I Fell in Love with Beautiful Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 😍
Sri Lanka completely stole my heart.
A country painted in shades of green and blue, with breathtaking landscapes, stunning beaches, lush mountains, and some of the kindest people we’ve met. 💚
We spent two and a half weeks exploring this incredible island.
Flights
We flew to Sri Lanka with Air India, and honestly, it was perfectly fine.
If you’re connecting through India with the same airline and have a short layover, you don’t need an Indian visa as long as you stay in transit. There is a transfer desk for connecting passengers, and you’ll need to show your original flight tickets, so don’t throw them away.
Pinnawala 🐘
After landing, we arranged a driver through a local transportation company that took us directly from the airport to Pinnawala.
We used this company for four different transfers throughout the trip and highly recommend them. Their prices were excellent and all the drivers were friendly and reliable.
Dilipa
WhatsApp: +94 77 613 1550
We arrived in Pinnawala after about a two-hour drive from the airport and spent one night there.
Hotel Elephant Bay
The hotel sits directly beside the river where elephants come to bathe every day.
I had read some negative reviews about cleanliness, so my expectations were low, but honestly, it was completely fine.
We mainly chose this hotel because of its unique location, and it did not disappoint. Watching elephants walk right past the hotel while relaxing by the pool was such a special experience.
The hotel restaurant was also good and served breakfast.
A wonderful start to our Sri Lanka adventure.
Sigiriya 🦁
The next day we continued to Sigiriya and stayed at:
Hotel Sigiriya
A lovely hotel with a pool overlooking Lion Rock and very good food.
Highly recommended.
Lion Rock
Early in the morning we took a tuk-tuk to Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
The climb took us around 45 minutes and includes approximately 1,200 steps. 💪🏻
The views both during the climb and from the top are incredible.
The entrance fee is currently $65 per person, and credit cards are accepted.
Village Tour
In the afternoon we joined a village tour.
We simply asked a tuk-tuk driver to take us to one of the local operators. There are several available.
We paid 7,000 rupees for two people (excluding the traditional bull-cart ride).
The experience included a boat ride through the river, some fun surprises along the way, and a homemade rice-and-curry meal prepared by a local woman who explained how everything was cooked.
A very authentic and enjoyable experience.
Trincomalee 🌊
From Sigiriya we drove about two hours to Trincomalee.
We spent two nights at:
Amaranthe Bay Resort & Spa
We booked the Superior Suite with a private jacuzzi, and it was absolutely worth it. 👌🏻
Beautiful hotel, excellent service, and highly recommended.
Ocean Tours with King Fisher
We booked two boat tours with King Fisher, and they were fantastic.
Their prices were better than most operators along the beach, and the team was professional, friendly, and knowledgeable.
We had the same crew on both tours.
Pigeon Island Snorkeling
One of the best snorkeling experiences of the trip.
The reef was colorful and full of marine life, and we even swam near small reef sharks.
Dolphin & Whale Watching
An unforgettable experience.
We saw lots of dolphins and several whales.
Watching them in their natural environment was truly special.
Their office is located on Uppuveli Beach.
WhatsApp:
+94 77 339 1869
Restaurants
Rice N Curry
Delicious local food and noticeably cheaper than the restaurants near the beach.
Highly recommended. 😋
Fernando’s Bar
A fun venue with several restaurants and bars.
We had pizza there on our first evening and enjoyed drinks afterward.
Great atmosphere. 👌🏻
Ella ⛰️
Because of hotel availability, we traveled directly from Trincomalee to Ella instead of stopping in Nuwara Eliya first.
The drive took around six hours.
98 Acres Resort & Spa
Without question, one of the most beautiful hotels we’ve ever stayed in.
Our cabin overlooked Little Adam’s Peak, and the view alone was worth booking the hotel. 😍
We woke up at sunrise and hiked Little Adam’s Peak.
The scenery was stunning and Ella itself is absolutely beautiful.
Ravana Pool Club
After checking out, we left our luggage at the hotel and walked next door to Ravana Pool Club.
We booked the three-hour package that included a private jacuzzi, food, and drinks.
It was so much fun! 💦
The views are spectacular.
Hide Ella
That evening we moved to Hide Ella.
A charming hotel with amazing views, located close to the main street filled with restaurants and cafés.
Highly recommended. 👌🏻
Nine Arches Bridge
We walked to the famous Nine Arches Bridge through a beautiful forest trail.
Just before reaching the bridge, there’s a viewpoint inside a roofed structure.
Don’t miss it, it’s one of the best photo spots in the area.
Restaurants in Ella
Rainbow
We tried Kottu, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous dishes, and it was delicious. 😋
Cafe Chill
A popular spot in town with a great atmosphere.
One Love
Excellent food and relaxed vibes.
Chocolate Banana Roti
One of the small roti stalls on the main street (next to a grocery store in the middle of town) serves an amazing chocolate-and-banana roti. 🤤
Train Ride to Nuwara Eliya 🚂
One of the most famous train journeys in the world.
We booked our tickets in advance online.
The station closest to Nuwara Eliya is:
Nanu Oya
From there, you’ll need a short tuk-tuk ride into town.
When we booked, only third-class reserved seats were available, and honestly, they were perfectly fine.
The reserved-seat carriages are mostly tourists, with no overcrowding or standing passengers.
The windows are open, the scenery is spectacular, and you can take those iconic photos by the open train doors. 👌🏻
Nuwara Eliya 🍓
Chimneys Boutique Hotel
A charming boutique hotel with an English-country-house feel.
The welcome was warm, and the hotel is just a few minutes by tuk-tuk from the town center.
Afternoon Tea at Grand Hotel
One of the highlights of our stay.
The food was delicious, the atmosphere elegant, and the hotel itself is stunning.
There were no rooms available during our visit, but it looks like an incredible place to stay.
Horton Plains National Park
We left at 5:00 AM and arranged a tuk-tuk driver the night before.
The round-trip cost 7,000 rupees, and he waited while we completed the hike.
Important: the entrance fee can only be paid in cash.
The hike took us about four and a half hours.
By mistake, we took the longer route after the first viewpoint. It became a little scary because the trail runs very close to steep cliffs.
If you’re afraid of heights, don’t continue up that section.
Despite the extra challenge, it was an unforgettable experience with incredible scenery and plenty of adrenaline. 😅
Strawberry Stop
On the way back we stopped at:
Adma Agro Strawberry Farm Shop
The strawberries were amazing, and the desserts were delicious. 😋
Lunch
We had lunch at:
Grand Indian Restaurant
Located inside the Grand Hotel.
Excellent Indian food and highly recommended.
Hiriketiya 🌴
From Nuwara Eliya we traveled about 4–5 hours to Hiriketiya.
The Yard
A beautiful boutique hotel within walking distance of the beach.
Wonderful host, great location, and highly recommended. 👌🏻
Blue Beach Island
A unique beach located about 8 minutes away.
What makes it special is the narrow strip of sand connecting two sides of the ocean.
Very picturesque and peaceful.
La Playa Beach Club
Great atmosphere, lovely pool, good food, and beautiful surroundings.
Restaurants
Taboo
We had breakfast there several times.
Try the Sri Lankan breakfast and the hoppers, they’re delicious. 😋
The staff were also incredibly kind.
Malu Poke
Build-your-own rice bowls with fresh toppings.
Very tasty.
Dot’s
Good pizza and a nice atmosphere.
Street Roti Stall
Chocolate roti. Enough said. 😋
Mirissa 🐢
Just one hour from Hiriketiya.
We booked our driver through the PickMe app.
For shorter rides, PickMe was usually cheaper than private drivers, so it’s worth comparing prices.
Triple O Six
A very good hotel with a lovely pool, beautiful rooms, and an excellent location near Coconut Tree Hill.
Highly recommended. 👌🏻
Coconut Tree Hill
One of the most famous viewpoints in Sri Lanka.
Many visitors come here for sunset, and it’s easy to see why.
Beautiful place.
Turtle Beach
Below Coconut Tree Hill, among the rocks, dozens of sea turtles arrive every morning between 9:00–11:00 AM.
Definitely worth visiting.
Secret Beach
A stunning hidden beach about 10 minutes away.
Make sure your driver drops you close to the entrance—we were left on the main road and had to walk uphill.
The beach is protected by rocks that create a beautiful natural lagoon.
There are sunbeds available, but you need to order drinks to use them.
Cash only.
And yes—it is absolutely gorgeous. 🤩
Parrot Rock
A large rock covered with vegetation that sits just offshore.
You can walk through the water and climb up using the somewhat shaky steps.
Bring flip-flops because there are lots of small rocks.
Located opposite Petti Petti.
Restaurants
Petti Petti
Beach club, pool, great food, and live music.
A fantastic atmosphere. 👌🏻
Shady Lane
Excellent vegetarian food.
I had a mushroom burger that was absolutely delicious. 😋
Their smoothie bowls were also amazing. 🤤
In the evenings, we usually wandered along Mirissa Beach where dozens of restaurants line the shore.
It’s the main nightlife area in town.
Massage
Secret Root Spa
One of the best massages of the trip.
Reservations via WhatsApp are recommended.
WhatsApp:
+94 77 329 4332
Weligama 🌊
Just 15 minutes from Mirissa.
We again used PickMe for the transfer.
Weligama Bay Marriott Resort & Spa
An outstanding hotel.
We were welcomed with traditional dancing, the room had breathtaking ocean views, and the breakfast buffet was one of the best we had in Sri Lanka.
Restaurants
MARU
Located in Kurumba, a restaurant complex near the Marriott.
We had rice bowls with toppings, and they were excellent. 😋
Nomad
We ordered smoothie bowls, and they were delicious. 😋
Massage Recommendation
Osu Spa’s
Located on the road behind the Marriott, near Ice and Nomad.
I had an excellent foot massage there for just 3,000 rupees. 👌🏻
Highly recommended!
Colombo 🌆
After Weligama, we traveled to Colombo.
We booked a driver through Chamitours for 13,000 rupees.
WhatsApp:
The drive took around two hours using the expressway.
Like almost every road trip in Sri Lanka, the scenery was beautiful. Everywhere you look is green, lush, and full of tropical vegetation. 😍
Granbell Hotel Colombo
For our final nights in Sri Lanka, we stayed at Granbell Hotel Colombo.
A modern hotel by the sea with beautiful design and one of the most impressive rooftop infinity pools we saw during the trip.
The sunset views from the rooftop are absolutely incredible. 🤩
The hotel also has:
A Japanese restaurant with excellent food 🤤
A rooftop bar next to the pool
Evening DJs and a great atmosphere
A café in the lobby
The prices are higher than in most of Sri Lanka, but everything we tried was delicious.
The “Secret Jacuzzi” 😅
One of our favorite discoveries in the hotel was completely unexpected.
On the 10th floor, inside the gym changing rooms, there is a large indoor jacuzzi with a sea view.
It’s located in a covered room with large windows overlooking the ocean, making it the perfect place to relax when it rains.
We visited several times and were always completely alone.
It felt like nobody knew it existed, so we started calling it the “Secret Jacuzzi.” 👌🏻😅
Highly recommended if you’re staying at the hotel.
Exploring Colombo
During our stay, we visited one of Colombo’s shopping malls, walked around, had lunch, and I enjoyed another foot massage.
We also spent some time at the Dutch Hospital Precinct, a historic complex that has been transformed into a lively area filled with restaurants, cafés, and shops.
It’s a nice place to spend a relaxed evening.
Airport Transfer
For our trip from the hotel to the airport, we booked a driver through the PickMe app.
Even at 6:00 AM, a driver arrived quickly.
The journey took about 40 minutes using the toll road.
Final Thoughts on Sri Lanka 💚
Sri Lanka was absolutely perfect.
From lush mountains and tea plantations to stunning beaches, wildlife, luxury hotels, scenic train rides, and unforgettable sunsets, every part of the country felt special.
The nature is breathtaking, the beaches are unique, the people are kind and welcoming, and the variety of experiences packed into one small island is truly incredible.
Sri Lanka is one of those destinations that stays with you long after the trip is over. 🥰
Enjoy your trip! 🤗
– Keren
For photos, locations, and travel inspiration, feel free to follow along on Instagram. 📸✨
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