Sri Lanka, often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," is a haven for nature lovers. Not many first-time visitors realise that the international airport is situated in Negombo, which is 25km away from the capital city of Colombo. We recommend you to skip the hustle bustle of Colombo city and start your trip in the lap of nature in a beautiful and peaceful village called Kappalady!

 

Wind Blend Kite Resort which is a sustainable eco-nature resort offers you private & family cabanas, lagoon beach front cabanas, restaurant, yoga shala and swimming pool. Between the sustainably designed cabanas, lush green gardens and sound of birds chirping, you will feel at peace instantly! If you like bird watching, just a walk around Kappalady village at sunrise or sunset will leave you spotting many exotic tropical birds! From Wind Blend, you can make a day trip to Wilpattu National Park to spot leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles and monkeys.

 

Leaving Kappalady, a 3.5 hour drive will take you to the serene Sigiriya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A sleepy town despite its touristic attractions, one instantly connects with nature here. Whether it’s the sighting of wild elephants, beautiful dancing peacocks or naughty monkeys, you will be enchanted! Climb to the top of Lion Rock for breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape and explore the ancient ruins that once housed a royal palace. Do not miss sunrise or sunsets on the Pidurangala rock to have an amazing view of Lion Rock. Just a short drive from Sigiriya lies Minneriya National Park, famous for its large herds of elephants. You can embark on a safari adventure to witness these magnificent creatures in their natural habitat, along with a variety of other wildlife, including deer and leopards.

 

Secret Spot: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Knuckles Mountain Range offers fantastic hiking trails with panoramic views of the surrounding valleys and forests. This is not often visited by tourists and can be a great alternative to Ella, for a more quiet experience.

 

Known for its stunning views of the Ella Gap and Ravana Falls, Ella is a busy town surrounded by tea plantations and hiking trails. Even though it is quite touristic,it is worth visiting for its surrounding landscapes. Hop on to the scenic train ride between Ella and Nuwara Eliya , it is absolutely stunning! Nuwara Eliya is known for its cool climate, picturesque landscapes, and colonial architecture. It's a great base for exploring the nearby Horton Plains National Park. Horton Plains National Park is known for its scenic landscapes, including the dramatic cliffs of World's End and Baker's Falls.

 

Famous for its large population of elephants, Udawalawe National Park offers excellent opportunities for wildlife sightings, including birdwatching. From Udawalawe, you can head back to the international airport (about 3-4 hours drive) 

 

Where to Stay: Search for eco-friendly resorts, offering a comfortable, sustainable and unique stay amidst nature.

 

Travel Tip: The best time to visit Sigiriya and the national parks is during the dry season from May to September when wildlife sightings are more frequent.