Cafe Chill

Securing the 2nd spot on the list, Cafe Chill knows how to set the mood. Its thatched roof, ambient music, and hearty dishes come together to create a laid-back vibe, perfect for taking it slow. This is also a great spot for families and large groups.

The Barn By Starbeans

Coming in at number 12, the flavourful dishes and top-notch service come together at The Barn By Starbeans. Try their grilled salmon, served with a unique herb salad, and cap off your meal with an aromatic cup of coffee. The attentive waitstaff go the extra mile to ensure an unforgettable experience, making this a great spot for a casual date or a family outing.

Ella’s Top-Rated Restaurants: A Must-Visit for Food Enthusiasts

Along with these two restaurants, there are many eateries that have captured the hearts (and taste buds) of visitors with their unique blend of Sri Lankan flavors, vibrant atmosphere, and exceptional service. Whether you’re indulging in traditional rice and curry or savoring a fusion dish, these eateries promise a dining experience that reflects the authentic spirit of Sri Lankan hospitality.

Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards are based on reviews and opinions from millions of travelers worldwide, making this recognition even more meaningful. The award-winning restaurants in Ella continue to receive glowing feedback for their delicious food, warm service, and commitment to quality.

Exploring Ella Safely by Car

For those planning to visit Ella and experience these award-winning restaurants firsthand, Malkey Rent A Car offers a reliable and convenient travel solution. Known for its exceptional service and safety standards, they ensure that your journey to and around Ella is both comfortable and secure.

Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple on a romantic getaway, or a family seeking adventure, Malkey’s wide range of vehicles caters to your specific needs. With experienced drivers and well-maintained vehicles, you can explore Ella’s scenic routes, iconic attractions, and now its celebrated dining options with peace of mind.

Discover the Magic of Ella

Beyond the award-winning restaurants, Ella boasts stunning natural beauty, including the famous Nine Arches Bridge, Ella Rock, and Ravana Falls. The town’s laid-back charm, combined with its now internationally recognised dining spots, makes it a must-visit destination for travellers to Sri Lanka.

Plan Your Trip Today

As you explore the serene landscapes and indulge in the local flavours, make sure your travel experience is seamless between multiple modes of transport like trains and rentals cars. Your journey to Ella’s finest restaurants and attractions awaits!

The post Sri Lanka’s Culinary Gems in Ella Shine in Tripadvisor’s Travellers’ Choice Awards 2024 appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

The Pekoe trail, as the inaugural long-distance hiking trail in Sri Lanka, is divided into 22 stages. Visitors have the flexibility to complete these stages in short sections or embark on a multi-day adventure, immersing themselves in a captivating journey that showcases a blend of picturesque hill-towns, lush tea plantations, quaint remote villages, serene sanctuaries, breathtaking viewpoints, pristine forests, and fascinating cultural and historical sites.

This trail promotes sustainable travel whilst beautifully showcasing the island’s remarkable diversity. Moreover, it creates economic opportunities for rural communities, fostering a more comprehensive and fulfilling travel experience that embraces adventure, nature, wellness, and sustainability.

Stages of the Pekoe Trail

Explore the Trail

Discover the Pekoe Trail, conceptualised and developed by Miguel Cunat and Serendipity Trails, as part of the EU-funded Tourism Resilience Project. You can access this incredible trail through the following hiking apps.

• WikiLoc
• AllTrails
• outdooractive

What you will need on the Hike

• Hiking Shoes / Boots
• Leech Socks
• Insect repellent
• Trekking Poles
• A Hat / Cap
• Water

Best time of the Year to Hike

Although the trail is enjoyable all year round, it is advisable to visit during the dry season from January to April. During this time, the weather is mild and perfect for outdoor exploration.

Accommodation

A variety of accommodations, including boutique guesthouses and luxury tea bungalows, are available for those seeking a peaceful getaway surrounded by tea gardens. These retreats provide the perfect opportunity to relax and enjoy the serene atmosphere of Sri Lanka’s hill country.

Mode of Transport

Renting a car, either for self-driving or with a chauffeur, provides the convenience and flexibility to explore the region at your own pace. In addition to discovering hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions on foot, having your own vehicle allows you to experience some of the most scenic drives that Sri Lanka has to offer.

The post Pekoe Trail – The First Long-Distance Hiking Trail in Sri Lanka appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

The Origin of The Pekoe Trail

Sri Lanka’s tea industry traces its roots back to the 19th century when British planters introduced tea cultivation to the island. The Pekoe Trail was conceived by adventurer Miguel Cunat, who spent several years exploring the central highlands of Sri Lanka. His expertise was honed with generous support and funding from the European Union (EU), along with additional backing from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID). The Pekoe Trail, represents a curated experience that celebrates the time-honored traditions of tea production in Sri Lanka. It serves as a tribute to the pioneers who transformed the island’s landscape into a tapestry of emerald-green tea estates.

The Scenic Beauty

Embark on a journey through rolling hills adorned with meticulously manicured tea bushes. The Pekoe Trail offers a visual feast for the senses, with panoramic vistas that stretch as far as the eye can see. Wander along winding pathways that meander through lush plantations, where each turn reveals a new tableau of natural splendour. From mist-shrouded valleys to sun-kissed ridges, the landscape of The Pekoe Trail captivates at every turn.

Tea Cultivation Process

Delve into the intricate art of tea cultivation as practiced along The Pekoe Trail. From the tender plucking of tea leaves to the meticulous crafting of each batch, witness the labor of love that goes into every cup of Ceylon tea. Learn about the nuances of terroir and climate that influence the flavor profiles of Sri Lanka’s teas, and gain insight into the sustainable farming practices that ensure the longevity of this cherished industry.

Tea Tasting Experience

Indulge your palate in a sensory journey through the diverse flavors of Sri Lankan tea. The Pekoe Trail offers immersive tea-tasting sessions that showcase the depth and complexity of Ceylon’s finest brews. From delicate white teas to robust black varieties, discover the nuances that distinguish each cup. Engage with knowledgeable tea experts who guide you through the subtle nuances of aroma, taste, and texture, allowing you to appreciate tea in all its glory.

Cultural Immersion

Beyond its natural beauty, The Pekoe Trail provides a window into the vibrant culture and heritage of Sri Lanka’s tea country. Interact with local tea plantation workers whose hospitality and warmth welcome visitors into their world. Gain insight into the customs and traditions that have shaped generations of tea growers, and immerse yourself in the rhythm of daily life amidst the tea estates.

Planning Your Visit

For those eager to embark on The Pekoe Trail, careful planning ensures a seamless and enriching experience. Consider visiting during the dry season from January to April, when the weather is mild and conducive to outdoor exploration. Several tour operators offer guided excursions along The Pekoe Trail, providing insights and logistical support for travellers. Accommodations ranging from boutique guesthouses to luxury tea bungalows offer a tranquil retreat amidst the tea gardens, allowing visitors to unwind and savour the serenity of Sri Lanka’s hill country. Consider the convenience of a rental car for the flexibility to explore the region at your own pace, allowing you to uncover hidden gems and off-the-beaten-path attractions. Ensure your vehicle is equipped for the scenic routes, and plan your journey during the dry season for optimal weather conditions.

As the sun sets over the emerald hills of The Pekoe Trail, reflect on the unique tea journey you’ve experienced with the added freedom of a car. From the flexibility to explore diverse landscapes to the convenience of tailoring your itinerary, Malkey Rent-A-Car enhances your adventure, turning it into a personalised exploration of Sri Lanka’s tea country.

The post Unveiling the Beauty of The Pekoe Trail in Sri Lanka appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

Commercial vehicles are required to have at minimum a

1. 3rd Party
2. Private Insurance
3. Hiring Insurance – Commercial transport of passengers / cargo. Required for Taxi, Tourist Cars, Goods Transport Vehicles running with drivers.
4. Rent a car Insurance – Legally required for self drive hire of vehicles, or vehicles given for use/driven by 3rd parties

Whenever possible, it is recommended that you carefully assess the insurance cover provided to passengers/ renters to determine how well you are protected. It is also imperative to ascertain if your own insurance policy could be invalidated by travelling in an uninsured vehicle.

If you happen to be in a car accident while travelling in a taxi or Rideshare vehicle, it is important to establish if the vehicle & it’s passengers are covered by a valid insurance policy and to what degree you will be compensated. While nobody anticipates being in accidents and however minor your injury may be, it is an enormous inconvenience to worry about paying for hospitals in the absence of insurance.

Nobody really needs the hassle of worrying about medical bills while they are on holiday. Doing your research to know more about insurance before taking a cab or renting a car can truly help. So check before you rent and enjoy your peace of mind!

The post What You Need to Know About Insurance Before Taking a Cab appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

The first thing to establish would be that it is indeed very safe to drive in Sri Lanka. You’ll find a good number of reliable car rental companies where you could hire a vehicle with or without a driver. If you do choose to drive, you will need a valid permit but the good news is that reputed car rental companies such as Malkey Rent A Car would be happy to sort this out for you.

Sri Lankan roads are mostly found to be in excellent condition with clearly marked road signs and a number of expressways connecting key towns to the business capital of Colombo. Your GPS tracker or navigation system will work smoothly here and guide you wherever you wish to gol. Speak to your car rental company about hiring Sat Nav units for extra assistance on your travels.

Traffic conditions may vary depending on the route and time of day, especially between Colombo and the main suburbs. You may experience the occasional speeding bus but avoiding the rush hour will mostly keep you away from these oncoming buses. Traffic will ease as you head out of the city and you’ll experience many scenic routes with views of green paddy fields to ocean drives and lush greenery during your stay.

Driving at night in Sri Lanka is perfectly safe with very low crime rates around the country. Roads are well lit and you’ll find that most Sri Lankans are helpful and hospitable should you ever need assistance. Animal crossings areas are usually marked on main roads as are any other common road hazards. We would however recommend that you avoid roads with elephant crossings at night and also in the highlands where late evening fog can impede road visibility.

Sri Lanka is a beautiful experience whatever your chosen mode of transportation may be. But for those wondering about the safety of driving in Sri Lanka, we hope you can rest assured that driving in sri lanka will be a safe and pleasurable adventure.

The post How Safe is it To Drive in Sri Lanka? appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

Plant-Based Meals

The tropical weather in Sri Lanka produces seasonal fruits and vegetables, making it possible for one to consume the freshest and most nutritious food nature can provide. Discover an array of green leaves that form the base of salads and sides, vegetables prepared in delicious curries, local grains and pulses and fruits that rival the sweetest desserts. While in Colombo or any other major cities like Kandy or Galle you will easily find Vegan options and even dedicated restaurants, but in other areas you will still be able to find 100{c936fc21b787601ef18bc16d503e84c113d8819d6944b65f1aff51216cd21cf1} vegan dishes although they may not be labeled so. Sri Lankan cuisine is typically prepared with spices and coconut milk as the cohesive ingredient, making plant-based eating delectably simple.

Tips for Vegan Dining

Things to watch out for when dining in Sri Lankan restaurants would be:

• The use of Ghee and Paneer which are dairy-based products, mostly used in Indian inspired food
• ‘Umbalakada’ or ‘Maldive Fish’, a type of dried fish that is commonly used in sambals.
• As you enter any eatery, feel free to let them know your food preferences and inquire about their offering.
• Most Sri Lankans, especially those working in restaurants, are able to communicate in basic English and will be able to help you navigate their menu
• Stick to local cuisine. Opt for rice & curry as this is the safest bet for vegan food, especially when dining in areas further out of Colombo.

Popular Vegan Restaurants in Colombo

The restaurants below are exclusively Vegan while the majority of restaurants anywhere in Sri Lanka are Vegan-Friendly!

• Ranbath Organic
• Vegan Kitchen by Sulo
• Cafe Lucuma

The post Vegan Dining in Sri Lanka appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

Let’s start off at the National Museum located on Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo 7. This large white building is a sight to behold and a feat of architecture worth exploring for itself. Inside, you’ll see rare remnants from ancient kingdoms all the way through to Colonial occupation and even some recent history. For those interested in fauna and flora from the bygone days, you’ll find that the Museum of Natural History is conveniently housed on the same leafy green premises.

Our second stop would be the National Postal Museum on W A D Ramanayake Mawatha, Colombo 10. It’s a special treat for Philately enthusiasts as this museum showcases many rare stamps and postal industry artefacts.While you are in Colombo 10 neighbourhood, you could stop at Hotel Buhari for their legendary biryani and Masala Chicken.

A short drive from here will bring you to the Dutch Period Museum located on Prince Street in Pettah, right at the heart of Colombo. Don’t let the bustle daunt you and instead focus on the colorful surroundings, sights and sounds of this busy part of the city. At this Governor’s residence converted into a museum you’ll find a comprehensive history of the Dutch occupation of Sri Lanka and a peek into the culture that has stayed alive among local communities. While you are here in Pettah, don’t forget to take a trek along the bazaar on Main Street and grab some piping hot samosas at any of the little eateries along the way.

Also, on the Second Cross Street in Pettah, you’ll see a unique and strikingly beautiful Mosque known to the locals as the Red Mosque, but in fact is red and white stripes like a candy cane. Jami Ul-Afar, was built in the early 1900s and remains one of the oldest and most revered mosques in the country.

From here we head to the Old Parliament Building in the Colombo Fort area, now housing the Presidential Secretariat. This beautiful old building is a sight to behold with its Baroque-style architecture and well-manicured lawns.

Finally, let’s circle back to Colombo 7, where the monument of National Independence stands in all its glory with it’s majestic stone lion guards. Independence Square, as it’s known to the locals, signifies Sri Lankas’ freedom from British Colonial rule in 1948 and is a peaceful space surrounded by green lawns, shady trees and walking/cycling tracks. A museum in the basement of the main structure provides information on the efforts of freedom fighters to gain independence.

The post Along the Historical Pathways of Colombo appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

• Make sure your brakes are working well. Renting from a reputable car rental company such as Malkey Rent-A-Car is advised, to ensure that proper checks have been done on your vehicle.
• Stay on your side of the road, allowing extra space between your vehicle and the vehicle in front, ready for any sudden stops.
• Watch the speed limits, and look out for signs that warn you about road conditions like sharp bends, steep inclines and landslides ahead. Sri Lankan roads will have road signage indicating all necessary warnings.
• Keep an eye out for pedestrians and animals, especially at night.
• Make sure that you have sufficient fuel if you’re traveling through remote areas.
• Turn your lights on if driving in foggy conditions but do pull over in a safe spot away from the road if your visibility is significantly compromised.
• Overtake slow traffic only if you have a clear view of the road ahead. Do not overtake on a blind curve or when your visibility is compromised.
• If you’re stopping to admire the view at high lookout points, make sure to use your parking brakes and you can further secure the car by wedging rocks behind your tyres if required.
• Shift to a lower gear as you go downhill to reduce the need to constantly step on brakes. Pull over and check your brakes if you get a burning smell, allowing your vehicle some time to cool off before you restart your journey.
• Use maps & navigation assistance if you are traveling through unfamiliar areas and unmarked roads. Sri Lankan locals are usually very friendly and helpful and most will be able to provide guidance if you stop for directions.

If you are looking for more information, please check out What is it like to drive in Sri Lanka? and Roadside Assistance in Sri Lanka.

The post Safe Driving on Mountain Roads appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

Ecotourism in Sri Lanka is fast gaining popularity and as a part of this experience, your holiday will be transformed into a learning experience while enjoying the ultimate beauty of nature. Ecotourism specializes in small groups and immersion into field knowledge. When you choose to travel this way you will be expected to be more conscious of the environment and ensure that every activity you engage in has minimal impact on the environment.

What are the Different Types of Eco-Tourism Available in SL?

As we move away from conventional traveling, Sri Lanka is a great place to learn an authentic culture and adventure tour to explore the magnificent outside natural world. There are a number of different types of eco-tourism experiences available in Sri Lanka. Some of them are,

• Rainforest exploration
• Hiking
• Wildlife Safaris
• Bird Watching
• Staying with a local family in a Home-Stay
• Rural Village Walks
• Farming and Agro Tourism
• Staying in Eco-Lodges
• Staying with the Indigenous Tribe

Popular Locations for Ecotourism Experiences in SL?

Sri Lanka as a country is blessed with unparalleled natural resources, wildlife, unique cultural heritage, and warm and friendly citizens. Starting from coastal areas right up to the hill mountains, there are plenty of exciting eco and adventure destinations to choose. There is something novel to explore at each and every destination you visit.

Sinharaja Rainforest is an ideal example to experience the incredible diversity of flora and fauna landscapes, climates, etc. It is a world heritage site and major ecotourism destination, which has Sri Lanka’s endemic species found nowhere else in the world.

The Bundala National Park, situated in the Southern Province, close to Hambantota was declared as a wildlife sanctuary and also considered the most important birding destination in Sri Lanka. This park is home to thousands of migratory birds, some long-distance migrants flying all the way from Euro to Asian destinations to winter in the park.

The Knuckles mountain range is another major Ecotourism venue in Sri Lanka and it has been declared a conservation area, now known as the Knuckles National Heritage And Wilderness Area. It is a real paradise for those who love to hike or cycle. You’ll find yourself traveling across clear rivers, past flowing waterfalls and lush tea plantations, and alongside green paddy fields.

If you are interested in finding out more check out our Forests and Reserves in Sri Lanka Post as well as as our Bird Watching in Sri Lanka Post.

The post Ecotourism in Sri Lanka appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.

What Can You Expect?

True to local culture, most Sri Lankan Yoga retreats maintain a relaxed atmosphere and offer plenty of flexibility in terms of intensity and duration. Most instructors will be happy to work with each individual to create a plan that works for all levels of expertise, from beginners to more advanced experiences. All types of yoga are available in Sri Lanka, from Vinyasa to Pranayama, Hatha Yoga to Yin Yoga, Kundalini to Kriya. These sessions are available for beginners, intermediate and advanced levels.

Combined Experiences

The beauty of most Sri Lankan Yoga retreats is that they combine yoga with other local activities depending on the area. Locations in Southern Sri Lanka will often offer surfing lessons along with Yoga lessons. Ayurvedic therapy, meal guidance, cooking lessons and meditation are some valuable experiences commonly offered alongside Yoga in Sri Lanka.

Where to go

If you are looking for a Yoga experience that also brings you closer to the ocean, we recommend choosing a retreat in the South of Sri Lanka. The Talalla Retreat is a popular choice offering luxury accommodation and a premium Yoga and fitness experience.

The Salty Pelican Yoga & Surf Retreat in Hiriketiya provides a stunning location for Yoga and surfing on one of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka.

The Polwaththa Retreat in Kandy is a location hidden away in the mountains and offers a jungle Yoga experience along with activities such as reforestation and cooking classes.

The Prana Lounge in Colombo is equally popular if you are looking for a Yoga experience closer to the city. They offer Yoga sessions with highly qualified instructors as well as other wellness experiences and even teacher training for those with aspirations of becoming instructors themselves.

If you are interested in Yoga, regardless of your level of practise, Yoga in Sri Lanka will provide you with many opportunities to learn and expand your skill.

The post Yoga in Sri Lanka appeared first on Driving in Sri Lanka.