The Ultimate Guide to the Best Spots in Sri Lanka

Here is a list of all my favorite places I went to in Sri Lanka over a year and two months! I would recommend starting in Colombo and taking the train to Nuwara Eliya and Ella. From there you can catch a bus to Arugam Bay and then make your way back along the coast to Colombo. You are going to want a minimum of two weeks and I would recommend a month if possible! Pack light, immerse yourself in the culture, and enjoy the local foods.

Arugam Bay

Arugam Bay is a small town on the east coast. It is very dry, hot, desert-like, and wild. On the way to a surf you may see elephants roaming about, wild peacocks, or water buffalo. The town is built off of one main street and has everything you will need. You will struggle getting a wide selection of fruits or vegetables in town as there is just one small grocery store.  There is also no alcohol shops in Abay so pick some up before you arrive if you are looking for a bargain. You can drive to Pottuvil for a larger selection. Go during the high season (May-August) or many places will be closed. If you are not a big surfer and have a limited amount of time in Sri Lanka I would spend more time on the south coast than making the trip out.

Stay

• Eagle Resort – I stayed here both times I visited ABay and enjoyed the convenient location and the AC. It is located just around the corner from Hideaway and run by two friendly locals. Around $20/night.

Eat

• Hideaway – Anything you order from them is delicious. Hangout here after your morning surf and grab brekkie. Also check out their restaurant for dinner which has a menu that is always changing. A little pricier but so worth it!

• Bites – A good stop for cakes, coffee, and homemade ice cream. Delicious food and even AC inside!

• Geko – Stop here for an awesome tomato soup and ask for avo on the side.
• Rotti Shop – There is a local shop near the YMCA that make a mean omlette and peanut butter rotti. I do not remember the name of it but Kali and I went here twice a day.
• Juice Shop – This is located near the intersection for Main Point on the strip. Fresh Mango juice for 200rs.
• Seahorse – Home to the best wood-fired pizza in ABay.
• Hello Burger – Best burgers on the island with Mexican, avocado, and Hawaiian burgers.
• Bay Vista – Good spot to hangout for the day or yoga in the morning. Roof top area with a view to Main Point and they serve delicious smoothie bowls.

• Karma Gardens – Try their smoothie bowls, avo on toast, and waffles. So good!

Do

• Surf – Try your hand at surfing with the crowd at Main Point or head over to Elephant Rock for some fun long boarding. Do NOT walk through the lagoon at Elephant Rock – I did this 4x at dusk and 5 days later a man was attacked and killed here. There is now a local who owns a small fishing boat who will take you across to the beach for a small fee. You can also walk along the rock. Keep in mind if you have a long board and its windy this will not be easy. Check out Peanut Farm-surf on the front break if you are more of a beginner and head to the back break if you are more advanced. I also went to Pottuvil Point and long boarded. If you have a car and want to have a smaller crowd, head over to Okanda. Keep in mind you will be paying a minimum 1000rs for a tuk tuk to Elephant Rock and more for further distances. The driver will wait 2 hrs at this price.

• Sunset at Elephant Rock – Climb up Elephant Rock and enjoy the sunset and surfers catching the last waves of the day.

• Main Point – Head over for sunset or to catch some rays and watch the surfers.

• Yoga at Hideaway – Best yoga in ABay – schedule a massage after as well!
• Shop at Hideaway – Beautiful shop with quality clothes, surf boards, and a great place to pick up gifts.
• Happy Hour at Hideaway – Go for happy hour from 6-8 every day and buy one get one free! Best spot to catch up with everyone and have a chat. Saturday nights there is also live music.

• You will most likely see elephants crossing the road when you go to and from Abay as you pass near Yala National Park! Try to refrain from feeding them as they have been accustomed to tourists doing this. Wait for them to cross and then proceed.

Udawalawe

If you are looking to go on a safari while in Sri Lanka this is the place to do it! The crowds are smaller than Yala and although you may not see a leopard you will see many elephants! Go to my older Udawalawe post for more information.

Stay

• Kottawatta Village – I stayed here for a night the first time I visited Udawalawe and it is beautiful! A cabin with one bed will go for about $27/night. A quiet sanctuary with a bridge you walk across to get from check in to the cabins. There are private cabins or tents on the property with AC and TVs (at least in the cabins) but no luck with many english channels.

Eat

• Kottawatta Village – I ate here when I stayed and came back with Kali and enjoyed the Calamari fried rice. The restaurant is located in a big jungle building with open air. I enjoyed the hammock after breakfast when I stayed and watched the rain.

Do

• Safari – I highly recommend a safari here over Yala. I went in the off-season in July and saw only ONE other jeep in 3 hours. I do have a separate blog about this so check it out if you are interested!
• Baby Elephant Orphanage – This is one of the best run facilities in SL as far as care for the elephants and limited human interaction. Once again check out my Udawalawe blog for more information.

Hiriketiya

Hiri was my base for many months and my escape for many weekends. This is the true jewel of Sri Lanka. Quiet streets, a beautiful horseshoe bay, turquoise waters, and  great food. This should be your base if you are looking for a relaxing vacation with surf.

Stay

• Verse – Very modern accommodation with dorms as well. Great place to go if you have to do some work on a laptop. They have some comfy seating areas inside, a swing, skate ramp, and a bar to use for computer work.
• Dots – Stay at Dots Cafe if you are looking to stay longer and want a small kitchenette to use, hot showers, and free pedal bikes. There is a hostel and two private studios. New AC dorms are being made as well. If you want to stay closer to the beach the Bay House has dorms as well and private rooms. This can get a bit noisy with the beach dogs in the middle of the night and the monkeys in the morning as the dorms are in a cabana. There may be live music one night per week during high season. They also rent surf boards here and have yoga every morning and evening. There are two lovable dogs Coco and Lulu and if you are lucky there may be some puppies around!

• Salt – If you are a yogi this is the best place to stay in Hiri. Yoga twice a day in an open air room. Prices are higher than most in the area but accommodation is very modern and new and they have just put in a pool!

Eat

• Verse – You must get their freshly made chocolate chip cookies! They have great coffee, veggie bowls, and hummus.

• Dots – Try their D Burger, waffles, brownie, smoothie bowls, and rice and curry.

• Salt – We went here about every day for their smoothies and their Tropical Wrap-one of the best meals on the island. Try their brownies and their chocolate mousse!

• Grove – Best breakfast in Hiri! Kali and I would each get a main and split the pancakes-best I had on the island! Try their BLAT, potatoes and mushroom dish, and breakfast tacos for breakfast. Come back at lunch or dinner for their fish tacos. Home to the best but yet most expensive brownie coming in at 850 rs. Get it fresh and you won’t regret it!

• Squid – Grab your take away Calamari or fish and chips here and take it to the point for sunset!

• Dikwella – Egg Hoppers and Juice. Cheapest dinner you can get! The juice spot is on your way out of town towards Hiri on the left hand side called “The Cool Spot”. The local who runs this is very friendly and you can get a fresh juice for around 150-200 rs. I recommend pineapple, passion fruit, and lime. Make sure you say no sugar, salt, or a straw. There are a few good spots for egg hoppers that are both on the same side as the cool spot. These are usually only open in the evening and are about 40 rs a hopper.

Do

• Surf – This is my favorite place to surf in Lanka. The water is turquoise blue and you will see turtles swimming around. You can surf the beach break if you are learning or head to the point if you are more advanced. The beach break is mainly all sand but there are a few areas of reef scattered around. Try to fall flat or on your board when the wave dies off. Be careful if it is low-tide as the reef is pretty shallow here. Even if it is high tide make sure you land on your board after and don’t ride too far inside. There are sea urchins everywhere. The point is at the left hand side of the bay. It is best to paddle from the beach to get there. Some people will walk around and jump in by the rocks but it is not very safe. Surf boards can be rented on the beach or at Dot’s Bay house for 250 rs/hour.

• Walk to the point for sunset – Start at the main beach and head left along the beach. You will walk past the stairs and then walk over the grassy hill. Cut back to your right over the rocks and around the corner where you will see the surfers and Hiri bay. Best place to enjoy the sunset!

• Yoga – Go to Dot’s Bay  House or Salt for yoga twice a day.
• Get a massage at The Beach House. Great for after surf and massages for 30 mins as well.
• Explore the abandoned houses to the left of Dot’s Bay House, walk along the “yellow brick road”, enjoy the beach, catch a sunset on the stairs, or ride a bike through the quiet streets of Hiri.

• Saturday Market – Walk along the road in Hiri past Grove and up over the hill to get to Dikwella beach. You can walk along the beach, take a quick ride on the swing on the beach, and enter the markets from the back. This is the biggest local markets of the week with fresh fruit and veg. These prices will be much cheaper than the grocery store and fresh. Get a bag of popcorn, try some jackfruit, and stock up on all the locally grown goods.

• Visit the Temple – If you go into town you can take the main road to the right if you are headed in the direction of Matara (coming from Hiri). Follow this along and you will come to the temple on your left. It is free to tour but there may be ladies trying to sell you temple flowers as you enter. This is less than 5 minutes from town.
• If you continue on this temple road out of town you will pass through rice fields and banana plantations. Go about 20 minutes from Dickwella and explore the area. We also found another temple that was a nice spot to take a break.

• Explore the Island – If you look on the map the Island is just east along the coast maybe 5 minutes away. On low tide you can walk across the sand to explore. There is also a boat harbor here and will be some fisherman hanging around.

• Drive along the coast and discover a new beach, surf spot, or yoga shala.

Talalla

Talalla is a small town to visit if you want to go to a retreat or if you want a good meal at Zephyr. There isn’t much to do in town and the bay is rarely surfable. Spend an afternoon here and head on your way.

Stay

• Talalla Retreat-Beautiful retreat right on the beach that provides yoga, surf, or wellness retreats. Has buffets for each meal, movie nights, and a pool to enjoy.

Eat

• Talalla Retreat – Great variety for breakfast lunch or dinner. Healthy western or local dishes.
• Zephyr – Beautiful restaurant on the beach with a great menu. I recommend the prawn burgers, fresh veggies, potato wedges, mango salad, or the battered prawns.

Do

• Climb Sunset Hill – Kali and I explored this place after we passed it everyday on the scooter. There is a sea pool below people swim in. As you turn off the main road (Leaving Dickwella headed to Talalla – the bay before Talalla) the road to your right will be blocked off so take the narrow road to your left. You will need to go slow as the road isn’t paved and has a lot of ruts and holes. Go all the way up to the barbed fence and park. Crawl under the fence, walk up to the top, and enjoy the view!

• Walk to Sunset Rock – If you are at Talalla Retreat walk out to the beach and over the rocks on the right hand side. There will be a path that starts that you will follow over to the rock. This is a great place to hang out and watch the sunset.

Sk Town

A great place to go for a surf! You can walk down the beach from the bus station in Matara. Not many places to eat at or things to do other than going to the beach or for a surf.

Do

• Go for a surf! This is a long stretch of beach at the end of a dead-end road that goes all the way down to the bus station in Matara. Fun beach break to play around on and there is a variety of rentals to choose from. This gorgeous beach reminds me of Torrey Pines in California and is another good spot to catch the sunset.

Matara

Matara is one of the biggest towns in Sri Lanka. Take caution if you are borrowing a scooter as traffic here can get hectic. Be a decent driver before going through Matara. The town itself does not have much personality but you can find just about whatever you are looking for here. This is where we bought fairy lights, went to second-hand stores, curbed a Domino’s craving, or visited the hospital. If you are looking for a quieter area go to Pohlena beach!

Stay

• The Doctor’s House – Great spot if you are a surfer. Very close to the main break and right across the road from the beach. Run by a couple of Australian guys who are fun to be around and will keep you entertained. During the high season they will have live music and markets. They have a surf shop as well and one of their friends shapes boards here called Nachos. Their main accommodation is two dorm rooms that have awesome outdoor showers. If you do plan on surfing its best to bring your own board as there are not any rental places around.

Eat 

• The Doctor’s House – Their food is very good and I recommend their Cape Town wood fired pizza, nachos, any baked goods, smoothies, and coffee. They have happy hour some days from 5-7 and make great cocktails. Try the espresso martini or the mango daiquiri. They are very proud to serve the coldest beers on the south coast.

Do

• The Doctor’s House Live Music/Markets – Check their Instagram to see what is on for the week. These events happen mainly during the high season.

• Surf Main Point – Down the street to the right from Doctor’s House. There is a right and left that can be pretty shallow at times. There is a reef ledge you have to walk out on before starting to paddle and a small area between two houses when there is a break-this is where most people paddle in if you are surfing the right. If the waves are big this spot is only for the advanced.

• Shop at a second-hand store – There is two main stores located in downtown Matara. They are called Dew Creations and have clothes sorted by clothing style on tables. You will pay 200-400rs on average per item. You can find some great flannels, vintage high-waisted shorts, or great party shirts here.
• Catch a gorgeous sunset right out in front of Doctor’s!

Mirissa

Mirissa is one of the most touristy towns in Sri Lanka. This is where you go if you want a little less culture, some crazy nightlife, higher prices, or actually some of the best food (shout out to Shady Lane). Around May 2018 the government bulldozed around 18 beach-front businesses due to lack of building or alcohol permits. These were the main bars or restaurants. I know some have started rebuilding but Mirissa is not the same. Kali and I would come here mainly to eat at Shady Lane or to get some sun on the beach.

Eat 

• Our World – Great local spot for the cheapest coconuts in town and a great place to pick up some local fruit.
• Wood Space – Known for their delish smoothie bowls!

• Aloha – Again check out their smoothie bowls – this one below is a peanut butter bowl.

• Shady Lane – Such GOOD food! The owners are awesome and they are THE best place to go in Sri Lanka for avo on toast and a smoothie bowl. You can build your avo on toast and add mushrooms, spinach, eggs, and more! Also try their smoothie, iced coffee, or French toast.

Do

• Surf the Point – On the right hand side of the beach is a nice right hand surf break. There is reef so be careful when exiting and entering and if it’s low tide.
• Walk along the beach and explore the streets.

• Explore the Peninsula of Palms

• Badora Spa – Great spa to go to that has individual huts in a garden. Reasonable prices.

• Secret Beach – Such a beautiful place. You can get to this spot from the road by tuk tuk but most will not take you all the way down to the beach as the road is pretty rough. If you are feeling adventurous take the path to the left back-up and over the hill where you will have to hop over a gate to get out. You will leave near a home-stay called The Palace. The local boys at the beach may show you where the path begins. Watch out for wild peacocks!

Weligama

The main surf town on the south coast. Lots of options for hostels, restaurants, and local spots for food. Spend your evenings at Hangtime, meals at Aloha, and days surfing by the Island.

Stay

• Hangtime Hostel – has a rooftop open-air restaurant, a shop, yoga, tours, ac dorm options, and is the popular hangout for travelers. Right across the road from the beach break in Weligama. During the high season there will be loads of places open for surfboard rentals.

• Beatroot Hostel – 1500 rs for an ac dorm and breakfast. Right across the road from the island surf spot. They offer yoga and have a café. Awesome owners.
• Villa Naomi – A beautiful spot right on the beach. They have 4 rooms and plan to add-on more and a pool. They also have an outdoor restaurant and bar open to the public. Kali and I worked here for a few months and hosted movie nights in the garden. Follow their Instagram as they may start them up again during the high season.

• Ceylon Sliders – Beautiful private rooms overlooking the island – starting around $50US. Offer sunrise yoga on their roof, an awesome restaurant/café, and a high quality surf shop.

• We Escape – a “Poshtel” with a pool, ac rooms, restaurant, and bar.

Eat

• Aloha – Everything is made to perfection with reasonable prices. Try their avocado on toast, quiche, waffles, cheesecake, lime and pineapple juice, fruit salad, banana bread…it’s all delicious. Open air restaurant on the second floor with a skate ramp on the first.

• Soul Café – try their soursop smoothie, sundae, or avo/eggs on toast. They also have a small but great selection of bikinis.

• Hangtime – try their smoothies, brownies, pizza, and if you are lucky you will be around for a sushi night.

• Ceylon Sliders – You MUST try their corn fritters! Awesome smoothies.

• Marriot – best breakfast buffet from 6:30 am-10:30 am. $14 USD with a selection of Indian, Sri Lankan, and Western foods. Waffles, omelets, egg hoppers, fruit, bagels, danishes, salads, ice cream, and cereal.
• Rotti shop to the left of Hangtime – good egg rottis and fresh juice. Try a passionfruit juice with a scoop of ice cream.
• Villa Naomi – A great spot for drinks at sunset. Open air bar with view of beach and surf spots. Fresh seafood, great chicken burgers, fruit salad, banana fritters, and fried rice.

• Breakpoint – good wood-fired pizza, hummus, and falafels.

• Nomads – try their jackfruit tacos, Kickstarter smoothie: espresso, peanut butter, and cacao, pancakes, and avo on toast.

• Grab some Kottu at one of the many local spots downtown.
• Try some fresh mango from a stand on the street.

Do

• Surf at the beach break in front of Hangtime during the on season (November-April) and at the Island the rest of the year. Also get over to Fisherman’s Reef for a surf. About a 10/15 min paddle out through the reef but a nice right-handed wave for long boarders when the waves are smaller and when it gets bigger the short boards get to enjoy one of the nicest waves on the island. Make sure you have a surfing buddy because if anything does happen you have a long paddle back.

• Enjoy the Beach

• Check out Coconuts surf break in between Weligama and Midigama located in the town of Gurubabila.  There is a beautiful grassy field that runs right up to the beach. The surf break is pretty reef-y but I have never really hit bottom here. You walk out onto a reef and hop off in between sets and exit to the right if you are looking at the ocean. There is a small green sign you can use as a landmark for exiting as the reef breaks up here. Cows and dogs roam around and local kids play cricket or volleyball as the sun sets. Explore the beach to the left which curls around to Cape Weligama. Some nice small beaches to relax on.

• Go to Tikki Bar for a night out for lunch and enjoy the beautiful view over Fisherman’s Reef. If you are interested in a surf camp check out Elsewhere which is nearby and owned by the same guys.
• Go to W – 15 for free cocktails for ladies every Saturday night 5-7.

 

Midigama

Midigama is a quiet surfer’s town right on the main road. There are a few good options for food and many good surf spots. It can get hectic just with all the buses flying by. This is a good base on the south coast if you have come for the waves. Be aware in the off-season there are no waves to surf and you will have to go to Weligama.

Stay

• Surfing Wombats – A great hostel that has just added canvas tents for glamping. Large hostel beds, a couple private rooms, and one with AC!

Eat

• Surf View – Try their tacos and brownies!
• Sun & Soul – Great spot to go for an afternoon snack. Good coffees and baked goods.
• Surfing Wombats – The BEST pizza made by an Italian chef!

Do

• Cheeky Monkeys – Go for a night out or for a board rental during the day.
• Go to the beach and buy some fruit after a surf. This was my favorite spot to swim-turquoise calm water that quickly gets deep. We would swim from the left by the rocks parallel to the beach. Not much coral here at all.

• Walk along the train tracks

Ahangama

This town is still very local and not much tourism has effected the actual town. There are some hotels on either end but not much for tourists in the town itself. I wouldn’t plan on spending any time in the town itself.

Do

• Visit the Herman White Tea Factory-This tea factory far surpasses all the ones in Nuwara Eliya. A 30 minute tour of the grounds and factory with a free cup of tea and piece of cake. You get to try 20+ teas after in the shop as well!

Kabalana

Kabalana is becoming more of a surfing area. There are a few new restaurants popping up and the surf breaks are getting more crowded. Go here for a surf or meal but not a place to base yourself unless you are at a surf camp.

Stay

• Lapoint – If you want an all-inclusive surf and yoga experience this is the one for you! Always awesome staff local and foreign with activities every day. You can go to a rainforest, play volleyball, go to one of the local surf coach’s place for tea, do a beach clean up, and get involved in the community.

Do

• Mojos – Go here for an afternoon snack after a surf or for a night out.
• Get something tailor-made at the best tailor in Sri Lanka: Maji! (She is on the right with her parents and husband)

Wijaya

Very small town mainly known for its beaches and wood-fired pizza. Short stop here.

Eat

• Wijaya Pizza – Delicious wood-fired pizza right on the beach! Try their brownie!

Do

• Frog Rock – Located just down the beach from the pizza place. This beach is also populated with turtles as well.

• Sri Yoga Shala – The best place to go for yoga on the south coast. Back off the main road is a beautiful yoga shala, infinity pool, and now a café! You will also receive a cup of cinnamon tea after your practice is over.

• Dog Care Clinic – They have a quote outside the clinic that says: “The greatness of a nation and its moral progress can be judged by the way its animals are treated” – Mahatma Gandhi. A great place with tours through out the day. The owner funds 80% of the project. Her mission is to bring down the population by spaying an neutering street dogs and houses many dogs that are recovering from surgery or disease.

Unawatuna

Another touristy town similar to Mirissa. One main narrow road that leads to the beach. Lots of home-stays and restaurants. I go for the food and head out.

Eat 

• Kat’s Coffee – Great selection of coffee including cold brew. Also have daily homemade desserts!
• Bedspace – One of my favorite paces to go-very good pita bread, drinks, and dessert.

• Skinny Tom’s – Healthy deli with super-food salads, fresh cinnamon rolls and desserts, sandwiches, and refreshing drinks. Located at the very end of the beach road.

• French Cafe – Best croissants & strawberry and lemon tarts.

Do

• Ring Store – There is a ring store past the French Bakery on the left hand side after a blue gate. The name is Lucky Gems or something similar and the man there is very helpful and sells silver rings with waves or other small details for around 600rs. You can get a custom ring made for 1000rs.
• Sanctuary Spa – Massage with a coconut after. I usually went for a deep tissue. Reasonable prices!
• The Secret Garden – Great place for yoga in a small dome in the garden.
• Go to the beach!

Galle

Galle is one of the larger towns in Sri Lanka. The Fort is where the tourists flock and prices are a lot higher. If you go into town on a scooter be sure you have some skills as anything is fair game. Go to some of the local markets away from the main road, check out the cricket stadium, and have a good meal.

Stay

• Kew Villas – This business is owned by my previous employer I nannied for. Beautiful 5-Star villas right on the beach. Each has its own pool and personal chef.

Eat

• Isle of Gelato – Artisianal gelato in an AC shop with seating upstairs and on the balcony.

• Illy Gelato – One of the original gelato shops in Galle. Great variety of flavors. They used to have a good deal where you could get 4 small scoops for 500rs. Try the mint and toasted coconut.

• Poonies Kitchen- Healthy cafe inside Mimi Mango. Try the corn fritters!

• Old Railroad Café – Local cafe with a view of the train station. Downstairs a number of tailors work on clothes for the owner’s upscale clothing line.

• The Shack – This is my favorite place to go after a surf. You can sit under the roof on a little patio and look out at the surf. Great coffee and you have to try their mango passionfruit crumble.

Do

• Walk around the fort

• Shop at Salt (Peddlers St.) & Soul Riders (Connected to The Shack)

• Surf Dewata – Rent boards at Bobbie’s – located to the right of Sahana.

• Shop the local markets

• Walk from the Beach at Unawatuna to Jungle Beach, visit the Japanese Peace Padoga, and walk to Dewata surf beach.

Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa is a little surf town that’s touristy but there’s not much there I do other than surf and eat at Salty Swamis.

Eat

• Salty Swamis – The south coast location with same owners as Hideaway in ABay. Open from September. Located right on the beach.

Do

• Surf – One of my favorite places to short board. Steeper waves easy to get on with a short board and not as much competition as further south.
• Buy local fruits

• Rent boards at Mountain Surf – I ended up trading my board from Australia here-great guys who work here. Ask for Jimmy!
• Visit a turtle hatchery – These hatcheries are scattered all over the south coast and can be deemed controversial. The majority keep the hatchlings around longer than they should for the tourist attraction. They do rescue and treat turtles who are injured, blind, or sick. I paid a small amount to release some baby turtles at dusk. The location I went to was in Bentota.

Colombo

Colombo is where you go if you need a break from the culture of the South Coast. Very Western and you can find anything you need. Lots of shopping, food, yoga, and massages.

Stay

• Drift hostel – Kali and I stayed here for a few days. Tip: check the vacancy online and if there is a large number of rooms available try to make a reservation off the street. You will receive a free breakfast. We had juice, toast, an omlette, and fruit. Nice air-conditioned rooms and bathrooms.

Eat

• Café Kumbuk – healthy fresh food. Try their eggs benny, vegan pancakes, and kickstarter.

• Black Cat Cafe – Try their Nutella pancakes and coffee! They have a small library you can use and read a book while you eat!

Do

• Shop at Odel – This is the mini mall of Colombo. Stores like Mango, a foreign health food and chocolate shop, a gelato store outside, and a variety of other shops and food spots.
• Massage at Thesare Talking Hands – HIGHLY recommend. You will be taken to a massage table and have two people come speak to you. One will be blind and the other will give you a quick check up to see where they need to focus on. Once the information has been relayed the blind massuse will take over. This is more of a treatment than a massage-no oils but very relaxing and beneficial. I love that the owners have given the opportunity to the blind for employment and are helping their future. You will also see a stand for their business at the Good Market on Saturdays.

• Good Market – A great place to go on a Saturday to try healthy fresh food, get a massage, or pick up some local crafts. Located near the cricket stadium.
• Horse cart rides in the park

• Take the Colombo to Ella Train – Pick up some bananas around the corner from the train station – Kaitlin and I may have went on a market day as there were hundreds of bananas!

Negombo

I only venture to Negombo when leaving or arriving to Sri Lanka. There is one main tourist strip down town and nothing much to do other than shop and eat. Visit the beach if you have time.

Stay

• Hangover Hostel – This is where I always stay if I am going to or from the airport. Just five minutes away and far enough off the main road that it is quiet. The rooms are in storage containers with air conditioning. They have a sweet pet dog and may have a local dinner you can pay for. Otherwise Dominos is a phone call away.

Eat 

• T-Lounge – Great range of teas, sandwiches, and desserts.

Do

• Visit the beach
• Walk around the tourist strip
• Try your luck and enjoy the pool at Jetwing Hotel-not open to outside guests. We came off the beach, dropped our bags, and hopped in. If anyone asks say you are staying at the Jet Wing Beach location just up the street.

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya is the coldest place I went to in Sri Lanka. Tourists mainly go here to visit a tea plantation. You will need a jacket so bring layers.

Stay

• Sherwood Cottage – This is a cute A-Frame cottage Kait and I stayed at. Around 2pm we arrived in Nanu Oya station which is the nearest station to Nuwara Eliya. We caught a tuk tuk to our accommodation for 800 LKR. Nuwara Eliya is also known as Little England because of the European style of houses and the cooler temperatures. After our tuk tuk climbed up a couple hills we checked into our little cottage. The location was perfect-on the hillside overlooking the town with a path out front to town that took about 10 minutes to get down. We also requested a local dinner. The manager there has two Dalmations that we met as well. Very friendly people!

Eat

• Adma Argo Strawberry Shop – There is a small strawberry shop out by the lake that sells strawberries and makes strawberry pancakes and shakes that are pretty good! We went here for breakfast after hiking up Single Tree.

Do

• Tea Plantation – Kait and I decided to head to the Bluefield Tea Plantation. The road to the tea plantation is mainly just switchbacks the whole way so Kait and I just slid from one side of the tuk tuk to the other for the whole drive. Along the road locals sold fresh veggies, fruits, and flowers. We arrived at the tea plantation and did a quick tour of the grounds before enjoying a complimentary cup of Ceylon tea. I bought a piece of chocolate cake as well.

• Ramboda Waterfalls – After visiting the tea plantation, you can stop by the Ramboda waterfalls.  The waterfall is only 5 minutes down the road and right on the side of the road. You have to pay 50LKR to enter but out driver managed to get us in for free. We walked up the stairs and enjoyed the view. There were a few other travelers who went for a swim but the majority of the people were locals having their evening bath. We walked up to one more view-point before heading back down and to our cottage. The tuk tuk ride round trip was 2500LKR.

• Hike Single Tree – It was a 45 minute walk to the base of the hill from our cottage and a 30 minute walk up. We walked on the road up and it was a good climb but not too strenuous. The views were awesome and we saw maybe 5 locals on the way up and no tourists. We made it down in 20 minutes.

• Racetrack – There is a small racetrack in town where some jockeys were exercising their horses.
• Visit the lake – a small lake with a playground and a few boats.
• Downtown – Take a walk around and check out the old style version of Cargills – a common grocery store.

Ella

If you like to hike this is where you should go. Start early as it can get hot during the middle of the day. A really nice mountain town with a good tourist crowd. Not much for night life but many good restaurants.

Stay

• Sen Rose – a guesthouse at the top of the hill and down the train tracks owned by a couple and their daughter. THE nicest people! Beautiful view and very good local food.

Eat

• Rainbow Café – A very good café on the way to Little Adam’s Peak. We had a vegetable soup and a mango smoothie.

• Ella 360 – A good western restaurant where we enjoyed pizza and spaghetti. There was live reggae music that night too!

Do

• Hike Little Adams Peak – You can walk right from town and will see a sign that will direct you to the peak. The first 2/3rds of the way is very easy and then the stairs start. After they end you climb a bit more and then descend one of the peaks to get to the final peak. You will definitely benefit from having both hands empty and tennis shoes. The view was incredible and we arrived right at golden hour.

• Nine Arch Bridge – This is located further down the road from Little Adam’s Peak. You can walk along the tracks, through the tunnel, and up a little pathway to get a great view when the train comes through. There is a little juice hut here and the locals are very friendly. They will let you know when the next train is coming through and also own a friendly dog named Sinka.

Overall this is one of the most diverse, backpacker friendly, beautiful, and enjoyable places I have been. Sri Lanka is actually Lonely Planet’s number one spot to go in 2019 and for many good reasons! I highly recommend visiting and staying a while-you will not regret it! Safe travels!