Ultimate Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Sri Lanka is a small island full of wonders. If you travel around the country, you will feel like you visited ten countries! That is how divergent it is.

Why Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is always on the top of recommendations in all major travel guides.

• The second in Best destination by USA and UK Conde Nast Traveller magazine Readers Choice Awards 2020
• One of the Top Destinations to Travel in February 2020 by Condé Nast Traveller, Middle East.
• “World’s Leading Emerging Tourism Destination 2020” and “Asia’s Leading Adventure Tourism Destination 2020 ACCOLADES” by WorldTravel Awards
• The best destination to Travel 2019 – Lonely Planet
• The top destination in Asia – for 2019 – Travel Influencers
• No.1trending cuisine in 2019 – BBC Good Food Team

Above are a few of the best ratings Sri Lanka has got. If you search more, you will find a huge list. These recommendations re-assure why Sri Lanka should be on the top of our bucket list destinations.

What to see in Sri Lanka?

If you need to explore the whole island, it will take at least two weeks. Kandy to Ella train, exploring the hill country, and seeing Elephants in the wild on Safari are my personal favorites. 

What are the top attractions?

The beaches! – Sri Lanka’s white-sand beaches make every travelers’ hearts flutter. Down south beaches like Unawatuna and Mirissa has the biggest attraction. 

Wildlife Safaris – Being a biological hotspot, Sri Lanka is home to elephants, leopards, monkeys, and even dolphins and whales. 

Tea Fields- If you want to see where Ceylon Tea is coming from, visit these never-ending tea fields in Nuwara-Eliya. You can hunt several mountains and waterfalls around here such as Adams Peak. 

Sri Lanka UNESCO List – Sri Lanka is full of ancient heritages. Visit a few from this list; Ancient Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura cities, Golden Temple of Dambulla, Old Town Galle, Central Highlands, Sigiriya, Kandy, and Sinharaja forest. 

Unique Places – These places are never to be missed if you visit Sri Lanka due to the novelty in its experience. The Kandy to Ella Train, Minneriya Elephant migration, Stilt Fishermen of the South, Submarine Yard.

Where to Stay in Sri Lanka?

If you plan to visit Sri Lanka, you can serve your accommodation through Hotel.com or Agoda. Cantaloupe Aqua-South Coast, 98 Acres Resort-Ella, and Ozo Hotel – Kandy are few great places to stay. 

How to travel to and in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka has three international airports, but almost all airlines fly into Bandaranaike International Airport. When roaming around the country, the bus and train network covers the entire island for a quite cheaper rate. The quality may be declining as you move to rural areas. Uber service is available in major cities and taking a hired “TUK-TUK” is possible anywhere in the country. 

Is it safe in Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is mostly a safe country with friendly people. But it better be aware of few things. Always choose bottled water over tap water. When visiting temples be mindful of the standard etiquette. Sri Lanka is a country with several religions and events, with areas having minority authority. Therefore, beware of this religious calendar.

Dengue fever is quite common, so never miss mosquito nets or repellent coils. Women should take greater care if offered drinks. Only use ATMs connected to a bank building to avoid card fraud. The 25-year civil war was ended, but still, be mindful when visiting North. It is also better to have traveling insurance like World Nomads or Insure and Go. 

Follow the popular updated blogs to know about Sri Lanka regions, roads, and money tips in detail. 

How costly is Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is comparatively a low-cost travel destination. But the cost depends on the season, region, hotels, etc. But generally, the costs are approximate as follows:

• Food: Meal PP (Budget) – 320Rs 

         Meal PP (Upscale) – 900Rs

• Accommodation: Double Room (Budget) – 1600Rs 

      Double Room Middle – 3800Rs

      Double Room Luxury – 7000Rs +

• Taxi (1 Mile) – 80Rs 
• 1 Beer – 260Rs 
• 1ltr Water – 60Rs 
• Petrol/Gas 1ltr – 130Rs

Sri Lanka Language?

It is Sinhala and Tamil. But you will find many people speaking in English. Do not forget to say “Aayubowan” when you greet a Sri Lankan. 

How is the weather?

Sri Lanka is a temperate country with an average temperature of 28⁰C with a sunny climate. But it is quite cold in the hill country. 

When to visit Sri Lanka?

• Peak Season: December to the end of March 
• Shoulder Season: April and September 
• Off-Season: During May to August 

Explore this beautiful place and spread the word to all travel enthusiasts!!