Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Plan an amazing trip to Sri Lanka with this comprehensive travel guide. Learn about the best attractions, food, lodging options, and transportation methods in the country.


Introduction to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical island country located in South Asia, in the Indian Ocean. It is known for its vibrant culture, rich history, delicious food, and stunning scenery. Sri Lanka has become an increasingly popular travel destination, attracting visitors from all over the world. This guide offers an overview of the best places to visit, things to do, and where to stay in Sri Lanka.

List of Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers an abundance of attractions for visitors. Here are some of the top places to visit in the country:

Culturally Important Attractions: Museums and Historical Places

  • Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Anuradhapura
  • Polonnaruwa
  • Temple of the Tooth in Kandy
  • Dambulla Cave Temple
  • Galle Fort

Natural Attractions of Sri Lanka: Outdoor Adventures and Scenic Views

  • Yala National Park
  • Mirissa Beach
  • Adam’s Peak
  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve
  • Adam’s Bridge
  • Horton Plains National Park

Hiking/Biking Routes of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka’s scenic beauty and vast stretches of greenery make it the perfect destination for hiking and biking enthusiasts. Here are some popular routes:

  • Ella Rock
  • Knuckles Range
  • Adam’s Peak
  • Singharaja Forest Reserve
  • Horton Plains

Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka: Activities and Tours

Sri Lanka offers a variety of exciting activities and tours for visitors. Here are some of the best:

  • Whale watching in Mirissa
  • Surfing in Arugambay
  • Train ride through tea plantations in Nuwara Eliya
  • Balloon ride over Sigiriya Rock Fortress
  • Cooking classes for Sri Lankan cuisine
  • Scuba diving in Hikkaduwa

Week-Long Itinerary for Sri Lanka

For those who want to explore Sri Lanka fully, here’s a suggested itinerary for a week-long trip:

[table] Day | Activities
—— | —————————————————————– Day 1 | Arrival, transport to Colombo, visit Colombo Fort and Pettah
Day 2 | Travel to Sigiriya, visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress, stay overnight
Day 3 | Visit Pidurangala Rock, Dambulla Cave Temple, transport to Kandy
Day 4 | Visit Temple of the Tooth, Kandy city tour, stay overnight
Day 5 | Visit Peradeniya Botanical Garden, Nuwara Eliya city tour
Day 6 | Train ride to Ella, Ravana Falls, Little Adam’s Peak
Day 7 | Yala National Park safari, depart Sri Lanka
[/table]

Food and Drink Scene of Sri Lanka

Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of South Indian and Southeast Asian flavors, with unique spices like curry leaves, cardamom, and cumin. Here are some must-try dishes:

Must-Try Dishes

  • Rice and curry
  • Hoppers
  • Kottu Rotti
  • String hoppers
  • Polos (Jackfruit curry)
  • Dhal Curry

Local Beverages

  • Ceylon tea
  • King coconut
  • Arrack

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka: Hotels, Hostels, and Guesthouses

Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation options for all budgets. Here are some top picks:

  • Luxury: Jetwing Vil Uyana, Cinnamon Grand Colombo, Amanwella
  • Mid-Range: Good Vibes Villas, Roman Lake Ayurveda Resort, Pearl Cliff Villa
  • Budget: The Mangrove Hotel, Hangover Hostels Colombo, The Backpack Hostel

What to Buy in Sri Lanka: Souvenirs and Local Products to Bring Home

Some popular souvenirs and local products to bring home from Sri Lanka are:

  • Tea and spices
  • Sarees and batik clothing
  • Handicrafts and wood carvings
  • Moonstone jewelry
  • Turtle shell ornaments (only if they are made from recycled shells)

Local Culture and Customs of Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, and visitors should be respectful of the customs and beliefs of the locals. Dressing modestly and removing shoes before entering religious sites is customary.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and March. During these months, the weather is warm and dry, making it ideal for exploring the country.

Do’s and Don’ts of Sri Lanka

Here are some do’s and don’ts to keep in mind when visiting Sri Lanka:

Do:

  • Dress modestly
  • Remove your shoes when entering religious sites
  • Respect local culture and beliefs
  • Try the delicious cuisine

Don’t:

  • Disrespect religious customs
  • Litter or pollute the environment
  • Engage in public displays of affection
  • Use drugs

Safety and Health

Safety in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination for travelers. However, visitors should take basic precautions like watching their valuables and being aware of their surroundings.

Health in Sri Lanka

Visitors to Sri Lanka should be up-to-date on routine vaccinations like measles, mumps, and rubella. It is also important to bring mosquito repellent as there is a risk of dengue fever and malaria in some parts of the country.

Getting to Sri Lanka: Transportation Options and Logistics

Sri Lanka is easily accessible from most major cities around the world. Here are some transportation options:

Airports Near Sri Lanka

  • Bandaranaike International Airport, Colombo
  • Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport, Hambantota
  • Ratmalana Airport, Colombo

Bus Stations Near Sri Lanka

  • Chennai Bus Station, Tamil Nadu, India
  • Bangalore Bus Station, Karnataka, India

Other Options

  • Ferry service from India
  • Private and group tours

How to Get Around in Sri Lanka

Getting around in Sri Lanka is easy and affordable. Visitors can take buses or hire a car and driver to explore the country.

Where to Go Next from Sri Lanka: Nearby Destinations and Excursions

Some popular destinations for a side-trip from Sri Lanka are:

  • Maldives
  • India
  • Nepal

Conclusion

Sri Lanka is a beautiful and diverse country that has something for everyone. Visitors will leave the country with amazing memories and experiences that they will always cherish.

Morning mist in Sinharaja rainforest Morning mist in Sinharaja rainforest crocodile enjoying the sun in Kumana National Park. crocodile enjoying the sun in Kumana National Park. The Tooth Temple in Kandy The Tooth Temple in Kandy Visa policy of Sri Lanka Visa policy of Sri Lanka Visa Extension Fees Visa Extension Fees Colombo Airport Colombo Airport Cinnamon Air aircraft Cinnamon Air aircraft Sri Lanka Railways map Sri Lanka Railways map Thishaws and cars in the Petah district of Colombo Thishaws and cars in the Petah district of Colombo A typical trilingual Sri Lankan sign: Sinhala up top, Tamil in the middle, English at the bottom A typical trilingual Sri Lankan sign: Sinhala up top, Tamil in the middle, English at the bottom Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura Ruwanwelisaya stupa in Anuradhapura Weligama Beach Weligama Beach Mannar, Sri Lanka Mannar, Sri Lanka Spice shop in Kandy Market Spice shop in Kandy Market Kiribath, rice cooked in coconut milk Kiribath, rice cooked in coconut milk Kottu Roti with chicken Kottu Roti with chicken Hoppers Hoppers Street in Colombo Street in Colombo Buddha statues at the Gangarama Temple in Colombo Buddha statues at the Gangarama Temple in Colombo


    Central Province
    Eastern Province
    North Central Province
    North Western Province
    Northern Province
    Sabaragamuwa
    Southern Province
    Uva
    Western Province
    Wilpattu National Park