Lanka Diary - Sigiriya et al

After the thrilling Scuba diving expedition, we were off to more mundane tourist matters. Travelling into the island, we set off for Ravana Ella.

On the way, we wanted to visit Hambanthota to take a look at the new chinese port. Pretty obvious, we werent allowed to take a glance of the monstrous port that is coming up there. Hambanthota is Rajapaksa's constituency/home town. And, it was a poor noman's land till recently. Now, it seems to be the next Colombo down south. The port is giving chills to Singapore's trade. The second international airport in Sri Lanka is coming up here. There's a cricket stadium being built. And, we could see a lot of export industries being encouraged too. That's some development, Chinese style scale. Rajapaksa, hats off for being a game changer. Ended the war & onto development. (There are brickbats always, anyways.)

After Hambanthota, the rain gods suddenly lost patience with us. In about 30 minutes, it was raining crazy and the roads were flooded. It was pitch dark and eerily scary to drive any further. We decided to halt at the nearest visible hotel for the night - whatever be the quality. Accidentally, I spotted a board in the dark and suggested that we may want to try. But, there seemed to be no roads & no light in the near horizon. So, Scooby instilled some guts into Prabhat (on the wheels), to take the road less travelled. Thankfully, within 100 metres, we could spot some light and there was a hotel indeed. We discovered the name of the place - it was Wellawaya, at the foothills of Ella.

Hospitality was at its best and the rooms were great. We found an Indian (Tamilian) staying there and he soothed our nerves. He was a regular at the hotel and assured us that this was a safe, great place to live the night. The accidental detour was a surprise! We were served the best Sri Lankan food in our entire journey and had a sound sleep that night.

We started off early next day at 5:30 am to Ella. It was a good decision not to travel at night, as the road uphill was strewn with rocks & land slides.

The latter part of our journey was spent criss crossing Lanka on roads and enjoying the incessant rains. And nothing much to speak about, other than Sigiriya. Must place to visit as there arent too many similar structures else where in the world.

A rock structure amidst complete greenery at 200m high is admirable as are the gardens and other rock formations. The frescoes have pretty much been destroyed and just a few remain. Just for reference, the Eiffel Tower is 300m high amidst a bustling city.

Nuwara Eliya-Kandy was a serious let down, and pales in comparison to Munnar. It might be a good idea for honeymoon couples to enjoy the only developed hill station at Lanka. Nothing much for others.

Colombo is just like any other city brimming with the mercenary nature of the mortal mankind. Mt Lavinia was like an Indian beach, filled with filth and crowd.

So, the verdict is out - if you have 4 days to spare and you dont exactly enjoy Goa due to the crowds, Unawatuna is a great deal. And, it can be very cost effective too. If you have 10-15k INR to blow, enjoy a world class beach at Unawatuna rather than booze it over at Goa.

Chennai - Colombo return flight - 4 to 5k INR
Katunayake - Unawatuna - 6k INR taxi fare. If bus, then even cheaper.
Unawatuna acco for 4 days - 5k INR or even cheaper (mind you, not shacks - good acco)