Vignesh & Sowmiya’s Sri Lanka Review with Thrillophilia: A Trip Shaped by Helpful Guidance
When Vignesh and his wife Sowmiya decided to visit Sri Lanka, they wanted a trip that made good use of their time without feeling overwhelming. Their main hope was to rely on someone who understood the country better than they did, someone who could suggest the right places at the right pace. For them, the local guide arranged by Thrillophilia played that role perfectly. His suggestions shaped the rhythm of the trip, and the final itinerary reflected his insight at every step.
By the end of their journey, Vignesh summed it up simply: the trip was really good, and the guide’s expertise made a noticeable difference.
Day One: From Colombo to Kandy with a Stop That Set the Tone
The journey began when the couple landed in Colombo on 29 June. A representative welcomed them at the airport and started the drive toward Kandy. Sri Lanka’s roads offer views that shift from busy urban stretches to quieter, greener landscapes, and this drive included a special stop that helped them get in tune with the country, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
Watching the elephants move freely and interact within the sanctuary added an element of warmth to their first day. It was an easy introduction to wildlife and one of Sri Lanka’s most recognised conservation efforts.
Once they reached Kandy, they checked into their hotel, took a break and stepped out again in the evening. Upper Lake Drive, with its elevated views of the city and the lake, gave them a calm moment before attending the Kandyan Dance performance. The show was lively, rhythmic and full of traditional elements, offering a cultural welcome to the city.
Day Two: Moving to Nuwara Eliya and Taking in Hill Country Landscapes
The next morning, Vignesh and Sowmiya travelled to Nuwara Eliya, a region known for its cool weather and scenic views. After checking into their hotel, the couple began exploring the area with their guide.
Their first stop was Gregory Lake, where the surroundings were wide, open and full of activity. Visitors walked around, rode bikes and took boat rides across the lake. The atmosphere felt relaxed and open, and the lake became one of the highlights of their day.
They continued to Hanuman Temple, a place of significance for many travellers, where they witnessed rituals and saw visitors offering prayers.
Later, they visited Ramboda Falls, where the steady flow of water and the surrounding greenery created a refreshing environment. The visit brought together scenic beauty and everyday life in the hill country.
By evening, they headed back to their hotel in Nuwara Eliya, ending the day at a gentle pace.
Day Three: A Day of Caves, Bridges and Waterfalls in Ella
The next morning, the couple travelled to Ella. Ella carries a different mood — more relaxed, slightly youthful and filled with nature spots that attract travellers from all over the world.
Their first visit was to the Ravana Ella Caves. The place is tied deeply to mythology, and exploring the caves gave them a sense of discovering something old and intriguing.
From there, they headed to the Nine Arch Bridge, one of Ella’s most iconic attractions. The structure, surrounded by dense greenery, looked impressive from the viewing point. If lucky, visitors can see the train crossing, but even without it, the sight of the bridge alone was worth the visit.
Their final stop that day was Ravana Waterfalls, a lively natural site where the strong cascade and open surroundings created a fun stop before returning to their accommodation for the night.
Day Four: From Hill Country to the Coastline of Bentota
The next morning, Vignesh and Sowmiya checked out and travelled toward Bentota. The shift from Ella’s hills to Bentota’s coastal environment offered a refreshing contrast.
Their day included:
● a boat ride along the Madu River, passing mangroves and small islands
● a stop at the fish pedicure centre, which added a quirky moment to their day
● and the turtle hatchery, where they saw rescued turtles from different stages of recovery
Each experience was different from the last, and the guide helped them understand what to expect at each stop. The day ended at Amarya Resort, where they stayed for two nights.
Day Five: Exploring Galle and Its Historic Spaces
Their next excursion took them to Galle. The walk inside Galle Fort allowed them to see narrow streets, coastal views and a blend of colonial-era architecture. They explored well-known spots like the lighthouse, the clock tower and parts of the maritime museum.
This day was one of gentle exploration — walking slowly, observing the surroundings and taking pictures of places that blended history with modern energy.
They returned to Bentota in the evening, ending the day with the same relaxed pace that had shaped their journey so far.
Day Six: Entering Colombo and Exploring the Capital
The sixth day brought them back to Colombo. After checking into their hotel, the couple set out for a city tour.
Their experiences included:
● panoramic views from the Lotus Tower
● crossing the suspension bridge
● walking through Colombo Fort
● visiting the floating market
● and seeing the World Trade Building
Colombo felt busy and vibrant compared to the slow pace of the towns they had visited earlier. The shift in energy added variety to the trip and gave them a complete picture of Sri Lanka, from cultural hubs to hill stations to coastal towns and finally the capital city.
Day Seven: Wrapping Up and Heading Home
On 5 July, the couple packed up, checked out and headed to the airport. The guide dropped them off on time, and the trip came to an end with simple satisfaction.
Final Thoughts
Vignesh described his experience honestly:
The trip was really good, and the guide’s suggestions shaped the itinerary in the best way possible.
Every region offered something different — elephants in Pinnawala, the calm waters of Gregory Lake, the iconic Nine Arch Bridge, the riverside charm of Bentota and the mix of modern and historical spaces in Colombo. What tied the trip together was the confidence he had in his local guide, whose recommendations helped the couple see the right places at the right time.
Before leaving, Vignesh thanked Thrillophilia, grateful for an itinerary that worked well for him and Sowmiya, and appreciative of the guidance that made their travel feel clear and easy to understand.
Read More: Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews