Joanna James
The tiny South Asian island nation surrounded by the Indian Ocean—the Venetian explorer and writer Marco Polo described Sri Lanka as "the most beautiful island he had ever seen". Boasting oodles of nature and beauty, Sri Lanka will never fail to leave its visitors enticed and wanting to come back for more.
Nestled in the serene mountains of the Badulla District, Ella is a tiny village town that makes for a perfect getaway to soak up the scenic beauty of Sri Lanka in tranquillity, away from the hustle and bustle of a megalopolis. Ella made it to the Sri Lankan tourist track just recently, thanks to the sudden popularity of the pictures of the striking Ella Nine Arch Bridge floating around Instagram. To take this breathtaking town to the last drop, hop on the scenic train ride from Ella to Nuwara Eliya, which rattles through lush tea plantations and some of the most awe-inspiring mountainous landscapes of Sri Lanka.
Dating back to the 19th century, Nuwara Eliya is a picturesque town in the central hills of Sri Lanka, still retaining its old British Colonial ambience, which earned the world-famous moniker "Little England". Boasting a perfect blend of magnificent waterfalls, emerald green tea fields, and dramatic mountains, this picturesque town has a lot for you to explore. The charming, one-of-a-kind beauty and the soothing cool climate makes Nuwara Eliya incomparable to any other city in Sri Lanka, attracting hordes of tourists and local residents every month.
The gateway to the hill country of Sri Lanka, Kandy is a city popular all around the world, thanks to the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which houses a holy tooth of the Buddha. Right at the heart of the city is the Kandy Lake, which sets a calm and laid-back atmosphere to the town. The enchanting sacred city is also home to some of the best villas in Sri Lanka, including the likes of Boutique Collection by Amaya.
Bask in the sun while rocking in a hammock, sip on tropical cocktails as you admire the azure waters, indulge in a plethora of water sports, and dance the night away on the white sandy beach—Mirissa is the perfect mix of seaside beauty and a city full of life. Lying on the south coast of the island, Mirissa is a must-visit town to enjoy a good dose of the stunning beaches of Sri Lanka.
Home to a wide variety of animals such as leopards, elephants, crocodiles, monkeys, buffalos, and hundreds of species of bird and marine life, Yala National Park is the place to be to feed your appetite for wildlife spotting. While numerous animals call Yala home, the park is well known for its remarkable population of black-spotted big cats—the Sri Lankan leopard.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
