Known as the teardrop of India, Sri Lanka is an absolutely stunning place that everyone should visit. It has so much to offer in such a small area and has many best kept secrets. In Sri Lanka, you can find extraordinary rich biodiversity, majestic beaches, deep history, nuanced culture and a range of climate zones.
Sri Lanka is unquestionably an island paradise, but unlike other small island paradises where there isn’t much to do other than relax on the beach, Sri Lanka is large enough to offer a wide variety of things to see and do. All this, not to mention a delightful gastronomic tradition.
Sri Lanka: Facts
- independent: 1948 (from England)
- population: 22 million
- currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
- official language: Sinhala and Tamil (English is also accepted)
There are two main ethnic groups in Sri Lanka, the majority Sinhalese and Tamils. The Sinhalese practice Buddhism while the Tamils practice Hinduism. The Tamils are divided into two groups, the native Tamils in the north and the central Tamils (who migrated from India to work in the tea plantations during British rule).
Sri Lanka Visa Policy
Almost all countries in the world can get Sri Lanka visa on arrival through ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
- Visa on arrival fee: $35-40
- Visa period: 30 days
understand…
Sri Lanka is a very welcoming country, and it is also a country worth visiting. It’s also a developing country where driving may not be as strictly by the rules as Westerners are used to. Also, the traditional food here is very spicy (traditionally even for breakfast) – but you’ll find many restaurants selling western food as well. The tea made here is also traditionally very, very sweet. While the distance on the map may appear short, it can take a while to actually drive there because there is a lot of traffic on the road.
- Sri Lankan food is spicy
- The traffic is often heavy and the driving style is not like the west
tropical beach
Sri Lanka has many tropical beaches and they are one of the main attractions of this island nation. They are found all over the island. Be sure to get up early as mornings are the best time to take pictures and enjoy the surroundings before it gets too hot.
Kandy
Kandy, the old capital of Sri Lanka, is a must-see when exploring the island. It is located in the center of the island far from the coast and generally has a much milder climate than other cities along the coast.
Kandy has breathtaking biodiversity and some stunning ancient architecture. It’s just a small city with about 125,000 inhabitants. It’s also the gateway to the Central Highlands, where the weather is very steady – the rainy season runs from September to December. Kandy Lake was built in 1807 and is located in the city center. Fishing is prohibited here, and there are many fish in the lake.
Things to do in Kandy
Tooth Temple: It is said that the tooth relic of the Buddha is stored
Palace: The last royal palace in Sri Lanka
Royal Botanic Gardens Peradeniya: Home to an amazing 4,000+ plant species
Sigiriya: the facts
- Number of steps: 1250
- Entrance fee: $30
- Business hours: 7:00 am – 5:30 pm
- Open days: every day
sigiriya
This is an absolute must-see, a massive rock fortress rising from the forests surrounding central Sri Lanka. Its name translates to Lion City and is believed to have been founded around 1500 years ago. It is considered one of the best preserved examples of ancient planning.
Today, you can walk around the site and climb the steep stairs that lead to the summit. You will be greeted by impressive rock art and the remains of the mighty lion statue that guarded the summit.
galle
Galle is a southern coastal city and one of the most populous beach resorts in Sri Lanka. Galle also has some of the best remains of the pre-Portuguese and Dutch occupation of the island (before the arrival of the British). In fact, today Galle Fort is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is the largest surviving European fort built by Europeans in Asia.
Galle Fort: First built by the Portuguese in 1588
Expand: In 1649 by the Dutch
Sri Lankan food
Sri Lanka has a rich culinary tradition and an abundance of delicious food. Perfect for the adventurous pallet traveler. Some foods to try include.
Kottu Roti—— You can easily buy this on the street
Fish Ambul Thiyal – A Sour Fish Curry
Vatarapan – a steamed custard
Tea – Sri Lankan tea is sweet
coconut – There are plenty of fresh coconut milks to try
And this just scratches the surface of the abundance of things to see and do in this stunning paradise in the Indian Ocean.
