A Gift of Paradise: Shreya’s Anniversary Celebration in Sri Lanka with Thrillophilia
It was the evening of Shreya and her husband’s 5th wedding anniversary, a celebration they had planned to keep simple. As they clinked glasses and recollected about their journey together, the doorbell rang unexpectedly.
Standing on their doorstep were Meera and Kabir, their closest friends, holding a cake and an envelope.
“Surprise!” Meera exclaimed, smiling from ear to ear.
After the hugs and laughter settled, Kabir handed the envelope to Shreya and her husband. “We could not let your anniversary go by without making it special,” he said.
Shreya’s husband opened it. Inside was an itinerary for a 6-day trip to Sri Lanka.
“Wait, what? A trip to Sri Lanka?” Shreya gasped, her eyes wide with disbelief.
“Yup! The four of us. Flights, hotels, everything is planned,” Meera said.
Shreya’s hands flew to her mouth. “This is incredible. But how could you plan all this without us knowing?”
Kabir winked. “We are sneaky like that. Now, pack your bags. We leave tomorrow!”
First Impression of Sri Lanka
The next morning, their journey began with a flight to Bandaranaike International Airport. Excitement filled the air as they landed in Colombo. A cheerful local guide greeted them, and soon they were weaving through the vibrant streets of the city.
Colombo was a blend of past and present, with colonial architecture standing alongside gleaming skyscrapers. After checking into their hotel, the group set out to explore. Their first stop was the iconic Lotus Tower, where they took in panoramic views of the beautiful city.
“Look at this view,” Shreya said, snapping photos with her phone. “The colours of the city are so vibrant.”
As the day unfolded, they visited landmarks like the World Trade Center, the bustling Fort district, and Lovers’ Island, where Shreya and her husband shared a quiet moment. In the evening, the group wandered through the Pettah Market, tasted spicy street food, and bought trinkets.
“This kottu roti is amazing,” her husband said, enjoying the flavours. Kabir, who had taken a particularly spicy bite, was less impressed. “I think my tongue is on fire!” he joked, making everyone burst into laughter.
Meeting with the Giants in Kandy
After a delicious breakfast the next day, the group went on a scenic drive to Kandy. Along the way, they stopped at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage.
The sanctuary was alive with the sound of elephants trumpeting and the sight of them playfully splashing in the river. Shreya’s heart melted at the sight of a baby elephant wobbling towards its mother.
“Can we take this home?” she joked, feeding the little one a bunch of bananas.
Meera could not resist joining in, and soon the two friends were laughing as they competed to see who could get an elephant’s attention first.
By the time they reached Kandy, the sun was setting over the lush hills. They took a leisurely walk around Kandy Lake and soaked in the calm waters reflecting the surrounding greenery. Later, they watched a Kandyan dance performance that left them spellbound, particularly the fiery finale.
“Imagine dancing on burning coals,” Kabir said, shaking his head.
“Don’t even think about trying it,” Meera shot back, making everyone laugh.
Historical Stories by the Sea
The coastal town of Galle brought a touch of old-world charm to their adventure. Although their drive was long, it was scenic with glimpses of the Indian Ocean appearing between stretches of palm trees. Upon arrival, they checked into their hotel and headed straight for the Galle Fort.
Walking along the ancient walls of the fort, Shreya was surprised. “This place feels like it is alive with stories,” she said, running her fingers over the weathered stones.
They explored the Clock Tower and the Lighthouse and stopped for photos and snacks at a tiny cafe. Shreya’s husband and Kabir decided to try surfing at the nearby beach, much to everyone’s amusement.
“You are supposed to stand on the board, not fall off it,” Shreya teased as her husband wiped out again.
“Laugh all you want,” he said, smiling. “I will master it before we leave.”
By the evening, they were back at the fort and watched the sun dip below the horizon. It painted the sky in hues of orange and pink, a perfect end to the day of history and natural beauty.
Into the Mangroves of Bentota
Their journey continued to Bentota, where they set off for a boat ride on the Madhu River.
The river was a world of its own, with mangroves forming natural tunnels and exotic birds fluttering between the trees. Their boatman pointed out wildlife along the way, from tiny lizards sunbathing on branches to colourful kingfishers diving for fish.
“Isn’t this magical?” Shreya whispered to her husband.
“It looks like a different world altogether,” he replied, wrapping an arm around her.
They stopped at a small islet for a fish pedicure that had everyone in fits of giggles.
“This tickles more than I expected!” Meera exclaimed, trying not to pull her feet out of the tank.
Turtle Trails and Cinnamon Trails
The charm of Bentota deepened on their final day in Sri Lanka. At the Turtle Hatchery in Kosgoda, they watched newborn turtles being cared for before their release into the sea. Shreya knelt down to watch a tiny hatchling struggle towards the waves.
“Look at it go,” she said. “It is so small but so determined.”The group then visited a cinnamon plantation, where they learned about the spice’s journey from bark to kitchen shelf. Meera was particularly engrossed and asked the guide countless questions.
“Are you opening a cinnamon business?” Kabir teased, earning a playful nudge from her.
As the day came to an end, they enjoyed a quiet dinner by the beach. The sound of waves and the soft glow of lanterns made the moment feel almost magical.
“This has been the perfect trip,” Shreya said, looking at her friends.
“Here is to more adventures,” Kabir said, raising his glass.
Read more: Thrillophilia Sri Lanka Reviews