Sri Lanka – the ultimate travel guide: this is where you need to be
Dreaming is allowed and how about that Sri Lanka? From sister to friend to uncle's cousin... everyone has been there. And that is right! Don't get us wrong. Sri Lanka is popular, and we understand why: after all, there is something for everyone in Sri Lanka. From touring to beach holidays, from safaris to whale watching, and from visiting tea plantations to eating incredibly delicious food. Throw in a Lion beer or two – what more could a person want? About Sri Lanka we wrote before, that is true, but to ensure that you know how to tap all the hotspots... Voilà, the absolute Sri Lanka Travel Guide. With all whereabouts that you should not miss.
The main reason to go to Sri Lanka What you want (and you do!) is the enormous diversity of the country. There is pristine, untouched nature. There is culture and there are beautiful beaches. There is wildlife, you can surf (and how!), there are UNESCO World Heritage sites, the food is delicious, and the people are the absolute loveliest (in the capitals).
A good route that is best done in three weeks (in bold) between December and March, but for which you would prefer to take longer: Anuradhapura Sigiriya – Kandy (optional) – Nuwara Eliya (tea plantations) – She (with the train journey of the train zipper) – Yala National Park (elephants! leopards! an open jeep!) – Hiriketiya – Mirissa (optional) – Midigama & AhangamaAnd back home again. Unfortunately.
Don't forget: before Sri Lanka you have one visum necessary. Purchasing this takes about five minutes and costs €69,95 per person - child can do the laundry and how and what can you find here.
Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist island, which makes the atmosphere very relaxed. Tourists are treated like royalty here, and not without reason. Over the years, Sri Lanka has faced various economic setbacks. From a years-long civil war (which ended in 2009, so no worries) to various natural disasters. As a tourist, you won't notice much of this, but it is good to realize that it is a third-world country, salaries don't even come close to our Western wages, and not everything is organized as efficiently as we are used to. But hey, isn't that exactly the charm of traveling? To support the local economy, we recommend booking and reserving locally as much as possible (so not through all sorts of Western websites that significantly drive up prices).
A huge advantage of traveling around Sri (we are allowed to say Sri) is that it is a relatively small island (about the size of the Netherlands and Belgium combined), making distances easy to manage by bus, train, taxi, or tuk-tuk. So, no domestic flights or hours-long journeys. Moreover, it is a safe place to travel solo (as a woman) or to tour with the little ones. Tip:: do you want lightning-fast internet immediately, as soon as your neighbor is already impatiently pulling the suitcases out of the overhead compartment? Then install the e-sim from our friends at Odido. And while you're at it, install the PickMe app right away – the Sri Lankan Uber with which you can order a taxi, tuk-tuk, or scooter ride for a fair price. Okay, just one more: transaction fees at ATMs can be steep. So it makes a huge difference to bring cash and exchange it for rupees at the airport or a local exchange office. Well, you're welcome – and now on to the Must sees.
Whatever you do, you enter Sri Lanka via the capital. Columbo. And it just so happens that Colombo has two places you really *must* visit (check them out below). Do you prefer a less overstimulating start (because of the hustle and bustle, chaos, tuk-tuks, and more of that) to your vacation? Then travel directly to Negombo. Located a 20-minute drive from the airport, this coastal fishing town is a relaxed place to catch your breath after your long flight. There are various nice coffee spots, lunch places (Zen Café) and restaurants to devour the first helping of rice & curry, kottu, or roti. A walk along the beach with the damp, salty air that instantly gives you frizzy hair provides a good first impression of the lovely island vibe that is hard to describe. Be sure to linger on the beach for a beautiful sunset and delicious fish curry at The Port Beach Seafood Restaurant, but after just one night (Thambara Collection Boutique Hotel (that’s a tip!) You’ve seen enough here for now. Time for the next stop!
At The Gallery Cafe You can come here all evening (and will want to). The decor is super stylish, but what makes this restaurant special are the lovely people who work there: the kind of people who really do everything to ensure you have a good time. Highly recommended are the Butter Chicken and the Pecan Pie. And a tip: go more than once; you will thank us, really.
Granted. It will cost you some money, but then you get something. The most beautiful and oldest hotel in Colombo is located right on the beach and is a wonderful place to retreat from the hustle and bustle and the sometimes dirty city (admittedly...). You'll feel like a king here! The rooms Hotel Galle Face are comfortable, clean and classically furnished, so you immediately feel completely at home. Hang out by the pool all day, eat your fill or lounge on the nice comfy sofas on the veranda. You don't want to leave here anymore. Promise. Worth every penny.
In a four-hour drive, you chug from Colombo/Negombo to Anuradhapura, the cultural epicenter of Sri Lanka. It sounds like quite a journey, but believe us: gazing at the lush tropical flora and fauna for four hours is certainly no punishment. Temples, stupas, memorials, and sacred monuments are the main attractions of Anuradhapura, and you will find them here in abundance. Be sure to spend a day (or part of a day) with a guide (many tuk-tuk drivers offer tours, and this is a great option as long as they speak good English. Tip: agree on a price beforehand to avoid surprises) for a true immersion in the customs and rituals of Buddhist culture. From offering flowers to reincarnate as a more beautiful person to making a wish at the sacred Buddha tree, and from kneeling before the largest and oldest stupa in the world to being blessed by a monk. Check! It is especially nice to combine this with a visit to Mihintale – the place where Buddhism originated in Sri Lanka and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists. Be sure to go around the afternoon so you can see the sun set behind the mountains and the place feels even more magical. Allocate a total of 1 or 2 days for this.
Sigiriya, Polonnaruwa en Dambulla are cultural hotspots that are not to be missed. Visiting all three might be a bit much, but definitely try to visit one or two. A few tips: in Sigiriya (a nice village to stay!) climb the Pidurangala Rock in the morning, because otherwise it is scorching hot (and it is already warm enough). Plus, you’ll catch a beautiful sunrise and an amazing view over the exotic jungle and Lion's Rock (and yes, you take the famous Sri Lanka photo here). By morning, we mean ready at 5 o'clock, so get out of bed on time! It is advisable to arrange a tuk-tuk in advance; you have to go through a stretch of jungle where elephants live, and believe us, you’d rather not encounter them in the wild. Also fun: in Polonnaruwa, it is great to rent a bike and ride through the old village. In Dambulla you will find the Golden temple – a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in the country. Here too, you can move on after just one night (but staying longer is no punishment).
Inheritance Kandalama – A handsome hotel in Dambulla, right in the middle of the jungle. It is almost difficult to explain the looks. After all, modern and jungle sounds like a crazy combination, doesn't it? WellThe building is designed in such a way that the jungle can go its own way. And it's not just the greenery that goes its own way. The monkeys also just walk through the hallway, yes really! As hotel guests you are simply a guest here in the jungle, sounds fantastic, right?
Sigiriya Paradise Inn Guesthouse – For an affordable stop (read 40 euros) you can sleep at Sigiriya Paradise Inn Guesthouse. Nothing special, but good and like many places in Sri Lanka: tasty food. Close to the culture hotspot, so excellent deluxe.
Sigiriya Paradise Inn Guesthouse
Eagle's Wings Guesthouse has a whole new experience in store for you once again. The best way to stay here is in a hut (on stilts) or in the cottage (with a veranda). The owner is quite the boss, and he knows it himself, so that is actually quite charming. You can eat and drink on the guesthouse grounds, and you might even spot an elephant. Elephants roam freely here, but don't worry: the aforementioned owner has promised to keep them under control. Back to the food for a moment: Spicy. That is what it is. As in: tear-droppingly spicy, so order an extra-large beer to handle it. And be sure to order the very mild curry.
Let's get straight to the point: Kandy isn't exactly top-notch. So why are hordes of tourists to be found here anyway? Because Kandy is the perfect transit city, period. It is the starting or ending point of one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world (the Kandy-Ella) – and you don't want to miss it. Tip: book your train tickets well in advance via the official website. website – after all, here it only costs a few euros for first class (=guaranteed a seat), and even less for second and third class (=a spot by the open doors where all sorts of airheads take the same photo hanging out of the train with their dresses flapping in the wind). Are the online tickets sold out? No stress, you can often just buy a ticket at the station (so don't go running to other ticket shops that literally mark the price up tenfold). And of course, Kandy also has a number of tourist attractions that are still not to be missed, such as the Temple of the Tooth and the Royal Botanic Gardens. A maximum of 1 night is sufficient here (but no fomo if you skip it anyway and take the train elsewhere. The second part from Nuwara Eliya to Ella is actually the most beautiful, and an 8-hour train ride is quite a long sit, according to yours truly).
The Albatross Boutique Villa – The view here is, to say the least, quite impressive, the food is something to crave again, and – but that is actually the case everywhere on the island – the staff are a gift. The Albatross Boutique Villa falls into the 'pricey' category by Sri Lankan standards: an average of 70 euros per room per night. You're robbing yourself. NB: it is an hour's drive from Kandy.
We think it's the most fun to eat The Empire Café, for coffee you go to Natural Coffee and of course you can't miss Secret Alley and you can read about it here.
Polwaththa Eco Lodges – Kandy and the surrounding area are full of guesthouses, but if you want something special, book one of the Polwaththa Eco LodgesThe lodges are situated in the jungle among the palm trees, and getting there isn't easy: you are picked up by a jeep at the agreed bus stop in Kandy and drive to your lodge in about 35 minutes; pure adventure. Moreover, it is here back to the basics, or: take a cold shower. Just so you know. Book a trip through the area with the guides and learn everything while you walk through the beautiful landscape.
Hanthana House – Outside the center of Kandy is a guesthouse Hanthana House (takes you about 15 minutes by tuk tuk). The family that runs the Hanthana House is very sweet and is happy, really happy, to be in the kitchen for you all day long. Father, unfortunately we don't remember his name – shame on us – Besides his work for Hanthana House, he also works for an English tourist agency; at work, he gets paid for his tips, but his own guests get them completely free with an overnight stay. Win-win. The good man is more than willing to go through your itinerary and provide you with all the hotspots and tips. The rooms are clean and tidy (tip: ask for a room on the top floor) and the food is fantastic. Just look a little sweet and you'll even get a packed lunch.
So tip through the tipping. Do you just want to see a lot, a total package and not think so much yourself: NRV Family Travel! Here a lot of arrangements are taken care of - no more stress. They take you by the hand, from tours to the beach and from a safari to surfing and from visiting tea plantations to very tasty food. Very varied, this trip is very easy to do with young kids.
Bali has its rice fields (oh, the photogenic quality!), Sri Lanka its tea plantations. Endless plantations, beautiful vistas with 50 shades of green and the Mackwoods tea plantation is – I think – the most beautiful, most versatile, and the most famous of the bunch (that might also be because Prince Charles paid a visit). Stroll along the paths and look for the tourist shop where you can score the most beautifully packaged tea to take home – Souvenirs galore.
The village, which feels very English and is also known as Little England – and not just because of the typically British colonial atmosphere – is located in the Highlands and is therefore much cooler (that is why). Think 20 degrees in the afternoon and around 13 degrees in the evening (sounds reasonable, but is a huge contrast to the heat elsewhere). In addition to a visit to a tea factory, here you can take a climb to the impressive Ramboda waterfall and our favorite hike – the final stage of the Pekoe Trail – don't miss it. The latter takes you along sandy paths past farmlands, small villages, and rolling landscapes with many tea plantations. Every step offers a different panorama. But above all, it is very nice that for once you aren't skipping around with hordes of tourists by your side, and you really get a glimpse behind the front door of the locals gets. You can hike the Pekoe Trail on your own using the AllTrails app. We recommend setting aside two days for this beautiful spot (so bring a sweater and long pants).
You travel to the small town on one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. She – a cozy village with a good vibe, nice restaurants, and charming bars (although many tourists now complain about too many tourists, we are still fans!). Ella is situated in a wide mountain valley surrounded by hills and peaks such as Ella Rock and Little Adams Peak. When in Ella may a short hike to the Nine Arches Bridge Of course, don't miss it (make sure you're there around 3:30 PM to see the train whizz by). And no, you're not the only one taking a picture here, but hey, then you can cross that off as well and send it to the folks back home. Rawana waterfall and the climb to Little adams peak They are very touristy attractions, but still worth the effort. A bit more challenging (especially due to the heat) is the hike to the top of Ella Rock, but you are rewarded with a stunning view. Don't forget to treat yourself to lunch on the way back at Zest Café (easiest to reach from the train tracks on the way back), as here you can eat fantastic local food from the father and son who run the shop. You'll easily spend two to three days in Ella.
Ella Ecolodges – If sleeping in a wooden treehouse in the middle of nature is on your bucket list, but you never seem to have the money for it, then this is your chance. Ella Ecolodges is the ultimate affordable option. Please note: in the photos, Ella Ecolodges appears to be completely in the jungle, but that is not the case. The situation: on the side of a quiet road you take a path downhill and you walk up to a forest hut. Voilà, you're there. Advantage: the jungle feeling, the amount of monkeys is incredible, and Ella Ecolodges is close to the village. Disadvantage: well, you're not completely in the jungle. Oh well, who cares. The owners are the sweetest, they prepare kilos of delicious food and take care of absolutely everything to make it as easy as possible for you. If you are too early and the room is not ready yet, you can wait at their home (with tea and a thousand types of cookies) and they will have the cleaners call you every now and then to give a status update. They cannot be understood with their broken English, but they are still funny.
Ella Jungle Resort
Take a trip down to the jungle and spend the night at the Ella Jungle Resort. You will be picked up at the edge of the road by jeep and taken to the hotel. Sounds quite shabby, doesn't it. Waiting for you in a neat reception, drink in hand ride and fifteen minutes later, after a drive through the jungle and another short walk, you cross the bridge and there it is: the Ella Jungle Resort. There is a small village, or: the hotel, in the middle of the wild nature. The houses are built on the river and are made of natural stone, wood and glass. But above all: REST. Superzen. Everything. The resort staff are more than helpful and nice, just… not the fastest. Anyway. It's vacation so why the rush?
98 acres
Money to burn? Sleeping at 98 Acres is the motto. Not so much money to burn? No sleeping at 98 Acres, but then lunch. Or at least something to drink. Because man oh man it is beautiful there. Amid the tea plantations, the houses on stilts overlook the beautiful valley and in the morning you can enjoy the view from your own balcony when the valley is still shrouded in mist. Poetic, immense?
If you want to go on safari in Sri Lanka, and that's what you definitely want, then that's it Yala National Park a blackYou can go glamping there like nowhere else and never before. Wild Coast Lodge, where it is not only beautiful but also incredibly delicious and well-cared for – straight out of a picture book – and Africa in Sri Lanka. The best of both worlds. Ask the staff to organize a safari for you. Unforgettable.
photo: @mish.pich
You go to Udawalawe for the safari, so we sleep at Nature House: simple but basically everything you need. You can mainly arrange a safari through Nature House. This does not have to be done in advance, but it is of course possible. You go to the safari with their own jeep and driver (the owner's cousin, everyone knows each other). The advantage is that there are fewer tourists here than at Yala National Park, but there are no leopards here. Crocodiles and elephants. Plus: baby elephants. Baby elephants!
There are quite a few (food) routes possible through Sri Lanka, where to eat are you reading here.
After all the cities, jungle and safari, it's time to hang out on the beach. Lots of hanging out on the beach. Below are lots of tips for how and where:
Tangalle
Tangalle is located in the south of Sri Lanka. And in Tangalle, you might find – though tastes differ – the most beautiful beach in Sri Lanka. While you relax and sunbathe with a cold beer in hand, you look out at fishermen gathering mussels, and as far as the eye can see, there is a beautiful beach lined with palm trees. Add a light breeze and a pink-colored sunset, and there is – really – nothing more to wish for. Good to know: Tangalle is also easily doable as a day trip from Hiri.
Sandy's Cabanas
You sleep at Sandy's. And yes, if you look up Sandy's on Google you will get some strange stories, but let's be honest, we and other acquaintances of Bart have been there and had nothing but a great time. The BBQ is turned on during the day, the kitchen team is fishing in the sea all day and the rooms are basic but have a beautiful view of the sea.
Seaworld Resort
The Seaworld Resort is an absolute must go (must! go!). The name suggests that it is a dilapidated Dolphinarium, but nothing could be further from the truth: the Seaworld Resort is a small hotel with 11 rooms, wonderfully private. The rooms have the fluffiest beds, there is an infinity pool (makes it just that little bit more luxurious) and the restaurant has good food and delicious wines served in wine glasses as big as a fishbowl (you had us ate fishbowl). So this is just winning. What a luxury.
Hiri – the oh-so-paradise-like Hiri – is 'merely' a small bay of Dikwella (the village), but due to its idyllic setting, it is an absolute favorite (and more famous than the town itself). Surrounded by palm trees, surfdudes & -girls, With lovely little beach bars, hip beach clubs, and a vibe best described as nothing-is-required-except-chilling-out-hard, there is only one thing to do in Hiri: feet in the sand, sunglasses on your nose, coconut in hand, and just relax. Okay, on Instagram and TikTok this coastal town is regularly vilified for Western influences that have taken over #Bali2.0, and yes, it is busy, you can drink an oat cappuccino there, and the beaches are packed, but believe us. You. Want. To. Be. Here.
It is the ideal spot for budding surfers to brave the waves, eat incredibly well, spend endless evenings hanging out on the beach with a Lion Lager (or Ice, that works too), and on the weekends you can even party (at Dots, we'll get back to that in a moment). Everything is within walking distance, there are hardly any cars (at least not as bothersome as at other coastal towns, where the beach is right on the main road), and it has the ultimate village feel. You will want to spend at least 3 days here, even if you leave with a heavy heart.
Dots Bay House – At this lovely spot, you'll find everything under one thatched roof: from sleeping, eating (all day long), drinking, working out, surfing, and partying to working. It is actually a hostel, but you can also enjoy nice, esthetic Book private rooms. Although you are only a few steps away from the beach, you can also take a dip in the handsome pool – but just whatever you feel like. Every Saturday famous DJs fly in and the co-working space becomes (also nice for the digital nomads among us) transformed into a club.
Casa Vana – A charming jungle hut right in the middle of the village (and for a very modest price). This awesome accommodation, partly indoors (the bedroom) and partly outdoors (the bathroom and kitchen), is surrounded by exotic flora and fauna. So chances are that a few curious eyes will be focused on you every now and then. Once you walk down the lane, you have your pick of nice coffee bars and lunch spots.
In Sri Lanka, the local food is already something to rave about, but in Hiri, you are in for a real treat. There are three restaurants you simply cannot, will not, and cannot miss. To start with Smoke & Bitters, the cocktail bar where you the most fine dining eat and definitely need to claim a table at least two weeks in advance (or a spot at the bar, which we personally like better). Dishes come from the grill, are inspired by local cuisine, and are finger-licking good. The little brother (or sister, that’s fine too) of Smoke & Bitters is at least as much of a hit. At Raa is coconut king, the Sri Lankan dishes taste sublime and the view of the stunning water is romance itself. The last one in the list is more low-key than the other two, but still a favorite. Bokko It feels a bit like Amsterdam North in terms of setting and serves street-style dishes with a local twist. Definitely don't skip the tacos; they are heavenly, and we ordered them no less than three times. Other must-visit spots in Hiri worth checking out: Duni's Hoppers for the tastiest smoothie bowls, Crab for richly topped breakfasts/lunches and May's for a foray into Thai cuisine.
The beaches of Sri Lanka are not everywhere of the Bounty level where you fall off your sunbed from their beauty and belong to this category. Mirissa Beach also. Don't get me wrong: it really is a nice, spacious beach with nice restaurants and cafes (for example, you eat at Salt the tastiest fresh fish right by the sea), but it does not have the joy of living which we did taste in the other coastal towns. So what do you come here to do? Pay a visit to Doctor's House, of course! The party of the south that takes place every Wednesday and Saturday. Additionally, you absolutely must grab lunch at Shady Lane and eat the most delicious Mexican dishes with South Coast. We enjoy a lovely idyllic float at Secret Beach, A not-so-secret beach where you can also catch a beautiful sunset. And okay, go ahead; a photo at Coconut Tree Hill is allowed, but not required (because, busy busy busy). Two days in Mirissa are more than enough.
For convenience, we’ll just list all three here, because you can zip from one town to another on a scooter in just fifteen minutes. So it doesn’t really matter where you stay, although we do have a slight preference…
Ahangama is the perfect cocktail of urban hustle and provincial authenticity. Throw in a generous splash of surf vibes and you'll have a good first impression of this coastal town, which, as far as I'm concerned, feels the most 'urban' of them all. There are several lovely beaches where you can marvel at the surfing talent braving the wild waves, delightful beach clubs where you can actually spend an afternoon, and plenty of restaurants worth visiting. Which ones shouldn't you miss? Do you have a moment? A few highlights are: Marshmallow Surf Café – the spot where surfers devour breakfast before heading into the wild sea, Thileni's – a lovely place for a book and a cup of coffee, Aliikai – for lovely breakfasts (such as roti with poached eggs) right by the sea, Sundays Cafe & Restaurant Berlin vibes and delicious smoothie and lunch bowls. The Chicken is fantastic for dinner and with Machan Curry Pot eat very good local curry for a small price.
mid-gama
Look, so all of them are here. boys with the boards And besides that, it is mostly very quiet there. Or so it seems. Because anyone who hides away here for a few days knows that appearances can be deceiving. Midi may be small in size and tranquility itself, but it is also the place where you can find the best parties in the south. Our favorites? Lazies on Tuesday, Groove Gardens on Friday and with a bit of luck (because they don't drop a party every week) zippy on Saturday afternoon. But above all, we just think Midi is a huge vibe. Budget-friendly overnight stays are highly recommended at Lime & Co Hostel (which isn't really a hostel, because there are no dorms, but where you can work well as a digital nomad). zippy (which you find next to Lime & Co) is really a black for breakfast, lunch, or dinner (or all three, that's fine too), Paradise Cove Highly recommended for a nice chill day at the beach (with cocktails) and Surfing Wombats for delicious pizzas and cozy open mic-evenings.
Never
Weligama is, like Midigama, surfers paradiseGood waves, that's what it's all about, and Weligama has them. Furthermore, you can of course also choose to just hang out on the wide, expansive beach (not the most idyllic, but the best spot for beginners to learn to surf). Hangtime Hostel It has that total backpacker vibe. Good food, chilling in hammocks, and a view of all the surfers. At Plan B can you have a nice dinner and Nomad makes you instant Happy with their way too delicious lunch options.
Practical tip: make sure you have the correct paperwork arranged in the Netherlands before renting a scooter. The police carry out regular checks, and driving without the proper license carries hefty fines.
Casa Tikiri is the result of the travel-loving owners who were looking for a new 'home'. They had already seen much of the world, but at a certain point they were done with all the traveling; a one way ticket bought to Sri Lanka. Located in a small village called Ahangama, which lies between Galle and Marissa, you will find Casa Tikiri. A adults only boutique hotel with the sea as the front garden and the jungle as the backyard. There is plenty of good food and the interior is also delicious: earthy tones and details that appeal to you, the eye also wants something. All in all, this Casa is one must visit If you ask us, we will certainly go back for it.
The village Unawatuna is – as the population stated – no longer what it used to be. Before the tsunami it was the place to be but unfortunately much has been destroyed. Fortunately, Jungle Beach has been preserved! A beautiful beach accessible via the water or after a brisk walk - not a very intense walk, but if you are the lazy holidaymaker type, then you can brace yourself a bit. It's worth it: Jungle Beach is a beautiful beach where the locals would like to come.
Lara's Place
Just outside the center of Unawatuna is Lara's Place, a guesthouse run by Lara (Lara is a man). The tuk-tuk drivers know exactly where to find this place because, well, a man named Lara is just hi-la-risk, according to the tuk-tuk drivers. Lara's Place is even a joke: everything is very luxurious with stylish, well-maintained rooms and a delicious breakfast.
Old Clove House is a luxurious holiday home in an old colonial style. You understand, so clever. Five minutes from the beach and 15 minutes from the nearest village of Galle, you are more than in the right place. This is the perfect location at the end of your holiday. Come here and recover from traveling around and all the beautiful things you have seen.
With three spacious bedrooms, an outdoor swimming pool and a picture-perfect nothing can go wrong anymore. In any case, the house is equipped for 'outdoor living'. Because Sri Lanka is hot and humid, so you want to be outside. What about cooking? Well, your own chef will take care of that. What? Yes, your own chef. He does the shopping and cooks the healthiest Sri Lankan-style meals. Party every day. What you paid? The money for groceries, the chef's travel expenses and a tip. Well, do the math, so nothing. Or yes, you get the point. Very little.
This colonial town is an absolute go for an afternoon trip. Here you will find the old remains of a Dutch fort and many nice shops and restaurants. It is the perfect place to stock up on souvenirs or even put together your own piece of jewelry.
The Fortress Resort and Spa
The Fortress Resort is located just outside the town of Galle. Pure luxury. The 'rooms' are apartments that we can only dream of from our houses in Amsterdam (and form a great contrast with the real Sri Lanka atmosphere). If you want to try out a five-star hotel, this is your chance. Okay, the prices (on average 400 US dollars per night) don't lie, but compared to an Amsterdam hotel of such a level, it is still a bargain... And the stay is princely, to say the least. Fantastic food, tip-top service, of course an infinity pool, a beautiful beach and so on. Check the website and you will completely understand what we are talking about. Recommended!
