Sri Lanka

The island's main rail lines, originally built for tea transport, offer an unparalleled journey through hill country. You'll lean out open doors, moving at a pace that allows the misty tea plantations and verdant valleys to truly sink in, a stark contrast to the rush of modern travel.

Easiest airports to fly into:

• Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB)

The colonial-era rail network connects major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Ella, offering affordable (under €5) and incredibly scenic journeys. Intercity buses are plentiful and cheap (around €2–5). Within towns, three-wheeled tuk-tuks are ubiquitous; use ride-hailing apps like PickMe for fair prices.

Food €10–20/day

• Kottu roti

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• Lamprais

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• Hoppers

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• Parippu (dhal curry)

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• Sri lankan crab curry

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Experience the morning puja (daily ritual) at a temple, often accompanied by drums and chanting. Embrace the local custom of a side-to-side head wobble for agreement or acknowledgement – it’s a friendly gesture that takes some getting used to. Seek out local home-cooked food from small eateries for authentic flavors rather than tourist traps.

Best in Winter

Winter: dry and sunny on the west and south coasts, averaging 28–32°C. The hill country around Kandy and Ella is cooler, 18–24°C, with pleasant evenings.

• light, breathable fabrics
• sunscreen and insect repellent
• broken-in sandals for walking
• a packable rain jacket for cooler hill country evenings
• reusable water bottle