Sri Lanka, my homeland, my heartland. It’s been a long 3 years away but you did not disappoint upon my return. From the moment we landed that indescribable feeling of belonging, of being home took over every part of my body and existence. I suddenly remembered all of the things that I had been living without since the pandemic. The warmth, the island lifestyle and just the general feeling that my soul was happy once again, that it was home where it belonged.
This trip we wanted to do things a little differently, we had 3 weeks in Sri Lanka and wanted to make sure we didn’t spend all of it in Colombo. We were lucky enough to travel around the country this time around and so this blog post will focus on sharing some of the many gems we came across in our wondrous homeland.
Colombo
I remember looking out at the Colombo city skyline and thinking, this city doesn’t usually get a good rap but its grittiness and the resilience of its people is what makes it untraditionally beautiful. We had so many culinary highlights which are listed below:
Restaurants:
Brunch:
- Cafe Kumbuk – Set in the heartland of Colombo 07, one would expect this place to be bustling to the same beat as the Colombo pulse. In truth it’s basically the opposite of that. This place is incredibly relaxing and the its courtyard is the highlight and makes you feel like you’re in the middle of an urban oasis. Good coffee and brunch options add to its lure.
- Seed Cafe – This place is one of my favourite spots in Colombo outright. It has a super relaxing vibe, especially if you sit outside. Hands down the best brunch spot in the city with relation to food. Foodies, I guarantee you’ll love this place.
- Department of Coffee – One of the newer brunch/lunch spots. It provides you with a lovely view of the Independence Arcade and offers a nice spot to relax and unwind in the city. This place has a massive food menu which doesn’t disappoint.
Dinner:
- Gallery Cafe – an old favourite which never lets you down. The ambience, atmosphere, food and drinks here make it one of, if not the best (and most consistent) dinner spot in Colombo
- Monsoon – Our favourite date night spot in Colombo. The menu presents genuine Asian fusion dishes which live up to expectations. Also, check out the chilli margarita’s!
- Cyril Rodrigo’s – what a fun little family restaurant this place feels like. It’s known for its hoppers and it didn’t disappoint.
- Tenku – this was the first time we’d visited Tenku and we were really impressed. It has a fabulous view from the rooftop of the Kingsbury Hotel and offers great Japanese food.
Bars:
- Uncles – the only bar that needs to be referenced here! From the team that brought you Baillie Street Merchants, this bar feels like you’ve stepped right back into one of Melbourne’s underground bars. Good cocktails, great ambience and service.
Down South
Shops:
- Stick no bills (Galle Fort) – this place is such a gem. It offers postcards and posters set with a Ceylon feel. Super modern and artsy, we picked up multiple posters that showcase moments in Sri Lankan history.
Ahangama
Restaurants:
- CITRA – what an incredible experience we had at this place. A great date night spot. The food was incredible and exceeded expectations. The restaurant is set in a open plan courtyard at the front of the property where you can enjoy the seabreeze from the ocean which is across the road. By far my favourite Western culinary experience of the trip.
- Big Mighty Deli – a lovely seaside sandwich shop with super chill vibes!
Accommodation:
- The Kip – this place is incredible. There are only 4 bedrooms on the property which gives it a very relaxing feel. You can’t help but slow down, take a breath and just enjoy the surroundings.
Central
Sigiriya
Accommodation:
- Sigiriya Jungles – I really loved this place. It feels like you’re in the heart of the jungle. The service here was impeccable with very hospitable staff that took care of our need. We stayed in one of the suites which presented us with the biggest bathroom have ever seen!
- Aliya Resort & Spa – this was my second time at Aliya and it didn’t disappoint. As you ascend the entrance steps the view you are met with sprawls across the lush landscape. You immediately see an infinity pool and the majestic view of Sigiriya as the backdrop. For that first instant it genuinely takes your breath away.
Things to do:
- Sigiriya Rock & Fortress – climbing Sigiriya Rock was the highlight of the trip. I am terrified of heights and have shied away from this exercise for my entire life. But it was an incredibly rewarding experience of personal fortitude and appreciation of the genius of the site itself. The view from the top is unlike any other I have seen and it felt somewhat transcendent standing at the top looking across the Central Province.
Polonnaruwa
Things to do:
- Polonnaruwa Ancient Ruins – Every time I visit the ruins I remain in awe of the architectural genius of my ancestors. Wandering around the ruins which were once an ancient city brings you back to a time of true prosperity of Sri Lankan history.
East
Pasikudah
Accommodation:
- Maalu Maalu Resort & Spa– This place was incredible. The property is set right on the beach which provides an initial wow factor as soon as you arrive. The beach itself is stunning. The hospitality of the staff is second to none and the overall vibe and feel of the property is indescribable
Restaurants:
- Nandawanam Guesthouse – this place was the find of the trip and presented for me, the best Sri Lankan meal we had whilst we were in the country. We had an authentic crab curry which I can honestly say, I would be happy to eat every day for the rest of my life. The restaurant sits on a beautifully manicured property which doubles as a guesthouse too.
As always, 3 weeks (or any amount of time) is never enough time spent in Sri Lanka. But as we reminisce on our time there, we feel joyous and content that we made the most of our limited time this trip. To the pearl of the Indian Ocean, you have our hearts; until next time.
I blog for Change. 