Planning Your Trip to Sri Lanka

An island nation located in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka has a wealth of history, culture, and land scapes that still make it an unbelievable travel experience. For those who love nature, history buff or adventure seeker, Sri Lanka has its own product for you. Here is a comprehensive guide to help you plan your perfect tour in Sri Lanka with all must see places to visit, travel tips and more.

Why Visit Sri Lanka?

For being the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka is perhaps one of the most beautiful guardian places of natural treasures and cultural heritage. Here are some compelling reasons to visit:

Diverse Landscapes: Including pristine beaches, lush tea plantations and misty mountains, dense jungles too.
Rich History: Imposing temples, ancient cities and colonial buildings.
Wildlife: Elephants, leopards and exotic birds on national parks.
Cuisine: Aromatic, flavorful and cultural influenced dishes.

Best Time to Visit – Climate Overview

The climate of Sri Lanka is tropical; the island has two monsoon seasons. The best time to visit depends on which part of the island you plan to explore:

Southwest Coast (Galle, Colombo, Bentota): Best from December to March.
East Coast (Trincomalee, Batticaloa): Best from April to September.
Hill Country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya): Best from December to April.

Top Destinations in Sri Lanka

Colombo: The Vibrant Capital

A bustling, modern and colonial metropolis, Colombo has a mix of architecture. Key attractions include:

Gangaramaya Temple: A mix of Sri Lankan, Thai, Indian, and Chinese architecture.
Galle Face Green: A scenic urban coastal park.
National Museum: Sri Lanka’s rich history and culture are exhibited.

Kandy: The Cultural Heart

Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is famous for its cultural significance and natural beauty:

Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic: One of Buddhism’s most sacred relics is housed here.
Royal Botanical Gardens: With over 4,000 species of plants.
Kandy Lake: A nice place for a stroll.

Sigiriya: The Lion Rock

Sigiriya, an ancient rock fortress, is one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks:

Sigiriya Rock: Visit here to climb to the top for panoramic views or to explore ancient frescoes.
Pidurangala Rock: Provides a less crowded option with fantastic view of Sigiriya Rock.

Galle: Colonial Charm

Galle, a coastal city, is known for its well-preserved colonial architecture:

Galle Fort: The cute streets, the amazing cafes and boutique shops make it what it is today, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Unawatuna Beach: Ideal for swimming and snorkel.

Ella: Scenic Beauty

Ella is a small town surrounded by lush greenery and tea plantations:

Nine Arches Bridge: A picturesque railway bridge.
Little Adam’s Peak: An easy (albeit long) hike with great views.
Ella Rock: That hike was a little more challenging, but had stunning vistas.

Activities and Experiences

Wildlife Safaris

Sri Lanka boasts several national parks where you can spot diverse wildlife:

Yala National Park: Leopard population.
Udawalawe National Park: Famous for elephants.
Wilpattu National Park: It is home to sloth bears and leopard.

Beaches and Water Sports

Sri Lanka’s coastline offers numerous opportunities for relaxation and adventure:

Mirissa: Ideal for whale watching.
Arugam Bay: A hotspot for surfing.
Hikkaduwa: Great snorkeling and diving.

Cultural Experiences

Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka’s rich cultural heritage:

Watch a Traditional Dance in Kandy.
Go visit the Tea Plantation in Nuwara Eliya.
Ancient Cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Practical Travel Tips

Getting Around

Public Transport: Trains and buses are cheap, but packed.
Taxis and Tuk-Tuks: Short distances convenient; always agree the fare beforehand.
Car Rentals: Driving can be trying due to local traffic conditions, but is available.

Accommodation

Sri Lanka offers a range of accommodation options to suit all budgets:

Luxury Hotels and Resorts: Mostly found in major cities, and tourist areas.
Boutique Hotels and Guesthouses: It allows to provide a more personalized experience.
Budget Hostels and Homestays: It’s perfect for backpackers and budget travelers.

Health and Safety

Vaccinations: Make sure you’re up to date with routine vaccines and be sure to get others you may need, such as Hepatitis A and Typhoid.
Travel Insurance: Recommended to have in order to cover medical emergencies, cancellations, and theft.
Local Laws and Customs: Always respect local traditions, dress modestly so you won’t offend, and be especially mindful of how you dress if visiting religious sites.

Money Matters

Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
ATMs: Available everywhere in cities; credit cards accepted everywhere except maybe maybe a few of the cheapest hotels and restaurants.
Tipping: Not obligatory, but always helpful for good service.

Suggested Itinerary

10-Day Itinerary
Day 1-2: Hit the city of Colombo and drop in for arrival.
Day 3-4: See Kandy and on the way visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and Royal Botanical Gardens.
Day 5-6: Head to Sigirya, and climb Sigirya Rock and Pidurangala Rock.
Day 7-8: Hike Little Adam’s Peak, visit the Nine Arches Bridge and move to Ella.
Day 9-10: Relax in Mirissa, go whale watching, take the beach.

Come plan your trip to Sri Lanka island where you can experience the magic of Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is an adventure offering from beautiful ancient temples and lush lands to colourful cities and beautiful beaches.