TWU by Jeff Rehmar | April 3, 2025

Sri Lanka Through Local Eyes: Beaches, Tea, and Hidden Temples

If Sri Lanka isn’t on your travel radar yet, it should be.

This island off the southern tip of India is one of the most layered and beautiful places I’ve yet to visit. It’s smaller than Ireland, home to 21 million people, and packed with sacred temples, tea plantations, tropical beaches, hilltop trains, wild elephants, and ancient cities — all in one place.

I recently reconnected with Vihangi, someone I worked with at an international nonprofit. She lives in Sri Lanka and generously shared what life there feels like — the daily pace, favorite local dishes, hidden corners, and what most travelers overlook.

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Meet Vihangi

“I’m Vihangi, an HR professional and researcher with a passion for understanding people, organizations, and cultures. Outside of my work in HR and recruitment, I enjoy writing, traveling, and exploring different perspectives through books and conversations.”

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Q&A: Life, Flavor & Culture in Sri Lanka

Daily Life & Local Rhythms

How would you describe life in Sri Lanka to someone who's never been?
Sri Lanka is a land of contrasts — where ancient traditions blend with modern life. You’ll hear Buddhist chants in the morning, street vendors buzzing through Colombo at midday, and ocean waves on the southern coast by night. Somehow, it all fits together.

What does a typical day look like for you?
It starts with a warm cup of Ceylon tea, which is a staple here. Then it’s work or study. I try to pause for the small joys: sunsets, shared meals, and quiet time with a book. Evenings are for reflecting or dreaming up my next trip.

Are there daily moments that bring you peace?
Absolutely — walking through a paddy field, watching fishermen casting nets at dawn, or taking part in a calm temple ceremony. The pace can still be slow and grounding here.

Hidden Gems & Favorite Spots

If someone had one week in Sri Lanka, where should they go?
Start in the Cultural Triangle — climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy, and explore the Dambulla Cave Temples. Then take the train to Ella or Nuwara Eliya for tea country. End your week on the southern coast: Unawatuna, Mirissa, or Tangalle.

Any lesser-known places you love?
Ritigala — a quiet, mystical forest monastery.
Sinharaja Rainforest — lush, untouched, and alive with birds and plant life.

What do most travelers miss?
The villages. The lesser-known temples. The everyday moments that make Sri Lanka feel alive and grounded.

Food & Flavor

Favorite dishes?

• Kiribath (milk rice) with seeni sambol — creamy, spicy, and comforting.

• Kottu roti — sizzling street food made with chopped roti, eggs, and spices.

• Egg hoppers — crispy, bowl-shaped pancakes with a soft egg center.

• Halapa — coconut and jaggery wrapped in leaves, then steamed.

• Curd with kithul jaggery — tart buffalo curd topped with palm syrup.

Where should someone try these?
Nuga Gama in Colombo feels like dining in a village.
Culture Club in Colombo offers a modern, flavorful take on tradition.

Any comfort food?
Kiribath with seeni sambol. It always feels like home.

Travel & Curiosity

Have you traveled outside Sri Lanka?
Yes — Bangkok’s street life left a big impression, and Singapore amazed me with its mix of green spaces and innovation.

What’s on your travel bucket list?
New York, San Francisco, Paris, Rome, Switzerland, and London. I want to walk where art, ideas, and movements were born.

What’s your dream trip look like?
It’s not just about places — it’s about long walks, unplanned moments, good conversations, and learning along the way.

Sri Lanka’s Famous Blue Gems

Sri Lanka is famous for its blue sapphires, including the Blue Belle of Asia, one of the most valuable gems ever sold. If you’re curious, head to Ratnapura, known as the “City of Gems,” where you can explore traditional mining and vibrant gem markets.

Personal Reflections

What are you grateful for right now?
Opportunities to grow — through work, study, people, and place.

How can someone understand Sri Lanka more deeply?
Read Chinaman by Shehan Karunatilaka — it’s about cricket, but also identity, politics, and everyday life.
Even better? Share a meal in someone’s home.

Planning a Trip to Sri Lanka

Best time to visit:
December to April is ideal for most of the country — especially the beaches, hill country, and cultural sites.

Flights from the U.S. (roundtrip est.):

• New York (JFK): 1 stop via Doha or Dubai, ~$1,050

• Chicago (ORD): 1–2 stops via Istanbul or Doha, ~$1,100

• Los Angeles (LAX): 1 stop via Singapore or Doha, ~$1,150–$1,250

  
  All flights arrive in Colombo (CMB). Travel time: 20–24 hours.

Further Reading & Watching

• 10 Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka – Condé Nast Traveler

• 8 Foods You Must Eat In Sri Lanka-The Coastal Campaign

Watch:

• Sri Lanka in 4K – Expedia

• Street Food Tour in Colombo – The Food Ranger

Quick poll:
What time do you usually check your email on Thursdays?

• Super early (when you wake up)

• Morning (7–9 am)

• Midday (11 am–1 pm)

• Afternoon (3–5 pm)

Your local time — doesn’t matter where you live. Just hit reply and let me know. I’ll adjust accordingly.

Final Thoughts

Vihangi’s answers reminded me why I started The World Unfolding — not just to write about places, but people. To share what travel can feel like when we slow down, ask better questions, and actually listen.

If this made you curious — or gave you a break from the usual scroll — forward it to a friend.
Thanks for reading — see you next Thursday.
—Jeff

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