At Holiday Architects, one of the things that makes us different is that our Destination Experts never stop exploring. They return to the countries they specialise in time and time again, revisiting favourite hotels, discovering new experiences and making sure every recommendation they give is based on first-hand knowledge. Dawn’s latest research trip took her from the island's laid-back west coast to ancient cities, wildlife-rich national parks, misty tea plantations and the beaches of the east. We thought we'd hand the microphone over to her to share the itinerary she finds herself recommending most often, along with the moments, people and places that reminded her why she keeps falling in love with Sri Lanka. Over to Dawn... What's the best way to see Sri Lanka? One of the questions I’m asked most often is, “What’s the best way to see Sri Lanka?” But it’s never quite as simple as pointing at a map. Sri Lanka may look small, but it packs an incredible amount into one island. Wildlife, beaches, ancient cities, tea plantations, mountains, bustling towns and peaceful villages all sit within a few hours of one another. The secret isn’t trying to squeeze everything in – it’s knowing what to slow down for. And that’s exactly why I travel back to Sri Lanka so regularly. Every research trip gives me the chance to revisit old favourites, discover new hotels and experiences, and make sure the recommendations I give my clients are based on what I’ve genuinely seen for myself. On this trip, I travelled from the west coast right across the island before winding my way back to Colombo. It reminded me why this country will always be one of my favourite destinations to plan holidays to. If you’re looking for a well-balanced first holiday to Sri Lanka, this is the route I’d recommend time and time again. Taken by HA's Dawn of a monkey and her baby in Negombo. Why two weeks in Sri Lanka works wonders One of the biggest misconceptions about Sri Lanka is that you need to rush. You don’t. And, in fact, the opposite is true. Some of the most memorable moments I’ve had in the country happen between the headline sights. It’s the roadside stop where someone is grilling sweetcorn; it’s spotting an elephant just casually walking along the side of the road while driving to your next hotel; it’s chatting to your driver-guide about his life over a cup of tea or watching fishermen pull in their nets before breakfast. That’s why I almost always recommend allowing around two weeks for your Sri Lanka holiday if you can. It gives you enough time to experience the incredible variety of Sri Lanka without feeling like you’re constantly living out of a suitcase. And here’s how I’d spend it…. HA's Dawn and her guide Sarath at Liptons Seat, Ella & Haputale. Negombo: The perfect place to ease into Sri Lanka After an overnight flight, it can be tempting to head straight inland to the Cultural Triangle. Personally, I really wouldn’t recommend it. Negombo sits on the beach, just 20 minutes from Colombo’s international airport and is the ideal place to catch your breath before your adventure begins. On this trip, I stayed at Villa Hundira, a peaceful boutique property tucked beside the lagoon. It’s exactly the sort of place I love introducing clients to because it feels so personal. The owners have worked with local craftspeople throughout the property, and you can feel the care that’s gone into creating it. Dinner on my very first night was my first reminder of why Sri Lankan food is one of my favourites anywhere in the world. Fresh seafood, punchy spices, curries packed with flavour. Honestly, if you’ve never tried Sri Lankan food, you need to change that as soon as you can. There’s nothing like it. Why I'd recommend it Negombo isn’t somewhere I’d spend several nights, but as a first or final stop it works brilliantly. It gives you time to relax after your flight, settle into the slower pace of Sri Lanka and start your holiday feeling refreshed rather than exhausted. 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"Show More" : "Show Less"; if (anyHidden) { const expandButton = document.getElementById("zen-gallery-expand"); const rect = expandButton.getBoundingClientRect(); const scrollTop = window.pageYOffset || document.documentElement.scrollTop; window.scrollTo({ top: rect.top + scrollTop - 200, behavior: "instant" }); } } }); Wilpattu National Park: A safari that deserves more attention Whenever people mention safari in Sri Lanka, Yala tends to dominate the conversation. But after spending time in Wilpattu again, I was reminded why I love to recommend it instead. Wilpattu is Sri Lanka’s largest national park, yet it receives far fewer visitors than Yala. This means game drives feel quieter and more immersive, with far fewer vehicles gathering around wildlife sightings. It’s a much more peaceful and authentic experience. There’s something incredibly exciting about that feeling of anticipation as you round each corner, never knowing what might appear next. Elephants, sambar deer, so much extraordinary birdlife, and maybe - just maybe- the elusive leopard. This is the absolute dream sighting in Sri Lanka! For me though, Wilpattu isn’t just about the wildlife, it’s also about special places like Ibis Lodge. The owners here welcomed me like an old friend, sharing stories about their conservation work and the way the lodge supports the surrounding community through local employment and school projects. Those are exactly the sorts of places we love including in our clients’ holidays because they offer so much more than just somewhere to sleep. Why I'd recommend it If you’re looking for a quieter safari experience that still offers fantastic wildlife, Wilpattu is hard to beat. It’s especially good for travellers who value being immersed in nature rather than sharing sightings with lots of other vehicles. Taken by HA's Dawn of a Sri Lankan leopard in Wilpattu National Park Trincomalee: Sri Lanka’s wonderfully relaxed east coast One of the things I love most about travelling around Sri Lanka is how quickly the scenery changes. Driving towards Trincomalee, we passed tiny villages, emerald-green paddy fields, roadside fruit stalls and endless coconut palms. And, as always, Sarath (my beyond brilliant driver-guide) somehow knew exactly when to point something out and when to simply let the scenery do the talking. A brilliant driver-guide doesn’t just get you from A to B. They help you understand the country. That’s something I always explain to clients. Your driver guide becomes such an important part of your holiday, and Sarath reminded me exactly why. The man is like a walking, talking Google! Trincomalee itself feels wonderfully laid back. The beaches are beautiful, local fishermen still head out each morning, and deer wander surprisingly freely through parts of town. One of my favourite discoveries was the Dutch Bank Café, which serves excellent coffee and pastries if you fancy a break from sightseeing. Why I'd recommend it If you’re travelling during Sri Lanka’s east coast season, Trincomalee is one of my favourite beach stops. It has a wonderfully authentic feel and offers a lovely balance between relaxation and local life. Trincomalee beach The Cultural Triangle: Worth more time than you might think If there’s one place I’d urge clients not to rush through, it’s Sigiriya. People often think of it as somewhere to tick off a climb up Lion Rock before moving on. But every time I spend time here, I’m reminded that it’s so much more than that. This really is the heart of Sri Lanka. Sigiriya is where wildlife, ancient history, village life and some of my favourite places to stay all come together. Even the drive here felt memorable. At one point I spotted an elephant crossing sign and laughed to myself. Then, just a few minutes later… There really was an elephant standing by the side of the road. That’s Sri Lanka for you. The unexpected has a habit of becoming completely normal. Climbing Sigiriya Rock Of course, Sigiriya Rock is the star of the show. Standing beneath it, it’s impossible not to wonder how an entire kingdom was built on top of this enormous rock hundreds of years ago. I always tell clients to set their alarms nice and early if they’re planning to climb it. The temperatures are much kinder, the light is beautiful for photographs, and you’ll beat the busiest crowds. I made my way through the gardens, climbed higher and higher, paused to admire the famous Lion’s Paw and took plenty of opportunities to stop and simply soak it all in. It’s a bit of a climb, but there are places to rest on the way up. Take your time, take it step by step and take in the sweeping jungle views as you go. It’s more than manageable if you have a fair level of fitness. Sigiriya is one of those places where you don’t need to know every historical detail to appreciate just how extraordinary it is. The views alone really are worth the effort. But what makes Sri Lanka’s Cultural Triangle area so special isn’t just the Lion Rock itself. HA's Dawn before Climbing Sigiriya Rock. Further afield in the Cultural Triangle I spent time exploring the incredible cave temples at Dambulla (home to an incredible 153 Buddha statues!), wandered around the ancient ruins of Polonnaruwa and enjoyed one of my favourite experiences of the whole trip – a visit to Hiriwadunna village. This was exactly the sort of experience I love recommending. There was no performance, nothing felt like it had been put on for visitors. It was simply an afternoon of pure, genuine Sri Lankan hospitality. We crossed the lake by boat, learnt how coconut sambal is made, cooked fresh coconut roti and shared food with the most wonderful local family. At one point I found myself singing and dancing with everyone… I don’t think anybody was more surprised than I was! I stayed at King’s Resort, which enjoys wonderful views across to Sigiriya Rock. Waking up each morning and seeing it sitting proudly on the horizon never got old. HA's Dawn with the staff at Kings Court. Why I'd recommend it I’d always suggest spending at least three nights around Sigiriya. It gives you time to climb Lion Rock, visit the surrounding cultural sites, experience village life and simply enjoy being in one of the most fascinating parts of Sri Lanka, rather than ticking off one attraction and moving on. Taken by HA's Dawn during a local village visit in Hiriwaduna. Kandy: Where Sri Lanka’s culture really comes to life Leaving Sigiriya behind, we headed south towards Kandy, where the scenery changed once again. We passed through Sri Lanka’s spice-growing region before the Knuckles Mountain Range appeared on the horizon, rising dramatically above the landscape. It was one of those journeys where you’re constantly reaching for your camera. Poor Sarath had to endure my many requests to pull over for a snap! Kandy has a completely different feel. It’s busier and more energetic. But, at its heart, it’s incredibly peaceful. I spent a couple of hours wandering around the Temple of the Sacred Tooth, one of the country’s most important Buddhist sites. Said to house the original tooth of Buddha, it’s a hugely sacred spot for the Sri Lankan people. Rather than rushing through, I took my time. I watched worshippers quietly making offerings, listened to the sounds around me,, and made sure to really take in the atmosphere. Kandy Food Tour Later that day, I met the lovely Ujith for a food tour around the city. I absolutely loved this experience. Ujith had previously worked in hotels before deciding to share his hometown through food, and his passion was infectious. We wandered through the busy local markets, watching women masterfully preparing fresh dishes, sampling wonderful street food and chatting to local traders along the way. One of my favourite stops was a cooperative run by independent women selling their own food. I couldn’t help thinking… What girl power. It was really wonderful to see. We finished with a well-earned drink at the historic Royal Bar before heading back. It never felt like a guided tour; it felt like spending the afternoon with someone who genuinely wanted to share the city they love. HA's Dawn with her guide, Ujith on the Kandy food trail. Villa Rosa and the Bhikkuni Monastery In Kandy, I stayed at Villa Rosa, perched high above Kandy with beautiful views across the surrounding hills. It’s peaceful, welcoming and exactly the sort of place that’s lovely to return to after a busy day exploring. The following morning brought another unforgettable experience. I visited a Bhikkuni Monastery, where I spent time with Buddhist nuns learning about their way of life. Sharing tea while hearing their stories was incredibly humbling. It’s difficult to put into words quite how peaceful it felt. HA's Dawn during her visit to see the Buddhist nuns. Why I'd recommend it Kandy offers so much more than just the Temple of the Tooth. Spending a couple of nights here gives you time to experience the city’s food, culture and lifestyle. Kandy is one of Sri Lanka’s most significant cities, and these are the real insights that are all too easy to miss if you’re simply passing through. The Knuckles Mountains: A lesser-visited Sri Lankan treasure One thing I love about designing tailor-made holidays is introducing people to places they might never have considered. The Knuckles Mountain Range is one of those places. The roads are much quieter, the air feels a bit cooler, and the scenery opens up into rolling mountains, forests and tea-covered hills. I stayed at Rangala House, a beautiful converted tea planter’s bungalow surrounded by panoramic views. It all felt wonderfully relaxed. The monkeys certainly seemed to think so too, happily causing mischief around the gardens while I sat with a cup of tea admiring the view. Sometimes, doing absolutely nothing is exactly what you need, and this is the perfect place to do so. Why I'd recommend it For anyone who enjoys getting outdoors in nature, walking, wildlife or simply escaping the busier tourist routes, this part of Sri Lanka is well worth including. It’s a really lovely contrast with the coast and cultural sites. Rangala House, Knuckles Mountain Range. Gal Oya: An experience I’ll never forget If someone asked me to describe my single most memorable wildlife encounter from this trip…I’d probably say Gal Oya. Watching wild elephants swimming between islands is something I’ll never forget. It felt really surreal. The park itself is wonderfully unspoilt, and because it’s still relatively under the radar, it feels a little off-the-beaten-track and almost like a little unfound secret. I stayed at Wild Glamping Gal Oya, where the focus is very much on nature and sustainability. Before heading out into the national park, I explored their organic farm and later joined a member of the Indigenous Veddha community for a walk through the forest. Learning about medicinal plants, ancient traditions, and their deep connection to the land was genuinely fascinating. It was such an honour. It wasn’t polished, it wasn’t commercial, it simply felt authentic. The kind of experience I love to arrange for my clients. That evening I watched a traditional Veddha cultural performance which was so moving and powerful. It was a real privilege to witness… Experiences like this remind me why I love tailor-made travel so much. It’s all about really understanding a place and getting under the skin of it, not just seeing it or going where the guidebooks tell you. Why I'd recommend it Gal Oya is perfect for travellers looking to experience a quieter, more authentic side of Sri Lanka. The boat safari alone is worth the journey, but it’s the combination of wildlife, conservation and cultural experiences that makes it truly special. HA's Dawn on Gal Oya Boat Safari. Ella and the tea country: Postcard-worthy views around every turn By the time we reached Sri Lanka’s tea country, I thought I’d become used to spectacular scenery. Well… I was wrong. Every bend in the road seemed to reveal another incredible view. The tea plantations stretched across the hillsides every way I looked. Waterfalls appeared unexpectedly beside the road, and somehow, the colours seemed even more vibrant. Again, Sarath was getting more than used to my requests to pull over so I could take a few photographs. Visiting Lipton’s Seat was a real highlight, the walk was beautiful. If you’re doing it, I’d recommend taking a tuk tuk to the starting point as close to sunrise as you can manage. Then amble back down through the tea hills in your own time. Watching the women in the most colourful clothing expertly picking tea leaves by hand gave me a completely new appreciation for something I drink every day. But what fascinated me even more was learning just how much care goes into producing a single cup of tea. It’s amazing how travel can make you see ordinary things differently. I savour every sip now! Why I'd recommend it Even if you’re not particularly interested in tea, I’d always include this region. The scenery alone makes it worthwhile, and it offers a completely different side of Sri Lanka to anywhere else on the island. It’s also cooler, so you’re after a bit of a respite from the heat, this is the place! Taken by HA's Dawn on the tea tour Galle: The perfect way to end a Sri Lanka adventure By the time I reached Galle, I wasn’t looking for another long sightseeing list. I simply wanted to spend some time exploring and enjoying being there. So, I wandered the ancient fort, browsed the little boutiques, treated myself to a couple of art prints for my walls at home, sipped coffee in gorgeous little cafes, and watched the sunset from the old fort walls. Galle is such a charming place; I love including it in Sri Lanka holiday itineraries where I can. One of the highlights was joining a cookery class with Dinesha and her family. From the moment I arrived, it felt as though I’d been welcomed into someone’s home rather than joining an organised activity. We laughed, we cooked, we shared stories, I learned A LOT about how to cook delicious Sri Lankan cuisine, and - of course - we ate some incredible food. Those authentic moments are always the ones I remember most. Why I'd recommend it Galle is the perfect place to slow the pace before heading home. It’s relaxed, full of character and offers a lovely mix of history, great food and beautiful places simply to sit and watch the world go by. Taken by HA's Dawn at dusk in Galle. Why I keep coming back to Sri Lanka There’s so much to see and experience in Sri Lanka; every research trip teaches me something new. Sometimes it’s discovering a hotel that I know clients will absolutely love. Sometimes it’s finding an experience that deserves a place in more of our itineraries. Sometimes it’s simply meeting wonderful people like Sarath, who reminded me throughout this journey just how much the people shape a holiday. By the end of our trip, he knew exactly when I’d appreciate a coffee stop, when I’d want to chat and when I’d be perfectly happy just watching Sri Lanka drift past the window. He really helped to make this trip extra special. People often ask me what my favourite part of Sri Lanka is… and it really is an impossible question to answer. Because it isn’t just the wildlife, or the beaches, or the temples, or the tea country; it’s how effortlessly they all come together to create (in my humble opinion!) one of the best holiday destinations on Earth. Sri Lanka constantly surprises me, no matter how many times I visit. Every trip deepens my understanding of the country, introduces me to even more remarkable people, gives me new ideas for the holidays I create and has me falling in love with the place a little more. That’s why travelling regularly is such an important part of what we do at Holiday Architects. When I recommend a hotel, a guide, a safari or a village experience, it’s because I’ve experienced it myself. And there’s nothing I enjoy more than helping someone else discover their own version of this extraordinary country. HA's Dawn at the Buduruwagala Temple Written by Dawn Smith, HA Destination Manager, Sri Lanka. It's easy to see why Dawn keeps returning to Sri Lanka. Every visit helps her uncover new experiences, strengthen relationships with our local partners and refine the holidays she creates for her clients. If her stories have sparked your imagination, she'd love to help you plan your own Sri Lankan adventure. Whether you already have a route in mind or you're starting with a completely blank page, she'll take the time to get to know you and design a holiday that's tailored entirely around you. And if you'd simply like to hear more of Dawn's travel tales or ask a few questions about Sri Lanka, she'd be delighted to chat. After all, talking about this extraordinary country is one of her favourite things to do. Sri Lanka holidays Dawn recommends Dreaming of your own Sri Lanka holiday? Our experts have the first-hand experience to help ZEN_HOLIDAY_GET_A_QUOTE ZEN_HOLIDAY_TEL ZEN_HOLIDAY_OPEN_HOURS