Mini Adam’s Peak

We recommend this as a must do in Ella with full ratings; you would absolutely love the experience.

Mini Adams peak is the closest and easiest hike in Ella. You will get to the entrance in about 15 min walk from Ella town. Otherwise you can take the bus towards Passara or a tuk tuk.

If you are starting from Ella town, go towards the Passara Road and you will reach the entrance at 3rd mile post just after the Flower Garden Resort to your right with a sharp bend.

Place got some other names too. So don’t get mis-leaded. Some calls it Punchi Siri Pada, Small Adams Peak, and Little Adams Peak.

It is 1141 m in height and from the entrance it takes up to 30-45 min for the hike. Views from the summit are incredible. 360 degrees panoramic views with clouds rolling in, is a treat to watch for any traveler.

Hike itself is a worthy experience as you walk through lush green tea estates, talking to locals who are plucking and collecting tea leaves, working in the estate.

We recommend you go early mornings or late evenings for the best views and it will be less tiring.

Difficulty level of the hike is moderate, but make sure you be safe at the summit when trying out poses for the camera while sitting on rocks.

Germany Flag

German Tourists in Sri Lanka

German Tourists in Sri Lanka.

German Tourists in Sri Lanka.

What our German guests say about their stay at GlenMyu Estate when on holiday in Sri Lanka.

Germany Flag

Here are some Booking.com reviews from our German guests.

10 Punkte reichen eigentlich nicht, es müssten mehr sein! Es ist eine moderne, neue, liebevolle und sehr kleine (3 Zimmer) Anlage, die direkt von den beiden Chefs betreut sind. Alle sind so nett, der Ausblick ist atemberaubend, die Lage abseits und ruhig. 

Melanie January 2024

Es gibt tolles, originales, selbst gemachtes Frühstück mit regionalen Lebensmitteln und auf Wunsch auch geniales Abendessen. Ihr müsst unbedingt auch mit der Mutter von Ruthi kochen, es ist ein tolles Erlebnis und man erfährt so viel. 

Der Pool und der Garten ist auch genial. Die Tiere sind mein persönliches Highlight, sie sind so lieb und süß! Die Gastgeber haben sich auch immer rührend gekümmert, ob mit Tee oder TukTuk, es war nie aufdringlich.

Rimma – March 2024

Ein zauberhafter Ort mit super lieben Menschen, leckerem Essen, atemraubendem Blick aus dem Zimmer und Lobby, Wasserfall auf dem Gelände… Einzigartig. Sehr besonders. Danke.

Bereits bei unserer Ankunft wurden wir sehr herzlich von unseren Gastgebern Michael und Ruwanthi und ihren zehn Hunden empfangen. Als Willkommensgruß gab es einen selbst gemachten wunderbar schmeckenden Fruchtsaft. Der Zugang in dieses moderne Haus war atemberaubend, denn er öffnete einen Blick ins Tal, wo man im Hintergrund einen Nationalpark sieht. Die Zimmer sind sehr ansprechend und zweckmäßig eingerichtet, hier hat man von jeder Stelle diesen wunderbaren Blick in die Ferne. 

Elisabeth – January 2024

The garden and the swimming pool

Nachdem wir an den Weihnachtstagen vor Ort waren, hatten die Gastgeber auch das Interieur sehr ansprechend gestaltet. Ruwanthi ist eine unglaublich gute Köchin, die auch Einblicke in ihre Kochkunst gewährt. Es werden vorwiegend selbst angebaute Produkte aus ihrem Garten zum Kochen verwendet. Michael ist sehr hilfsbereit, was die Möglichkeit von Ausflügen in der umliegenden Gegend betrifft.
Nachdem der Pool mit Naturwasser aus einer Quelle gespeist wird, war er etwas kühl zum Schwimmen. Dafür liegt er aber wunderbar eingebettet im Grundstück, mit Fernblick.

Our German guests that visited in 2023

Daniella – May 2023

Ruwanthi und Michael sind sehr herzliche Gastgeber, gehen auf alle persönliche BedĂĽrfnisse eine und versuchen jedem Gast einen wundervollen Aufenthalt zu gestalten. Sie helfen bei der Organisation von Erkundungstouren und es wird täglich frisch mit ĂĽberwiegend selbst angebauten Lebensmitteln gekocht. Ein wahrer Traumaufenthalt – sehr zu empfehlen.

We had the pleasure of staying at the GlenMyu and the experience was nothing short of extraordinary. The view over the landscape from my room was simply astonishing, offering a breathtaking panorama that made every moment special. The homemade food served was a delightful surprise – and with homemade I mean also ingrediance/fruits from the own garden. The culinary creations were not only delicious but also reflected a genuine passion for providing guests with a memorable experience. 

Phillipp – November 2023

The owners and the team were incredibly welcoming and warmhearted, creating an atmosphere that felt like a home away from home. Their personal touch added a unique charm to the stay, making it more than just a typical hotel visit. It was superbly clean, creating a hygienic and comfortable environment. 

Location and overall stay

The location of the hotel was ideal for those seeking adventure and exploration. With a tea factory visit, mesmerizing waterfalls, and the famous train ride from Haputale to Ella or Nanuoya nearby, there was always something exciting to do in the area. 

Overall, our stay was a delightful experience, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty, culinary excellence, and warm hospitality. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a memorable and rejuvenating getaway.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

German Tourists in Sri Lanka Read More »

A cup of Sri Lankan tea

Amazing Hotels in Sri Lanka. Ceylon tea Trails

Amazing Hotels in Sri Lanka.

Amazing Hotels in Sri Lanka.

Ceylon Tea Trails -Monica Galetti and Rob Rinder venture in the Highlands of Sri Lanka in a BBC documentary.

The BBC documentary series; Amazing Hotels – Life Behind the Lobby, was initially aired in September 2023 according to the IMDB website. 

It stars Monica Galetti and Rob (Robert Rinder). 

Monica is a Masterchef Judge, Amazing Hotels presenter, author and chef owner of Mere Restaurant and Bar.

Judge Rob Rinder is a broadcaster, columnist, barrister, former Strictly Come Dancing contestant and author. He had his own TV show Judge Rinder. 

Growing tourist numbers

The documentary came to my notice when an old colleague of mine mentioned that it had been aired in Ireland in March 2024. 

Sri Lanka is already seeing a surge in tourism numbers. The airing of this documentary is expected to highlight the island as a great place to go on holiday.

Tourist numbers for December 2023 to February 2024 doubled each month compared to the previous year.

The country welcomed just over 200,000 visitors per month. There  is a peak tourist season in Sri Lanka from December to the start of April. This is when travellers want to escape the northern hemisphere winter. However, the country is now being marketed as an all year round destination. The Eastern and Northern Coasts, along with the Central Hills, are good to visit when the monsoon hots the South and West of the island.

You can track the tourist arrivals at the Sri Lankan Tourist Development Authority website.

Ceylon Tea Trails

You can see the details of the colonial bungalows that Monica and Rob visited by clicking in the link to the Resplendent Ceylon website. 

The concept was created by the Fernando family who are Sri Lankan tea producers and the  founders of Dilmah Ceylon Tea. 

Most of the bungalows are located near to Hatton which is ideal for getting to Adam’s Peak. The overnight pilgrimage season is between December and May annually.

At the time of the documentary release in the UK there was lots of press in Sri Lanka and abroad about the celebrities time on the island.

The Central Hills of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has an amazing offering of hotels, guest houses, bed and breakfast along with homestay providing a wide range of experiences. 

At GlenMyu Estate we have had several guests who have visited Haputale and Ella after completing their Sri Pada (Adam’s Peak) hike. The temperatures in the hill country can be cooler, and a bit of a relief from the highs around the island.

Inspiration to go on an adventure

Sri Lanka appears to be rising on wish lists of places to visit.

We, at GlenMyu Estate, have found that more Australians are finding us. There are also many more europeans outside the regular French, German and British visitors.

What we love is that when the guests arrive at GlenMyu Estate, they have already had an incredible experience as they have travelled around the island.

The welcome that they have received from local people, the wonderful sights they have seen make us thankful to be able to live in Sri Lanka.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Amazing Hotels in Sri Lanka. Ceylon tea Trails Read More »

Wake up early for the Sunrise

A summer holiday in Sri Lanka

A summer holiday in Sri Lanka

Summer holiday the Sri Lanka?

Can you visit Sri Lanka for a summer holiday?

Is Sri Lanka a good place to holiday in the Summer?

Where is the best place to go during June, July and August on the island?

Maalu Maalu - swimming at the East Coast of Sri Lanka

Summer in Europe or Summer in Australia?

Summer means a different time of year, depending upon what part of the globe you are starting from.

Being from the UK, Summer is from June to August. 

It was pointed out to me that if you are living in New Zealand or Australia, summer is our winter in the UK.

The good news for antipodeans, is that Sri Lanka is great for visiting in their winter too.

Most tourists visit Sri Lanka in the Winter months

Up until recently, Sri Lanka has been seen as a winter holiday destination. It is a place  where you can escape from the temperatures in Northern Europe. 

The south and west coasts are monsoon free and it is a great time to visit the island. 

What is summer like in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka doesn’t have a summer that can be compared to that experienced in Europe.

The island has two main monsoons which determines what part of the island are best visited during different times of the year.

The north-west monsoon, brings rain from the Bay of Bengal. It affects the far north and east between December and February.

The main south-west monsoon, originates from the Indian Ocean. This brings most rain to Colombo, the south, and west coasts and during May and June.

Visit the North and East coasts of Sri Lanka during May to September

This means that you can visit Sri Lanka during the summer holidays.

The north and east coasts are the best part of the country to visit during this time of the year

What's there to see and do?

The north and east coasts of the country are less developed than the rest of the island.

The civil war, which ended some fifteen years ago,  has meant that investment in new hotels and infrastructure had only been made in more recent years.

A new place to discover and the most beautiful beaches

If you love a beautiful beach, which has a shallow shelf that is safer for bathing, many beaches on the east coast will be ideal for you.

There have been several good quality hotels built along the Pasikuda coast. You can enjoy the pristine sand and top up your tan.

We have been to Maalu Maalu, by Thema Collection several times and had a wonderful stay.

There are also some historic sights to see in and around Jaffna.

Jaffna Fort
Jaffna Market
Jaffa public library
Nallur Kovil
Naga Pooshani Ambal Kovil
Dambakola Patuna Sangamitta

Delft Island
Elephant Pass
Pennai Causeway
Casuarini Beach

Get there before it loses its' charm

We had friends that stayed with us at GlenMyu Estate last August who had explored Jaffna, Trincomalee and the east coast beaches.

Their advice to us was to visit and experience this part of the country before  much more development starts and it loses its’ charm.

'You’ll come back for more’

We find, at GlenMyu Estate, that everyone that comes to this paradise island, wants to return again.

The new strap line from Sri Lanka tourism ‘You’ll come back for more’ reflects this desire.

Once you have visited Sri Lanka for the first time and are comfortable with the country, barriers to returning disappear. 

Part of this strategy to increase tourist numbers will be to encourage more visitors during the European summer.

2.3m Tourists in 2024

The Daily Mirror (Sri Lanka) reported in March 2024 that Sri Lanka tourism is aiming for 2.3 million tourists visiting the island during 2023. 

What this would say to me is “holiday now before it get too crowded”. So, we would certainly encourage you to visit this island soon!

You can visit the Sri Lankan Hill country all year round (almost!)

Visiting Ella and the main attractions that surround it is one of the must do things on your holiday in Sri Lanka.

The good news is that you can visit Ella during most months of the year. 

At GlenMyu Estate (about 1 hour and 15 minutes drive from Ella) we tend to be open for most of the year apart from October, when the inter-monsoon hits the island. 

Most of our guests do a day trip to see sights such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Rock, Mini Adams Peak and Ravanna Falls. 

However, many visitors enjoy the experience of Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, the hike around Horton Plains National Park and the views from Lipton’s Seat.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate to explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall and Nine Arches Bridge is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

A summer holiday in Sri Lanka Read More »

The path widens on our hike

Trekking Adventures in Breathtaking Landscapes

Trekking Adventures In Breathtaking Landscapes.

Trekking Adventures In Breathtaking Landscapes in the Sri Lanka.

Discover the walking trails in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Trekking in the breathtaking landscapes of the Sri Lankan Hill country is an unforgettable experience.

You will feel great after completing your walk through tea gardens, enjoying stunning landscapes and meeting local people on the way.

And when you leave this part of the island you can always recover at the beach.

5 Treks, hikes and walks in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Here are 5 treks, hikes and walks that our guests love to do when they stay at GlenMyu Estate.

There are walks for all abilities from difficult to leisurely.

1. The new kid on the block - The Pekoe Trail

The Pekoe Trail is the newest walking trail in Sri Lanka and was opened in 2023.

The trail consists of 22 stages over 300 km with the route starting in Kandy and going through Hatton, Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Ella.

Hiking between 9km and 22 km sets a challenge for some walkers. It is worth looking at the difficulty of the hike before deciding on what stage to tackle. 

Some of the trails are a work in progress however they have all been hiked since they were opened. Our guests hired a guide to trek part of stage 12 between Haputale and Idalgashinna.

Stages 11-14 of the Pekoe Trail are within reach of GlenMyu Estate.

2. Favourites at GlenMyu Estate - Upper Diyaluma Waterfall

Upper Diyaluma Waterfall is a superb experience to visit when you stay at GlenMyu Estate.

It’s only a short hike but it can be a little challenging if you are not fit enough. 

The beauty of this hike to the top of Sri Lanka’s second tallest waterfall are the stunning pools.

It’s becoming a favourite Instagram spot when you travel around this paradise island. 

Swimming in the cool pools looking out over the stunning landscape is a special experience.

The entry fee to Upper Diyaluma is quite cheap, so it makes it a budget experience you can have on your holiday.

At GlenMyu Estate, we normally send our guests off with a guide who knows that best route around Upper Diyaluma.

As we are located just 40 minutes from the waterfall, you can beat the tourists from Ella.

Therefore, you are likely to be one of the few people enjoying the pools before the crowds arrive.

3. In equal place - Horton Plains National Park

Horton Plains National Park is a UNESCO world heritage site.

The 3,169 hectares plains at an elevation of 2,100 meters above sea level is home to a unique environment.

There is an 11 kilometre circular trekking route which passes the spectacular viewpoints of Mini World’s End and World’s End.

You will also see the beautiful Baker’s Falls. 

Marvel at the unique flora and fauna that you will see as you walk one of our favourite trails.

The entrance fee to Horton Plains National Park makes it one of the more expensive places to visit when you are on holiday in Sri Lanka.

However, we still think that it is good value for what you experience.

4. Honorable mention - Lipton's Seat, Haputale

Visiting the viewpoint where Tea Baron, Sir Thomas Lipton, surveyed his vast tea empire is another great experience. 

If you visit the viewing point at sunrise it can be a magical time. Have a look at the photos that our Australian guests Matt and Millie were able to capture. They are amazing.

You can go later in the day however, you may not get a great view as the clouds may have come in.

Trekking down from the viewpoint and seeing the ladies plucking the tea is another great sight.

5. A gentle stroll - Adisham Bungalow/St Benedict's Monastery

For a less strenuous walk an outing to Adisham Bungalow fits the bill. The estate, which hosts St Benedict’s Monastery, is just a short distance outside Haputale town. 

Another budget experience, as the entrance fee is minimal, you can walk through and admire the manicured gardens. There are lots of inspirational and amusing signs to keep your interest. 

Three rooms are available to view in Adisham Hall where there are some artefacts to see.

By visiting and purchasing the gift shop that sells cordials and jams made at Adisham, you will be supporting this institution.

Trekking, hikes and walks in the Sri Lankan Hill Country - Summary

  1. The Pekoe Trail – pick one of the 22 stages to tackle. 
  2. Upper Diyaluma Waterfall – enjoy swimming in the natural pools.
  3. Horton Plains National Park – take the 11 kilometre walk past World’s End, Mini World’s End and Baker’s Falls.
  4. Lipton’s Seat – sit and admire the views over the Tea Gardens of the Scottish Tea Baron’s empire.
  5. Adisham Bungalow – stroll through the beautiful gardens and visit the historic rooms in the hall.

Ella town is just over one hours drive from GlenMyu Estate and you can also trek up Ella Rock or Mini Adams Peak.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and trek, hike or walk in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park, Upper Diyalima Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat and Adisham Hall. Trek stages of the all new Pekoe Trail.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Trekking Adventures in Breathtaking Landscapes Read More »

Beaches on the East Coast of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka among Top 5 Travel Destinations in 2024

Sri Lanka is among the Top 5 travel destinations in 2024

Sri Lanka is among the Top 5 travel destinations in 2024.

Find out why you should visit this paradise island in Asia this year.

Beaches on the East Coast of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is making the news.

It is among the top five travel destinations in 2024.

Travel Off Path
The world-leading travel news source, Travel Off Path, has a reputation for providing the most up to date and relevant news for travellers across the globe

They highlight the exotic nature, warm climate, colourful culture, and amazing food that you experience when visiting the island.

It is also known as one of the cheapest locations for digital nomads

This paradise island has a slower pace of life by the beach, with plenty of culture and natural wonders to keep you entertained in your downtime

The other four destinations named in the list by Travel Off Path are Tunisia, Mexico, Morocco and the Dominican Republic.

They told you in 2023!

This article follows on from Travel Off Path’s article of early 2023. They reported  that Sri Lanka should be on travellers radar in their article “6 Reasons Sri Lanka Should Be On Your Radar This Year”.  

The article mentions the new The Pekoe Walking Trail which has some of the 22 stages close to GlenMyu Estate.
The train journey through the island’s lush and tropical tea country and crossing Nine Arch Bridge is also highlighted. This is also a favourite day trip by our guests that stay at GlenMyu Estate.

What is there to see in Sri Lanka? Why does is make the Top 5 travel destinations in 2024 list?

Sri Lanka has so much to see and experience that it is not a one trip destination.
The island is small, but it packs a big punch!

Diverse landscapes, a rich cultural heritage and stunning beaches, Sri Lanka has something for every type of traveller.

Whether you are an adventure tourist wanting to hike through lunch rain forests or climb magnificent peaks, or a history buff interested in exploring ancient temples and historical sites, a wildlife lover wanting to see a variety of animals or just want to relax at the beach, Sri Lanka can provide what you want. 

Hiking Trails and Peaks to climb.

The new Pekoe Trail covers 300 kilometres in 22 stages as it travails a lush landscape and tea trails. 

Horton Plains is an 11 kilometre hike through a montane cloud forest with spectacular viewing points.

Adam’s Peak is a religious overnight pilgrimage.

Little Adam’s Peak, Ella is a short hike to see a beautiful view.

Knuckles mountain range provides a tougher challenge and is suitable for the more experienced hikers.

Explore Sri Lanka's rich cultural history.

Immersing yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural history is one of the highlights of visiting the island.

Experiencing the ancient cities of Polunnaruwa and Anuradhapura’s magnificent ruins will provide insight into what was achieved by the people of this island hundreds of years ago.
Climbing the Lion Rock in Sigiriya delivers history and a beautiful view.

As you travel around the island you are likely to come across one of the many festivals that take place in towns and villages.

A diverse landscape.

Wet zones, dry zones and intermediate zones provide a diverse landscape to enjoy. 

The geographical diversity provides the opportunity for travellers to experience different landscapes and activities.

Horton Plain National Park is a favourite destination for our guests at GlenMyu Estate. Places like this provide a natural beauty that needs to be seen before it changes as the country develops further.

Wildlife and wildlife parks.

The diverse wildlife that you can experience in Sri Lanka adds reasons for the country being a top travel destination in 2024.

Whether it’s elephants, leopards, crocodiles, eagles or samba deer you want to see there are lots of opportunities around the island.

Yala is the most famous National Park for safaris on the island. However, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, Minneriya and Bundala are a few others on a larger list for you to visit.

A variety of beaches around the island.

If you just want to relax at the beach then Sri Lanka offers a variety of beaches to enjoy.

Different parts of the island provide opportunities for diving, surfing, kiteboarding and just long sandy idyllic landscapes. The weather and what side of the island is affected by they two monsoons will determine what is available to you.

And the food.

As Sri Lanka is an island and it has several ports, the food culture has been affected by many facets.
Invaded by the Portuguese, Dutch and the British has flavoured the dishes that are on offer.
The traders that came from different parts of the world also added spice to the recipes that are on the tables of homes and restaurants.

There is an array of curries and street food for you to savour which will change in the part of the island that you are located.

Why should I visit Sri Lanka in 2024?

Sri Lanka welcomed over 200,000 visitors in December 2024. 
In December 2023 it received just 91,000.

As tourist numbers increase, the tourist hot spots will become more crowded, and you will miss the opportunity to experience Sri Lanka before it gets too popular.

The government in Sri Lanka have grand plans for increasing tourist numbers further, so we would recommend that you plan your trip in 2024.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate in 2024 and explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

Sri Lanka among Top 5 Travel Destinations in 2024 Read More »

Noen Arch bridge

5 reasons to Visit Sri Lanka in 2024

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

We recommend that you visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

Get here soon before it gets too busy.

Tourist numbers are rising and are expected to continue.

We have met several guests at GlenMyu Estate saying that Sri Lanka is like Bali was twenty years ago.
Although there are parts of Bali that still have the historic charm of the culture, the landscape changed as it became a more popular tourist destination.

Approaching 15 years.

The civil war in Sri Lanka came to an end in May 2009 almost fifteen years ago. 

Already Sri Lanka has changed and the tourist numbers have risen from the 300,000-500,000 each year to 1.5 million in 2023.
The government target is 2.3 million for 2024.

Between 2016 and 2018 the tourist numbers exceeded 2 million annually, peaking at 2.3. million in 2018.

As the 2024 target has been achieved previously, then it can be reached again.

In August 2023, President Ranil Wickremesinghe issued a directive for the country to target attracting 5 million tourists per year.

As tourist numbers increase the country will change, so we recommend that you visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

There are lots of reason to visit Sri Lanka in 2024 apart from it getting too busy. 
The island pack a big punch for its’ size with an array of experiences for tourist to enjoy on their discovery of this paradise island.

Whether you want to dive into the culture, enjoy nature and animals or just top up the tan on the beach you can do these things and more on this paradise island..

Visiting historic cities like Anaradhapura or Pollunarawura, seeing religious sites such as The Temple of the Tooth of Dambulla Cave Temple are high on visitors lists.

Climbing the Lion Rock, Adams Peak and trekking around Horton Plains and up Mini Adams Peak are all on offer for tourists that want to hike

Waterfalls and train rides in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Enjoying the fresh water pools at Upper Diyaluma, Bambarakanda and Ravana Falls are enjoyed in the Sri Lankan Hill Country.

Experiencing a scenic train ride between Nanuoya and Ella or watching a train travel across Nine Arch Bridge are other hot items in the guest books.

Diving in deeper by experiencing local life at a homestay or seeing how tea is cultivated and processed are other things that visitors like to do.

And so much more.

At GlenMyu Estate we are amazed at what some guests have experienced prior to arriving for their stay with us. A hike in an area that we did not know about, volunteering a an elephant sanctuary, seeing a geyser down south and visiting a national park that we have not got around to visiting yet.

Usually we find that most guests go for similar experiences  on their first visit to the island ticking off the big ticket must see places. On their second or third visit they dive in a little further and explore less popular places and get more of an insight into the culture.

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024.

1. Visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall before it gets too busy.

The local councils started charging a minimal entrance fee to visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall in early 2023. Beforehand there was no cost to enter and no ticket booth.

Since the road to Diyaluma Waterfall from Beragala and Wellawaya has been improved (work still needs to be completed), it has become a popular place to visit.

A stunning pool at the top of Upper Diyaluma.

In November 2022, we visited Upper Diyaluma Waterfall with a German couple that were staying with us at GlenMyu Estate. 

We left after breakfast and there was no entry fee at the time.

Our guide took us to the top of the waterfall where there was a beautiful pool. We were alone as other tourists had not reached there yet. It was mesmerising and a special experience paddles through the water.

We enjoyed pool after pool as we descended Upper Diyaluma and more tourists and travellers started arriving. If we did not go early the tourists coming from Ella would have all been there with us from the start.

Other guests from GlenMyu Estate, who have visited Upper Diyaluma in recent months, have had a similar experience where for the first hour or so they have been one of the few people there.

As touristy numbers increase this opportunity will get less and less.

We would encourage you to visit Sri Lanka in 2024 before it gets too busy.

2. Be one of the first few who have hiked stages of the new Pekoe Trail.

The Pekoe Trail was opened in 2023 and is the newest hiking experience in Sri Lanka. 

As it is so new, you could be some of the first number of travellers to enjoy this new experience. 

GlenMyu Estate is located conveniently for stages 12, 13 and 14 of the Pekoe Trail. 

Some guests have hiked stage 13 of the Pekoe Trail from Haputale to St Catherine.
Another set of guests hiked from Haputale to Idalgashinna Railway station (part of Stage 12 of the Pekoe Trail Udaweriya to Haputale).

We were able to source a guide to accompany them on the trail and explain the plants and landscape that they were walking in. 

Walking through the tea gardens at Lipton's Seat

3. Visit the beaches of the East Coast from April to September.

The peak toast season in Sri Lanka is from December to March as the South and West coasts have the best weather.
Lots of European visitors escape to Sri Lanka to get some winter sunshine.

As there is sun in the Mediterranean during the summer months holidaying in Europe to get some sun is the popular thing to do.

However, the East Coast of Sri Lanka has the best weather between April to September and the beaches are fabulous. 

Since the Sri Lankan Civil War ended almost fifteen years ago there have been more hotels built on the East Coast.

The beaches at Pasikuda have beautiful golden sand and a shallow shelf which makes it safe to swim. 

We stayed at Maalu Maalu (Fish Fish) resort by the Thema Collection. 

If you like to soak up the sun, lie on a beautiful beach and swim in a warm sea we would recommend visiting the East coast of Sri Lanka. 

The tourist board are starting to promote Sri Lanka as an all year round destination. As the awareness is heightened the beaches will get busier.

So we would recommend that you visit the East coast beaches of Sri Lanka in 2024.

4. See Jaffna before it gets overdeveloped.

This is something that we plan to do in 2024!

Guests at GlenMyu Estate have recommended to visit Jaffna before it gets too built up and spoilt.

We are looking forward to seeing sights such as Jaffna Library, Dutch Fort, Delft Island, Jaffna Fort, Fort Hammenhiel and Casuarina Beach.

After our visit we will upload some photos and show you what to see before it gets too touristy.

5. If you want a train ticket you may get lucky in 2024.

One of the most popular sights in Sri Lanka is watching a train go over Nine Arch Bridge.

Lots of guests travel the six hour train journey from Kandy to Ella to experience “the most beautiful train journey in the world”.

Many tourist find it difficult to get a ticket with a seat. And you really need a seat for a six hour journey

As Sri Lanka’s tourist numbers increase, there will be additional pressure on seating on the trains for this journey.

Some of our recent guests at GlenMyu Estate have travelled between Demodara and Haputale by train. As the journey is only around an hour, it they did not get a seat, they could manage standing for the journey. 

5 reasons to visit Sri Lanka in 2024 - Summary

Visit Sri Lanka in 2024 before it gets too busy.

  1. Visit Upper Diyaluma Waterfall before it gets too busy.
  2. Be one of the first few who have hiked stages of the new Pekoe Trail.
  3. Visit the beaches of the East Coast from April to September.
  4. See Jaffna before it gets overdeveloped.
  5. If you want a train ticket you may get lucky in 2024.

Stay at GlenMyu Estate and visit the local sites in the Sri Lankan Hills.

A stay at GlenMyu Estate as you explore the Sri Lankan Hill Country and see sights like Horton Plains National Park is a unique experience.

We only have three bedrooms and you will need to book early during the peak holiday season.

The estate is usually within an hours drive of the major sightseeing locations such as Nine Arch Bridge, Ella Town, Upper Diyaluma Waterfall, Lipton’s Seat, Bambarakanda Waterfall and many more,

GlenMyu Estate is listed on Booking.com and Airbnb.
Contact us by the WhatsApp button on our website for direct booking rates.

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