Three places to visit for an authentic Sri Lankan experience

Travelling is an amazing experience. You get to explore the world around you, meet new people, and understand different cultures and ways of life. It’s a form of escapism. You’re leaving behind your ‘real’ life and exchanging it for one filled with new scenery for a week or two. Therefore returning home enriched and refreshed. If you’re looking for a place for your next adventure, Sri Lanka should be top of your list.

From its lush rainforests to ancient temples, Sri Lanka boasts some of the most stunning landscapes in the world. Travellers can explore the country’s rich history by visiting ancient ruins and colonial buildings. Or embark on a wildlife safari to spot elephants, leopards, and whales. The food is also not to be missed, with spicy curries and fresh seafood that will tantalise taste buds. Beyond the natural beauty and cultural experiences, Sri Lanka is home to some of the friendliest people you will meet. They always welcome visitors with a smile. 

So how can you make sure that you experience the real Sri Lanka, and not just the tourist hotspots? The answer is: be prepared to head off the beaten track. In this post, we share three places you won’t want to miss. 

Galle

Whilst Galle is hardly a hidden location, it’s one of the best places in Sri Lanka to understand the history of the country through architecture. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it features Dutch-colonial buildings, mosques, churches and plenty of museums and villas. The whole area was originally designed to protect traders from sea-faring adventurers. Today the city stands almost frozen in time, making it a great place to experience the real Sri Lanka.

To get the most out of your visit here, try and arrive during the quieter seasons. This is so you can take your time exploring the city streets. Immersing yourself in the landscape here is a great way to start your time in Sri Lanka.

Arankele Monastery

If you’re looking for some rest on your holiday, then visiting a monastery hidden in a forest is about as calming as it gets. Arankele lies unused today, but it used to be home to a brotherhood of reclusive monks who filled their days with prayer and meditation. Just being at this place makes you feel calmer.

Make sure you check out the meditation platforms, paths for walking meditations, and bathing pools, one of which was huge, at 100 ft by 60 ft. Keen-eyed visitors will notice the stones dotted around, which were used for preparing Ayurvedic medicines. The monastery is such a hidden spot that you will likely find that you have it to yourself, or at least only a handful of visitors. Whilst there isn’t a lot to do here apart from admiring the ruins, it’s well worth stopping for a couple of hours of tranquillity.

Gal Oya

For those hoping to spot some of Sri Lanka’s famous wildlife – including elephants and leopards – a stop at Gal Oya should be on the itinerary. One of the most untouched and quiet national parks in the country, it’s a haven to wildlife of all shapes and sizes. It’s most famous for its crocodiles, elephants and leopards, although these majestic creatures will be best spotted with a local, knowledgeable guide. It’s also the only national park in Sri Lanka that you can explore by boat, making it the perfect choice for those who want to spot water wildlife in their natural habitat.

Do your research

By doing your research, you can get the most out of your trip to Sri Lanka. If you are planning on heading out of the main tourist areas, you may want to consider booking some guided experiences in order to enhance your adventure. A knowledgeable guide can bring locations to life as well as handle the practicalities, leaving you free to marvel at the world around you.

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