How long DO YOU NEED TO visit Sri Lanka? We recommend you to stay in Sri Lanka at least 2 weeks, and if you have the opportunity even 3 weeks or more! In two weeks, you can make the cultural center (Anuradhapura, Polonnawura, Sigiriya), then go to the mountains and tea plantations (Nuwara Eliya, Ella), […]

Sri Lanka, elected destination of the year by Lonely Planet in 2013, is a marvel with its sandy beaches, wildlife, friendly people or tasty curries. The country is very cheap in regard to accommodation, transportation or food which makes it even better for backpackers ! However, you’ll need budget for visits which are expensive. Here […]

Sri Lankan cuisine is tasty and deliciously spicy. If you want to eat in local places, you need to like chili cause the food is generally very spicy, even more than in India. But if this is not the case, don’t worry, there are also many dishes without chili and most tourist restaurants adapt their […]

Unawatuna is for sure our favorite beach in Sri Lanka as it has everything to attract backpackers: a nice beach, a relaxed and funky atmosphere, many restaurants and hotels overlooking the beach (often too close to the sea by the way), small busy streets lined with restaurants and shops and… rare thing in Sri Lanka, […]

Few tourists venture on the east coast of Sri Lanka, and that’s even better! The Trincomalee region is more authentic, with its almost deserted beaches, lively and colorful Hindu temples, and Pigeon Island, not to be missed to snorkel and see sharks (not dangerous course)! I recommend to spend at least two days, ideally. HOW […]

Galle is a must in Sri Lanka for its magnificent Dutch fort and its European-style. Being one of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city inside the fort is clean, quiet and well maintained, and seems to be loved by foreigners, with its many jewelry shops, lovely cafés and restaurants. WHAT TO SEE IN GALLE? […]

Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka after Colombo. Very lively, the city is built around a large artificial lake and is particularly known in the Buddhist world for its Temple of the Sacred Tooth. It is a very pious and conservative city, and therefore not very festive in the night (for party, […]

Polonnaruwa is the second oldest city in Sri Lanka, World Heritage listed by UNESCO since 1982. Ruins of the ancient royal city are well preserved and can be visited in an afternoon, usually by bike. Practical information to visit the ancient royal city of Polonnaruwa The park entrance for tourists is quite expensive, as elsewhere […]

The Temple of Dambulla is a must if you love Buddhas (the temple is composed of five large caves which are filled with Buddha statues, risk of overdose!) but it’s also worth it for its numerous monkeys, its horribly kitsch entrance gate or its magnificent view once you reach the top. Visit the temple of […]

Anuradhapura is one of the sacred cities of the Cultural Triangle (with Polonnawura and Sigirya). This is actually a huge historical park where it is nice to walk around by bike. Do not miss the Temple of the Sacred Tree (Bodhi Tree Temple), the second most sacred place in Sri Lanka,  where you will meet […]

Spend at least one day in the Sri Lankan capital to visit its temples, especially the romantic  Seema Malaka Temple, our favourite because it is on the water. Walk in the shadow of the Viharamahadevi Park or along the beach when the sun goes down to try the street food. It’s a nice introduction to […]

Hikkaduwa is a huge resort full of tourists (50% of tourists go there) who come to enjoy the sun, the beach and to party! Avoid it if you hate these tourists resorts but include it for at least one night into your program if you want to party CRAZY! There are not many other party […]

Tangalle is a beautiful beach that has the advantage of being not touristic and therefore almost deserted. It must be said that this is not the ideal beach for swimming, the waves are very strong. It is sometimes advised not to swim, but if you do not go too far it’s pretty funny to play […]

Mirissa is a beautiful little beach, very quiet and a bit bohemian, more popular with couples and backpackers in our opinion because the nightlife is almost nonexistent. This is perfect for a relaxing evening sipping a cocktail. WHERE TO EAT in Mirissa? We ate at a restaurant on the beach, because the atmosphere is extraordinary […]

Ellat is known as the backpackers hub in Sri Lanka, and it is clear that we came across more backpackers than locals here. Ella remains unspoilt by mass tourism tough! This pretty mountain town is the perfect place for those who want to take their breakfast on the patio of their B & B on […]

A hike in the Horton Plains National Park is usually recommended in the tourist guides if you go in the Sri Lankan mountains (and you should!), and can be a good stop on the road between Nuwara Eliya and Ella. The purpose of hiking is to reach the World’s End, a breathtaking view of the […]

An unforgettable experience for us: rafting in Kitulgala on the river where the movie “The Bridge on the River Kwai” was filmed! Do not hesitate to put it on your itinerary. It’s refreshing, has great views and above all, is very fun! The crew that accompanied us was awesome, they take pictures of you doing […]

Sigiriya is one of three sacred cities of the Cultural Triangle, it is also the most impressive because the fortress and the palace of King Kasyapa it houses have been built on a huge rock. An inevitable climb in Sri Lanka is therefore to climb the steps to reach the top of the rock, where […]

Nuwara Eliya is an enchanting place in the mountains that has nothing to do with the rest of Sri Lanka. Suddenly, you find yourself transported into English cottages, golf courses and beautiful colonial mansions, and immediately 10 degrees is lost. It is called “Little England” and you will quickly understand why. Take pants and sweaters […]