Sri Lanka - A Journey That Stole My Heart!

The moment we landed in Colombo, the adventure truly began. We made our way to The Wallawwa Hotel — our first stop, and what an incredible introduction it was! This lovingly restored 18th-century colonial manor, nestled amid lush tropical gardens, exudes a serene elegance that immediately puts you at ease. Just 20 minutes from Colombo Airport, it’s the ideal spot to relax and recharge before setting off to explore. We savored delicious homegrown dishes, sampled the hotel’s complimentary afternoon tea, and enjoyed the evening social hour where beers and G&Ts were on the house. Surrounded by tranquil gardens and warm hospitality, we couldn’t help but soak in that wonderful feeling of “Yes, I’m finally here!”

Our first full day took us north to Dambulla Cave Temple, Sri Lanka’s largest and best-preserved cave temple. Perched 160 metres above the countryside (and about 200 steps up — with a few cheeky monkeys for company 😂), it was worth every step. Inside, we were surrounded by over 150 Buddha statues and ceilings painted with centuries-old, vibrant artwork. The sense of history and serenity in those caves was just incredible.

Afterwards, we visited The Water Gardens, a stunning 5-star resort surrounded by winding waterways and lush greenery. Think luxury villas with private plunge pools, secret gardens, and even a resident crocodile (luckily at a safe distance!) — pure paradise. From there, we stopped off at Athreya Ayurvedic Spa, where we experienced our experienced our first Ayurveda massage — an utterly blissful way to end a day of exploring and restore our tired legs!
Our hotel for the next two nights was Amaya Lake, a tranquil resort nestled beside Kandalama Lake, offering serene natural beauty and a blend of cultural charm with modern comfort.

The next day took us to Polonnaruwa, the ancient capital city that feels like walking through the pages of a history book. We wandered among crumbling palaces, towering temples, and incredible stone Buddhas carved straight into granite. It was like stepping into another world — calm, spiritual, and full of stories from centuries past.

But the real pinch-me moment came later, on safari in Minneriya National Park. As we bumped along in our jeep, a mummy elephant appeared with her baby trotting beside her. Watching them so close, in the wild, was one of the most magical moments I’ve ever experienced. Nature has this way of reminding you how small and special our place in the world really is.

That night at Amari Lake, surrounded by still waters and gentle evening sounds, I felt such peace. Sri Lanka wasn’t just beautiful — it was grounding.

The next morning began with a 5am start to capture the sunrise atop Sigiriya Rock. It was time to face the day’s big challenge — climbing Sigiriya Rock, also known as “Lion Rock.” For someone with a fear of heights, this was no small feat! 1,200 steps later (and a few very wobbly knees along the way 😅), I reached the top — and wow, what a view. Rolling green jungle stretched endlessly, dotted with ancient gardens below.

Sigiriya is truly fascinating: it’s home to stunning frescoes that date back to the 5th century, and the lion’s paws carved into the rock’s entrance make it feel like something from a legend. Standing up there, wind in my hair and heart racing, I felt so proud. Travel isn’t just about seeing new places — it’s about discovering what you’re capable of. If I can do it, fear and all, so can you!

After breakfast back at Amaya Lake, we continued our journey to Kandy, where we stopped for a gorgeous lunch at The King’s Pavilion — a serene boutique hotel nestled amid lush hills with panoramic views of Kandy’s misty landscape. Afterward, we embarked on a city tour of Kandy, taking in its charm and spiritual energy.

Following a quick check-in and freshen-up at Mahaweli Reach Hotel, we headed out to catch the evening Puja (service) at the Temple of the Tooth Relic — one of Sri Lanka’s most sacred Buddhist sites, said to house a relic of the Buddha’s tooth and revered by pilgrims from around the world. The ceremony was a moving experience filled with rhythmic drums, fragrant incense, and flickering candlelight. Then it was back for dinner and a much-needed sleep after that 5am start!

From Kandy, we journeyed into the misty hills toward Ella — and this part of the trip completely stole my heart. We visited the Rothschild Tea Plantation, learning about the art of tea cultivation (and of course enjoying a tasting session with freshly baked cake — heaven!).

What fascinated me most was discovering that many of the tea pickers are women — their skill and precision are what keep the plantations running smoothly day after day. They’re chosen for this delicate work because their hands are gentler, perfect for plucking the tender tea leaves without damaging them. Watching them move through the emerald fields with baskets slung over their backs was both humbling and inspiring. Who knew that behind every perfect cup of tea lies such incredible craftsmanship (and woman power!)?

Then came one of the highlights of the whole adventure — the train ride from Nanu Oya to Ella. Rolling tea fields, waterfalls tumbling through the hills, colourful villages… every turn looked like a postcard come to life. It was one of those moments you just sit back, breathe it in, and think, “I’ll never forget this.”

On arrival at Ella station, we were transported up a narrow, winding lane by tuk tuk to our hotel for the night — what a way to arrive! The Pinnacle Ella is 14 bedroom boutique hotel perched high with the most fabulous jaw-dropping mountain views. Dinner was a five-course delight, and the views from the infinity pool overlooking the valleys felt like something out of a dream, so calm and peaceful.

Our adventure from Ella to Yala was nothing short of amazing! First stop — the iconic Nine Arches Bridge viewpoint, where the lush green hills and that famous railway bridge made for the perfect photo moment. Then on to the Ravana Waterfall, tumbling beautifully through the rocks — a quick stop, but so worth it!
We then continued south to the incredible Uga Chena Huts, and wow… just wow! The luxury cabins here are out of this world — tucked into the wilderness, blending seamlessly with nature yet offering every modern comfort imaginable.
After a delicious lunch surrounded by nature, we set off on an unforgettable safari in Yala National Park. We spotted elephants, monkeys, mongoose, buffalo, crocodiles, jackals, and graceful spotted deer — every turn was a new surprise. Sadly, no leopards this time… so I guess I’ll just have to come back!
Back at the lodge, we enjoyed sundowner cocktails as the sky turned golden, followed by the most magical bonfire dinner on the beach under the stars.

Today we decided to catch the sunrise over ocean — absolutely worth it! Watching the first light break over the horizon was pure magic!

On leaving Yala, we made our way to Galle, with a few incredible stops en route. First up, Mirissa Beach — golden sand, turquoise waves, and a celebratory slice of birthday cake for our lovely Di! Then on to Cape Weligama, a stunning cliff-top coastal resort where we enjoyed a delicious lunch with ocean views that took my breath away. Cape Weligama is a luxury Relais & Chateaux resort situated on a 12 acre estate, with 39 rooms and a fabulous Michelin key restaurant. This resort really does blend Sri Lankan architecture with luxurious contemporary comforts
Late afternoon we arrived in Galle, and even when the weather turned a bit moody, the magic of Galle still shone through.
Our final stay, Fort Bazaar Hotel in Galle, was the perfect blend of colonial charm and modern elegance. The Fort Bazaar is a chic boutique hotel right in the heart of Gale. It offer 18 beautifully appointed rooms set around a tranquil central courtyard. We sampled dinner at the Church Street Social restaurant and it sure was delicious! The menu is a blend of Sri Lankan and Southeast Asian cuisine.

In morning we set off on a fabulous walking tour exploring the best of Galle’s highlights — from the historic Fort and the famous Galle Cricket Stadium to the charming local shops and markets filled with colour and character.
After heading back to the hotel to freshen up, it was time to make our way to the airport – but not before a delicious lunch stop enroute (because no trip is complete without one last taste of Sri Lanka!).
At the airport, we were very lucky to experience the Silk Route VIP check-in service – what a treat! We breezed through security and check-in with ease – absolutely worth it for a stress-free farewell. As we boarded our flight, I felt such gratitude.

Sri Lanka truly has it all — ancient wonders, vibrant culture, incredible wildlife, beautiful beaches, and the kindest people. It’s a country that welcomes you with open arms and sends you home with a full heart.

If you’ve ever dreamed of visiting somewhere that blends adventure, culture, wildlife, and pure relaxation — Sri Lanka is waiting for you. Whether you want to follow in my footsteps or craft your own tailor-made adventure, I’d love to help you experience the magic for yourself.