Ideal Duration: 7-10 days for exploring Colombo, Kandy, and Sigiriya; longer for a more relaxed exploration of beaches and historical sites
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Best Time: December to March (Dry season for most regions)
Visa Policy for Indians: ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) required
Visa Policy for Other Nationals: ETA required for many countries
Getting In Sri Lanka: Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo
Getting Around Sri Lanka: Buses, trains, tuk-tuks, rental cars
Budget for Food & Drinks (per day): USD 10 to USD 20 for budget travellers, USD 20 to USD 40 for mid range travellers and USD 50 and above for luxury travellers
Accommodation Cost (per night): Budget Accommodation USD 10 to USD 20, Mid-range Accommodation USD 30 to USD 70, Luxury Accommodation USD 100 and more
Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean known for its spectacular beaches, thousand-year-old Buddhist temples, abundance of wildlife, and rich archaeological history. The plethora of water sports, breathtaking sunsets, sprawling tea gardens, and mouth-watering Sri Lankan food will surely make you fall in love with this gorgeous place.
The island's coastline stretches for approximately 1,340 kilometers (832 miles) and is dotted with palm-fringed beaches, turquoise waters, and vibrant coral reefs. Additionally, the island is known for its marine life, and visitors can enjoy whale watching in Mirissa or diving and snorkeling along the stunning coral reefs. The beach towns of Weligama, Hikkaduwa, Bentota, and the scenic fort city of Galle are perfect for a laid-back vacation.
Colombo is Sri Lanka's capital and usually the entry to the island nation offering many attractions including temples, gardens, malls & casinos and a brilliant nightlife.
Kandy, the spiritual capital of Sri Lanka is famous for the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most sacred Buddhist places in the world. Nearby Dambulla Cave Temple is another UNESCO world heritage site which displays over 150 priceless Buddha statues, intricate sacred cave paintings, and huge murals. It is Sri Lanka's best-preserved Buddhist shrine within ancient caves.
Ancient cities like Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya are UNESCO World Heritage Sites dotted across the country that showcase impressive archaeological ruins, including towering stupas, ancient palaces, and intricately carved temples. The Cultural Triangle, encompassing these destinations, is a must-visit for history enthusiasts.
As a biodiversity hotspot, Sri Lanka has several national parks and wildlife reserves, including Yala National Park, Wilpattu National Park, and Udawalawe National Park.
The scenic tea plantations of Sri Lanka are also major attractions. The hill country, particularly around Nuwara Eliya and Ella, offers picturesque landscapes of rolling hills covered in neatly manicured tea bushes. Take scenic train rides through these tea-covered hills and indulge in high-quality Ceylon tea while enjoying breathtaking views.
Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ayurvedic practices and wellness retreats. Pamper yourself with Ayurvedic treatments, yoga, meditation, and spa therapies. Immerse yourself in Sri Lanka's vibrant culture by participating in cultural activities such as traditional dance performances, learning to cook Sri Lankan cuisine, visiting local markets, and interacting with friendly locals.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is generally from December to March, marking the dry season in most tourist parts of the country. However, Sri Lanka is a year-round destination, with April/May to September being the ideal time to explore the East Coast of Sri Lanka.Sri Lanka experiences two differe...
Shreyas Kapoor
6 years ago