Sri Lanka Diaries — Slow Living, Wild Safaris & Coastal Calm

Sri Lanka is one of those places that completely captures your heart. A country bursting with warmth, colour and soul — where you can watch elephants roam wild one day and relax on golden beaches the next.

I’ve just returned from an incredible trip exploring some of the island’s lesser-known gems, from coconut estates and national parks to mountain cities and quiet beaches. Here’s my route, what I loved most, and some insider tips if you’re thinking of visiting yourself.

Horathapola Estate — Slow Living Among the Coconuts

After a long flight, I couldn’t think of a better place to start than Horathapola Estate.
This colonial-style boutique property sits in the middle of a working coconut estate, surrounded by lush greenery and birdsong. It’s entirely solar powered and embraces true farm-to-table living — everything you eat is grown on site.

I spent my first morning wandering through cinnamon groves and fruit trees, then took a relaxed bike ride through nearby villages. It’s the perfect spot to reset and ease into Sri Lanka’s slower pace of life.

Sorrel’s tip: Stay two nights if you can — it’s the ideal place to recover from your flight before you start exploring.

Wilpattu National Park — Leopards, Elephants & Wild Serenity

From Horathapola, I travelled north to Wilpattu National Park, one of Sri Lanka’s quietest safari regions. Unlike Yala, Wilpattu is wonderfully peaceful — there are far fewer jeeps, so you can truly immerse yourself in nature.

The park is famous for its leopard population, but I also spotted elephants, crocodiles, deer and countless bird species. The landscape itself is stunning, dotted with natural lakes and thick forest.

Sorrel’s tip: Book a full-day safari instead of a half-day. The rides aren’t luxurious, but venturing deeper into the park is where the magic happens.

Sigiriya — Culture, Cooking & Elephant Encounters

Next up was Sigiriya, the cultural heart of Sri Lanka. The region is most famous for Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient palace perched on a huge granite rock. Whether you climb to the top or admire it from below, it’s a must-see.

I joined a local cookery class in a nearby village, where we made traditional curries with fresh coconut and spices, and watched elephants gathering in the wetlands at dusk. Every moment felt like stepping into a storybook version of Sri Lanka.

Sorrel’s tip: Visit Sigiriya Rock early in the morning or late afternoon to avoid the heat.

Kandy — The Spiritual Heart of the Hills

The drive to Kandy winds through mountains and tea plantations before opening up to this beautiful lakeside city. It’s a place of music, temples and energy — home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic (Sri Dalada Maligawa), one of the country’s most sacred Buddhist sites.

I spent my time wandering around the lake, watching traditional dance performances, and sipping Ceylon tea in the cooler mountain air.

Sorrel’s tip: Bring a light jumper or shawl — it’s noticeably cooler here than in the coastal regions.

Kosgoda — A Peaceful Coastal Finale

After days of culture and wildlife, Kosgoda was the perfect final stop. This quiet beach town on the southwest coast offers long golden beaches, calm seas, and a relaxed atmosphere.

I loved visiting the local turtle hatcheries, enjoying fresh seafood dinners, and simply watching the sunset from my balcony. It was the ideal ending to a busy, adventure-filled itinerary.

Travel Tips for Sri Lanka

🍛 Food: Sri Lankan cuisine is fresh, colourful and full of flavour — expect fragrant curries, sambols, and tropical fruits you may never have tried before.
💴 Money: Sri Lanka has a closed currency, so exchange money on arrival or withdraw from ATMs.
🛕 Cultural Etiquette: You’ll need to remove your shoes when entering temples, and cover shoulders and knees — a lightweight shawl is handy.
🌤️ When to Go:

• December–April: Best for the south & west coasts (ideal for beaches like Kosgoda and Galle).

• May–September: Best for the north & east coasts (Trincomalee and Pasikudah).

Final Thoughts

Sri Lanka truly offers it all — from safaris and tea country to culture, cuisine, and coastlines. But what makes it special are the people. Everywhere you go, you’re met with smiles, warmth, and genuine hospitality.

If you’re dreaming of a trip that blends adventure with tranquillity, Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to do it.

✨ Thinking about planning your own Sri Lankan adventure?
I can help you design a route that combines wildlife, wellness, and local charm — all tailored to you.