What is it really like to explore Sri Lanka? Wendy Wu Tours team member Cara recently returned from an extraordinary journey across the island, and she's sharing her favourite moments, biggest surprises and top tips to inspire your own adventure. 

What made you choose Sri Lanka for your next adventure?

Sri Lanka had always been sitting right at the top of my travel list. The idea of train journeys through lush hills, endless tea plantations, beaches, and wildlife all in one trip just felt unreal. It’s one of those destinations that seems almost too diverse to be real, but it absolutely delivers.

Which Wendy Wu tour did you travel on, and what were your first impressions when you arrived in Sri Lanka?

I travelled on a custom Tailormade Wendy Wu Tours itinerary, designed to showcase the very best of Sri Lanka in one seamless journey.

The itinerary took us from Colombo into the cooler highlands of Nuwara Eliya, through the iconic train journey to Ella, down to the wildlife-rich landscapes of Yala National Park, and along the southern coastline through places like Galle before returning to Colombo. It really felt like a journey through completely different worlds, all within one trip.

Arriving into Colombo was a bit surreal. Waking up to sunrise over Beira Lake with the Lotus Tower glowing in the background was my first real "this is happening" moment, and from there, the experience only continued to build.

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What was the standout highlight of your journey through Sri Lanka?

For me, it wasn’t just one single moment, it was a combination of the people, the accommodation, and the wildlife.

The people were incredibly warm and welcoming everywhere we went, it never felt staged or forced, just genuinely kind interactions that made you feel comfortable straight away.

The standard and uniqueness of the accommodation was also a real standout. From colonial-style stays in the highlands to treehouse-style properties in Ella and beachfront settings in Yala, each place felt completely different and added to the overall experience rather than just being somewhere to sleep.

And then the wildlife. What really struck me was how seamlessly we seemed to blend into their environment. Whether it was elephants wandering nearby, monkeys moving through the trees above us, or spotting leopards on safari, it never felt like we were intruding, more like we were briefly part of their world.

Was there a particular destination in Sri Lanka that completely exceeded your expectations? What made it so special?

Ella completely exceeded my expectations. The views alone were incredible, rolling green hills as far as you could see, but it was also the energy. It had this relaxed, slightly more modern feel while still being authentically Sri Lankan. The treehouse-style accommodation overlooking the mountains didn’t hurt either.

What cultural experience left the biggest impression on you during your travels?

One moment that really stayed with me was a blessing I received from a local man in Colombo. He tied a red thread bracelet around my wrist and said a quiet prayer. It was unexpected, but there was something really grounding and meaningful about it.

What was your favourite food or dining experience while exploring Sri Lanka?

Sri Lankan food just doesn’t miss. From local hidden restaurants to beachside BBQs, everything was full of flavour. One standout was a completely tucked-away lunch spot in Galle where every dish was incredible. That said... buffalo curd with treacle was a one-time experience for me.

Did you try anything for the first time while on tour?

So many things. Safari in Sri Lanka was a first for me, along with trying local fruits like mangosteen and experiencing a proper Sri Lankan train journey through the hills. Each day felt like something new.

How did travelling on a fully inclusive Wendy Wu tour enhance your Sri Lanka experience?

It made everything effortless. Things like luggage transfers, organised transport, and having everything included meant you could actually be present in each moment instead of worrying about logistics. It allowed me to fully enjoy the experience.

What was it like travelling with your National Escort and local guides throughout Sri Lanka?

Our National Escort, Priya, was incredible. He kept us entertained the whole way with stories, cultural insights, and little details you’d never pick up travelling on your own. It felt like travelling with someone who genuinely wanted you to understand the country, not just see it.

What was your favourite included experience on the itinerary?

The train journey through the hills to Ella was everything I had imagined. Watching locals hang from doorways, waving as we passed farms, and then seeing the Nine Arch Bridge appear through the jungle was just magic.

What’s one thing you’d tell someone considering their first trip to Sri Lanka?

Go with an open mind. Sri Lanka is unpredictable in the best way. One minute you’re completely relaxed, the next you’re on a safari or navigating a completely new environment. That contrast is what makes it so special.

Did anything about Sri Lanka surprise you in the best possible way?

How diverse it is. You can go from cool mountain regions to beaches to wildlife parks all within a short space of time. I don’t think I’ve been anywhere else that offers that much variety.

Was there a place, encounter, or moment that stayed with you long after the trip?

For me, it was always the people.

There wasn’t one single moment, but a collection of small, quiet interactions that stayed with me long after the trip ended.

The "high tea boys" in Nuwara Eliya, dressed impeccably in old English attire, moving with this quiet confidence but also a shyness that made the whole experience feel even more special. They were so respectful, almost reserved, yet clearly proud of what they were creating.

Our assistant on tour who would hand-pick fresh flowers each morning and give them to us as we boarded the bus. Such a simple gesture, but it became something we all looked forward to without even realising.

Kids riding their bikes through the streets, calling out hello in English as we passed, not for anything in return, just pure excitement and joy.

And then the moments around food. You’d feel people watching from the edges, waiting for your reaction, and the second you smiled or showed even a hint of enjoyment, their faces would light up. That kind of pride and happiness in sharing something so simple is hard to replicate.

What are your top tips for first-time travellers to Sri Lanka?

• Embrace the pace, things don’t always run exactly to schedule.
• Try everything when it comes to food.
• Don’t overpack, it’s a very relaxed destination.
• Be open to the unexpected.

Is there anything people should pack or be prepared for before visiting Sri Lanka?

Light, breathable clothing is a must, along with comfortable shoes. Also be prepared for a mix of climates depending on where you are, from cooler highlands to hot coastal regions.

What’s one thing you wish you knew before travelling there?

How much variety you can fit into one trip. I probably would have extended my stay knowing just how much there is to see and do.

If someone only had one reason to visit Sri Lanka, what would you tell them?

The diversity. You get culture, wildlife, beaches, mountains and incredible food all in one destination. It’s like multiple countries in one.

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