12 days mid-August - do we dump the south completely?
4 Answers from travellers
Sane 12-day August loop: Colombo to Sigiriya/Habarana (2) to Trinco/Nilaveli (3) to overnight bus or drive to Arugam (3) to Ella via Wellawaya (2) to Kandy for a Randoli night (2) then out. Or put Kandy first if you want Perahera - last grand night is 27 Aug. South as a beach base is the weak choice, not a crime.
We did Sigiriya + Trinco + Arugam. The Colombo-Trinco road is a real seven hours. Cinnamon Air hops exist if you hate that drive.
Scam Watch: kandy
TukTuk or tour drivers take you to "gem museums" or "government-certified" gem shops. They receive huge commissions (up to 40%) on anything you buy. Prices are inflated 3-10x the actual value.
Men approach tourists near Temple of the Tooth offering to be guides. After the tour, they demand large "donations" or guide fees (5000-10000 LKR).
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