An Insider’s Guide To Sri Lanka
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THE AREAS TO VISIT
Galle
We love heading south to the coast of Galle. It’s a timeless blend of colonial history and coastal charm, completely untouched by time. It has charming cobblestone streets, Dutch-inspired architecture, vibrant culture and the most beautiful ocean views.
Ahangama
Ahangama is a true gem, again on the south coast of the island. It’s known for its beautiful surf beaches like Kabalana, which is home to golden sands and palm-lined shores. Ahangama has a super laidback vibe and excellent waves for surfing. It’s perfect if you’re after a relaxed, tropical getaway.
Nuwara Eliya
If you head inland, you’ll find Nuwara Eliya in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. This is the perfect escape in the heart of the island’s tea country. It’s known as ‘Little England’ because of its colonial history. The area is surrounded by rolling hills, numerous tea plantations and cascading waterfalls. Perfect for a culture fix.
Trincomalee
Trincomalee is a coastal city where you’ll find beautiful beaches like Nilaveli and Uppuveli. It has vibrant coral reefs for snorkelling, waters as clear as the Maldives and lots of historic sites, including the Koneswaram Temple. Expect a laidback vibe and friendly locals. It really is an unforgettable place.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is Sri Lanka’s iconic rock fortress, thought to have been built in the 5th century. If you climb to the top of the rock, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking views and glimpses of ancient frescoes. The landscaped water gardens at its base display the ingenious engineering. Sigiriya is a must-visit for culture enthusiasts and adventurers alike – it’s simply awe-inspiring.
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WHERE TO STAY
Teardrop Nine Skies, Ella
This charming tea bungalow hotel has stunning views of Ella’s scenic countryside. Guests can enjoy leisurely train rides, peaceful walks, or for thrill-seekers, an exhilarating zipline adventure through the lush tea plantations. There are just five rooms overlooking the tea plantations and hills, so guests feel like they’re totally secluded from the outside world.
Visit TEARDROP-HOTELS.COM
Resplendants Tea Hotels, Various Locations
Resplendant is a family-run business by the most respected tea brand from the island, Dilmah. Our favourite is the Ceylon Tea Trails hotel in the tea highlands. This Relais & Chateau Hotel is a collection of five restored colonial-era tea planter bungalows with mountain views. Bungalows have smart interiors, pools and personalised service.
Visit RESPLENDENTCEYLON.COM
Uga Chena Huts, Yala
If you want to experience the best of Sri Lanka's tropical beaches and exotic wildlife, this is where to go. Uga has a collection of beautifully designed private huts, all of which have the most incredible views of the surrounding wilderness and seascape. It’s a great bucket-list destination.
Visit UGAESCAPES.COM
Paradise Road Tintagel, Colombo
Tintagel is a unique hotel in Sri Lanka’s capital. It’s a heritage building that has been beautifully restored and is now one of the smartest hotels in the city. The Fernando family behind it are at the forefront of design in Colombo and their contribution to the hospitality and culture scene of the city is unparalleled.
Visit PARADISEROADHOTELS.COM
WHERE TO EAT & DRINK
Palmyrah, Colombo
Palmyrah is the place for authentic Jaffna (vegetarian) cooking in Colombo. The standout dishes are the mutton paal poriyal and the Jaffna whole crab curry, which is incredibly indulgent. If you want some of the finest Sri Lankan regional cuisine, Palmyrah is one of the best restaurants.
Visit RENUKACITYHOTEL.COM
Gini, Colombo
This restaurant blends traditional live-fire cooking with modern techniques. They use locally sourced ingredients and bold Sri Lankan spices that bring each dish to life. The flavours are intense, with every bite offering a delicious, spicy kick. It’s the perfect spot for a vibrant and unique dining experience.
Follow @GINI_OUTDOOR_KITCHEN
Ministry of Crab, Colombo
Crab is synonymous with Sri Lanka – some of the best crab in the world comes from our waters. This restaurant has taken the art of cooking crab to another level – every dish is a fiery explosion using some of the best seafood in the region.
Visit MINISTRYOFCRAB.COM
@Gini_Outdoor_Kitchen
@Gini_Outdoor_Kitchen
Smoke & Bitters, Matara
Smoke & Bitters is a bar on the southern coast in Matara. Its tiki-inspired cocktail menu includes drinks made with local spirits and house-made syrups. It's been voted one of Asia's top bars which is huge – the food and drinks are spot on here.
Follow @SMOKE.BITTERS
Uncles, Colombo
Housed in a beautifully restored warehouse, Uncles is Colombo's go-to for a lively night out. With its retro-chic interiors, acoustic bands and disco-themed evenings, the atmosphere is electric. The Sri Lankan-inspired cocktails (try the Amba Martini) and delicious bar bites keep us coming back time and again.
Follow @UNCLES_COLOMBO
Raa, Hiriketiya
Raa is a beautiful restaurant and bar right by the water in Hiriketiya, a small town on the south coast of Sri Lanka. The team have taken the traditional toddy shop and arrack culture and given it a fresh, elegant twist. The dishes and cocktails are a beautiful celebration of Sri Lanka’s heritage – it’s a truly special experience.
Follow @RAA.HIRIKETIYA
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WHERE TO SHOP
Paradise Road, Colombo
Paradise Road is a must-visit décor destination in Sri Lanka, offering a stunning blend of Sri Lankan and Scandi-inspired homewares. Many of the items are designed by Shanth Fernando, with a strong focus on locally crafted products. It’s the perfect place to find unique pieces and take home some beautiful, artisanal treasures.
Visit PARADISEROAD.LK
Barefoot, Colombo & Galle
These stores offer a fantastic variety of handicrafts and books, with a great selection of works by local authors. You’ll also find beautiful, affordable furnishings. The displays are full of colourful tropical prints, weaves, sarongs and unique lifestyle pieces. It’s the perfect spot to pick up something special and soak in Sri Lankan culture.
Follow @BAREFOOTCEYLON
PR Concept Store, Colombo
PR, from the Paradise Road family, is a chic concept store that’s all about stylish jewellery and artisanal fashion. The contemporary designs still nod to tradition and the shop has a selection of beautifully handcrafted pieces. Whether you're looking for bold statement jewellery or elegant clothing, everything here reflects high-quality craftsmanship.
Visit SHOPPR.LK
Sonali Dharmawadene
Fashion designer Sonali has brought batik design into the 21st century. Her collections are modern, simple and chic, and the way she’s able to apply batik to a variety of products (be it a sari or a bag) is beautiful. The wall hangings at our Kolamba sites were crafted bespoke by Sonali using the brand’s signature colours.
Visit SONALIDHARMAWARDENA.COM
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WHAT TO DO
Frescos in Sigiriya
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya Rock is an absolute must when visiting Sri Lanka. As you make your way up, you’ll pass by stunning ancient frescoes painted on the rock’s surface. At the top, you’ll explore the impressive ruins of an old fortress, while taking in breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
Adam’s Peak
For another hike, Adams Peak is a beacon of spiritual significance. Once you reach the top, enjoy the views of the Sri Lankan countryside. It’s a great sunrise or sunset walk.
Yala or Wilpattu National Park
You can see wild elephants year-round at these national parks. A Sri Lankan safari is a totally unique experience and during a game drive you might also pass buffalo, leopards, crocodiles and numerous bird species.
Surfing in Ahagama
Ahangama has some of the most well-known surf spots in Sri Lanka, great for beginners and experts. If you’re new to surfing, Kabalana Beach is a great place to learn.
Ride the train to Ella and cross the Nine Skies Bridge
This stretch of railway is spectacular. It has the most stunning views across the rolling hills and it’s one of the most famous postcard spots in the country. The train itself is slow (the tracks are old but fully functional) so you can enjoy the scenery.
Kolamba Soho, 21 Kingly St, Carnaby, W1B 5QA
Kolamba East, 12 Blossom Street, Spitalfields, E1 6PL
Visit KOLAMBA.CO.UK
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