A Journey of Discovery: Exploring Sri Lanka

When I set out on a journey of discovery to Sri Lanka with Exsus, expectations were high, but what unfolded far surpassed anything I imagined. From the moment I left the UK, the experience felt exceptional, and the sense of anticipation grew as I headed toward this extraordinary destination.

A Luxurious Welcome

Arrival into Colombo came with a touch of VIP glamour thanks to the optional Silk Route express arrival service. With access to a private lounge, fast-track immigration, and dedicated luggage collection, the calm efficiency was well worth the upgrade, something I would recommend time and again. I was expertly looked after throughout the trip by local guide Mervin, assistant Tush, and driver Pradeep.

My first night was spent at the five-star boutique Wallawwa Hotel, just 30 minutes from the airport. A peaceful sanctuary full of character, it balances luxury with sustainability through solar energy, onsite kitchen gardens, strong recycling initiatives, and employment of local residents. The spa was a highlight, offering incredibly priced wellness treatments, including an unforgettable £32 massage. Complimentary afternoon tea, beautifully prepared meals with excellent vegetarian and gluten-free options, and warm staff made it a perfect property for families, couples and solo travellers alike.

History, Heritage & Heart

My journey north continued to the magnificent Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave monastery. After a lively 200-step climb (accompanied by playful monkeys), I reached extraordinary chambers filled with more than 150 Buddha statues and ceilings covered in intricate centuries-old murals. From the hilltop, sweeping views stretched across the countryside, including a distant silhouette of Sigiriya Rock.

Lunch took place at the elegant Water Gardens, a serene property of 30 villas framed by waterways and tropical gardens, where I spotted bright kingfishers and even a resident crocodile. Later I checked into Amaya Lake, a peaceful lakeside retreat that became my base for the next two nights.

Day three brought me to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and once Sri Lanka’s royal capital. Walking among palace ruins, monasteries and the remarkable rock-carved Buddha statues of Gal Vihara felt like stepping back through time. That afternoon I swapped archaeology for wilderness on an unforgettable jeep safari in Minneriya National Park, home to wild elephants, deer, birdlife, and one of the world’s largest natural elephant gatherings. Watching herds appear across golden grasslands at sunset was deeply emotional a once in a lifetime experience.

Climbing to the Sky

Day four began at 4:15am with the ascent of the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress. The climb was challenging and hot, but the panoramic views from the summit, where kings once stood, were powerful, humbling, and worth every step. Later I travelled to Kandy, exploring fragrant spice gardens, vibrant markets, and the revered Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, where the Puja ceremony offered a spiritual energy that words cannot fully capture.

Tea Trails, Train Rides & Wildlife Moments

From Kandy, I travelled into Sri Lanka’s breath taking hill country, visiting the historic Rothschild tea plantation before boarding the train to Ella—famed as one of the most scenic rail journeys in the world. Winding through emerald tea fields and misty valleys was pure magic. In Ella I stayed at Pinnacle Ella, a boutique hotel perched high above the landscape with unforgettable sunrise views.

My final adventure took me south to Yala National Park, staying at the luxurious Uga Chena Huts, private thatched villas tucked between jungle and ocean. A thrilling safari brought sightings of elephants, jackals, monkeys, and buffalo, followed by beach sundowners and sunrise footsteps in the sand, left hours earlier by wandering wild elephants.

The journey concluded in the colonial coastal city of Galle, where cobbled streets, Dutch architecture, boutique shops and ocean views created the perfect finale.

If you are thinking of exploring Sri Lanka, I would love to help you!