With two nicknames, i.e. Pearl of the Indian Ocean and teardrop of India, Sri Lanka is a brimming South Asian Island full of history, diverse culture, beautiful wildlife, landscapes, and diverse experiences. Sri Lanka is also well-known for its smiles hospitality nature, and culture. Tourists may also find diverse cultures which leads to lots of festivals organized throughout the year. This island nation is one of the most visited destinations in the world. If this country is on your bucket list of ideal places to visit then, don’t worry, we at The Travel Makers have come up with an overall travel guide to Sri Lanka to get you the best experience of Sri Lanka by exploring sightseeing places and indulging in its different culture. For an organized trip, make call at +971-4256-2434 and talk to our travel experts for customizing Sri Lanka tour packages.
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When Is It Best To Visit Sri Lanka?
This country in the Indian Ocean experiences different seasons dry and wet and if you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, it is important to know that it has two monsoon periods. The first is the southwestern monsoon which falls from the month between May and November, and the northeastern monsoon falls from December to April. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is dependent on these periods, which are inversely opposite to each other. That means the best time to get to the southwestern region is December to April and vice versa. During these months, visitors can experience a pleasant time at beaches and also take part in adventures.
How to Get Around in Sri Lanka?
This pearl-shaped country has various ways to get around. You can select the best transportation services in Sri Lanka depending on the time and money. Let us consider these options in this article to help you easily navigate through Sri Lanka.
- Hire a car: The majority of travelers choose to hire a car or taxi for their whole trip. It is one of the expensive options, but still, it is often selected for its convenience and leisure trip. It can be an ideal option when the budget is not restricting your travel.
- Bus: Bus transportation service is another option in Sri Lanka that allows you to easily enable you to travel across different towns and cities. There are two types of buses in Sri Lanka, i.e. long-distance buses, and local buses. Long-distance buses take tourists and locals between the major cities and local buses will take you to the nearby areas.
- Tuk-Tuk: It is the best way to explore Sri Lanka with getting interacting with the locals and having an authentic experience of this nation. Once you take a tuk-tuk, you will hang up to the desired location. It is also a safe option in terms of speed, there is a certain speed limit. The locals as well as visitors both have fun.
- Train: It is the most popular and cheapest way to wander through Sri Lanka. The train network in Sri Lanka is well-established and reaches most places and attractions across the nation.
What Are The Must-See Places In Sri Lanka?
This beautiful nation is full of cultural heritage, amazing landscapes, and green wildlife. There are lots of best places to visit in Sri Lanka which can help you to make your holiday unforgettable.
Sigiriya
It is an attractive UNESCO World Heritage Site which is also a must-visit attraction in Sri Lanka. This huge and historical rock fortress provides stunning and amazing views from the top. Its historical and architectural importance as well as natural beauty makes it an essential destination to add to the Sri Lanka trip. The best time to visit Sigiriya is from May to September.
Kandy
Kandy is in the center of Sri Lanka which is rich in culture, history, and natural beauty. It is home to the iconic Temple of the Tooth Relic of the Buddha which makes it one of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Kandy also features some other attractions like Kandy Lake and Royal Botanical Gardens. Most tourists in Sri Lanka love to visit ancient temples, cultural and traditional dance performances, and delicious food and Kandy is a perfect example of these features.
Colombo
Any Sri Lanka trip is incomplete without the capital of Sri Lanka, i.e. Colombo. This city is a perfect mixture of culture, history, and modernity. Colombo is home to popular landmarks such as the Colombo Fort, Gangaramaya Temple, Pettah Market, Colomo, and Eliya which are the most considered destinations to visit in Sri Lanka. Colombo also features museums, art galleries, and shopping malls, and provides lots of opportunities to explore more in Sri Lanka.
Galle
Galle City is on the southwestern coast of Sri Lanka whose rich history and colonial charm attract various tourists throughout the year. This city is home to the Galle Fort which is a famous UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka made in the 17th century. Inside the fort, visitors can walk through the cobblestone streets in the preserved Dutch buildings, shops, art galleries, and cafes. Apart from the port, Galle has some of the best beaches in Sri Lanka, like Unawatuana which are best for swimming, relaxing, and taking part in water activities.
Anuradhapura
Anuradhapura is an important must-visit place in Sri Lanka in the North Central Province. It I an ancient city with rooted historical and religious importance. Due to being the ancient capital of Sri Lanka, it has various well-preserved historical monuments and prestigious Buddhist sites. The city also features dagobas (stupas), ancient temples, and stone sculptures. The Bodhi Tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment is an important sacred site.
What Are The Must-Do Things In Sri Lanka?
Cultural and historical importance can be appreciated until you fully immerse yourself in the activities at these attractions. Some of the best things to do in Sri Lanka are:
Hike Adams Peak
If you want to enjoy some beautiful views in Ella without any extra effort, the little Adams Peak is an ideal option. With a small hike, tourists can enjoy amazing sunrise and sunset views which are important things to do. Apart from hiking, tourists can also visit the Ella Rock and Famous Nine Arch Bridge.
Take a tour of Tea Plantation
Sri Lanka is world famous for its tea plantation. In the mountain region, tea is produced on every hillside. These hillside areas are not only great for tea plantations but also for getting incredible views from the height. Visitors can walk through the tea fields and learn about all the processes of how tea is made.
Train Ride from Ella to Kandy
This train ride is one of the most beautiful train rides in Sri Lanka. This ride is about 6 hours which passes through the various most beautiful areas and provides stunning views. For a hassle-free and convenient train ride, you need to book this journey in advance especially from December to March. For more details, you can call +971-4256-2434.
Explore National Parks
For wildlife lovers, Yala National Park is one of the famous national parks in Sri Lanka where visitors can get on an adventurous safari and spot animals like elephants, leopards, and distinct species of birds. Yala National Park is the number one leopard sanctuary in Sri Lanka.
Surfing
How can we forget surfing, even when Sri Lanka is an island nation? It is an incredible place for surfing. Depending upon monsoon periods Surfers can surf on the west coast from January to April, and on the east coast from May to July. Beginners can surf anytime throughout the year in Sri Lanka.
What to eat in Sri Lanka?
For many years, Sri Lanka has offered various kinds of delicious food which are influenced by diverse cultures. Food in Sri Lanka has influences from Dutch, Portuguese, Malay, English, Indian, and indigenous flavors to fill your mouth with water. Some of the best dishes to eat in Sri Lanka are:
- Rice & Curry: It is one of the most popular dishes in Sri Lanka which captures both the heart and soul of the foodie. The Sri Lankan comes in different flavors to offer some spice and sourness to you. Often it is served with rice and fish which makes it the most delicious food in Sri Lanka.
- Kottu Roti: It is another special cuisine in Sri Lanka which is made up of chopped rotis and mixed vegetables like carrots, cabbage, & onion, and sometimes also comes with meats, cheese, and egg. This dish is admired by various foodies due to its different flavors.
- Hoppers: It is also known as ‘appa’ or ‘appam’ which is made of batter. This dish is made in two ways steamed or pan-fried. The batter dough is made of rice flour and coconut milk with spices. Hoppers are just like pancakes with sweet and savory tastes. Locals in Sri Lanka mostly love Egg hoppers with lemon juice, a ‘sambol’ of onions, chilies, and salt.
- String Hoppers: This dish is locally known as string hoppers and is commonly served for breakfast but can be also taken in dinner with different curries. It is made from steamed rice and loosely formed into flat rounds.
Polos: It is a green jackfruit curry that is made by slicing and boiling fruit until it turns soft. Afterward, onion, garlic, ginger, and spices were added to the mixture and finally added some coconut milk. This dish can be found in top restaurants in Sri Lanka.
To get warm hospitality and a different cultural experience from this diamond-like island, make a call to The Travel Makers at +971-4256-2434, and start a journey that you cherish for your lifetime.
