When looking at the map, Sri Lanka can be found as the tear drop Island below India, whilst it may look small, it’s packed with plenty of gorgeous places to see. It has history dating back thousands of years alongside tonnes of beautiful nature. To choose between beaches, jungles, tea plantations, temples and mountains is no easy feat – but with 2021 travel in mind here are our tops picks when visiting Sri Lanka.
Galle
Full of colonial charm, the walled city of Galle was built by the Dutch back in 1663, on the south coast and surrounded by Indian ocean, it can’t be missed off any trip to Sri Lanka.
Most famous for it’s fort where upon entering you’ll see Dutch Colonial buildings, ancient mosques and churches, museums and lots of hip boutique cafés and quaint restaurants. The architecture gives it a feeling like nowhere else in the country.
After sightseeing you can feast your eyes on some breathtakingly gorgeous beaches. If you have time, drop by to see the famous stilt fishermen in Koggala on their frames made of sticks and twine – a true taste of culture and an iconic sight of the country.
Thaple is another town definitely worth visiting found only 10km away from Galle (25 mins by car) with a gorgeous beach and lovely hotels along the coast.
Below you’ll find links to our hotel partners in the Galle & Thalpe areas
The Owl & The Pussycat – Thalpe
Click here to read our Peaks Plans on Galle & Thalpe
Colombo
A great place to learn about Sri Lankan culture, Colombo is the capital city and therefore slightly more modern than other cities you’ll find around Sri Lanka. For sightseeing there is the National Museum, Buddhist Temples such as Gangaramaya and Kelaniya Raja Maha or the famous Temple of Sri Kailawasanathan Swami Devasthanam Kovil. Galle Face Green is a must do in Colombo where in the evenings you can absorb the culture, try food from the many local stalls amidst the sea breeze. Although there are beaches and plenty of places to relax in Colombo (including a vibrant casino and nightclub scene) we’d advise that Colombo is best for culture and food and other destinations have better beaches.
Below you’ll find links to our hotel partners in Colombo
Residence by Uga Escapes – Colombo
Ella
Think gushing waterfalls spouting from idyllic green hills – Ella is a hidden gym of Sri Lanka with so much beauty at every corner. For some amazing holiday snaps, hike up to little Adam’s peak or Ella rock; find the best vantage point of the Nine Arch Bridge; stand on the edge of the Diyaluma Falls or wait for a glimpse of the famous Kandy to Ella train. Some could be fooled by the aesthetic of a charming laidback village but Ella is the place for adventure. As the most Northern destination amongst these three, you’ll find cooler temperatures than in the southern coastal areas. It can be over crowded in the high season which has somewhat ruined the rural charm but due to Covid-19 restrictions tourism has significantly reduced.
Take a peak at our hotel partners closer to Ella below
