I’ve sent so many clients to Sri Lanka over the years – and I have to admit – I was always a little jealous. The itineraries looked incredible, and it seemed like exactly my type of holiday. Finally, it was my turn to experience it for myself.
I was most looking forward to the wildlife, the culture and the food. Sri Lanka delivered on all three – and then some.
Rosyth Estate House and Freedom Elephant Project
My first stop was Rosyth Estate House, tucked away in the tea country. From the moment I arrived, I knew this was somewhere special – charming, welcoming and wonderfully relaxing.
The cooking class was a highlight. We made quite a few dishes, which is typical of Sri Lankan cuisine! And the best part? We got to eat everything we’d made. I can’t remember all the curries now, but they were delicious.
Walking through the working tea estate was fascinating. Learning about the art of leaf picking and meeting the lovely ladies who do it every day really stuck with me. Their skill and grace made it look effortless.
We also visited the Freedom Elephant Project in Kegalle, not far from Rosyth. It’s a family-owned, ethically run sanctuary offering refuge and freedom from work for elephants. You can volunteer or visit for the day, walk with the elephants, and help with their daily wash in the river. We absolutely loved spending time with them.
The train journey everyone talks about
People rave about the train journey from Gampola to Nanu Oya, and I can confirm – it absolutely lives up to the hype. What made it special was the mix of people. Fellow travellers enjoying those Instagram moments, local families tucking into their packed lunches, and the ever-changing scenery – tea plantations, waterfalls, valleys.
Be prepared for it to take longer than expected. The train doesn’t run to schedule, but that’s all part of the experience.
Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride.
Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge
We visited Ravana Falls and the Nine Arch Bridge – an interesting trip that involved taking a tuk-tuk from Ella to a point where we walked along the railway tracks – no health and safety concerns here – to reach the bridge.
We waited with other tourists and locals for the blue train to pass across this impressive bridge, everyone smiling and waving at the onlookers. What struck me most was how happy everyone seemed.
98 Acres Resort
Staying at 98 Acres Resort was stunning. We arrived as the mist was coming in, but once it cleared, we had an uninterrupted view of the tea-covered hills, Ella Gap and Little Adam’s Peak from our balcony. We could even make out people climbing to the top at sunrise from our deck.
The chalets are very private. I loved the rustic feel – polished wooden floors adding warmth and charm, but still with all the modern touches you’d expect. The views and tranquil atmosphere were just fantastic.
On safari at Yala National Park
The safari at Yala was incredible. We were lucky enough to spot Lucas the Leopard, who’s particularly well known with the rangers at the park. He wasn’t shy and was quite happy to come into view for us all to see.
We also spotted a few elephants, and one walked right across the front of our jeep – a particular highlight for me as I love elephants. The birdlife was beautiful too.
Staying in luxury tents in the national park was a great way to switch off (no Wi-Fi in the camp). The tents are luxurious but rustic, very comfortable, and ideal for exploring Yala. The staff and game rangers were so friendly and professional.
The outdoor shower was interesting – great shower, but I did have the company of a rather large lizard. Luckily, he didn’t want to get wet, so didn’t get too close!
The Fortress, Koggala
After all that touring, arriving at The Fortress for beach time was lovely. As great as it was to see all the sights and travel around, a few days chilling out at the beach was just what we needed.
We also visited Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. It’s great for shopping with lots of lovely little boutiques and a great choice of restaurants. It’s an atmospheric town with a mix of different cultures and religions, fascinating architecture and real history.
I spent most of my five nights relaxing by the pool looking out to sea and taking long walks along the beach. Watching the turtles pop their heads out of the sea when the tide came in was magical.
Our hotel was located on the coastline famous for stilt fishermen – it was fascinating watching this ancient tradition.
We also enjoyed private dining on our patio whilst listening to the sound of the waves, and squeezed in a whale watching trip.
Food and final thoughts
I loved the hoppers – bowl-shaped pancakes usually served with fried egg at breakfast.
And the Sri Lankan curries were incredible – spicy but fresh and aromatic, with a variety of individual curries served with rice, sambol and dhal.
I’d definitely suggest trying the local food, getting to know the local people (they’re warm, hospitable and happy to meet you), and seeing as much as you can.
It’s hard to pick just one experience to recommend because there were so many highlights. Sri Lanka is perfect for families, couples and solo travellers – there are activities to suit everyone. I’d absolutely go back. I’d love to explore more of the Cultural Triangle and visit Udawalawe National Park, home to over 400 elephants.
Sri Lanka truly has so much to offer – stunning scenery, culture, adventure, wildlife and beaches. If you’re thinking about it, I can’t recommend it highly enough and I’d be happy to help plan the right itinerary for you.
Sara
