My Guide to Sri Lanka
Welcome to the beautiful Island of Sri Lanka – the 25th largest Island in the world. Home to palm tree dotted coast lines, elephants, rolling waves and some seriously good rice and curry, Sri Lanka is pretty incredible. It is literally a country for every kind of traveller – the surfer, hiker, motorcycle adventurer, diver, snorkeler, animal lover, beer drinker, the five star resort-er. Whatever you’re searching for, you’ll find it (unless you are looking for strong wifi – then you might be looking for a while).
I’ve been to Sri Lanka twice now, for almost 2 months in total. I first visited in September where I spent about 2 weeks chasing waves down south, 1 week soaking up sun and surf on the East coast and 5 days hiking past waterfalls in Ella.
The second visit, was a little slower and more intentional. I stayed put down the South Coast teaching yoga, playing music and surfing every day, day-tripping up or down the coast to different surf breaks on my days off.
The highs of Sri Lanka include the amazing scenery, delicious local food (and reasonably priced hipster western food), good surf, warm water, beautiful smiling people and a strong expat community.
The lows (being realistic not negative) of SL are the rubbish (on the streets, in the water, there is a lot of it unfortunately), the lack of working internet, the rain (although coming from Australia I don’t like complaining about rain), the crazy buses, the sexism and the plumbing.
But even after all of the above, Sri Lanka is still an amazing place to visit. It’s been described as Bali 15 years ago – offering up a gorgeous, laid back island lifestyle without all the overpriced beach clubs, bogans and basic bitches (of which I’ve myself been).
In this post I’m going to take you through an overview of the climate, how to get around and a rough itinerary for an epic 2-week adventure.
Jump to
The climate.
Sri Lanka has an interesting climate to say the least. Whilst it is a small country, you can literally experience two different seasons in the one day. Because of this, Sri Lanka is thought of by many as a year-round holiday destination. But be warned – fail to plan your trip as per the seasons and you might end up stuck indoors in torrential rain for 2 weeks (#beentheredonethat).
Below is a guide of where to visit when:
- December to March: South & West Coast with blue whale spotting season kicking off in Jan
- April / May to September: East coast
And then you just risk the rain in the central hills regions of Sri Lanka (aka Ella, Kandy, etc. ) all year round – although the best time to go here is between seasons so March or September.
Getting around.
There are a number of ways to get around Sri Lanka and what you choose will depend on where you are and how much stuff you are carrying with you:
Uber
Uber is available all around the capital Colombo – great for it you need a pick up from or lift to the airport within Colombo. Uber has it’s fixed price before you get in which obviously has its positives & negatives. Positive is that you know exactly what you are paying before you order your ride, negative is that you might end up paying more than if you spent time and energy haggling with a local driver. Also don’t rely on uber to take card payment – most of Sri Lanka is a cash-only system. Don’t worry though, most drivers will happily take you to an atm on your route.
Pick me up
Sri Lankan’s version of Uber. I never used this but apparently it’s cheaper than Uber. You need a Sri Lankan sim card to create an account though so not ideal if you’ve just landed.
Local taxi
If you’re fresh in town, the easiest way to get to the airport down south or inland is probably going to be a local taxi at first – especially if you are flying in at 9, 10, 11 pm at night (which seemed to be the standard arrival time for most international flights). These can be organised at the airport or by your hotel. Average price from the airport to down South is about 10,000 RPS ($80 AUD) and vice versa you can usually get it down to 8,000 or if you’re lucky 6,500 not including road tolls. This is probably the best option if you are travelling with a surf board or want to nap whilst in transit.
Train
A great thing to experience and super cheap is the train. Great if you’re travelling light (not so great with a surfboard). Trains are super-fast, comfortable and really really cheap! Average reliability.
Bus
If you’re travelling along the Southern coastline of Sri Lanka, the buses are a fast, cheap and reliable source of transport. You almost never have to wait for a bus as there will probably be one leaving to your destination every 10 minutes. The buses are also really fast, a little too fast as the bus drivers get paid based on speed. In fact, people die every day because they are hit by Sri Lankan buses so if you are on the road, the safest place is probably going to be a bus. Bus prices will also vary pending on if it’s a red bus (government run) or blue bus (private) and how greedy the ticket attendant is feeling that day. Regardless of how long you are staying for, the bus is definitely a cultural experience.
Scooter
You can rent a scooter for somewhere between 800 – 1000 RPS ($6-$8) a day and less if you rent for longer periods of time or you rent for somewhere away from the main towns. For example, the standard price in Weligama is 1000 RPS but in Midigama it’s only 800. Not advised if you’ve never ridden before (it’s not the place to learn) but if you’re confident on a scooter and confident with crazy traffic then they are great for zipping from one town to the next or exploring inland!
Push bike
Great to have on you if you’re staying in Weligama and just want to travel between Marissa and Ahangama and don’t mind a bit of exercise and a massive rush of adrenaline while you’re at it. I actually rode a bicycle for a week before I rented a scooter to get used to the roads.
10 day
Itinerary.
Thinking about heading to Sri Lanka for a short vacay? Sri Lanka is such a diverse country with so much to do so the longer the better in my opinion but not everyone can take months off work at a time to go surfing so if you’ve only got a short time here are my recommendations.
Note: This is a suggested itinerary for someone who wants to see as much as they can of Sri Lanka and get the full picture. Feel free to adjust is as you want (based on surfing interest & skill level). It’s also a suggested itinerary based on what I have experienced and I have only included places here that I’ve actually been to. have described each place below in terms of where to eat (fresh healthy & affordable cuisine), sip (I’m a big fan of good coffee and a cocktail happy hour), surf (duh), sleep (affordable but decent hostels & a few hotels for when you want to splash out) and stretch (*cough cough yoga teacher).
Days 2-4
Ahangama
1-2 nights
Days 6-7
Hirriketiya
1 night
Optional change
East coast: Aragum bay
2 nights
Day 0 – Arrival
Colombo
Fly into Colombo international airport (actually situated 1 hour from Colombo city). If you’re travelling with surfboards, splash out and pay a bit extra for your flight. The cheaper airlines will either not take your board the whole way (but you’ll only find out 1/2 way) or it might not come out the other end in one piece.
Most flights will get you in around 9 or 10 pm at night. Anywhere you want to go will be at least a 3 hour drive from Colombo so my recommendation is to book a bed at Hangover hostel in Negombo (only 15 minutes from the airport).
Now before you yell at me – “I’m too old to stay in a hostel – especially one with the word hangover in the name” let me pause you for a second. For the amount of time you will be staying in Colombo, there is actually no point getting a hotel. Hangover hostel has 24hr reception, is 15 minutes from the airport (so you’re in bed pretty quick) and provides a tuk tuk service so you won’t get ripped off arriving at the airport as the white tourist you are and is cheap. It’s also really clean, quiet and has good wifi.
This particular strain of hangover hostels is purely used by travellers moving to and from the airport so everyone is in the same pre or post-flight mode.
Day 1-2
Galle & Unwatuna
Start to make your way down south through the old Dutch fort town of Galle.
Galle is a cute little colonial seaside town that is worth a stopover as you head down the coast. Take the train (2.5 hours), leave your bag in the storage room at the station and go explore the little streets and cute cafes/restaurants/shops.
In the afternoon when you are ready for some beach time, grab a tuk-tuk to Unawatuna (only about a 15-minute ride) and enjoy the long stretches of beach there!
Eat
Galle
If I’m honest with you, the only reason I went to Galle is for gelato.
Isle of gelato is arguably (actually no one really argues about this) the best gelato in the whole of Sri Lanka. Authentic Italian gelato (the owners actually spent time in Italy learning to make it) with fresh, natural ingredients, this stuff is seriously amazing. For all those interested I got 1 scoop of dark chocolate sorbet and 1 scoop of mango sorbet and they were f*cking amazing. Vegan options available!
If you’re not quite ready for gelato yet, get out (only joking). For lunch head to Poonie’s Kitchen for good Western food (salads, smoothies, sandwiches, etc.) or Mama’s for some epic rice & curry.
Unawatuna
Head to Skinny Tom’s Bakery for breakfast and coffee. Tom’s does great homemade bread which they actually sell to a lot of the cafes in the South Coast. So keep it simple and just get some eggs or spread on toast or splash out on their shakshuka egg hoppers (a modern western spin on a Sri Lankan classic).
Sip
Once you’ve taken a long walk on Unawatuna beach to digest your ice cream, head to The Hideout for sunset cocktails/mocktails with a view! Then stay on for dinner as this place serves up some great Mexican food with a Sri Lankan twist (vegan, vego & GF friendly!).
Surf
There is no surf unfortunately in Galle but there is a light house & gelato (make’s up for it kinda?)
Sleep
Camp Kush in Unawatuna (I didn’t stay here but have been recommended).
Day 2-4
Ahangama
Spend the morning walking and relaxing on the beach, getting over your jet lag and start to slide into those island holiday vibes.
When you’re getting itchy feet and ready to move on, jump in a tuk-tuk and head down the road (another 30 min) to Ahangama where I recommend you spend 1-2 nights. Ahangama is a good place to chill whether you’re into surfing or not. There are surf breaks nearby but there is also a tonne of beautiful beaches to stop and spend some time at all within 10 minutes. Ahangama has some really great food options to so if you do nothing else, go for the cafes!
Eat
- Breakfast: The Kip – a beautiful Scandinavian inspired (Aussie owned) cafe with a gorgeous tapas-style menu of which you can literally try everything on the menu if you wanted! This place is so gorgeous, it’s also perfect for an afternoon coffee and raw slice with a book.
- Lunch: Grab your swimsuit, sunscreen & a good book and head over to Dreamsea for lunch / coffee / chills. Dreamsea is both oceanfront and has a pool that you can lay around all day. Their food is also awesome. I can vouch for the smoothie bowl and the falafel salad.
- Dinner: Find yourself a tuk-tuk and head 5 minutes down the road to Sticks Tropical Grill in Cabalana. Sticks offer a range of skewers (vegan & soy-free options available) and tapas-style dishes all inspired by different Asian countries. The Chinese mushroom skewers were amazing as well as the cucumber salad!
Sip
The Lighthouse is the iconic place to visit for a sunset cocktail (not cheap but worth the view). If you’re in the area on a Friday head over to Dreamsea (you can tell I’m obsessed right?) for their weekly bbq and live music. Think fairy lights, free flowing sangria, 2 for 1 cocktails and epic tunes.
Surf
The main surf spots in and around Ahangama are Insights, Lazy Left, Lazy Rights & Rams. All of these are reef breaks so only recommended for intermediate/advanced surfers (unless you have a surf instructor with you). Rams especially is for advanced surfers only (even I was too nervous to surf there). You can rent a board for 300 rupias in front of the Lazies but not at insights (you’ll need to source one from elsewhere and take it by tuk-tuk with you for this one). My favourite break was Lazy Right at sunset with no wind (not asking much I know).
Sleep
Pending your budget I have 2 recommendations for you – Dreamsea and Travel Tails. Both are beachfront and both include breakfast. Dreamsea is for those looking for gorgeous interiors, total island queen vibe and willing to spend $100 AUD per night for a shared room. Travel tails offers dorm or private rooms for about 1/2 the price but is not as lush. I personally would stay at travel tails and then spend my days at Dreamsea (but I’m stingy like that).
Stretch
Take a yoga class at Dreamsea if you want a view or if you want a range of different classes and a good breaky, check out Anja in Midigama (they also do waffles and bacon if that’s what you’re into).
Day 4-6
Weligama
When you’re ready to move on, jump in a tuk-tuk (400 RPS) to Weligama – the main surfing spot of the South Coast.
Weligama has everything – yoga, great cafes & restaurants, a surf break for all levels, nightly events and a great community.
It doesn’t have a beach suitable for sunbathing though so if you’re looking for that then keep going to Marissa.
My ideal day in Weligama is: 6 am surf outside the Marriot followed by a coffee and bliss ball at Hangtime overlooking the ocean. Head downstairs to 9 am Vinyassa yoga or if you’re not crazy like me, head to Deli Ceylon for the Holly special. Take a tuk-tuk down to Marissa and chill out by the pool at Paradise Beach Club taking a lunch break in the shade at Woodspace for an epic salad plate. Head back to Weligama for 4 pm Yin yoga at Hangtime, followed by your choice of a sunset surf or happy hour cocktails at Ceylon Sliders (plus potatoes). Finally go sit under fairy lights at Moochies, chowing down on a feel-good bowl or a grazing platter and you’ve had yourself one epic day.
I lived in Weligama for a month so I probably should do a whole post on Weligama and everything to do and see there but I’ve kept it to my top reccos:
Eat
- Breakfast: Deli Ceylon for epic smoothie bowls, eggs and toast toppers (ask for the Holly special) or Nomad Café for great smashed avo & smoothie bowls (be pepared to pay Western prices at this one).
- Dinner: No Fish Today for vegan western food, Dulnethas for rice & curry, Rise Weligama for seriously good pizza (yes GF options available) or if you feel like splashing out grab a sunset table at Ceylon sliders (order the potatoes!)
Sip
Coffee: Hangten Restaurant is known for best coffee and view in Weligama (I had one there legit every day). Moochie’s has also brought a coffee machine in all the way from Oz.
Cocktails: After a tipple? Then Ceylon Sliders or No Fish Today put on happy hours with a view that make drinking in Sri Lanka kinda affordable. No matter which one you end up at order the sweet potato fries. If you’re in town on a Monday though, head to the bottle shop, grab yourself a bevy of choice and head over to Hangten for their open mic night from 7pm (BYO) where you can cheer on travelling artists from around the world!
If you’re there on a Wednesday or a Saturday then head to the Doctor’s house for their 4-6 sunset happy hour and then kick on for surf camp night (Wednesdays) or live music night (Saturdays). They do a great espresso martini and pretty darn good pizza.
Surf
4 main surfing spots that will always work slightly differently depending on the time of year. Weligama bay (right outside of Hangtime and the Marriot) is always working and is the go-to place for most surfers. It’s crowded but consistent and you can rent boards cheaply and easily all along the beach.
Other breaks are:
- Jungle beach: Nice right-hander but only at high tide (lots of spikey reefs) and when it’s too big at the other breaks
- Fisherman’s: A great wave (for both lefties and righties) for all levels. It’s also the perfect longboarder wave. However, it is about a 10-15 minute paddle out and depending on your luck sometimes the crowd can not be super friendly.
- Sliders: Right outside Ceylon sliders, this is a great beginner and intermediate wave but only in off-season (ironically).
Sleep
5 recco’s pending budget / travel style:
- Ceylon sliders: A boutique Swedish designed hotel opposite the beach. This place is super lush and only has a few rooms. If you have money to spend and want to stay somewhere nice, this is the place.
- The Sprindrift: My favourite hostel for solo travellers. Really nice interiors, clean and most importantly incredibly friendly. The guys at The Spindrift are extremely welcoming and organise daily “family” outings in and around the South Coast. It is both a hostel were you can chill out and do your own thing but also can make new friends to adventure with. They also just opened their new bar & host weekly acoustic nights! Private rooms also available,
- Hangtime Hostl: If you’re looking for high ratings, affordable beds, exceptional service and an epic location then Hangtime hostel is the one for you. If you’re travelling solo and looking to meet lots of new people then it’s maybe not the best place for you but if you’re travelling with friends then this is a great one to be at. Even if you are travelling solo, you can meet people at yoga & in the cafe up top.
- Mudra Hostel: Also a great option if you’re travelling solo, Mudra is smaller and simpler than spindrift but equally friendly, offering fan & aircon rooms, free breakfast and regularly organises family dinners and BBQs.
- Moochies Air BnB: If you’re looking for more Air BnB style accom then see if you can get a night or 2 at Moochie’s. Molly only has 2 rooms but they are beautifully decorated with aircon, hot water and an incredibly chilled out vibe.
Stretch
Hangtime offers classes by a number of different teachers (I even worked there!), 3 times a day with a mix of slow flow, vinyasa and yin classes. Classes are usually pretty busy so my advice is to rock up 5-10 minutes before to grab a spot (especially if you’re taking a 9 am class).
Day 5 (day trip)
Mirissa
Mirissa is a town just 10 minutes by scooter or tuk-tuk further south than Weligama. It’s is slightly more well known than Weligama for non-surfers and if you’re looking for a nice beach to chill on then this is a great option note: there is little to no surf here unless you want some gnarly reef breaks). There are also some great food spots and picturesque views.
Eat
- Breakfast: Aloha Coffee Gallery for incredible smoothie bowls / nice cream, coffee and beautiful interioris.
- Lunch: Shady Lane for burgers and salads (get the side of potatoes) and Wood Space for a garden atmosphere and lots of veggies!
- Dinner: South Coast Mexican is the ONLY place to go in Mirissa. It’s freaking incredible. Order one of every taco and get the eggplant fries. You won’t regret it.
Sip
If you’re there on a Wednesday or a Saturday then head to the Doctor’s house for their 4-6 sunset happy hour and then kick on for surf camp night (Wednesdays) or live music night (Saturdays). They do a great espresso martini and pretty darn good pizza.
See
The must-see attraction in Mirissa is Coconut Treet Hill. It’s worth the visit but does get very packed! Check out the carousel below for some pics.
Sleep
If you want an all-round good hostel then go stay at Mirissa’s Hangover Hostel – I’m pretty sure you get a discount if you’ve stayed at the others.
If you’re more looking for a party then book yourself a bunk at Why Not Backpackers who’s slogan is EAT. SLEEP. RAVE. REPEAT. Enter at your own risk…
Stretch
Shady Lane offers daily yoga at 7 am and I’m pretty sure you get a discount on your breakfast after.
Day 6-7
Hirriketiya
After your morning surf and breakfast at any of the above places, get ready to head to Hirriketyia. Hirriketyia is one of my favourite places in the south. When the surf is pumping, it’s pumping but also offers smaller reform waves for beginners. When it’s flat, it’s nice and clean (as clean as SL will get) water to swim in and a nice beach to lie on. There are also plenty of great cafes/restaurants in the area to check out while you are there.
Getting there
3 options
- Train: Running a few times a day, the train is definitely my favourite option but the departure times are less frequent. For only 60 RPS you can jump on the train to Dikwella (change at Matara) and then walk or grab a tuk-tuk from Dikwella to Hiri (only 15 min walk). Best for small – medium-sized bags. I took the train with my surfboard but it was a challenge.
- Bus: Most people get the bus, although this can be cramped and a little scary depending on the craziness of your driver. Cost will change on how the ticket man is feeling that day but is usually around 100 RPS. These run fairly regularly though so you can be pretty relaxed with time. Best if you have small bags.
- Tuk-tuk: If you can’t be assed with public transport, grab a tuk-tuk off the street for 3,000 RPS. Recommended option if you’re travelling with a board.
Eat
- Breakfast: Take a walk down to Verse Collective for some amazing brunch food. I’ll warn you, it’s expensive but is extremely high quality and delicious.
- Lunch: If you’re hanging out in your bikini or boardies all day you probably want to feel like a beacon of health so grab a salad/poke bowl from Malu Poke or if you are after something more traditional (and cheaper) there is a great little Sri Lankan restaurant around the corner from Verse Collective that will leave you feeling stuffed for only about $3
- Dinner: If you’re into your pizza, grab one from the Beach house Pizza, you guessed it, on the beach or head to Salt House for an afternoon swim, early dinner and some beautiful decor..
Sip
The Grove and Dot’s Bay House do the best coffee in Hirri. However, if you want a nice place to relax, swim and sip on your ice latte then grab a seat by the pool at Salt House – the coffee isn’t as good but the vibe is great.
Did someone say happy hour? Take advantage of the Dot’s Bay Househappy hour special from 5-7 every day or grab a cocktail on the beach from right outside. If you’re drinking on the beach though, try and bring your own straw or go straw-less.
Surf
You can surf right in Hirri bay – surrounded by palm trees it’s a pretty magical view. Try and get up as early as possible to beat the crowds! Surf rentals open at 6 am so you have no excuse!
Sleep
Dot’s Bay House is the place to stay in Hirri. Private, dorm and family rooms it has something for everyone. If you can’t get into Dots then try to snag a room at Verse Collective or worst case find yourself a cheap guest House (I stayed at Breath House which was simple but good).
If you want something a bit fancier then treat yourself to a room at The Grove or at Salt House. I couldn’t afford to stay here but based on the food and service at these places I would say they do things right.
Stretch
Dot’s Yoga twice daily 9 am & 5 pm) yoga classes are the best place for a good pre or post-surf stretch in Hirri. Beautiful studio and great teachers.
Day 7 (day trip)
Uduwalawe National park
Wake up early and head out on a safari adventure to Uduwalawe National Park (1.5hrs away) where you can see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, mongoose, monkeys and a variety of beautiful birds. It’s worth the early wake up (4.30 am) for this adventure to get there for sunrise – when all the animals are out for breakfast, it’s not too hot, and the majority of tourists are still sleeping.
For more pics of my safari check out my shoot:
Day 7-9
Ella
After your safari head up into the centre of Sri Lanka to Ella, the home of giant waterfalls, mountains and epic views. Now I’m an ocean girl but Ella was bloody beautiful. I didn’t think I would enjoy the mountains so much and I would have to admit I think the mountains and jungle scenery of Sri Lanka are more impressive than (dare I say it) the beaches…
If you’re not into surfing then definitely weight your trip more towards Ella and enjoy everything this area has to offer.
Eat
- Breakfast: Green Hill
guest house & restaurant. It’s a bit tricky to find but wow the view is gorgeous. They don’t really have a menu but if you just ask for breakfast they will plate you up with rice flour pancakes, fruit, juice & your choice of tea or coffee all for only 700 RPS. - Lunch: Mandala Café & Bar – beautiful views and comfy chairs. A great place to take a book and just relax with a good meal after all your hiking.
- Dinner: Ella Roti Hut & The 360 Ella a are two separate restaurants that share a common seating area. This is fantastic as you (and all the friends I know you are making) can take your pick of Sri Lankan (Roti Hut) or Western (360 Ella) and enjoy live music altogether.
Sip
I couldn’t find anywhere that did particularly good coffee but if you’re after a drink then head to The 360 Ella for their happy hour and live music or if techno/psychedelic is more your scene check out Cafe One Love.
Hike
Ella is known for it’s hiking. I did 4 hikes while I was there, all of which I recommend:
- Nine Arch bridge: You can walk here from the centre of Ella (so pretty much most hostels). If you can, wait for the train to pass (if it’s running) and then definitely go sing inside the tunnel – excellent acoustics.
- Little Adam’s peak: Nice little hike above the tea fields. You can do both Little Adams & the bridge in one day either via tuk-tuk or you can walk it if you’re feeling energetic.
- Ella Rock: Go for sunrise and take a guide. It was a 3 am wake up but totally worth it. Note, it is quite tough if you don’t have great fitness so keep this in mind if you’re not feeling your best.
- Diyaluma falls: About an hour drive out of Ella and only a 45-minute walk to the first swimming area, this is a must-see. It’s actually the 2nd highest waterfall in Sri Lanka with multiple swimming holes to play in and even one you can jump off if you’re keen (I wasn’t…)
Sleep
I stayed at Hangover Hostel which was great as I really didn’t spend much time in the hostel and it was cheap, clean and in a very central location.
Stretch
Unfortunately I didn’t get to try many of the yoga studios in the area but Hangover Hostel does offer a morning and afternoon class – definitely suss out the teacher though because as with all hostels it can be very hit and miss.
Optional change
Aragam Bay
If you’re heading to SL during the South-West monsoon season (May – September) then you’ll want to swap up the South Coast for the East coast and spend about 5 days in Aragam Bay instead of the above-recommended beaches.
Eat
- Breakfast: I couldn’t go past the smoothie bowls at Water’s edge hotel every morning. For only 500 RPS (prices unheard of in Weligama) you can’t go past them. They also have great savoury alternatives for those not smoothie bowl inclined.
- Lunch: Gecko’s is a beachfront restaurant serving up a range of local & western food at very decent prices. They have loads of options including gluten-free pizza and pasta options and out the back of the restaurant (on the main street) they also have a little shop selling freshly baked brownies, cookies and other delicious treats.
- Dinner: Want total value for money? Head to Mama’s Foodsrestaurant for 400 RPS all you can eat vegetarian rice and curry. Enough said..
Sip
Surf
There are a number of surf spots you can go to, all within a 10-15 minute tuk-tuk drive away. My tip – find yourself a board that you like at one of the many surf shops. Hire it for the duration of your stay. It’s usually 800 per full day but the longer you rent it the cheaper you should be able to get it for. Once you have your board, find yourself a nice tuk-tuk driver to drive you to a different (or same) surf spot every day. Effectively, the longer you hire things for the better it is for you (and them!).
Here are the main surf spots in order of my favourite:
- Panama
- Peanut
- Baby Point & Main point
- Potterville
- Whisky
Sleep
For a hostel, grab a bed at The Long Hostel
For a private room, treat yourself to Water’s edge hotel (you then get to enjoy their wicked breakfasts and beachfront hammocks too!)
Stretch
The twice-daily sea view yoga classes at Bay Vista were definitely some of the best I’ve done throughout my trip. Classes ran for about 90 minutes and wow did time fly. The teachers were all amazing and the classes were very reasonably priced. But get there early as they fill up fast!
Departure
Negombo
I, unfortunately, didn’t make it to Kandy, Sigiriya or Nuwara Eliya, however, I have heard great things so if you find yourself having more time on your hands, I would definitely recommend taking the train from Ella to Kandy and then checking out either Sigiriya or Nuria Ellia for more hiking. However, if you are winding up your trip at 10 days then you can spend the morning in Ella and drive to Negombo to fly straight out of there.
Tips for your last day:
- Transport from Ella to Negombo is not cheap but you can often find share taxis and jump in with other travellers going the same way. Reach out to your hostel or hotel and they should be able to sort you out.
- If you’re arriving in Negombo quite a few hours before your flight then head to Hangover Hostel and purchase a “lounge pass” for 200RPS which will allow you to use their showers, WIFI, couches and kitchen while you wait for your flight. Better than restaurant hopping in Colombo.
So that’s it for you! Everything I know / can recommend about Sri Lanka! If this was all too much for you and you’d like a personalised itinerary, get in touch and I’ll sort something out for you!
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