If Sri Lanka isn’t already at the top of your bucket list of dream destinations to visit before you die, you definitely need to make sure it is! This island is truly blessed with awe-inspiring natural beauty, a rich history and colourful culture which can be experienced at the places mentioned below.
South Coast
The south coast is made for barefoot days on the sand; soak up the sun on pristine beaches, try all kinds of water sports, or take a romantic stroll at sunset. Seafood fans will be in foodie heaven, while wellness seekers can experience holistic Ayurvedic treatments. Of course, don’t miss the historic Dutch Fort in Galle, the enchanting Brief Garden or even the chance to spot majestic whales in Mirissa.
Pro tip: Look to stay at more “quieter” destinations like Kalutara or Ahungalla, where you will find some of the best hotels in Sri Lanka from which to experience the south coast.
Hill Country
From sunny shores to the misty mountains of the hill country! The historic hill capital, Kandy, is where you can visit the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the idyllic Royal Botanic Gardens, Peradeniya. Continue your journey in the mountains to Nuwara Eliya, which beckons with emerald tea plantations, hikes along the Pekoe Trail and the wide-open beauty of Horton Plains National Park.
Pro tip: Make your getaway in Nuwara Eliya truly immersive by staying at unique properties like the one belonging to Aitken Spence Hotels, which is actually housed within a converted 19th-century tea factory!
Cultural Triangle
Journey to the past (no time machine needed!) when mighty kings ruled the land in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle. Climb the iconic Sigiriya rock fortress, explore the remarkable Dambulla Cave Temple and wander past the archaeological treasures of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura. If you time your visit just right, you can even witness “The Gathering” with hundreds of elephants in Minneriya National Park.
Pro tip: For accommodation, choose an eco-friendly hotel in Kandalama, an ideal base in the heart of the Cultural Triangle.
East Coast
The east coast offers a wholly different beach escape, and it begins with a spectacular sunrise. Pasikudah’s calm, shallow waters are perfect for a leisurely swim or water sports, while you can also enjoy dives to WWII shipwrecks and whale watching in Trincomalee. Don’t forget to explore Batticaloa’s cultural gems before unwinding on soft, sandy shores. Here, the pace slows down… and you will love every second of it!
Pro tip: Stay at a hotel on Pasikudah Beach so you can fully enjoy all the coastal bliss and rewarding adventures this part of Sri Lanka has to offer.
