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A land of stunning contrasts with rolling tea hills, vibrant wildlife, breathtaking waterfalls, and golden beaches. Sri Lanka nurtures an eclectic and vibrant culture which was born out of its people. Resilient, warm, and deeply rooted in community, Sri Lankans have weathered hardships with unyielding strength and a spirit that’s unmatched. From heartfelt invitations to tea to friendships forged over shared stories, their hospitality is as rich as the island’s landscapes making the Sri Lankan experience larger than its lucious greenery. Paloma Monnappa, a Tibetan-Indian model, DJ, Actor and Discovery Channel host, has made this tropical paradise her home.
Whether she’s DJ’ing, touring artists through her music brand, starring in indie films, or hitting the waves, Paloma does it all with an infectious energy to take life as it comes. And this article is her ultimate guide to Sri Lanka.
I first came to Sri Lanka ten years ago — not as a tourist, but through music. Back then, I used to DJ with my oldest friend Varun Patra (co-founder of Homegrown India) under the name Algorhythm. Wild City featured one of our mixes, and somewhere across the ocean, Emanuel — who was on a mission to build a cultural bridge between India and Sri Lanka through music happened to click on it. At the time, he and his friend Leandro (founder of Surfer’s Guide) were running a venue called Luna Terrace at the 1860 Heritage property, Closenberg Hotel. Luna Terrace has played an integral part for over a decade in fostering a local underground music scene.
Emanuel and I connected over a shared passion for sound, and what started as a DJ gig turned into something much more: a partnership, a home, and eventually, our music brand Tropical Wax, founded at the confluence of music and surfing. Through Tropical Wax we organise events, tour artists across Sri Lanka, India and beyond, acting as tour managers and will be launching the Tropical Wax vinyl imprint. Moving from the high-energy chaos of Bombay to the tropical mystery of Sri Lanka changed everything for me. Over the years, I’ve had so many messages from Indians who’ve said they’ve been inspired by my journey to explore the island themselves. That means the world to me.
This isn’t just a travel guide — it’s a love letter to the places, people, and energy that make this island so magnetic. Whether you're here to surf, eat, dance, or just breathe in the ocean breeze, I hope this guide helps you discover your own version of paradise.
Ahangama has some of the nicest beaches especially if you’re looking to surf! This laid-back coastal town is packed with surf spots to suit all levels. Beginners love the gentle beach breaks at Weligama and the rolling white water at Kabalana Beach, while more experienced surfers can hit the peaks at Kabalana or explore the mellow reef waves at Marshmallows.
Places To Stay
Soul Temple which in my opinion has the best coffee in the south, sits right across from Animals surf break — you can roll out of bed, check the waves from the front porch, and be in the lineup before your coffee's even kicked in! Harding Boutique Hotel is posted up in the thick of Ahangama town — a gritty local strip that’s been morphing fast, where roadside veg stalls now sit next to craft cocktail bars and concept stores.
Soul & Surf Cove is a boutique hotel positioned on a dreamy, secluded little waterfront cove.If luxury and privacy are what you seek, Helios Boutique Villa offers a dreamy saltwater pool, outdoor showers, a restored antique cast iron tub, private yoga shala and bespoke bohemian teak and rattan furniture.
Tucked between rice paddies and jungle, Palm Hotel is a cool mix of open-air design and modern hospitality. Spice Trail caters to groups and families with spacious, cozy accommodations, while Abode charms with its 1950s art deco aesthetics. And for couples, Casa Tikiri is the ultimate romantic hideaway, complete with an adults-only policy.
Food & Drinks
East Falafel is my go-to for the perfect chicken shawarma, loaded with pickles and spicy chutney — it's pure soul food. At Hotel De Uncle’s, go for the Pandan leaf cocktail and the Dutch Burger Union Lamprais. Plus, it’s the perfect sunset spot with live music. For a post-surf feast, Veda offers incredible vegetarian Sri Lankan rice and curry, cooked with love by local aunties. Craving a fancy meal? Citra is the place for fine dining. Black Honey is all about poolside brunch vibes. End your day at the Lighthouse Rooftop with cocktails and epic sunset views!
Unawatuna, down south, is a lively stretch packed with beach bars, cafés, and roadside shops — always buzzing, always swim-ready, with a coral reef just offshore and warm waters year-round. Unawatuna Beach is where you’ll want to soak up the sun, but don’t miss the Japanese Peace Pagoda tucked in the jungle. And if you’re up for a little culture and history, hop over to Galle’s old town, a stunning fort city packed with colonial architecture from the Portuguese and Dutch eras.
Places to Stay
Miss Ceylon is the perfect pick. Nestled on a sprawling 10-acre estate, this spot blends high fashion with homey comfort. The expansive lofts, custom teak furniture, and vintage decor make it an unforgettable stay.
Food & Drinks
Koha serves up amazing tuna dishes and fresh, healthy bowls, while Skinny Toms is the ultimate work-and-eat spot with fibre-optic internet and incredible Sri Lankan Hoppers with black pork curry and my favourite Saint Muffin for brekky!
A newly opened Indian restaurant in Galle called “Indian Tadka” at Blue Beach Hotel bang opposite Dewata beach has quickly become a game-changer for me. With authentic Indian chefs and an Indian owner, it brings the true flavors of India right to the heart of Sri Lanka. The best part? I no longer have to travel all the way to Bombay to indulge in my favorite street food. The Vada Pav, Pani Puri, Malai Kebabs, Daal Makhani and Hyderabadi Biryani are absolutely spot on, and they’ve rekindled the taste of home. It’s a little slice of Bombay right here in Galle! They even have an Indian Chinese section on their menu.
Tucked into the timeless charm of Closenberg Hotel in Galle, this rice and curry is a true taste of tradition. Served in rustic clay pots and wooden spoons, it’s the most authentic and consistently flavorful meal I’ve had in Sri Lanka. The lemongrass chicken curry is a standout—fragrant, tender, and deeply comforting—perfectly paired with their subtly spiced coconut yellow rice. A must-try for anyone seeking genuine southern Sri Lankan flavors.
Places To Eat
Locale offers a chic spot with a panoramic view of the bay, serving up one of my favourite beef burgers. From Singaporean black pepper mud crabs to Sichuan pepper spiced charred leeks, it’s the perfect place to relax with a cocktail inspired by local ingredients like sweet oranges and cinnamon. Over at Kaiyo, the focus is on blending Sri Lanka’s rich culinary traditions with a Japanese twist. The restaurant brings fresh, innovative dishes to the table, using locally sourced herbs, spices, and fruits for a one-of-a-kind dining experience.
Places To Eat
Dao Krua Thai is a must-visit for authentic Thai food, cooked by the owner Dao herself. If you're craving home-style Japanese, Cafe Japan, a cozy dinner spot run by the sweetest Japanese family. For Chinese cravings, Crystal Jade serves up delicious dishes every time you visit. Ramen Makotoya is where you'll get the best ramen in Sri Lanka, and they even sell handmade noodles! Missing Indian food? Bombay Borough has got you covered with a huge menu packed with comforting flavours. Lastly, Gini offers a unique experience, with live fire cooking using local ingredients in an outdoor kitchen — definitely a one-of-a-kind spot to check out!
Banyan Camp is a perfect quiet getaway just two hours away, with each room designed in its own unique style. You can even go on a safari since it’s right next to Udawalawe. My favourite room is the Mercedes Lodge, but if you're with a group, the Champagne Lodge has the best view! For a luxury wellness experience, Santani in Kandy hills is a top pick with a river flowing below and a fantastic spa with Kerala-based massage therapists. And for something truly special, Wild Coast Tented Lodge is a UNESCO Design Award-winning luxury camp between the wild jungle of Yala National Park and the Indian Ocean. I'm going to let the picture speak for this one.
Trax, a beautiful venue with outdoor seating, perfect for cocktails and live music. As the name suggests, it’s right by the railway tracks, which could definitely add a unique vibe to your night out. Doctor’s House is a former Dutch Ayurvedic hospital that's been turned into a bar, restaurant, shop, and hotel. It’s a massive venue, popular with the hostel crowd, and the place to be on Wednesday nights for surf camp parties! Lamana is run by Spanish twins and has a skate bowl, with skate jams every Thursday and Sunday. If you're into reggaeton, this is the place to dance! Finally, Ceylon Sliders is the spot for a sunset boogie with a cool surf shop to check out while you’re there.
The Ruin is a 100-year-old structure that still stands tall — weathered but unshaken — now given a new life without losing its soul. The Ruin in Hiriketiya serves up bold Latin flavours, powered by a kitchen built around three smokers and custom fridges designed for dry-aging local fish — fire, smoke, and sea in perfect harmony.
Tucked into a coconut grove on Pehebiya Beach, Smoke & Bitters is all about bold flavours born from fire and rooted in local bounty. They cook everything over wood — smoked, charred, kissed by flame — using homegrown ingredients and house-made blends. The menu pulls from global influences but stays grounded in the island, where every dish tells its own smoky story.
Smoke & Bitters in Sri Lanka was named "Best Bar in Sri Lanka" and ranked #29 on Asia's 50 Best Bars list for 2024. It's also the first and only bar & restaurant from Sri Lanka to make the World's 50 Best Bars extended list.
The drinks programme at “Raa” is one that is specially close to Sri Lankan roots, the entire menu derives from arrack, or toddy and hero’s coconut and variations of it in one form or another. It’s arrack like you’ve never had it before, but at the same time so nostalgic that it takes you back to a different place in time. The best place to have a laid back Sri Lankan cocktail
Dots Bay House – Hiriketiya’s OG Party Starter
Tucked into the surfy crescent of Hiriketiya, Dots Bay House is more than just a stylish hostel with beachy rooms—it’s the original heartbeat of the bay’s underground party scene. As one of the first spots to throw late-night bashes in this now-buzzy beach town, Dots helped put Hiriketiya on the regional party map. They’ve built bridges across South Asia by hosting acts like India’s Dynamite Disco Club and Bangladesh’s Bhai Bhai Soundsystem, and even linked up with Mixmag Asia for a night that packed out the dance floor.
Finally, as you enter dusk after a day out in the ocean, you'll want to spend your colourful evenings collecting objects that you'll later use to remember your time on the island by. If you’re after comfy, sustainable clothes and swimwear, Studio Mukti is your go-to. Olive Yu is a stunning two-floor concept store selling handmade jewelry with a killer view of the ocean that's definitely worth checking out! For art lovers, Exotic Roots is a gorgeous boutique in the Fort run by French artist Catherine, where you can pick up her beautiful paintings as well as those of her daughters. And if you’re into thrifting, Cool to be Kind is a must-visit! The profits go to support Ceylon Paws and their sterilization and vaccination programs, so you can shop and support the island furry friends at the same time!
Follow Paloma here.
