Top Off-the-Beaten-Path Destinations to Visit in 2025
Why Sri Lanka is the Ultimate Offbeat Destination
Traveling off the beaten path is like opening a mystery box you never know what you’ll find. My 20-day adventure in Sri Lanka was exactly that. From running away from elephants to surviving chaotic bus rides, this trip taught me patience, resilience, and the importance of finding humor in unexpected situations. If you’re looking for a destination in 2025 that will challenge and delight you, Sri Lanka is it.
Here’s how my journey unfolded, with all the chaos, charm, and comedy included.
Negombo: Fish Markets and Dutch Canals
My Sri Lankan adventure kicked off in Negombo, where I dove headfirst into local life. The fish market was an explosion of sights and smells imagine the scent of freshly caught fish mixed with the sea breeze and a hint of spice from street food stalls.
I wandered along the Dutch Canal, watching locals go about their day, and took a serene lagoon tour that felt like stepping into a postcard. It was the perfect introduction to the country: bustling, beautiful, and unapologetically real.
Sigiriya: Hiking, Elephants, and Adrenaline
Getting to Sigiriya was an adventure in itself. Picture me bouncing on a rickety local bus, sandwiched between friendly strangers and their oversized luggage. After hopping off in Kurunegala and Dambulla, I finally made it to Sigiriya via a tuktuk, and the journey was worth every bumpy mile.
Hiking Sigiriya Rock felt like climbing a stairway to heaven if heaven came with ancient frescoes and breathtaking jungle views. But the real adventure began when I encountered a wild elephant on the way back. Let me tell you, running for your life through the jungle gives a whole new meaning to cardio workout.
Kandy: Culture and Calm
From Sigiriya, I made my way to Kandy, where the vibe was more serene. Kandy Lake was a peaceful oasis, perfect for catching my breath after all that elephant-induced cardio.
That evening, I attended a Sri Lankan cultural dance show, which was a whirlwind of vibrant costumes, hypnotic drumming, and moves I couldn’t even dream of replicating. The following day, I visited the Temple of the Tooth Relic, where I marveled at the spiritual energy and rich history. It was a humbling reminder of the deep traditions that make this country so special.
Ella: Trains, Swings, and Getting Lost
The train ride from Kandy to Ella is the stuff of travel legends, and it delivered. I spent most of the journey hanging out of the door, letting the wind whip through my hair as we passed tea plantations and misty hills. It’s not just a train ride it’s a moving meditation.
Ella itself was a playground for adventurers. I got hopelessly lost trying to find the Nine Arches Bridge, but stumbling through lush greenery and asking for directions in my broken Sinhala made finally spotting it even sweeter. I also went zip-lining at Flying Ravana, which was equal parts terrifying and exhilarating, and had a hilarious photoshoot at the famous Ella Swing. If you’ve ever wanted to feel like Tarzan, this is your place.
Arugam Bay: Surf, Sun, and Parties
From Ella, I took a tuktuk to Arugam Bay, where the beach vibes were unmatched. The days were spent lounging on golden sands, and the nights were a blur of beach parties and bonfires.
I reconnected with an old friend and her partner here, and we shared endless laughs over coconut drinks and local delicacies. The ride back to Ella was a chaotic mix of crowded buses and winding roads, but hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?
Unawatuna and Galle: Beaches and History
After a grueling six-hour bus ride to Unawatuna, I arrived exhausted but thrilled. The beaches here were pristine, and the vibe was laid-back exactly what I needed after the hustle of the past few days.
Fun fact: Unawatuna is affectionately called Little Russia because of its popularity with Russian tourists. I even picked up a few Russian phrases from fellow travelers. From here, I took a day trip to Galle, where I wandered through charming streets lined with colonial architecture. It was like stepping back in time, with a tropical twist.
Would I Go Back? What Would I Do Differently?
In a previous article, I stated that I wouldn’t visit Sri Lanka again, and reading this piece, I know it might seem like I’ve had a change of heart. But the truth is, my experience wasn’t all sunsets, train rides, and breathtaking landscapes. Beneath the beauty, I had a pretty rough time constantly trying to find the spark, giving each town a chance to prove me wrong. Some places came close, but overall, my interactions with many locals left me disheartened.
As a dark-skinned African woman from Kenya, I expected a warm welcome in a country where I saw many people with a similar complexion. Instead, I encountered malicious, vindictive, and outright hateful attitudes that I later learned were rooted in racial bias. It was confusing, frustrating, and at times, deeply unsettling. The men, in particular, were ill-mannered, uncomfortably touchy, aggressive, and completely lacking in boundaries. What should have been simple conversations or transactions often turned into uncomfortable or even hostile situations.
So, would I go back? Not willingly. If I ever returned, it would be with a completely different approach staying in select places, avoiding certain interactions, and ensuring I had a stronger support system. But honestly, there are too many other places in the world where I feel safe, valued, and respected. I’d rather spend my time exploring those.
Sri Lanka isn’t just a place it’s an experience. If you’re ready for a travel adventure in 2025 that will challenge, excite, and inspire you, Sri Lanka is calling. Trust me, you’ll come back with stories that will make your friends laugh, gasp, and maybe even envy your bravery.