9 Unexpected Things I Learned While Traveling in Sri Lanka started with tuk-tuk rides that felt more like rollercoasters and ended with me fully embracing coconut in all its yummy forms. I like to make end-of-the-year travel as adventurous as possible since work (usually) slows down. I plan trips with less research on wifi speeds and more emphasis on nature and disconnecting. This has led me to spend many Christmases and New Year’s in Asia, which I cannot recommend enough. While this can mean high season prices and larger crowds, the benefits of a warm Christmas and less rain in many South/SE Asian destinations make it worth it.
Having visited India, I still didn’t know what to expect from the mysterious neighboring island nation of Sri Lanka. I knew there would be amazing curry and beaches, but what else? Well, let’s dive right into the 9 Unexpected Things I Learned While Traveling in Sri Lanka!
1. Tuk-Tuk Rides
You have been warned that tuk-tuk rides in Sri Lanka are like stepping into a real-life video game. They rule the roads and there are no lanes or rules. Tuk-tuk rides are the main mode of transportation to go surfing, get to dinner and even travel longer distances. All I can say is hold on tight. Drivers weave through traffic with expert precision, squeezing between buses, dodging cows, and taking corners at lightning speeds. It’s chaotic, a little terrifying and fun! The tuk-tuk rides in Sri Lanka just hit differently than the ones in Thailand and India. 💀
2. Tea is Practically a Religion
Tea is practically a religion in Sri Lanka and part of the local’s everyday lifestyle. Whether on a moving train, in a roadside shack or deep in the jungle, someone will offer you a cup of Ceylon tea. It is usually strong, sweet and served with a side of conversation. The highland estates of Nuwara Eliya and Ella produce some of the best tea in the world. If you can skip the lattes during your time in SL, we promise this kind of tea deserves your full attention. To be totally honest, the coffee was a letdown, and I wish I had committed to the tea journey earlier in my trip.
* To read all about the best activities in Ella, check out our article here!
3. The Head Bobble
Unless you have spent time with Sri Lankan or Indian people, the head bobble to answer most questions might throw you for a loop. The bobble is a fascinating mix of a nod, a shake and something in between. It is almost impossible for outsiders to decode at first. It can mean yes, no, maybe, or just ‘I hear you’ – depending on the context. Somehow, locals always seem to understand each other. At first, you’ll be second-guessing every interaction, but after a few days, you’ll find yourself unconsciously bobbling back. It’s less of a direct answer and more of a vibe, one that perfectly matches Sri Lanka’s chill energy.
Continuing with the 9 unexpected things I learned in Sri Lanka, I want to point out that we felt very safe here. I would even recommend this country to solo female travelers or newer travelers. Sri Lanka has had its fair share of significant controversies in recent years and that is nothing to overlook. As travelers, we have to make decisions about when and where to go that feel comfortable to us. It goes without saying that you should always do your research, no matter what Instagram or a travel blog suggests.
4. Curry for Breakfast
Curry for breakfast? This might sound outrageous, but don’t knock it till you try it! In Sri Lanka, curry for breakfast isn’t just an option, it’s the norm. Instead of the usual toast-and-eggs routine, mornings here start with hearty plates of rice and curry or steaming bowls of dhal. Alongside are string hoppers (thin rice noodle nests) or bowl-shaped hoppers in which to throw the curry goods. The beauty is, the bowl hoppers eat like breakfast tacos, 😋. Hotels will likely have Western breakfast options, but we suggest eating like the locals. Let the bold spices wake you up better than coffee and with the endless variety of curries, no two breakfasts are the same. We promise you’ll be wide awake in no time!
5. Trains are Slow
Trains are slow, but that is a good thing! Sri Lanka’s slow trains aren’t just transportation, they’re an experience and sometimes the best part of the trip. The most famous route from Kandy to Ella, crawls through misty tea plantations, rolling hills and old colonial-era stations. The pace makes you forget about time altogether. The doors and windows stay wide open, allowing you to dangle your legs and enjoy the lush views and breeze. Yes, it’s slow, but that’s the point. The sleepy trains reminded me to take in all the sites and be present ~ I was in Sri Lanka to slow down.
6. Elephants are Everywhere
How can you not fall in love in a country where elephants are everywhere? Sri Lanka has a significant elephant population, estimated at around 5,000 wild elephants. This makes it one of the few places in the world where you can see large herds of Asian elephants in the wild. These elephants roam the island’s vast forests, grasslands and national parks. Check out safari offerings at Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya and Wasgamuwa. The rapid expansion of agriculture and infrastructure has reduced the space available for elephants, leading them to venture into human settlements in search of food. Let Sir David Attenborough showcase this for you here!
7. Coconut is in Everything
If you love coconut, this is your country as coconut is in everything! It is found in savory dishes and desserts, adding richness and flavor. My favorite coconut item, which I had never tried until this trip, is ‘pol sambol’. This spicy coconut topping is made with freshly grated coconut, chili and lime. It is often paired with rice or hoppers for a burst of heat and tang. It looks quite innocent but all the varieties I tried were on fire. As a lover of spice, Sri Lankan food sang to my soul. Sri Lankans are also masters at whipping up creamy coconut milk curries. These are easily made vegan, with fish or meat; try as many varieties as possible!
* Need to know ~ Sri Lanka’s signature spirit, ‘arrack’ is made from the sap of coconut flowers. To me, it takes like a blend of rum and whiskey and it can be found on many drink menus.
8. The Beaches are Unreal
Yes, the Sri Lankan beaches are unreal and worth the hype. The various colors of the ocean and the abundance of surfable waves make Sri Lanka a true Asian paradise. The currents can be powerful, so make sure you have your wits about you when you enter the water. We especially loved the beach towns of Weligama, Mirissa, Ahangama and Hiriketiya in the south of the island.
As much as I love Thai and Philippine beaches, being from California, I crave seeing the beauty of waves. Sri Lanka has permanent, gorgeous waves at play all day long. Be sure to rent scooters and cruise between the coastal towns at your own pace. The main thing to look out for are the local buses that bomb through the 2 lane highways while passing everyone in oncoming traffic and never slowing down. These are a bigger threat than the tuk-tuks if you can even believe it!
9. Surf Camp
The last of the 9 unexpected things I learned in Sri Lanka is that surf camp is worth the hype! We chose to do this for a week at The Surfer in Weligama and had a great experience. Our rooms were private, while the rooftop lounge and dining area made for tons of mingling and group meals. Most of the others at camp were from Europe, Australia, and New Zealand, which added to the fun and diversity. Our package included breakfast, dinner, yoga and 2 surf sessions a day with very experienced coaches. The meals were not the best of our trip, but they were hearty and hit the spot after hours of surfing. The highlight of this leg of the trip was the small surf groups and the experience felt tailor-made for our skill sets. The coaches tuned in to our levels and what would make us better surfers. We were challenged yet safe and had an unforgettable time!
Adventure, Spice & Ocean Dreams
Sri Lanka 100% made all my adventure, spice and ocean dreams come true. The mix of surf vibes, welcoming locals, Buddhist culture and incredible food, made each day a pinch-me experience. Everyone that asks about SL I tell, if India is too much for your right now, head to Sri Lanka. There are many cultural similarities, but Sri Lanka is diet India. It feels more modern, laid back, approachable and less crowded than India. Whether you come for the surf, elephants, or to sip endless cups of Ceylon tea, this island pulls you in and makes you feel at home. If you’re looking for a destination that delivers both thrill and chill, Sri Lanka should be at the top of your list. I hope you enjoyed these 9 unexpected things I learned and I can’t wait to hear about your trip to this paradise!
Gihin Ennám,
Rach
PS ~ If you can’t get enough Asian surf culture, check out our West Java article here!
