Jungle wraps ancient stone. Sigiriya’s lion rock rises steep from the green, frescoes and fortress walls clinging to its face.

Further south, the island slows. Palm-fringed beaches, fishermen balancing on stilts, the scent of salt and curry leaves in the air. Galle’s fort walls hold back the sea, while surfers chase waves in hidden bays. It feels like India’s quieter sibling, sharing the spices, the colors, the warmth, but moving softer, slower, a little more still.

And yes, Sri Lanka has seen turbulent times – protests, shortages, political unrest. But the island breathes easy again. Markets bustle, trains rattle through tea hills, the rhythm returns. It's starting to feel like a mini-Bali, with beach cafes and yoga mats, but the heart stays raw and real.

Now is the time to visit. Before the world catches on.