Traveling alone for the first time, spending three intense weeks, and discovering a country that captivated me with its beauty, hospitality, and diversity—Sri Lanka became more than just a destination for me. This island offered encounters, learning opportunities, and moments of awe.
Surfing, Turtles, and Safari: A Dream Start
My journey began with a week at a surf camp in Udawalawe, where I discovered my love for surfing. The feeling of riding waves was simply unparalleled. In addition to surfing lessons, small excursions made this time even more special.
In Induruwa, I experienced one of the most emotional moments of my trip: releasing baby turtles into the ocean. After receiving instructions from the owner, I waited for the perfect sunset. Each turtle was given a name before being set free. It was magical.
Another highlight was a safari in Udawalawe National Park. It was my first-ever safari, and I was thrilled to see so many elephants, including a rare tusked elephant. After a shared dinner with other camp participants, the next day brought me back to surfing lessons.
Leaving the camp after this week was difficult. I extended my stay for a few days in a nearby hostel to continue surfing and enjoying the waves.
Mirissa: Coconut Palms and Relaxed Evenings
The next stop was Mirissa, a charming coastal town. There, I visited the Coconut Tree Hill and a sea turtle farm, spending much of my time simply enjoying the beach atmosphere.
In the evenings, I frequented “Doctors House,” a bar with a laid-back surfer and skater vibe. It was the perfect place to wind down the day—no one cared about fancy clothes, which added to its charm.
I stayed at JJ’s Hostel, a clean and modern accommodation that made it easy to meet new people.
Arugam Bay: Surf Competitions, Elephants, and Relaxed Nights
From Mirissa, I continued my journey to Arugam Bay. The ride itself already felt like an adventure: through a WhatsApp group, I organized a van with a bunch of fellow backpackers, and on the way we were lucky enough to spot elephants casually roaming along the roadside.
In Arugam Bay, I checked into a hostel called Waypoint—and honestly, I’ve never stayed in a place that felt so lovingly created. It had this cozy, relaxed vibe, live music in the evenings, and a community that instantly made you feel at home. On the rooftop, they even offered yoga sessions, and the bathrooms were designed in such a way that you felt like you were showering right in the middle of the jungle—geckos sometimes keeping me company while squirrels played in the garden. It was such a wild, adventurous touch!
One night I suddenly felt really unwell, and the hostel owner noticed. Without hesitation, he drove me to the hospital on his scooter, stayed with me the whole time, and even continued with me to the pharmacy. He translated everything I said into the local language and made sure I got the right medicine. I honestly couldn’t have asked for more kindness.
During the days, I joined the crowd at a surf competition with professionals from around the world and caught some waves myself at Elephant Rock—a stunning surf spot with a bit of thrill, since there have been crocodile sightings in the past. Evenings usually ended at a beachfront “all-you-can-eat” spot, where I devoured rice and curry every single night. It quickly became my absolute favorite dish.
Arugam Bay turned out to be the perfect place to chill and surf. If you’re not in a rush, you can easily linger here for days without even noticing how time passes. I truly loved every moment of it.
Ella: A Treehouse Hostel and Magical Views
After a few days in Arugam Bay, I traveled with a group to Ella. My hostel, Wildbee, felt like a cozy treehouse tucked into nature. The view from the hammock on my balcony was absolutely breathtaking, and I could have spent hours just relaxing and soaking it all in.
Getting around Ella was super easy and stress-free—we simply hopped into a Tuk Tuk whenever we needed to go somewhere. They’re everywhere along the streets, which makes exploring really convenient and relaxed.
In Ella, I visited the Nine Arches Bridge, a landmark that remained a highlight despite some rain and the occasional leech. A hostel friend and I also took a trip to Diyaluma Falls. We didn’t take the shortest route, but it was totally worth it if you enjoy a bit of hiking and breathtaking views. The waterfall itself and the natural pools were absolutely spectacular, and the journey there led us through some truly stunning landscapes.
By Train to Kandy and Onward to Sigiriya
From Ella, I took the famous train to Kandy—a long yet scenic ride. Along the way, I met locals and fellow travelers, tried local snacks, and enjoyed the beautiful views.
From Kandy, a local bus brought me to Sigiriya. The bus ride itself was an adventure: loud music, crowded rows, and a genuine glimpse into local life.
In Sigiriya, I climbed Pidurangala Rock early in the morning to watch the sunrise. The view of Lions Rock was spectacular, and the tranquility at the top made me forget the effort of the climb.
In the afternoon, I visited the Dambulla Cave Temple, an awe-inspiring sacred site adorned with beautiful ceiling paintings and Buddha statues.
Negombo: A Relaxed Farewell
My final night in Sri Lanka was spent in Negombo, a small coastal town. I stayed alone at Hotel J Negombo, which was very affordable, had a fantastic pool, and was located right on the beach. I witnessed the most beautiful sunset of the entire trip, and it was the perfect way to end my journey.
I would definitely recommend this hotel for your first or last night in Sri Lanka. It’s just a short 15-minute drive from Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB), making it incredibly convenient for travelers. The hotel offers a peaceful and comfortable stay, allowing you to relax and enjoy a quiet, beautiful evening on your own. I would choose it again in a heartbeat.
Click here to check out and book your stay!
Conclusion: A Journey That Lasts
Sri Lanka deeply touched me—with its nature, its people, and the diversity of experiences it offered. I discovered new passions, had meaningful encounters, and learned how fulfilling solo travel can be.
Whether it was the surfing lessons, safaris, heartfelt hospitality, or culinary highlights, Sri Lanka remains a very special place that I will always look back on fondly.
Quick Facts
- Budget: Super affordable – food & drinks are cheap, hostels cost max. €15/night.
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), Exchange Rate: 1 EUR ≈ 354.77 LKR
- Best Stays: Hotel J Negombo, Waypoint Hostel in Arugam Bay and Wildbee Hostel in Ella (you actually sleep in a super clean treehouse with a beautiful view🛖✨).
- Must Do’s: Hit the waves and go surfing, take the famous train ride from Ella to Kandy, and check out the Nine Arches Bridge in Ella.
- Duration: 3 weeks felt just right.
- Travel Tips: Don’t drink tap water 🚫💧, watch out for dengue, and always use mosquito repellent.
- Best Time to Go: Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons – depends on where you’re headed:
- West & South Coast + Highlands: Dec – Mar → best weather.
- East Coast: May – Sept → perfect then.
- Food & Drinks: Rice & curry at local restaurants (so cheap & sooo good!) and definitely try roti.
- Visa: Germans, Austrians & Swiss need an ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization), around $50, valid for 30 days.
- Transport: Mostly tuk-tuks everywhere, plus local buses (super chaotic but kind of part of the experience).
