If there’s one place you need to add to your travel bucket list, it’s Sri Lanka.
I just went on my first-ever backpacking trip — a three-month stint across South East Asia that casually turned into four. I managed to convince my boyfriend to quit his job and join me. Funny thing is, Sri Lanka wasn’t even on our itinerary when we left Sydney, but it ended up being one of our favourite destinations.
From pristine beaches that could easily rival Australia’s finest to underrated safaris, Sri Lanka has it all. Think luxurious resorts without the hefty European price tag and surf that’s perfect for everyone from beginners to seasoned pros.
I spent 10 days exploring Sri Lanka’s South Coast and I’m now convinced everyone needs to visit. Here’s a breakdown of everything I got up to, and why you should consider swapping your Bali plans, or the likes, for Sri Lanka.
Watch: Lara shares her Sri Lanka travel guide. Post continues after video.
One thing I quickly learnt before visiting Sri Lanka was that transportation can be a bit of a challenge. Trains are not always reliable, and the buses? Let’s just say they’re not exactly built with personal space in mind. So, we decided to rent our own tuk-tuk. Yes, I convinced my boyfriend not only to quit his job but to also get his tuk-tuk license.
We did this through Tuk-Tuk rental and the process was so easy. They handled everything from licensing and road rule lessons to offering a 24/7 helpline for peace of mind.
While we could have hired a private driver, having our own tuk-tuk gave us total freedom to explore hidden beaches, detour along scenic routes and really soak up the beauty of Sri Lanka’s South Coast all at our own pace.
Our first stop straight from Colombo Airport was Balapitiya, a quieter, lesser-known gem on the South Coast of Sri Lanka. It’s the perfect escape if you’re looking to avoid crowds.
We stayed at Sundara by Mosvold, a dreamy beachfront escape with a swim-up pool and private beach access. Our garden room was spacious and came with its own courtyard. The service and food were also exceptional.
The floating breakfast! Image: Instagram/@carbsmakeitokay.
Indulging in traditional Ayurvedic treatments is a must when in Sri Lanka.
I had the most relaxing full-body oil massage at Taprana A Luvayurveda Hotel, a health retreat specialising in the ancient healing practice.
For a bit of adventure, hop on a mud river safari along the Madu River. It makes for a really fun day spotting wildlife, exploring floating temples, and even trying ticklish fish therapy!
Balapitiya Beach, Sri Lanka. Image: Instagram/@carbsmakeitokay.
Next up is Mirissa, where you’ll find no shortage of Insta-worthy resorts. Known for its surf-friendly waves, laid-back beach bars and vibrant nightlife, Mirissa Beach is a growing hotspot.
We spent two nights at the Paradise Beach Club on Paradise Island. The beach-facing outdoor pool is surrounded by palm trees and sun loungers, so you know I was relaxed AF.
Try and go whale watching while in Mirissa — it’s one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales.
For the best chance of seeing them, book an early morning tour. Sadly, the weather wasn’t great for us, so we didn’t get to experience this, but it’s certainly on the list for next time.
Mirissa Beach, Sri Lanka. Image: Instagram/@carbsmakeitokay.
If you’re a foodie, you could easily spend an arvo dedicated to cafe-hopping. My favourite local bites included Hey Mama’s coconut roti and No. 1 Dewmini Roti Shop for their kothu roti, a Sri Lankan specialty.
End your day with a sunset climb to Parrot Rock for one of the best sunset views of your life. Hot tip: Bring a speaker and some refreshments for the ultimate vibes.
Galle Fort is known for its art-filled boutique hotels. We spent two nights at the Bartizan, which ticked all the boxes.
Housed in a former Dutch building, this hotel has been restored into a stylish, modern space while still preserving its historical charm. Our room faced the fortress wall, offering a perfect spot to catch the sunset.
Be sure to visit the lighthouse and wander through the historic streets. For a unique shopping experience, head to the famous Pedlar Street, where you can shop in local boutiques, souvenirs, gem and jewel stores.
I treated myself to a belated birthday gift and purchased my dream gemstone necklace from Standard Gem and Jewellery (I was incredibly pleased with the price too).
Sip on happy hour cocktails at Galle Art Hotel or enjoy spicy margaritas at Charlie’s Bar & Bistro, all while overlooking the historic ramparts of Galle Fort.
Galle Fort, Sri Lanka. Image: Instagram/@carbsmakeitokay.
If you’re all about seaside vibes and adventure, Hikkaduwa has got you covered.
It has great surf, one of the best diving spots in Sri Lanka and beautiful beaches dotted around with buzzing restaurants and bars.
While we stayed at an Airbnb that is currently unavailable, one hotel that’s on my wishlist is the 5-star Riff Hikkaduwa.
It’s located right on the beach and each room has guaranteed ocean views.
If scuba diving is your thing, Hikkaduwa is the place to do it. We went with the company Dive For You and got to explore some epic dive sites.
Snorkeling in Hikkaduwa is also very impressive, especially around Turtle Beach. Here you’ll find lots of sea turtles swimming and chilling by the shoreline.
Hot tip: pack your own snorkel and mask so you’re always ready for a spontaneous snorkel — no need to rent!
Heaven. Image: Instagram/@carbsmakeitokay.
Full circle moment driving our tuk-tuk back to Colombo to finish off our trip. While Colombo ended up being my least favourite of all the places we visited, it was still nice to have one night there to make the airport transfer the next day easier.
We stayed at the Radisson Hotel Colombo, a solid choice with complimentary breakfast, and just a 40-minute Uber ride from the airport.
If you’re looking for your next tropical escape, let this be your sign to explore Sri Lanka.
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Feature image: Instagram @carbsmakeitokay.
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