Sri Lanka is a destination that should be on every traveler’s list. Not only did Mother Nature create some of the most stunning landscapes, but the food is also the best I’ve ever tasted! As a European, I had never experienced so many flavors, and I couldn’t get enough. And as the cherry on top, the friendly locals will make you feel incredibly welcome!
Sri Lanka was the first place I ever traveled to as a solo traveler outside of Europe. Needless to say, I was nervous. But those fears melted away the minute I met my taxi driver, who picked me up at the airport. This man was eager to show me how great his country is—and he did it with food. A classic way to win over a traveler’s heart! He took me to a small fresh fruit stand along the road and bought me some local fruits. Honestly, after tasting them, I felt like I had never eaten fruit before. It just melts in your mouth. Once you’ve had some good food and shared a chat with a friendly local, you realize there’s nothing to be afraid of.
I began my trip with a group tour. We had a guide who took us to the major highlights and shared a wealth of information along the way. For the second half of my time, I traveled on my own.
Sri Lanka felt like a safe haven. I know it might sound like I’m exaggerating, but I promise—once you go, you’ll agree!
If my little rant hasn’t convinced you to go, or if you’re not sure where to start, I’ve got you! Here are my top 5 places to visit in Sri Lanka.
5. Bluefield Tea Factory
The fields of black tea in Sri Lanka are absolutely breathtaking. To reach the Bluefield Tea Factory, you drive along a winding road that takes you through those picturesque fields. The view, with the blue sky as a backdrop, is what inspired the name “Bluefield.”
The tea factory was established around 1840 and has been growing ever since. It is one of Sri Lanka’s largest tea plantations.
Globally, Sri Lanka ranks in the top 5 of tea-exporting countries. What sets Bluefield apart from other tea plantations worldwide is that they still handpick every leaf. They do this because they only want the best leaves to be picked, focusing on quality over quantity.
As you drive toward the factory, you’ll see many people carrying large bags on their heads, picking tea leaves from the fields. We got the chance to do a tour in the factory and even got to try handpicking the leaves, just like the workers do every day.
You immediately feel the strain in your back, and then there are the leeches, which scared a big part of our group. Knowing that the workers have to pick at least 20 kilograms of quality leaves a day really makes you think about the working conditions and the physical toll it takes on their bodies.
I highly recommend taking the tour and visiting the fields to experience this firsthand. As a tea lover, this experience made me appreciate every cup I drink even more.
Afterward, you’ll be treated to a cup of their best tea while you take in the view of the Bluefield tea fields around you.
4. Ella
I’m sure everyone has seen pictures of people hanging out of train doors with amazing scenic views in the background. Well, that’s the train ride from Kandy to Ella.
In my opinion, the train itself is overrated. There are too many people on the train, so the chance of getting a good view is slim, and the chance of finding a seat is even smaller.
Many passengers passed out during the ride due to the heat and the crowded conditions.
If you’re lucky enough to get a seat and the weather holds up (it rained when I was on the train), you’ll enjoy an absolutely wonderful view of the nature between the two destinations.
I would describe Ella itself, as a small, cozy town full of good vibes. There are adorable little shops, a great variety of food, and some really cute bars! I’m not a party girl, but there are some bars in Ella that have this “wow” factor when you walk in, making it hard to leave.
If you’re not keen on spending money or being surrounded by buildings, you can do a hike from town to the Nine Arch Bridge. I love hiking, and this trail was definitely a fun one—though there were SO. MANY. LEECHES. Because of that, I recommend wearing good, closed shoes that go above your ankle. That way, the leeches won’t be able to latch on to you. You can then just enjoy the beautiful surroundings without constantly checking your shoes.
The Nine Arch Bridge is where the Ella train passes over. It’s a fantastic spot for photos. Though it gets crowded, it’s definitely a must-see if you’re in Ella. The bridge is truly impressive and gives off a great aesthetic, so go ahead and take the walk—you won’t regret it!
3. Hiriketiya
If you love beaches, surfing, and a chill atmosphere, then Hiriketiya is the place for you! This little spot is full of good vibes. I stayed here for over a week and felt like I could easily stay much longer!
The beaches are beautiful, and it’s a great place to learn how to surf. You can easily find an instructor on the beach who can teach you the basics, or you can rent a surfboard for about US$ 3 and head out into the water on your own.
If there’s one place you really must visit in Hiriketiya, it’s “Verse Collective.” Whether you’re there to grab a bite, do some work, hang out, or even get a tattoo. This spot has it all. The food is so good that we went there every single day—no exceptions!
The gorgeous beaches, the bars, surfing, and yoga make this place one of my favorites. Honestly, the whole atmosphere rubs off on everyone who stays here! And I truly believe everyone left happier than that they arrived!
2. Sigiriya
Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, was my favorite highlight in Sri Lanka! It’s an enormous rock fortress near the town of Dambulla, built during the reign of King Kasyapa (477–495 AD). The king used it as his settlement and built an impressive palace on top of the rock. To reach the palace, you must climb 1,200 uneven steps.
The entire fortress was designed to make it difficult for invaders to take over, as King Kasyapa feared that his brother, the rightful king, would come to reclaim the throne.
The climb is exhausting, but the experience is incredible. So, make sure to drink enough water! The humidity and warmth make climbing the 1,200 steps a real challenge.
Though the palace itself no longer stands, you can still see parts of the walls and the floor plan of the magnificent structure it once was.
The gardens and waterways at the top provide a serene atmosphere, and the view is worth every step. Take your time, absorb the beauty, and rest before you begin the descent.
If you think along the many, many steps that you want to give up, DON’T! It is worth it to get to that view, but also to see the incredible frescos that still cover some of the walls along the way.
Tickets cost about US$ 35 for adults, which grants you access to the fortress and museum.
Along the way, you’ll likely see some monkeys, so keep an eye on your bags and do not feed them!
1. Pidurangala Rock
Right next to Sigiriya is Pidurangala Rock, which I personally think is an even better experience than Sigiriya. From the top of Pidurangala, you get a stunning view of Lion Rock itself.
The hike begins at the Pidurangala Sigiri Rajamaha Viharaya, a white temple at the base of the rock. Here you’ll need to pay an entrance fee of US$ 3 to start the hike.
The best time to do this hike is at sunrise. I’m not talking about hiking during sunrise—I mean, get to the top before the sun rises! We woke up at 4 a.m. to start the journey. Since it’s pitch black at that time, bring a headlamp! The walk takes about 45 min in general.
The climb is not easy, especially with the heat and humidity, so remember to bring water and wear sturdy shoes. Our guide was wearing flip-flops, and I have no idea how he didn’t break his neck.
It’s not just a regular hike—along the way, you’ll have to climb over boulders to reach the viewpoint. It’s so fun but a bit sketchy, so take your time and be careful!
Once you reach the top, you’ll be able to see a spectacular sunrise. It’s hard to describe how magical the moment is as you watch the mist fade and the world wake up. Everyone on the rock is silent, mesmerized by the beauty around them.
You can stay as long as you like at the top, so take your time to fully soak in this unforgettable moment. It’ll likely be one of the best sunrises of your life!
There are so many more beautiful places to discover in Sri Lanka! When you’re there, ask the locals what they think are the must-visit spots. Most of the major highlights are in the southern part of the country, which is also the area most focused on tourism. That’s the region I’d recommend for your trip!
These 5 spots were my absolute favorites. They’re still so clear in my memory, and I’ll definitely revisit them someday!
So enjoy the coconuts, the food, the people and of course the beauty of Mother Nature
Lots of love
Chloé
