“A Land Like No Other”
Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean known for its spectacular beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological history. The plethora of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, sprawling tea gardens, and mouth-watering Sri Lankan food will surely make you fall in love with this gorgeous place.
The island’s coastline stretches for approximately 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) and is dotted with palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Additionally, the island is known for its marine life, and visitors can enjoy whale watching in Mirissa or diving and snorkeling along the stunning coral reefs. The beach towns of Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and the scenic fort city of Galle are perfect for a laid-back vacation.
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s capital and usually the entry to the island nation offering many attractions including temples, gardens, malls & casinos and a brilliant nightlife.
Kandy, the spiritual capital of Sri Lanka is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist places in the world. Nearby Dambulla Cave Temple is another UNESCO world heritage site which displays over 150 priceless Buddha statues, intricate sacred cave paintings, and huge murals. It is Sri Lanka’s best-preserved Buddhist shrine within ancient caves.
Ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the country that showcase impressive archaeological ruins, including towering stupas, ancient palaces, and intricately carved temples. The Cultural Triangle, encompassing these destinations, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
As a biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka has several national parks and wildlife reserves, including Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Udawalawe National Park.
The scenic tea plantations of Sri Lanka are also major attractions. The hill country, particularly around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, offers picturesque landscapes of rolling hills covered in neatly manicured tea bushes. Take scenic train rides through these tea-covered hills and indulge in high-quality Ceylon tea while enjoying breathtaking views.
Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ayurvedic practices and wellness retreats. Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and spa therapies. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s vibrant culture by participating in cultural activities such as traditional dance performances, learning to cook Sri Lankan cuisine, visiting local markets, and interacting with friendly locals.
Must Know Before You Travel to Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is generally from December to March, marking the dry season in most tourist parts of the country. However, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, with April/May to September being the ideal time to explore the East Coast of Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka experiences two different monsoon seasons at different times. So, it implies that where one part of the country is wet, the other can be dry simultaneously.
Peak Season: December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka on the western and southern coasts. These months are optimal for exploring beach destinations like Mirissa, Galle, or Colombo, and even the highland destinations of Ella and Nuwara Eliya. The temperature ranges from 25°C to 30°C on the coasts and 15°C to 18°C in the highlands, offering pleasant weather for outdoor activities.
- Sri Lanka has stabilized since the widespread shortages and large demonstrations and protests in mid-2022.
- Opening Time: Most businesses are open from Monday to Friday between 9:00 AM to 5:00 PM. Many museums shut on Fridays, while Hindu temples stay open from 4:00 PM to 5:00 PM. Buddhist temples generally stay open from dawn until dusk or later.
- Poya (full moon night): Buddhist full moon holiday, which occurs once a month. Most shops and businesses are closed, and the sale of alcohol and meat is prohibited. Also expect less public transportation, especially buses.
- Photography: Many stilt fishermen and tea pickers expect to be paid for photographing them. Posing with images of Buddha is not allowed. Also, photography is not permitted inside Hindu temples.
- Carrying coral, shells, or other protected marine products from Sri Lanka is prohibited.
- Scams: Stay away if a stranger offers to ship you a parcel of tea or invite you to a special elephant festival
- Weather: Even though Sri Lanka is a relatively small country in size, some of the destinations experience different rainy months.
