THE COOL KIDS GUIDE TO ….
SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka for people who know the difference between trending and timeless. Hoppers for breakfast, leopards at dawn, tea estates in the mist, and surfing with turtles. This is how you do it.
While everyone's fighting for space in Bali, Sri Lanka's been quietly perfecting the art of being exactly what you need. It's not chasing trends, it's been the same perfect combination of wild beaches, ancient temples, and next-level food since before your Instagram feed existed.
The island is compact enough to actually see everything without spending half your trip in transit, but diverse enough that every day feels completely different. One morning you're in the highlands wrapped in mist, the next you're watching elephants walk past your breakfast table, and by sunset you're catching waves on a beach that hasn't made it onto the algorithm yet.
Mark our word; Sri Lanka is going to have its main character moment in 2026 - so here is how to do it right.
WHERE TO STAY
-
![]()
Cape Weligama
The vibe: Clifftop drama meets barefoot luxury. Infinity pools that blur into the Indian Ocean, villas where the view does the talking, and service that anticipates before you ask. It's the kind of place where doing absolutely nothing feels like the most productive thing you've done all year.
-
![]()
Ceylon Tea Trails
The vibe: Colonial bungalows scattered across working tea estates where the mist rolls in like it's on a schedule. Gin and tonics on the veranda, breakfast overlooking valleys that look Photoshopped, and that specific kind of quiet that only happens at altitude.
Peak "I could get used to this" energy.
-
![]()
Ulagalla by Uga
The vibe: 150 acres of former royal land turned serene sanctuary. Private plunge pools, ancient ruins you can wander through pre-breakfast, and the kind of stillness that actually resets your baseline. It's not trying to impress you, it just knows it doesn't have to.
-
![]()
Uga Chena Huts (Yala)
The Vibe: Cabanas right on the edge of Yala National Park. Wake up to elephants walking past your deck. Private plunge pools. Design that whispers instead of shouts. It's the kind of place where luxury means not having to compromise on the wild part of being in the wild.
DINE
Ministry of Crab
Yes, it's famous. Yes, it's worth it. Get the garlic chilli crab and stop asking questions.
Kurulu Bay
Modern twists on Sri Lankan cruisine, sit by the pool and enjoy the monkeys jumping in the palm trees.
Dhana's Curry Pot
All you can eat buffet Sri Lankan style. It’s cheap, it’s delicious, and has the best reviews.
HONORABLE MENTIONS: The Café culture on the Sri Lankan South Coast rivals Bali. Beautiful beachfront cafés in every town, so get exploring!
Insider intel
Best Time To Go
November to March for perfect weather and good surf, but each season has its magic.
Getting Around
Private driver > renting a car. It’s easier and they can give you all the local intel. Use Tuk Tuks for getting around short distances, don’t forget to negotiate the price before you get in! Train for the scenic routes - the Ella to Kandy train ride is iconic.
What To Pack
Sri Lanka is so diverse that you will need to pack accordingly. Swimmers are a must, light layers, safari clothes that you don’t mind getting extremely dusty (pack a headscarf/hat to avoid your hair feeling like straw after your game drives) Plus some light warmer clothes for early mornings in the mountains!
Sri Lanka isn't trying to be anything other than itself, which is why it works. It's just quietly being excellent at all the things that matter.
Our Intel runs deep, we know which tea estate, which safari guide, and which hopper spot. Let's plot this.
This isn't about following the timeline. It's about creating your own.
Advisor Specialist
Bobbie Woods
Favourite Feature
Sequoia Lodge!
Team
hello@travelproject.au