Sri Lanka is an island of easy charm, shaped by the warm smiles and generous spirit of its people. Though small, it has a lot to offer from dramatic mountains flowing into green tea plantations, ancient temples rich with history, hill towns echoing the British colonial past, wildlife parks alive with elephants and leopards and pristine beaches offering some of Asia’s best surfing.
I first visited Sri Lanka over 25 years ago. I fell under its spell then and I continue to be enchanted by it each time I visit. It’s a country where you truly can get under its skin in just 2 weeks. I have recently returned from my latest trip and here’s why it should be on your bucket list to visit soon.
On The Road
The best way to see the island is to circumnavigate it. Planes, trains and automobiles are all possible, but travelling by road with your own chauffeur-guide (who stays with you throughout your trip) is a great way to see the untouched side to the island.
Beyond the towns and their cheerful tuk-tuk chorus, you drive through the dreamiest landscapes of palm fringed paddy fields and lotus-filled lakes dotted with egrets and cormorants. Longer journeys can now be swapped for a seaplane hop - an exhilarating short cut with a bird’s-eye view.
Discovering Ancient Civilisations
In the central plains lies the Cultural Triangle, home to Sri Lanka’s greatest historical treasures, many of them UNESCO-protected. Anuradhapura revolves around the sacred Bodhi Tree, believed to be where Buddha gained enlightenment. The 12th century ruins of Polonnaruwa glow with quiet grandeur. Dambulla’s rock-cave temples shelter more than 150 vivid statues and murals, some from the 1st century. And then there is Sigiriya: a 200-metre rock fortress rising sheer from the jungle, rewarding climbers with sweeping views - or simply admired from the terraces of the serene Water Garden Sigiriya.
High Tea
You can take a scenic train journey into the Hill Country, where the landscape is one of misty lakes, tranquil woods and vividly coloured tea plantations that seem to wind over almost every inch of the slopes.
Here, you can stay in a rather spoiling tea planter’s bungalow such as one of those at Tea Trails. Originally built during the days of the Raj for British tea estate mangers, the bungalows, each with its own character, are dotted around the valley of a working plantation and have been sensitively restored and brought up to date.
A Tea Factory Tour is a must. It gives an interesting insight into the process from plant to pot and allows you to study the steady work of the Tamil tea pickers.
Animal Magic
Sri Lanka ranks amongst the world’s most bio-diverse countries. Herds of elephants still roam free in some of the national parks and you can even see Asian elephants swimming on a boat safari at Gal Oya Lodge. Birdwatchers will spot over 200 different species from the everyday vibrant green bee catcher, to kingfishers, painted storks and the Malabar Pied Hornbill.
On my last trip, I was very lucky to get to spend time watching a sloth bear search for food in Wilpattu National Park. And finally, I got a leopard sighing. Although Yala National Park is famous for its high density of leopards. Seeing them can be difficult, but discovering Strawberry marking her territory was truly memorable.
Glorious Galle
Whenever an itinerary allows, I like to have clients stay two nights inside Galle Fort, a tiny 17th century gem on the southwest coast. This UNESCO-listed sea fortress with its iconic lighthouse has evolved into a lively enclave. Once-faded colonial buildings now host boutique hotels, cafés and stylish shops along narrow, atmospheric streets.
My favourite place to stay is the historic Amangalla. Built by the Dutch in 1684 as a governor’s residence, it later became the New Oriental Hotel, a legendary stop off for steamboat passengers passing Sri Lanka. Reborn as Amangalla in 2004, a stay here means you get all the history and vintage features, but with lots of modern touches and the attention to detail you expect with Aman. Early morning swims in the beautiful jade tiled swimming pool serenade by the peacocks were a particular highlight for me.
Just outside the walls, the countryside invites gentle exploration: drift by boat, then cycle through paddy fields and villages where locals still wave with open curiosity. Pause for a hands-on hopper making lesson - these crisp, bowl-shaped pancakes, served with egg or sambal, are utterly delicious.
Coastal Calling
Sri Lanka is blessed with a wonderful coastline. Caramel sands, fringed by leaning palms, carry a wild, rugged beauty. If you crave powder-white beaches and crystal clear calm seas, pair Sri Lanka with the Maldives, which is an easy extension. The thing about Sri Lanka’s coastline is its variety from sheltered bays in the south to mile upon mile of empty sands to stroll in the east.
Beachside accommodation varies from boutique hotels to some fabulous private, exclusive use villas. Or head to the hills, with amazing views down to the coast, and stay at dreamy Kahanda Kanda or Malabar Hill.
Round Up
Sri Lanka is ready to be discovered and is equally suited to families and couples. The east and north come into season during our summer months, making it ideal for school-holiday adventures.
I craft completely bespoke journeys that capture the spirit and soul of this remarkable island, rich with authentic experiences, deep culture and a touch of la Concordia magic
If you’d like more details or a tailored itinerary, then please do get in touch.