For many years, Sri Lanka has been high up on my bucket list. After experiencing the beauty and culture of Mauritius - where my father is from - at a young age, I was eager to venture to other places that might offer the same incredible diversity in both people and landscape. Reading travel articles and watching documentaries quickly turned Sri Lanka into this magical place I just had to visit, and while I didn’t have the time on my first trip to Asia, I knew I would soon be back. When we were leaving Australia, my boyfriend actually suggested the trip - he knew it was a dream of mine to travel here and he too wasn’t quite ready to return to a European winter after spending so much time in the sunshine down under. While I will be posting a LOT about this incredible country, the places we stayed and what we did while we were here - in this post I just want to focus on my first and lasting impressions of the country. This post will focus on all the things I wish I had known before arriving and what I have learned since being here - to save you time and any struggles during your own travels.
Read: Sri Lanka 2 week itinerary from Colombo
Now I do say this a lot in Asia, but never before have I felt it with every ounce of my being. Sri Lanka is home to the kindest, friendliest, warmest and most generous people I have ever had the pleasure of coming across. It really is a joy to travel here both as a couple and as a solo female traveller - I have never felt safer travelling in Asia and have yet to witness a single person even look at my belongings in a dodgy manner let alone actually try and pickpocket or cheat us in any way. The people are genuine and curious about us as travellers, in a way that hasn’t yet been ruined by large numbers of inconsiderate tourists. It’s a pure and very innocent culture who see a traveler and want to ask your name, your story and if they can help you, rather than seeing a way of making money. Every time we have arrived at a place we have been greeted warmly and treated like long-lost family. Every time we have caught public transport even the elderly have stood to offer their seats. Sri Lankans are proud of their hospitality, and even more so of their country - rightly so - and they are eager to share it with visitors by telling you the most beautiful spots. Take advantage of the beautiful nature of the people and see a side of Asia that has been lost in other more touristy areas such as South East Asia, this is a chance to connect with the locals in a different way.
I have been so amazed at the fantastic level of English across Sri Lanka - much better than any Asian country I have previously travelled to - it is easy to chat to most people across the country even in rural areas. Stop anywhere and you will be able to ask most people for directions, help with buses or even just have a chat about how their day is going. Do try and learn a bit of the language, I’ve learnt a few key phrases and I love seeing the locals’ faces light up when I speak Sri Lankan to them - especially when half of them think I look Sri Lankan. Even more amazing, travelling with a German boyfriend, we’ve been astonished at how many Sri Lankan’s speak great German (better than mine!) and are actually able to chat to us in German. Sri Lankan people are very quick and eager to learn, they will always try and pick up some knowledge or phrases from you to use later on.
The train system has really impressed me in Sri Lanka - all the trains we have caught have been on time and efficient which is more than I can say for back home in the UK. Book train tickets a few days ahead to book a first or second class ticket and have a reserved seat, or get them on the day to find a free for all but ride with the locals and get the real experience. We rode with he local from Negombo to Mirissa for 3-4 hours and had a great time - we stood most of the way but we were chatting with all the friendly people on the train and hanging out the door to take in the beautiful coastal views as the train rides right alongside the beach. We will be taking second class seats for the famous ride from Ella to Kandy to ensure we have a seat and a window for some great pics - but even this only cost us less than 400 rupees each for the seven hour ride through the mountains and tea fields.
The bus system throughout Sri Lanka is fantastic and has been my favourite form of transport. While the buses are a little terrifying to ride on at high speed along the highways and through the mountains, they are efficient and cheap. You can ride for several hours for just 100-200 rupees and most of the time you can get a seat. Always talk to the drivers/conductors as they are really friendly and helpful - they will tell you exactly how to get where you need to be, the quickest and best way, plus they’ll tell you when to get off and change buses.
We’ve only hired a scooter in Ella so far, but they had a standard price throughout town at 1,500 rupees per day, a bit steep but its a great quality scooter and it has been really lovely to have the freedom to ride around in the mountains to waterfalls, temples and tea fields all day. Amazing scenery for riding.
As anywhere in Asia, tuk-tuks can be a very efficient and cheap way to get around, you’ll find them all over Sri Lanka and the drivers are usually very helpful. However, as with anywhere in Asia, don’t get ripped off, always speak to a few before you agree a price. Be careful in certain areas such as Dambulla in the Cultural Triangle and Yala National Park, where we were pre-warned that we would be targeted by those trying to rip us off. We were asked 1,500 rupees for a ride that luckily only cost us 400 rupees because we went with a decent driver. Always walk away from the drivers who approach you as you climb off the bus - they are the ones who try to rip you off by putting pressure on you.
Stock up before you travel, if you’re going to need diarrhoea medicine or any other type of medicine that is commonplace in the UK/Australia but might be less easy to come by in Sri Lanka. The pharmacies are good but even with a good level of English, it can sometimes be hard to get your point across if you have a more intimate concern. Ladies - plan ahead - if you’re going to have your period while you are here then come prepared with tampons, moon cups or pads as you don’t get much choice here and tampons are considered a no-go.
I’ve been quite surprised since being in Sri Lanka to find that most places have multi-sockets available to charge your electrical items. Many places have had English wall sockets as well as two different sized three-pin sockets available. If in doubt, pick up a universal adapter before you travel, especially if, like me, you have electrical items from all over the world with different plugs. If you’re planning to get a SIM card while you’re in the country - pick up a Dialog one for the best service throughout the country. There are plenty of great deals for tourists with data packages to keep you online - I bought the biggest one available for 1,000 rupees so I could hotspot using my laptop to work as I travelled and so far the signal has been great for that and navigation.
Prepare for an endless feast of rice, curry and roti. I’m at the point where I feel like I am turning into a roti, but I just can’t stop eating them! Make sure to try the lumpries - a mixture of curries served with rice in a banana leaf - how curry should be eaten. Eat with your hands if you’re brave enough! And dive into a Sri Lankan breakfast with string hoppers or a filled roti. There are plenty of vegetarian options for any travelling veggies and I can’t get enough of the dhals. The fish curries are amazing here and the seafood is great down south and in the east, with plenty of mullet, lobster and crab. The best food, as usual, is the street food at tiny stalls along the streets - don’t be put off at how rustic the stands are - boyfriend was a bit nervous at first but now he loves street food! Curd and honey is amazing - it’s buffalo milk based yoghurt served with a coconut honey that has nothing to do with bees, and everything to do with coconut trees.
For somewhere that is still drastically and refreshingly underdeveloped, Sri Lanka is very modern in their way of thinking regarding litter, preservation of the landscape and protection of animals. The countryside and cities are both so much cleaner than other Asian countries I have visited, and even the stray dogs and cats look much healthier and are much friendlier. As you travel around the country you will even notice signs warning to not damage the environment, not to litter or leave plastics lying around. In both Ella and Yala I have seen huge signs by wildlife protection authorities warning against hunting, or killing the animals or damaging the plants or trees. It really is lovely to see how the local people have a great respect for the land and preserving it that perhaps is missing in some other countries. However, you will find that much of the country looks like a building site - so many of the buildings are half finished especially in he up-and-coming areas such as Trincomalee and Mirissa.
Sri Lanka is a country with no end of amazing activities to indulge in - don’t think it’s just beaches and lazing around! Travellers who want to stay active can enjoy great surfing, snorkelling and diving in some beautiful spots, or for those who want to relax there are yoga and meditation retreats or spas. For those craving adventure and a peek at the incredible wildlife, there are safaris with wild leopards, bears and elephants both in the south and the north, or whale watching all around the coast. For those who love the great outdoors, there are no end of amazing hikes and climbs to do both up in the mountains or bushwalking through the jungle.
In short, Sri Lanka is truly one of my favourite travel experiences - it was raw and wild and vibrant in ways I haven't experienced before. The people were kind and so genuine, they welcomed us into their homes and as a part of their families. The landscape continually took our breath away, from the majesty of the mountains, to the energy of the jungle, out to where the ocean lapped against the shore. We were never bored and had to work hard to squeeze it all into what was a pretty action packed month. I've lived some of my wildest dreams during those four weeks and I saw the magic of Sri Lanka capture both of our hearts - now if the perfect opportunity to let it capture yours.
Have you been to Sri Lanka - or are you planning a trip soon? What do you image Sri Lanka will be like? Does anything put you off travelling to Sri Lanka?
It feels like Iceland will forever stay on my must-see list. I've spent so long in the wrong hemisphere and I'm always planning trips to far-fetched places, but that often means sacrificing the real gems that lie right under my nose. I'm always that girl who can't resist a tropical island or exploring the jungle in some exciting new land, so it's hard to schedule in time for a snowy break but I won't be happy until I have. These last few years, it seems like everyone I know have been off gallivanting around the Blue Lagoon, posting lust-worthy pics of them playing in the snow or eyeing up the Northern Lights - it's the stuff dreams are made of.
Being back in the UK and experiencing my first European winter in more than three years, I'm embracing it with wide-open arms and I'm loving every second. While the cold was a shock to the system, I'm loving the Christmas decorations, the frosty mornings, the festive spirit, the winter coats and snuggly jumpers. It's really making me realise what I have been missing these last few years of chasing the sun and perhaps I'm ready for something new now. I'm excited to explore a whole new hemisphere and to find the magic in places that I haven't yet had the pleasure of experiencing.
Whenever Iceland is mentioned, the mind instantly conjures up images of dramatic volcanic landscapes draped in snow and crisp with frost, it's a magical image. A land both within reach and yet completely separate to everything I have previously experienced, but while we always hear about the same few attractions of Iceland, I feel that there is so much more waiting to be discovered. There is still a wholly unique Icelandic experience waiting for each visitor to capture the charm and the beauty of the country when their visit. Planning a visit to Iceland? I've done a bit of research to find the most unique ways to explore the country.
All of Iceland's electricity comes from hydroelectric or geothermal power, and if that doesn't inspire you enough, the famous Blue Lagoon is a wonderful side effect of this power. Lava fields alongside a geothermal plant were accidentally turned into a spa rich in minerals, sulphur, salt and silica back in the 70's and now it is one of the country's most popular attractions. Need some time to relax on your trip and escape the cold, why not take a dip in the blue waters and lose yourself in the swirling mist?
Ready for the ultimate adventure? Explore independently when you hire a budget camper in Iceland and experience the true beauty of this country. There's nothing quite like the lure of the open road and with landscapes that will have your jaw on the floor, there's no excuse for skipping a road trip across Iceland!
Imagine yourself racing through the snowy landscape on board your own sleigh pulled by those gorgeous, energetic huskies. It's the ultimate arctic experience and one you won't want to miss, if you're a dog lover then this is the trip for you!
Something you can only do during winter when the caves are truly frozen, you can now explore ice tunnels over 200m long under Iceland’s second largest glacier, Langjökull. Bathed in the ethereal blue light, you can even get married in a special ice chapel under the ice.
The land of fire and ice is punctuated with incredibly unique volcanic experiences where you can explore these amazing geological formations.
During the summer, it never gets completely dark in Iceland, while the evenings are cooler they remain bathed in a stunning mix of sunrise and sunset. Make the most of it and get outside - go take part in activities or go for a hike. Or if you fancy a really unique experience, why not go to the Secret Solstice Festival? Taking place on June 21-24 in Reykjavik, it is the festival of the midnight sun and gives you a perfect opportunity to party all day and all night long.
Just outside Reykjavik, it's possible to learn even more about the mystical folktales that surround Iceland by attending a real-life Elf School.
Fancy a bit more action? Race across the ice on a snowmobile for an experience that will take your breath away.
Why not take a helicopter ride over Iceland and gain a new perspective on the landscape - from volcanoes and geysers to endless fields of snow and ice?
For the explorers among us, there are endless caves waiting to be explored including Grjótagjá, a volcanic cave lake that looks magical. Or experience the incredible Gljúfrafoss, a waterfall hidden in a cave that can be found in cracked cliff.
There's nothing quite like getting out and experiencing nature in all it's glory, so why not take the chance to explore by going on glacier walks? With climate change gradually melting the polar ice, the glaciers are also being slowly diminished so one day soon it could be a really unique experience to look back on.
My absolute dream is to watch the Northern Lights - I was so disappointed to not see the Southern Lights while down in Tasmania, Australia. But what would really take this experience to another level would be to watch the lights from one of these adorable bubble rooms at what is known as the 5 million star hotel - what a magical experience! Fancy being out in the open air? Why not watch from your own private hot tub?
You can view an encyclopaedic collection of mammal penises at the Icelandic Phallological Museum, while The Icelandic Sea Monster Museum explores the area's history of aquatic cryptid sightings.
At Þingvellir National Park you can find Iceland’s largest lake, Þingvallavatn which is the only place on the entire planet where you can see two tectonic plates, the American and the Euro-Asian plate, gradually breaking apart year by year. It is the only place where the split is so dramatic, and if you're feeling brave, you can even dive or snorkel between the two plates in Silfra - a gorge filled with crystal clear water.
An Icelandic specialty, Hákarl originates from the days when food needed to be purified during the long winters. With a taste likened to blue cheese but 1000x stronger in taste and smell, it was originally processed from Greenlandic Shark, then buried under rocks for six months before being hung to dry for another three months. Another local delicacy is sheep's head.
