Hotels, Budget and currency exchange

Here is a list of all the places we stayed

Date	Name	location	Times	Price (a night)
10/17/17	Sigiriya Hotel	Sigiriya	9:00pm- 9:00am	279
10/18/17- 10/19/17	Hotel Sunray	Kandy	9:00pm- 9:00am	274
10/20/17- 10/22/17	Elephant Villa	Kumbuk River	9:00pm- 9:00am	140
10/24/17- 10/28/17	Peacock Hotel	Galle	9:00pm- 9:00am	340

See our budget by clicking here

The currency in Sri Lanka is a Sri Lankan Rupee. 148.93 is worth 1 US dollar. Find the exchange here.

Why Should you go to Sri Lanka

The golden beaches, rising waves, misty mountains, mighty elephants, giant whales, majestic past, and warm local smiles could sum up a country, that would be Sri Lanka. This intriguing country is a great destination for a vacation out in the sun. With the many sites and scenes bottled up into a small island, a traveller could be riding the waves in the dawn and admiring the green carpeted mountains by dusk. Travel destinations in Sri Lanka provide an array of holiday experience from sunny beach holidays to a marathon of wildlife watching, Adrenaline pumping adventure sports and pilgrimage to some of the oldest cities in the world. The smiles and hospitalityof Sri Lanka's atmosphere famous and so are its spicy food, exotic fruits and variety of sweetmeats found nowhere else in the world. With so many cultures living next to each other life in Sri Lanka continues among a series of festivities throughout the year, an ideal recipe for fun and leisure. So if you're looking for one of the best times of your life and some well captured memories we all would recommend the one and only Sri Lanka!

Key:
   -Logos     -Pathos

Day Twelve

Friday, October 27, 2017

Today was our last day in this beautiful island. We got up bright and early and decided we wanted to do something amazing to wrap up our amazing trip. Brenna suggested we go out on a boat and try our luck at seeing some more amazing creatures. Keeley was reluctant, knowing that we could end up spending the last day on a boat doing nothing. But Brenna assured her, with her Irish luck, we were bound to see something amazing. So we went whale watching and ended up making the best memories we ever could. It was a great way to end the trip up. After that we went back to the hotel and drove to the airport in preparations for our flights home.

Whale Watching - Natural Environment: After a while we got Keeley on the boat and headed out. The hotel had some boats that luckily our hotel covered the price for. Our driver loaded up and took us out to sea. The salty air was perfect and so was the sea. For about 10 minutes we didn't see anything. Keeley started pacing the boat but everyone else was still confident that we would see something. Keeley wanted to go back while there was still time to do one last thing. Right as she turned around a dolphin jumped out of the water right over the boat. Keeley got drenching wet and everyone laughed. The dolphins then started jumping out of the water one after another. The Captain then explained that dolphins came and hunted together early in the morning so this was their breakfast. That was when Elyse busted out her breakfast and ate at the side of the boat. At first no one knew what she was doing until she explained that she didn't know any people who had eaten breakfast with dolphins before. Everyone laughed and then joined her. About half way through our meal we got one more surprise, a large humpback whale breached out of the water and splashed back down in front of the boat. This time everyone got wet instead of just Keeley. That put a real damper on the trip but we got over it quickly because the dolphins had started a new show.

Weather: Todays weather was slightly overcast but the air was perfect. At times you could see the sun shine through the clouds and it was the perfect temperature that no one was super hot but no one was cold either.

Hotel: This evening we were all back home, exhausted after our long journey.

Day Eleven

Thursday, October 26, 2017

Today we went out on the beach again and enjoyed the sun for a while. We all were enjoying the rays and decided to go for a short walk. What was supposed to be a short walk turned into a walk and a surfing session. At the end of the day we had made a new freinds a new skill we were all excited to show off when we got home.

Surfing - Sport: As we walked down the beach Camille saw a bunch of people doing really cool surfing tricks. We all thought it was so cool and asked one of the guys if he would give us lessons when he got back to shore. His name is Isuru, and he took up our offer to give us some lessons. Before we went out to sea he had  to go over some basic rules and how to properly stand on the board. We all swam out and he went to us individually to help us balance on our boards. While we were all struggling to stay afloat Isuru yelled Akwa! Keeley and Brenna looked at him as if he had five heads.  Laughing, he told us that he's not crazy that it was just a surfing term.  Akwa is a term used to direct attention on a wave up ahead that's huge in size and perfect to ride. We never really got to surf but that was because our stomachs started making whale calls. We all decided to take a lunch break. Isuru went into town with us where he showed us a very good restaurant where we bought him lunch and talked. While eating, the surfer exclaimed that he had been surfing for almost 15 years. He seemed to only be a few years older than us so he must have been surfing since he was very young. After lunch, Isuru went with us to rent surfboards again so we could truly learn how to surf.  We didn't want to buy any because we couldn't bring them back on the plane, but we learned what types there are so, if we were ever interested, we could buy some back home. When we got back to the beach the ocean had become more aggressive and the waves had grown in size. We were all eager to get back into the water to try it out. He said that we need to practice our balance and know how to use the board before we got in the water again. This was mostly because he was trying to make sure we didn't get hurt seeing that the waves had swelled up in size. He dug up a mound in the sand for each of us and showed us how to use the boards. After about an hour we figured it out and were allowed to go in the water. This time actually surfing. It was a rough start. Almost everyone fell over and Isuru said we looked like chickens trying to ice skate, which I don't think is a compliment. As the day went on we got better until we were all able to stand up on our boards and ride a wave in. Except for Brenna, who we told to stick to fishing.

Weather: The weather was perfect for a good day out at sea!  In the morning it seemed to be a little humid and clouds filled the sky.  As the sun came up, however, the clouds slowly drifted with the moon and the humidity was replaced with a cool breeze.  While we were surfing it reached its high at about 85 degrees Fahrenheit which paired well with the cool waves of the ocean.

Hotel: We stayed at the Peacock hotel again.

Day Ten

Wednesday, October 25, 2017

Today we got up early and joined the locals on a walk around the 36-hectare fort walls, which overlook the sea. On one side is the world famous cricket grounds where all of us got to play cricket for the first time. Later in the day we also got to play volleyball, Sri Lanka's national sport. However we were really bad compared to the locals. We also joined in on some stilt fishing a little later in the day.


Volleyball - Sport: Volleyball is the national sport of Sri Lanka. We only found it fit that we played a game with the locals. Sport in Sri Lanka is a significant part of Sri Lankan culture. Volleyball is the national sport in Sri Lanka. Cricket is the most popular sport in Sri Lanka. Rugby union is also popular. Other popular sports are water sports, badminton, athletics, football, basketball and tennis. Sri Lanka's schools and colleges regularly organize sports and athletics teams, competing on provincial and national levels.

Stilt Fishing - Culture: Stilt fishing is fishing in relatively shallow water on a platform made up of a stilt. This is a common method employed by Sri Lankan fisherman when fishing in or around reefs not far away from the shore. The fishermen sit on a cross bar called a petta tied to a vertical pole and driven into the sand a few meters offshore. From this high position, the fishermen casts his line, and waits until a fish comes along to be caught. The practice is believed to have started during World War II when food shortages and overcrowded fishing spots prompted some clever men to try fishing on the water. At first they started fishing from wrecks of capsized ships and downed aircraft, then some began erecting their stilts in coral reefs.

Weather: Today the rain and clouds have gone away and the sun has come out! It is a warm 83 degrees Fahrenheit, and nice and humid from past rain. Perfect weather for a day on the beach!

Hotel: We stayed in the peacock hotel again tonight.

Day Nine

Tuesday, October 24, 2017

Today we finished our tour of Adam's Peak which was just incredible. our long painful walk up the mountain was rewarded with a spectacular view at the top. We all just sat their for hours and hours, just taking it all in. Before we went back down the mountain we ate a traditional Sri Lankan breakfast, it was fantastic, Elyse's favorite part was the bread, and it was really good, it was warm and had a sort of sweetness to it. We all were really upset to have o go back down the mountain, but at least it was lest work than going up. After we got to the bottom of the mountain we relaxed in The Peak Wilderness Sanctuary for a few hours before driving to Galle.


Adams Peak - Natural Environment:  Adam’s Peak is the fifth tallest mountain in Sri Lanka, standing at 2243 m. It is worshiped by many religions and the strange giant footprint shaped imprint found on the peak is sacred. Thousands every year climb the mountain on pilgrimages and pay their respects.
Adam’s Peak is surrounded by the thick rainforests of the Peak Wilderness Sanctuary. The sanctuary is the third largest in the country spread over an area of 224 square kilometers. Of the six trails we could go on we went on the Nallathanni trail, which is one of the most common trails, to climb up at 6:30pm at the head of the Nallathani trail. It was steep and a little slippery. We had dinner on the trail and it included cut tropical fruits, boiled eggs, and fried sausages. After hours of walking, we reached the top of the mountain around 1:00am. The peak had an amazing view of the night sky. we sat there for a while looking at the stars and finally when the sun rose we were able to see the horizon lightening which was one of the prettiest things any of us had seen. We hiked back down the mountain at 6:30am using the Murray Estate route. The route had a beautiful waterfall and we got to see the Maskeliya reservoir and the jungles of Peak Sanctuary. We also had breakfast of tropical fruits, sandwiches, fried sausages and boiled eggs. Finally, at 9:30am we returned back from that amazing experience.

Weather: This morning the sky could not be more clear. We got a beautiful view of the mountain side as the sun rose over them. The rest of the day however was not as enjoyable. The light layer we had packed turned into a rain jacket as we went down the mountain. The path became more slippery on the trip down and took slightly longer than expected. We didn't want anyone falling off the mountain. Thankfully the rest of the day it cleared up and we were able to enjoy the smells of nature along the trails.

Hotel:  Peacock Hotel in Galle. This hotel is right on the beach so we can go outside and enjoy the sun or water when ever we want. It is also located near many attractions that we can go see.

Day Eight

Monday, October 23, 2017

Today we spent the day driving to the land near Adam's Peak. On the way we stopped at Jade green Tea Centre and Restaurant for breakfast, it was just what we needed to calm our nerves, the food was great. Once we got back into the car are never just started to jump all over the place again. We all were super excited for the upcoming climb to the top of Adam's peak to see the beautiful sunrise at the top. All any of us could think about on the way their was how much fun we were going to have on this trip, and the next thing you know we got to our destination. We spent the rest of the day relaxing and preparing our self for our tour of Adam's Peak which started at 6:30 at night. We walked around town for the rest of the day we stayed at a little coffee and tea shop where we enjoyed the caffeine.
The hour was up, the day had finally past and it was time for us to start making our way to the mountain. We drove to the mountain even though it was so close to the hotel, we wanted to save our legs for the big adventure the awaited us. We got there and got aside a guide that was going to lead us up the mountain. We stayed out the whole night being guided by a tour director of the National Park. he made the time go by much faster with his wonderful stories, and fun adventures. We finally got to the halfway point and got to take a break that was a much relief to all of us, although the director didn't even look like he was out of breath. He said it was because he had gone up the mountain so many times before. We waited their for a few more minutes, then we had to keep going, that was a big struggle, to star walking again
but we were motivated by the tax of food begging a out next stop. So we keep on, walking, and walking, and walking some more. it was tiring but the beautiful night sky was our motivation. When we hit our next resting spot and thank goodness laying there on a table was a gorges looking meal. The whole story will be on the next day after we have experienced everything.

Weather: Today's weather was cool and enjoyable. The night sky was thankfully clear and the stars seemed to twinkle more than usual over the mountain. The weather allowed us to wear a light layer and still be comfortable in our leggings and shirts.

Hotel: We did not get a hotel today because we are hiking through the Park all night.

Day Seven

Sunday, October 22, 2017


Again we spent the day at the Kumbuk River Resort, except today instead of spending most of the day out exploring, the resort. We got up early to walk to the near by ancient temple of Dematamal Viharaya,  
 After we got back for the temple we packed a lunch and set out to
take a tractor ride to the near-by suspension bridge. It was so beautiful
the only reason any of us climbed down was to get to the get to our next activity in time, and hopefully this one was going to match the awesomeness of the Suspension bridge. The water was a ten minute walk for the forest. We got to the edge of the water and gasped because the water was so clear. The lakes back home are nothing compared to the water hear. We haven't even stared the activity and we were already falling in love with the whole idea of this adventure. We waited at this dock near the side  of the water and waited for a few minutes so the kind staff at the resort could find use a big enough paruwa, this is what Sri Lankan's call this type of raft. We all climbed into the paruwa and headed out to the island in the middle of the lake. This took a lot more energy because the weight of all of use being on their and the extreme weight of the paruwa. Once we got to the island we all had to help pull the paruwa onto the shore so it won't float away. We all medically jumped in to the cool, refreshing water. We stayed in the water for about half an hour slashing around, racing, just having a great time. But we could stay in their forever although we wanted to, we had to save time tot go fishing. This type of fishing was with a net and a long string coming off of it. We had to hold the net out with both of our hands and our teeth. So when you saw a fish you would through the net an quickly pull the string the trap anything you might have caught in the net. it got easier once you got the hang of it, well at least for some people. Camille just couldn't catch anything, as hard as she tried she just couldn't do it, unlike Brenna who was on fire, catching fish after fish, that Luck of the Irish.
To top the whole day off we slipped into the local mud bath, luckily when we got their wasn't many people because we took up the space. At first we were a bit skeptical, but once Keeley went in, all of use were like why not theirs no harm done. It was just what the doctor ordered. Imagine a hot tub but soft mud, it was just what all of use needed to top use a long tiring day.

Dematamal Viharaya - History: according to the legend, this temple played an important role in southern Sri Lankan history. When we got there, their was no on around for miles. The temple it self looked really old and full of the past. We walked right in. When we stepped inside we were consumed by the tons of painted on the wall and faded statues of people dancing. We quickly learned that this temple was worshiped by busiest worshipers. We also learned from some of the local people that the history of the temple goes back to the 3rd or 2nd century BC. According to folklore, it is the place which provided safety to Prince Saddhatissa, who was attempting to flee after losing the fight with his elder brother, Prince Dutugamunu.  We didn't really understand what that had to do with anything g or if it was significant to the Sri Lankan history because the people didn't really elaborate.

Suspension Bridge - Natural Environment: When we saw it we all were so surprised how high up in the air the bridge was. Four of use were excited, but Madison who scared of heights felt differently about the whole adventure. She was going to sit out of this one but we couldn't let  her it wouldn't be the same without her. So we convince her to give it a chance, and if she really didn't like it she could go back down. Once we got up in their it was the most beautiful sights we had ever seen. Their was so many colors everywhere, the birds floated around on the branches , the light streamed thought the thick wall of the canopy. It was so beautiful, we never wanted to go back on the ground.

Weather: Today's weather was nice and warm. It was a little humid but it was supposed to rain again tonight. The humidity made us not want to do as much but we had to push through. The cool water air helped as did going inside the temple. But on the suspension bridge you could feel the water in the air. Yet everyone still took their time and enjoyed the view. The moist air helped us enjoy our mud bath even more.

Hotel: Tonight we stayed in the tree loft.