Back in 2022— the world was slowing down, but we were just beginning a new chapter. After our unforgettable “Around the Pearl” adventure years earlier, the same group (now with little feet and strollers in tow) decided to hit the road again. But this time, it wasn’t just a friends’ getaway — it was a family adventure, and Sri Lanka’s central highlands were calling.
What followed was a trip full of misty mountains, waterfalls, warm smiles, and the kind of hospitality that reminded us why Sri Lanka truly feels like home — even when you’re far from it.
Day 1: Colombo ➝ Hatton – Waterfalls & Highland Luxury
We packed up our own cars, loaded up snacks, toys, and a few sleepy toddlers, and set off from Colombo with excitement and a playlist of road trip tunes.
On the way, we made a stop at the stunning Lakshapana Waterfall — not just for the views (which are spectacular), but to introduce the kids to a bit of adventure. We were surprised to see that bungee jumping had made its way here — and while none of us jumped (this time!), it added that thrill factor that reminded us of our wilder days.
By late afternoon, we rolled into Argyle Hotel in Hatton, perched in the hills like a scene from a postcard. From the moment we arrived, the staff welcomed us like old friends — warm tea, wide smiles, and even a little treat for the kids.
We didn’t expect luxury, but we got it — hot water pool with a view of the hills, spacious rooms, and a chef who happily cooked up kid-friendly meals (plus a spicy curry for the grownups!).
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Vibes: Tea estates, chilled mountain air, and that signature Sri Lankan care you only get when people treat you like family.
Day 2 & 3: Hatton ➝ Nuwara Eliya – Tea Trails & Hometown Tales
The next morning, we took the winding road up to Nuwara Eliya, the “Little England” of Sri Lanka — made extra special because it’s also Prabodha’s hometown. There’s something magical about visiting a place through the eyes of someone who grew up there. Every bend in the road came with a story, and every hidden corner felt like a memory being passed on.
We checked into the charming St. Andrew’s Hotel, which felt like stepping into a cozy old novel — fireplaces, wooden floors, and the smell of fresh mountain air. Once again, the hospitality was effortless: the staff had warm milk ready for the kids, and even arranged a little tour around the garden for them.
Over two days, we explored tea estates and factories where the kids got to see how their sleepy parents’ morning cups are made — and yes, we tasted every kind of tea available!
But the true hidden gem was Boburuella Lake — tucked away in town, peaceful and undisturbed. No crowds, just us, the breeze, and a few curious birds. It was the kind of place you’d miss unless a local told you — and that’s the magic of traveling with someone like Prabodha.
In the evening, we made our way to The Grand Hotel for their legendary high tea. The front lawn was like something out of a postcard — scones, short eats, and tea served with elegance, all under a golden sunset.
Dinner was a treat too — we went to Ambal’s, a much-loved Indian vegetarian spot. The food was rich, spicy, and full of flavor — served with the kind of generous smiles that make you feel right at home.
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Vibes: Colonial charm, secret lakes, heartfelt stories, and that unbeatable Sri Lankan warmth.
Day 4 & 5: Nuwara Eliya ➝ Ella – Stories, Views & Unexpected Friendships
If Nuwara Eliya was calm and nostalgic, then Ella was alive and buzzing. It never disappoints — but this time, Ella opened itself up to us like never before.
We checked into a cozy guesthouse tucked into the hillside and spent two days exploring deeper than ever. First up, the iconic Nine Arches Bridge, where the kids watched trains pass under a canopy of trees like something out of a fairy tale. Then came the early morning hike to Little Adam’s Peak, where the views were worth every sleepy yawn.
But the real adventure began when we went to the Ravana Pool Club — a little haven for both adults and kids to cool off and enjoy some relaxed mountain sunshine. And if that wasn’t enough, we discovered something truly special: the Blue Water Pond, hidden nearly 1000 feet below the forest canopy. It took effort, a bit of grit, and lots of fear, but we made it — and the feeling of diving into that icy blue water was unforgettable.
Ella, as alwazys, was buzzing with stories — especially those tied to Ravana and the Ramayana, drawing Indian tourists from all over who come seeking myth and mystery. That shared curiosity is what makes Ella so special: it connects cultures.
Speaking of connections — we have to talk about Chill Café. If you’re ever in Ella, go there. It’s more than a café. It’s a vibe. Great food, laid-back music, friendly staff, and surprisingly family-friendly. And it’s also where our trip took a beautiful turn.
One night, we met a lovely young Indian couple(Anmol and Shivani) over a round of drinks at Chill. What started as casual small talk turned into deep conversations and laughter that echoed into the night. The next day, we hiked and explored with them — instant travel buddies.
Here’s the magical part: Five years later, in 2025, we flew to Bikaner, India, to visit them and meet their newborn baby. A friendship that started in Ella, under fairy lights and mountain skies, grew into something truly lasting.
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Vibes: Free-spirited, full of heart, chilled beers, mountain air, and friendships that cross borders.
Day 6 & 7: Ella ➝ Mirissa – From Mountain Mornings to Seaside Sunsets
On our last morning in Ella, we all gathered — kids, backpacks, snacks, and sleepy eyes — at the Ella Rest House for one final cup of mountain-grown coffee. Anmol and Shivani, our new Indian travel buddies, had become part of the crew, and it felt only right to invite them along for the next chapter of the adventure.
And so we rolled downhill — past Yala National Park, through Hambantota, and toward the golden southern coast. The temperature rose, the mountains faded in the rearview mirror, and the salty breeze of Mirissa began to creep in. It was perfect.
We checked into a beach-front gem called Central Beach, located right in the heart of Mirissa Beach. It was the kind of place where you could open your door, step barefoot onto soft sand, and hear the waves humming all day long.
Mirissa is breathtaking. The beach curves like a crescent moon, with palm trees swaying above turquoise waves. The water is calm enough for kids to splash in and wild enough for a few grown-up bodyboarding moments. The colors — especially at sunset — are unreal. Pinks, oranges, blues, and that golden shimmer that makes you want to freeze time.
That afternoon, we headed straight to the beach, and well… let’s just say we lost track of how many beers were shared. Cold drinks, fresh seafood grilled right on the sand, and kids building sandcastles while the grownups laughed under string lights. It felt like a celebration — of friendship, travel, good food, and the simple joy of being together in paradise.
The best part? Watching Anmol and Shivani completely soak it all in — from Sri Lankan hospitality, to the laid-back beach life. For them, it wasn’t just about the place. It was about the people. And that’s what Sri Lanka does best — it welcomes you in like family, feeds you like royalty, and sends you off with full hearts and full bellies.
And just when we thought the day couldn’t get better, Anmol quietly picked up the entire bill. We tried to stop him, of course, but he simply smiled and said,
“This is nothing compared to the hospitality and friendship you all have shown us. Sri Lanka is incredible — not just because of its beauty, but because of people like you.”
That moment said it all. It wasn’t just a gesture — it was a genuine reflection of how travel brings hearts together. What started with a chance meeting in a café became a bond we’ll cherish forever.
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Day 8: Mirissa ➝ Colombo – A New Year, A New Beginning
The last night of our journey wasn’t just the end of a trip — it was the beginning of something unforgettable.
It was December 31st, and instead of heading straight home, we all decided: Why not celebrate New Year’s Eve right here in paradise? And so we did — all of us, families, kids, and our new Indian friends, gathered on Mirissa Beach as the sun dipped below the ocean.
The beach came alive with music, lights, bonfires, and dancing. We laughed, we sang, and we danced like nobody was watching — barefoot in the sand, under the stars, with fireworks lighting up the sky. It was, without a doubt, one of the best New Year’s Eves we’ve ever had.
As midnight struck, we raised our glasses and made a promise to each other — especially to Anmol and Shivani:
“Let this friendship grow. Let’s keep traveling together — like birds of the same feather.”
And you know what? We kept that promise. Five years later, we’re still friends. Still visiting. Still sharing life.
From Travel Memories to Travel Dreams: Welcome to Hopscotch Travels
This journey, like many others before it, reminded us why we love Sri Lanka — not just for its beaches or mountains, but for the hospitality, the warmth, the connections that happen along the way.
And that’s exactly why we started Hopscotch Travels Lanka — a travel company built from real stories, real friendships, and real love for our island home.
Whether you’re a group of friends, a family with kids, or travelers looking for authentic local experiences, we’re here to make your Sri Lankan journey easy, memorable, and full of heart.
🌍 Come hop with us. Let’s write your story next.
