TRAVEL GUIDES
OUR GUIDE TO SRI LANKA
SOUTH COAST
Welcome to the South Coast of Sri Lanka, a destination that captured our hearts so hard that we found ourselves on the brink of purchasing a plot of land during our trip.
Given its tumultuous recent history, Sri Lanka still remains more hidden than other Asian destinations, with fewer tourists allowing for a more authentic and intimate travel experience. Now is truly the perfect time to visit, as the island starts to emerge as a safer place to travel.
Having immersed ourselves in the South Coast for about 10 days, our selection may not include the most renowned attractions (ex: the famous train), but rather, the things we would personally recommend to friends.
When reflecting on our time in Sri Lanka, one thing becomes abundantly clear – this island nation has it all. From sun-kissed beaches to misty mountains, and serene lakes to picturesque countrysides… , the South Coast is a playground of diversity.
As the seasons shift, so too do the landscapes – from December to March, the South Coast is best to visit, while April to July offer ideal conditions for exploring the North. While our journey only allowed us to scratch the surface of the South, we're already planning our next adventure to uncover more cultural riches of this beautiful country.
Where to Stay
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
From 100€ per night
The Merchant House hotel offers good value for money with beautiful design, clean rooms and a nice pool. However, we were surprised by the service experience, finding ourselves in a situation where there was no staff presence or reception to assist us. The residence could be better suited for booking with friends as an Airbnb-style accommodation.
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
From 200€ per night
Kurulu Bay was hands down the highlight of our trip. Arriving on our final nights, exhausted from our travels, we were immediately struck by the beauty and the tranquility of the place. Monkeys added a playful touch to the serene atmosphere, and the food surpassed anything we'd tasted on our journey. Please please visit!
Although we didn't plan to stay overnight in Galle, our visit to the town led us to stumble upon the Fort Printers. The design captivated us and we couldn't resist entering the place to explore further. Only later did we realize it was owned by the same owners as Kurulu Bay, and we regretted not having the opportunity to spend a night there.
Gale, Sri Lanka
THE FORT PRINTERS
From 150€ per night
Tangalle, Sri Lanka
From 700€ per night
Aman hotels are synonymous with excellence, impeccable service, exquisite design, and prime locations. In Sri Lanka, there are two but if we had to choose, Amanwella would be our top pick. Situated in Tangalle, it has a private beach that exudes a sense of remoteness. Surprisingly, Aman properties in Sri Lanka are relatively more affordable compared to other destinations, making Amanwella an even more interesting choice for those seeking a high-end experience.
Although we had initially planned to visit Kandy during our trip, we made a spontaneous decision to change our route. As a result, we missed out on experiencing Santani Wellness firsthand. However, trusted friends who had visited Santani before shared that it was their favorite experience in Sri Lanka by far.
Kandy, Sri Lanka
SANTANI WELLNESS
From 400€ per night
Gal Oya, Sri Lanka
From 250€ per night
Gal Oya Lodge offers a unique experience in a lesser-known Reserve. Surrounded by nature, you feel completely alone during the day trips (no other tourists). Each time you return to the lodge, you are greeted with refreshing iced tea. Though the amenities and rooms could be improved, we still really enjoyed our time there for its serene surroundings.
Ahu Bay was on our list of must-places, but due to logistical constraints and timing, we unfortunately couldn't stay. However, from what we've seen, it's truly worth exploring, especially for those seeking relaxation. Nestled on a picturesque beachfront, the hotel is renowned for its impeccable cleanliness and stunning ocean views.
Bentota, Sri Lanka
AHU BAY
From 300€ per night
What to do
HIRE A DRIVER
Hiring Suresh as our chauffeur was the best decision we made for our Sri Lanka trip. He was recommended by friends and fully adapted to our itinerary. Navigating the country's tricky roads and wildlife was made easy with his expertise. Plus, Suresh's local knowledge led us to the best pit-stops along the way and the most interesting roads. If you're planning a Sri Lanka adventure, we highly recommend Suresh as your driver! Just message us for his contact details.
Colombo, Sri Lanka
LUNUGANGA ESTATE
Lunuganga is a hidden garden near Bentota. Originally a neglected rubber plantation, it was transformed by architect Geoffrey Bawa into a stunning Renaissance-inspired garden. Now open to the public, Lunuganga is a must for anyone seeking to experience Bawa's modernist tropical style. Though it is also now a hotel, we wouldn’t really recommend staying there as you see groups of visitors roaming around… not the most private setting but really worth a visit!
Bentota, Sri Lanka
Encircled by fortified walls dating back to the Dutch colonial era, Galle is a UNESCO World Heritage-listed Old Town. One of the highlights of a visit to Galle is exploring its famous market, where you can browse an array of unique items, from traditional crafts to exotic spices and fresh produce.
GALLE’S FORT
Galle, Sri Lanka
Nils received a little surprise, as I had booked a private boat tour for us to embark on a whale-watching adventure. His passion for whales made this experience all the more special. The whales were a bit difficult to find but we eventually saw two of them and a few dolphins along the way. The Mirissa port where we started our tour was impressive, bustling with fishermen selling their fish, making it an even more memorable start to our day.
SEE THE WHALES
Mirissa, Sri Lanka
While we didn't get around to it, Sri Lanka is undoubtedly a surfers spot. The southern beaches reminded us a lot of what Bali was two decades ago. If you're considering trying surfing for the first time, it's best to avoid Weligama, despite its reputation as a top spot to begin surfing. Surfer friends advised us that it's overrun with beginners. Instead, consider Mirissa or Hiriketeya for a more enjoyable and less crowded experience.
TAKE A SURF LESSON
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
This is the kind of beach you can imagine headlining a dreamy travel magazine. It’s a small beautiful secluded cove with a curved strip of golden sand. It’s quiet, it’s unspoiled, and there are no hotels here or rows of sunbeds. This is one of the most low-key places to come relax under the shade of the trees or swim protected from the big waves.
THE SECRET BEACH
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
BUDURUWAGALA TEMPLE
As we drove from Tangalle to Gal Oya, we asked our driver Suresh if there was anything interesting to see along the way. He proposed to stop at Buduruwagala, a stunning ancient temple carved in stone. There was not one single other tourist around, which was so surprising! A very kind guide showed us around. He had lived there his whole life and we were so touched by his love for this place. He even led us through a short meditation. It was a very special experience.
Udawalawe, Sri Lanka
A must-do in Gal Oya is the water safari! You start with a jeep ride for about an hour until you reach the lakes. Then, you hop on a private boat. Again, we didn't see any other visitors on this journey. The lake was incredibly beautiful, with numerous islands teeming with various birds and animals, and the light there is just breathtaking. It was suck a magical experience. We even enjoyed a little picnic and a beer along the way.
THE WATER SAFARI
Gal Oya, Sri Lanka
The adventure kicks off at dawn with a trek through charming villages, then ventures into the dry zone forest. The climb to the peak is tough, winding through thick forest and rugged terrain, offering glimpses of wildlife. Although Ines found the trek challenging (it's not for everyone), the stunning panoramic views from the top made it a memory that will last a lifetime. Along the way, keep an eye out for the diverse wildlife, and plants used by the indigenous community.
CLIMB MONKEY MOUNTAIN
Gal Oya, Sri Lanka
While the tea plantations in Ella are often touted as a must-visit, our experience left us somewhat underwhelmed. Coming from the tranquility of Gal Oya, we were taken aback by the number of tourists crowding the area. Ella's fame as a stop on the scenic train route, (popular for capturing Instagram-worthy photos), has turned it into a bustling tourist hub, which, in our opinion, detracted from its charm. Our advice? Explore the stunning mountain landscapes, but consider limiting your stay to just a day to avoid the tourist trap atmosphere.
VISIT THE TEA PLANTATIONS
Ella, Sri Lanka
What to Taste
Colombo, Sri Lanka
€
Our last meal before catching our flight was at Upali's by Nawaloka, which instantly reminded us of Nils' favorite spot in the world: Hoppers in London (if you haven't been, you're missing out!). Upali's serves up a traditional Sri Lankan feast. The portions were huge, the flavors were spicy but absolutely sensational! Honestly, every dish was delicious. We couldn't help but finish every last bite – it was just too good to resist.
GINI’S OUTDOOR KITCHEN
Colombo, Sri Lanka
€€
Gini's came highly recommended by the owner of Kurulu Bay, who is a real foodie. Given the fantastic culinary experiences we had at his hotel, we had full confidence in his recommendation. Located in Colombo, we were eager to try it out. However, when we finally made our way there, it was closed for the day. It remains on our list of places to visit, and from what we've seen, it looks very promising.
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
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De Uncles came highly recommended by an Indian friend, and it certainly lived up to the hype. Entering through a tiny door, the place has a speakeasy vibe, with vibrant graffiti art adorning the walls. We went for sunset, enjoying stunning views of the sea from their terrace while sipping on great cocktails and munching on delicious mutton rolls. The lively atmosphere, coupled with the cool young surfer crowd and music ambiance, made for a fantastic evening.
€€
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
The Kip quickly became our go-to spot every morning for breakfast during our stay in Ahangama. It's a small place with an incredible breakfast where you can pick and mix to create your ideal menu. What's more, they have a cute boutique that offers lovely items, and they even host yoga sessions. Each morning, our journey to The Kip took us through streets lined with beautiful old colonial houses, still inhabited by locals. It was a very nice daily stroll.
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Mirissa, Sri Lanka
After our morning whale watching excursion, we headed to The Slow for lunch and ended up crashing there afterward. While the food wasn't the highlitght (it’s a vegetarian spot with non-local cuisine), we can’t deny the fantastic location right in front of a beautiful beach. We grabbed two bean bags and indulged in the most amazing nap of our lives, serenaded by the soothing sound of the sea.
SMOKE & BITTERS
€€
Hiriketiya, Sri Lanka
Unfortunately, we had to cancel our reservation, but Smoke and Bitters seems to be an incredibly special place. Friends from the area rave about it, and it's one of the few (if not the only) places in Sri Lanka where booking is necessary. You can opt for to go during sunset hour or later for dinner at night. It's definitely on our list for next time.
Ahangama, Sri Lanka
€€
Let's talk about Kurulu Bay's once more, because it truly deserves the spotlight. It's not an exaggeration to say that it served the best Sri Lankan cuisine we had throughout our entire trip. From hoppers in the morning to fish dishes at lunch and the most delicious curries for dinner, every meal was a delight. In fact, after trying the restaurant, we made the decision to forgo dining elsewhere. And to top it off, the ambiance was next to the pool was also the best experience.
We asked our driver for an authentic food experience in Bibile, and it didn't disappoint. "Hela Bojun Hala" is a Sinhalese term that translates to "Indigenous Food Village” . The one we visited served genuine Sri Lankan cuisine in a food street setting. Unlike in some other countries, like India, we didn't have to worry about food poisoning in Sri Lanka. Our stomachs stayed happy and fine throughout the trip, even when trying street food :)
Bibile, Sri Lanka
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Ahangama, Sri Lanka
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We stumbled upon the lighthouse while walking around Ahangama’s main street and the place really offers the most breathtaking views. While we didn't dine there, it's the perfect spot for a coffee break or a drink to wind down at the end of the day. The bar hosts events with live musics or Djs every now and then so make sure to check their news!
The Perfect Trip
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