About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean known for its spectacular beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, an abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological history. The plethora of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, sprawling tea gardens and of course, mouth-watering Sri Lankan food, are sure to make you fall in love with this gorgeous place.

So, why think of anywhere else in the world? Sri Lanka is the obvious choice for any kind of vacation. The choices to occupy yourself are endless.

Culture of Sri Lanka

The culture of the country is diverse and has different ethnicities and their religions. The most populous and found ethnicity is Sinhalese. Tamils also have played an influential part in making the significant history of the island. Both these communities have Christians in the majority which are recent converts, keeping their traditional culture intact.

Places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is one of the most fascinating and thrilling places you can visit. Here are the best places to visit in Sri Lanka to explore the beaches, culture and historic tourist places and attractions.

1. Galle

The port city of Galle is situated along the south-western coast of Sri Lanka. Primarily known for the famous Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the city has played a significant role in the country’s lengthy colonial history. Housing innumerable and diverse attractions within its precincts, the Galle Fort is undoubtedly the highlight of the city. The attractions include the Dutch Reformed Church, Old Dutch Hospital, Galle Clock Tower and Galle Lighthouse. Galle has a major attraction for wildlife enthusiasts—the Kanneliya Rainforest Reserve, which harbours numerous endemic flora and fauna.

2. Sigiriya

Declared a world heritage site by UNESCO, Sigiriya serves as a fine example of ancient urban planning. Sigiriya is a significant site of the Cultural Triangle and perhaps Sri Lanka’s most iconic historical destination. The site, also known as Lion Rock, is recognized all over the world for the remains of the ancient Sigiriya Rock Fortress and its numerous enchanting and well-preserved attractions.

3. Yala National Park

Yala National Park was originally a hunter’s arena during British colonial rule but now has the highest population of leopards on earth. Not only animals but it also provides a quaint environment for birds as well. It is Sri Lanka’s largest national park with a total area of 900 Sq Km. Yala National Park attracts a lot of tourists throughout the year due to its high density of leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and deers.

4. Kandy

Kandy is a prominent Sri Lankan city found precisely in the middle of the country. A city of both historical as well as religious importance, Kandy is renowned for being the site of the Temple Of The Sacred Tooth Relic, unarguably the most famous among all the temples of Sri Lanka. Kandy is also home to numerous remarkable museums and scenic attractions. Kandy is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site declared in 1988.

5. Ella

Ella is a beautiful town located in the Badulla district of the Uva Province in Sri Lanka. The pride of Sri Lanka, Ella showcases some fantastic views of the valleys, tea gardens and cafes while offering a pleasant climate throughout the year. The town is most famous for its iconic nine arches railway bridge which is a fine example of colonial-era construction in Sri Lanka.

6. Colombo

Colombo is Sri Lanka's prime city. The official capital, Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, is also within the urban area of Colombo, so Colombo is often called the capital of Sri Lanka as well. The city has a rich colonial heritage, and also some very scenic and popular attractions.

Colombo is arguably Sri Lanka's most popular tourist destination. The coastal city is a beautiful place to spend a couple of days just relaxing, indulging in the local food, and leisure activities.

7. Nilaveli

Nilaveli seaside town is 16 km from Trincomalee District in Eastern Sri Lanka. The town boasts of beautiful waters that are ideal for water sports, snorkelling and scuba diving. The Nilaveli beach road doubles as a boulevard lined up with palm trees called the Nilaveli Beach Road. The seas here are lukewarm as the sun shines to its fullest over Nilaveli.

8. Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is another famous tourist attraction in Sri Lanka. The topmost point of the peak has a footprint cast in stone which has spiritual significance to different religions. Many pilgrimage trek to the top on full moon nights. Most of them also start hiking around 3 AM to reach the summit by sunrise for a splendid view.

What to eat in Sri Lanka

You’re going to load your plate with the delights of Sri Lankan cuisine. Experience the delight of fish ambul thiyal – a sour and flavourful fish curry. Dive into the markets and streets of Sri Lanka for the flaky Kottu roti. Ladle the thick Kukul mas curry (chicken curry) over a bed of rice. Feel the comfort of coconut milk blended subtly into the thick Parippu. Bite into the overloaded goodness of Lamprais, with its meat, rice and sambol chilli sauce wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. Crack the yellow yolk of an egg nestled into the quintessential Sri Lankan pancake – Idiyappam. Let the sweetness of jackfruit explode across your tongue as you sample some Polos (green jackfruit curry). Truly, this is the country of curries.

Shopping in Sri Lanka

Shopping in Sri Lanka can take many forms haggling with a handicraft-seller while sunbathing on the beach choosing fruit from the traditional village store, 'the kade' while side-stepping sacks of rice or checking out the bargain-priced latest international fashions (Sri Lanka is a major garment exporter) while enjoying the ambiance of a luxurious shopping centre in Colombo.

And there’s much in-between. Visit a handicraft shop and familiarize yourself with traditional designs such as makara (a mythical animal, lion, swan, elephant and lotus which are most evident in brass work (boxes, trays, lanterns, vases) and silverware (ornately carved and filigree jewellery, tea-sets) that make excellent souvenirs. In addition, ritual masks, lacquer ware, batik and handloom textiles, lace, and wood carvings are popular.

Last but certainly not least, Sri Lanka has the widest variety of precious stones among the world’s gem producing countries - blue sapphires, star sapphires, rubies, cat’s eye, garnets, moonstones, aquamarines and topazes being just a dazzling handful. What’s more, Sri Lanka naturally has a tradition in jewellery-making, so you can bring your gems to life.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Even though the country is a year-round destination, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is during the months of December and April if you are planning to visit the southwest coast. On the other hand, if you are planning to visit the east coast and hill stations, you can visit during the months of May and September. Tourists can experience pleasant beach time and partake in sightseeing during this time. However, Sri Lanka sees the highest number of travellers during the winter season as the weather in these months is dry and cool. Moreover, during this time maximum festivities take place.

How to Reach Sri Lanka

By Air

Colombo International Airport (CMB) is the main point of entry for international travelers in Sri Lanka. The availability of domestic flights in Sri Lanka is limited as most of the cities are quite near to each other. Direct flights from Indian cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Bangalore, and Chennai are available by Air India, Jet Airways, and Sri Lankan Airlines. India to Sri Lanka flight duration may vary from 90 minutes to 3 hours 30 minutes depending on the airport.

However, some of the prime flight zones are from Ampara, Bentota River, Colombo, Hatton, Jaffna, Kandy, Anuradhapura, Katugastota, Kelaniya, Koggala, Mahaweli, Weerala, Sigiriya, Trincomalee etc. The airlines that religiously serve Sri Lanka are like Jet Airways, Singapore airlines, Turkish Airlines, Spice jet airlines etc.

By Train

In Sri Lanka, Sri Lanka Railways runs throughout the island. A train ride is more relaxing as compared to other rides. In fact, the first class train ticket in Sri Lanka does not go beyond $15.35. In Sri Lanka, there are three rail lines, including South from Colombo, East from Colombo, and North from Colombo. One can book regular class or an AC class depending upon the distance of your location and hours of travel.

By Road

Once you scout you will get the detail travel time of the buses that majorly includes routes like Negombo, Galle, while there is a direct bus route from the Colombo to Kandy. For every hour the buses travel for forty to fifty kilometers. However, the speed lifts up as the drivers are set to wheel on the plane lands to 60 to 70 kilometers. But again the speed slows down to 20 km in the hilly areas.