From Misty Hills to Golden Shores: Tarun’s Unplanned Adventures in Sri Lanka

Sometimes, the best journeys are the ones that do not go according to plan. Our honeymoon in Sri Lanka was proof of this, it was a story that began with an impulsive decision and unfolded into an adventure that we would cherish forever.

It all started with a simple incident. A month before the wedding, I overheard my wife-to-be enthusiastically telling a friend about her love for beaches, green hills, and vibrant cultures. Thinking I had cracked the code to her ideal honeymoon, I hastily booked a trip to Sri Lanka, the destination that, I was convinced, would match her dreams.

When I told her the plan, her surprised expression made me pause. “Sri Lanka?” she asked, with equal parts curiosity and hesitation.

“Yes! Beaches, jungles, tea plantations - it has everything you will love,” I said with confidence I did not quite feel.

Her smile was reassuring, though a little sceptical. “Well, you have never been wrong before either,” she said.

What I learned was that Sri Lanka would be far more than just the right choice. It would become a place that wove its way into our hearts with its surprises, adventures, and unexpected moments.

Welcome to the City of Heart and Heritage!

Our adventure began in Kandy, which seemed to be the beating heart of Sri Lanka. The air was heavy with the scent of greenery mixed with a distant hint of spice. On the drive to our villa, we passed rolling hills whose slopes were covered with tea plantations, while occasional glimpses of temples situated on hilltops added a sense of mystique.

Our first stop was the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where we watched elephants lumber down to the river for their daily bath. Seeing them play in the water was enchanting, but it was the baby elephants that amazed my wife. She stood spellbound as one stumbled after its mother, with its tiny trunk curling awkwardly.

By the time we left Pinnawala, my wife had declared elephants her new favourite animal. “They are so wise, yet playful,” she thought. Little did I know that her newfound fascination with these gentle giants would become a recurring theme throughout our trip.

Kandy itself was a harmonious blend of spirituality and serenity. At the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, we wandered quietly through halls steeped in history while marvelling at the respect with which visitors approached the shrine. Later, we went to the Huluganga Waterfall which captivated our senses with its thundering cascade.

But the adventure was not without its quirks. As we admired the falls, a mischievous monkey moved past and snatched the scarf my wife had tied to her bag. For a moment, we stood frozen and then burst out laughing. 

“Welcome to the jungle” our guide chuckled.

A Slice of Serenity in Nuwara Eliya

If Kandy was vibrant and lively, Nuwara Eliya was the epitome of tranquillity. Dubbed “Little England,” its cool air and colonial charm felt like stepping into another era. As we drove into town, the mist seemed to part, revealing picturesque cottages and lush gardens.

We spent a peaceful afternoon on Gregory Lake there, paddling gently across the still water. Surrounded by hills and the occasional chirp of birds, it felt like the world had slowed down just for us. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens were another highlight of the place. As we wandered through pathways lined with vivid blooms, my wife was amazed at the vibrant colours and intricate patterns of flowers she had never seen before. “Every corner here feels like a fairytale,” she said, her eyes wide with wonder.

Our explorations also led us to Ramboda Falls, where the cascading water seemed to sing a symphony of nature. Standing in the midst of the falls, I felt a deep sense of connection - to the land, to my wife, and to the adventure we were sharing.

Into the Wild

From the serenity of the hills, we went straight into the wilderness of Yala National Park. Rising before dawn, we boarded an open jeep and set off on a safari that promised an experience of the untamed forests and thrilling encounters.

The park was alive with sounds - the rustling of leaves, the distant call of exotic birds, and the occasional snap of a twig underfoot. Within minutes, we came across a herd of elephants grazing peacefully. My wife’s eyes lit up, her enthusiasm contagious as she pointed out a baby trying to keep up with its elders.

We saw crocodiles basking in the sun, colourful peacocks walking through the grasslands, and even a sloth bear slogging across the trail. But the crowning moment came when our guide pointed out a leopard lounging on a tree branch. Its spotted coat blended almost seamlessly with the bark.

“That is two leopards” I joked.
“Two?” my wife asked, puzzled.
“You and the one on the tree,” I replied, smiling. Her laughter echoed through the stillness of the jungle.

Sun, Sand, and Surprises

Our final stop was Bentota, where the golden beaches seemed to stretch into infinity. After the adrenaline of Yala, Bentota offered the perfect opportunity to unwind. The rhythmic sound of waves soothed us into a state of relaxation as we strolled along the shore, toes sinking into the warm sand.

At the Turtle Hatchery, we witnessed the fragile yet determined journey of tiny hatchlings as they made their way to the ocean. Watching them struggle against the odds was both humbling and inspiring. We also explored the mangroves of the Madhu River, gliding silently through winding waterways. The serenity was occasionally broken by the call of birds or the splash of a fish.

But Bentota was not just about calm waters. We dove headfirst into water sports, from jet-skiing to a hilariously bumpy ride on an inflated sofa. 

While my wife laughed freely, I held on for dear life, vowing never to underestimate her adventurous spirit again.

Read More: Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews