SRI LANKA TRAVEL GUIDE
Sri Lanka is an island country located in Southern Asia, south of India. A land bridge between the island and India existed until the 15th century when a cyclone broke the land bridge apart.
The island is mostly flat with some mountains in the central-southern parts. The island of Sri Lanka is surrounded by the Indian Ocean.
SRI LANKA GENERAL INFO
The island was first settled in the 6th century BC, most probably by people from India. Various kingdoms ruled on the island from about 200 BC. Portuguese and Dutch settlers arrived here in the 16th and 17th century before the British arrived on the island. In 1802 Sri Lanka became a British crown colony. Sri Lanka was granted independece on 4 February 1948.
Sri Lanka is one of the world’s top biodiversity hotspots. There are more than 125 mammal special such as the Asian elephants or the Sri Lankan Leopard.
Most of the people in Sri Lanka live in the country's southwestern regions and along the eastern coast as well as on the Jaffna Peninsula in the north.
The Sri Lankan people mainly live in rural areas and only 19% live in urban areas.
HOW TO GET TO SRI LANKA
BY ROAD
coming soon
BY RAIL
coming soon
BY AIR
coming soon
BY BOAT
coming soon
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT SRI LANKA
coming soon
WHAT’S THE WEATHER LIKE IN SRI LANKA RIGHT NOW?
TOP THINGS TO SEE & DO IN SRI LANKA
Climb Sigiriya
See wild elephants in a National Park
Visit a tea empire in Nuwara Eliya
Ride Hill Country train to Ella
See whales
Explore city of Kandy
Walled city of Galle
Explore temples of Colombo
Experience true Tamil culture in Jaffna
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
ACCOMODATION IN SRI LANKA
coming soon
WHERE TO STAY IN SRI LANKA
Galle
Galle is probably the most touristic part of Sri Lanka and for a good reason. Imagine a beautiful long beach, a few surfing areas and a lovely town, Galle, with a characteristic fort
Kandy
If you want to stay in a town area in Sri Lanka this is the most popular.
Sigiriya
A majoy destination in Sri Lanka due to the famous Sigiriya Rock that you should climb.
Hikkaduwa Beach
A beautiful beach destination although very busy with tourists.
Arugam Bay
A very popular area with surfers due to the great waves. There’s a really chilled out vibe in Arugam Bay.
EATING IN SRI LANKA
Sri Lanka's cuisine is renowned for its delicious rice and coconut dishes. The country is also famous for its spices mainly cinnamon and black pepper.
Rice is the main staple food and is eaten throughout the day. It can be served with different curries made with vegetables, spices, meats, nuts, yams and fruits.
Here are my top choices of food to try when in Sri Lanka.
Lunumiris
This is a spicy chilli sambal paste made with chilli, shallots, lime juice and spices. This sauce usually includes also cured tuna called 'Maldive fish' as the tuna used in the sambal comes from the Maldives.
Ambulthiyal
This is a sour and peppery fish curry made with chilli, fish, tamarind and spices.
Pittu
This steamed rice dish made with rice flour and shredded coconut and coconut milk. It can be served for breakfast with fruit or can be enjoyed also as a savoury dish with curry or dried fish
SRI LANKA ESSENTIALS
Planning a trip to Sri Lanka? Here are some of the resources and tools I personally use to organise my travel plans in Singapore.
FLIGHTS : Find the best deals on flights to Sri Lanka using Skyscanner.
VISAS : Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Sri Lanka and apply for an expedited visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation for your visa application if needed.
TRAVEL INSURANCE : Insure your trip with my preferred insurance for single trip and annual cover HeyMondo
AIRPORT TRANSFER : Pre-book your hotel transfer from Colombo Airport
ACCOMMODATION : Find the best hotel deals in Sri Lanka on Booking.com
BUS TICKETS : It is easy to book your bus tickets once you’re in Sri Lanka but if you’d like to book in advance you can buy your Singapore bus tickets online through Bookaway
DAY TRIPS : Find the best city tours and day excursions in Sri Lanka on Viator or Get Your Guide.
SRI LANKA GUIDEBOOK : Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet Guidebook to Sri Lanka for a good read and to help you plan your trip.
Did you know that …
When you purchase something through my links I earn a small fee. However, you still pay the same. Win-win!
