Guides

Sri Lanka travel guides

198 in-depth guides — opinionated, dated, no fluff. Pick a category below.

Featured guides

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada) pilgrimage: complete climbing guide

Everything for climbing Adam's Peak — season, start time, what to bring, the staircase, and how the pilgrimage works for non-Buddhist visitors.

Hiking & trekking

Adam's Peak (Sri Pada): the complete pilgrim hike guide

Complete guide to climbing Adam's Peak — difficulty, timing, train connections, spiritual context, and how to plan the overnight pilgrimage hike.

Hiking & trekking

Adam's Peak vs Pidurangala: which to choose for sunrise hike

Adam's Peak vs Pidurangala — an honest sunrise hike comparison covering crowds, costs, difficulty, best season, and which one to choose for your trip.

Ayurveda & wellness

Authentic Ayurveda in Sri Lanka — how to spot the real thing

How to tell an authentic Ayurveda retreat from a tourist spa in Sri Lanka. The 5 signs of real Ayurveda and the red flags to avoid at Hikkaduwa and Bentota.

Beaches

Bentota vs Hikkaduwa: which to choose for south-west base

Bentota suits couples and families after calm water and luxury. Hikkaduwa wins for snorkelers, surfers, and budget travelers. Here's the honest verdict.