Best Sri Lanka Travel Moments: Epic Surf, Fitness & Hidden Joys

Sri Lanka gave me more than just a holiday. It gave me a collection of moments that will stay with me for a long time. From scenic train rides through lush landscapes to cooking curries with locals and catching sunsets above the surf, this trip was packed with energy, connection, and discovery. These are my favorite Sri Lanka travel moments, the ones that made me pause, smile, and think: this is why I love to travel. If you’re curious about how I planned my route, check out my 2-week Sri Lanka itinerary.

1. Riding the Train from Hiriketiya to Galle

Even before going to Sri Lanka, I knew that taking the train (usually the famous Kandy-to-Ella route is the one most often advertised) would be an experience in itself. Yet, I wasn’t prepared for how much I would actually enjoy it. Sitting at the Wewurukanala train station, waiting for the train, was already worth it. The breathtaking views over the green landscape, paired with the Wewurukanala Buddha statue, instantly put me into a relaxed, almost meditative state.

The train ride itself was surprisingly smooth (albeit loud). I thoroughly enjoyed hanging out of the train and sitting on the stairs, marveling at the beautiful scenery rolling by. Another highlight? The snack vendors regularly pass through with nuts, fresh fruit, and baked goods. It turned what could have been “just” transport into one of my favorite Sri Lanka travel moments.

2. Sri Lanka Travel Moment: Sunset at Elephant Rock

Another unforgettable moment in Sri Lanka travel was watching the sunset from Elephant Rock. Even though the sun itself was barely visible behind the clouds, I still had an amazing evening up there. What made it so special to me was the mix of landscapes and vibes. On one side, you’re looking out over the calm lagoon, dotted with the occasional fishing boat. Then there’s a stretch of beach before the sea and surf area begins, two completely different energies in one view.

What I also loved was watching the surfers from so high up. If someone caught a good wave, you could follow their ride almost all the way to the shoreline. That’s pretty epic to witness from above.

Even though lots of people head to Elephant Rock at that time of day, I didn’t mind at all. Most visitors are simply there to relax, chat, and enjoy the view, so the atmosphere stays laid-back. When I was there, someone even brought a speaker and played soft, chill music, which only added to the mood. And honestly, the simple act of climbing up the rock and finding a spot to sit made the whole experience feel like one of those memorable Sri Lanka experiences I’ll never forget.

3. My First Cooking Class Abroad

I had never taken a cooking class in a foreign country before. Now I can’t believe it took me so long to realize this is something I truly enjoy. I’m passionate about food, cooking, and knowing exactly what’s in my meals. So learning how to prepare the delicious curries I’d been eating since day one of my Sri Lanka trip was an unforgettable travel moment.

I’m pretty sure this marks the beginning of a new tradition for me: considering cooking classes as mandatory “sightseeing.” It’s such a fun way to combine food, culture, and hands-on learning. And honestly, after days of surfing and hiking, slowing down and cooking felt like the perfect active recovery. It’s still hands-on, just in a different way.

I was also fortunate with my teacher. Mona, from Cook with Mona, was an absolute sweetheart. She explained everything clearly, answered all our questions, adapted recipes to guarantee our success, and even taught us how to eat like proper Sri Lankans. It wasn’t just a class; it felt like being welcomed into her kitchen and culture.

4. Sri Lanka Travel Highlight: Meeting Locals Who Made a Difference

During my trip, I really appreciated the openness of the locals. At Mellow Café, the owner actually put his laptop aside (even though he was working at the time) just to chat with me. He told me about his backstory and gave me tips on what I should definitely still do and see in Arugam Bay. He also hooked me up with Amigo Surf School, which, honestly, was a lifesaver in terms of surfing.

Our Arugam Bay tuk-tuk driver connected with us in a way I have never experienced before on a trip. He was thoughtful, genuinely wanted us to have a good time, and went out of his way more than once. Once, he randomly stopped on the road to buy red bananas and rambutans out of his own pocket because he wanted us to try them. Another time, when I lost my baseball cap during a lagoon safari in Pottuvil, he not only called the staff for me but actually drove back to check if he could find it.

In Galle, a local stopped me on the street to chat about life in Sri Lanka. He explained how he respects Germans and Austrians since their governments helped rebuild homes after the tsunami. And the nice part? After sharing his thoughts, he simply wished me a nice evening and left. No strings attached. I was only used to being stopped because people wanted something from me, so these small, genuine interactions made me feel less like a tourist and more like part of the scene.

5. Stumbling on Magic in Everyday Moments

Whether it was sipping fresh coconuts on the beach after a jog, laughing at monkeys stealing bananas, or enjoying a quiet walk through rice fields, Sri Lanka kept surprising me with small bursts of joy in between all the big adventures. These moments weren’t planned or booked; they just happened.

And maybe that’s exactly why they stood out. In a trip packed with hikes, surfing, and cultural highlights, it was these little pauses—the taste of salty air after a swim, the calm of watching fireflies in the dark, or even just chatting with strangers over fruit at a roadside stall—that made me realize how rich travel becomes when you leave space for the unexpected.

These everyday moments were just as unforgettable as my “big highlights,” and together they made this trip one of my best Sri Lanka travel experiences so far.

Looking back, it wasn’t just the big adventures that shaped my trip, but also the everyday joys—fresh coconuts, friendly chats, and unexpected kindness. Together, these created a rhythm of travel that felt both active and deeply human.

I know I’ve only scratched the surface. This journey focused on the East and South Coast, but I’m already looking forward to exploring Sri Lanka’s South and West Coast surf towns in the future. And something tells me there are plenty more unforgettable Sri Lanka travel moments waiting for me there.