Where to Go to Escape the Crowds in Sri Lanka
There is no doubt that Sri Lanka is the ideal destination for a romantic getaway. The island has everything you’d want from a fabulous holiday; pristine beaches, verdant hills, thick jungles, a rich history and amazing food! Since it is so amazing, it tends to attract a lot of tourists, but don’t worry this doesn’t mean your intimate holiday will be ruined! Here are a few places you can visit that are away from the crowds.
Kalutara
Situated on the south coast of Sri Lanka, Kalutara is the perfect place for a couple who wants to get away from the more crowded southern beaches. The town offers a mix of a typical beach holiday with a hint of history and culture since it is home to a few ancient Buddhist temples. For an interesting experience, trek through a lush coastal forest to get to the Fa Hien Cave, a prehistoric cave where the celebrated travelling Buddhist monk, Fa Hien, is said to have stayed.
A guide to exploring Kalutara in a day.
Tangalle
Tangalle is the ideal place for a quiet beach getaway. Wedged between the two maritime hubs of Matara and Hambantota, Tangalle is a secret oasis in the south of the island. The beaches here are some of the best in Sri Lanka – tall palms, golden sand and salty waves lapping on the shore. However, Tangalle is slightly different from other southern beaches as large rock boulders dot the coast, forming coves, which makes it feel as though you have your own private beach. One fun excursion you can engage in here is visiting the Rekawa Turtle Hatchery; the island is home to five out of the seven species of sea turtles, so you can see them and learn about conservation efforts here.
A guide to the must visit sites in Tangalle.
Chilaw
Another place you should add to your Sri Lankan itinerary is, Chilaw. A small town on the west coast of the island, Chilaw has lovely golden beaches, a murky lagoon, and interesting historical and religious monuments like the Munneswaram Temple, which is an ancient Hindu temple and one of the five ancient temples dedicated to Lord Shiva. While there is nothing more romantic than watching the sunset from a beautiful beach, a sunset boat safari along the Chilaw Lagoon comes a close second!
A guide to discovering the best of Chilaw.
Kalpitiya
North of Chilaw, you’ll find the town of Kalpitiya. The town has some unique geographical features; it consists of 14 islands nestled between the Indian Ocean and the Kalpitiya Lagoon and it is home to the largest coral reef in Sri Lanka. If you like the thrill of water sports, then you should definitely visit Kalpitiya as it has a whole host of exciting water sports on offer. It is the country’s premier location for kitesurfing and the seasons for it run from May – October and mid-December – mid-March. Also, between November/December and March/April, Kalpitiya is the best place for whale watching on the west coast.
A guide for exploring Kalpitiya.
Knuckles Mountain Range
Knuckles Mountain Range is a UNESCO World Heritage Site which consists of 34 mountains. Knuckles is definitely worth it, as not many people visit and you could go on a four-hour trek without seeing a single person! You can revel in the beauty of the large grey rocky peaks that have been overrun by dense cloud forests which often get concealed by the drifting clouds, or take a dip in the cool water of a natural rock pool. However, please keep in mind that due to its size, we recommended you trek with a guide as it is easy to get lost. Knuckles is also a great place to go camping or glamping, if that is more your style! Just picture waking up to the sound of birds, stepping out of your tent and being welcomed with the sight of endless green hills covered in thick mist, while you breathe in the clear, cool mountain air. It’s the perfect place to disconnect from technology and immerse yourself in the wonders of nature.
See our guide for camping in Sri Lanka.
