Welcome to Sri Lanka, a charming island nation located in South Asia! Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination that offers a wide range of attractions and activities for travelers, from UNESCO World Heritage Sites to stunning beaches, rich culture, and amazing wildlife. Whether you are an adventure seeker, a history buff, or simply looking for a peaceful holiday, Sri Lanka has something to offer everyone. In this post, we will share with you the best attractions and things to do in Sri Lanka to help you plan your ultimate trip to this tropical paradise. So pack your bags and get ready to explore the best of Sri Lanka!

The 2 Best Local Experiences in Sri Lanka

1. Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip from Wadduwa and Nearby All Inclusive
2. Private Half Day Safari in Udawalawe National Park

The 2 Best Local Experiences in Sri Lanka

1. Sigiriya and Dambulla Day Trip from Wadduwa and Nearby All Inclusive

Explore two of Sri Lanka’s UNESCO World Heritage sites on this day trip from Wadduwa and nearby areas. On this private tour, you will visit Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Dambulla Golden Temple in a hassle-free way, without having to book them separately. Your experienced guide will provide context about the temples as you explore them at your own pace. Plus, with hotel pickup and drop-off included, you won’t have to worry about finding a meeting point. All taxes, fees, and handling charges are included, as well as bottled water, lunch, and gratuities. Soak up Sri Lanka’s stunning scenery while someone else drives you to these must-see attractions.

2. Private Half Day Safari in Udawalawe National Park

Experience the abundant wildlife in Udawalawe National Park with a private half-day safari. With pick-up and drop-off service available from Udawalawe hotels, you’ll be transported in a 4WD jeep with an experienced driver/tracker on hand to guide you through the park. Keep a lookout for elephants, jungle cats, mongooses, bandicoots, and other native animals as you journey through the park. You’ll also have the opportunity to learn more about the park’s conservation efforts in this personalized experience with a private guide and vehicle. Entrance fees for the Jeep are included, and optional gratuities for your driver/tracker can be provided. Choose your preferred meeting point or request a pickup for a hassle-free excursion through one of Sri Lanka’s most famous national parks.

Most Frequently Asked Questions by Tourists about the City Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is a tropical island located in the Indian Ocean, nestled south of India. Sri Lanka is a must-see destination for many nature lovers, spiritual seekers, and adventure enthusiasts. With its pleasant climate, rich culture, and diversity, Sri Lanka is considered as one of the best tourist destinations in Asia. However, before planning your trip, you might have plenty of questions to ask about this magnificent country. Here are the most frequently asked questions by tourists about Sri Lanka, answered for your convenience.

1. Is Sri Lanka a safe destination for tourists?

Yes, Sri Lanka is generally considered a safe destination for tourists. The country has significantly improved in its safety and security conditions over the years. Although isolated incidents of violence were reported in the past, they were isolated, and the country has since taken measures to improve public safety. As a tourist, you should take necessary precautions regarding pick-pocketing, scams, and petty theft, which might happen in any destination.

2. When is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, but the best time to visit would depend on which part of the country you are planning to visit. The island is divided into two climatic zones, the wet and dry zones. The dry season, which lasts from December to March, is the ideal time to visit the west and south coasts, hill country, and ancient cities. The months from May to September are ideal for exploring the east coast and enjoying whale and dolphin watching.

3. What is the best way to get around Sri Lanka?

The most popular mode of transport in Sri Lanka is by road, with three-wheelers (tuk-tuks) and taxis being readily available throughout the country. You can also opt for public transport, such as buses and trains, which are affordable options. However, they can be crowded during peak hours. Renting a vehicle might be convenient if you are planning to explore the country at your own pace, but note that Sri Lanka’s road conditions can be challenging to navigate due to the unpredictable traffic and narrow roads.

4. What is the currency used in Sri Lanka, and how do I exchange money?

The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Currency exchange can be done at banks, authorized exchange dealers, and hotels. ATMs are also widely available, and it is recommended to withdraw money directly from them instead of exchanging currency. Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops across the country.

5. What should I wear when visiting religious sites in Sri Lanka?

It is important to dress modestly when visiting religious sites in Sri Lanka. Visitors are often required to remove their shoes before entering religious sites, and it is advisable to wear comfortable footwear. Women are advised to cover their shoulders and wear long skirts or pants, while men should avoid wearing shorts and sleeveless shirts.

6. What are some traditional Sri Lankan foods I should try?

Sri Lanka’s cuisine is an amalgamation of various cultures and is known for its spicy flavors and tropical ingredients. Some of the traditional dishes you should try include Kottu Roti, a popular street food made of chopped roti, vegetables, and (sometimes) meat or egg; Hoppers, a type of pancake made of fermented rice flour and coconut milk; and Rice and Curry, a staple dish that includes rice served with various curries and often accompanied by sambol and papadum.

7. How do I obtain a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?

Depending on your country of origin, you might need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. You can apply for the visa online, and it is advisable to do so at least a few days in advance. A single-entry tourist visa is valid for 30 days, and a double-entry tourist visa is valid for 60 days.

8. What are the must-visit attractions in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is packed with destinations and attractions that cater to all interests. Some of the must-visit attractions include the ancient city of Anuradhapura, which was once the capital of Sri Lanka and is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, where you can observe the gentle giants up close and personal; Sigiriya Rock Fortress, an ancient rock fortress that is renowned for its frescoes and gardens; and tea country, where you can stroll through tea plantations and taste some of the finest tea in the world.

How to Spend Your Time as a Tourist in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country to explore, filled with natural beauty and rich culture. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, you should take advantage of the plethora of things this country has to offer. Here’s a detailed guide on how to spend your time as a tourist in Sri Lanka.

1. Visit the Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka

The Cultural Triangle, situated in the north-central part of Sri Lanka, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It has three main ancient cities – Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya. Anuradhapura is known for its massive Buddhist stupas and beautiful monasteries. Polonnaruwa is famous for its beautiful ruins of medieval Sinhalese kingdoms. And Sigiriya has the iconic Lion Rock fortress, beautiful frescoes, and water gardens.It will take at least three days to explore these beautiful ancient cities. You can either join a pre-planned tour or hire a guide when you reach there.

2. Explore Hill Country

Sri Lanka has a beautiful mountain range in the central part of the country – Hill Country. Hill Country is an area of breathtaking beauty, including stunning tea plantations, waterfalls, and lush green hills. You can take a train from Colombo or Kandy to Nuwara Eliya, which takes about 5-6 hours, but the journey is well worth it. You will experience breathtaking views of the highlands, beautiful greenery, and misty hills on the way. Once you are in Nuwara Eliya, you can visit the tea plantations of the famous Ceylon Tea Company and learn about the tea-making process. You can also visit the beautiful waterfalls such as Ramboda Falls, Devon Falls, and St. Clair’s Falls.

3. Enjoy Wildlife Safaris

Sri Lanka is known for its wildlife, and you can explore it by booking a wildlife safari. The Yala National Park is the most popular park in Sri Lanka, known for its leopards, elephants, birds, and other animals. You can also visit Udawalawe National Park, which is home to numerous elephants, and Bundala National Park, which is known for its migratory birds. These parks are open year-round, but the best time to visit is from February to July.

4. Discover Beautiful Beaches

Sri Lanka is a small island surrounded by beautiful beaches. You can find beaches on the east, west, and south coasts. The most popular beaches are Unawatuna Beach, Mirissa Beach, Hikkaduwa Beach, and Bentota Beach.If you are looking for a quieter beach, you can visit Arugam Bay or Tangalle. You can also take a sea safari to see dolphins and whales in their natural habitat.

5. Enjoy Spicy Sri Lankan Cuisine

Sri Lanka is famous for its spicy cuisine, which is a fusion of Indian, Portuguese, and Dutch flavors. You can find delicious curries, string hoppers, kottu roti, and hoppers in any local restaurant in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka is also known for its seafood, including crabs, prawns, fish, and lobster. You can find both local and international cuisine in most of the tourist destinations.

6. Shop for Local Handicrafts

Sri Lanka is known for its handicrafts, including batik textiles, wooden masks, pottery, and gemstones. You can find local handicrafts in most of the tourist towns, and you can even watch the artisans making them. If you are interested in buying gemstones, you should visit Ratnapura, which is known as the City of Gems. You can find a wide range of precious and semi-precious stones there.

7. Visit Temples and Religious Sites

Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, and you can find many beautiful Buddhist temples and religious sites throughout the country. The most popular temples are the Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Gangaramaya Temple in Colombo. If you are interested in Hindu temples, you should visit the Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna, which is one of the oldest and most significant temples in Sri Lanka.

8. Attend Cultural Festivals

Sri Lanka is home to many cultural festivals throughout the year. The biggest and most popular festival is the Sinhala and Tamil New Year, which falls in mid-April. Other famous festivals include Vesak, which celebrates the birth, enlightenment, and death of Lord Buddha, and the Kandy Esala Perahera, which is a grand procession of traditional dancers, drummers, and elephants in Kandy.

Book Your Tour Now

Sri Lanka is a fascinating country with a rich history, beautiful landscapes, and delicious cuisine. There is something for everyone, whether you are interested in ancient history, nature, wildlife, or simply relaxing on a beautiful beach. Follow the above guide to make sure you make the most of your time as a tourist in Sri Lanka.