24 Hours in Colombo: Spice Markets and Sunsets in Sri Lanka's Capital

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.

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. 

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.

24 Hours in Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka's 'Little England'

After spending three days exploring Kandy's culture and history, it was time to travel to my next destination: Nuwara Eliya. Pronounced nuhr-elly-ah, Nuwara Eliya is nicknamed 'Little England' on account of its colonial architecture and verdant landscapes. Oh yes, and the rain. I'd only been in the sleepy hill country town for about 20 minutes before the drizzle started, sending me searching for my rain jacket for the first time of the trip. I only spent 24 hours in Nuwara Eliya, en route to Ella, but despite the chill, I soon warmed to the small but quirky town. Read on to find out what I got up to.

Temples, Tea & Tropical Gardens in Kandy, Sri Lanka

From the Cultural Triangle, I travelled 60 miles south to Kandy, Sri Lanka's second-largest city, located in the central highlands. The capital of the Sinhalese monarchy for several centuries until 1818, Kandy was made a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. It remains a place of special cultural, religious and historical significance. 

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. 

Where else in the world can you visit the remains of a 10th century ancient city in the morning, witness the gathering of hundreds of elephants in the afternoon, and then spend spend the following afternoon climbing an ancient rock fortress to watch the sunset? In some destinations, there's only one incredible experience like this!

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.