The vibrant nightlife, engaging water sports and the hippy attitude of this beach are what makes it the favorite spot for tourists.

The beach is known for its food delicacies, cultural significance, and entertainment. Hikkaduwa is one of the hot spots for backpackers and tourists. The magnificence of the place attracts people who come in search of adventure and recreation.

How To Reach Hikkaduwa beach

The city of Hikkaduwa is situated 100 km from the south of Colombo. You can take a train from Colombo to Matara which goes via Hikkaduwa. If you choose to travel in bus, you can board a bus from Colombo to Matara. It takes almost 3 hours of travelling.

They pass through Hikkaduwa. You can get down at Hikkaduwa bus stop or else you can get off at Narigama beach. From Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport, you can either hire a taxi, or you can find mini busses. The road trip may be expensive, but it makes travelling more enjoyable.

Things to Do

Let us take you through the most enticing things you can do once you are in the Hikkaduwa Beach.

1. Enjoy Water Sports

Like any other beaches in Sri Lanka, Hikkaduwa is also a famous spot for water sports. You can find different activities like surfing, snorkelling, scuba diving, cruising, and sailing. Also, Hikkaduwa is a perfect spot for scuba diving.

You get to explore exciting night-diving trips and shipwrecks which takes your vacation to a whole another level. The availability of PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) courses is a blessing for beginner divers.

You can access these courses which are genuine and useful to enjoy the waters all within your first visit here.

2. Explore Coral Reefs

A beach vacation is incomplete without underwater exploration. Spend the best of your time in Hikkaduwa by taking a dip into the deep blue waters. You will be astonished by the things you discover.

The best time to visit the waters is from November to April since during those times the water seems to clear and calm. The magnificent coral reefs are going to mind boggle you. The reefs here are comprised of a gracious five meters of the marine national park.

Out of the two marine national parks, this one lies to the north of the shoreline and one of Sri Lanka’s pride. You can also rent snorkelling gadgets from nearby shops.

Also Read: Kalpitiya Beach in SriLanka

3. Watching The Turtles

This is one of the unique attractions of Hikkaduwa. Hikkaduwa turtle hatchery never fails to impress you. Only a couple of minutes away from the town lies the Kosgoda Turtle Hatchery which is a hot spot for the tourists.

A sad storyline behind the incubator is that it belongs to a man who lost his family in the tragic Tsunami incident. Spending some of your precious time will mean a lot.

4. Go Surfing

Hikkaduwa is an ideal place for surfers. The beach welcomes such people who have a passion for the waters. The crowd at the bay is found to be cheering these surfers often.

The environment and the ambiance of the beach will give you the adrenaline rush, which makes you enjoy the sport with all the fun.

5. Go For a Glass Bottom Boat Ride

This is so far one of the most thrilling experiences you will ever have in Hikkaduwa. A glass boat ride through the crystal clear waters of this place is fabulous.

The boats are specially built in a way that the deck and the bottom are of transparent glass. The rides give tourists the excitement of exploring the sea differently.

The sea of Hikkaduwa is rich with the twelve different types of butterflyfish and five types of angelfish. Meet them on your way without getting wet.

6. Visit the Tsunami Education Centre and Museum

The deadly Tsunami strike in 2004 is not an unknown fact. Sri Lanka was brutally attacked by the seas resulting in massive destruction and many people losing their lives.

In remembrance of the incident and to educate people more about the natural disaster, Hikkaduwa hosts the tsunami education center and museum.

Pay a visit to this center to know how horrific was the after effect of the Tsunami along with the photographs of the catastrophe.

Also Read: Bentota Beach in Sri Lanka

7. Madhu River Safari

When you are in Hikkaduwa, never miss the fantastic Madhu river safari. Get to know the elegance of the Madu Ganga, which flows through the coastal village of Balapitiya.

The ride gives you the unique experience of watching variety of aquatic birds and fish. The safari along the mangrove forest is a chilling experience.

8. Enjoy the Nightlife

Hikkaduwa nightlife is quite active and fabulous. The place attracts a lot of travelers, and they do agree with the fact that Hikkaduwa is more attractive during the night time.

The beach has the best restaurants known for their service and hospitality. The beach hosts brilliant night parties and offers the best of seafood delicacies.

9. Try the SPA Treatments

Hikkaduwa is no strange to spa facilities. Here you can find top class spa centers offering ayurvedic treatments and massages.

When a long day of exploring starts to kick the tiredness in you, give yourself the luxury of a relaxing massage that rejuvenates you for the next day’s big adventures.

The spas here have experts in this field, and the service they provide will make you comfortable and satisfied.

10. Rent a Bicycle

A bicycle ride is the most spectacular way to get to know a place. The feels and experience you get from these rides are exceptional.

You can rent a bike from the streets where they offer old bicycles for a cheap rate, or you may get to know more details from your stay in Hikkaduwa.

The city has many exciting places that need to be explored. You can find yourself communicating with the locals, trying street foods, and enjoying the real beauty of this place.

Roam around and get to know how exciting Hikkaduwa is.

Places to Visit in Hikkaduwa 

1. Gangaramaya Temple

Gangarama Maha Vihara Temple is among the most famous places for religious doings and activities. The temple is going to take away your breath by its elegance and beauty. The monks of this temple are always welcoming and happy to show you around.

You will find exciting and splendid traditional educational paintings which will blow your mind with the fact that the whole art is the work of a single man.

Also Read: Arugam Beach in Sri Lanka

2. Seenigama Vihara

Seenigama Vihara is that one place in Hikkaduwa you should never miss out. The temple is located on an island that is 100 meters offshore.

There you can find boat services to the island. The island is of absolute natural beauty and fascinating. The temple is of high significance among the locals here.

The belief is that when a robbery is done, and the victim comes to the temple for grieving, the one responsible for the theft will be punished with immense hardship. The view from the island is mesmerizing.

3. Moonstone Mines

One of Srilanka’s honor is the minerals, and precious stone found here. Srilanka is highly prosperous with the abundance of these treasures. Among the stone, Moonstone is the most famous one.

It is mined from the sultry forests. The town is filled with mines. The mine of the place is opened for visitors now. The entire tour is engaging, and you will get to know more about the mining process.

You can also shop semi-precious stone or jewellery from this place as a souvenir.

4. Nirgama Beach

Narigama Beach is another famous beach in Hikkaduwa. Tourists visiting Hikkaduwa will also enjoy Narigama beach. The beach stretches over 4 kilometres and is an ideal surfing spot.

The best time to visit the place is from April to October. The sea is calmer during the winter season. Watching the sunset from the Narigama is a blissful experience.

The ambience of this beach is pretty intriguing.

Also Read: The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

5. Hikkaduwa Coral Gardens and Laguna

The coral gardens are one of the main attractions of Hikkaduwa.

Explore the Laguna and get captivated by the underwater miracle. Laguna is the pool of shallow water with coral reefs on both sides. The waves are diminished by the reefs hence making the spot safe for kids.

It is that part of the sea which is ideal for kids. You get a chance to find exotic species of fish and many other marine lives, which makes the whole experience thrilling.

You can even book a catamaran that helps you to ferry around the waters.

6. Hikkaduwa Lake

Hikkaduwa Lake flows through the veins of the town with all the grace. You will find yourself hypnotized by the captivating charm of the lake.

Situated almost 2km from the Baddegama Road, you have to get a turn to the north to reach the lake. There are boat voyages conducted for those who want to know the lake more. It gets you to the heart of the lake where you find many fascinating things along the way.

And that was all about the beach. Hope you find a safe, cozy place to reside in whenever you visit this jaw-dropping beach. Liked the article? share with your fellow travellers and leave a comment.

The post Hikkaduwa Beach in Sri Lanka is so famous , Why? appeared first on Sri Lanka Tourism.

Here you can find some of the rarest and endangered wildlife species. The thick jungles, the golden beaches, the dusty tracks, and the muddy marshes make you enjoy the wilderness and feel the nature.

What makes Yala unique is that you can find Asian elephants next to the coastal area. The park is of 1297 km and is the largest of the protected area in Sri Lanka. Apart from the diverse flora and fauna, this is the place of historical, religious, and archaeological significance.

Best time to Visit

Yala National Park is open all around the year, but the best time to visit the park is between June to September. During this time you can find the most pleasant and comfortable weather. The temperature remains around 26.4 degrees. Also, the chances of sighting some of the exotic animals are high during this time.

How to Reach Yala

The Park is located about 176 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. It takes almost 6 hours to reach Yala. From here you can hire or rent a car and reach the park via Galle or Kandy. The road network in Sri Lanka is well-maintained and best for long rides.

You can smoothly reach Yala in a car —either driving it all by yourself or by a taxi. If you are going with the option of taking the railways, you can board the train from Peradeniya and get down at Bandarawela. From there you can take a bus to the destination.

Yala Park Timings

The Park opens every day from 6 in the morning to 6 in the evening. Safaris are conducted with different time slots. A full day safari is from 5 AM till 6 PM.

Morning safari is from 5 AM to 9.30 AM and evening safari is from 2.30 PM to 7 PM. They even conduct exclusive leopard safaris from 4.30 AM to 11.30 AM. Bird safari is during the period of 5.30 AM to 11 AM.

Also Read: Breakfast with Elephants

Yala Entrance Fee

The tour through the park will depend on the type of safari you choose. Also, there is a certain amount for the entrance fee. The main entry fee per person is 3,000 LKR —that is about USD 15.

The vehicle fee for the jeep is 125 LRK; car, it is 62 LRK; for the van, it is 125 LRK; for bus, it is 325 LRK.  The safari fees for the morning session are 2,272 LRK; the evening safari is 2,600 LRK; and for a full-day safari, it is 3,700 LRK.

Ideal Time to Visit Yala

The perfect time for visiting the Park will be of 1 night and two days of duration. Within this period, about 5 hours is enough for exploring the park, going on safari, wildlife spotting, and visiting the beach and main attractions of the park.

People with a keen interest in wildlife or photographers can spend time as much as they want inside the park.

Flora and Fauna of  Yala National Park

Yala National Park is one of the most visited and also the second-largest national park in Sri Lanka. The park is home for a wide variety of species and rich in diversity. It has a diverse ecosystem which includes dry and moist monsoon forests, semi-deciduous forests, thorn forests, marine wetlands, marshes, grasslands, and beaches.

The different types of plant species here are Drypetes Sepiaria, Cynodon Barberi, Zoysia Matrella, Manilkara Hexandra, Drypetes Sepiaria, Limonia, Berrya Cordifolia, Pleurostylia Opposita, Gymnema Sylvestre, Bell Mimosa, Neem, Banyan, Toothbrush Tree, Schleichera Oleosa, Vitex Pinnata, Indian blackberry, Gmelina Asiatica, Carissa Spinarum, Euphorbia Antiquorum, and Acacia Eburnea, Glennie Unijuga, Asparagus Racemosus, Manilkara Hexandra, Terminalia Arjuna, Randia Dumetorum and Ceylon Satinwood.

There are almost 44 different species of mammals in this park. The most popular ones are the Srilankan elephants and Srilankan leopards.

Also Read: The Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, Sri Lanka

Also you can find Wild Water Buffalo, Sri Lankan Leopard, Turtles (Olive Ridley, Hawksbill Turtle, Green Turtle, Loggerhead Sea Turtle), Golden Palm Civet, Red Slender Loris, Fishing Cat, Crocodiles, Boulenger’s Keelback, Sri Lankan Flying Snake, Wiegmann, Fan-Throated Lizard, Mugger Crocodile, Saltwater Crocodile, Indian Cobra, Russell’s Viper, Sri Lankan Sloth Bear, Toque Macaque, Sri Lankan Krait, Leatherback Turtle and Painted-Lip Lizard.

You can find amphibians like Bufo Atukoralei and Adenomus Kelaartii. Fish species including Mozambique Tilapia, Stone Sucker, Esomus thermoicos, Olive Barb, Orange Chromide, Crabs, Prawns, Butterfly species include Common Bluebottle, Common Lime Butterfly, Common Jezebel, and the Common Mormon and Blackspot Barb, Common Spiny Loach, Crimson Rose.

As mentioned before, there are plenty of different species of birds here. Almost 215 various species call this park their home.

Some are Sri Lanka grey hornbill, Sri Lanka wood pigeon, black-capped bulbul, blue-tailed bee-eater, brown-capped babbler, Crimson-fronted Barbet, and Sri Lanka Junglefowl.

Waterbirds here include lesser whistling duck, garganey, lesser cormorant, grey heron, Eurasian spoonbill, painted stork, Indian Cormorant, Asian Openbill, and black-headed ibis.

Rare birds include lesser adjutant and Black-necked stork. Migratory waterfowls include Eurasian Curlew, northern pintail, white-winged tern, godwits, whimbrel, and ruddy turnstone.

Other birds include the great white pelican, spot-billed pelican, lesser flamingo, pelicans, purple heron, night herons, egrets, Oriental Darter, lesser whistling duck, Yellow-wattled Lapwing, Red-wattled Lapwing, great stone-curlew, Rock pigeon, barred buttonquail, Indian peafowl, greater flamingo, Crested serpent eagle, orange-breasted green pigeon, hornbills, Old World flycatchers, Indian paradise flycatcher, Asian barbets, Orioles, purple swamphen,
black-winged stilt, black stork, white-bellied sea eagle, Rock-pigeon.

Things to Do

The monsoon forests, the wetlands, the lagoons, and the grasslands are here to welcome you to one of the most memorable moments of your life. Without further ado, here’s a glimpse of what is in store at the Yala National Park.

1. Safari

Yala National Park is one of the best places in Sri Lanka for a safari. Yala safari tours are the ones that give you the experience of a lifetime. This is a paradise for wildlife enthusiasts and nature lovers.

Watching animals in their habitat that close is a chilling experience. You get to see deer, and their offspring have fun around, you get to see a herd of elephants enjoying their time, you can also see leopards waiting to hunt their prey.

This is why a safari is thrilling and adventurous than any other activity. The unpredictable moments and the anxiety of what’s going to happen next makes you go in a complete adrenaline rush.

You get to see these things closely, and you need to be present at the right place at the right time. Yala National Park offers the experts in this field chaperoning you during the safari. They make sure that you get exactly what you came for.

Also Read: 10 Amazing Things to do in Sri Lanka

2. Walk on the Beach

Yala National Park is one of the rarest parks in the world to have a beach. Yala gives you a thrilling experience and the most relaxing time when you visit.

The coastal area is the place where you can relax and get away from everything that disturbs your mind. A walk along the shores is going to be a special moment for you. While you relax, you can see tribal fishing villages nearby and their works, which are an additional perk of this beach.

3. Rock-Cut Monastery of Sithulpawwa

Sithulpawwa means ‘the hill of the quiet mind,’ which is derived from the word ‘chittalapabbata.’  This is one of the remarkable architecture in Yala. It is an ancient rock monastery and is visited by every tourist who comes to Yala.

The belief around this temple is that it was home for almost 12,000 monks here. It is a famous place among the devotees and pilgrims visiting here. Make sure you pay a visit to this beautiful art.

4. Magul Maha Viharaya

Situated close to the rock-cut monastery of Sithulpawwa, lies this beautiful temple called Magul Maha Viharaya. It is located to the south of the monastery.

They are so close to each other so that one visit is enough for enjoying both the attractions. Since they are unique and possess their pride and history, the tour will be of worth. It is believed that Magul Maha Viharaya was the place witnessed the marriage of the King Kavan Tissa to Vihara Maha Devi.

Get to know more about Srilankan history by visiting these places.

5. Visit the Tsunami Memorial

Yala beach was profoundly affected by the deadly Tsunami strike of the year 2004. Many people lost their home and lives due to this tragedy.

The place now has the remnants of this horrific incident, and you can find a memorial built here in honor of those who lost lives that day. Pay a visit to this sanctum, and you get a chance to show your respects to the victims.

You can find many hotels and stay here within your budget range. Most of these hotels provide safari tours in discount rates. You will be able to book the safaris without any hassle and delays. Some popular hotels here are Elephant Reach and Yala Safari Game Lodge. These hotels offer guided tour into the forest reserve. Yala National Park is a place that guarantees you the best experience of your lifetime.

Sources: 

https://www.yalasrilanka.lk/

The post Things that make you fall in love with Yala National Park in Sri Lanka appeared first on Sri Lanka Tourism.

What makes Kalpitiya unique is its Spinner dolphins and sperm whales which is a rare species. It is a marine sanctuary that keeps all the aquatic life active there. The fishing community is what keeps Kalpitiya moving. The tropical climate of this island makes them perfect for sunbathing. Even though they are more enough to attract people, Kalpitiya is still a hidden gem.

Get to know more about Kalpitiya’s elegance:

THINGS TO DO IN KALPITIYA BEACH

Let’s go through the activities that will make you feel Kalpitiya. This guide will help you to get the most from this beach. Travelling is all about exploring. Explore Kalpitiya beach in her own style.

1. Dolphin and Whale watching

Want to meet the biggest animal on earth while enjoying your vacation? Come to Kalpitiya beach, where during December-April months, whales decide to show themselves up frequently to the visitors. Kalpitiya is home to a rare species of the sperm whale that excites the tourists in their every visit.

Dolphins are the next interest of this beautiful place. There is a likely chance to find a school of them swimming next to your boat. It will be the most incredible experience of your life. Forget yourself in the beauty of these elegant creatures and find your heart swim along with them.

Also Read: Kick back in style at Kalkudah & Passekudah Beach in Sri Lanka

2. Lagoon Trips

There is no better way to get a complete view of Kalpitiya beach than these lagoon trips. It is beyond relaxing and rejuvenating. You come to know that feeling all the elegance of this place is flowing through you. Here you can find boat rides, and canoe rides. You find this the best way to explore the beach.

3. Jeep rides

The jeep rides here are one of the exciting stuff to cherish. This ride gives you the best view of the sunset here in Kalpitiya beach. During the evening they take you through the beach dunes and the most of its evening that makes you never forget this place.

4. Snorkeling

During the period of November-May, Kalpitiya will be welcoming all her underwater enthusiasts from around the world. This beach is a great place for scuba diving and snorkeling. Bar reef is where you have to head for scuba diving. It takes only an hour to reach the reef from Kalpitiya lagoon.

This reef is rich in marine life including various creatures like reef sharks, turtles, and Manta rays. The reason why to choose months from November to May is because it is safer during that period since the monsoon will not be relevant at that time.

5. Kite surfing

Kite surfing is another attraction of Kalpitiya beach. Availability of multiple surfing schools favors beginners as well as advanced kite surfers. They offer kite surfing throughout the year. However, it is best to experience it during the months of May till December. It is also possible to try surfing according to your expertise. In that way you will be able to enjoy it with absolute bliss.

Also Read: Galle, Sri Lanka: A Walk down the Colonial Old Days

6. Alankuda Beach

Alankuda is also one of the best-known beaches in Kalpitiya. It is closely situated next to Kalpitiya beach. The boat ride here is astonishing. The ride takes you to dolphin pods which will be an unforgettable experience. This place is a paradise for bird watchers. Even excursions are organized for spotting the abundant species of birds that have Alankuda as home. This is going to be a remarkable adventure.

BEST TIME TO VISIT KALPITIYA BEACH

October to May are the preferable months to visit Kalpitiya Beach. It is the best period for various sports like snorkeling, kayaking, canoeing, windsurfing and more. It is great to visit the beach during the months of December to April for whale and dolphin watching.

HOW TO REACH KALPITIYA BEACH

Kalpitiya is only 3 hours far from the capital, Colombo. The best and frequent way of transport is bus. Buses are available as both air-conditioned and regular, making it easier for you to reach the place comfortably. There are frequent buses from Colombo to Puttalam. Board a bus to Puttalam. It takes about 4 hours of travel. Then from Puttalam you can board another bus to Kalpitiya. Kalpitiya is only 23 km away from Puttalam.

Also Read: Nuwara Eliya: The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka

WHERE TO STAY IN KALPITIYA

To make your vacation more comfortable, Kalpitiya offers the best hospitality. Below are two of the top resorts of this beach area that may come in help during your visit:

1. Palagama Beach Resort

Palagama is one of the unique resorts in Kalpitiya which offers a collection of 16 private cabanas for the visitors. It is specially designed in a way that makes you feel close to nature. The atmosphere here is the most peaceful —backed by the scenic beauty and the waterfront glory. Palagama makes sure you are enjoying your vacation to the fullest.

2. Dolphin Beach Resort

Dolphin resort is one of the luxurious resorts in Kalpitiya. With air-conditioned tent styled pavilions and peaceful sound from the water, the hospitality here is at its best. The tents are spacious enough for you to make yourself comfy. Each tent comes with a balcony providing the best and prominent view of the beach packed with palm trees and coconut trees. The unique furnishings and king size bed of this stay make your time in Kalpitiya truly worthwhile.

Kalpitiya is 150 kilometers from north Colombo. It’s been the favorite spot for water spot enthusiasts and nature lovers for years now. Other attractions of Kalpitiya is Wilpattu National Park, which is only 60 kilometers from Kalpitiya where if you can find the last generation of leopards there. It is the unique land of attraction from all over the Srilanka. The shallow lakes of the park help in maintaining the climate of the park. It is home for deers, jackals, sloth bear and elephants.

Also Read: A Guide to Kalpitiya Scuba Diving

For any further information, please do write to us. We will be happy to help you. If you enjoyed this article please comment and share.

The post Here’s what people have to say about the Kalpitiya Beach appeared first on Sri Lanka Tourism.

Kandy is situated at an elevation of 500 meters above sea level. Since it is set on a plateau, it is surrounded by mountains, tea plantations, and biodiverse rainforests.

The beauty of Kandy is that it has something to offer for every kind of traveler. Swarmed with bustling, colorful markets, temples, spice gardens, picturesque lakes, and natural scenic beauty, the city is nothing short of beautiful. The city is a must visit on your trip to Sri Lanka. Since Kandy is wedged amidst mist-laden hills, you’ll often find the skies overcast. The delicate and gentle breeze reveals the city’s colorful houses and improbable forest halo.

The beauty of the city is that it looks good even when it’s raining. On a sunny day, you’ll find cobalt-blue skies revealing the colonial-era and Kandyan architecture.

Kandy is also known for its distinctive dance, music, and architecture. Temple of the Tooth in Kandy is a popular tourist spot that is home to the island’s most revered Buddhist relic. If you want to experience the rich culture that encapsulates the city, you must make a visit during the city’s renowned Kandy Esala Perahera festival that is held annually in July/August.

Also Read: Tangalle Beach – The Natural Treasure of Sri Lanka

Getting There

Kandy is 115 kilometers from Colombo. If you are a tourist coming from any other country, you will have to fly to Colombo and then choose your most preferred transportation mode. Since Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most touristy towns, there are plenty of options such as trains, buses, and cars to get there.

To save you from the research, we’ve outlined the most efficient, fastest and cheapest ways of getting to Kandy from Colombo.

• By Car: Once you land in Colombo, you’ll find plenty of direct taxis that will take you to Kandy. However, these don’t come cheap. We would recommend to book ahead or ask your hotel to arrange transport. The benefits of hiring a tax are that you get to travel in an air-conditioned car and are guaranteed a seat. It will take around 3 hours 15 minutes to get to Kandy from the airport. Make sure to ask your driver to take the expressway. Traveling by car to Kandy costs around $122. It’s not just expensive but also the least green way of getting to Kandy.

• By Train: Traveling by train from Colombo to Kandy is cheap and hassle-free. Also, you get to enjoy the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka with spectacular views. There are several trains that operate daily. Remember, Sri Lankan Railways do not offer online bookings. Thus, to book a train ticket you will have to get hold of a reputable travel company. A ticket for one costs around $22. Choosing this mode has only pros, however, the only negative point is that you’re not guaranteed a city. Find the train timings here.
• By Bus: You’ll find several buses throughout the day and night that are frequent from Colombo to Kandy. This is the cheapest way of getting to Kandy. A ticket per passenger costs only $2. You can catch a bus from Colombo Bus Station. If you are at the airport, you can catch a bus from Negombo bus terminal. If you don’t want to travel by the public bus, you could opt for a private air-conditioned AC vehicle too because let’s face it, Sri Lanka can get quite hot during the day. You can get a bus from the private bus stand at Pettah. A ticket for one in an AC bus costs $4.

Whichever route you choose, the final destination is the same, only the experiences are different.

Also Read: Mirissa’s Secret Beach

Best time to visit

Beautiful tea plantations and mountains in Kandy keep the temperatures between 19 – 28C all year around. However, he’s a round-up on the weather you can expect in different seasons:

• December to April: This is the best time to enjoy a holiday in Kandy. The weather is dry and pleasant. Despite being winter, the cold is minimal. This is also the best time to go sightseeing or enjoy a trek in the mountain ranges.
• May to September: Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons. During May till September, the Yala monsoon brings rain to the south-western part of the country. Sightseeing and trekking can get tricky during this time. The number of tourists visiting is also low. However, this is also a good time when you get secure cheap hotel deals.
• October to November: This is also a low-key season in Kandy. The weather is erratic. These are also the wettest months here.

Accommodation in Kandy

Most people’s idea of a perfect holiday is to sit back, relax and enjoy scenic views (which Kandy has in abundance). Most of the hotels, homestays, guest houses and resorts in Kandy are situated in tranquil settings amidst environs of lush greenery. From luxury stay options to boutique hotels, there are several hotels in Kandy that make sure you enjoy the truly extraordinary beauty of the hill country.

Here are some hotels we’ve shortlisted that not only maintain great standards in terms of service but are also ideal for a quiet and peaceful getaway.

*All prices mentioned include a breakfast spread and a night’s stay for two

Luxury

Honeymooners generally prefer kicking back in style with their better halves. These luxury abode options in Kandy are great for couples as well as families:

• Kings Pavilion Kandy ($332)
• The Elephant Stables ($260)
• Earl’s Regency ($160)
• Clove Villa ($190)

Mid-range

Families traveling with children generally have two pre-requisites when looking for hotels – comfortable stay and good food. These mid-range hotels meet the criteria aptly.

• Randholee Resorts & Spa ($80)
• Cinnamon Citadel ($72)
• Viyana Boutique Hotel ($58)

Budget

Backpackers and solo travelers often look for guesthouses and hostels that offer them bed and breakfast. You can explore Kandy even without burning a hole in your pocket by staying at:

• Nature Walk Resort ($15)
• Bee View Homestay ($40)
• Hotel See Kandy ($45)

Read This: Galle, Sri Lanka: A Walk down the Colonial Old Days

Top things to see and do in Kandy

Kandy is home to a number of tourist sites. Sitting is not even an option because you’ll find several places that are worth visiting. It is listed as a world heritage site by UNESCO and is also considered one of the most sacred places of worship in the Buddhist world.

Here are some of the best places in Kandy that you must visit:

• Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: Temple of the Tooth is one of the most important shrines in Sri Lanka. The temple is said to house Buddha’s tooth. It is located north of Kandy Lake. Visitors and tourists are not allowed to see the tooth as it is stored in a gold casket shaped like Dagoba. Despite the sacred tooth being the main attraction, tourists also visit the temple to witness its splendid architecture. Locals can visit free of cost while tourists are charged $10. Learn more here.
• Royal Botanical Gardens: The Royal Botanical Garden near Kandy is by far the largest and most impressive gardens in Sri Lanka. Decades ago, the garden was only reserved for the Kandyan loyalty. However today, tourists and locals are allowed inside. The entry fee into the garden is $6.
• Kandy Lake: Kandy Lake is located in the centre of the city and you just can’t miss it. The lake is an oasis of calm. It was created in 1807 by the last ruler of the kingdom of Kandy. The Temple of the Tooth overlooks the lake. Though there’s not much to do here; you must visit the city’s iconic location. The scenery is pretty and you’ll just want to sit and stare at the river.
• Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha statue: Want to witness a breath-taking view of entire Kandy town? This is the place to be. It features the biggest Buddha statues you will find in Sri Lanka. The statue is 88ft high. To reach the viewpoint, you could either use the stairs or hire a tuk-tuk. You not just get to enjoy panoramic views of the city but also get to witness magical sunsets. There’s also a small souvenir shop down that has lovely goodies at friendly prices. The entry fee per person is $1.
• Ceylon tea museum: Ceylon Tea Museum is also a popular tourist attraction visited mainly by tea lovers. The museum comprises of four floors which comprise of old machinery, a library, and an auditorium. On the third floor, they have a sales unit that sells lip-smacking tea varieties and a magnificent restaurant where one can enjoy a free cup of tea. It is open from Tuesday – Sunday. The entry fee is $6 for adults and $3 for kids.
• Udawattakele Sanctuary: To the north of Kandy Lake is Udawattakele Sanctuary. It is famous for its twisting trees, swinging monkeys and bird watching. About 80 bird species have been recorded in the sanctuary.
• Take a train ride: If you want to witness the world’s most beautiful train ride, take a train through the green tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya or Ella. A ticket will cost you $3. The ride to the former takes 4 hours while the latter is 7 hours.

These are the most popular tourist spots and attractions in Kandy. However, you can also consider visiting Commonwealth War Cemetery, World Buddhism Museum, and National Museum.

Also Read: Nuwara Eliya: The ‘Little England’ of Sri Lanka

Kandyan Dance and Drum show

When in Kandy you cannot possibly miss the art and cultural show. It is a dance, drum and musical show that is spectacular and energetic. It is performed by both males as well as female drummers. From the performers’ attire to the décor, everything is pure Kandyan style.

The Kandyan Art Association Hall holds shows regularly for tourists. It’s a great show for kids as well. Acrobats, snake charmers, cobras, and beautiful peacocks are some of the attractions you may witness. The ticket is inexpensive and costs $3 per person.

Also Read: Kick back in style at Kalkudah & Passekudah Beach in Sri Lanka

Grab a Bite

Sri Lankan cuisine is healthy, wholesome and nutritious. In Kandy, you will find a lot of restaurants selling local meals at friendly prices. The best way to start your day is by indulging in some hoppers and curry. You’ll also find many street vendors making Kottu Roti (a Sri Lankan specialty). It is not just staple food for Sri Lankans but also a budget meal.

Other popular wine and dine options in Kandy include:

• Kandy Muslim Hotel
• Café Walk
• Café Divine Street
• The Bake House
• Nagalingam’s Bhavan – Pure Vegetarian
• Slightly Chilled Lounge Bar and Restaurant

Besides the upmarket restaurant and cafés, don’t forget to try the yummy snacks sold by local vendors around the Kandy Lake. From delicious fruits sprinkled with chili salt to curry-stuffed buns and slices of bread, you’ll find it all.

Kandy is a city that is truly captivating and inspiring. Being Sri Lanka’s cultural heritage spot, you’ll actually see history come to life. If you were planning to skip it, please don’t. We promise you’ll be swoon over by the magnificence and elegance of the city.

If you’ve been to Kandy and would like to share a memorable experience, please feel free to let us know.

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Despite being a victim of 25 years of brutal civil war, the country is emerging as a remarkably safe place to travel. However, no matter how many safety measures the government deploys, there are still a lot of tourists who become a victim of untoward incidents, violent crime, and sexual abuse and plenty of other kinds of crime in Sri Lanka.

Every now and then, the internet is filled with stories of women describing the harassment and injustice they faced on their holiday to Sri Lanka. Despite the legal system and laws pertaining to the safety of tourists in Sri Lanka, it’s appalling to hear horrific accounts narrated by them.

Such incidents make fellow women travelers feel intimated. If women want to travel solo to Sri Lanka, they should be able to do it without any doubt or fear in their mind.

Thus, don’t refrain from traveling to the island only because of some touts and street hustlers. Instead, be aware of your surroundings and know your rights as a tourist traveling to Sri Lanka. A little caution goes a long way in ensuring your safety.

If you ever feel like you are in a tricky situation, immediately file a complaint at a police station near you and the harasser will face serious consequences.

Important Number: Emergency Numbers

Common Scams in Sri Lanka

Just like any other developing nation, petty theft and scams are common forms of crime in Sri Lanka. As a tourist, it is important for you to be alert at all times.

Thus, even before running you through the security measures you can take, we’ve listed the types of crimes and scams tourists are prone to face in Sri Lanka.

• Petty theft: Petty theft is less common in Sri Lanka than many other parts of Asia. However, it still does exist. At all times, you must take responsibility for your belongings. Pickpockets mainly take place in crowded areas. Few travelers have also reported theft from their hotel rooms. We would recommend depositing your valuables in the safe provided in the hotel rooms. If you are a woman traveling solo, avoid dark and secluded beaches at night. In this aspect, Negombo and Hikkaduwa particularly have bad reputations.
• Credit card scams: Credit card fraud is a grave risk for visitors. Use cash wherever possible. You could also withdraw from an ATM close-by. In case you hand over your credit card to the manager of a hotel, make sure you never lose sight of it. Chances of duplicating your credit card information are high.

• Visa scams: Despite tourist visas being available on arrival, it is always better to obtain one online beforehand. It saves you time and you can directly breeze through immigration. When you arrive at Colombo International Airport, make sure you are aware of the visa fee for your country. Some officials scam naïve tourists by overcharging them.
• Other scams and hassles: It’s unfortunate but scams and other related crime in Sri Lanka are quite common. From tuk-tuk drivers to gem shop owners and guesthouse touts, all are experts at cheating tourists. They often start by being overly friendly with you. Once they feel like they’ve won your confidence, they persuade you to stay in their shop or visit their guesthouse. Most tuk-tuk drivers say they are an official government-run but end up taking you to secluded places to rob you or stores where they will get a commission. You’ll find the maximum con artists in Galle, Kandy, and Colombo Galle Face Green. Also, when you are booking a day tour or safari, make sure to book it from official travel agents. If you are taking a tuk-tuk somewhere, always haggle and agree on the price before you travel.

Sexual Abuse

Off late, there has been an increasing number of cases of harassment of tourists and sexual abuse. There are a lot of western women who have reported incidents of verbal and physical harassment by groups of men. From making sexually suggestive advances to lewd comments and sexual assaults, sexual harassment of tourists is on the rise. There is no particular place that is unsafe. However, most of the incidents have been reported from tourist areas including market places, railway stations, public streets and bus stations.

There have also been reports of drinks spiked with drugs at bars and restaurants. Therefore, never leave your drink unattended and be careful about taking anything from strangers.

Sexual Assault of Tourists in Sri Lanka

Sexual assault has been the most grappling form of crime in Sri Lanka that has demanded serious attention from the naysayers. In the past few years, the numbers of sexual harassment cases have been increasing in different parts of the island. Here are some of the cases that made national news:

• In 2018, a group of men, as well as women, visited a bar on Mirissa Beach. When the group was enjoying dinner and drinks, the waiters at the restaurant tried to grope the women and sexually harass them. After a while, more local guys began to inappropriately touch other tourist girls. The group even tried complaining to the bar owner but their pleas were brushed off. Other visitors to Mirissa said that such behavior by the beach boys is a common occurrence. When the group decided to leave the bar, a group of 8 to 10 locals mercilessly assaulted three women while the male friend was punched to the ground and repeatedly kicked. After the men escaped the scene, the victims came to their senses and lodged complaints with the Tourist Police via electronic mail.

• On Women’s Day this year (2019), another case of sexual harassment was reported from Mirissa. A middle-aged man is said to have grabbed a woman’s vagina. At first, the woman was confused about what was happening. She was just about coming to terms that she had just been sneakily molested in a roomful of people. The men around her claimed that the abuser was drunk. She immediately called a nearby police station. After hours of waiting, they finally arrived on the scene. However, they were of very little help to her and instead asked her to pay for their tuk-tuk from the point where the incident had occurred to the police station. The victim posted this incident on Facebook with the intention of creating awareness. The suspect was put behind bars at Kotawila Police Station (the same place where the report was filed). A Colombo Gazette article wrote that the suspect was released on bail for a further hearing on March 28. Though the woman will be out of the country by then, she found a little solace that the man will now need to face a judge for his actions.

Such incidents are frequent in Sri Lanka. However, tourists should try their best to teach the harassers and defaulters a lesson. There are many tourists who refrain from going through the entire ordeal of the legal process in Sri Lanka. Since they are visitors to the country, such incidents often go unreported and the abusers roam scot-free. There are many women who get away with it unharmed physical but mentally and emotionally get much shaken up.

We urge both men and women tourists to come out and report such incidents. The Sri Lankan legal system will try its best to secure justice and punish the offenders.

Please don’t let incidents like these change your plans of visiting Sri Lanka! The country is beautiful and the people too are extremely warm-hearted and friendly. It is just a few touts and rouges whom you need to be aware of. The solution is not to avoid the country but take measures to stop such incidents from occurring. The legal system should be looked into and the punishment for such acts should be made stringent.

Awareness Campaigns/Initiatives

One Billion Rising Campaign

In order to fight Sri Lanka’s pandemic of sexual violence, women in the country recently walked with placards that read “One Billion Rising”. The campaign aimed at bringing an end to violence against women. The groups also demanded that the government take action to curb rising rape, domestic violence, and gender-based attacks.

A poster campaign aiming to create awareness on how to be cautious while traveling and important contact details in an emergency situation was launched by Tourist Police Division, Colombo with British High Commission.

Full story: https://t.co/JAflS9XrMS pic.twitter.com/t66nmO3CXh

— Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority (@sltda_srilanka) March 14, 2019

Travel safety Poster Campaign

A poster campaign aiming to create awareness on how to be cautious while traveling across the island and important contact details in an emergency situation were launched by Tourist Police Division, Colombo with the assistance of British High Commission in Sri Lanka.

The campaign will cover 45 identified railways stations, bus stops, Bandaranayake International Airport and popular tourist destinations across the country.

Women in Need Organisation

Women In Need (WIN) is a local, non-profit and non-governmental organisation dedicated to addressing issues of Gender Based Violence (GBV) faced by women and girls in Sri Lanka. WIN’s centres are located in Anuradhapura, Colombo, Badulla, Batticaloa, Jaffna, Kandy and Matara. Their 24-hour hotline number is 011 471 85 85. They take calls in Sinhala, English, and Tamil.

Helpline for Women

On 1^st March, the Women and Child Affairs Ministry Secretary announced that the operating hours of the helpline for women – 1938 – will be extended to 24 hours to receive complaints regarding any forms of discrimination against women, including harassment, abuse, and violence. Before this, it was only operational from 8:30 am to 5 pm.

Sri Lanka’s Legal Aid Commission found that Sri Lanka has the highest rate of sexual harassment in South Asia, and South/East Asia has the second highest rate of gender-based violence worldwide.

The impact of sexual violence on tourists and locals has serious consequences not only for the victims but for the country’s national welfare too.

In order to combat such incidents, perpetrators must face legal as well as social repercussions. The government has to increase the legal accountability —and society too must play a role in addressing the problem. Instead of telling a woman not to wear a certain kind of clothing or not to visit places at night, men should be taught a lesson. Seminars should be held to make it clear to them that sexual violence is not normal, not respectable and not acceptable.

In case you find yourself in a critical situation, here are some emergency numbers you can have on your phone’s speed dial when traveling to Sri Lanka.

Crime and sexual abuse should not just stop in Sri Lanka but everywhere around the world too. If you’ve encountered an untoward incident or some sort of crime in Sri Lanka, let us know the details in the comment section below. Also, we would be thankful if you could mention the safety measures you took and the authorities you contacted.

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The sad part is that most people visiting the island often give Colombo a miss because they find it boring. Every itinerary includes driving straight to the beautiful beaches in the Southern Province from the airport.

If at all tourists should do something in Colombo is, explore the Sri Lankan food. Sri Lanka boasts of a fascinating culinary heritage. The cuisine is an amalgamation of local produce with spices and recipes brought to the island over centuries by Arabs, Indians, Dutch, English, and Portuguese.

Food in Sri Lanka is really great and nutritious and makes for a complete meal.

On your next visit to the island, don’t go in for the usual Thai, Italian, and run-of-the-mill options, instead visit restaurants that serve authentic Sri Lankan cuisine. The flavour and texture of their cuisine is something you won’t find anywhere in the world.

To make things easier for you, we’ve narrowed down on some of the best restaurants in Colombo that serve authentic Sri Lankan food.

Best Restaurants in Colombo

1. Kaema Sutra

Address: Shangri-La Hotel 1, Colombo 00200, Sri Lanka

Kaema Sutra is the brainchild of Bollywood celebrity, Jacqueline Fernandez and Dharshan Munidasa, one of Sri Lanka’s best-known celebrity chefs.

It is a new-age restaurant that takes Sri Lankan cuisine to a whole new level. It is more on the expensive side, but an exciting fine-dining option in Colombo. The restaurant is located in a renowned hospitality chain, Shangri-La group of hotels. From Sri Lankan tapas to traditional rice and curry, they have it all.

Of course, you may find similar food options at a much cheaper price, but if you truly want to experience the beauty of Sri Lankan hospitality in a tranquil and refined setting, Kaema Sutra should be on your list.

Our favourites include – Euro Hopper, boneless chicken curry and ambul thiyal. For dessert, order their sweet hopper, which is a sweet pancake filled with strawberries and cream.

2. Curry Leaf

Address: Sir Chittampalam Gardiner Mawatha, 2 Lotus Rd, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

Curry Leaf is another upmarket restaurant serving authentic Sri Lankan food in Colombo. They do an amazing spread of fresh seafood and local cuisine. It is a buffet restaurant that is open only in the evenings.

The restaurant is a hot-spot for tourists and locals, alike. Think kottu, hoppers, rice, pittu, string hoppers, curries, and sambols. The buffet is priced at $16 per person. Though it is quite expensive, it is one of the best buffets in the city.

3. Ministry of Crab

Address: Old Dutch Hospital Complex, 04 Hospital St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

Ministry of Crab has been highly reviewed among the best restaurants in Colombo. It is a venture of ace cricketers, Kumar Sangakkara, and Mahela Jayewardene.

The restaurant is housed in the historic Dutch hospital building. As the name suggests, the restaurant serves the best crab in the country. The colossal crab weighs 1.2 kg and can suffice for at least five people. They have medium-sized crabs available too. It’s fleshy, succulent and highly juicy.

Besides the king-sized crabs, we would recommend you try the butter crab, clay pot prawn curry, pol sambol, garlic, and leek fried rice, kangkun garlic, and egg. They serve great cocktails too.

If you plan to visit this stellar seafood restaurant, make a reservation ahead of time. Visiting Ministry of Crab is definitely one of the best experiences when in Colombo. Though it’s extremely expensive, it’s worth it.

4. Upali’s by Nawaloka

Address: 65 Dr. C.W.W Kannangara Mawatha, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

If a satisfying and authentic Sri Lankan dining experience is on your list, head to Upali’s then. If you ask any local where to find the best Sri Lankan food in Colombo, nine out of ten will name Upali’s.

They have a strict Sri Lankan menu. Their extensive spread can satisfy the taste buds of a spice lover. You’ll find sambols, rotis, curries, rice, and a dedicated vegetarian menu as well.

The place is not as expensive as Kaema Sutra, but not as cheap as street food options either. If a good sit down dinner with a satisfying meal is on your mind, they have you more than sorted.

We would recommend their black mutton curry, cuttlefish curry, sambol, and lentil curry and pol sambol. They also have a set lunch menu that comprises of three vegetables, papadams, dry fish, sambol and curried gravy. The lunch thali costs $2.25.

For drinks, they have some basic thirst quenchers. The restaurant is located in the heart of the city and is family-friendly.

5. Dutch Burgher Union

Address: 114 Reid Ave, Colombo 00500, Sri Lanka

Set in a colonial-era club, Dutch Burger Union is one of the most chilled out and best restaurants in Colombo. Though the name has Burgher in it, the food served is nothing close to the fast-food favourite, burger. Burghers are instead a small Eurasian ethnic group in Sri Lanka.

Their authentic Sri Lankan spread features meaty curries and rice wrapped in banana leaves. Their yellow rice is a favourite with tourists. A signature dish at DBU is lamprais, a dish which comprises of rice with vegetable and, meat wrapped in a banana leaf and cooked. This dish alone costs $3.

Though many locals claim that the standard have gone down, it is still popular with tourists visiting from Europe. In drinks, their iced-coffee and mango juice is just right to take you through the sweltering heat.

If you want a decent Sri Lankan spread in a laid-back setting, this should be on your list.

6. Hotel De Pilawoos

Address: 146 Galle Rd, Colombo 00300, Sri Lanka

Though we already covered Hotel De Pilawoos in our ‘street food in Sri Lanka’ blog, we just had to make a mention of it here again. As discussed earlier, Kottu roti is a big deal in Sri Lanka. It is one of the best dishes Sri Lanka has to offer. Flatbread cut into strips and mixed with meat, vegetables, egg, and cheese sounds like a complete meal in itself!

Though the name says ‘hotel’, it is nowhere close to it. Instead, it is a shady restaurant serving some authentic Sri Lankan delicacies. If you’re ready to compromise on ambience and hygiene, you should definitely consider visiting one of the many Hotel De Pilawoos.

There’s no other dish we would recommend here. Besides that, Hotel De Pilawoos is extremely pocket-friendly. For dessert, try their chocolate kottu.

It is definitely not for the faint-hearted. Late at night after a big party, consider heading here. The best part of the place is that it’s open 24/7.

7. The t-Lounge by Dilmah

Address: Chatham St, Colombo 00100, Sri Lanka

What’s a visit to Sri Lanka without trying their teas? If you are a tea addict, this place is a must visit. The tea lounge is extremely charming and has an extensive menu of hot teas, cold teas, and large bites.

While coffee shops are blooming in every part of Colombo, it’s nice to see places dedicated to tea. They do tea-based cocktails, mocktails, milkshakes, smoothies and even tea-inspired food. We would recommend their cinnamon ice cream t-shake, minty Oolong, and caramel chocolate dessert.

If you’re a tea lover, this place will be paradise for you. The ambience is pretty chilled out. Whether you want to catch up with friends or find a quiet place to work, T-Lounge by Dilmah will actually surprise you.

8. Mayura Hotel

Address: Sri Kathiresan St, Colombo 01300, Sri Lanka

Located inside Pettah Market, Mayura Hotel is no fancy deal but is an epic place for the best crab you would have ever had. Though the name says hotel, it is not one. It is instead a restaurant.

Besides real Sri Lankan cuisine, they do authentic Tamil food. Tamils are an ethnic group of Sri Lanka. They mainly live in the North and North-Eastern parts of the country and makeup 11.2% of the population.

Three dishes they serve in the restaurant includes rice, curry, and crab. The meal is served in the most authentic way possible, on a banana leaf. Their curries are predominantly chicken, mutton, egg, and seafood.

Most tourists visit Mayura for the crab. It’s bright red, succulent and oh-so-tasty. While a portion of rice and curry costs $1, an ordinary piece of crab would be $1.75. That’s still quite reasonable compared to Ministry of Crab. Other dishes we would recommend include octopus curry, prawn curry, and Sri Lankan omelet.

It gets very crowded around lunch and dinner time, hence; make sure to get there early. If you’re not in the mood to dine-in, you can opt for a takeaway too.

These are our picks for best restaurants in Colombo serving authentic Sri Lankan food. If there’s any other famous restaurant which you would want your fellow readers to know, please feel free to make a mention in the comment section below.

Planning a food trail in Colombo will leave you with an experience of a lifetime. You can take our word for it.

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Owing to this, for very long, great coffee was very hard to find in Sri Lanka. Despite the influx in the number of cafes, there was always a problem with the quality of coffee served. One could only find a cup of coffee that was good enough to give a caffeine kick not to satisfy one’s thirst for a mean cup of coffee.

Did you know? Before Sri Lanka came to be known as a tea country, it was the biggest exporters of coffee, alongside Brazil.

However today, things are changing. The coffee shop epidemic has spread all around the world, and Sri Lanka is no exception.

The capital city, Colombo, has a handful of coffee shops that not just make a great cup of coffee but artisan coffee too.

It’s amazing to see how the coffee shop culture is catching up in every city in the world. Today, cafés are not just viewed as a place to quickly grab a drink on-the-go. It has, in fact, become a humble abode for artists to spend time or simply read a book.

Driven by the rise in the flexibility of working-from-home, millennials prefer working from these coffee shops as most of the outlets have free availability of Wi-Fi.

Most of the coffee shops in Colombo use locally sourced beans to prepare the beverage. However, there are a couple of cafés that import the best quality coffee beans from around the world.

Also Read: What to Eat in Sri Lanka? 10 Must-Try Dishes!

Best Coffee Shops in Colombo

If you are stepping foot in the island country for the first time or have already been here before, sipping the beverage in a quaint cafe has to be on your list. Here’s us, filtering down the best coffee shops in Colombo where most caffeine cravers unite for a freshly ground cup.

Cafe Kumbuk

Address: 3/1 Thambiah Avenue, Independence Ave, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 9am to 6pm

Café Kumbuk is a gorgeous coffee shop run by a mother-daughter duo. Tucked away from the hustle-bustle of the city in Colombo backstreet, the café is a heavenly abode for coffee lovers. It is nestled in a place that was earlier a house-turned-office and now a café.

After achieving much success with their first initiative Café Kumbuk, the duo decided to spread their wings further with Plus Nine Four (now defunct).

The owners strongly feel the need to support local vendors and farmers. Hence, most of their fruits and vegetables are sourced from small scale suppliers. They have made a commitment to go local in everything they do.

Their passion for coffee makes them one of the finest cafes in the city.

On their menu, you’ll find a variety of coffee-based beverages. Our favourites are the cappuccino, iced coffee and a lot more. The best part is that all their coffees can be enjoyed hot or iced.

The coffees are topped with artisan cream. *Drool*

Besides coffee, they have an extensive menu of smoothies, teas and juices.

Their range of cakes and pastries are made from scratch on a daily basis by their in-house chef. So don’t forget to try that as well.

If you like some small plates and mains to go with your coffee, they have you sorted with savoury options too. Vegetarian, vegan and gluten-free options are there too.

Price: A good cup of coffee costs $2.5 while a meal for two would be $10-12.

Coco Veranda

Address: 32 Ward Pl, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Hours: Monday to Sunday – 7am to 1am

Coco Veranda is a huge hit with locals. Their coffee, dessert, drinks and sandwiches are held in very high regard by the people. They currently operate in two locations in Colombo – 03 and 07.

If a strong cup of coffee and English breakfasts are your thing, you definitely to make a visit here.

A caffeine addict will definitely be spoiled for choice as they serve everything right from an Americano to a Macchiato, Cappuccino and white chocolate mocha latte. They even do amazing Italian hot chocolates too.

The cutest part of the café is that they have something for everyone. They’re definitely a one-of-a-kind café that has something for babies too, known as the Babyccino. It’s free for children less than 5 years of age.

You’ll also find iced coffees, frappes, milkshakes and tea lattes. Besides their much talked about all-day breakfast, they have some small plates, salads, seafood, and meat and poultry options too. The sad part is that there’s very little choice for vegetarians. However, their egg-free cakes and desserts are to die for.

Price: A mean cup of coffee costs about $3.5 while a meal for two would be anywhere between $15-20.

Also Read: How to Spend One Week in Sri Lanka: A Personal Experience

Kopi Kade

Address: 15/3 Stratford Ave, Colombo 00006, Sri Lanka

Hours: Wednesday to Sunday – 12pm to 9pm

Nestled in the busy streets of Stratford Avenue, Kopi Kade (Translates to Coffee Shop in Sinhalese) is the brainchild of Australian-Sri Lankan, Nimeshan Namasivayam. He has worked in the coffee industry for 15 years. He is a coffee roaster and a professional coffee taster. In Colombo, Kopi Kadi is one place which takes their coffee very seriously.

Besides roasting his own coffee, he imports quality coffee from the United Kingdom, Singapore, Australia and New Zealand.

Kopi Kade is not just a coffee shop, but a coffee school too. The creator conducts classes on Mondays and Tuesdays to teach people how to brew a perfect cup of coffee.

They serve macchiato, cappuccino, mocha, affogato, latte and espresso. Their hot chocolates are great too.

To go with the coffee, they have an extensive menu that comprises of Sri Lankan short eats. The best part of this coffee shop is that all the food served is made in-house without the use of preservatives. The menu is a fine balance of vegetarian and non-vegetarian options and hence there is something for everyone.

Whether it’s catching up with a friend or looking for quiet spot to read, Kopi Kade is definitely the place to be.

Price: A cup of coffee costs $3 while their savoury dishes start at $4.

Also Read: The Everyday life of a Local Sri Lankan Family

Butter Boutique

Address: 70 Rosmead Pl, Colombo 00700, Sri Lanka

Hours: Monday to Thursday, Sunday – 8am to 8pm Friday and Saturday – 8am to 11pm

Coffee and cake is definitely a match made in heaven. Butter Boutique is a star patisserie and coffee shop in Colombo that stands true to the fact.

Most locals in Colombo are familiar with the place. If you ask anyone where you get a cake and caffeine fix, chances are they’ll all lead you to Butter Boutique.

Most of the coffee beans they used are imported from different parts of the world including Brazil, Ethiopia, India, Timor and Guatemala. It’s medium to dark roast and wash-processed coffee.

It took the owners years of practice to create the perfect cup of coffee. The coffee they serve is distinct because of their state-of-art coffee machinery – La Marzocco.

Caffeine addicts should try their coffee drink called Magic. Steamed milk is poured over a double ristretto and served in a smaller 160ml cup.

Their iced mocha and latte is delicious too. If you do happen to visit, don’t just go for their coffee. The desserts and cakes are to die for. Their popular confections include Nutella Scrolls, Apple Cinnamon Scrolls, Lemon Blueberry Cake and so on.

Though the coffee shop is slightly on the pricier side, it is worth a visit.

Price: Their most expensive slice of cake costs $4 while a mean cup of coffee is $3.

Though Colombo is primarily a tea drinking city, you will find a handful of coffee shops that will satisfy your thirst for a mean cup of coffee. The above five listed coffee shops are our favourite picks.

If you know of any places we have missed out that serve a great cup of coffee in Colombo, share it with us in the comment section below.

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Formerly known as Ceylon, Sri Lanka is one country where the British, Dutch, Portuguese and Indians have left their mark. It is also a multi-religious country. With Buddhism being practiced predominantly, other religions include Hinduism, Christianity and Islam.

A delightful mix of religions, cultures and traditions makes the island truly paradise on earth. Ancient cities, colonial architecture, art and monuments are something in abundance you can expect to find.

In Sri Lanka, Sinhalese is the major ethnic group that comprises 74% of the population. Tamils are the next community in the population comprising 12.6%. The remaining 13.4% comprises of Sri Lankan Moors, Burghers, Malays and the aborigines of Sri Lanka often referred to as the Veddas.

Family Life in Sri Lanka

For most Sri Lankans, life revolves around their family. In the country, a collectivist culture prevails. This means most people are group-centric and share interests, characteristics, and traits based on religion, ethnicity, gender, age, and education.

In such a culture, the family is the first group a person becomes a member of at birth. Therefore, the interests of the family are expected to come before those of an individual. Further, the actions of an individual can have an impact on the perception of the family by others in the community. Thus, family life in Sri Lanka is all about preserving the culture within the family and teaching the children and generations to come only good things.

Also Read: Sri Lankan Wedding Culture, Customs & Traditions

A typical family in Sri Lanka comprises of a husband, wife and their children. Though most Sri Lankans follow the concept of living in a nuclear family, the concept of living in an extended family is popular too.

An individual is required to value their connections with their nuclear family as well as their extended family.

In the extended family concept, three or four generations live together, usually from the male side. In most Sri Lankan families, the mother or the woman of the household has authority and is respected by all the children. On the other hand, the father or the eldest son is the patriarch. Age is also seen as a source of hierarchy. As a token of respect, elders in the family have to be addressed by children as ‘uncle’ or ‘aunty’.

Status of women in Sri Lanka

Though men and women are considered equal in Sri Lanka, it is usually the man of the house who is the earning member and breadwinner. While a man goes out of the house to work, women focus on the domestic sphere. Taking care of the house, preparing meals and raising children are considered their duties. Although with changing times, women too are allowed to go out and work.

Despite women participating in the paid workforce, their contribution is not evenly distributed. A high concentration of women is found in professions such as plucking tea, teaching and garment manufacturing.

An individual household in Sri Lanka is identified as by a wife cooking for a husband and children. Once the meal has been prepared, the man of the house and the children eat it first. Only when they are done, the wife is allowed to eat.

On the other hand, if guests are present at home, they are served first and then the husband and children.

Within local Sri Lankan family life, the woman of the house holds a great deal of authority, but ultimately, all the major decisions are taken by the oldest male member of the family.

Did you know? Sri Lanka was the first country in the world to elect a female prime minister in 1960. Also, women in Sri Lanka are given full citizenship rights.

Dating & Marriage

In Sri Lanka, most ethnic marriages are arranged by the families of the bride and groom. For the marriage to take place between two individuals, they are required to be of the same ethnic background and socioeconomic status.

The sexual purity of a woman also plays a crucial role in the marriage contract. For people who practice Buddhism in Sri Lanka, the groom should be slightly taller and older than the woman. He should also be educationally and professionally more qualified than the bride.

However, in Tamil and Sinhalese groups, marriages are slightly different. Cross-cousins marriages are popular. In such marriages, the child marries either the paternal first cousin or the material first cousin.

Raising children

Family life in Sri Lanka is only complete when a couple has a child of their own. It is mandatory for a couple to have a child within one year of marriage. Upon having a child, the infant stays with the mother. Most Sri Lankan families express a preference for the pregnant mother to have a girl child who can take care of the family and be a strong influence on younger siblings.

A newborn infant is nursed by his mother for one year. The child is also required to sleep with the mother till he/she is school-aged.

In the child’s early childhood, they are taught to develop feelings of modesty, shyness, fear and shame. The mother is responsible for their daughter’s discipline while the father takes care of the son’s upbringing.

Housing

In Sri Lanka, there are different types of homes, depending on the socio-economic status of the family. The people who belong to the low-income group live in small, stick and mud-thatched houses. Other materials used to make the homes include wooden planks and corrugated metal sheets.

There are also a whole lot of residential buildings along roadways, railways and beaches where the middle class and elite live.

Every community in Sri Lanka has their own public school, place of worship and a few shops to buy daily necessities. The wells, rivers and bathing places are considered important for social gatherings.

Also Read: Sri Lanka Travel-An experience like none

Cultural Diversity & Heritage in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s conventional culture is strongly influenced by the prominent religions present in the country. The everyday family life of a Sri Lankan is filled with humility and happiness.

The rich culture and heritage of the country makes it one of the top travel and tourism destinations in South Asia. Every year, people from around the world, visit the island to witness the sheer beauty, hospitality and lip-smacking cuisine.

We have highlighted a few points below which make Sri Lanka culturally diverse and unique:

Ayurveda: Ayurveda is not only a form of medication. It is a way of life for most families in Sri Lanka for over 3000 years. 75% of the island’s population rely on Ayurveda to cure ailments and terminal diseases since it is made from natural herbs, plants and oils. Owing to the strong influence of Ayurveda in the country, a lot of spas and clinics have opened up for tourists who visit the country.

Sri Lankan cuisine: A staple meal in Sri Lanka would be a large serving of rice accompanied by twelve side dishes including eggs, meat, vegetable and fish stewed with spices and coconut milk. Sri Lanka is often referred to as the land of spices since a large number of spices are grown, predominantly pepper. Owing to the use of spices, the food has a unique and exotic flavour. The people belonging to the Sinhalese and Tamil communities do not accept food prepared by the lower class.

Tea: Sri Lanka is one of the biggest producers of tea. Besides being an important part of the culture, tea is served to the guests as a sign of hospitality. Nuwara Eliya is home to some of the most beautiful tea gardens. Tea is also a major source of revenue for families in Sri Lanka. Women in Sri Lanka are involved in tea picking and processing.

Martial arts: 5000 years ago when the British ruled this wonderful land, martial arts was quite popular. Even today, men and women are trained in martial arts that combine combat techniques and self-defence. Two styles of martial arts native to Sri Lanka are Cheena di and Angampora.

Architecture & Crafts: Art, music, drama and architecture hold a special place in Sri Lanka. From castles and frescoes to monuments and sculptures, Sri Lanka is a gold mine for archaeologists and anthropologists. Besides architecture, art and crafts is also an integral part of their heritage. Mask making, handloom, lace making, traditional drums, lacquer work, wood carving and pottery are few things famous in the country.

What makes Sri Lanka a beautiful country is its rich blend of diverse cultural patterns that are derived from religion as well as western colonisation. The people of various backgrounds have left an indelible impression on the cultural heritage of the country.

In many books, Sri Lanka is described as the country with the most unique cultural traditions in South-East Asia.

If you really want to set out on a journey to experience splendid heritage, religions, culture, values and art forms, Sri Lanka has you covered.

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If you’ve visited Sri Lanka and witnessed something unique and culturally diverse, let us know in the comment section below.

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Most travelers often give Colombo amiss in their itinerary as they find very little to do there. Well, this is a misconception!

Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and the largest city by population (5.6 million). Initially, the city was known as ‘Kolon Thota’ meaning ‘port’. Under the colonial rule, it came to be known as Colombo.

Situated on the western coast, Colombo is the most beautiful city in the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. It is a potpourri of races, religions, cultures and rich colonial heritage.

From the warm hospitality to the ever-welcoming people, enchanting temples and charming weather, this city will truly engulf you. Being a large cosmopolitan city, it has changed immensely in the last couple of years.

Also Read: 8 Best Restaurants in Colombo Serving Sri Lankan Food

Back in the 5^th century, Colombo actually served as a seaport town. It was often seen as the perfect location for trade between Asia and Europe. Ever since then, it has had Arab, Portuguese, and Dutch settlers calling the island their home.

For long, Colombo was under-developed. However today, the city is experiencing a boom of towering skyscrapers, new roads and infrastructure, several posh hotels, shopping complexes, lush gardens, fine dining options, mansions, expensive designer brands, and rocking nightlife.

The rapidly changing skyline of Colombo is an eclectic mix of old and new. It’s simply amazing to see colonial buildings and ruins from the time when it was the capital of the British Ceylon on one side and modern life and swanky architecture on the other.

If you are looking for a perfect holiday in an oasis of calm amidst the madness, Colombo has to be on your bucket list. If you’re wondering what you should do, where you should stay, we have all your questions answered.

Warning: You’ll be tempted to book a ticket to Colombo after reading this.

Watch this really nice video about Colombo City

Getting There

Colombo is a busy and vibrant city divided into 13 districts, with Colombo 1 or Fort Area being the center of the city. There are numerous air carriers from India and other parts of Southeast Asia, Europe, Australia, the Middle East and the United States flying every day.

Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) is the only international airport in Sri Lanka and is located in Katunayake, about an hour’s drive away from Colombo.

SriLankan Airlines is the flag carrier of Sri Lanka and has its operations around the world. If you want to visit Colombo, it is the ideal airline choice. Depending on where you are coming from, the flight ticket fare will vary.

Once you get to Colombo, you can use rail and road to visit other parts of the island (Hikkaduwa, Mirrisa, Galle, Matara, Nuwara Eliya, etc.).

Visa

Securing a travel permit or visa is extremely simple when visiting Sri Lanka. Travelers can apply for a tourist visa to enter Sri Lanka for sightseeing, excursions or to visit relatives for a short period of time.

The Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) can be secured on the website. The visa fee is $30 for most countries and for SAARC countries it is $15. If you are coming from Maldives or Singapore, it is free of cost. The Visa application process is quite simple and can be done quickly unlike other countries where securing a visa or permit is fairly difficult.

You can also obtain a visa on arrival at BIA for $5 but having an ETA visa means a quicker exit from the immigration process.

Learn more about Sri Lankan visa services.

Best time to visit

Colombo is a year-round destination and can be visited at any time of the year. It seriously has those ‘big cities’ feels. From January to April, Colombo is mostly sunny. Most tourists are seen flocking to the city during this time.

The month of May marks the onset of the monsoon. June to September is the wettest months. This is also off season in Sri Lanka. If you do plan to visit during this time, you will get good deals on hotels and flights.

During November and December, the number of tourists visiting increases as the weather begins to get hot and humid. We would suggest this as the best time to visit as the weather in the neighboring beach towns will be great too. It’s the perfect time to soak in the sun and indulge in water sports.

Also Read: 5 Coffee Shops in Colombo that Make a Mean Cup of Coffee

Religion/Language/Currency

Colombo is the most ethnically mixed place in Sri Lanka. You will predominantly find people practising Buddhism, Christianity, Hinduism, and Islam.

As far as languages are concerned, Sinhala and Tamil are the two official languages of Colombo. 70 per cent of Sri Lanka’s population speaks Sinhala. As a tourist, you can easily get your way around in the city if you know English. All the public transport drivers and managers in upmarket hotels and restaurants speak English.

Despite the Muslim community being a minority in Colombo, there are a handful of people that speak Urdu too.

The Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) is a floating currency, which means the exchange rate is determined by market forces. The currencies accepted throughout the island include Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) and U.S Dollar.

Where to Check-in?

Being a developed city, Colombo offers abode options for every kind of traveler. Whether you are traveling with family, your spouse or solo, you’ll find numerous hotels, resorts, guest houses, Airbnb’s and hostels to check-in. The kind of accommodation you choose solely depends on what you want to do in Colombo.

If waking up to scenic views, blue waters and sunrise is on your list, you’ll have to choose to stay in property around Galle Face Green. It is 12 acres ocean-side urban park which stretches for 500m along the coast, in the heart of Colombo.

We would suggest Galle Face Hotel, Hilton Colombo, Taj Samudra, The Kingsbury and Cinnamon Grand Colombo. These are few luxury hotels in Colombo that offer a comfortable stay, good food, and views that are second-to-none. If you want to experience the beauty of the city at its best, you will have to shell out a little. A night’s stay for two at each of these hotels will be $143, $122, $165, $155 and $160 respectively.

If you are traveling to Colombo on a budget and want to check-in at a hotel that offers a comfortable stay inclusive of a good breakfast spread, we would recommend Fairview Hotel, Fairway, Hotel Galadari, and Best Western Elyon. A night’s stay for two at any of these hotels should cost anywhere between $50 and $80.

Airport and city transfers are an important part of a holiday. While you’ll easily find tuk-tuks and taxis in Colombo, we would recommend booking your transfers on http://taxigo.lk/estimate.htm. An airport transfer from BIA to the center of the city costs $12. Besides this, Uber and Pick Me are leading cab-aggregators that operate here.

Things to do/Places to Visit

Talking about the tourist attractions in Colombo, there’s so much to see and do. Whether you want to gaze at ancient monuments or watch the best sunset of your life, Colombo will definitely spoil you with choice. Here are the top places to visit in Colombo:

• Gangaramaya Temple: If ancient art and architecture fascinates you, you have to visit this enchanting temple. You’ll find several Buddha statues in stone, white plastic, and gold. The 120-year-old temple is located across two sites. The floating temple displays beautiful Buddhist statues while the larger one offers a vast prayer and meditation sanctuary and an intriguing museum. The temple levies no entrance fee.
• National Museum: The National Museum was built in 1876 and founded by the British Governor of Sri Lanka at that time. Inside the museum, you’ll find statues and exhibits telling the story of ancient Sri Lanka. You’ll also find carvings, swords, guns, and masks that belong to British Ceylon. The museum is surrounded by a lush, green park.
• Visit a Casino: Colombo is a paradise for gamblers. The four best casinos in Colombo are Bally’s, Bellagio, MGM Colombo, and Marina Colombo. Since Bally’s is located right in the heart of the city, it is extremely popular with tourists. All the casinos are open 24/7 every day of the week. You can start playing with just $1 at joints like Bally’s. That’s not all. You get to taste some lip-smacking dishes from around the world while you try your luck.
• Shopping: Shopping in Colombo is always fun. You’ll find swanky shopping malls and complexes filled with designer clothing, shoes and handbags, home furnishing, handicrafts and more. The best places to shop include Odel, Cottons, Arcade Independence Square, Colombo City Centre and Paradise Road. If you are looking to buy handicrafts and souvenirs for friends and family, we would recommend visiting Laksala. Designer Barbara Sansoni’s store Barefoot is also extremely popular with tourists. From bright hand-loomed textiles to attractive home furnishings, you’ll find it all. They also have a little eatery in the same villa where their store is located.
• Galle Face Green: Galle Face Green is a bustling, oceanside park located in the heart of the city. It is surrounded by landmark buildings such as the former parliament, the iconic Galle Face Hotel and the skyline of new high-rises. You’ll find people flying kites while they wait for the perfect sunset. At the same time, you will find street food vendors setting up their food stalls.
• Old Dutch Hospital: As the name suggests this is the site of a Dutch Era hospital is open since 1681. It is not a hospital but instead a building that houses the city’s renowned watering holes and restaurants. One of the world’s top 50 restaurants – Ministry of Crab is also located here.
• Pettah: There’s nothing fancy about Pettah, however, it is the heartbeat of the city. It is a chaotic hub where locals head to find bargains for spices, fabrics, and electronics. You’ll also find the best samosa and Kottu (Sri Lankan street food) in Pettah Market.

Wine & Dine

The wining and dining scene in Colombo is something you will thoroughly enjoy. It also has a buzzing nightlife with several chilled-out bars, pubs, and casinos. Whether you want to grab a beer with a friend, enjoy a lavish sit-down dinner with family or grab some Kottu from the street vendors, brace yourself because Colombo is definitely a foodie’s paradise.

Besides the local Sri Lankan cuisine, there are restaurants that serve international cuisines as well including Italian, Thai, Asian, Indian and Continental. Also, if you are a vegetarian visiting Sri Lanka, do not worry because of every restaurant dishes out meatless options as well.

Read this if you are looking to eat lip-smacking Sri Lankan food in Colombo. From Kaema Sutra and Curry Leaf to Upali’s and Pilawoos, this list has you fully covered.

Off late, there are also plenty of coffee shops springing up in the city. We’ve already talked about the 5 best coffee shops in Colombo.

Colombo also offers the best street food in Sri Lanka.

Apart from Sri Lankan food, if you want to indulge in any other fare, we would recommend the following:

• Italian: The Gallery Café, The Bayleaf, IL Ponte, Park Street Trattoria and Giovanni’s.
• Asian: Noodles, Nara Thai, Spice Coast, and Thai Cuisine Boulevard
• Indian: Indian Summer Restaurant, Maharaja Palace, The Saffron Lounge, Shanmugas and North Indian by Mango Tree.

To grab a beer or enjoy a glass of wine with a live band in the background, check out:

• Floor by O!
• Margarita Blue
• The Manchester
• Cloud Red at Cinnamon Hotel
• Silk
• W Lounge

Radiating a colonial exuberance and a contemporary aura, there are several reasons why Colombo should be your next travel escapade.

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If finding the best food experiences are on your bucket list, consider visiting Sri Lanka next. A cuisine rich in flavour and spice, Sri Lanka has plenty of mouth-watering options for every kind of food lover.

While restaurants and cafes are in abundance in the country, the street food shouldn’t be given a miss. The real taste of Sri Lankan food can only be found on the streets and eats of Sri Lanka.

In fact, there are some dishes that have originated in the food streets and have now made their way into fancy restaurants.

Street food in Sri Lanka is full of surprises. Though you will find Indian influences in the spices and pickles served in the streets, Sri Lankan cuisine is a lot creamier and zestier.

Coconut is an important element of Sri Lankan cooking. While coconut milk is used in curries, dedicated coconut is widely used in pickles and sambols. Other spices that are commonly found in Sri Lankan dishes include chilli, cinnamon, cumin, curry leaves and cardamom.

Also Read: 8 Best Restaurants in Colombo Serving Sri Lankan Food

Eat breakfast like a local

There is a plethora of street food vendors and road-side cafes in Sri Lanka. The best way to enjoy Sri Lankan cuisine is by getting a taste of all the authentic delicacies, right where they originated. We’re about to engulf you on a gastronomic tour through the eats and streets of Sri Lanka like none other.

Galle Face Green

If you’re in Sri Lanka’s capital city, Colombo, there’s only one place to start and that’s Galle Face Green. The area is a cross between a park and a beach. The huge promenade is used for rallies and parties. That’s exactly where you can sample Sri Lanka’s rainbow of street food.

Wander along Galle Face Green in the morning and you’ll find cooks juggling small woks over an open fire and cries of cooks yelling orders at each other. It’s a sight not to be missed as every cook is on a mission to dish out hoppers to hungry diners.

String hoppers make an important part of Sri Lankan breakfast. It is also one of the most popular dishes in the country. These steamed rice noodles are served with coconut sambol, dhal and other sauces.

Apart from string hoppers, another Sri Lankan favorite is a dish called hoppers. It is a bowl-shaped pancake made from a mixture of coconut milk and rice flour. Savory hoppers generally include toppings of your choice including eggs, meat, cheese, fried onions and coconut sambol.

On the same street, you will also find hoppers with sweet fillings like honey or coconut palm syrup.

Short Eats on the go

The street food vendors and road-side stalls in Sri Lanka are experts in preparing short eats and snacks. One must-try dish when in Sri Lanka is Kottu.

For those wondering, Kottu is a mix and mash of leftover rotis, colourful veggies, meat, cheese and eggs garnished with raw onion and chilli. It is relished by the locals and tourists alike. The description might sound unpleasant, however, try it once and your taste buds will be left craving for more.

Besides eating Kottu, watch it being prepared. It’s a sight to enjoy. Try getting a video too. The dish is usually available late in the evening to late nights. With all the ingredients thrown onto a flat sizzling grill, you’ll see the chef rubbing metal blades into a jumping action.

Though numerous restaurants serve Kottu, the dish is best eaten in hawker style.

Nana’s on Galle Face Green is the best place to try Kottu. The original Nana’s opened here in the early 1980s. Though it no longer exists, the legacy lives on. There are plenty of similar no-fuss restaurants that claim to be the original Nana’s – Nana Kings, Nana Rauf and Nana Toina.

Most of these stalls overlook the iconic Galle Face Green Hotel. You’ll find numerous locals frequenting the place. Don’t expect something fancy in terms of presentation because in reality Kottu isn’t pretty.

It is a messy pile of comfort food that is extremely tasty. Other specialities you must try at Nana’s include egg naan, devilled cuttlefish and crab. To quench your thirst you can order Sri Lanka’s popular beverage – Elephant Ginger Beer. Within this basic setting, tourists will definitely enjoy an eating experience next to nothing.

Hotel de New Pilawoos is another street café where you can enjoy Sri Lankan delicacies at few pennies rather than pounds. While the stalls on Galle Face Green are open until 11pm, Pilawoos is open 24/7, satisfying the hunger pangs of locals usually post a club night or wedding party.

Also Read: 5 Best Coffee Shops in Colombo 

Samosas at Pettah Train Station

Take a stroll around Pettah’s central station. You’ll find numerous vendors and food stalls selling short eats and Sri Lankan delicacies.

Vegetables samosas are a staple. Though they are practically found all over the city, they’re most popular here. These triangle-shaped treats make a wonderful snack on the go. Chicken samosas are the most popular, but you’ll find beef and vegetable versions too. Besides the train station, you’ll also find some great samosas near Red Mosque in Pettah.

Other dishes you can try at Pettah include achcharu, isso vade and Bombay Sweets. Norris Hotel, which is a bakery and not a hotel, has a good variety of short eats.

Pettah Market is also the hub of fresh fruits and vegetables. Wood apple is one such fruit that is native to the country. The exotic fruit is used to make juice. Though it appears as a coconut from the outside, once the fruit is cracked open, the flesh is to be had with a spoon. When in Pettah, don’t miss having it. You’ll find hundreds of vendors selling fresh wood apple in great quality.

Head to the beach for Seafood

When in the tropical country, seafood can just not be given a miss. The best food experiences in Sri Lanka are all about fresh seafood. As the name suggests, the best place to grab yummy seafood is the beach. During the evenings in most of the coastal beach towns, you’ll find hundreds of hawkers setting shop to start catering to flocking crowds on the beaches. In Hikkaduwa, Unawatuna, and Mirissa, you’ll find street hawkers setting up a few tables on the beach.

Ditch Ministry of Crab and head to these eats and streets of Sri Lanka instead. We cannot guarantee the hygiene factor, but here you will find authentic seafood. From lobster to fish, crab, and prawns, you’ll find it all. If at all you suffer from any allergy, be careful.

Most of the meals on the beach are served with chips, fries, and salad. A complete seafood meal can cost you $10 per person. Dining on the beach is always an experience second-to-none. The tropical breeze, sound of the ocean and a chilled beer or coconut water is all you need.

Rice and Curry at Upali’s

Rice and curry is the national dish of Sri Lanka. You’ll find it on almost every menu. Sri Lankan Dahl bears strong similarities to the Indian counterpart. However, the one served here is richer in texture and spice.

It usually consists of fresh coconut, spices and chillis. Upali’s by Nawaloka is one such eatery in Sri Lanka where you must try their rice, curries and dahl. They serve authentic local cuisine boasting of scrumptious flavours.

Street food in Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia

You cannot possibly miss the Pani Pol, also known as sweet coconut pancakes in Dehiwala. You’ll find numerous vendors on wheels that make this tasty dish with fresh coconut and sugar. Besides Dehiwala, Wellawatta area also serves some amazing Pani Pols.

On the other hand, Mount Lavinia is famous for its seafood specialities. There are many seaside restaurants that serve butterfish, snapper, squid, lobster, crab and king prawns. There are variety of seafood restaurant to choose from and beach food stalls that prepare the dish to your liking by blending sauces and spices.

Foodie tips

To find the best food experiences in Sri Lanka, eat like how the locals do. Always remember: a great food experience doesn’t have to necessarily be expensive. In fact, the simple and affordable dining spots are the most memorable.

• Once you arrive in Sri Lanka, ask your hotel staff or tuk-tuk driver where they eat. You can even ask them to recommend the popular streets and eats of Sri Lanka.
• When you are on the lookout for street food dining options, look where locals are dining, not tourists. These are the places where you’ll generally find affordable yet sumptuous food. Ask the waiter or steward what their signature dish is and order away. It’s always a good idea to look around and see what others are eating.
• The cleanliness, quality and hygiene of food streets in Sri Lanka cannot be guaranteed. Therefore, if you face any kind of allergic reaction, discontinue eating something that did not suit you.

You can also read our blog on the 10 must dry dishes in Sri Lanka.

Have you relished street food in Sri Lanka in other places apart from the ones mentioned in this blog? We would love it if you could let our readers know in the comment section below.

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