Sri Lanka – Travel Guide
Sri Lanka is a land of natural beauty, cultural vibrance, and rich history. From its stunning beaches to its lush jungles and ancient temples, Sri Lanka offers something for everyone. Experience the beauty of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, or visit the ancient city of Anuradhapura, known for its ancient monuments and stupas. If you’re a nature lover, explore the Yala National Park, home to a variety of wild animals. And if you’re a foodie, Sri Lanka has you covered with its diverse cuisine that incorporates Indian, Chinese, and European influences. Whether you’re a first-time visitor or a seasoned traveler, Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable journey filled with adventure, culture, and beauty.
All about Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka FAQ
What is Sri Lanka known for?
Sri Lanka is known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean known for producing tea, and cinnamon and is said to have been discovered in 2000 BC by the Egyptians. Sri Lanka is a stunning island nation and hidden gem brimming with historical ruins, gorgeous beaches, and teeming with wondrous wildlife. The teardrop-shaped island is blanketed in incredible natural beauty and extraordinary biodiversity. The island is outlined by gorgeous white sand beaches and lapped by striking blue waters. Thalpe is decorated by cozy guesthouse`s along its shores, Marakolliya Beach is simply breathtaking and Rekawa Beach stretches for miles where turtles come to nest. The warm waters of the Indian Ocean are filled with exciting activities like surfing, diving, and spotting marine life and plenty of fish over vibrant coral reefs. Walking around the scenic surroundings of Sri Lanka can be a dream with ancient monuments dotted across the lands. Or strolling the tree-lined streets of charming Colombo brimming with quaint cafes and shops. The path of Adam`s Peak walk travels across the footsteps where hundreds of pilgrims once walked.
The tiny island nation is filled with over 2,000 years of religious heritage spread throughout temples found across the island. Vibrant and exciting festivals are held in the country and are an extraordinary experience such as the extravagant Vesak celebrations held among the Colombo temples at the Gangaramaya Temple. Wildlife enthusiasts will be in awe of Sri Lanka with nature all around including Asian elephants, leopards, and water buffaloes. The national parks are great places to visit to check out the many inhabitants, Uda Walawe National park is a great place to spot elephants. Head out on a safari to Pottuvil Lagoon where you can get up close and personal with crocodiles, lizards, and elephants.
Shoppers will be delighted with the opportunities on the island where several items can be bought including the tea grown here and many vibrant sensational spices. Authentic handicrafts and designer items can be purchased along with plenty of souvenirs. Check out the charming town of Colombo for stylish boutiques and colorful markets and galleries. Experience Ayurveda when in Sri Lanka, the ancient form of medicine and therapies used at spas and clinics across the nation. Siddhalepa Ayurveda in Colombo offers a full range of spa treatments and Sanctuary Spa is another great option in Unawatuna.
What are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka?
Colombo is the capital city and largest city of Sri Lanka situated on the southwestern coast just south of Kelani River. There are breathtaking surrounding sceneries and beaches to soak up , it is a historical city with monuments and charming colonial architecture.Bentota is a stunning resort town on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka famous for its breathtaking views, especially on Bentota Beach. The place to find peace and calm and visit the Kande Viharaya Temple with its large pastel-colored Buddha Statue. Galle is a charming seaside town, a true hidden gem and UNESCO World Heritage Site built by the Dutch. This historic city can be discovered by walking through the authentic streets boasting Dutch colonial era architecture, splendid mansions and ancient mosques and churches.
How many days should I spend in Sri Lanka?
We recommend 7-10 days based on what you want to see and do. We offer flexible vacation packages so you can select your number of nights in each city, desired hotel, and activities. We suggest a minimum of 3 nights in larger cities.
What is the best way to get around Sri Lanka?
By Car and Driver: Hiring a car and a private driver is a popular and comfortable way to travel around Sri Lanka. These car and driver options can be hired for all or part of your trip giving the flexibility to travel around the country. Drivers have excellent knowledge of the area and act as a guide giving you information on the sights and attractions.
By Train: The train system in Sri Lanka is excellent with a network of comfortable trains that travel to major towns and cities. Train travel is a great way to see the spectacular scenic surroundings with exceptionally beautiful routes such as Kandy – Ella, Nuwara Eliya, Colombo – Kandy, and Colombo – Galle. Trains can often be delayed and travel slow, they are more of a scenic option than a speedy way to get anywhere. The Sri Lanka Railway is the primary company with three main rail lines South from Colombo, East from Colombo and North from Colombo.
By Bus:The bus company in Sri Lanka covers most towns and is one of the main forms of transportation. The buses cover 80% of the nation’s roads with two kinds of buses, Central Transport Board buses usually lacking air conditioning, they travel local routes and long-distance and private buses which travel both short and long distances with air conditioning, more comfort and usually faster.
What is the currency of Sri Lanka?
The units of currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival. Currency exchanged desks can be found at the airport and in many locations throughout the city.
Do people speak English in Sri Lanka?
The official language spoken in Sri Lanka is Sinhalese. English is spoken and understood by most individuals in the service industry. We suggest you get a good English-Sri Lankan Guidebook and familiarize yourself with common phrases such as hello, goodbye, please, thank you and numbers 1-10.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The small island of Sri Lanka experiences two distinct monsoon seasons and due to its proximity to the Equator, the country boasts daily average temperatures of 80 degrees year-round on the coast and around 60 degrees in the highlands.
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Sri Lanka is a year-round holiday destination with the best months being December through March to visit the south and west coasts of the island and the hill country, while April, May, and September are the best time to visit the east coast. The driest months of the year are from December to March which is also the peak season when beaches, attractions, and accommodations are full. April through November is the time between the two monsoon seasons there can be mixed days of sunshine and some rain. High humidity is a factor during the months of April and May. The southwest monsoon seasons blow in May and June affecting the southwest quarter of the island including Colombo and Galle, the gentler monsoon with short bouts of heavy downpours that pass pretty quickly. The northeast monsoon season blows in around October and November, the heavier monsoon season affecting the whole country with unpredictable heavy downpours.
Tipping in Sri Lanka
The questions “when?” and “how much?” can leave some travelers confused, as the practice varies. In fact, this guide attempts to cover most situations that you, as a tourist, will encounter. Hopefully using these “tips” will provide a smooth experience when interacting with locals in restaurants, bars, hotels, tour operators, and taxis.
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Tipping in Sri Lanka
What is the currency of Sri Lanka?
The units of currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs). US dollars are not accepted. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for pounds upon arrival. Currency exchanged desks can be found at the airport and in many locations throughout the city.
Top cities in Sri Lanka
What to expect while traveling
