Discovering Sri Lanka – A First-Hand Luxury Journey

Sri Lanka: A Journey of Wonder and Wild Beauty

From the moment I arrived, I knew Sri Lanka was going to be special.  I had been so excited to finally visit and it did not disappoint.  What unfolded was a journey of authentic encounters, breath taking landscapes, and culture that felt very much alive.

It all began at Horathapola Estate, a peaceful coconut estate tucked into the countryside.  Waking to the sound of birdsong and the scent of fresh spices from the kitchen, I immediately felt connected to the rhythm of rural life.  Almost everything we ate was harvested right there true farm‑to‑table living and a private coconut estate tour set the perfect tone for what was to come.

From there, I travelled north into raw wilderness — with Rashan, my incredible driver and guide, who made every mile of the journey feel effortless. I’m so glad I had the chance to travel around this beautiful country with him , his local insight opened doors to real encounters I would never have found alone.  Meeting locals, sharing stories, and experiencing daily life first hand became some of my favourite moments.

One of the most unforgettable moments was near the Kadulla Reservoir in Kaudulla National Park — where we saw so many elephants, including tiny babies.  It was pure magic.  Then the sky began to thunder, and in an instant the elephants ran off — so sweet yet somehow a little sad — disappearing into the forest to stay dry and protect one another.  I also loved learning that male elephants, known as tuskers, always roam alone — powerful, silent guardians of the wild.

Horathapola Estate – An Immersive Introduction

A peaceful entry into Sri Lanka’s rural life, Horathapola Estate is a heritage coconut estate surrounded by organic farmland.  True farm‑to‑table living sets the tone — dishes harvested metres from the kitchen, hands-on cooking, and complete immersion in local rhythm.  A private coconut estate tour is the perfect prologue to the journey ahead.

Wilpattu National Park – Untouched Wilderness

Far less crowded than Yala, Wilpattu delivers raw Sri Lankan wilderness.  We watched a small family of elephants with no other jeep in sight — a rare luxury.  Deer, crocodiles and vivid birdlife appear between forest and lake.  No leopard this time, but the silence — the space — felt like true exploration.

Kaudulla National Park - I got so close to the elephants here it was magical!

Here I seen so many elephants literally just driving into the National Park we spotted them instantly, there were a lot more jeeps here than Wilpattu but the many elephants made up for the extra people in the park.  Top tip arrive early as jeeps were queuing to get into the national park as we were leaving.

Sigiriya – Sunrise at the Lion Rock Fortress

We began the climb just after sunrise, before heat and crowds.  Frescoes carved into rock, narrow iron walkways, jungle fog slowly lifting to reveal vast panoramas.  With the legend of King Kashyapa told by Rashan, Sigiriya becomes more than a viewpoint — it becomes mythology underfoot.

Tea Factory – Sri Lanka is the master of hot tea!

Before reaching Kandy, we paused at a traditional tea factory. The slow craft drying, rolling, tasting — is mesmerising.  Sampling fresh Ceylon tea where it’s born is an elevated pause in the journey.

Kandy – The Cultural Pulse of Sri Lanka

Kandy hums with ceremony. Kandyan drums echo through the streets as incense drifts from the Temple of the Tooth.  Daily rituals here are sacred and ancient — this is Sri Lanka’s spiritual heartbeat.

Authentic Encounters Beyond the Guidebook

Staying in boutique properties allowed deeper connection — river journeys to meet the "river people" who harvest cinnamon by hand, village cooking hosted by local families, and learning how a single coconut is used in over 100 ways. These were the moments that felt real.

Travel Notes

• Food: fresh, colourful, intensely flavoured — always local.
• Cash: easy — ATMs available on arrival at the airport.
• Temples: shoulders & knees covered — a sarong is essential.
• Essentials: mosquito repellent + basic medicine kit.
• Power: UK‑style plug sockets in most hotels.

Best time to go:
• Dec–Apr → south & west
• May–Sep → north & east

Sri Lanka is ideal for couples, friends, families — with effortless post‑adventure beach extensions in Maldives, Dubai or Mauritius.

Sri Lanka was a country I was so excited to finally visit — and it did not disappoint.  The food, the people, the culture — all absolutely incredible, and truly a must‑see destination.

Ready to plan a high-end Sri Lankan adventure?
I’d love to design a bespoke itinerary — we can arrange a call or meet in my Lichfield office to begin crafting your journey.