Sri Lanka’s tourism industry is on the up and up! Tourist arrival numbers have nearly multiplied over the past few years, with travelers flocking to Sri Lanka to visit Kandy, Galle, Colombo, Ella and beyond. Read on for tons of Sri Lanka travel tips – the best places to visit in Sri Lanka, how to get around, amazing hotels and the perfect 2 week itinerary!
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU VISIT SRI LANKA
12 Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Sri Lanka
Traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time? Read on for essential Sri Lanka travel tips and advice to help you plan a perfect trip! To quote Condé Nast Traveler, “Sri Lanka Is Ready for Its Close-Up” after spending decades…
15 Things You Shouldn’t Do If You’re Traveling to Sri Lanka
Wondering what NOT to do in Sri Lanka? Read on for things you should avoid doing if you’re planning a trip there! I’ve written plenty of guides on why you need to visit Sri Lanka now, how to plan your…
10 Reasons Why You Need to Visit Sri Lanka Now
Since the end of the civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka’s tourist arrival numbers have more than tripled over the past decade, and this trend is bound to continue to soar over the next few years – for good reason…
40+ Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka (Including Destinations You’ve Probably Never Heard Of)
The A to Z of all the best destinations in Sri Lanka – start your Sri Lanka travel planning right here! Looking for more Sri Lanka travel tips and destination guides? Click here for everything you need to help plan…
6 Instagram Feeds You Should Follow If You’re Dreaming of Sri Lanka
Looking for some Sri Lanka travel inspiration? You’ve come to the right place! Sri Lanka is one of the top travel destinations in Asia, and if it’s not on your list yet, it should be! Read my earlier post for…
15 Tips for Solo Female Travel in Sri Lanka
Heading to Sri Lanka as a solo female traveler? What everyone says about Sri Lanka is true: it’s an incredibly diverse and wondrous destination that is bound to capture your heart. The landscapes and historical monuments will wow you, the…
Is It Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka Right Now? All Your Questions Answered About Sri Lanka Travel Safety (2023)
Last updated March 21st to include information on approved IMF bailout aimed at helping to stabilize the economy. Planning a trip to Sri Lanka in 2023? Read this first! It almost pains me that this article is necessary these days,…
SRI LANKA ITINERARIES
Highlights of Sri Lanka: An Express 7 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Only have 1 week in Sri Lanka? Read on for my express 1 week Sri Lanka itinerary to help you make the most of your time! It’s no secret that I love Sri Lanka. The palm-fringed island has become my…
The Pearl of the Indian Ocean: 2 Week Sri Lanka Itinerary for First Time Visitors
Looking for an easy 2 week itinerary for Sri Lanka? You’ve come to the right place! Unless you’ve been living under a rock, you’ll know that Sri Lanka has become one of the top places to visit in Asia for…
SRI LANKA DESTINATION GUIDES
Train Travel Through Sri Lanka’s Tea Country: From Nuwara Eliya to Kandy
Read on for more practical advice and tips for traveling by train through hill country in Sri Lanka. There’s more to Sri Lanka than pristine beaches! Sri Lanka’s lush tea country is one of the most popular and iconic sights…
The Ultimate Guide to Sri Lanka’s South Coast
The southern coast of Sri Lanka is lined with incredible beaches and towns. Read on for the best things to do in south Sri Lanka! I’ve split my time between Hong Kong and Sri Lanka over the past five years,…
15 Best Beaches in South Sri Lanka for Lounging, Surfing and Swimming
The south coast is home to some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka. Here are some you won’t want to miss! The palm-fringed southern coast of Sri Lanka is lined with beach after beach, and the island is quickly…
An Insider’s Guide to Hiriketiya in Sri Lanka
Hiriketiya is a hip and happening haven in the deep south of Sri Lanka’s tropical coastline. Read on for everything you need to know about visiting Hiriketiya! Once a sleepy fishing village near Dickwella town, Hiriketiya Beach has blossomed into…
The Best Things to Do in Galle Fort in Sri Lanka (And Why You Won’t Want to Miss This UNESCO World Heritage Site)
Galle Fort is an important monument dating back to the 1500s. Read on for what to do in Galle Fort! Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle is currently the district capital of the broader Galle District. The…
7 Places You Have to Visit in the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka
The Cultural Triangle in Sri Lanka is home to some of the most incredible heritage sites in the country. Here are a few that you can’t miss! Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle is an area spanning across several cities in the…
Sri Lanka Travel Guide: How to Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
It may not look like much more than a large rock from the photo, but believe me when I say it is so, so much more. Sigiriya, AKA “Lion Rock”, is a rock fortress located in central Sri Lanka, approximately…
Explore the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa: A Cultural Treasure in Central Sri Lanka
Roam freely among UNESCO heritage ruins, temples and shrines. Read on for what to see in Polonnaruwa! Polonnaruwa is an ancient city in Sri Lanka and forms part of the “Cultural Triangle” along with Sigiriya, Anuradhapura, Kandy and Dambulla. It served…
Visit the Ruins of Anuradhapura: One of Sri Lanka’s Ancient Capitals
The temples in Anuradhapura are an important pilgrimage destination for Buddhists. Read on for some of the best places to visit in Anuradhapura! The sacred city of Anuradhapura is an ancient capital in Sri Lanka and one of the country’s…
7 Things to Do in Kandy: Home to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Kandy in Sri Lanka was the last capital of the Sinhala kings and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Read on for the top places to visit in Kandy! Have you heard of Kandy in Sri Lanka? It’s one of…
A Day Trip to Knuckles Mountain Range: Waterfalls, Rice Paddies and Mini World’s End
Experience an action-packed day trip to the UNESCO-listed Knuckles Range in Sri Lanka – perfect for hikers and non-hikers alike! Named after the ridges along the mountain range that resemble knuckles of a closed fist, the Knuckles Mountain Range in…
8 Things to Do If You Only Have 2 Days in Ella, Sri Lanka
Ella is an enchanting mountain town in Sri Lanka that has quickly become a must-visit destination. Read on for the best places to visit in Ella and where to stay! Ella in Sri Lanka is every bit as bewitching as…
24 Hours in Colombo: How to Explore Sri Lanka’s Underrated Capital in 1 Day
Colombo has the potential to be Asia’s next up-and-coming capital city. Read on for places to visit and things to do if you only have 1 day in Colombo! Although Colombo is the transportation gateway to the rest of Sri…
Surfing in Arugam Bay: A Practical Guide to Surf Central in East Sri Lanka
Surfing is one of the best things to do in Arugam Bay with surf breaks aplenty. Read on for how to get there, where to stay, where to surf and more! Arugam Bay in Sri Lanka is a famous surfing…
5 Top Things to Do in Kalpitiya in Western Sri Lanka
Kalpitiya is one of the best places in the world for kitesurfing, but this little town has more to offer for adventure-seekers! Most visitors to Sri Lanka would have heard of Mirissa, Ella, Weligama, Colombo or Kandy; these famous destinations…
WILDLIFE AND NATIONAL PARKS IN SRI LANKA
The Best Places to See Wild Elephants in Sri Lanka
Researching where to see elephants in Sri Lanka? Then you’ve come to the right place! Sri Lanka is one of the few remaining places where you can see hundreds of wild elephants roam free. It’s not certain how many elephants…
Discover Yala National Park in Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know
The ultimate guide to planning a wildlife safari in Yala. Sri Lanka possesses an extremely high degree of biodiversity and is considered one of the top biodiversity hotspots in the world. This is precisely why you shouldn’t skip going on a…
An Epic Elephant Safari in Udawalawe National Park in Sri Lanka: What You Need to Know
Udawalawe is one of the best places to see elephants in Sri Lanka – elephant lovers must visit this excellent national park! If beautiful beaches, delicious food, rich culture and stunning landscape aren’t enough to convince you to hop on…
The Elephant Gathering in the Minneriya and Kaudulla National Parks in Sri Lanka
Witness the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world on a Sri Lanka safari! Don’t underestimate this little island in the Indian ocean – Sri Lanka offers a tremendous amount of wildlife and biodiversity for its size. It has…
Visiting Orphaned Baby Elephants at the Elephant Transit Home in Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
Want to visit an ethical elephant orphanage in Sri Lanka to support their survival? Read on! If it weren’t already completely and utterly obvious, I am obsessed with elephants. If you are also in love with these gentle giants, you…
Wilpattu National Park Safari: See the Wildlife in Sri Lanka’s Largest National Park
Though most people have only heard of Yala or Udawalawe National Park, Sri Lanka is actually home to a total of 22 national parks across the island. Wilpattu National Park (sometimes also spelled “Wilpatthu”), located approximately 4 hours north of…
Sail Lanka Review: Whale Watching Aboard a Luxury Catamaran in South Sri Lanka
Looking for an experience away from the crowds in southern Sri Lanka? Hop aboard a luxury cruise for a different perspective of the Sri Lankan coast! The palm-fringed coastline of south Sri Lanka is one of the best beach destinations…
YOGA IN SRI LANKA
7 Reasons Why You Should Attend a Yoga Retreat in Sri Lanka
Experience what this tropical island has to offer and immerse yourself in a Yoga holiday in Sri Lanka. Picture yourself practicing Yoga with like-minded yoga lovers, the wind in your hair and the beach just a few steps away. Traveling…
Rukgala Retreat: Unwind & Relax at One of the Best Yoga Retreats in Sri Lanka
Immerse yourself in your practice at a Yoga retreat in Sri Lanka: here’s what to expect from Rukgala, a stone’s throw from Kandy. Every time I am back in Sri Lanka I am reminded of why I love it so,…
THE BEST PLACES TO STAY IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka has a plethora of incredible hotels and B&Bs to offer. Click here for current rates and availability of hotels in Sri Lanka!
The Best Luxury and Boutique Hotels in Sri Lanka to Let Your Hair Down At
Comfort, beautiful decor and warm hospitality – what’s not to love? Read on for 20+ tried-and-tested hotels in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an incredible country to visit with pristine beaches, fabulous food, vivid culture & history, breathtaking wildlife and…
Madulkelle Tea and Eco Lodge in Kandy: Glamping in Sri Lanka’s Tea Country
Experience world-class eco-luxury among Sri Lanka’s tea plantations – read on for my Madulkelle review. Green. Everywhere you look. Green. This is what was waiting for us after waking up at 4:30 am and traveling for nearly seven hours (read…
Cape Weligama Hotel Review: Check in for Unrivaled Views and Soulful Service
Cape Weligama offers unparalleled luxury as well as one of the best hotel pools in Sri Lanka – here’s what to expect! Take a touch of traditional luxury, a splash of Sri Lankan flair and a whole lot of tropical…
Sam & Lola’s in Hiriketiya: A Tropical Hideaway Nestled in South Sri Lanka
If you’re a Yoga, Wine & Travel reader then you’ll know that when we travel, we look for hotels that are more than just four walls and a bed. Where you stay when you travel can make or break your…
Experiencing Eco-Luxury & Ayurveda at Jetwing Ayurveda Pavilions in Negombo, Sri Lanka
Located just half an hour away from Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport is the bustling seaside town of Negombo. Though Negombo is not typically high up on the list of places to visit in Sri Lanka, it is home to Jetwing…
Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort: Soothe Your Soul in Sri Lanka
Ayubowan! As you step out of the vehicle and walk towards the reception you are greeted by smiling staff with their palms together in front of the heart. Ayubowan is a Sri Lankan greeting that means “may you live long” – how…
Understated Luxury and Class at Anantara Kalutara Resort in Sri Lanka
Unwind at this beautiful Bawa-designed boutique hotel along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka. Since my first Anantara experience in Bali more than a decade ago, I’ve sought out other Anantara properties around the world for their signature service, incredible…
Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort and Spa: Beachfront Luxury Hotel in Southern Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s luxury and boutique hotel scene is on the up-and-up, with major brands like Shangri-La opening up to cater to the burgeoning tourist arrivals to this little island in the Indian Ocean. Shangri-La’s Hambantota Resort & Spa is one…
Diyabubula: An Eco-Luxury Hideaway in Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle
Diyabubula is a secret jungle hideaway designed by a renowned Sri Lankan artist. Read on for my Diyabubula hotel review! Every so often a property comes around that shows you how a hotel can break through conventional categories and stereotypes…