From Fireworks to Tuk-Tuk Licences: Our First Days in Sri Lanka
- Donna Kitchen
- 2 days ago
- 5 min read
Sri Lanka had been on our bucket list for years, but nothing could have prepared us for our first few days on this vibrant island. From the moment we arrived, we were immersed in a world of colourful celebrations, friendly locals, unexpected roadside encounters and the challenge of learning to drive a tuk-tuk. In true Not So Grey Travellers style, we embraced every moment, even when things didn't quite go to plan!
After doing some research, we discovered that December and January are among the best months to explore southern Sri Lanka. The south-west monsoon brings heavy rain to the region between May and September, while the dry season runs from December to March, delivering warm temperatures, blue skies and ideal conditions for beaches, wildlife and road trips. As we were planning to leave in January, the timing couldn't have been more perfect for exploring Sri Lanka's stunning south coast by tuk-tuk. Well, that's what we thought!
Arriving in Sri Lanka
Our first impressions were immediate – bustling streets, warm smiles and an energy that felt completely different from anywhere we'd travelled before. The island had an unmistakable charm, blending chaos and calm in equal measure.
Taking on the Tuk-Tuk Challenge
One of the biggest highlights of our trip was obtaining our Sri Lankan tuk-tuk licence and collecting our trusty three-wheeled transport for the month ahead.
We were excited… and slightly nervous!
Driving a tuk-tuk isn't quite as easy as it looks. Between learning the gears and navigating Sri Lanka's lively roads, it was certainly a memorable introduction to the country. Having ridden motorbikes in other asian countries before, we applied the same 'rules' to driving on the Sri Lankan roads. No fast movements, indicate and keep left if going slow.
New Year Celebrations and Fireworks
We were lucky enough to arrive during the lead-up to Sri Lankan New Year celebrations. Fireworks lit up the night sky, communities gathered together and there was a wonderful sense of celebration in the air.
Experiencing local traditions is one of our favourite parts of travel, and this was the perfect welcome to Sri Lanka.
Life on the Roads
If there's one thing you quickly learn about Sri Lanka, it's to expect the unexpected.
Goats, dogs and even wild elephants can suddenly appear beside the road. Every drive became an adventure, and we were constantly stopping to take photos and soak it all in.
A Surprising Expression of Christmas and Faith
Coming from Australia, we were genuinely surprised by the strong presence of Catholicism throughout Sri Lanka. We hadn't expected to see so many churches, particularly in the western and north-western regions, nor the beautiful and elaborate Christmas nativity displays that seemed to appear in town after town.
Many churches were decorated with colourful lights and intricately designed nativity scenes that reflected a deep sense of faith and community pride. Christmas wasn't just a holiday here; it felt like a public celebration, openly embraced and woven into everyday life.
It was another reminder that travel continually challenges our assumptions. Sri Lanka revealed layers of culture and history that we simply hadn't anticipated, and discovering these unexpected aspects of the country became some of our favourite memories.
An Unforgettable Safari at Wilpattu National Park
One of the highlights of our first week in Sri Lanka was our safari in Wilpattu National Park. As we bumped along the dusty tracks before sunset, our biggest hope was to spot the elusive leopard. We knew sightings were never guaranteed, which somehow made the experience even more exciting.
Then came the moment we'd been dreaming of – a leopard, perfectly camouflaged amongst the forest. Seeing such a magnificent animal in its natural habitat was genuinely thrilling and one of those travel moments we'll never forget. But the safari wasn't just about the leopard.
We also encountered deer, colourful birdlife and, to our delight, wild elephants grazing peacefully by the roadside on our drive afterwards.
Sri Lanka's wildlife felt raw, authentic and wonderfully untamed.
Our First Wildlife Encounters
Seeing elephants grazing on the roadside was one of those "pinch me" moments. There is something incredibly special about witnessing these magnificent animals in their natural environment.
It's moments like these that remind us why we love slow travel.
The Extraordinary Hospitality of the Sri Lankan People
If there's one thing that stood out more than the landscapes and wildlife, it was the incredible kindness of the Sri Lankan people. Everywhere we went, we were welcomed with warm smiles, friendly waves and genuine curiosity about where we had come from.
Time and again, people went out of their way to help us – whether it was offering directions, sharing stories or simply stopping for a chat. At our accommodation near Wilpattu, our hosts even surprised Kevin with a birthday cake, despite having only known us for a short time. It was such an unexpected and thoughtful gesture that perfectly summed up the generosity and hospitality we experienced throughout the country.
As travellers, we often remember places for their scenery, but we remember countries for their people. Sri Lanka's warmth and kindness left an impression on us from the very beginning.
First Impressions of Sri Lanka
What struck us most was the warmth of the people. Everywhere we went, locals greeted us with smiles and curiosity. We felt welcomed from the very beginning.
Sri Lanka was already proving to be a destination full of surprises, and we knew our adventure was only just beginning.
Part 1 of our Sri Lankan adventure was all about first impressions, stepping outside our comfort zones and embracing the unexpected. From learning to drive a tuk-tuk to witnessing incredible wildlife and colourful celebrations, Sri Lanka had already captured our hearts.
Watch the full video below and join us as our month-long Sri Lankan adventure begins. And if you enjoy slow travel, authentic experiences and a few mishaps along the way, don't forget to subscribe to Not So Grey Travellers because there is so much more to come from this incredible island.
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