Sri Lanka is a vibrant and scenic island country that invites you to explore its beaches, mountains, historical monuments and a rich culture. It lies in the Indian Ocean, and was formerly known as Ceylon. It is a historical country with documented history of over 3,000 years and evidence of prehistoric human settlement dating back over 1,25,000 years. A Sri Lanka tour gives you a chance to witness the pristine beauty closely and immerse yourself in the historical beauty of this country.
- Immerse yourself in the culture
- Relax on the beach
- Swim in the ocean
- Ride an elephant
- Dive into history
- To go diving
Choose a hotel for yourself
Interesting in Sri Lanka
- Lankan rupee
- Sinhala and Tamil language
Best places to visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a country filled with beautiful landmarks, beaches and adventure experiences. Below are the best places to see in Sri Lanka for the best travel experience:
Sigiriya
This is the most iconic landmark of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO World Heritage site too. It is an ancient rock fortress with water gardens, fresco painting, and a mirror wall. From the summit, you can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the surroundings.
Kandy
Kandy is a large city, and definitely one of the most beautiful cities to visit in Sri Lanka. It is surrounded by mountains of rainforest and tea plantations. Here you can walk beside the scenic Kandy lake or visit the popular Buddhist sites like the Temple of Tooth.
Nuwara Eliya
This is a serene hill station, filled with lush tea plantations and flower gardens. You can visit the nearby Seetha Amman temple, a vibrant temple decorated with religious figures. The Galways’s Land National Park and Hakgala Botanical Gardens are a must visit when here. These are home to migratory bird species and shelter monkeys.
Galle
Galle is a charming fortified city on the southwest coast, it is popular for its colonial Dutch architecture, quaint streets, pretty shops, and panoramic ocean views. Here, you can visit the Galle fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage site, built in the 17th century it is one of the best surviving European forts in Asia.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
The ideal time to explore Sri Lanka totally depends on what region you want to explore. The country has two different monsoon seasons affecting opposite coasts at different very different times of the year. Here is a breakdown for both:
South and West Coast:
If you want to explore the south and west coast and the central part it is best to plan your visit between December and April. You can enjoy the beaches, and go for sightseeing and wildlife spotting during this time.
East Coast:
To explore the east coast of Sri Lanka, the best time is from May to September. This time is perfect for exploring the beaches and surfing and trying more water activities.
The shoulder months of October and April are also nice to visit, with less crowds and decent weather overall.
How to reach Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island nation, and here is how you can reach by various means:
By air:
Flying is the most convenient and easiest way to reach Sri Lanka. Bandaranaike International Airport is the primary entry point for international flights. If you are traveling from India, you can take a direct flight from Delhi, Mumbai, Chennai, Bangalore or Hyderabad. The flight takes from 1.5 hours to 4 hours depending on your departure location.
By sea:
Traveling by sea is an alternative. Ferry services are available from Indian port, Nagapattinam to Kankesanthirai in Sri lanka. For a luxurious experience you can opt for luxurious cruises running between Mumbai or Chennai to Colombo.
What to eat in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka boasts a variety of flavourful cuisines, many of which are made with a variety of species, rice and coconut. The food here is subtly influenced by India, Malaysia and Europe. Here are the most authentic dishes you must try:
- Rice and Curry: a common dish of rice served with different curries.
- Kottu Roti: a popular street food.
- Appam: similar to pancakes.
- String hoppers: rice noodles, served with curry
- Wambatu Moju: a tangy pickle of eggplant.
- Kiribath: a type of milk rice that is typically offered at festivals and is cooked with coconut milk.
Shopping in Sri Lanka: What to buy?
In Sri Lanka, shopping is an experience within itself. You can visit several marketplaces, such as Kandy and Pettah. Here are the top items to buy, when shopping in Sri Lanka:
- Ceylon Tea
- Spices
- Gems and jewelry
- Batik textiles
- Handloom products like scarves
- Wooden handicrafts
Tips for Sri Lanka Travel
While you create a Sri Lanka trip plan, here are few quick tips to keep in mind:
- Plan your visit time after a proper research.
- Dress modestly at religious sites.
- Visit Sri Lanka famous places like Sigiriya early in the morning to avoid crowds.
- Book hill country rides in advance during peak season.
- Try local food, engage with locals, and take time exploring the country, rather than just visiting the famous places.
Sri Lanka is an ideal location for your upcoming travel plans. Along with the popular Sri Lanka places to visit, the lesser known beaches and towns will leave you stunned with their beauty. The warmth of the local people and their vibrant culture is something you will surely love. You will end the tour with the best memories and pictures. Plan your Sri Lanka tour now!
FAQ’s
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on which side you want to visit. For the south and west coast, the ideal time is between December and April, while for the east coast the best time is from May to September.
What is the capital of Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has two capitals, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte and Colombo.
Is Sri Lanka a safe travel destination?
Yes, Sri Lanka is a safe travel destination, however, you must remain vigilant at crowded places.
What is the currency used in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka uses Sri Lankan Rupee as the official currency.
Something interesting about Sri Lanka is that it has documented history dating back over 3000 years and prehistoric settlement dating back over 125,000 years. It is home to some of the best ancient engineering marvels including the sophisticated irrigation system and water tanks from the Anuradhapura period. These marvels highlight the advanced civilisation in the ancient times.