Sri Lanka, a teardrop-shaped island off the southern coast of India, is a tropical paradise brimming with natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and warm-hearted people. We were fortunate to join our friends, Jana and Patrick, on their year-long Asian adventure, spending a few weeks exploring this enchanting country together. We immersed ourselves in Sri Lanka’s diverse landscapes, vibrant cities, and serene villages, creating unforgettable memories.
Colombo: Escaping the busy capital
Our journey began in Colombo, the bustling capital of Sri Lanka. As the largest city, it was a whirlwind of activity—the traffic was chaotic, and vendors eagerly tried to catch our attention. Eager to escape the city’s frenetic pace, we decided to head south using public transportation. Our first stop was the railway station, where we hoped to board a train to take us away from the urban hustle.

Since we hadn’t reserved tickets in advance, securing seats on the last train of the day was a stroke of luck. The station was overflowing with hundreds of people commuting to and from Colombo, creating a bustling atmosphere. Throughout the whole day, outdated trains arrived squeezed with passengers. As each train pulled into the station, people from both sides of the tracks ran to board, pressing into the doors and windows until the train was completely overfilled. Some passengers even clung to the outside of the train, holding on for dear life.
We were completely overwhelmed by the chaotic scene, unsure how to identify the correct train and compartment, let alone share a cramped space with hundreds of others. However, the kindness of the Sri Lankan people quickly put us at ease. Several locals noticed our confusion and offered to help us find our train and seats. With their guidance, we could board the correct train and secure our seats, leaving the busy atmosphere of Colombo behind and embarking on our adventure.

Mirissa: Sun, Sand, and Surf
Following our arrival in Colombo, we headed to Mirissa, a picturesque coastal town famous for its beautiful beaches. Our days were filled with sunbathing, swimming, and enjoying the stunning sunsets. Despite Mirissa’s touristy nature, its lively atmosphere, complete with bustling bars, restaurants, and markets, made it the perfect place to unwind and immerse ourselves in Sri Lankan culture after the fast-paced city of Colombo.



Tangalle: Coastal heaven
After our first days, we caught up with Jana and Patrick and together, we ventured south to Tangalle, a more secluded and peaceful beach town. Here, we enjoyed the tranquillity of the pristine beaches, explored the nearby lagoons, and visited a nearby turtle rescue station. We could see some baby turtles hatching and making their first steps into the big ocean. Tangalle offered a slower pace of life, allowing us to truly connect with nature and escape the hustle and bustle of city life.


Throughout our trip, we relied on public transportation—primarily tuk-tuks and buses. Tuk-tuk drivers are stationed at every corner offering their services waiting to negotiate a fair price. For longer distances, we mostly used public buses, which are predominantly used by locals and rarely by tourists. The buses are quite cheap but offer a thrilling experience. The drivers often race like former Formula One drivers, and the buses are in a rather dilapidated state. We were fortunate to escape a serious accident when one bus lost its wheel mid-drive, a testament to our luck rather than the bus’s reliability.

Yala National Park: Wildlife Encounters
Our next stop was Udawalawe National Park, a wildlife sanctuary renowned for its large elephant population. We embarked on a thrilling jeep safari, encountering herds of elephants, water buffaloes, crocodiles, and various species of birds.



Due to heavy rainfall in the preceding weeks before our arrival, large portions of the national park were flooded. In our quest to spot leopards, our driver ventured off the main track into a more remote area. As we drove deeper into the flooded terrain, we eventually became stranded in the middle of nowhere—far from other jeeps and with no cell phone reception. Despite numerous attempts to free our Hilux Jeep, we were unable to do so. Finally, an hour later another Jeep came to our rescue and although we didn’t see any leopards, the experience was certainly an adventure.

The safari left us with mixed emotions. Witnessing these magnificent creatures like elephants and crocodiles in their natural habitat was truly unforgettable. However, it was disheartening to see all those jeeps racing through the park, disturbing the shy animals just for the sake of tourist photos. I think next time I would donate the park entrance fee and skip the safari part.

Ella: A Hill Station Paradise
Leaving the plains behind, we headed to Ella, a picturesque hill station nestled amidst lush green tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Ella is a popular destination for trekkers, hikers, and nature lovers. The transition from the coastline to the mountains was breathtaking, with the landscape transforming into a lush green jungle and the temperatures cooling down. We explored the surrounding countryside, visited the famous Nine Arch Bridge, hiked to Little Adam’s Peak, and enjoyed stunning panoramic views of the valley.


From Ella, we took a train to Nuwara Eliya. It’s the highest railway track in Sri Lanka and undoubtedly one of the most beautiful in the world. Departing early in the morning, you’ll witness the magical sunrise as the train winds its way through the mountain hills. It’s an enchanting experience that I highly recommend.

Nuwara Eliya: A British Colonial Legacy
Nuwara Eliya is a charming hill station with a distinct British colonial influence, evident in the local schoolchildren’s daily cricket training and the preserved British post station and colonial villas. Nuwara Eliya offered a refreshing escape from the tropical heat, with its cool climate and lush landscapes.


As the high altitude and cool climate provide ideal conditions for tea cultivation, Nuwara Eliya is surrounded by numerous large tea plantations and factories, introduced by British colonialists. The factories have remained largely unchanged since then, still using the same machinery. We took a tour through one such factory and learned about the differences between various tea varieties.

Kandy: A Cultural Heartbeat
Our adventure culminated in Kandy, the cultural capital of Sri Lanka. We visited the museum of the Temple of the Tooth, a sacred Buddhist shrine that houses a relic of the Buddha. Kandy’s vibrant atmosphere, bustling markets, and delicious street food made it a memorable stop, a stark contrast to the relaxed atmosphere of Nuwara Eliya.
Religions like Buddhism, Hinduism, and Christianity are omnipresent in Sri Lanka, evident in the local buses, Christmas trees, Buddha statues, Hindu shrines, and the kindness of the people. It’s remarkable how these different religions coexist and even intertwine. However, we also learned that this harmony wasn’t always the case, as Sri Lanka has a violent past with civil wars that lasted until a few years ago.
The Buddhist museum helped me understand how Sri Lankan people perceive the world and why they behave the way they do. I found it incredibly enriching, and I’m sure everyone can take away some personal learnings, regardless of their religious beliefs. Once again, I realized how small our European bubble is and how rich the world around us truly is.

Wellighama: Surfing and Relaxation
Before departing Sri Lanka, we spent a week at the Solid Surf camp in Wellighama, a popular surfing spot on the southwest coast. The camp provided us with the opportunity to improve our surfing abilities under the guidance of experienced instructors. After weeks of constant travel, Wellighama was the ideal spot to relax and enjoy our final days on this beautiful island.



At the surf camp, we followed a structured daily routine that included two surfing sessions. Depending on your experience, you could choose to surf on the beach, near coral reefs, or out in the ocean, which requires a boat ride. Our group surfed consistently at Wellighama, a beginner-friendly beach break that’s forgiving of mistakes.




Each evening, our camp’s chefs prepared delicious local dishes in an outdoor kitchen. Along with the surfing and the great location, this was a major highlight. Overall, I must say that Sri Lankan food is absolutely fantastic – and not only in our surf camp but also in all those little cafes and restaurants along our journey.

Afterthoughts
Our trip to Sri Lanka was an unforgettable experience filled with breathtaking landscapes, cultural encounters, and unforgettable memories. From the pristine beaches of Mirissa to the misty mountains of Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone. Whether you’re seeking adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion, this island paradise is sure to leave a lasting impression.