My Sri Lanka adventure
Sri Lanka completely blew me away. It’s been on my bucket list for ages, and after finally getting to in explore it with a brilliant group of Travel Counsellors, I can safely say it was everything I hoped for and lots more. From the buzzing streets of Colombo to the peaceful tea hills of Nuwara Eliya, the wild landscapes near Ella, and the beaches of Bentota, this trip was packed with moments I’ll never forget. People Who Made It…
First things first…. a few well-deserved thank-yous. To our guides Chanaka and Priyal, you two were amazing, hilarious, full of knowledge, and just genuinely lovely people to spend the week with. You made everything easy and fun. And to Pula from Columbus Tours, what an absolute gent. Kind and thoughtful and one of the nicest people I’ve ever met. I can’t wait for my clients to meet you on their trips!
Big thanks to: · Columbus Tours – you were incredible hosts and looked after us so well. · Sri Lankan Airlines – smooth flights, great service. · Travel Counsellors – thank you for the opportunity. Honestly, one of the best trips I’ve ever had. Also, shout-out to the amazing hotels we stayed in throughout the week, every place had its own charm, and I can’t wait to book them for my clients.
The Best Travel Mates Travelling with other Travel Counsellors made this trip even more special. We all got on so well, loads of laughs, lots of stories, and plenty of support when we needed it (especially on those early starts!). It felt like travelling with friends, not just colleagues.
The Journey
Colombo We kicked things off in Colombo, and it was the perfect start. It’s a real mix, busy streets, old buildings next to shiny new ones, street food, hidden temples, and loads of character. The locals were so welcoming, and our first breakfast gave us a proper taste of what was to come (yes, I’m still thinking about the food and missing the Curries!
Sigiriya & Dambulla Climbing Sigiriya Rock was a highlight, definitely a bit of a workout, but the views from the top made it so worth it. The ancient frescoes and the history behind it were fascinating. The nearby Dambulla Cave Temples were stunning too, full of beautiful Buddha statues and paintings, and the walk up was really manageable.
Kandy Kandy was fabulous, stunning views from the top, busy with a great atmosphere. The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic was fascinating, and wandering around the lake and little streets was lovely.
Nuwara Eliya I loved Nuwara Eliya, the cooler air, the green hills, and the tea plantations. Visiting the Labookellie Tea Estate was such a nice experience, learning how tea goes from leaf to cup, and then sitting down with a pot of fresh tea and a slice of tea cake (which I didn’t know I needed in my life until that moment!). The hotel here had the most incredible views. I could’ve happily stayed another night or two just to relax.
Ella & the Wildlife The drive towards Ella gave us a proper “wow” moment when we saw an elephant by the roadside, just casually going about its day! Later on, spotting leopards in the wild at Yala National Park was unreal. One of those “did that really just happen?” kind of moments. The scenery around Ella was beautiful too, rolling hills, waterfalls, and that laid-back vibe I really loved.
Galle Galle completely won me over, we were there on my birthday and for me it was by far my favourite place. We stayed at The Fort Bazaar Hotel which is the most stunning boutique hotel with the best breakfast of the week for me (yes I place a lot of emphasis on the breakfast!). The old fort area was so full of character, cobbled streets, quirky shops, little cafés, and loads of history. You could just wander for hours. It’s somewhere I’d love to go back to with more time.
Bentota We ended the trip in Bentota, and it couldn’t have been more perfect. The beaches were stunning, the hotel was in the perfect beach location, and our last dinner at The Cinnamon Bentota Beach Hotel was a perfect way to wrap things up, great food, chilled vibes, and time to look back at what an amazing trip we have had.
Looking Back This wasn’t just a sightseeing trip. It was full of moments, the laughs, the unexpected detours, the people we met along the way, the shared stories, and those quiet “wow” moments that stay with you long after your home. Sri Lanka really does have it all, history, wildlife, culture, stunning landscapes, and the kindest people. I feel incredibly lucky to have experienced it the way we did. Would I go back? In a heartbeat. One more destination ticked off the bucket list and definitely one of the best yet.
The Perfect Twin-Centre And if you're dreaming up your next escape, here’s something to think about: Sri Lanka makes the perfect first half of a twin-centre trip with the Maldives. Start with adventure, culture, and wildlife in Sri Lanka, then hop over to the Maldives for barefoot luxury, turquoise waters, and pure relaxation. It’s the best of both worlds – and I’d love to help you plan it.