I still find it amazing that it’s taken me 30 years to visit this beautiful country, but it was worth the wait.
My escorted tour took me from the west coast beaches of Negombo to the heart of Sri Lanka at Habarana, where ancient cities and Sigiriya Rock left me speechless - especially after climbing it! From there, we travelled to riverside Kandy, before climbing into the cool, misty hills of Nuwara Eliya and its emerald tea plantations.
We then headed south to Tissamaharama for unforgettable wildlife encounters in Yala & Udawalawe National Parks, before finishing with some well-earned relaxation back on the west coast in Kalutara.
Take an escorted tour - having everything organised, from hotels to transfers, makes the journey completely stress-free, allowing you to focus on enjoying the incredible sights and experiences. Plus, travelling with a local guide brings the country’s culture, history, and hidden gems to life in a way you simply wouldn’t get on your own. It’s a fantastic way to see the best of Sri Lanka with ease, comfort, and added insight.
Looking back on my trip to Sri Lanka, it’s hard to pick just one highlight, but what I loved most was the way every day felt like a new adventure. There was always an element of surprise, from ancient temples hidden in the jungle to the excitement of not quite knowing what to expect next.
One unforgettable moment was an up-close encounter with a leopard in Yala National Park, heart-racing, beautiful, and humbling all at once. And if that wasn’t enough, we even had an elephant make it very clear we were in his territory… by giving our jeep a bit of a chase! Those are the moments that stay with you forever.
The people were a huge part of the magic too - warm, welcoming, and always ready to share their stories and traditions. The scenery constantly amazed me, from golden beaches to misty mountains and lush tea plantations, while the rich culture surrounded us at every turn.
What made the tour perfect was the balance. There was plenty of time to explore and soak up new experiences, but also the right amount of downtime to relax, reflect, and simply take it all in. I never felt rushed - just completely immersed in the beauty of Sri Lanka.
The beauty of Sri Lanka is that it’s a year-round destination, but the best time to visit really depends on which part of the island you want to explore. For the west and south coasts, as well as the Cultural Triangle, the ideal months are from December to April when the weather is dry and sunny. If you’re heading to the east coast, the best time is from May to September, when that side of the island enjoys its best weather. This means you can always find a pocket of sunshine somewhere in Sri Lanka, no matter the season.
Getting to Sri Lanka from the UK is straightforward, with a few options depending on your budget and preference. I flew indirect via Abu Dhabi on an overnight flight, which worked perfectly for me, however, there are also direct flights usually flying during the day. It really comes down to what suits you best - some prefer the convenience of a direct daytime flight, while others like the comfort of breaking the journey with a connection and travelling overnight.
Average flying time is around 11 hours for a direct flight, or between 13 and 15 hours if flying indirect, including your connection.
Many escorted tours include private transfers from the airport, making the arrival experience seamless and stress-free. And no matter how you choose to travel, the moment you arrive, you’ll find Sri Lanka’s warmth and beauty make every hour in the air more than worth it.
