Exploring the Underrated Gems of Sri Lanka for the Curious
Traveler
Frontpage Journal | Travel Insights
Sri Lanka’s beaches have long drawn global attention, from the surf breaks of Arugam Bay to the palm-fringed shores of Unawatuna. But beyond the coastline lies a world rarely seen by the average tourist, raw, untouched, and deeply compelling. For solo travelers and small groups who crave something more than sun and sea, Sri Lanka offers a wealth of underrated destinations that reward curiosity with authenticity. Places like Ritigala, Meemure, and Delft Island are not just quiet escapes, they are windows into a different rhythm of life and landscape.
Ritigala, nestled deep within the North Central Province, is a site of ancient mysticism and monastic history. Hidden within dense forest at the edge of the dry zone, this forested mountain range was once home to a forest-dwelling Buddhist order known for its strict ascetic practices. The ruins of meditation platforms, stone-paved paths, and monastic dwellings remain, shrouded in silence and moss. Getting there requires a short drive from Habarana or Anuradhapura, followed by a peaceful walk through jungle terrain. While there are no crowds or flashy signage, a local guide can enhance the experience by bringing ancient stories to life. For solo travelers, it’s a meditative detour. For small groups, it’s an opportunity to walk together in silence and shared wonder.
Tucked away in the Knuckles Mountain Range, the village of Meemure is often spoken of with a sense of reverence by those who’ve made the journey. Accessible by a rugged, narrow road from Kandy or Corbett’s Gap, Meemure offers no mobile signal and little trace of the modern world. What it does offer is pure nature, mountains, waterfalls, and starlit skies untouched by light pollution. It’s a place where travelers can immerse themselves in village life, swim in natural pools, and hike ancient forest trails. Homestays provide basic but warm hospitality, and local guides are essential for safe trekking in the remote terrain. For groups, it’s a chance to reconnect without distraction. For solo travelers, Meemure is a retreat that clears the mind with every breath.
Far off the northern coast, Delft Island tells a different story altogether. Unlike the verdant landscapes of the central hills, Delft is arid, windswept, and dotted with remnants of Dutch and Portuguese colonial history. Wild ponies roam freely across the island, and the coastline is carved by coral stones rather than sand. Reaching Delft involves taking a ferry from Kurikadduwan Jetty in Jaffna, a journey that is part of the adventure itself. It’s a place suited for the historically curious and the romantically inclined, offering quiet roads for cycling, ancient ruins to wander through, and the hum of a lifestyle unhurried by modernity. Basic guesthouses are available, and exploring is best done on foot or by rented tuk-tuk.
Each of these destinations offers something that mass-market tourism does not, space for reflection, genuine encounters, and landscapes that feel alive with story. The challenge lies in getting there, and that’s part of what makes them special. Roads may be narrow, schedules may be loose, and amenities might be limited. But for those willing to go a little further, Sri Lanka rewards the effort with moments that stay long after the trip ends.
Traveling off the beaten path in Sri Lanka doesn’t require bravery so much as curiosity. For the solo traveler, it’s a chance to find one’s own rhythm. For small groups, it’s the opportunity to share discovery in places where silence speaks more than crowds. In these quiet corners of the island, far from the waves and resort towns, the real soul of Sri Lanka begins to reveal itself.
