Kalpitiya
A narrow strip of sand between lagoon and ocean that most visitors never reach. Spinner dolphin pods, sometimes hundreds strong, can be seen from boat trips between December and April with a licensed operator who keeps respectful distances. Bar Reef offers some of the island’s best snorkelling, and the Dutch-era fort adds a quiet history […]
Udawatta Kele Royal Forest Reserve
A forest reserve above Kandy with 104 hectares of trails, endemic birdlife, purple-faced langurs and complete quiet, a short walk from the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic. It was used as a royal retreat in the Kandyan kingdom period and is rarely on standard itineraries.
Matale – Spice Country
Matale is the spice-growing region that supplies black pepper, cardamom, cloves and nutmeg, alongside the cinnamon and herbs of its working gardens. A specialist spice garden stop connects food-focused travellers to the source of Sri Lanka’s flavours, and nearby Aluvihare Rock Temple adds a literary layer – the Buddhist scriptures were first committed to palm […]
Negombo – Lagoon, Canal & Fishing Community
Only minutes from the airport. The Dutch canal network, the lagoon fish market at 4am, the Portuguese-era St Mary’s Church on the seafront and the catamaran fishing community make Negombo more interesting than its transit reputation suggests.
Colombo – Market & Food Quarter
Colombo is where Sri Lanka’s most interesting contemporary food scene, its oldest trading district and its best contemporary architecture come together. Pettah Market is at its most energetic in the morning, a structured food walk covers the city’s best street eats, and the Dutch Hospital precinct suits the afternoon.