SRI LANKA

ONE ISLAND, NUMEROUS TOPOGRAPHIES

"Women on the side of the road in colorful saris sell bananas against rolling greenery. Palm trees line the shoulder and soft, wavy yellowish-green high grass flows gently with the breeze. Men labor about the terrain, some driving cattle. Occasionally I see specks of modernity: fuel, food courts, and a small strip mall. Eventually the topography changes. Less humidity, crisper mountain air. The five-hour journey takes nearly eight. We make it to Sigiriya close to sunset."

--Look For Me There, Chapter 20

CITIES VISITED:

MUST DO:

FAVORITE MEMORY:

Colombo

Sigiriya

Kandy

Nuwara Eliya

Mirissa

Galle

Sip hot tea in Nuwara Eliya overlooking the hills

Surf the perfect swells in Mirissa

Find fish curry

Ask some kids for a cricket lesson

Trying to spot as many colorful painted fishing boats as possible.

DIFFICULTY TO VISIT RATING:

2/5  MODERATE

Sri Lanka has endured a lot, civil war, terrorism, tsunami and shortages of goods on island. That being said, the people are friendly and very welcoming to tourists. Hiring a driver for a week is cheap and some of the best service you'll receive abroad. Without a driver, it's hard.