Our Sri Lanka tips
More tips will come, so tune in later for updates………
Colombo
Colombo is easilly just a stop-over destination to the airport, but we think it really deserves more than that. Colombo can be tricky to navigate, but that’s also the fun part - get a little lost! Tuk tuk is the best mode of transport here (book them on Uber to avoid the haggle).
The best city tour: Run by friends of ours, the Tuk It Easy tour is the best way to get the real colombo and see what others don’t. Olivier and his team will take you to the best street food vendors and hidden bars (if you do the afternoon tour). Write in the comments that you are friends of Johanna and Julius, and hopefully they won’t charge you double :)
Ceylon Curry Club: Traditional Sri Lankan cuisine in a nice setting. Make sure to take a stroll around the old Dutch Hospital, now a heritage building and a shopping and dining spot, while you are there. The famous Ministry of Crab is not to be missed if you want to splurge on crab - probably the best crab in Sri Lanka. Order everything with garlic!
Gallery Café is a bit of an institution in Colombo. Housed in the former offices of world-renowned Sri Lankan architect, Geoffrey Bawa, this restaurant offeres Al Fresco dining with an extensive (and somewhat expensive) menu. Also a gallery (duh!) and worth a visit - even for cake and coffee.
Grind Café: Our neighbourhood hangout with European vibe, and we go here every other day. Order chicken parmesan croissant, chicken burger or their delicious Espress-o smoothie. The best coffee is found here and at Kaffi - run by our Norwegian friend Siljery. Try a cupcake or a Swedish cinnamon bun for something sweet.
If you are in the mood for the best cocktails, head to Eskobar or Uncles and go for an arrack sour (local alcohol made from fermented sap of coconut flowers).
Beaches are best in the south, but if you crave seabreeze in Colombo you can go to Bellevue in Port City. Have a beer and ideally have dinner somewhere else, but food is ok.
Best shops are PR for local designs, Urban Island for gifts and local design, Barefoot for kids gifts, local crafts and products, Carnage for active wear and Julius swear to Cool Planet for reasonable shirts. Spa Ceylon is found everywhere - a nice shop to pick up some pretty gifts.
When you have had enough Rice & Curry, Colombo can offer you a variety of cuisines. Best Italian: Lago. Best Japanese: Kurakuu. Best Sushi: Minori. Best Thai: May’s table.
Best Museum and activities: The National Museum is huge, and the building is stunning. Take the kids directly to the section with the huge dino skeleton. Quite cool!
Best Spa and Treatments: Favourites would be, Breathe Day Spa, Kemara and Foot Rub (found in One Galle Face Mall and other locations).
The South Coast
2 hours south from Colombo you have a coastline packed with nice spots for beach hangs and surfing.
· Nomad Café Probably the best place for brunch along the south coast (and there are many great ones) https://maps.app.goo.gl/dBXTHhXj3FwKKa2L9
· CACTUS Ahangama Superb place for food and drinks https://maps.app.goo.gl/gHr188p6nhy9eHaDA
· Thileni’s Café next to the beach, great place to bring kids https://maps.app.goo.gl/ZCjTF2dLjo6qeAaL9
· The Slow Great place for families with kids to hang – big yard to play in for the kids, next to the beach where you can surf, nice café https://maps.app.goo.gl/JAwenQtXYfj5md4v9
· Lighthouse For a great brunch or drinks and good food with a super sunset view. Also a nice place to stay https://g.page/LighthouseAhangama?share
· The Kip Great brunch and coffee https://goo.gl/maps/Fj3auXyvvAmYSfZ17
· Ceylon Sliders Nice place run by Swedes; great food and coffee and a nice little surf shop https://goo.gl/maps/Yg1SvQom8F8KHaFXA
· Palm Hotel Beautiful bungalows a bit inland from the beach. Tranquil, stylish and offers sweaty HIIT workouts for you who wants to get your pulse going https://g.page/palm-hotel-sri-lanka?share
· Craving pizza? Check out Rise https://g.page/rise-weligama?share or Surfing Wombats https://goo.gl/maps/ktgX1j5yG6wHLkpJ8
· Smoke & Bitters A bit off – by the lovely little bay Hiriketiya – you find this hidden gem with great drinks and food. Worth the visit! https://goo.gl/maps/c9BYEMUVXjLmTFf99
· W15 For the beach club vibe with music pumping during weekends https://g.page/W15Weligama?share
· Galle The “Gamla Stan” of Sri Lanka – nice for a day trip to check out some shops and have an icecream at Isle of Gelato (best icecream in Sri Lanka) https://goo.gl/maps/9XqqosNU649RgHn1A
· Shady Lane Great place for coffee and brunch. Good facilities for getting some work done as well. https://g.page/shadylanemirissa?share
Mountains, National Parks and Sri Lankan Inland
Going to the hilly inland of Sri Lanka takes some time due to narrow and winding roads, however there are some great spots that are definitely worth the trip. The highlands are significantly cooler than the coastline, with a completely different kind of landscape and nature. In the inlands you can experience tea plantations, hike up mountains for great views and see elephants in the national parks.
Some of the spots to check out:
· Nuwara Eliya https://goo.gl/maps/6VFhs8avKh1nEgS99
· Ella (where you find for example the famous Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge) https://goo.gl/maps/Zn51kRTuqyRLdSvN9
· Udawalawe https://goo.gl/maps/HCN7QT6sPX9vQGjB7 and Yale National Park https://goo.gl/maps/fZVbkos4v2MCNRKj7
· Sigiriya Rock https://goo.gl/maps/NwQZi32fch5P7TuL9
· For the golfers – check out Victoria Golf Resort up in the highland. Beautiful views, cool climate and calm environment https://maps.app.goo.gl/i6eoSrUG6VTc4TNY6. Recommended to bring a bunch of friends and rent one of the lovely villas, like Villa Merak https://maps.app.goo.gl/9geqb4NQdFz9ZYao8