmosphere of joy and awe. Tourists reveled in the experience, capturing moments with these gentle giants. The sight of baby elephants walking beside their mothers, seeking refuge under their protective bellies, added a layer
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14. Sigiriya Lion Rock Fortress “Eighth Among The World Wonder’s!”
As I stood atop the Lion Rock, the culmination of history and nature, I couldn't help but reflect on the profound truth—the past, sometimes, is not merely contained in books but etched onto rocks for us to learn.
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15.Wild Encounters Nonstop! Me With Mother Nature’s Majestic Masterpiece ! Part 2
As we captured these moments, the guide emphasized the importance of not using camera flashes, as they could disturb the majestic mammals. We watched the elephants from a distance, recognizing their wild nature and crossing paths.
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16.Srilanka’s World Famous Buddhist Pilgrimage Destination – Anuradhapura!
Each step in Anuradhapura felt like a journey through the annals of time, a pilgrimage resonating with significance. The city's allure lies not just in its historical grandeur but in its ability to offer visitors a profound connection to the
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17. Cautionary Tale: A Less-than-ideal Encounter In The Spice Garden
This cautionary tale serves as a stark reminder to fellow travelers: beware of fraudulent practices, be vigilant against swindlers, and exercise discretion in your choices. While the Spice Garden may boast aromatic herbs and spices, the bitter aftertaste of deception
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18. Solo Traveler’s Sri Lanka Trip: A Comprehensive Guide
Sri Lanka, with its myriad experiences, awaits the solo traveler. From the cultural riches of Kandy to the historical marvels of Anuradhapura, each day promises a new adventure.
