From Delhi to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean – Sri Lanka Begins!
COLOMBO (Day 1)
Our journey kicked off at the bustling Indira Gandhi International Airport in Delhi. Excitement crackled in the air as we boarded our flight to Colombo, the vibrant capital city of Sri Lanka. Despite the slight travel jitters that always accompany a new adventure, there was a calm eagerness in knowing that this trip promised a blend of coastal serenity, cultural richness, and island charm.
We touched down in Colombo for a pleasantly smooth experience at Bandaranaike International Airport. It’s not a sprawling maze like some international terminals—rather, it’s small, compact, and refreshingly comfortable. The formalities were quick, and within no time, we were out with our luggage, soaking in the first real taste of tropical air.
Getting a cab was a breeze—thanks to Uber, which functions well in Colombo. We booked a ride straight to our stay for the night: The Grand Oriental Hotel, located on York Street in the heart of the city.
Nestled in the colonial quarters of Colombo, the Grand Oriental Hotel is an echo from the past—graceful, vintage, and oozing old-world charm. With its majestic structure and sweeping views of the Colombo Harbour, the hotel makes you feel like you’ve stepped into a time. The lobby welcomes you with classic decor and polite hospitality, setting the tone for a stay that blends comfort with a sense of historical luxury.
We spent a relaxed evening in Colombo, freshening up before heading out to explore the city’s nighttime charm. A short walk led us to the Galle Face Mall, where we soaked in the bustle and buzz of local life. Later, we found ourselves unwinding at Galle Face Green, the ocean breeze in our hair and the rhythmic sound of waves crashing against the rocks setting the perfect mood. As the city lights twinkled around us, we returned to our room and kept dinner simple — whipping up some comforting Maggi noodles, the classic travel companion.
The next morning, we kicked off the day bright and early with a visit to the iconic Colombo Lighthouse. A quick tuk-tuk ride from our hotel brought us to this historic spot, where we enjoyed a serene little tour and took in some panoramic views of the coastline.
Feeling a bit adventurous, we headed toward the bustling Pettah Market only to discover that most of it was still waking up, much like the city itself. Hunger soon took over exploration, and our search for a place that catered to both vegetarian and non-vegetarian appetites turned out to be trickier than expected.
Eventually, our cravings led us to the Grand Oriental Hotel, where we decided to check out the famed Harbour Bar on the 4th floor. And what a decision that was! The view was absolutely stunning — a sweeping vista of Colombo’s seaports under perfect weather. The food? Divine. Though a tad on the expensive side, every bite was worth the splurge. We savoured a hearty meal, relished the view, and spent some quiet, quality time soaking in the calm before heading back to our rooms to recharge, freshen up and head to our next pit stop- Galle.
GALLE (Day 2)
We booked a cab through PickMe and set off toward Galle. The drive was smooth, scenic, and clocked in at just about two and a half hours. By afternoon, we arrived and checked into Mrs Wijenayake’s Guest House (Beach Haven)— a charming stay nestled close to the Galle Fort. The rooms were spotless and welcoming, and the warm hospitality was evident from the moment we were handed our refreshing welcome drinks.
Once our luggage was settled and we’d caught our breath, we took a short break to rest. But as the evening crept in and the sun still lingered in the sky, golden and generous — we stepped out to explore the famed Galle Fort and its surrounding streets.
And what awaited us wasn’t just architecture or history — it was an emotion. The beach was pristine, the air crisp, and the rhythm of the city was soothing. Galle wasn’t just a place on the map — it was a mood, a feeling, a quiet heartbeat that felt oddly like home.
Tucked away in the heart of Galle Fort, St. Pedlar’s Street is where time gently pauses, letting you take in the romance of cobblestone paths, pastel-hued colonial buildings, and the gentle sea breeze that whispers tales from centuries ago. This charming little street is a perfect blend of old-world charm and modern-day quirk.
Whether it’s sipping an artisanal coffee at a boutique café, browsing through handwoven bags and vintage postcards, or stumbling upon an indie art gallery tucked behind ivy-covered walls—St. Pedlar’s Street makes you want to slow down and stay awhile.
Stepping out into Galle Fort, you’re embraced by history. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it’s a melting pot of Portuguese foundations, Dutch facades, and British remnants. Walking along the Fort walls as the sun dips into the Indian Ocean is an experience in itself—breathtaking, nostalgic, and oddly grounding.
And then there’s the Galle Market—a colourful, chaotic, and delightfully authentic slice of Sri Lankan life. Here, the air is rich with the scent of spices, and stalls overflow with tropical fruits, local handicrafts, and smiling vendors eager to share a story or two. It’s the perfect place to shop like a local and haggle like a tourist!
Of course, no travel story is complete without food—and Galle’s eateries do not disappoint. From trendy beachside bistros and elegant colonial-style restaurants to tiny hole-in-the-wall curry joints and vegan smoothie bars, the town has it all. Fresh seafood is the star here—grilled, curried, or served with a zesty tropical twist. And don’t be surprised if your café doubles as an art gallery or a book nook; creativity flows freely here. We had a late afternoon (rather evening) meal at The Bungalow and trust you me, the food was scrumptious.
Final Thought?
Galle isn’t just a place—it’s a feeling. And if you ever find yourself strolling down St. Pedlar’s Street, pausing for a gelato or a lazy lunch, you’ll know exactly what I mean.
(Day 3)
The next morning, just as the sky began to lighten, we left our hotel in Galle. We’d booked a tuk-tuk to take us to the starting point of the Jungle Beach hike— a short but beautiful downhill trail of about 1 kilometre through the lush greenery of Rumassala Hill.
The walk itself was serene, with the early morning mist clinging to the trees and birdsong echoing around us. At the end of the trail, Jungle Beach revealed itself like a hidden postcard — soft golden sand, crystal-clear water, and not a soul in sight. For a while, it felt like the beach belonged only to us. We couldn’t resist — we dipped our feet, got wet, and just soaked in the peace.
After spending some quiet time there, we made our way uphill to visit the Japanese Peace Pagoda, which sits majestically atop Rumassala Hill. The architecture was stunning — serene and symmetrical — but what really took my breath away was the panoramic view of the Sri Lankan coastline and the cityscape of Galle from the top. It was the kind of moment you pause for — to simply admire and absorb.
Once we finished our visit, we walked for a bit until we found another tuk-tuk and rode back to the hotel. After a quick shower and change, we packed up and booked a cab to our next destination — Mirissa, using the PickMe app (a total lifesaver during this trip!).
MIRISSA
By afternoon, we checked into Handagerada Resort & Spa. After a short rest, we were out again — this time hiking to the Secret Beach of Mirissa. True to its name, it felt like a well-kept secret. Tucked away and untouched, the beach was simply stunning — one of the best I’ve seen on this trip. The water was irresistible, and yes, we got wet again!
As the sun began to dip, we headed back to the resort, took another refreshing shower, and then treated ourselves to some well-deserved pool time. Floating in the pool, under a slowly darkening sky, was the perfect end to a long day.
Later, we ordered dinner through Uber Eats, curled up in our cozy room, and called it a night, content, sun-kissed, and already dreaming of the next day’s adventures.
Parrot Rock & Coconut Tree Hill – A Day of Waves, Walks, and Worn-Out Feet (Day 4)
The next morning, as the first golden rays of sunlight kissed the horizon, we began our day with a hearty breakfast at the resort — the kind that makes you feel like you’re really on vacation. Energized and curious, we set off towards our first destination: Parrot Rock.
To reach it, we had to cross a narrow strip of sand connecting the main beach to the rock itself, with the sea playfully washing in from both sides. Standing on that sandbar with waves whispering from either direction felt almost surreal — like walking into a dream. At the base of Parrot Rock, we had a blast splashing around and enjoying the water like carefree kids.
Soon enough, the explorer in us kicked in, and we climbed up the rock. The view from the top? Simply stunning. The blue of the ocean stretched endlessly, and for a moment, time stood still.
Not ready to return just yet, we decided to walk along the shoreline all the way to Coconut Tree Hill. It was a scenic stroll, and somewhere along the way, we stumbled upon Turtle Beach Point. Originally, we’d planned to snorkel and catch a glimpse of the turtles — but nature had other plans. The waves were much too strong, and the snorkelling rates didn’t really help matters. So, we paused, admired the view, and carried on.
When we finally reached Coconut Tree Hill, it lived up to every Instagram post I’d ever seen — rows of swaying palms overlooking the sea, painting a picture of tropical perfection. But by then, the sun was relentless, our clothes were salty and sandy, and our energy had begun to wane. So, like true beach veterans, we trudged back to our hotel for a well-earned afternoon nap.
As evening rolled in, we laced up again and headed to the main Mirissa Beach, also called Coral Beach. It was a short 150-meter hike, nothing too demanding, and once we got there, we just kept walking — almost a full kilometre along the shoreline. It’s a long, continuous beach that loops back to Parrot Rock and Coconut Tree Hill, like nature’s own walking trail.
We passed by charming little shacks that gave off that unmistakable Mirissa vibe — relaxed, bohemian, and inviting. But truth be told, we were done for the day. Tired, sun-soaked, and slightly grumpy about the sand sneaking into every crevice of our clothes, we decided to skip beach frolicking this time. Instead, we lounged in Paragon, Mirissa, a chic bar and indulged in Rice Chopsuey and Mango Virgin Mojito. Yum combination, I tell you!
We headed back to the hotel, kicked off our sandy shoes, and called it a night — a day well spent, and bodies well spent too.
From MIRISSA to MATARA: A Day of Contrasts and Coastal Charms (Day 5)
After two serene days soaking in the sun-kissed beaches of Mirissa, we were ready to explore the southern coast further—and next on the itinerary was Matara. With bags packed and the ocean breeze still in our hair, we had a leisurely breakfast before hopping into our pre-booked pickup ride around 11 AM (thanks to Pick Me App).
One thing I must say—Sri Lanka’s roads are an absolute dream to drive on. Smooth, scenic, and surprisingly quick! Within 25 minutes, we rolled into Matara, expecting another beach-town delight.
First Impressions? A Mixed Bag.
But the moment we stepped out, we felt the difference. The weather in Matara was hot, humid, and a bit harsh, a striking contrast to Mirissa’s cool and breezy vibe. The beach here, unfortunately, didn’t leave a great impression—littered and far from the postcard-perfect views we had grown used to.
Even our hotel was a bit of a letdown (Hotel Nawathana). Just about manageable for a night, it lacked the warmth and charm of our previous stays. But travel isn’t always picture-perfect, right? Sometimes, it’s about making the best of what you’ve got.
After a short break at the hotel, we decided to explore the nearby sights on foot. Our first stop was the historic Matara Fort, a colonial relic that quietly stands guard over the town. Walking through its sturdy old walls, we found ourselves near the Clock Tower, a tall, timeworn structure that still seems to tick in tune with Matara’s unhurried rhythm.
From there, we wandered toward the Jayasurya Playground, a lovely ground with vibrant energy and a lot of opportunities—perfect for a breather and a few candid photos.
Finally, we made our way to a serene temple located on a tiny island, connected to the mainland by a narrow footbridge (Paravi Duwa Bridge). With waves lapping around its edges and a gentle breeze accompanying our steps, the place offered a moment of quiet reflection—something we didn’t even realize we needed.
We ended this little adventure with a walk along the beach, but the rising heat and humidity nudged us back to the hotel for a much-needed rest.
Dutchman Street – The Culinary Highlight
Come 5 PM, as the sun began to mellow and the sea breeze made a comeback, we stepped out again—this time heading straight to Dutchman Street, a beachfront restaurant we’d heard plenty about.
And wow, it lived up to the hype.
The vibe was laid-back, the view—uninterrupted ocean waves—and the food? Absolutely scrumptious. We ordered a generous spread (because… vacation!) and enjoyed every bite while watching the waves roll in. If you ever find yourself in Matara, this spot is a must.
Before winding down for the day, we made a quick stop at the Matara Bus Stand to gather details for our journey to Negombo the next morning. With everything sorted, we returned to the hotel, took a quick dip in the pool, and called it a night.
NEGOMBO (Day 6)
The next morning, we were up bright and early for our final leg—Negombo, the town closest to the international airport. Instead of a cab, we decided to try out the local air-conditioned bus.
And let me tell you—it was smooth as butter.
The ride was cool, comfy, and incredibly efficient. We started at 8 AM and reached Negombo by 10:30 AM. Honestly, it felt more relaxing than most cab rides!
We checked into our homestay (Moon Deck Villa) near the airport, feeling a mix of contentment and nostalgia as our Sri Lankan journey wrapped up.
Our final stop in Negombo led us to Morawala Beach — a curious choice, in hindsight. The weather was pleasantly breezy, but the beach itself was a far cry from postcard perfection. Strewn with trash, dotted with chaotic, mismanaged stalls, and mostly devoid of tourists (save for a loyal army of stray dogs), it felt more neglected than nostalgic. Still, we tiptoed around the mess, picked up a shell or two, and called it a quirky experience.
We wrapped up the evening with a quick stroll through a local Supercentre, half-heartedly hunting for souvenirs that never materialized. Yet, despite the disheveled beach and the underwhelming shopping spree, Negombo left a good taste. A bustling, commercial hub with its own pulse — welcoming, vibrant, and warm in its own way.
A large part of that warmth came from our stay at Moon Deck Villa, hosted by Mr. Jude — arguably one of the kindest and most courteous hosts we’ve encountered so far. His quiet hospitality and attention to detail gave us a sense of home away from home, and for that, Negombo earned a soft corner in our travel-weary hearts.
Final Thoughts
Travel, with all its highs and hiccups, always leaves you with stories. From the laid-back charm of Mirissa to the gritty-yet-real vibe of Matara, and the smooth transition to Negombo—every stop was a chapter.
If you’re planning your Sri Lanka itinerary, I’d say: embrace both the postcard moments and the imperfect ones—they’re what make the adventure memorable.
More detailed posts coming up soon.
