In 2023, I visited the country of my roots, Sri Lanka. I had an amazing time, not just visiting family, but also travelling around the island with its gorgeous nature. Come with me to my 3 favorite hotels I stayed in, during the 2 weeks I was in Sri Lanka.
What to expect in this article:
About my trip to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka will always be special to me. My dad was born there, so visiting this beautiful island and visiting family for the first time in 2023 was a holiday to never forget. I wrote a whole lot of articles (about Jaffna, Nuwara Eliya, Udawala, we National Park, Sigiriya etc) as Sri Lanka is amazing. Check them out here.
I travelled across the country with my family, from the tea plantages of Nuwara Eliya to all my family in Jaffna, and found a few hotels that I still dream about. Not because they were fancy, but because they made me feel so warm and welcome.
So here they are: my 3 favourite places to stay in Sri Lanka. All tried, tested, and approved by yours truly (and one mischievous monkey).
When to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons — so the best time depends on where you’re going!
South & West (Colombo, Galle, Mirissa): December until April
Central (Sigiriya, Kandy, Ella): December & April too, the weather is warm and dry.
North & East (Trincomalee, Arugam Bay): May or September
Basically, December to April is the safest time for most travellers, you’ll get sunshine almost everywhere.
We visited in June 2023 and also had great weather, a bit warm though, especially in Jaffna (north of Sri Lanka). But near Nuwara Eliya, it is always cooler, because it is in the mountains, which I loved!
If you love lush green landscapes and don’t mind a little rain, visit just after the monsoon, everything looks so fresh and vibrant!
Read more articles about my beloved Sri Lanka
1. The Otunna Guest House – Sigiriya
Let’s start with my favourite in the middle of the island — The Otunna Guest House in Sigiriya.
This place is run by the sweetest family ever. When I arrived, they welcomed me like I was one of their long-lost cousins (which actually might be true, you never know). The food was homemade and delicious. They had amazing passionfruit juice, which I am still dreaming about. Next to that, we woke up to a fresh, homemade breakfast that was simply unforgettable. Pancakes, pineapple juice, spicy sambar, fruits, coconut roti… The best way to wake up!
If you want to read all the details, I’ve already written a full blog post here: The Otunna Guest House – Sigiriya
It’s perfect if you love a friendly stay, local vibes, and yummy food that keeps coming! And of course, it is closeby Sigiriya Rock, the most important thing. I wrote an article if climbing Sigiriya Rock in Sri Lanka is a challenging adventure?
While you’re in the area, don’t miss Pidurangala Rock (the view of Sigiriya from there is stunning!) and the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple.
Details:
- Booking.com link
Address: No 104/A Kalapuraya, Sigiriya 21120, Sri Lanka
2. Ella Country House
Next stop: Ella! My happy place in the hills (next to my favorite Nuwara Eliya)
I stayed at Ella Country House, a simple but super cosy guesthouse close to the centre. From my balcony, I had the most amazing view of the green mountains and in the mornings, I’d have breakfast outside while starting the day. Dreamy, right?
Well… until the monkeys arrived, but that’s another story 😉 Let’s just say, don’t leave your fruit unattended.
Apart from it being simple, I loved everything: the breakfast (so fresh and tasty!), the kind hosts, and the peace of hearing nothing but birds and the occasional train in the distance.
It’s not fancy, but if you’re looking for a clean, comfy place with stunning views and good breakfast, this is it.
Details:
- Booking.com link
Address: Beeri Ella Pathana Wellawaya Road Ella, 90900 Ella, Sri Lanka
Don't forget to book an activity in Sri Lanka
3. Prime Wave Residence - Colombo
We actually entered Sri Lanka by staying in Colombo for some days. We stayed at Prime Wave Residence at Dehiwala–Mount Lavinia.
The accommodation? Super clean.
The location? Perfect.
The rooftop pool? Out of this world!
Yes, there’s an infinity pool on the roof, and most of the time — no one was there!
So of course, I did what any travel blogger would do: took a million photos pretending I owned the place 😎📸
From the pool, you can see the Indian Ocean stretch out forever. It’s the best spot to relax, sip a coconut, and watch the sunset before your flight home…
Details:
- Booking.com link
- Address: 34/8, De Saram Road, 10350 Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri Lanka
How to get around Sri Lanka
Getting around Sri Lanka is an adventure in itself!
Trains: The train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most beautiful in the world. Seriously, don’t miss it! We saw waterfalls, gorgeous nature, villages and tea plantages. Amazing.
Tuk-tuks: Cheap, fun, and the best way to feel like a local. Just agree on the price before you hop in! You can even rent a tuk-tuk for some weeks, but be aware that there’s not too much space for luggage.
Buses: Very affordable and great for short distances, but hold on tight… the drivers love speed…
Private driver or taxi: A bit more expensive but perfect if you want comfort and flexibility. As I was travelling with my parents, they choose for a private driver. Next time I will definitely be more adventurous and drive a tuk-tuk.
Why these 3 mean so much to me
Each of these places reminds me why I love Sri Lanka so much, it’s not about five-star hotels or fancy breakfasts. It’s about the people, the views, and those small moments that make you smile.
Sri Lanka has a special place in my heart and I hope I get to visit more often in the future. I probably will!! The warm smiles, the best food ever and the sound of the waves — they all whisper, “Welcome back” (Next to my family of course).
Next time I go to Sri Lanka, I will go to more hotels and write a review about those. I can’t wait!
So if you’re planning your Sri Lankan adventure, stay somewhere that gives you that feeling too. You might even meet a monkey friend along the way 😉
Did you like reading this article? Have you been to Sri Lanka? I would love to know, so make sure to message me on my social media or leave a comment below.
*Some of the links in the article are affiliate links, so I may receive a commission, at no cost to you, if you make a purchase through a link.
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