Sri Lanka completely surprised me. For such a small island, it somehow manages to squeeze in misty tea country, sacred temples, wildlife, colonial cities, surf towns, golden beaches and some of the most beautiful train journeys in the world.
I travelled through Sri Lanka from the busy streets of Colombo to temple-filled Kandy, along the famous railway route to Ella, through Udawalawe National Park and down to the south coast around Ahangama.
Sri Lanka is popular, but there are still plenty of quieter corners, local experiences and slightly less obvious routes if you know where to look.
Whether you’re planning a short first trip, a 2-week route or a slow journey through the hill country and down to the beach, these guides should help you build a trip that feels practical, beautiful and a little bit adventurous.
Not sure where to start?
- Start with my Colombo to Kandy guide if you’re flying into Sri Lanka and heading inland first.
- If you have a day in the capital before or after your trip, read my Colombo City Tour by Tuk Tuk review for an easy way to see the city highlights without organising every stop yourself.
- Check out my 2 days in Kandy itinerary if you want temples, viewpoints, gardens and a gentle introduction to the hill country.
- Read my Kandy to Ella train guide before booking one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic journeys.
- If you’re heading south from Ella, my Udawalawe safari transfer guide shows how to turn a long travel day into a proper wildlife adventure.
- For the coast, my things to do in Ahangama guide is a good place to start if you want surf beaches, cafés, day trips and a relaxed south coast base.
Below are all my Sri Lanka guides to help you plan your trip, work out your route and decide where to go.
