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August 12, 2025 25 mins

Episode 11: Sri Lanka Adventures with Patsy Tranter

In this episode, I chat with Patsy Tranter about our amazing group trip to Sri Lanka in January. We share our experiences exploring this incredible island nation and why it's a must-visit destination.

What I Discuss

Our Sri Lankan adventure highlights including visits to Sigiriya Rock Fortress, ancient temples, tea plantations, and stunning beaches. We discuss the group tour experience and our unforgettable visit to the world-famous Smoke & Bitters bar in Hiriketiya.

Practical Bits:

  • Best time to visit
  • What to pack
  • How to get to Sri Lanka
  • Things we wish we knew before visiting

Local Insights:

  • Must-try Sri Lankan cuisine 
  • Cave temples
  • Wildlife safari opportunities
  • Village experiences
  • Our experience at Smoke & Bitters - ranked No. 14 on Asia's 50 Best Bars 2025

Key Takeaways

Sri Lanka offers incredible diversity in a compact area - from ancient culture to pristine nature. The friendly locals and rich heritage make it perfect for group travel, and spots like Smoke & Bitters show how the country is gaining international recognition.

Useful Apps/Websites:

Next Week I'll be chatting with Gerrit Vandeberg from Hidden Holland to chat  about Amsterdam, where he runs personalise tours, so you get the best out of your time in the Netherlands. 

Are you an expat with a favourite holiday destination you're passionate about? Drop me a line at podcast@trulyexpat.com- I'd love to hear your story!

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