Sri Lanka

A teardrop, found sliding along the Indian Ocean, is the magical land of Sri Lanka. The metaphor ends there, though. Sri Lanka is a magical, beautiful and diverse nation. Tropical beaches edge the fringes of the country, heritage sites populate its length, relics of Buddhism are found everywhere. Greet the majestic whales in the water, and the magnificent elephant in the rainforests. Swim, ski and snorkel in the waters that surround Sri Lanka. Taste the multitude of ways, crab can be cooked. Take the beautiful train route from Colombo to Jaffna.

So, why think of anywhere else in the world? Sri Lanka is the obvious choice for any kind of vacation. The choices to occupy yourself are endless. Today, we’re going to dig into the bottomless bag of Sri Lanka Tourism! You’ll be surprised, pleasant and excited by what we uncover. Are you ready?

Highlights of Sri Lanka

Cities of Sri Lanka

The cities of Sri Lanka combine to form the perfect vision of the country. Like puzzle pieces – each unique in shape, colour and character – these parts lock together adding diversity and unity to the country, simultaneously. Take Galle, the fifth largest city, with its spread of temples, churches and stunning beaches. Legend has it, that a visit and a donation to the Seenigama temple brings great, great luck. If history is what excites you, then the Galle Lighthouse and Fort offer stories of the past to sink into. Then, there is Colombo – the economic capital city and tourist hotspot. The Turtle Conservation Centre, the Natural History Museum, the Nelum Pokuna Theatre are just some of the highlights of Sri Lanka’s most vibrant city. Next, on this platter of delights, is the city of Kandy. Packed into its corners are the Temple of Tooth and the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. If you’re in the city in October, prepare yourself for the whirlwind of dancers, musicians, fire breathers and elephants that come with the Esala Perahera Festival. The next stop on this tour, is the lush greenery that blooms in Nuwara Eliya – serene and beautiful, this is the heart of the tea industry in Sri Lanka. You can enjoy a game at the nation’s best golf course and walk the Botanical Gardens found in this city. Sounds dreamy right?

Nature of Sri Lanka

How do we sum up Sri Lanka’s beauty in one word? Stunning. Luckily, we have a few more words to spare about the most lush, green and gorgeous pockets of this country. Take the beautiful ride through Ella Gap, as tea plantations, forests and the slopes of hills all tumble by. Let your heart warm at the sight of baby elephants gambolling about at Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. Feel the awe, as nature and art combine at the majestic Dambulla Cave Temple. Climb to the top of Adam’s peak, and feel the soft brush of clouds against your skin. Experience the drama of Sirgiya Rock Fortress – the stern stone contrasting with the surrounding vivid green forests. Go whale watching at the tiny village of Mirissa. Spot the sly rings that are dotted all over the luxuriant leopards at Yala National Park. For the thrill of water sports and an intimate view of the underwater life, head to Trincomalee. There’s so much here – we haven’t got enough words.

Shopping at Sri Lanka

Clear some room in your bags – shopping in Sri Lanka will claim most of that space. Start with the iconic Odel – branded fashion, lifestyle products and luxury items. This is the lush life. You must indulge. Of course, if you’re in Colombo and looking to experience that glitter and shine, then the Majestic City mall should be your destination. For handicrafts and souvenirs, look no further than Laksala. It’s the affordable and beautiful essence of Sri Lanka, shaped into gorgeous crafts. For the sparkle and shine of gems, the one place to visit is Ratnapura. For accessories to decorate your home with, a trip to the elegant and minimalist Paradise Road is essential. You must also include a beautiful batik wall hanging from Jayamali Batiks Studio in Kandy. The contemporary art scene is worth visiting at Rangala House Art Gallery – the walls of your home should be graced by these artistic wonders. If you’re in Galle, stop at Orchid House where you can load your cart with spices, tea, spa products, books and other handicrafts. Finally, pick up some of that iconic Sri Lankan tea at the Mlesna Tea Centre. See? We told you, you’d need to clear some space in your luggage.

Cuisine of Sri Lanka

You’re going to load your plate with the delights of Sri Lankan cuisine. Experience the delight of fish ambul thiyal – a sour and flavourful fish curry. Dive into the markets and streets of Sri Lanka for the flaky Kottu roti. Ladle the thick Kukul mas curry (chicken curry) over a bed of rice. Feel the comfort of coconut milk blended subtly into the thick Parippu. Bite into the overloaded goodness of Lamprais, with its meat, rice and sambol chilli sauce wrapped in a banana leaf and steamed. Crack the yellow yolk of an egg nestled into the quintessential Sri Lankan pancake – Idiyappam. Let the sweetness of jackfruit explode across your tongue as you sample some Polos (green jackfruit curry). Truly, this is the country of curries. 

Interesting facts about Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka is known as the pearl of the Indian Ocean and the teardrop of India
• The country is the leading exporter of cinnamon
• The word “serendipity” came from “Serendip” – the old name of Sri Lanka
• The national flag is one of the oldest in the world
• The Tooth Temple in Kandy actually has one of Buddha’s teeth – hence the name
• Sri Lanka was the first country to elect a female prime minister
• The country is home to the oldest human-planted tree, which is over 2300 years old

Location of Sri Lanka

This tear-shaped nation can be found in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal and Southeast of the Arabian Sea. The Gulf of Mannar and Palk Straight separate it from India.

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

The island country keeps its gates open throughout the year for travellers. However, there is a slice of time in the year – from December to April – which is considered to be the best time to visit. This is especially the case for the Western and Southern coasts of the country. However, if you choose to explore the Eastern side of Sri Lanka, the months of April, May and September are ideal. So choose the best time to visit Sri Lanka wishly.

How to reach Sri Lanka

By Air: The simplest and most efficient way to reach Sri Lanka is by flight. You’ll most likely land at Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo. To handle the increasing air traffic in Sri Lanka, a second airport was opened, the Mattala Rakapaksa International Airport (however, its mostly flights from the middle east that land here). You can book a direct flight from some of India’s biggest cities, including Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore, Mumbai and Kolkata. Carriers like Air India, Sri Lankan Airlines, Vistara and Spice Jet all provide flights to Sri Lanka. 

By Sea: If you’re looking to make the journey via the waves, you can book a ticket from Mumbai to Sri Lanka. However, do note that these are few and far between. Keep in mind that during the monsoon seasons, the water can be turbulent. So, book accordingly. You can also check out more ways on How to Reach Sri Lanka

History of Sri Lanka

The documented history of Sri Lanka stretches back over 3,000 years. The first Buddhist writings in the country date back to 29 BC and the country was an important stop on the ancient Silk route (which connected the east and the west). When it was colonised by the British, Sri Lanka was known as Ceylon. In the 20th century, a nationalist revolution rose against the colonisers, resulting in Sri Lanka’s independence in 1948. In 1972, the country became a republic and adopted the current name. 

Enchanted by our beautiful neighbour? Then start making your plans to cross the waves and reach its shores. You can explore our curated Sri Lanka Holiday packages and choose one that suits your travel plans!