From sun-kissed beaches and lush tea plantations to ancient temples and thrilling wildlife encounters, the teardrop-shaped island is a paradise of diverse landscapes, rich history and warm hospitality.
There’s a magic in Sri Lanka that lingers in the air, a fragrant whisper of cinnamon and salt carried by the ocean breeze, a land where ancient temples guard the past and emerald tea plantations paint the hills in hues of green. From the bustling modernity of Colombo to the mist-laden highlands of Nuwara Eliya, from the golden shores of Bentota to the lush wilderness where elephants roam free, this teardrop island in the Indian Ocean is a traveller’s dream, a place where history and nature entwine to tell a story of resilience, beauty, and warmth.
We began our journey in Colombo, the pulsating heart of the island, where towering skyscrapers and colonial Dutch buildings stand side by side and whispering tales of a bygone era. The National Museum, a grand old structure built in 1877 offered an immersive experience into Sri Lanka’s rich history, from ancient kingdoms to colonial rule, while the bustling Pettah Market pulsated with energy, its maze of stalls selling everything from fragrant spices to vibrant textiles. Yet amidst the chaos of tuk-tuks zipping through narrow streets and the honking of cars (a very few), there was a rhythm, an undeniable charm that makes Colombo an unforgettable introduction to Sri Lanka.
Into the wilderness
From the city, we headed south to Bentota, where the waves of the Indian Ocean kissed the shore with rhythmic grace. Here, we indulged in long, lazy afternoons on the golden sands, watching fishermen haul in their day’s catch and savouring the freshest seafood under the swaying coconut palms. A boat ride along the Madu River took me deep into the mangroves where birds flitted above and water monitors slithered between the roots. The highlight was Cinnamon Island, where we met a local family who has been cultivating cinnamon for generations, their hands stained with the spice’s rich aroma. We packed a few sticks and oil jars to use them back at home in India.
Next on the agenda were the cultural and historical treasures of Sigiriya. The towering rock fortress, an ancient citadel built by King Kashyapa rose dramatically from the jungle, its steep stairways leading to a summit adorned with breathtaking frescoes and ruins of a once-glorious palace.
The view from the top, an endless expanse of greenery stretching to the horizon, was worth every step. Nearby, Minneriya National Park was an unforgettable wildlife encounter as we watched elephants gather by the hundreds, their playful interactions painting a scene straight out of a nature documentary. Yes, we did encounter a cute family of elephants where mother was leading their way crossing our safari jeep–nothing could beat that close encounter with those giant species.
Continuing into the highlands, we found ourselves in the cool embrace of Nuwara Eliya, the ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka. Here, rolling tea plantations stretched as far as the eye could see, the air thick with the scent of fresh leaves and the soft hum of workers plucking the finest buds. A visit to a tea factory exposed us to the meticulous process behind Sri Lanka’s world-renowned Ceylon tea and a cup of freshly brewed perfection, warmed me against the misty mountain air. We tried a natural green and white tea and brought some back home to reap its health benefits.
What we loved about this little hill station is the Sita Mata Kovil, a monument of myth and devotion. Legend has it that this sacred site marks the very spot where Sita, the beloved heroine of the Indian Ramayana, was held captive by the demon king Ravana. The temple, adorned with colourful frescoes and intricate carvings, is a beacon of spirituality and history, drawing hundreds of travellers.
As you approach the temple, the cool, misty air of Nuwara Eliya envelops you, similar to the warm hospitality of the local people.
The temple complex features a striking statue of Hanuman, the monkey god, who played a pivotal role in Sita’s rescue. The surrounding landscape, with its verdant tea plantations and cascading waterfalls adds to the temple’s ethereal charm.
Visitors can explore the small, serene grotto that houses the temple, taking in the tranquil ambiance and the sense of reverence that pervades the air. Nearby, the picturesque Gregory Lake and Hakgala Botanical Gardens are additional places where you can reflect and relax.
History of settlement
Kandy, the last royal capital of Sri Lanka, was another gem, home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. The chants of Bhikkhus echoed within its golden-roofed halls, a sense of peace settling over us as we witnessed the reverence of devotees. The Kandy Lake, surrounded by charming colonial-era buildings, offered a scenic stroll, while the vibrant cultural dance performances in the evening introduced us to a mesmerising glimpse into Sri Lanka’s artistic heritage.
When we first set foot in Sri Lanka, we were eager to experience the island’s rich culture, breathtaking landscapes and most importantly, its renowned cuisine. As food enthusiasts we found ourselves exploring bustling markets, cozy roadside eateries and authentic restaurants, each offering a delightful spread of traditional Sri Lankan dishes. To our surprise, many of the flavours and ingredients felt wonderfully familiar—Sri Lankan food carries a strong resemblance to Indian cuisine, yet with its own unique identity.
The fragrance of warmth
From the moment we took our first bite of a classic Sri Lankan meal, the connection to Indian food was evident. The generous use of spices such as cardamom, cumin, corriander, and turmeric mirrored the rich, aromatic blends found in Indian curries. Coconut, a staple in South Indian cooking, plays an equally vital role in Sri Lankan dishes—whether in the form of coconut milk lending creaminess to curries, grated coconut adding texture to sambols or coconut oil infusing dishes with a subtle tropical note.
The famous Sri Lankan rice and curry spread reminded us of the thali meals served in India. A plate full of perfectly steamed rice accompanied by an assortment of curries, lentils, pickles and crispy papadams felt like a home away from home. We noticed similarities to South Indian sambhar in Sri Lanka’s parippu (lentil curry) and the tangy, spicy undertones of Indian rasam in Sri Lankan soups.
Similar, yet distinctive
While Sri Lankan food shares similarities with Indian cuisine, it stands out with its unique flavours and preparation methods. A staple that stole our hearts was the Sri Lankan hopper, a crispy-edged, bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. Though it resembled the South Indian appam, the Sri Lankan version came with a perfectly cooked egg nestled in the centre, making it an indulgent breakfast treat.
Another striking difference was the distinct heat level. While Indian food is known for its spice, Sri Lankan dishes take it up a notch, with red chillies and black pepper giving a fiery kick to even the simplest of meals. We quickly learned to embrace the heat as we savoured dishes such as the iconic pol sambol, a spicy coconut relish that added an extra zing to everything it accompanied.
A gastronomic adventure to remember
One of our most memorable meals was at a beachside restaurant in Galle, where we indulged in a seafood feast featuring Jaffna-style crab curry. The thick, aromatic gravy packed with spices was reminiscent of coastal Indian curries but had a distinctive depth of flavour, thanks to the use of local ingredients such as pandan leaves and goraka, a souring agent unique to Sri Lankan cuisine. Our culinary journey through Sri Lanka was more than just a feast for the taste buds -it was an exploration of culture, history and shared traditions. While we found comfort in the familiar elements of Indian cuisine, we were equally enthralled by the distinctiveness of Sri Lankan food. Every meal resembled the island’s vibrant culinary heritage, leaving us with a newfound appreciation for the subtle yet remarkable differences that make Sri Lankan cuisine truly special.
As we bid farewell to this enchanting island, we carried with us not just the memories of breathtaking landscapes but also the lingering taste of coconut-infused curries, fiery sambols and the warm hospitality that made every meal an experience to cherish.
Regaining its position
Sri Lanka’s beauty is undeniable, but its journey toward economic recovery is still a work in progress. The nation, having faced significant financial turmoil, is striving to rebuild with tourism playing a crucial role in its resurgence. The hospitality industry is bouncing back and there are visible efforts to improve infrastructure, but challenges remain. More investment in sustainable tourism and increased job opportunities for locals would help pave the way for a stronger economy.
As we prepared to leave, we couldn’t help but reflect on the island’s enduring spirit, its ability to rise and rebuild through adversity. With its breathtaking landscapes, rich history and warm-hearted people, Sri Lanka is not just a place to visit -it’s a place to experience, to embrace and to carry in one’s heart long after the journey ends. And as we set our sights on neighbouring India, a land brimming with its own tapestry of wonders, we realised how interconnected these gems of South Asia are, each offering a unique yet equally mesmerising adventure for those willing to explore.
