By Pallavi Verma 
July marked the beginning of an unforgettable adventure—my first international trip to Sri Lanka. Although I had previously crossed borders by road into Nepal, this was my first time flying to another country, and the excitement was palpable as I landed at Colombo’s Bandaranaike International Airport. The moment I stepped off the plane, I was greeted by a vast blue sky and a sense of calm that contrasted sharply with the usual hustle and bustle of a major city. The airport, located some distance from the city center, was surprisingly peaceful, giving me the perfect first impression of Sri Lanka.
The Humid Welcome and a Serendipitous Walk
As I exited the airport, the weather struck me immediately—it was humid, but a gentle breeze was blowing, offering some relief. The first order of business was to exchange my Indian Rupees for Sri Lankan currency, and once that was done, I decided to take a walk to experience the roads and scenery firsthand. Instead of hopping into a cab or a tuk-tuk, I opted to walk about 5 kilometers to Katunayake. I must admit, I hadn’t thoroughly checked the map and missed that the nearest railway station was actually South Katunayake, but the walk was an adventure in itself.
The roads were quiet, lined with lush greenery, and as I passed by, I noticed street vendors selling various foods like rice and curry, noodles, and other local delicacies. At the time, I wasn’t familiar with these dishes and, given the heat, I chose not to eat just yet. My goal was to reach the railway station, so I pushed on, eventually arriving at Katunayake Railway Station.
An Unexpected Encounter at the Station
The station was serene and beautifully maintained, surrounded by trees and local vegetation. By this time, the heat and humidity had made me quite thirsty, but I hadn’t bought a water bottle. Instead, I spotted a tap and decided to quench my thirst with the tap water. To my surprise, a local man at the station noticed this and handed me an empty bottle, suggesting that I fill it with the tap water. Although I couldn’t understand Sinhala—the local language—we managed to communicate through gestures and expressions, which was both fascinating and heartwarming. We even took some photos together before my train arrived at 3:30 PM.
The Train Ride to Kattuwa: A Scenic Journey
Boarding the train was a delightful experience. It was a local train, comfortable and airy, with plenty of seats available as passengers got on and off at various stations. The journey itself was captivating, with the train passing by quaint old houses shaded by coconut and banana trees, and the sight of small towns filled with local life. The train chugged along, offering breathtaking views that made me fall in love with Sri Lanka right from the start.
However, as the announcements were made in Sinhala, I mistakenly got off at Negombo instead of Kattuwa Railway Station. It wasn’t until I asked the ticket collector that I realized my mistake—the station I needed was the next one. With the next train arriving in an hour, I decided to explore Negombo a bit.
Discovering Negombo: A Quick Culinary Stop
Negombo Railway Station was buzzing with local life, and just outside, I found an eatery called Perera & Sons (P&S), a popular local chain. Despite the limited vegetarian options available, I was fortunate enough to snag the last remaining vegetable patty. It was delicious—crispy on the outside with a flavorful filling inside. My fellow travelers tried fish and egg rotti, accompanied by cold coffee. After the snack, I explored the nearby shops and bought a water bottle and a local soft drink called EGB (Elephant House Ginger Beer). The drink, made with naturally flavorful ginger, was crisp and zesty, but not quite to my taste—though it’s evidently a local favorite, especially with snacks.
Soon enough, the train arrived, and I was back on track, heading towards Kattuwa Railway Station.
Arriving in Kattuwa: A Walk Through Nature to Saayoo Resort
When the train finally arrived at Kattuwa, I was greeted by a scene straight out of a postcard: the station was enveloped in greenery, with coconut and banana plants everywhere. The air was fresh, and the landscape was dotted with local fruit and vegetable gardens.
Following the advice of my offline Google Maps, I set out on foot again, aiming to reach my accommodation—Saayoo Resort—about 800 meters from the station. While the walk turned out to be a bit longer than anticipated due to the circuitous route provided by the map, it was an enjoyable stroll through the countryside. The resort was tucked away in a secluded area, surrounded by trees and nature.
Welcome to Saayoo Resort: A Perfect End to the Day
As I entered Saayoo Resort, I was warmly welcomed with a refreshing juice—a perfect antidote to the humid weather. The sun was beginning to set, casting a golden glow over the property, which featured a swimming pool at the center, surrounded by lush greenery. After completing the check-in formalities, the staff showed me to my room—a beautifully furnished space with air conditioning and an open balcony overlooking the pool. Each room at the resort faced the pool, offering a serene view of the surrounding gardens, filled with fruit trees, flowers, and vegetables.
After a quick change, I couldn’t resist diving into the pool, spending the next hour enjoying the cool water and unwinding after a day of travel. The resort staff were incredibly polite and attentive, adding to the overall positive experience.
Dinner and a Rainy Night
As it was our first night, and unsure of the cost of dining at the resort, we opted to order food online. Given the proximity to the city, we had several options available. As a vegetarian, I ordered dosa and sambar, which turned out to be fantastic. My non-vegetarian companions found their meal decent, though not outstanding. Just as we finished dinner, a gentle rain began to fall—a perfect ending to a day full of firsts. With the sound of rain outside, I drifted off to sleep, reflecting on the beauty and warmth of Sri Lanka.
Final Thoughts
My first day in Sri Lanka was a memorable blend of new experiences, kind encounters, and beautiful landscapes. From navigating a foreign country for the first time to discovering local foods and drinks, it was a day filled with adventure and learning. The journey from Bandaranaike International Airport to Saayoo Resort set the tone for the rest of my trip—one that would be full of exploration, cultural immersion, and unforgettable moments.