Last Updated on March 2, 2025
Sri Lanka – Colombo and Beyond:
Sri Lanka is a country of amazing contrasts and influences – geographically, scenically, religiously and politically. Its geographic location and deep harbours gave it strategic importance from the time of the ancient Silk Road through to World War II when the British were stationed here.
It’s been ruled by the Portuguese, who arrived in 1505, the Dutch and then by the British until it achieved independence in 1948.
This is clearly demonstrated on the streets of the cosmopolitan capital – Colombo. Grand colonial buildings, Roman Catholic churches, Buddhist temples and mosques all sit comfortably side by side with its people going about their business on the steamy streets. Enjoy the bustling markets, open green spaces and widely differing architecture and absorb the history of this fascinating country. We explored in open-topped World War II jeeps with Colombo by Jeep – a fabulous way to see and photograph the city – creating a fair few photo opportunities of our own, too.
And of course, you have to take time to taste the flavours. There’s tasty street food around many a corner and a good choice of top restaurants to choose from.
Kaema Sutra is one of three in the city from acclaimed chef Dharshan Mundisa. It sits in the stylish colonial building that is the Arcade, Independence Square – originally created as the Jawatta Lunatic Asylum in 1889 and now an upmarket shopping complex. Dharshan’s innovative menu takes Sri Lankan cuisine to a new level. His crab kottu is a dish to remember.
When it’s time to escape the city the good news is that there’s plenty of beach life very close to Colombo. The peace of the unspoiled south coast in Wadduwa is life enhancing. With the sparkling blue Indian Ocean and tropical gardens, it’s the perfect get-away-from-it-all destination. And the chance to cleanse and detox with the range of Ayurvedic treatments available at the Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort, a haven right on the beach. Ayurveda is one of the world’s oldest holistic healing systems, said to have started thousands of years ago in India. The hotel grows a lot of the herbs and other plants needed to make up these treatments in its stunning gardens.
If you’re looking for somewhere with a bit more action, venture a little further along the coast to Hikkaduwa. Originally a fishing village, it’s now a popular and lively beach town known for surfing, kite boarding and scuba diving, as well as its all night partying opportunities.
Another great area for beach babies is Negombo. It’s on the west coast, just 35km north of Colombo and very close to the airport. The fourth largest city in Sri Lanka, it’s famed for its huge fishing industry and beautiful sandy beaches.
When in Negombo you simply have to visit their bustling fish market. Get up before dawn to watch the action unfold – it’s a beautifully vibrant experience, a riot of colour and noise – and there’s lots and lots of fish. So make sure you grab the chance to eat some.
Like the traditional Negombo crab curry which was prepared for us from scratch on the beach at the lovely Jetwing Blue Hotel. No doubt the crab had been caught that day, it certainly tasted like it.
Sri Lanka’s a fabulously inspiring country – an example to us all in today’s troubled world – with its cornucopia of people all living in harmony. It’s also incredibly beautiful with sunsets (and rises) to lift the spirit. The chance to take a deep breath and appreciate the world around you – and everything it has to offer in its wonderful diversity.
If you can tear yourself away from the chilled-out beach life of Sri Lanka there’s lots more to discover inland. Which is where we’re heading next time, so come back soon.
Address book
Here’s where we stayed on our journey of discovery.
Kingsbury Hotel, Colombo: thekingsburyhotel.com
Siddhalepa Ayurveda Health Resort: siddhaleparesort.com
Citrus Hotel, Hikkaduwa: citrusleisure.com
Jetwing Blue, Negombo jetwinghotels.com
Other useful addresses
Colombo by Jeep: colombobyjeep.com
Sea Turtle Hatchery, Peraliya
I was a guest of the Sri Lankan Tourism Promotions Bureau on this trip.
I flew to Colombo on Emirates via Dubai. A seven-hour flight from London, a brief changeover in Dubai and then just under five hours before arriving in Colombo.
Do pin this post for later if you are thinking of visiting.
Great post! I had the good fortune of travelling around the entire island which my dad calls home. I did like staying at the Jetwing Hotels because of their discounts for travelling with them island wide! Great to see Sri Lankan Ayurveda mentioned as well. I was lucky enough to spend a week at Surya Lanka Ayurveda Resort ( http://www.suryalanka.com/de/ ) which I left feeling much refreshed! Highly recommend a trip to Sri Lanka!
What a wonderful description of things to do and see in Sri Lanka. I especially like the story of the Turtle Hatchery. I wish him much success.
Even as a student of history, I never truly realized how expansive the British Empire had been until I began traveling to Asia. They literally held territory in every corner of the world. It’s very interesting to see how these cultures have moved forward after independence – I hope to see it for myself in Sri Lanka some day soon.
The thought of that fresh crab curry has my mouth watering. There’s just one Sri Lankan restaurant in my city – it’s amazing- but clearly there’s no comparing it to the real thing. Gorgeous photos!
I would love to get to Sri Lanka and experience the culture, cuisine and the beach. Big wildlife destination too so I hear – Sea Turtle Hatchery at Peraliya would be a dream!
My brother spent some months and Sri Lanka and he totally fell in love with it, so he ended up in his honeymoon in Sri Lanka again. So I am very fond of it as well, but it is sad to hear that the Tsunami still has an effect on that country. Beautiful pictures <3
Nice post! I only knew Sri Lanka for it;s nice beaches. I can see that there is more to that equally interesting!
Oh my goodness the kottu crab looks delicious. As does the Negombo curry. I’d love to visit Sri Lanka and experience its cultural diversity and its natural and historical attractions. I’m glad someone is looking after the baby turtles!
You mentioned right: “If you can tear yourself from the beach life”… Though I’m not a fan of lying on the beach, I extremely like spending time near the water and listen to the sea/ocean waves. I think walking along the coast line of any place in Sri Lanka is an experience itself. Thank you for sharing inspiration and experience)
I’d never thought about visiting Sri Lanka until recently. A friend of ours just visited and his photos looked like it is a great place. Really loved your pictures too! The Sea Turtle Hatchery by Nimal sounds like such a wonderful cause, especially in honour of his family. I’d definitely want to support that when we visit. Good tips, thanks!
You said exactly what I was thinking, Sri Lanka sounds like a country that is inspirational for the rest of us. Nice to see all those different people living in harmony. And that turtle story is so inspiring, although a bit sad that people would eat the eggs he didn’t buy them. Thanks for introducing me to somewhere I have not been before.
Great article everything in a nut shell ……thank you so much…………..