Sri Lanka is home to incredible natural beauty, ancient history, and thriving culture. It boasts lush rainforests, sandy beaches, cascading waterfalls, snow-capped peaks, and several other sites of natural beauty. Unfortunately, this small island country in the Indian Ocean hasn’t always gotten the attention it deserves. However, that’s starting to change thanks to the increased demand for eco-friendly travel experiences. Sri Lanka tourism has increased by almost double in just one year! If you’re looking for a new place to explore or are planning your next vacation, read on for the ultimate guide to Sri Lanka tourism and everything you need to know before you go.
What to Know Before You Go to Sri Lanka
Safety: Sri Lanka has a low crime rate, but it is important to remain vigilant at all times. Exercise caution when traveling alone at night. Find out more about how to travel safely in Sri Lanka.
Health: Drink bottled water and avoid eating raw fruits and vegetables, especially during the rainy season when unhygienic conditions may exist. Be sure to get vaccinated before traveling to Sri Lanka.
Electricity: Sri Lanka uses a voltage of 230V.
Language: The official language of Sri Lanka is Sinhalese, but it’s also common to hear other languages like Tamil and English.
Currency: The Sri Lankan rupee (LKR)
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a range of different accommodation types for travelers of all budgets and tastes. Whether you’re looking for a luxury beachfront resort or a cheap hostel, you’ll find it in Sri Lanka. There are several boutique hotels and guesthouses in Sri Lanka and many more are expected to open in the coming years.
- Hotels: There are numerous boutique hotels in Sri Lanka that provide amazing services, amenities, and views. A mid-range hotel should cost you about $100 per night.
- Hostels: Sri Lanka has a few hostels, but they’re not very common. You can expect to pay around $30 for a bed in a dorm room.
- Beach Villas: Beach villas are becoming increasingly popular in Sri Lanka. They offer incredible beach views and are great for large groups.
- Beach Huts: Beach huts are increasingly popular and make for an affordable option. They’re also great for beach-goers looking to avoid sand in their shoes.
- Homestays: Experience Sri Lankan culture by staying in a homestay.They’re often inexpensive and are available in most of the country’s major cities.
The Best Methods for Getting Around Sri Lanka
There are several ways to get around Sri Lanka and no shortage of transportation options. You can choose to rent a car, take a public bus, or even hire a tuk-tuk driver to take you around. - Renting a Car: Driving yourself around Sri Lanka is an excellent way to explore the country. Many car rental companies also offer driver guides, so you don’t have to navigate. - Taking a Public Bus: A great way to save money and meet locals, public buses are an easy way to get around Sri Lanka. However, many are not very modern and are not air-conditioned. - Hiring a Tuk Tuk Driver: Hiring a tuk-tuk driver is a great way to explore the country. It’s also the best way to experience the Sri Lankan lifestyle and culture.
The 8 Best Things to do in Sri Lanka
1: Explore the City of Colombo:
The capital city of Sri Lanka is a great place to start your adventure. Visit the Fort Area, where you’ll find museums, a botanical garden, a zoological garden, temples, churches, and shopping areas.
2: Visit the Temple of the Tooth:
Visit the Temple of the Tooth, the holiest Buddhist shrine on the island.
3: Walk through the Rainforest:
Walk through the rainforest and see wild elephants, leopards, and other wildlife in the
udawalawe National Park.
4: Visit a Tea Plantation:
Visit a tea plantation and learn more about how this famous drink is made.
5: Trek through the Mountains:
Trek through the Sri Pada Mountains, also known as the Roof of the World.
6: See Galle’s Maritime History:
Explore the city of Galle and see its maritime history.
7: Explore Wildlife at Yala National Park:
Explore wildlife at Yala National Park, where you can see elephants, leopards, and other wildlife.
8: Relax on a Beach:
Relax on the beach and explore the culture of Sri Lanka’s beach communities.
The 6 Best Cultural Experiences in Sri Lanka
1: Visit a Temple:
Visit a Buddhist temple and gain an understanding of Sri Lanka’s religious history.
2: Attend a Religious Ceremony:
Attend a religious ceremony and experience the culture of Sri Lanka first-hand.
3: Shop at a Sri Lankan Market:
Shop at a Sri Lankan market to explore the country’s culture and food.
4: Learn About Sri Lanka’s History:
Visit one of Sri Lanka’s museums and learn about the island’s history.
5: Learn the Language:
Learn the language of Sinhalese and gain a deeper cultural understanding.
6: Learn About the Arts:
Visit an art gallery and learn about Sri Lanka’s artistic history.
3 Incredible Natural Sites in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya: Explore the remains of an ancient rock fortress located in central Sri Lanka. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the most popular natural sites in Sri Lanka.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Explore these incredible rock-cut caves with ancient Buddhist temples. This site is known for its beautiful paintings and sculptures.
- Yala National Park: Explore Sri Lanka’s beautiful wildlife at Yala National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
CONCLUSION
Sri Lanka is a captivating island that offers something for everyone and is a truly one-of-a-kind travel experience. If you’re looking for a new adventure or a unique place to explore, Sri Lanka is the perfect destination. With a range of different experiences and amazing natural sites, you’re guaranteed to have an unforgettable adventure.
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