Travel to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka became my 51st country, and I visited during one of the most dramatic moments in its recent history. The 2022 economic crisis was in full swing - the currency had lost 40% of its value, power cuts lasted 8 hours a day, and protests that would eventually topple the government were gathering momentum. Not your typical tourist timing.

Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island of 22 million people off the southern tip of India. It's incredibly diverse for its size - tropical beaches, misty hill country, ancient Buddhist temples, and wildlife-rich national parks all packed into a territory smaller than Ireland. The country had been on an upward trajectory until mismanaged debt and the pandemic triggered a total economic collapse.

What I Experienced

Despite the chaos, the country remained beautiful and the people remained welcoming. The scheduled power cuts (8 hours daily) meant planning around electricity - charging devices when power was on, eating dinner by candlelight when it wasn't. It was inconvenient but oddly memorable.

The economic crisis made everything surreally cheap for tourists. Currency exchange rates were favorable to an almost uncomfortable degree. We felt guilty paying so little for meals, transport, and accommodation while knowing the local population was suffering.

The landscapes were worth the adventure. Hill country around Ella, with its tea plantations and mountain railways. The ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The beaches of the south coast. Sri Lanka has everything, just compressed into manageable distances.

Practical Notes

• Sri Lankan Rupee is the currency (check current exchange rates - they fluctuate wildly)
• Infrastructure can be unpredictable - build flexibility into your plans
• The train from Kandy to Ella is famous for good reason - book in advance
• Tuk-tuks are everywhere - negotiate prices before getting in
• The food is excellent - try hoppers, kottu, and fresh seafood

We happened to witness history in the making. The protests we saw would soon force the president to flee the country. Travel isn't always comfortable, but it's always educational.

Aerial photography from Sri Lanka is available for purchase with commercial license - perfect for South Asian travel marketing or tropical island wall art.