Explore Sri Lanka: 10 Thrilling Journey from Colombo to Coastal Paradise

Travel through to explore Sri Lanka: From Colombo to the south of the island

Sri Lanka, the paradise in the Indian Ocean, attracts with a unique mix of culture, nature and adventure. My journey began in Colombo, the lively capital, which immediately leaves a lasting impression with its variety of activities and sights.

Colombo – The start in Sri Lanka

Colombo is the perfect introduction to the island adventure. Here, modern architecture meets traditional culture. I began my day with a visit to Galle Face Green, a sprawling beach promenade where locals and tourists alike stroll and enjoy the sun. The Lotus Tower, the tallest building in Sri Lanka, is another highlight and offers a breathtaking view of the city and the sea.

You can take a detour through the shopping paradise in the modern malls such as Crescat Boulevard, Odel or Galle Face Mall. If you have an appetite, you will find a huge selection of restaurants in Colombo that offer both local Sri Lankan cuisine and international dishes. The traditional dishes such as spring hoopers, rice with various curries, rotis, sambol and dhal are particularly recommended. In the evening, numerous bars and clubs tempt you with cocktails and music – everyone will find what they are looking for here, whether for a relaxed drink or a wild party.

Kandy – The cultural capital of Sri Lanka

From Colombo we continued on to Kandy, the cultural capital. The city is known for the Sacred Tooth Temple, where the sacred tooth of Buddha is kept. There are many interesting sights in the area, such as the Gemstone Museum, the beautiful Kandy Botanical Garden and Kandy Lake, which invites you to relax. A particularly beautiful view of the city awaits me at the Kandy Viewpoint.

Adventure in the mountains

From Kandy I started a day trip to the Ambuluwawa Tower, a breathtaking viewpoint on the hills. The stairs up get narrower and narrower and you literally have to squeeze past each other when you come towards each other on the stairs. Not for the faint-hearted or those who suffer from a fear of heights.

Another highlight from Kandy is the Belwood 360 degree viewpoint, where you have the opportunity to camp in the mountains and experience nature up close. In the mountains there are also idyllic places like Memuree, where you can swim in a waterfall and visit temples. For hiking enthusiasts, Horton Plains National Park is a true paradise – a place where you can enjoy the peace of nature on a hike and even camp.

On the trail of the train ride and waterfalls

From Kandy I took the famous train from Kandy to Ella – one of the most picturesque train rides in the world. The trains in Sri Lanka are an interesting experience. I think everyone has already seen videos and pictures of this train route, which impresses with picturesque nature. The obligatory tourist photo, where you hang out of the train, is of course a must.

When I arrived in Ella, I was able to climb the impressive Little Adams Peak, which is rewarded with a great view. The Nine Arches Bridge is another landmark in Ella that youshouldn’t miss. There are also the beautiful Kuda Ravana Waterfalls in the area, where you can also often come across a few monkeys.

Sigiriya – The legendary rock

Another unforgettable highlight was the visit to Sigiriya, one of the most famous landmarks in Sri Lanka. The Lion Rock is one of Sri Lanka’s eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites and is best climbed early in the morning to see the sunrise and avoid the sun getting too strong. I recommend bringing plenty of water, sunscreen and mosquito repellent. The Pidurangala Rock offers a breathtaking view at sunset – a perfect moment to enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.

Trincomalee – coastal treasures and temples

After so much culture and adventure, I headed east to Trincomalee, where the Thirukoneswaram Kovil Hindu T emple is an absolute highlight. The temple not only offers spiritual significance, but also a fantastic view of the sea. On the way to the temple you can see numerous deer. The nearby Nilaveli Beach is a great place to relax or go snorkeling to Pigeon Island.

Galle and the south of Sri Lanka

The trip took me on to Galle, a charming town that enchants with its fort and historic lighthouse. The sunset from there is unforgettable. Dalawella Beach, known for its sea turtles, is another highlight. If you get up early, you have the chance to watch the turtles swimming up close.

The beaches in the south

In Mirissa I discovered Secret Beach, a quiet, small beach that is perfect for sunset. On the larger Mirissa Beach you can both swim and try surfing. The view from Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill was also particularly beautiful. If you want to discover more beaches, you should go to Dickwella and Hiriketiya Beach, which are ideal for swimming and surfing.

Another absolute highlight for surfers is Arugam Bay Beach which is in east side of the country. This is a great place to learn to surf as a beginner and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere. With a bit of luck you can even see elephants at Elephant Rock – a magical moment in nature.

Pure nature: waterfalls and wildlife | Explore Sri Lanka

Another highlight of my trip was the Diyaluma Falls, the second largest waterfall in Sri Lanka. The Upper Diyaluma Falls not only offers a beautiful view over the valley, but also natural pools in which you can cool off wonderfully. A short hike takes you to this impressive natural experience – so always pack enough water and snacks!

Getting around in Sri Lanka

It is very easy and cheap to get around in Sri Lanka. Both buses and trains are a comfortable way to get around the country. For more comfort on the train, you can choose first class. However, if you are looking for a more authentic experience, you can also travel in second or third class and mingle with the locals.

Note that the trains can be very crowded, especially on weekends, so you may not get a seat and have to stand – especially in third and second class.For longer journeys, the AC buses are a good choice as they are equipped with air conditioning and allow for comfortable travel. There are also regular buses that can be used for shorter journeys, as well as highway buses that cover certain routes more quickly.Within the cities, you can book a tuktuk using the PickMe app or Uber. Note: PickMe only works with a Sri Lankan phone number, which you can get directly at the airport in Colombo.

A tourist SIM card costs around 8 euros for 50 GB and allows you to register in the PickMe app and generally use the internet in Sri Lanka. If you want to go from Colombo airport to the city, you can also book an Uber taxi, which costs around 18 euros. If you are looking for a special experience, you can also book your own tuktuk for your time in Sri Lanka and explore Sri Lanka on your own. This is a great way to travel more flexibly while enjoying the freedom to discover new places off the beaten track.

Conclusion

Explore Sri Lanka | It is a true paradise for travelers looking for adventure, culture and relaxation. From the lively capital of Colombo to cultural Kandy and the picturesque beaches and waterfalls in the south, the island offers a variety of experiences that will remain unforgettable. The local cuisine, low travel costs and excellent accessibility by bus and train in particular make Sri Lanka a particularly attractive travel destination. If you want to explore the island on your own, you also have the option of renting your own tuktuk and exploring the country at your leisure.