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Formerly called Ceylon, Sri Lanka is a beautiful, diverse, and magical nation. It is also known as Spice Island and is situated to the southeast of India. Sri Lanka is a country of incredible beauty and amazing diversity. Along the coast, visitors can explore breathtaking beaches, ancient cities, and safari trips, greet large whales in the water, and majestic elephants in the rainforest. One can experience the unique culture, try the amazing Sri Lankan food, swim and ski, and explore modern Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with many tourist attractions. It’s a superb choice for any kind of vacation. You will run out of time but not things to do in Sri Lanka. Fasten your seatbelts as you embark on this roller coaster ride of Sri Lanka tourism.
| Continent | Asia |
| Capital | Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte |
| Language | Sinhala |
| Population | 21.32 Million |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupees |
| Area | 65,610 sq.km |
This pearly island is 18 miles [28 km] from India, its closest point in the Indian Ocean. With an area of 65,610 square kilometers, located in the tropics between 5°N and 9°N and between 80°E and 82°E, Sri Lanka has many natural sites and places of historical interests. The island has two main landmarks: a mountainous region in the south-central elevation, rising to 8,281 meters above sea level, and coastal plains to the north, east, and southwest. Dense vegetation covers most of Sri Lanka, especially the southwest coast. Rubber and coconut trees grow in the central and lowlands, while the highlands have large tea estates.
Monsoons bring two rainy seasons. The southwest monsoon lasts from May to September. At this time, the southwestern part of the island, including Colombo, receives about 100 inches of annual rainfall.
The northeast hurricanes, from October or November to February, give the northern and eastern parts of the island almost all of their annual rainfall of 60 inches. Monsoon showers may cause flooding in the Colombo area. December to March is a dry season.
Although the country is open all year for tourists, December to April is considered the best time to visit, especially on the southern and western coast of the country. If you plan to explore the eastern coast, April, May, and September are the best months. Therefore, choose according to your convenience.
Religion is a fundamental part of Sri Lankan diversity. With a mixture of unique customs and beliefs, this hill country is rich in culture. Sri Lanka is not just about seaside resorts and tea gardens, there is much more to discover. There are four religions in Sri Lanka. Most Sri Lankans are Buddhist, and the others are Hindus, Muslims, and Christians.
The whole island has the gift of sea-green water all around, making it popular among tourists. In Sri Lanka, you can find rich treasures and cultures. So, if you are planning to visit this country and do not know where to start, you have come to the right place. You will find a step-by-step guide on how to get here and which places to visit, expected costs, food to try, etc.
One of the most frequent questions that pop into every traveler’s head is: apart from sightseeing, what are the other things to do in Sri Lanka? We have got you covered with the list of things that you can opt to do while exploring this mystique island.
By air: The most convenient way to reach Sri Lanka is by flight. You’ll land at either Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo or the Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Mattala.
By water: If you’re looking to make your journey a little adventurous, you can opt for traveling via water. Just book a ticket from Mumbai to Colombo, and you’re good to go. Consider the cons of traveling via water, like monsoon season and water turbulence, before you book your ticket.
Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple
A combination of a Buddhist temple and a museum. It contains many items of religious relevance, including gold, stones, elephant ivory, porcelain, Chinese statues, stamps, watches, cameras, photographs, coins, one taxidermied elephant, stereos, shells, swords, and other items.
Galle Fort
Galle Fort is located in southern Sri Lanka. Near the Fort, there are attractive spots like rainforests and pristine beaches.
Little Adam’s Peak
The height of Little Adam is an easy journey to complete alone. It is located about 5 km from Ella. This beautiful natural gift of Mother Nature allows adventure-seekers to explore the amazing landscapes of dense jungles and cliffs during a beautiful sunrise or sunset.
Horton Plains National Park
There are rolling hills, a beautiful waterfall, and a spectacular view here at the Horton Plains National Park.
Mirissa Beach
A perfect beach for relaxing, swimming, snorkeling, surfing, and enjoying a wide variety of food. There are various water activities to indulge in, or you can simply read a book and enjoy the sun.
Muthurajawela Marsh
This area is a canal and swamp where you can take a boat trip to see the wildlife.
Colombo National Museum
If you want to escape the tropical Colombo center, this is a great option. It's not large, but it does include a lot of interesting things to see and learn about Sri Lanka. Take your time and enjoy many different aspects of art, culture, religion, crafts, historical cities, and excavations.
Sigiriya, the ancient rock fortress
Be prepared to climb about 1200 steps to get to the top of the rock. It takes about 2.5 hours to reach the peak, where you will get a view of the area and the distant mountains.
Pidurangala Rock
Pidurangala is a large stone structure located a few miles north of Sigiriya. Its history is closely related to that of the Sigiriya rock fortress.
Udawattekele Sanctuary
It’s a wonderful natural forest in the middle of Kandy. It's just a 15-minute walk from Kandy city.
Arugam Bay
Locally known as “Arugam kudah”, Arugam Bay is located on the Indian Ocean. In the dry zone of Sri Lanka's southeast coast, this bay becomes one must-visit place in Sri Lanka.
An average 7-day-6-night visit to Sri Lanka will cost about Rs. 45,000–50,000. With smart spending, you might be able to save a few bucks. Use local transport for getting from one place to another and enjoy local cuisines like Kottu roti, Idiyappam, etc.
Majestic City Mall should be on your list when it comes to shopping in Colombo. For handicrafts and souvenirs, visit Laksala. Paradise Road is a must if you are to buy home accessories. Visit the Orchid House if you want to load your cart with tea, spices, spa products, and other handicrafts.
Why should I visit Sri Lanka?
If you wish to explore the various landscapes and attractions, including some of the oldest Buddhist sites in the world, you must visit Sri Lanka. The nation exports tea, coffee, and coconut food and boasts of its rich cultural heritage.
Is a visa required to visit Sri Lanka?
Starting January 1st, 2012, the Sri Lankan Tourism Development Authority has mandated that all vacationers or business travelers have either electronic travel authorization (ETA) or a visa for entering Sri Lanka.
What should I pack?
It varies as per your destination and time of travel. Still, pack light for hassle-free traveling. Pack some woolen clothes if you are visiting the hilly regions.
Is Sri Lanka a safe country?
It is a safe country overall, but be alert in markets and in open areas to avoid pickpocketing. Do not leave your valuables unattended.
Do Sri Lankan people speak English?
The local language of Sri Lanka is Sinhala, which is spoken by almost 70% of the population, and the rest of the population speaks Tamil. Around 10% of the population speaks fluent English for official and commercial purposes.
Language Spoken
Sinhala,Tamil and English
Currency used:
Sri Lankan Rupee
The following are some travel tips, do's and dont's to keep in mind during your Sri Lanka trip.
Do’s
• Take care of your visa and other paperwork in advance. Sri Lanka does not have Visa on arrival for Indians.
• Bargain with the Tuk-Tuk drivers. Since being a tourist often involves getting over-charged, politely bargain with anyone offering to sell you something.
• Try and go off beaten tracks and explore the hidden gems of the area.
• Speak to the local people for guidance. But remember, always be respectful.
• Relish every meal. The Sri Lankan cuisine is something you must not miss out on. Politely ask your server to modify the quantity of spices, based on your taste.
• Trust government certified stores only, for local handicrafts.
• Cover your head, legs and shoulders while visiting sacred shrines.
Dont's
• Don’t take pictures without permission.
• Don’t pose with Buddha statues or turn your back towards them.
• Avoid drinking tap water.
Sri Lanka is one of the most underrated holiday destinations. But, if you visit it once, you will keep going back for more of the warm hospitality and the stunning natural beauty. SOTC offers a variety of Sri Lanka tour packages that will reveal the island nation’s beauty, one layer at a time.
