A-Z of Sri Lanka

Often overlooked in favour of its neighbour India, what Sri Lanka lacks in size, it makes up for in scenery, experiences and friendly people. With lush mountain passes and palm-fringed sands, ancient cities share the landscape with charming colonial architecture, quiet beaches and the warm waters of the Indian Ocean.

Here we list our A-Z of the best of Sri Lanka, and what makes it stand out.

Arrack – Sri Lankas most popular liquor, Arrack is 100% natural, harvested from the coconut flowers.  The Arrack Sour is the perfect sundowner cocktail made with fresh fruit juice, soda or ginger beer and plenty of ice.

Bawa – Geoffrey Bawa is Sri Lanka’s most beloved architect.  Known as the ‘father of Asian architecture’ Geoffrey pioneered “tropical modernism,” blending local materials and modern design into harmonious, climate-sensitive structures. Examples of his work can be seen in boutique hotels, religious buildings and even Sri Lanka’s parliament building.

Cinnamon – native to Sri Lanka, cinnamon has shaped the country’s economy, cuisine, and history, making it a global spice trade hub. Let us introduce you to some of the cinnamon farms and how they use this spice in traditional cooking…

Dambulla

Dambulla – the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka featuring Buddha statues and vibrant murals. Together, they offer some of Sri Lanka’s most important and evocative religious art.

Elephants – whilst the Sri Lankan elephant can be seen throughout the country, Gal Oya National Park is the only place where you can enjoy a boat safari to observe elephants swimming between islands in the Senanayake Samudraya reservoir.

Family – Sri Lanka is exceptionally family friendly with beautiful coastal villas, wide verandas and direct access to the beach. Villas usually have a house chef and maid to ensure a holiday for the whole family.

Galle Fort – a 17th century UNESCO World Heritage Site on Sri Lanka’s southern coast, Galle Fort is the largest remaining fortress in Asia built by European occupiers, and a must-see on any Sri Lanka itinerary.

Heritage Hotel – Why House

Heritage Hotels – we love the wealth of small heritage hotels in Sri Lanka, packed with history and character. Forget the large hotel chains, most of the hotels we recommend in Sri Lanka have less than ten guest rooms, are owner managed with friendly staff and offer excellent cuisine.

Idle Bikes – a guided excursion with Idle Bikes inland of Galle is one of the best ways to explore Sri Lankas picturesque rural surroundings to see more of Sri Lankan local living.

Jaffna – Sri Lanka’s Northern capital, has had a turbulent history. Today, Jaffna offers quiet optimism with a unique Tamil cultural flavour, Hindu temples, spicy cuisine, and a resilient spirit.

Kandy

Kandy – known as the home of the Temple of the Tooth Relic, we also love spending time in Kandy’s Botanical gardens (keep an eye out for the canonball tree!) or hiking one of the surrounding hills to look down on the beautiful lakeside town.

Loris – a rare, solitary, nocturnal primate. They move slowly which is a good thing as they have a toxic bite!

Moonstone – prized for their unique shimmer, moonstones are mainly found in the Ratnapura region and are often used in fine jewellery. We know the best shops too…

Nuwara Eliya

Nuwara Eliya – known as “Little England” this cool-climate hill station boasts tea plantations, colonial bungalows, and scenic lakes. Best explored on foot or by tuk-tuk don’t miss the strawberries at one of the local markets.

Oruwa – an outrigger canoe used by local fishermen. To this day they are hand crafted using traditional methods passed down through the generations. A great example of Sri Lanka’s rich maritime heritage.

Pekoe Trail – one of our most loved scenic walking routes through the lush tea plantations of the Central Highlands. Spanning 300kms in total, the trail has gained increased international recognition over recent years due to it’s positive impact on local communities.

Quirky – Sri Lanka is full of quirks; charming, odd, and delightful little details that make it a uniquely fascinating place. Here are just three:

• Rural addresses often rely on directions rather than numbers, like: “Third house past the temple, near the big mango tree, Galle Road.”
• Tuk Tuks have their own personality.  Tuk-tuks (three-wheelers) aren’t just transport—they’re often customized with flashing lights, booming speakers, religious symbols, or even anime stickers with names like “Black Panther” and “Godzilla”.
• Elephants have their own holiday – the annual Esala Perahera in Kandy features elaborately dressed elephants parading through the streets complete with costumes, dancers, drummers, and fire-breathers.

Rice and Curry – not just a meal! Rice and curry showcases Sri Lanka’s rich blend of spices, textures and colours, unique to the island. Traditionally eaten with the right hand it is enjoyed as a daily staple but also as a centrepiece during festivals and family gatherings.

Sigiriya – locally known as “Lion Rock” is an ancient fortress located atop a massive granite rock c.200m from ground level. Intertwined with legend, royal ambition and artistic achievement we highly recommend an early start to avoid the crowds and midday heat.

Tea Train

Tea Train – it is all about the views on this scenic rail journey from Kandy to Badulla. Rolling hills, tea plantations, rural villages and arched bridges. And the best seats? In the first class observation saloon, where our clients take in the magnificent views as the train gently rocks along the rails.

Unawatuna – a quiet cove accessed by a forest trail, a short distance from Galle. Perfect for snorkelling thanks to it’s calm water.

Vedda People – Sri Lanka’s indigenous people, the Veddas, maintain a unique hunter-gatherer culture, especially near Gal Oya.

Surfing

Waves – knowledge is key when it comes to waves of Sri Lanka. From gentler, sandy bottom waves at Weligama to powerful reef breaks in Arugam Bay it is always important to check conditions locally for rip currents. Tip – take reef booties and let us introduce you to a local guide.

Xtralinguistic language – is strong in Sri Lanka. Non-verbal forms of communication that carry cultural meaning beyond spoken or written language. These include gestures such as a side-to-side head nod in agreement or to say “I understand”, a soft tone to show politeness, touching an elders foot in a sign of respect, clothing, hairstyles and rituals. All these are deeply tied to the island’s traditions and social norms.

Leopard ©Yala Leopard Safari Camp

Yala – Sri Lanka’s most visited national park, Famous for its leopard density, wild elephants, and diverse birdlife.

Zen – Sri Lanka has some wonderful wellness resorts.  Channelling the concept of “intelligent luxury” – where nature is king and service is everything.  The natural surroundings energise the soul, and purposefully minimalist eco-conscious architecture lets the mind be at peace. One of those very rare places where you can truly escape the world.