Sri Lanka Travel Guide: Surprising Adventures and Holidays
As a result of colonization by the British, Dutch and Portuguese, Sri Lanka has become a place of intertwined cultures. There's more to the teardrop-shaped island than blue skies and white sand. There's a sacred old Bo tree that dates back to Buddhism's spiritual origins. Get to the top of Sigiriya, a rock fortress guarded by a giant stone lion. Explore Haputala's picturesque tea plantations and get to know its friendly locals.
Sunsets, beaches, wildlife, and spicy curries – the experience of a journey through hospitable Sri Lanka will stay with travelers forever. There's something for everyone, whether you're looking for a romantic honeymoon or a hike of a couple of days or weeks, from the golden coastline of Bentota to the beautiful sea life of Mirissa.
What to Do in Sri Lanka
The possibilities for active and passive rest during small group tours in Sri Lanka are impressive, despite its small size. Whether sightseeing, relaxing on the beach, conquering peaks, or diving, tourists don't notice how fast time passes. There's something for everyone:
- Kandy is a great place to feed Indian wings. Mango trees produce sweet fruit that these good-natured mammals love.
- Sigiriya is a great climb for active vacationers. The ruins of the palace with painted frescoes are on a mountain in Dambulla.
- With flippers, you can snorkel with reef sharks in the Indian Ocean. Pigeon Island is a coral island where predators usually gather in flocks.
- The old Lankan way of fishing on poles in Halle is unforgettable.
- Don't forget to take some colorful pictures with the turtles, who don't mind tourists.
- The freight train in Nuwara Eliya takes you on a fascinating journey to the local attractions.
Take a ride on a tuk-tuk, which are everywhere in the country. Taking a leisurely stroll through the city streets is a great way to immerse yourself in the local culture. Snake charmers put on amazing shows. Fakirs on the street are ready to perform miracles for a small fee.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Discover the mountain peaks, dive into the ocean, and walk through Buddhist temples – Sri Lanka has it all. You should also visit these places during your vacation:
- Kandy is a major city with incredible Buddhist temples where beautiful blue lotus religious ceremonies take place.
- Sigiriya, a rocky plateau with ruins of a rebel king's fortress. Discover interesting facts about the country's history while admiring the magnificent scenery and studying ancient cave paintings.
- Ellu – a city in the highlands, where you can admire endless tea plantations by train. There's something magical about the mountain scenery and small villages.
- Mirissou is a small town where you can enjoy sunbathing, listening to the waves and relaxing on the beautiful beaches with warm soft sand. Marine whale safaris are a must-do.
National Park Yala deserves special attention. A thrilling jeep ride can lead you to a leopard. The pristine nature is home to elephants, buffalo, crocodiles, wild boars, roe deer, and various birds.
Tips
Typhoid and hepatitis A are easy to catch in Sri Lanka, so get vaccinated before you go. Routine check-ups should also be done on time. Consult a doctor. Additionally, here are some recommendations from experienced travelers:
- Tamil and Sinhala are the official languages. English is enough, because it's pretty common.
- In Sri Lanka, it's customary to tip about 10%.
- Don't leave the country without an elephant statue, a sari, and a wooden devil mask.
- There are lots of small cafes with traditional dishes for an inexpensive lunch.
- Sri Lanka is a hot country, so wear loose, natural-fiber clothes. When you're visiting religious sites, cover your shoulders.
- Don't take pictures with your back to the Buddha statue. It's disrespectful.
- People with Buddha tattoos can be arrested and deported by the Sri Lankan police.
Tourist visas are required for Sri Lanka, which must be obtained before departure. Check with your local embassy for details, since information changes often.
FAQ About Journey in Sri Lanka
What's the best time to go to Sri Lanka?
During the dry months of December to March, you'll find sunny skies and golden beaches. There's a lot of wildlife to see in the island nation in the winter.
Do I get to use my cell phone?
There is good cell phone reception in Sri Lanka's larger cities. Coverage can be patchy in rural areas.
How's the Internet?
There's free Wi-Fi in most hotels, hostels, restaurants, and cafes. For the duration of their tour, travelers can also buy a SIM card.
How about toilets?
The most common toilets are squat toilets. Always bring toilet paper and soap with you, because they're usually not provided.
Is water safe to drink?
Tap water isn't recommended in Sri Lanka. Buying bottled products from a trusted store is best.
ATM access: how's it going?
Sri Lanka has ATMs in most cities, so withdrawing cash isn't a problem.
How should I dress?
There's no dress code for tourists. Women only have to cover their shoulders, backs, and knees when they visit temples or other religious sites.
How much money should I take?
Sri Lanka doesn't have any special shopping. Souvenirs and local alcohol are the biggest costs. Spending $500 for two weeks is not uncommon. However, it's all up to you.
What surprises are in store for tourists?
Travelers are inconvenienced by monkeys. Food, purses, and cameras can be snatched by little thieves.
