Cheers to 10 years
why Sri Lanka was our ultimate anniversary trip
Reading time: 4 min
Cheers to 10 years
why Sri Lanka was our ultimate anniversary trip
Reading time: 4 min
Cheers to 10 years
why Sri Lanka was our ultimate anniversary trip
Reading time: 4 min
Cheers to 10 years: Why Sri Lanka was our ultimate anniversary trip
Ten years. A full decade. That is not something you celebrate with a gift card or a quick dinner at the local pizza place. To celebrate her 10th wedding anniversary, Sarah, Product Manager at Connections, travelled to Sri Lanka in the autumn of 2025. For our wedding anniversary, I wanted something big. Something with culture, nature, sunshine, a bit of chaos and a lot of calm, all at once.
The answer? Sri Lanka. At the end of October, we packed our bags for a 10-day round trip through the pearl of the Indian Ocean. From cycling past ancient ruins to leaning out of a moving train, this is how we celebrated our anniversary in style.
Arriving in the jungle (in luxury)
After the flight, we landed in a completely different world. No concrete hotels, but the Walawwa Hotel in Kotugoda. Think colonial mansion, tucked away in the jungle. The perfect place to recover from jet lag, or book a massage and toast to our first decade together. Vacation mode: on.
Indiana Jones vibes in the Cultural Triangle
We headed straight inland toward Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa, with a quick stop at an authentic rubber plantation along the way. And honestly? This is where you truly feel like an explorer.
In Polonnaruwa, we hopped on our bikes. Riding past thousand-year-old temples, stupas and Buddhas, while monkeys watch you from the trees. Only in Sri Lanka.
The literal highlight was Sigiriya, the famous Lion Rock. The climb is tough in the blazing sun, but the view from the top, overlooking the ruins of King Kashyapa’s palace, leaves you speechless. Our hotel, Roo Mansala Boutique Hotel, with views of Sigiriya, was the cherry on top.
Temples and trains
Via the caves of Dambulla, filled with golden statues, we made our way to Kandy, the spiritual heart of the island. The atmosphere at the Temple of the Tooth is magical, especially during the ceremonies with drums and flower offerings.
Next up was the world-famous train journey from Kandy to Ella. Forget everything you know about European trains. This is widely considered the most beautiful train ride in the world. The blue train slowly winds through bright green tea plantations and misty mountains. Doors and windows wide open, wind in your hair, and that feeling of complete freedom.
Chilling on the coast
After all the action in the mountains, we ended our trip on the south coast in Mirissa and Galle. Galle Fort feels like a slice of Europe in the tropics, with Dutch colonial buildings, trendy coffee bars and boutique shops.
The perfect ending to 10 years together? Feet in the sand, a king coconut in hand, watching the waves of the Indian Ocean roll by.
What you really should not miss (must-dos)
Cycling in Polonnaruwa: the complex is vast, so a bike is the best and most fun way to explore without melting in the heat.
The climb up Sigiriya: go early in the morning to avoid the worst heat and crowds. The view is worth every drop of sweat.
The tsunami memorial: visiting the Tsunami Memorial is deeply moving and a raw confrontation with reality. Instead of polished museum displays, you find handwritten stories, children’s drawings and unfiltered photos taken right after the disaster. An experience that stays with you long after.
Our pro tips
Respect the dress code: always carry a sarong or scarf to cover shoulders and knees when visiting temples.
Eat local: try hoppers for breakfast or kottu roti for lunch. Affordable, fresh and incredibly tasty (just ask how spicy it is).
Dive into the local history: from ancient kings to the more recent civil war, Sri Lanka has a complex past. A bit of background knowledge helps you better understand and appreciate the diversity of the country and the stories of its people.
My favourite moment
If I had to choose what touched me most, it is not one specific place, but the feeling of deep, layered history. You walk through ancient temples, see colonial influences in places like Galle and Kandy, and everywhere you sense the stories of the past.
On top of that, the island is incredibly diverse. One moment you are standing in misty tea plantations that feel almost Scottish, and a few hours later you are barefoot on a tropical beach or face to face with an elephant in the jungle. That mix of culture, ever-changing nature and incredible flavours is what makes Sri Lanka so unique.
Here is to the next 10 years!
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