Sri Lanka feels like an undiscovered gem, and it reminded me of Costa Rica and what I imagined Costa Rica was like before the crowds arrived. There's enough infrastructure to make travel easy and not too rustic or primitive, yet it still retains an untouched charm. I felt like I was visiting a secret destination, an insider tip I was so grateful to have been given. And if you are looking for an affordable adventure, the exchange rate is firmly in your favor. A dinner for two with drinks can cost as little as USD 30, and boutique hotels are available for around USD 100 per night. Sure, there are high-end resorts catering to Western tourists, but why wouldn't you experience this incredible country without breaking the bank? I stayed in a lovely three-star hotel, The Cubes Ella, which offered incredible hospitality from a lovely host. The room was clean and safe, and they served a delicious breakfast made to order each morning. My host was personable and attentive, and he ensured every detail of my stay was taken care of, including an on demand tuk tuk service for transportation.
Before setting off on the famous Ella to Kandy train ride, I spent two nights in Ella, a small town that completely won me over. Ella has adorable streets and a really cool backpacker vibe. The town was filled with young people clearly exploring the world in their "I backpacked through Asia chapter of their lives", and quite a number of people perhaps more in my chapter of life, who were doing the same. When you picture Ella, think lush mountains, waterfalls, and a town that feels both relaxed and lively at the same time.
I wasn't expecting much in the way of boutiques, but Ella had some fabulous local shops worth exploring. Coming directly from India, I really appreciated the trendy boutiques to wander through before dinner. Speaking of dinner, Cafe One Love stood out as my favorite, offering delicious food in a cozy, reggae-inspired atmosphere.
Ella is the perfect place to slow down before hopping on what is often called one of the world's most beautiful train rides.
Sri Lanka's most famous train journey lives up to the hype. You've probably seen those Instagram shots of travelers leaning out of open train doors, surrounded by rolling tea plantations and misty mountains. And while the views are spectacular, here's what you really need to know:
Maybe rethink hanging out of a train door. Sure, the train moves slowly, and yes, everyone is doing it. But on a rainy day like the one I experienced, it was clear how easy it would be to slip. Take in the views, just do it safely.
I definitely recommend to book your tickets in advance. I used Visit Sri Lanka Tours to secure my seats ahead of time, and I am glad I did. The line to buy second-class reserved tickets the morning of my trip wrapped around the block, yet my train car was more than half empty. So why were the seats listed as sold out? No idea. But securing your spot in advance will save you the hassle.
The full ride takes about seven hours, but I opted to split it up with an overnight stay in Nuwara Eliya, also known as Little England. This charming hill town is a great place to experience cooler temperatures, colonial architecture, and, of course, endless tea fields.
I can tell you that Sri Lanka has it all!
Beaches & Surf Towns - If you are looking for a laid-back, bohemian vibe, Sri Lanka's southern coast is where you will find it. I spent time in Galle, a historic fort city with a stunning coastline, and wrapped up my day watching the sunset over the Indian Ocean. The southern coast is full of small towns with great surfing, whale watching and adventure sports.
Ancient Ruins & Palaces - Sri Lanka is packed with history, from the ancient city of Polonnaruwa to the iconic rock fortress of Sigiriya. Think Indiana Jones vibes, minus the Harrison Ford cameo. Although I didn't make it to experience this part, given everything else I saw, it would be a fabulous and culturally authentic visit. I definitely want to go back and stay for several weeks.
Sri Lanka is a place where adventure meets affordability, history meets natural beauty, and every turn offers something unexpected. If it is not on your list yet, it should be. Book a trip before the rest of the world discovers it. Feel free to contact me at Joelle.massari@fora.travel to help curate a trip for you.
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