If you’re anything like us you might find it hard to decide what it is you want from your next adventure – wildlife, great food, culture, epic history or beaches? We know it can sometimes feel almost impossible to decide, but we’ve come up with quite a good solution: go to Sri Lanka and save yourself the trouble of having to choose. Just below the south coast of India, this pretty isle is packed with everything you need from spiritual temples to seemingly endless tea fields, blissful beaches and first-rate cuisine. We’ve put together a handy Sri Lanka Country Guide to help you find your way around this epic adventureland. All you need to do is start planning…
South Coast
Those in search of the iconic Sri Lankan surf and sun-filled beaches need look no further than the country’s Deep South. Smoothie bars, surf shacks, sandy beaches and long lazy waves abound. Down here, the pace of life is deliciously slow and the towns of Tangalle, Weligama and Bentota regularly draw a sun-loving crowd. The beach towns are ripe with activities to keep water babies busy and surfing, snorkelling, waterskiing, sailing, kayaking and diving can all be enjoyed. Animal lovers can take to the saddle and canter across the sand, or get involved in local conservation and help look after the local turtle population. Last but not least, those seeking a culturally-rich escape won’t be disappointed – explore the fortified town of Galle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site no less, or take the chance to observe the century’s old techniques of local fishermen.
How do I do it?
It’s not tricky to get yourself down to Sri Lanka’s southern shores and there are plenty of different ways to do it. Taxis can whizz you down from Colombo; it’s a 3-4 hour journey from the city so all you need to do is sit back and enjoy the ride. If you’re not someone that likes to faff, book a door to door taxi for minimal fuss. If you like a bit of adventure, then we have to recommend the train. It costs a fraction of the price and will give you ample opportunity to take in the breathtaking countryside as you speed through. Once you arrive you’ll find plenty of tuk-tuks waiting to zip you to your hotel.
Where do I start?
If you want to tick off every Sri Lankan hotspot before ending with a little bit of beach time, our Classic Sri Lanka trip is the one for you. Soak up history in Anuradhapura and Kandy, enjoy a more genteel way of life in the lush tea plantations of Hatton, keep your eyes peeled for epic wildlife in Yala National Park, before ending on those blissful sandy beaches. Heaven.
Kandy & Hill Country
When we think of Sri Lanka, one of the first things that comes to mind is, of course, tea! The island has become synonymous with the famous export and we think you’d be remiss to visit without exploring the lush, tea covered hills. The main city in the area is called Kandy and it’s just as sweet as its name – think beautiful architecture, rich history and a jaw dropping lake-side location set at the foot of vast hills and mountains. Hill Country (or Tea Country as it’s known to some) sits like an emerald jewel in the heart of the island and is known for its rolling green landscapes and crisp mountain air. In Nuwara Eliya and Hatton you’ll feel the genteel remains of a bygone British era, where days are marked by cream tea and croquet served on the lawns and evenings heralded in with the clinking of a G&T (or two!). Ella and Haputale are packed to the brim with breathtaking views, instagram-worthy sites and epic heights. You’ll soon understand the Hill Country appeal.
How do I do it?
Road and rail are the best ways to traverse this picturesque area, and both networks make it more than easy to get around. Cars, trains and buses are easy to arrange and leave you with plenty of time to watch your surroundings whizz past. Private taxis offer you ease, buses will save you some pennies and trains, well, is there a more iconic way to travel this island? You’ll know you’re getting close as those vibrant green hills and mountains start coming into view.
Where do I start?
We think Hill Country is a must-visit for those travelling to Sri Lanka so we of course would say it pairs well with almost everything – but it really does. One of our favourite ways to incorporate it into an adventure is with this trip – explore the wild east coast beaches and venture into the hidden gem of Gal Oya National Park before heading to the hills and finishing in cosmopolitan Colombo. What more could you ask for?
Cultural Triangle
As its name suggests, this is definitely an area for the culture vultures and history buffs. Within the triangle, you’ll find more historical highlights than you can shake a stick at and five of the country’s seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The ancient city of Anuradhapura (the country’s religious capital for over a thousand years) is packed to the brim with well-preserved temples and relics that give a glimpse of the city as it once stood, whilst the famous rock fortress of Sigiriya has to be seen to be believed, towering at a breathtaking 200 metres high and overlooking the lush green jungle below. Poḷonnaruwa (another striking ancient city), the Dambulla rock cave temple complex, the Mihintale mountain peak and the Buddhist forest monastery of Ritigala can also all be found here. You certainly won’t be short of things to explore.
How do I do it?
Like most of Sri Lanka, the Cultural Triangle is blessed with excellent transport links and you can reach all the major points by bus, train or private car. How you want to travel depends on how quickly you want to get there (Colombo to Anuradhapura takes around four hours by car, five by bus and five hours by train) and what your budget is.
Where do I start?
There’s so much to discover within Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle that you really could plan an entire holiday just here, and you still might not see it all. But we at Timbuktu love a well-rounded trip and if you can add a bit of beach and wildlife spotting, all the better! Our Classic Sri Lanka trip does exactly what it says on the tin and will have you ticking all the boxes from the Cultural Triangle to the coast. If a multi-destination holiday is more your style then Sri Lanka & the Maldives will help you see the sights before you’re whisked away to a picturesque Maldivian beach for some R&R.
Colombo & Negombo
You might have ideas of flying into Colombo and then jetting back out at the first opportunity but if you can, stay a little while longer. Much more than just an airport city, the cosmopolitan conclave is packed with history, architecture and, of course, cricket. Gastronomics will be in foodie heaven, with everything on offer from tasty street food to delectable fine dining treats. There’s plenty to explore in the city surrounds as well. Just north of Colombo, you’ll find the waterfront city of Negombo and its beaches. It can seem a little touristy on the surface but get past that and be rewarded with boutique hotels, pretty Dutch canals, colourful churches, lively markets and the sand between your toes.
How do I do it?
Colombo and Negombo are ideal areas to explore as you’ll often fly in and out of here making it easy to add a few days at the beginning or end of your trip to have a nose around. There are also flights to nearby spots like the Maldives so it’s perfect for those looking to enjoy a multi-country adventure.
Where do I start?
Well, Colombo is exactly where you start! The best bit about visiting this city is that you can travel just about anywhere from here. All our Sri Lanka trips incorporate the city and its surrounds so you won’t have a hard time finding a few days to explore. The city is also an excellent hub for trains, planes and automobiles, making it easy to hitch a lift to almost anywhere in Sri Lanka. From Colombo, the whole, mango-shaped island is your oyster.
