The final stop on my two-week tour of Sri Lanka was Colombo. Located on the west coat, the bustling and sprawling capital makes an excellent place to start or end your time in Sri Lanka — especially if you've been craving city life and culture. Like many other visitors, my itinerary only allowed for a 24-hour stay in Colombo but there is plenty to see and do, as well as many great places to eat, drink and shop.
24 October 2024
20 October 2024
History and Beach Bliss in Galle and Sri Lanka's South Coast
After ten action-packed days exploring Sri Lanka, I was ready for some beach time. I travelled from Ella to Sri Lanka's southwest coast, staying two nights at a luxury beach resort in Koggala — one of the loveliest hotels I've ever stayed in — and one night in a former cinnamon factory in the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort. I visited in September and although this is technically 'inter-monsoon' season, I knew that the sea would be too rough for swimming and that I might also experience heavy rain showers. That's why I split my time between the resort — where I had a private indoor pool — and Galle, so that rain didn't stop play.
17 October 2024
Three Days in Ella, Sri Lanka: Where 'Hill' Meets 'Chill'
Ella was one of the Sri Lankan destinations that I was most looking forward to visiting. And the small town, perched high in the hills and surrounded by verdant tea plantations, did not disappoint. I spent three days there, following accessible and rewarding hiking trails, train spotting (yes, again!) and chasing waterfalls. The latter is particularly appropriate because the name Ella is derived from the Sinhala word for 'waterfall.' Read on to find out the best things to do and see in Ella, as well as my recommendations for places to eat, drink and stay.
13 October 2024
24 Hours in Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka's 'Little England'
10 October 2024
Temples, Tea & Tropical Gardens in Kandy, Sri Lanka
07 October 2024
Heritage, Hikes & Elephants in Sri Lanka's Cultural Triangle
My big trip this year was to Sri Lanka — country number 50 for me. I loved spending two weeks exploring the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. First stop? The central Sri Lankan region known as the Cultural Triangle. Centred around Sigiriya, Habarana and Dambulla, the Cultural Triangle is home to an impressive number of UNESCO World Heritage sites and other big-ticket items.
17 September 2024
What's in My Bag: Two Weeks in Sri Lanka (Carry-On Luggage)
Greetings from Sri Lanka, the 50th country I've visited! I flew into Bandaranaike International Airport on Saturday and I'm spending the next two weeks exploring the teardrop-shaped island in the Indian Ocean. My holiday will include a mix of urban exploration, cultural and archaeological visits, hikes in Tea Country, safaris and beach time. Read on to find out what I brought with me and how I packed everything into a cabin-size suitcase and a personal item.