Hi
I will be going to Sri Lanka from 6 July till 4 August, about 4 weeks. I am mainly interested in trekking and nature rather than temples. So I've made a rough itinerary but I'm not sure how feasible and logical it is, so I need your help I would like to travel slow and have a base where I can take day trips. I would also like to take the train whenever possible.

Most importantly, I want to catch the Kataragama festival, heard the last days are the best (30th July and 1st August) How could I incorporate this into my trip.

Thank you very much!

Negombo

Kandy

Ella

Haputale

Cultural triangle (Polonaruwa, sigiriya, anuradhapura) Where would be a good base to see all of them?

Jaffna

Trincomalee (Passikudah/Kalkudah)

Batticaloa

Monaragala

Tissa

Tangalla

Mirissa

Galle

Colombo

Hi, the festivals date has been changed to august. So, don't need to worry about going there now!

y123,

may I suggest that you look at the websites of a few Sri Lankan tour operators. Not because I think that you ought to use them, but because they contain a huge amount of useful information about trip planning and getting around the country.

Red Dot and BSL. are two very good ones, and I'm sure there are more if you google.

http://www.reddottours.com/

http://www.boutiquesrilanka.com/

the other resource I would recommend is the Lonely planet guide which is very good with info about public transport.

good luck!

Hello y123,

During July-August eastern beaches are the best and rough sea in south so better avoid the south coast. A good base for cultural triangle would be Dambulla/Sigiriya/Habarana.

Have a good trip!

Looks fine to me but I really wouldn't miss out the " cultural triangle" it need only take around three days. I totally agree with incorporating train travel where possible, that reall made our trip. First class is comfortable but 2nd is more fun and first does get booked up quickly. You can only reserve 2 weeks in advance so 2 nd may be your only option. The sights you see from the trains as the go through the highlands are something special!

As you are into trekking, take a look at climbing Adams Peak at night. A great, if exhausting experience. Hopping alon the south coast by tuk tuk or taxi is easy enough and Mirrisa, Tangalla etc have some great beaches. We like Goyambokka, a small pretty beach with just a few seafood shack on the beach and guesthouses around and about.