My Island Escape: Journey through Sri Lanka

Let me start with a quick confession: before visiting Sri Lanka, the idea of it was entirely Pinterest-inspired, the kind of pictures you see of people hanging out a train door, walking between tea plantations and beaches that look like your desktop wallpapers. I clicked save on so many posts that I could have started my own Pinterest board named “Sri Lanka goals.” But let’s be real, my experiences while resting in Lanka were far more than that, I got to live my own little Indiana Jones with all the adventures and cultural exposure I got. 

When I finally landed in Sri Lanka, I tried not to keep my hopes up from all the articles I read before my trip. I was prepared for Multiple hiccups upon arrival. Spoiler alert, I was wrong. Sri Lanka didn’t only just meet my expectations, it pulled me a chair, poured me the smoothest tea, carried the essence of its rolling hills, and unfolded a journey that felt both personal and grand. From the vibrant streets of Colombo to the tranquil beaches of Mirissa and the misty hills of Ella, every experience felt like a page out of a storybook. 

Let me tell you all about it.

On my first day, I went to Colombo, the capital city, the chaos I didn’t know I needed. Colombo is the bustling city that hits you like a splash of cold water in a good way.  It’s busy, vibrant, And loud, with so many chatters and vendors. Colombo has so much to offer, from adventurous strolls through Pettah market to temples, malls, and lines and lines of street food stalls. Colombo also gave me my first ever infamous tuk-tuk ride. Picture this: You with your oversized backpack in the three-wheeled vehicle through traffic, people and even street dogs passing through beautiful landscapes, like it’s an audition for an action movie. You might find it terrifying but also very thrilling. 

After a bit of shopping and snacking on local street food, By dawn, I head over to Galle Face Green, which is a stretch of land by the ocean, a hotspot for evenings. I followed the smell of fried salty food and made my way through family picnics, couples strolling hand in hand, and Street vendors till I found the famous Isso Wade. I spent my evening watching the sun go down and the lights of Port City lit up. If you want a quick gateway or a shopping spree, the One Galle Face mall is conveniently located right up front of the beach.

Galle 

One of my favorite highlights from the trip has to be the time I spent in Galle. After taking the Express bus from Colombo to Galle, the trip flew by. Every corner of Galle was so aesthetic and picture-perfect that effortlessly erased my tiredness without my knowledge. I was called out by vendors with beautiful hand-crafted pieces of cultural and heritage ornaments and antiques, but what fascinated me the most were the stories they told and the backstories of their beloved city. Galle is popular for its aesthetic brunching spots near the overlooking lighthouse and Dutch-built buildings. 

Galle is known for its brunching spots letting you enjoy meals with the iconic lighthouse and Dutch-built buildings on sight. The culinary experiences I had while visiting Galle truly matched the aesthetic of the city. I got to sip coffee and enjoy the calming ocean waves from afar. And of course, I couldn’t resist shopping by the vibrant stalls where local vendors had a display of their skilled hand-crafted goods.

Mirissa

The ride along the coast took me to Mirissa’s turquoise beaches. Whether you are there for water activities or to sip coconut water by the shore, beaches all around Sri Lanka are packed with adventure. Sri Lanka is a surfing paradise especially in Arugam Bay, Weligama, and Hikkaduwa being the best surfing spots for beginners and experts. I got to explore vibrant coral reefs and colorful fishes while snorkeling in Hikkaduwa and Pigeon Island in Trincomalee. Kayaking through mangroves near Hikkaduwa was one of the most calming workouts I got to do on my trip. Whale watching, feeding sea turtles, and also turtle hatcheries are for all the adventure junkies out there. Sri Lanka’s beaches are the seafood lover’s paradise. Fresh seafood made with authentic island spices is truly an unforgettable flavor you cannot miss out on. 

Mirissa offered me a mix of adventure and relaxation. My favorite memory from there was waking up to a breathtaking sunrise and having breakfast by the beach side. The beach called me out to go for a dip and enjoy the salty breeze and play my ‘beach girl’ playlist and sit by the shore while the sun finishes the tanning job. Later, i took a boat ride around the ocean, for dolphin watching, 

Ella

The next day, I traded the beachside with the peaceful hillside of Ella. They say the train ride from Colombo to Ella is one of the most scenic train rides in the world. Though it’s long I can confidently say it’s more than just the hype. The cool breeze, freshness of the air, and the greenery stretching as far as your eyes could see and the tea lands altogether felt like I was stepping into one of Bob Ross’s paintings.

Ella itself was a sanctuary of nature surrounded by a cozy and calming city with breathtaking views. There was an endless list of things to do and discover in Ella. My first stop was the iconic Nine Arch Bridge. It was so much more than I anticipated. Watching the tri curve along the bridge was such a scenic moment to witness. Flying Ravana was a thrilling activity I’ll never forget. If you’re up for an adrenaline rush you should definitely give it a try. I will also mention the Ella nightlife in my post-trip gossip session.

Hiking Little Adam’s Peak was also a fun adventure, the trek was relatively easy to get through and the view from the summit melted fatigue away. Ella itself was a retreat for the soul. This cozy town’s charm didn’t end with nature, it included many memories and unforgettable stories. 

Sigiriya

And of course, no trip to Sri Lanka is complete without climbing the famous Sigiriya fortress. The ancient city surrounding the rock, the technologies, the innovative water gardens, and the frescoes left me in absolute awe. I tried to imagine what life must have been like in the days when this fortress was a thriving royal palace. One of the most memorable events was the visit to a nearby village in Sigiriya. I found myself in a cozy clay house. The lunch was made in clay pots while the authentic spice aroma lingered around the hut and was served in a lotus leaf, my heart felt so close to their traditions. I got to enjoy a meal eating with my hands for the first time, and I can confidently tell you that there is no other way to enjoy a Sri Lankan meal. Adding to the charm of the village experience, I was able to try my hand at making traditional coconut roti and fresh sambal with a grinding stone. The process was as enjoyable as the meal itself. 

Kandy 

Speaking of ancient cities nested in the sunlit, hillside of Sri Lanka is the sacred city of Kandy. Stopping by at the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO world heritage site, houses a tooth of the Lord Buddha, making it the most sacred place for Buddhists all over the world. The temple’s sheer brilliant architecture, woodcarvings, golden roofs, and the traditional instruments playing within the premises reminded me of the spiritual legacy and the rich cultural and historical value this place holds. Kandy Lake, the jewel at the city’s heart, was the perfect spot for a leisure stroll. One of the highlights of this visit was witnessing the traditional dancers perform, the rhythmic beats of the drums still echoing in my heart, and of course, the beloved temple elephants being fed and bathed was a heartwarming scene to witness. The nearby National museums and the artifacts added depth and painted a vivid picture of the rich Kandian history. 

As my journey came to a close, I realized Sri Lanka has much more to offer than postal-card-worthy landscapes and historical sites. This trip showed me the joy of slowing myself down to enjoy being in the present, close to nature, breathing fresh air, and the sweet aromas of this beautiful island paradise. This Island isn’t merely a destination, it’s an experience of a lifetime,  So if you are dreaming of making the trip or crossing your vision board by witnessing all of these adventures firsthand, Pack your bags, book your ticket, and let the island surprise you, charm you and steal away your heart. Sri Lanka has a way of making you feel at home, no matter where you’re from. Every interaction is a reminder that the true essence of travel is about the people who make the journey unforgettable.