The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka, the teardrop-shaped island nestled in the Indian Ocean, had long been on my bucket list and I travelled with my family in 2023. It offers a treasure trove of cultural heritage, scenic landscapes, and unforgettable wildlife encounters. We were met at Colombo by our fantastic driver, Ananda, who expertly guided us on our journey, taking us to fascinating cities, ancient ruins, and seeing natural wonders and wildlife along the way. Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. Here’s a glimpse into my family’s adventure—a route that worked for a holiday in August (avoiding the Southwest/Yala monsoon)

Colombo: The journey began in Sri Lanka’s bustling capital. Colombo’s colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and oceanfront promenade set a lively tone to the holiday, and we were glad we had included a night in the City and enjoyed a fabulous meal at the Ministry of Crab!

Sigiriya Rock & Dambulla: A true highlight was climbing Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The view from the summit is breath-taking and it was well worth getting up at 4 am to reach the top for sunrise. Not far away, the Dambulla Cave Temple offered intricately painted caves filled with serene Buddha statues—a place of peaceful reflection and some cheeky monkeys! Before leaving Sigiriya - Ananda took us to a local family home to plant a tree each - a fabulous charity he began many years ago where he plants trees so that communities can either eat or sell the fruits and nuts to bring a much needed income for the families.

Polonnaruwa & Minneriya National Park: Delving into Sri Lanka’s ancient heartland, Polonnaruwa’s sprawling ruins tell stories of kings and kingdoms long gone aided by a very interesting local guide who met us on arrival. We arrived at midday, so very little shade apart from an umbrella and very hard to walk in bare feet! In nearby Minneriya, we were treated to the awe-inspiring sight of wild elephants gathering at the reservoir—a must-see spectacle for wildlife enthusiasts and a highlight of travelling to Sri Lanka at that time of year.

Passikuda: After exploring the cultural triangle, the calm and soft white sand beaches of Passikuda provided a perfect respite. The turquoise bay, gentle waves, and laid-back vibe are ideal for unwinding or water sports lovers. We had a very relaxing 3 days, chilling by the pool and enjoying the fantastic service and food at the hotel. Kandy & Peradeniya Botanical Gardens: Kandy’s spiritual significance comes alive at the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, one of the most revered Buddhist sites in the world. We were lucky enough to arrive on the last day of the Kandy Perahera known as The Festival of the Tooth. This meant there were elephants all over the temple grounds and being transported back to their homes on the back of lorries. Just outside town, the Peradeniya Botanical Gardens were a highlight—not only for their lush plant collection but also for the resident bat colony hanging high in the trees – scary but fascinating!

Tea Country, Horton Plains & World’s End: We trekked through Horton Plains National Park to experience ‘World’s End’—apparently a dramatic escarpment with plunging views across the southern plains. Sadly, for us, a weather front came in and we couldn’t see the end of our noses! But we embraced the rain and enjoyed the walk to the waterfalls and the dramatic scenery, regardless.

Ella: We took the train to Ella, and our driver picked us up having driven there with our luggage. With its rolling tea plantations, Nine Arch Bridge, and misty vistas, Ella is paradise for walkers and photographers. It’s also a lively little town full of bars, backpackers and restaurants.

Elephant Transit Home: One absolutely unforgettable memory was visiting the Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for until they’re ready to roam free. Watching them feed and play is both heart-warming and inspiring. We didn’t want to leave!

Galle: We finished our adventure in the atmospheric Galle Fort—a UNESCO site where cobbled streets, colonial ramparts, boutique shops, and ocean sunsets leave a lasting impression.

________________________________________ From ancient cities and sacred temples to lush jungles and golden beaches, Sri Lanka is a destination that captured my heart – particularly the people we met. If you’re looking to plan your own Sri Lankan journey, please do get in touch.