Sri Lanka: The Perfect Blend of Cities, Nature and Culture

Sri lanka is a country that stays with you, not because it was exactly what I expected, but because it was both more and different.

Over the course of 15 days, I got the chance to travel the Island known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean with a group of like minded travelers brought together by Ruby from Bhavana Experiences. We traveled through big cities, the mountains, cultural sites, nature and ended our trip at the beach.  What stayed with me most on this trip was a true sence of wonder: the scale of the landscapes, the richness of the culture and the openness with which people shared their country.

One of the first things that stood out to me was how vast everything feels - the mountains, the rows of trees and the views. This is a type of nature we simply don't have at home in the Netherlands.

I have always loved being in the mountains. There is just something about the fresh air, the feeling of calm and feeling like you are standing on top of the world. In Sri Lanka there are plenty of opportunities to climb the mountains and feel as if you are floaring above the cloulds. it is grounding and uplifting at the same time. 

One of the most memorable moments for me was the climbing of Sigiriya Lion Rock. We set our alarms at 4 am to be on time to catch the sunrise. Once arrived at the base, we had to walk/climb about 1200 steps , but every step was worth it. Reaching the top and looking at the views felt almost unreal. Surrounded by cloudes en watchting the sun rise above them, will be one of the things I'll remember for a long time.

Another highlight for me was exploring the ancient ruins by bicycle. Cycleling through these sites gave us a better chance to explore much more than one would be capable of on foot and it gave a slightly different persfective - you could really feel how big these ancient cities must have been. 

Seeing the sites in such a way felt active and immersive. It gave the experience a slight touch from home - a Dutch touch if you will, while still showcasing the Sri Lankan history and culture. It was a persective I wouldn't have wanted to miss.

With that, Sri Lankan culture was very different from what I'm used to. Yet, what struck me most was how open and friendly people were. There was a genuine curiosity and willingness to share - Whether it was food, stories, traditions, history of a simple conversation. Those small moments can often leave the bigest impression. They can turn travels into stories and precious memories.

One practical thing worth knowing when travelling in Sri Lanka is that many popular sites are popular and you are rarely alone. Don’t be surprised when more and more buses start arriving, especially at well-known temples or landmarks.

That said, the fact that a place is popular doesn’t make it any less beautiful or less worth visiting. While it sometimes felt busy, there was always enough space for everyone. The scale of the landscapes and the way sites are spread out make it easy to find your own (photo) moment, even in well-known locations.

In the end, Sri Lanka offered mountain views I’ll never forget, cultural experiences that broadened my perspective, and a sense of wonder that will stay with me long after returning  home.