Beautiful Sri Lanka

Our first day in Sri Lanka was all about easing into the adventure. We took a quick stroll around Colombo, getting a feel for the city’s vibrant energy before unwinding back at our hotel.

And what a spot to relax! With a magnificent overlooking view of Colombo’s skyline, we kicked back with some drinks in hand, soaking in the breathtaking scenery. The beds were soft and unbelievably comfy, making it the perfect retreat after a day of travel. And to top it off, the canapés were absolutely delicious—a small but delightful treat to end the night.

A laid-back yet perfect start to our Sri Lankan journey!

Our exploration of Colombo took us to some of its most fascinating landmarks, starting with the stunning Red Mosque—a striking piece of architecture that stands out with its intricate red-and-white patterns. We also visited another temple in the city center, soaking in the rich cultural and spiritual heritage of Sri Lanka.

With our driver crafting the perfect itinerary, we wrapped up the day at the Colombo Lotus Tower, home to a breathtaking revolving restaurant that offers panoramic views of the entire city. Watching Colombo’s skyline transform as the restaurant slowly turned was an experience in itself! The food was fantastic, and the staff’s warm hospitality made the evening even better.

For those eager to dive into authentic Sri Lankan flavors, the menu had plenty to offer, from fragrant curries to local delicacies. And for those who prefer to stick to familiar tastes, they also served Western cuisine—a great balance for every kind of traveler.

Dining above the city, with the lights shimmering below, was the perfect way to end a day of adventure in Colombo!

When in Sri Lanka, experiencing its world-famous tea culture is a must! And what better way to do that than by visiting a tea plantation? We took part in a package tour where we got to pick fresh tea leaves ourselves and explore the factory where the magic happens. The guides walked us through the intricate tea-making process, from leaf to cup. And the best part? At the end of the tour, we were treated to a fresh, aromatic cup of tea straight from the very plantation we had just explored—pure, rich, and absolutely delicious. Of course, we couldn’t leave without grabbing some premium teas to bring home as gifts for our friends (and a few for ourselves!).

Another highlight of our trip was visiting the iconic 9 Arch Bridge—a stunning architectural marvel built entirely with rocks, cement, and bricks, yet still standing strong and in use today. It’s a dream spot for photography lovers, with its breathtaking colonial-era design set against lush green landscapes. And yes, it’s totally Instagram-worthy!

The journey to the viewpoint wasn’t exactly easy—we had to tackle a steep climb, but the effort was well worth it. While waiting for the train to pass over the bridge (a sight straight out of a postcard!), we cooled off at one of the small hillside cafés, sipping on refreshing juices, chilled beers, and other cool drinks. There’s nothing like enjoying a cold drink with a front-row seat to one of Sri Lanka’s most scenic railway views!

One of the most thrilling activities this island has to offer is a safari adventure! With its many national parks, we decided to explore Yala National Park, a place known for its incredible wildlife. To enter, you must have an official guide, and trust me, they make all the difference—they’re experts at spotting the wild animals hiding in plain sight.

We were hoping to catch a glimpse of a leopard, but luck wasn’t on our side this time. Still, the experience was far from disappointing! We saw herds of elephants, some moving gracefully in large groups while others wandered in pairs. The park was alive with all kinds of animals and vibrant bird species, making every moment feel like a scene from a nature documentary.

The safari kicked off at 5 AM, and by the time we wrapped up at 11 AM, we had mixed feelings—excitement from the wildlife encounters but also moments where the long drives in search of animals felt like a waiting game. But that’s the beauty of a real safari—it’s unpredictable, raw, and completely unscripted.

As if that wasn’t adventurous enough, we stayed in a treehouse surrounded by nature, where monkeys quite literally became our noisy neighbors! They’d leap across the roof and swing from the branches, adding to the wild charm of the place. The treehouse was well-protected with nets to keep them from sneaking in and snatching our stuff (a real possibility if you forget to zip up!). Falling asleep to the sounds of the jungle and waking up in the heart of nature was an experience unlike any other—pure, untamed, and unforgettable.

We carefully planned our route around Sri Lanka to make sure we experienced as much as possible. One of the highlights? The Sigiriya Lion Rock, a UNESCO World Heritage Site built in the 5th century AD by King Kashyapa.

Knowing how quickly it fills up, we made the smart decision to wake up early and start our climb at 6 AM. The journey up took about 45 minutes, with a few short breaks along the way—especially since we had a child with us. The long, winding staircase was definitely a challenge, but the stunning views made every step worth it. Along the way, monkeys casually lounged on the rocks, making the experience even more surreal.

Reaching the top, we were completely in awe. The ancient fortress ruins were magnificent, and it was almost unbelievable to think that people once lived here. We spent about an hour exploring, soaking in the breathtaking panoramic views, before deciding to head back down as the sun grew hotter.

On our way out, we stumbled upon local vendors selling souvenirs, so we picked up a few keepsakes. We also learned that the monkeys in the area could be fed, which added an unexpected fun twist to the visit. But here’s a little lesson we learned—when it comes to souvenir shopping, patience pays off! As we reached the exit, we found even more stores with cheaper prices. A small but funny reminder not to get too excited too soon!

All in all, Sigiriya was a once-in-a-lifetime experience—challenging, breathtaking, and truly unforgettable.

Our second-to-last stop was the charming town of Galle, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. Steeped in history and beauty, this small coastal town is a fascinating blend of old-world charm and colonial heritage. The preserved architecture of its houses, with clear influences from its colonial past, made every street feel like a step back in time.

Despite its rich history, Galle isn’t huge, making it perfect for a leisurely day of exploring on foot. One of the highlights was strolling along the coastline, taking in the breathtaking views of the iconic Galle Lighthouse—a postcard-perfect scene! But with the sun blazing down, we quickly realized that a cold drink or an ice cream was a must. Luckily, the town is full of hidden little cafés and street vendors selling refreshing treats to beat the heat.

Galle is also a great place for shopping, with boutique hotels, stylish hostels, and unique local stores tucked into its charming streets. One of our best finds? The Ceylon Spa brand—we couldn’t resist grabbing a bunch of their skincare products to bring home.

As much as we loved wandering through Galle’s quaint and picturesque streets, we weren’t quite prepared for the heat! Lesson learned—next time, we’ll pack hats, sunscreen, and extra water!

What better way to wrap up our Sri Lankan adventure than with an ice-cold beer, mouthwatering food, and a breathtaking view of the Indian Ocean? 🌊✨

We spent our final moments in Bentota, a coastal paradise known for its pristine beaches and, when the wind is just right, a surfer’s dream. The golden sands, the rhythmic sound of the waves, and the laid-back vibe made it the perfect last stop before heading back home.

The place we stayed at couldn’t have been more ideal—peaceful, scenic, and right by the beach, offering one last taste of Sri Lanka’s tropical charm. With the sun setting over the ocean and the salty breeze in the air, it was the perfect farewell to an unforgettable journey.