Where To Stay In Mirrissa, Sri Lanka In 2026? Know The Best Accommodation Options

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Galle has been my ideal dreamy, sepia-toned travel destination located on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka.  Moreover, the city’s stunningly beautiful old fortified peninsula reaches defiantly out into the Indian Ocean and boasts many crumbling colonial-style buildings, narrow cobblestone streets, and swaying palm trees.  However, the true magic of Galle comes from taking it slowly.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the things to do in Galle Fort. However, I will begin with why a visit to the Galle Fort is worth it and how to get there.  Why Visit Galle Fort? A UNESCO World Heritage Site And The Fortress That Defied Time “Founded in the 16th century by the Portuguese, Galle reached the height of its development in the 18th century, before the arrival of the British.  It is the best example of a fortified city built by Europeans in South and South-East Asia, showing the interaction between European architectural styles and South Asian traditions.” • UNESCO World Heritage Convention.  The trading post was once impenetrable, and the rampart walls kept the invaders at bay.  However, centuries later, during the 2004 Tsunami, the same stone walls that stood against cannons also protected the people from the ocean.  Thus, the Galle Fort remained intact even though the surrounding coastline was devastated. Today, it stands as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for being a unique example of a fortified city.  How To Reach The Galle Fort? You can easily reach the Galle Fort from Colombo or down the coast.  From Colombo  You can take a train from Colombo Fort, and after a three-hour journey and amazing ocean views, you will reach Galle.  However, currently, this route is being reconstructed. So, you can take a Highway AC bus from the Makumbura Station.  Furthermore, it is a 2-hour journey through the Expressway.  From Mirissa Or Weligama If you’re already beach-hopping the south coast, you can just hop on any local bus headed toward Matara or Galle.  It’s cheap, frequent, and gives you a real taste of local life, and that’s amazing as a follower of TheLowDownUnder Travel philosophy.  Also, from my days in Jaffna to the things to do in Kandy, I have always ditched comfort and the obvious for a more authentic experience.  What Are The Things To Do In Galle Fort, Sri Lanka?  When talking about the things to do in Galle Fort, you have to think beyond the tourist checklist.  Furthermore, Galle is a place of contrasts! You have the rugged, salt-sprayed stone of the ramparts on one hand, and on the other hand, you have the most polished boutique shops.  So, Galle is beyond your usual Instagram photo op.  And one of the best things to do in Galle is to understand how the fortress and the neighborhood have survived empires and natural disasters.  Moreover, in Galle, you become a part of the history as you watch the sunset from an ancient bastion or sip cold beer at a wine bar on a cobblestone street.  Also, you will see an extension of all these in my detailed account of two days in Galle Fort.  Day 1: Getting Lost In The Living Museum Walks, exploring the architecture, culture, and the much hyped sunset experience! These were the things to do in Galle Fort on day one.  Morning: The Rampart Walk Walking is the best way to begin your exploration of Galle Fort. It is small and, therefore, a great destination for pedestrians.  In the morning, I climbed to the top of the stone ramparts and walked the entire way around the edge of the Fort, obtaining a 360-degree view of Galle. I saw the sparkling, turquoise ocean to one side and the red tiled roofs of the original buildings of the town on the other. On your walking tour, look for the famous Galle Clock Tower and the historic Galle Lighthouse, which is probably the most photographed place in all of Sri Lanka.  The whitewashed lighthouse is stunning against the clear blue sky, but I found that the late afternoon light gives it that soft, golden color that makes the palm tree shadows cast perfectly across the grass. Afternoon: Culture And Architecture After you’ve finished exploring the upper level of the walls, it’s time to explore the narrow alleyways of the city.  Throughout the streets, you are going to notice something extremely wonderful. You will see the cultural and ethnic diversity and the same inclusive culture of Sri Lanka, prominent through the iconic Ambuluwawa Tower in Colombo.   In just a matter of blocks, I was able to visit the Dutch Reform Church, All Saints Anglican Church, Meeran Mosque, and Sri Sudharmalaya Buddhist Temple.  All these places serve as a testament to the many different people who have influenced the development of Sri Lanka over many hundreds of years. If the heat of the sun becomes unbearable, I recommend that you check out either the Historical Mansion Museum or the Maritime Museum.  Both of these museums are in beautifully restored colonial structures and provide visitors with great artifacts dating back to Sri Lanka’s colonial period. Evening: The Sunset Ritual When the sun is going down, I suggest that you make your way to the western walls of the fort.  At Flag Rock Bastion, you will find the locals performing their “cliff jumping” tourism attraction.  You will have the opportunity to see how far they will go into the crashing waves.  If you would rather have a quieter spot to watch the sunset, I would recommend that you go to Triton Bastion.  I spent an hour there on the grassy ramparts watching as the sky slowly burned with bright oranges. What a way to see Mother Nature's fireworks show. Day 2: Boutiques, Buffets, And Beaches Day 2 was more relaxed as I shopped, gorged on grand feasts, and explored the beaches.  Morning: The Shopping Mecca Galle is now Sri Lanka's shopping capital. Pedlar Street is the epicenter of the boutique shops, from where you can collect elegant souvenirs.  A few of my personal favorites are in the table below.  Places to Visit for ShoppingThings to BuyStick No BillsVintage-Style PostersThe Tea Room by Evergreen GroupBuy Tea in BulkOld Dutch HospitalThis former colonial hospital is now a chic shopping and dining precinct. It’s the perfect place to grab a coffee and browse. Lunch: A Local Feast After the spicy food in Jaffna, the food in Gelle was comforting. So, trying the Coconut Sambal is one of the best things to do in Galle.  You will get the curries with chicken and vegan-friendly options here. Also, to beat the midday Sun, have some homemade ginger beer or treat yourself to a scoop at Isle of Gelato.  Moreover, don’t forget to try the cashew caramel at Isle of Gelato.  Afternoon: Beyond The Walls As the Sun starts getting softer, you can explore the surrounding coast. Also, if you want to extend your coastal hunt, head to Dewata Beach.  Here, you will find many beginners and professionals surfing the waves.  Furthermore, if you want to just relax, take a tuk-tuk ride to the Jungle Beach in Unawatuna. It is a small sandy cove with lush greenery. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 24, 2026

Ella is one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful towns.  Also, Ella is a place where many of my favorite Sri Lankan adventures are.  My first sighting of the famous Nine Arch Bridge, one of my first hikes at Ella Rock, standing at the edge of the roaring Diyaluma Falls, and many more.  Perhaps the most famous train ride in the world, from Kandy, passes through Ella as well. Ella is a quaint and beautiful town and is a great place to escape the heat of the southern coasts. However, over the last decade, this quaint little hamlet has become a large tourist destination.  Unfortunately, the growth has also brought some concrete eyesores to the village.  There is still plenty of magic to be discovered here, if you are willing to move beyond the Instagram hotspots. Having undertaken two comprehensive visits to this beautiful hill-country retreat, I have compiled the ultimate portfolio of things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka. What Are The Things To Do In Ella, Sri Lanka?  Despite the changes in Ella, Sri Lanka, the mountain ranges are just as majestic as they were years ago. Furthermore, the tea served is still some of the finest in the world. Moreover, people here are still warm.  And the most fascinating part?  Ella always brings out the explorer in you. How can you avoid the lure of riding in an open-air train or leaning over the edge of a waterfall?  Here is more about the exciting things to do in Ella, Sri Lanka.  1. Riding The Iconic Kandy To Ella Train The Kandy to Ella train ride is the best thing you will do in Sri Lanka.  The train passes through tea plantations and crosses gushing streams.  And you cannot expect less from a route that has been labelled by many as the most picturesque train ride in the world.  However, the train ride also allows you to indulge in the local vibe with local vendors hawking through the rush and the local boys singing and playing drums during the journey.  Also, the Nanu Oya to Ella scratch is the most beautiful in the entire route. Also, don’t go for a 1st class ticket and reserve a 3rd class class to enjoy the views through open windows.  2. Admiring  The Famous Nine Arch Bridge It’s astonishing to think that a single bridge could drive tourists in droves to a small town, but the Nine Arch Bridge is an engineering marvel that demands to be seen.  Standing 24 meters high and spanning 91 meters, it was completed in 1921 using only brick, rock, and cement, and there is no metal at all. When the mist hangs low in the valley, the bridge takes on a moody, mystical feel.  You can walk along the tracks or look down from the tea plantations below, but my favorite view is from the cafe platforms in the surrounding hills.  Watching the blue train slowly crawl across the arches is a sight I’ll never forget. 3. Hiking The Mighty Ella Rock  The hike to the mighty Ella Rock starts from the Ella railway station. It was a walk with waterfalls and small homes on the way.  Then, the steep ascent began.  After reaching the top, you will get a beautiful view of Adam’s Peak and Ella Gap. 4. Watching Sunset At Little Adam’s Peak The hike to Little Adam’s Peak is a gentler alternative to the hike to Ella Rock.  I walked through the lush tree plantations, and once I reached the top, the panoramic view before my eyes was nothing short of a movie frame.  Plan your hike in the late afternoon to enjoy the most amazing sunset views from Little Adam’s Peak. 5. Chasing The Diyaluma Falls I started from Ella to Poonagala, the starting point for the Diyaluma Falls hike, by taking a tuk-tuk.  The tuk-tuk took 1.5 hours.  Furthermore, from Poonagala, it was a downhill hike to the Upper Diyaluma Falls, which had a 220-meter drop.  There are natural infinity pools right at the edge where you can swim during the dry season.  From the upper Diyaluma Falls, it is another 30-minute hike to the Lower Diyaluma Falls.  6. Feeling The Mythological Connection At Ravana Falls  Ravana Falls is right by the road south of Ella.  Locals say that King Ravana took Princess Sita and hid her in the caves behind Ravana Falls.  Furthermore, you can see the Ravana Falls from the road. However, it is best if you hike to the second and third tiers.  7. Taking A Seat With Sir Thomas Lipton Tea is the lifeblood of this region, and a visit to Lipton’s Seat is a journey to the source.  This is the exact spot where tea mogul Sir Thomas Lipton used to sit and survey his empire.  On a clear day, you can see all the way to the south coast. Even on the foggy day I visited, sipping a fresh cup of Ceylon tea (the best I’ve ever had) while the clouds swirled around the summit was incredibly atmospheric. 8. Taking A Tour Of The Dambethenne Tea Factory When you go to the high country, you must learn the actual science of the making of your brew. I visited the tea company founded by Lipton himself in 1890 and saw how it was picked, wilted, fermented, and graded. All of these were new to me as an individual who drinks a lot of tea.  About 80% of this tea is sold in Colombo and then exported around the world. I especially found the fermenting room to be extremely interesting. 9. Feel The Adrenaline Rush At Flying Ravana If you need a break from the hiking, Ella recently opened Sri Lanka’s first-ever zip-line.  It stretches half a kilometer across the hills and hits speeds of 80kmph.  For around $20 USD, it’s one of the best value adrenaline fixes I’ve ever found. It’s located near the 98 Acres resort, making it a perfect way to end a trip to Little Adam’s Peak. 10. Mastering The Art Of The Curry At Ella, Sri Lanka  In my opinion, Sri Lanka has the best food (after my country, of course)! If you want to bring back a little bit of Sri Lanka to your home country, then you should try taking a cooking class.  Also, if you don’t have enough time, just try the food streets.  For me, it was a brilliant consolidation of my food tour in Jaffna. Though the food in Ella is creamier and less spicy than in Jaffna.  11. Witnessing The Grandeur Of Bambarakanda Falls The Bambarakanda Falls is the tallest waterfall in the country, and it falls from a height of 241 meters.  You can take a short hike or a tuk-tuk to reach the Bambarakanda Falls from Ella.  Then, stand at the base and feel the sheer power of that vertical drop.  Moreover, to enjoy the best flow of this waterfall, plan a visit between April and September.  12. Spotting The Elephants At Udawalawe Like the Kaudulla National Park, the Udawalawe National Park is also a great place for spotting elephants in the wild.  Ella is the base for a safari in the Udawalawe National Park.  I opted for an early morning safari, and I spotted adorable baby elephants with their mothers.  Don’t Forget To Party And Chill In Ella, Sri Lanka  Like Jaffna, a backpacker’s dream, Ella has also emerged as a hub for backpackers and budget travelers.  Ella Town is still a great place to unwind, and places such as Cafe Chill are at the epicenter of these scenes.  You can have some really good burgers and Lion Beer at some of these recognized cafes.  Moreover, when you spend time at these cafes, you don’t rush from one place to another, but study the local culture and understand how a country, ridden by cyclones, endless civil wars, and financial crisis, can still be the land of sunshine. 

BY  Sibashree Mar 16, 2026

The National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka, or Dehiwala Zoo, is one of the first zoos in Asia.  So, if you have enjoyed the Kaudulla National Park safari, you will also love a visit to the Dehiwala Zoo.  This zoo has an area of 26 acres, and it is home to more than 2000 animals. Furthermore, you will find fountains, orchids, and peaceful lakes here. Moreover, it offers a unique Night Safari experience. On this night safari, you can spot the mysterious nocturnal animals.  In addition, you can join the educational workshops here to learn about wildlife conservation.  So, come and have a thrilling wildlife experience at Dehiwala Zoo. However, before I talk about its location, how to travel, things to do, and the best time to travel, here is a quick look at the essential details.  Dehiwala Zoo In Colombo: Quick Info  Address120 Galvihara Road, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Sri LankaTimings8:30 AM to 6 PMTicket- LKR 100 for Local Adults- LKR 2,500 for ForeignersFacilities- Souvenir Shops- Restaurants- Boat Rides- Icecream Stalls- Zoo Aquarium- Butterfly Garden Pony Rides- Elephant Rides- Flowers- Fountains How To Reach Dehiwala Zoo?  Dehiwala Zoo is well accessible by air, train, bus, taxi, and ride-hailing apps. While the easiest option is to take a taxi or private car, traveling by bus is the cheapest way.  1. By Air Dehiwala Zoo is just 40 km away from the Bandaranaike International Airport.  Furthermore, you will easily get a ride-hailing service or a taxi to reach the Dehiwala Zoo within 45 minutes.  2. By Train The Dehiwala Railway Station is the closest to the zoo. So, if you are traveling from the north, you have to take a train from Colombo Fort Station to Dehiwala Railway Station.  Also, if you are traveling from the south, you can stop at Mount Lavinia Railway Station. The beautiful Mount Lavinia Beach is just 1.4 km away from the railway station.  Tuk-tuks are available from both these railway stations, and the train ticket price will be between 40 and 100 LKR.  3. By Taxis Or Ride-Hailing Apps The easiest way to reach Dehiwala Zoo is to take a ride-hailing service or a taxi. Uber and PickMe are the main ride-hailing services here.  You can book vans, tuk-tuks, or cabs using these apps.  Furthermore, the travel cost in this way is between 1700 and 2400 LKR.  4. By Bus  You will get buses to Dehiwala Zoo throughout the day. You can take bus 176, 100, and 101.  Furthermore, the ticket prices are between 30 and 50 LKR.  What Are The Best Things To Do At Dehiwala Zoo?  From watching the elephant performance to taking a ride in the zoo train, the activities in the zoo are diverse and ideal for tourists of all age groups.  However, for me, the most delightful part was watching the elephants in action. Here is more about the things to do at Dehiwala Zoo.  1. Watching The Animal Shows  Located on the Anagarika Dharmapala Mawatha, Dehiwala Zoo has monkeys, animals, fish, birds, reptiles, and other animals.  The zoo further hosts animal shows.  So, you will love seeing an elephant dancing or a seal playing with a ball.  2. A Walk Through The Zoo The zoological garden has a reptile house, aviary, aquarium, and butterfly garden. So, you can take a walk through the garden.  The zoological garden area also has a dedicated botanical garden.  However, if you don’t want to walk much, you can take a ride on the zoo train.  3. Learn About The Flora And Fauna Present Here  If you want to know about the animals and plants here, you have to take a guided tour. Furthermore, you can learn about the flora and fauna and the rich history of the zoo from the Educational Center.  Moreover, the zoological garden has an animal hospital. You will find veterinary doctors and caregivers at work there.  4. Take A Part In The Night Safari  The zoo has a dedicated Leopard Trail for night safaris. You can watch the nocturnal animals in action during the safari.  Furthermore, you can arrange a picnic or explore the local Dehiwala Market. Furthermore, if you want a spiritual experience, visit the Bellanwila Rajamaha Viharaya.  If you want to explore more Buddhist places of importance in Sri Lanka, you can visit the Ritigala Forest Monastery and Sigiriya Rock.  What is the Best Time to Visit Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka? December to April is the best time to visit Dehiwala Zoo. This is the dry season and hence is ideal for outdoor exploration and wildlife spotting.  However, it is also the peak season. So, plan a visit early in the day and avoid weekends.  Furthermore, May to November is the wet season in the garden, and the zoo looks lush and green. However, the animals can be less active in these months.  Things To Keep In Mind For Visiting The Dehiwala Zoo In Sri Lanka Irrespective of the season of your visit, you have to keep the following things in mind.  You have to wear comfortable footwear with a good grip as you have to walk a lot through the zoo.  Furthermore, you have to be respectful to the animals and follow the rules of the zoo. Is A Trip To Dehiwala Zoo Worth The Experience?  Yes, Dehiwala Zoo is a place worth visiting because you don’t just spot animals here, but learn about their livelihood and nature.  Furthermore, this is one of the oldest zoos in Asia and was built in 1936.  However, the zoo authority must be more focused on the preservation of the zoo, as the last time I visited, certain things drew my attention.  Seeing the animals here, the night safari, and the performances by animals have become more like a curriculum, and they show a lack of infrastructure.  So, you may feel sometimes disappointed if you are planning to visit the zoo to see a performance of the animals.  Still, many people visit this zoo because of its heritage.