Sri Lanka may look like a small island on the map, but there is so much to experience!!
You might already have read it in my Maldives blog, but Sri Lanka is the perfect destination to combine with the Maldives! Of course, it's not a must, but if you're already travelling all the way there, why not add a week or two exploring this beautiful island before relaxing on a paradise beach? It really is the perfect combination.
I've travelled around Sri Lanka with my sisters, but over the years I've also organised many holidays there for couples, solo travellers, honeymooners, and families with young children. It's one of those destinations that can be completely tailored to your travel style.
My first impression...
We arrived late in the evening, so we spent our first night in Colombo. To be honest... Colombo isn't the most beautiful city in Sri Lanka 😄. It's a good starting point, but unless you really want to explore the capital, I'd simply recommend an airport hotel or a nice beach hotel with a swimming pool before your adventure begins.
The biggest question: How do you travel around?
You have two options.
Option 1 – My recommendation: A private driver 🚗
I have the most amazing private driver in Sri Lanka, and honestly, he is worth every penny.
He is local, incredibly knowledgeable, speaks excellent English and is one of the friendliest people you'll ever meet. He'll drive you from hotel to hotel, but that's only the beginning. Want to visit a local school and make a donation? No problem. Fancy a cooking class with a Sri Lankan family? Done. Elephant safari? Secret viewpoints? Local restaurants? He'll happily organise it all for you.
Especially if you're travelling as a family, I would 100% recommend having a private driver. It simply makes the holiday much more relaxed.
Option 2 – Adventure mode 🚂
When I travelled with my sisters, we did everything ourselves.
We travelled by train, tuk-tuk, local buses and taxis. It was such an adventure and one of my favourite backpacking experiences ever! If you're young, flexible and don't mind things taking a little longer, this is a fantastic way to experience the country.
A great example from one of my families 👨👩👧👦
One of my lovely families travelled to Sri Lanka in 2025 with Jonathan (10) and Emma (8).
They had my private driver for most of the trip and absolutely loved it. After visiting Sigiriya—famous for Lion Rock and nearby elephant safaris—they continued to Kandy, home of the famous Temple of the Tooth.
From there they did one of Sri Lanka's absolute bucket list experiences...
The train to Ella 🚂
Instead of driving, they took the famous train through the tea plantations all the way to Ella.
It's one of the most scenic train journeys in the world, with endless green tea fields, waterfalls and mountains passing by outside your window.
Meanwhile, the driver simply met them again in Ella after the train journey, so they enjoyed the best of both worlds!
My favourite part...
My sisters and I were even more adventurous.
We continued by train all the way to Nuwara Eliya, one of the highest towns in Sri Lanka. Suddenly the temperature drops dramatically and you'll see people selling scarves, hats and gloves at the station... something you definitely don't expect after sweating on the coast! 😂
The area is famous for beautiful tea plantations, colonial-style guesthouses, Horton Plains National Park and World's End, one of the island's most spectacular viewpoints.
I'd recommend staying here for just one or two nights before continuing to Ella.
Ella is completely different. It's a relaxed little hippie town surrounded by mountains, waterfalls and cafés. We stayed one night and hiked Little Adam's Peak, which offers incredible views and is suitable for almost everyone.
Beach or Safari? Why not both? 🐘
After Ella, your route depends on the season.
If you're travelling when the east coast has the best weather, you can continue there for beautiful beaches before visiting Yala National Park for a safari.
We were incredibly lucky and even spotted a leopard! Besides elephants, crocodiles, monkeys and countless birds, seeing a leopard in the wild was definitely one of the highlights of our trip.
If you're travelling during another season, I'd recommend heading south instead. Beach towns like Mirissa, Tangalle or Hiriketiya are perfect for relaxing, surfing, whale watching or simply enjoying fresh seafood with your feet in the sand.
Is Sri Lanka safe?
This is probably one of the questions I'm asked the most.
The answer is yes.
I've organised many trips to Sri Lanka for couples, families and solo travellers, and I've always received wonderful feedback.
The people are incredibly welcoming and genuinely kind. Tourist areas are generally very safe, and Sri Lankans often go out of their way to help visitors. As with any destination, it's important to use common sense, look after your belongings and follow local advice, but I would absolutely recommend Sri Lanka for families.
It's one of those countries where people don't have much, yet they're happy to share what they do have. That warmth and hospitality is something you'll remember long after your holiday has ended.
Things to know before you go
💵 Bring some cash. I recommend bringing around US$200 (or the equivalent in euros) to exchange after arrival. Cards are accepted in larger hotels and restaurants, but many smaller cafés, local shops and markets still prefer cash.
🚕 Pre-book your airport transfer. This saves you the hassle of negotiating prices after a long flight, and I can organise this for you.
📱 SIM cards. You can buy one locally, although it's not always straightforward at the airport depending on your arrival time. If you have a global eSIM, that can also be a convenient option.
💊 Pack some stomach tablets. Sri Lankan food is absolutely delicious, but the spices can be a surprise if you're not used to them!
🧘 Ayurveda & Yoga. Sri Lanka is famous for its Ayurveda retreats, wellness hotels and yoga resorts. If relaxing and recharging is part of your holiday, I can definitely recommend some wonderful places.
My biggest tip...
Don't try to see everything.
Sri Lanka may look like a small island on the map, but there is so much to experience. Whether you're looking for wildlife, beaches, tea plantations, hiking, culture, luxury hotels or authentic local experiences, we can create an itinerary that perfectly suits you.
I've kept this blog fairly short because every traveller is different. Once we have our initial chat, I can guide you through all the possibilities and help create the perfect Sri Lanka itinerary just for you.
I promise... you'll fall in love with this beautiful island just like I did. ❤️
Lovely wishes,
Jasmina ✈️🌴