The Resplendent Island: Beyond the Teardrop of India
Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is an emerald-green gem set in the Indian Ocean. Poetically called the “Teardrop of India” because of its shape, it’s a country that surprised me with its vibrant mix of colonial cities, Buddhist spirituality, and a nature that seems ready to swallow the roads whole.
To be honest, I’ve only visited this country once and didn’t stay long, as it’s a bit off my usual routes, but I truly loved what I saw. I still remember the almost hypnotic power of the ocean in Mirissa and the ancient charm of the historical cities. But above all, I remember my first real clash with the local curry: at first, it wasn’t easy to handle that level of heat, but once I got used to it, those deep, spicy flavors began to haunt me the moment I left the island.
Curated experiences: what not to miss in Sri Lanka, according to me
The Cultural Triangle: Dive into ancient history by exploring the ruins of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. But the real highlight is Sigiriya: climbing the “Lion Rock” in the middle of the jungle—with its frescoed walls and the breathtaking view from the top—is an experience that makes you feel tiny in the face of history.
Peaks of the Spirit: If you have the legs and the heart for it, climb Adam’s Peak, a pilgrimage site for four different religions. Alternatively, visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, where the air is thick with devotion and incense, or the mystic caves of Dambulla, with their reclining Buddhas that seem to watch you in the silence of the rock.
The Train through the Clouds: One of the most beautiful railway journeys in the world is the one from Kandy to Ella. Sit by the open door (carefully!) and let the cool air brush past you as the train winds through the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, where the green is so intense it almost looks fake.
The Power of the Ocean and Surf: The southern beaches, like Mirissa or Tangalle, are legendary. Here, the Indian Ocean shows its full strength. If you love surfing, Hikkaduwa and Arugam Bay are the places to plant your board. Don’t forget a visit to Galle, a Dutch fortified city that looks like it’s straight out of a colonial tale.
Cricket Passion: If you see a group of kids with a bat and a ball in a field, stop for a moment. Cricket here is a secular religion; watching a local match is the best way to connect with the people, who are incredibly friendly and hospitable.
My Advice: Don’t be afraid of the food! Sri Lankan curry is a unique explosion of spices. Start slow if you’re not used to spicy food, but don’t deny yourself this sensory experience. It’s an easy country to get around, and the kindness of the locals will make you feel right at home.
Some info about Sri Lanka:
Capital of Sri Lanka: Colombo (commercial capital) + Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte (administrative capital)
Population: 22 millions ab.
Official language: Sinhala, Tamil and English
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Calling code of Sri Lanka: +94
Visa – 2026 UPDATE: The system has evolved. It is now primarily requested through the official e-Visa portal. It’s a fast online process, and you’ll receive your visa via email. “Visa on Arrival” is still possible at Colombo airport, but be prepared for longer queues. Your passport must have at least 6 months of validity.
Connectivity: You’ll find desks for operators like Dialog or Mobitel at the airport. SIM cards are cheap and coverage is good in cities and tourist areas, though a bit spottier in deep rural zones.
N.B. Always double-check current visa regulations and entry requirements before your departure, as rules can change without notice.
Sri Lanka, when to go?
The beauty of Sri Lanka is that there’s always a sunny side. The island is hit by two different monsoons:
South, West, and the Highlands (Tea country): The best time is from December to March.
East Coast (Wild beaches): The ideal period is from May to September. Temperatures are constant: hot and humid on the coast, and pleasantly cool (sometimes even cold at night!) in the hilly areas of the tea plantations.
