Sri Lanka

Essentially a hill station, Kandy is somewhat of a dream lazily being etched into reality. The brightly colored houses cheekily grin at the town’s etymology. Such is Kandy’s decadent fervour, that the Esala Perahera, the city’s prominent festival, also revolves around the vibrant colors. Take a walk along the long winding alleyways of this town, and you’ll be greeted by smiles brighter than the city’s colors.

This fishing town reigns supreme when it comes to serving seafood, a statement further strengthened by the multiple cafes and restaurants making the headlines in the culinary magazines. As for the city, a casual stroll along the streets will take you past the restaurants, bars, malls, and towards the small houses and individual settlements that often seduce the solo travelers.

Ella is the place to be at if you want to let go of your exhaustion, your worries, and take a moment to observe and process. Essentially a village, it’s the lack of glittery facade which works to Ella’s advantage. From simple eateries to humble guesthouses, Ella certainly helps you to put things into perspective.

The city of Galle has a lofty reputation when it comes to historical sights. It is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a fact further strengthened by the countless churches, museums, mosques, and mansions. Although not a particularly large city, it takes a lot of time exploring what seems to be an endless list of tourist spots.

Nuwara Eliya strongly resembles the British colonial era town, mostly because of Britain and Scotland’s heavy involvement with the town due to its tea industry. It is a picturesque town with quaint bungalows, cafes, and now modern hostels. Although the town has witnessed some urban developments, Nuwara Eliya is still a hamlet at its heart.

Intimate and affordable housing options along the beach is the main reason why Negombo attracts tourists every year. The town has been heavily influenced by the Dutch and the Portuguese, so don’t be surprised if you chance upon some old settlements with a heavy European vibe.

Wellawaya makes for an interesting stop on the way to other major Sri Lankan towns. The Buduruwagala cave carvings are worth exploring, along with a few eateries and cafes in the town’s winding streets. If some peace and tranquility is on your agenda, then by all means, Wellaway is the place to be at.