Last year, I spent over four months in Sri Lanka. It’s an incredibly beautiful and varied island with so much to offer.
Lush jungles, golden beaches, ancient temples, and rolling tea plantations – whether you’re looking for a relaxing holiday or an action-packed adventure, you’ll find it here.
I loved immersing myself in the colours, flavours, and rhythms of everyday life in Sri Lanka.
From the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy to the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, there’s so much history and culture to explore.
The train ride between Kandy and Ella is iconic for a reason. It’s one of the most scenic railway journeys I’ve ever taken.
(I definitely recommend travelling from Ella to Kandy, though – not the other way around. It’s much less crowded.)
The sacred city of Anuradhapura was another big highlight for me. There’s something in the air there – a kind of buzz that’s almost electric.
Ancient stupas rise against a backdrop of swaying palm trees, and the chants of monks fill the air.
Yala National Park is the most-visited national park in Sri Lanka, and one of the best places in the world to see leopards in the wild.
But I preferred Wilpattu in the north. It receives a tiny fraction of the visitors Yala does but is home to an incredible array of wildlife, including leopards and sloth bears.
If you love the ocean, Sri Lanka’s idyllic southern coast is perfect for surfing, snorkelling, or simply soaking up the sun. Or head out to sea in search of blue whales from Mirissa or Trincomalee.
Hike through the misty tea estates in Ella, explore the historic streets of Galle Fort, climb the ancient rock fortress at Sigiriya – but try to venture a little off the beaten path, too.
Jaffna, the once war-torn capital of the Northern Province, is home to some of the tastiest food in South Asia. (No exaggeration – Sri Lankan Tamil food is exquisite.)
Hire a tuk-tuk and head out in search of your own secret, secluded beach on the south coast.
Explore the peaceful, crowd-free, and impossibly atmospheric Mulkirigala Rock Monastery.
Or stay in a world-class luxury glamping pod on a private estate in the Knuckles Forest Reserve.
Whatever sort of trip you have in mind, Sri Lanka is an epic destination.
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