📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
I had a couple of comments like this on some of my I had a couple of comments like this on some of my TikToks a few months back when I said I was going on a long trip without my BF. 

🧡One thing I’m super grateful for is my supportive boyfriend no matter how ludacris my ideas.

✈️He loves to travel and explore new places but it’s definitely not on the same scale as me! 

💻 He also doesn’t have a job that gives him the same freedoms as mine does 

🌎we were meant to be apart for 6 weeks but I told him I was extending by a week and it was absolutely fine 

❤️Despite the fact we miss each other he’ll always support my travels whether he can come with me or not.

🍉 If your partner doesn’t support or trust you are they really the one?
Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 📍@c Nothing compares to being by the sea 🌊 

📍@carrie.ahangama
🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night 🌊🐚Ultimate room views for just £22 a night @pelicanbayahangama  above the @pickledpelican restaurant where you can get very decent burgers🍔

📍Ahangama, Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
A little insta VS reality. Exploring days look v A little insta VS reality. 

Exploring days look very different from travel days. And you best believe I spend 99% of my days in my frizzy bun 😅

Anyone else like this?
📍Udawalawe National Park Can never have to muc 📍Udawalawe National Park

Can never have to much elephant content right? ✌🏽🍃🐘
Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cu Coming to terms with the fact I’ll never be a cute insta girl 😂✌🏽

FYI the train was stationary in the second pic of me 😂

Also think I need to say that the first few pics are not mine… but I think that’s pretty obvious right? ©️
🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are call 🏄🏽‍♀️Sri Lanka’s Surf Towns are calling… are you going to answer? 🏄🏽‍♀️

🌊Whilst I didn’t get to surf in Sri Lanka due to a broken toe, I absolutely love watching surfers as a pastime. I think it’s such a cool and impressive sport.🌊

🏄🏼Here are the best places to surf (or surf watch👀)

South Coast (November to April) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Hiriketiya 
🏄🏽‍♀️Matara
🏄🏽‍♀️Ahangama 
🏄🏽‍♀️Midigama
🏄🏽‍♀️Thalpe
🏄🏽‍♀️Mirissa 
🏄🏽‍♀️Hikkadawa
🏄🏽‍♀️Unwatuna 

There are also some smaller beach towns in between the above 

East Coast (May-October) 

🏄🏽‍♀️Arugam Bay 
🏄🏽‍♀️Pottuvil Point 
🏄🏽‍♀️Panama 

Do you fancy trying the surf in Sri Lanka?
🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂The most beautiful train ride the in the world 🚂🍃

🇱🇰🚂Tips for the Ella-Kandy/Kandy-Ella train ride in Sri Lanka 

🎟️First Class Ticket = 3000lkr (£7.90)
🎟️2nd Class Ticket = 900lkr (£2.40)

🚂You can buy your tickets from the station the night before but the pre book shuts at a certain time, however you don’t need to worry you can easily buy or tickets on the day just make sure to come at least 30 mins before departure 

🚂I would highly recommend booking 2nd class over 1st 

🚂In 1st the doors should open but all the windows will be shut 

🚂In 2nd the windows will be open and the doors will be shut HOWEVER all you need to do is politely ask the ticket collector and they should open these up for you. (We had such a nice guy on our train who was opening up all the doors for us). 

🚂2nd is WAYYY more fun you can hang your head out the window, everyone is super friendly and you end up getting chatting with all the other passengers on the train. I don’t think we sat down once on this train because of all the socialising 

📸PS A lot of my pics turned out blurry because of how much this train moves. I honestly don’t know how some people have the guts to hang right out of it whilst its moving
🔉Sound On 🔉 The only time is Brits can trus 🔉Sound On 🔉

The only time is Brits can trust the governments advice 😅😅
This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I head This was my last sunset in Sri Lanka before I headed to the airport and what a nice little goodbye it was 🧡🍑🍊🦁🌅🌇 @lighthouse_ahangama
🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰 🍃Sri Lan 🐘Sri Lankan Safari’s🐘🇱🇰

🍃Sri Lanka has a number of national parks where you can go on a safari experience🍃

Some of these include

🐊Yala National Park (This is the most popular NP in Sri Lanka for Safari) 
🐊Udawalawe National Park
🐊Minneriya National Park
🐊Wilpattu National Park
🐊Wasgamuwa National Park
🐊Gal Oya National Park
🐊Kumana National Park
🐊Bundala National Park

🐆🧸On the Safari you can expect to see elephants, peacocks, water buffalos, crocodiles and if you are really lucky; leopards and sloth bears!🦚🐘

🚗🍃I have been to both Yala National Park (back in 2016) and Udawalawe (this year). I’d say I much preferred the Udawalawe Safari.

🐆WHY DID I PREFER UDAWALAWE?🐘

🐾It felt more natural 🍃

🟢In Yala the drivers would walkie-talkie each other then there would be a rush of all these jeeps trying to crowd around an animal. My experience in Udawalawe wasn’t like that at all. The only time the drivers would communicate is if they passed each other on a track. 

🧘🏽‍♀️It was a lot quieter in Udawalawe 🤫

 🟢This might have been to do with the time of day (we set off at 6 am) but most of it felt like we had the whole park to ourselves. At one point we were at a huge lake with water buffaloes, two elephants and crocodiles and we were the only jeep there. It was Magical. 

TIPS/RECOMMENDATIONS 💁🏽‍♀️

🦎I would really recommend booking a Stay at Lizard Safari Point in Udawalawe. The rooms are just £15 a night and we booked the tour directly through them and it was the best experience. 

🦎The tour cost about £35-£40 which included 4 hours of safari and entrance to the park. 

🌅Wherever you choose to do your safari make sure you go early morning! 

☔️Also, avoid booking on days when it’s going to rain as apparently the animals will hide!
The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are fo The 20’s where for budgets and the 30’s are for Boujee’s ✌🏽

I occasionally will try and share budget tips on here but just know I’m bad at it 😅 the important thing is trying though right?
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
🌊🏄🏽‍♀️Welcome To Hiriketiya 🏄🏽‍♀️🌊

🌴🇱🇰 Hiriketiya is a small beach town located in Southern Sri Lanka and I fell in love as soon as I stepped on the beach

🎥✌🏽(fun fact: I saw a reel about Hiriketiya on Instagram back in January and instantly knew I had to visit. Sometimes you have to take Insta with a pinch of salt but for some reason, I just knew this would be the place for me and I wasn’t wrong) 

☀️Best things to do in Hiriketya ☀️

Do 

🏄🏽‍♀️Surf Lessons 
🌊Have a chilled day @laplaya.hiriketiya
Swim with Turtles at Batheegama Beach (6 mins drive away)
🤫Visit Silent Beach (20 mins drive away) 
🏖️Visit Dickwella Beach (15 mins walk away) 
🧘🏽‍♀️Do some Yoga @saltypelican 

Eat & Drink 

🧄Garlic Cafe - For the best local food (I think we ate here 10 times in total 😂)
🌊@Mond.Hiriketiya - For good coffee with incredible views 
🇱🇰Dunni’s - To try traditional Sri Lankan Hoppers 
⚪️@Dotsbayhouse - Nice food and a social atmosphere 
🎶@laplaya.hiriketiya - For delish pizza, nice wine and amazing music
🐟Hiriketiya Seafood Restaurant - For a V cheap and nice rice and curry buffet 
🍣@Malupoke_SL - Build your own poke bowls and so so good 
☕️@bahia.srilanka - For good coffee and brunch food 
🚬@smoke.bitters -  Voted one of Sri Lanka’s best restaurants. The food is smoky and the cocktails are bitter… But the prices are very London

Play 

🎸@Dotsbayhouse on a Tuesday and Saturday night 
🕺🏽Zing Bar on a Friday night 

Co-work 
👩🏽‍💻@Verse_collective
🧑‍💻@clicscoliving
👨🏼‍💻@Dotsbayhouse

👩🏽‍🦱All great coworking spots - My personal fave was @clicscoliving just because it was super chilled and had no distractions 

✌🏽😎Hiriketiya is one of those super chilled places where you never want to leave We loved in so much we came back twice. Have I convinced you to visit Hiriketiya? 🌊🌴🏄🏽‍♀️
Instagram post 17972116637147209 Instagram post 17972116637147209
🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰 7 years aft 🇱🇰 Postcards Sri Lanka 🇱🇰

7 years after my first visit and Sri Lanka still remains one of my favourite places. The beautiful landscapes, nature, wildlife and the people make it one magical Island 🇱🇰🌴

I can’t wait to share with you all my Sri Lanka recommendations but for today here are a collection of my favourite shots 📸
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Adventure around a 9-5

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Hiking, Road Trips, UK · January 10, 2022

The best things to do on the Isle of Harris and Lewis

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If you thought that visiting a magical faraway land was something only for the storybooks, I’m here to tell you that you’re wrong! Because the Isle of Harris and Lewis located in the Outer Hebrides in Scotland can be described as just that. The island is home to breathtaking landscapes, white sandy beaches, diverse wildlife, as well as a unique culture and lifestyle that is different to anything you might find on the mainland. 

If you want to escape crowds of people, truly immerse yourself in nature (and you don’t mind the odd storm) then the Isle of Harris and Lewis is the place for you to come. 

Although it might sound like the Isle of Harris and Lewis are two separate places, they infact one big island that has been separated into two sections; Harris (in the south and Lewis (in the north). The island makes up the biggest of those in the Outer Hebrides and could be said to be one of the most beautiful. 

The isle of Harris and Lewis is an awe-inspiring place, with natural beauty that will leave your jaw-dropping time and time again. So, if want to know all about this majestic place and the best things to do here, then read on below.

Calanais Standing Stones

How to get to the Isle of Harris and Lewis

There are two ways of getting to the Isle of Harris and Lewis; Ferry or flight. 

Ferry: 

The ferries are operated by Caledonian MacBrayne (Calmac) ferries and return tickets start at as little as £13 if you are travelling without a vehicle. The price can jump up significantly, to around £75 and over if you are travelling with a vehicle, so this is something to bear in mind. Ensure that you book the ferries in advance and journeys tend to sell out quite quickly. 

There are 3 main ferry ports located on the Isle of Harris and Lewis. Stornoway Port, which can be found in Lewis and Leverburgh and Tarbert which can be found in Harris. What port you come into will be dependent on where on the mainland, or other islands you are travelling from so be sure to check out the Calmac website to find out the best route for your trip. 

Flight: 

There is only one airport on the island, Stornoway Airport, which is located in Lewis. For the quickest/direct flights you should fly from Glasgow Airport. Please note that flights to Stornoway are not cheap. You could probably fly to somewhere hot in Europe for half the price, so catching the ferry is the most economical option.

How to get around the Isle of Harris and Lewis

The best way to get around the Isle of Harris and Lewis is by car. I would strongly recommend coming over on the ferry either with your own car, or one you have rented from the mainland. However, if that isn’t an option for you then there are a couple of car rental shops that can be found in Stornoway: 

  • Stornoway car hire 
  • Car Hire Hebrides 

If renting a car isn’t for you, then there are some bus routes which you can use to take you around the island. The Harris bus routes can be found here and the Lewis bus routes can be found here. 

Prefer something a little easier than navigating the bus timetables? Then you can use the Islands taxi service, which also offers Island tours. 

NOTE: If you are coming in the off-season (Late October/November to April) you might find that some of the hotels, restaurants and places to visit mentioned below are either shut or operating at a reduced service.

Where to stay on the isle of Harris and Lewis

You will find that there are few hotels on the island and that most of the accommodation is privately hosted apartments and cottages. I have suggested a few of the popular places to stay below, but If you are after something a little more personal, I would highly recommend heading over to Airbnb to find some unique accommodation on the island.

  • Harris Hotel 
  • Sandwick Bay Guesthouse
  • The Royal Hotel 
  • Hotel Hebrides
  • Uig Lodge

Best places to eat on the Isle of Harris and Lewis

  • Harris Hotel, Tarbert
  • The Boatshed, Stornoway 
  • HS-1 Cafe, Stornoway 
  • Temple Cafe, Northton Beach
  • Sams Seafood Shack, Rodel
  • The Anchorage Restaurant, Leverburgh 
  • Flavour, Tarbert
Temple Cafe, Isle of Harris


Best things to do on the Isle of Harris and Lewis

Visit the stunning beaches of Harris

It’s hard to believe that Scotland of all places would have beaches that resemble something you might find in the Whitsundays or the Carribean, but the Isle of Harris and Lewis has exactly that; Clear Turquoise seas and bright white sands. Of course, you would have to catch these on a clear sunny day to view them in their full glory (which can be somewhat of a tall ask from Scottish weather) but they are beautiful nonetheless, rain or shine. 

The best beaches to visit on Harris are: 

  • Luskentyre Beach
  • Seilebost beach
  • Northton
  • Scarista 
  • Borve 
  • Horgabost
Luskentyre Beach, Isle of Harris

Isle of Harris Gin

Take a visit to the Isle of Harris gin distillery located in Tarbert. Learn how the gin is made and pick up a bottle for yourself.

Seal spotting at Finsbay

Head to Finsbay to look out for the common seal. There can be up to 20 seals at any one time in this area, either relaxing onshore or popping their heads up and down in the water. 

Please note there are no designated parking spaces here but feel free to park in a safe spot close to the road.

Finsbay, Isle of Harris

Visit the stunning beaches of the Isle of Lewis

Again, much like the beaches, you will find on Harris, Lewis has many incredible beaches to offer. 

The best beaches to visit on Lewis are: 

  • Traigh Mhor
  • Tolsta 
  • Dalmore
  • Shawbost
  • Ardroil
  • Dalbeg
Shawbost Beach, Isle of Lewis

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle

Amhuinnsuidhe Castle is an incredible 19th Century estate set against a backdrop of rugged hills, looking out over calm waters. You can even find the Abhainn Mhor waterfall located close to the grounds. 

And, if you fancy treating yourself you can also stay here for the small price of £380 per night ;).

Mangersta Sea Stacks

The Mangersta sea stacks are a set of incredible rock formations that poke out of the rough sea of the Hebrides. You could say they are the Isle of Harris and Lewis’ answer to Australia’s 12 Apostles along the Great Ocean Road.

Gearranannan Blackhouse Village

Gearranannan Blackhouse Village is a coastal crofting village located on the west coast of Lewis that was built in the 1800s. The original inhabitants of the village left in the 1970s and from the late ’80s the local community restored the cottages using traditional methods. Today the cottages are available for self-catering accommodation.

From the village, you can take the waymarked walk to the stunning Dalmore and Dalbeg beaches.

Gearranannan Blackhouse Village

Calanais Standing Stones

Placed here over 5,000 years ago (making them older than Stonehenge), the Calanais Standing Stones are an impressive set of cross-shaped stones. For over 2000 years they were an important place for rituals. Although no one officially knows why the stones are there, people believe that it is an astronomical observatory.

If they look somewhat familiar to you, there were featured on “call the midwife” and also inspired some of the settings of Disney animation “Brave”.

Calanais Standing Stones

Butt of Lewis Lighthouse

The Butt of Lewis Lighthouse was engineered by David Stevenson in 1862 to assist shipping in the 1860s. The lighthouse is unusual in nature as it is unpainted and is made from red brick. The lighthouse makes for some impressive photography as it is set against a dramatic clifftop. Even more interestingly, the cliff on which the lighthouse sits features some of the oldest rocks in Europe.

Stornoway Harbour

Stornoway is the capital of the Isle of Harris and Lewis and a quaint little town to visit. Walk along the harbour, visit some of the local shops and grab a bit to eat at The Royal Hotel.

Stornoway Harbour

There is so much to do and see on the Isle of Harris and Lewis. What takes your fancy?

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I'm Christina a part-time traveller who is exploring the world around my 9-5. From canyons to coasts, I love all kinds of adventures. I've created this space to provide you with all the travel inspiration and my top tips for seeing more of the world in less time.

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📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands 📍Pink Beach, Komodo Islands
🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray 🐕Unfortunately, there are over 3 million stray dogs in Sri Lanka. 

🇱🇰This is because owning a dog in Sri Lanka is not the norm thanks to economic issues 

🐶Pretty much all the dogs I encountered over there were sweet, calm and just after a bit of attention (and food). Although rabies in Sri Lanka is on the rise. 

😇Also from what I saw it seemed as though the strays were treated quite well (although I know this is not always the case). 

📖If your interested in learning more, or want to support the cause then give these following charities a follow @wecare_srilanka @animal_sos_srilanka @themightyroarproject

Are you a doggo lover?
Tattoo Story time📖 Basically this was my fault Tattoo Story time📖

Basically this was my fault as I had a little twitch and I moved ever so slightly which is when he said “oh no”. I asked my friend to film some tattoo videos and she caught this gem on camera 😂

The tattoo turned out absolutely fab though and I loveeee it 🐘❤️

Does anyone have any tattoo tales? 

PS when I moved my neck here the needle was very much off me 💉
👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here b 👩🏽‍🦱Rarely post my TT content on here but this video seemed to create some conversation so I thought I would share ✌🏽

Also just want to caveat that I personally don’t think this is unconventional at all, hence why in my voiceover I say “what some people might call” … to confirm some people is not me 😂
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