Discovering the Wonders of Sri Lanka

Our journey began at London Heathrow on a direct flight to Colombo with SriLankan Airlines, a member of the Oneworld alliance. The service onboard was comparable to other premium carriers like British Airways, and the food and drink were of excellent quality. Upon arrival in Colombo, we were warmly welcomed with beautiful flower garlands and escorted to our private vehicle.

Negombo: A Serene Start

Our first stop was Jetwing Lagoon in Negombo, a peaceful hotel located partly on the waterfront with beach access and a large, inviting pool. While it’s perfect for a first or last-night stay, I’d recommend a more central location for longer stays. That evening, we dined at Tuk Tuk Wine and Dine, sampling the local specialty spirit, Arrack, paired with traditional dishes – a delightful introduction to Sri Lankan cuisine.

The Cultural Triangle: History and Heritage

On day two, we traveled to the Cultural Triangle (approximately 3–4 hours). Along the way, we visited Uga River, a boutique luxury property with a homely feel and a gorgeous pool, and stopped for lunch at a lively local restaurant bustling with tourists.

We then enjoyed a village experience, traveling by local tractor and wooden boat, where we learned to make traditional coconut roti. That evening, we arrived at Taru Villas Maya, a quiet boutique property with large rooms, a beautiful pool overlooking paddy fields, and lush surroundings – perfect for birdwatching and spotting monkeys in the trees.

Spiritual Experiences and Safari Adventures

Day three began with a spiritual session with a Buddhist monk in Sigiriya, an incredibly calming and memorable experience. Later, we inspected the Cinnamon Lodge, a larger property popular with tourists, offering entertainment, a lovely pool, and half-board packages.

In the afternoon, we embarked on a private jeep safari at Minneriya National Park, where we were lucky to see over a hundred elephants in their natural habitat, along with water buffalo roaming the wetlands.

Sigiriya, Spice Plantations, and Kandy

An early start on day four took us to Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage site built in the 5th century. Climbing over 1,250 steps in temperatures around 30°C was challenging but rewarding, with breathtaking views from the top. Afterward, we visited a private spice plantation en route to Kandy, enjoying a delicious local lunch and demonstrations of traditional practices.

In Kandy, we participated in a pilgrimage to the Temple of the Tooth Relic, followed by a hands-on cooking experience at Chami’s, where we bought ingredients from a local supermarket and prepared dinner under warm and welcoming guidance. We ended the day at Jetwing Kandy Gallery, a peaceful riverside hotel with a beautiful pool and delicious food.

Scenic Train Journey and Tea Country

Day five featured a scenic train ride from Peradeniya through Sri Lanka’s stunning tea country, lasting about six hours. Upon arrival at Thotagala Tea Plantation Bungalow, we enjoyed high tea and admired the rolling hills from our cozy bungalow, which has only eight rooms and a serene ambiance.

A planned sunrise hike to Lipton’s Seat was postponed due to weather, but we explored the tea plantations by Tuk Tuk and visited a local tea factory for a fascinating tour. We then stopped in Ella for lunch, exploring this now-popular town and visiting the iconic Nine Arch Bridge – a must-see for photography enthusiasts.

Yala: Glamping and Wildlife

We travelled onward to Tribe Yala, a luxury glamping site near Yala National Park with spacious tents, private pools, and indoor/outdoor showers. That evening, we enjoyed a bonfire dinner under the stars.

Day six began with a sunrise game drive, offering a chance to see leopards, elephants, water buffalo, and deer. A tree-top breakfast overlooking the park was a magical experience. Later, we travelled to Galle, where a young local guide shared his moving story of the tsunami as we explored the Galle Fort. Our final stay was at Landesi by Nine, a boutique hotel in the heart of Galle, followed by dinner hosted by the wonderful Authenticities team, enjoying an array of traditional Sri Lankan dishes.

Farewell to Sri Lanka

On day seven, we returned to Colombo Airport for our flight home. Check-in and departure were smooth, leaving us with lasting memories of a whirlwind but deeply enriching journey.

Sri Lanka’s warmth, natural beauty, and vibrant culture left a lasting impression, and I highly recommend visiting. I know I will certainly be returning!