Travel to the land of tea – Sri Lanka’s FULL of it. You know what else it’s full of? Pretty much everything anyone could want out of a budget break. Epic beaches, jungles aplenty, elephants just strolling around like it ain’t no thang. Add exceptional food, cheap beer, and some of the friendliest people on the planet and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Sri Lanka’s seen some pretty hard times over the years (such as the Civil War and, more recently, tsunamis and political turmoil), which has kept travellers away. But, like the nerd in the 90s rom com, Sri Lanka’s taking off its glasses, shaking out its ponytail, and revealing itself as the beautiful babe it really is.
‘The teardrop’, ‘The Sunshine Isle’, ‘The Garden of Earthly Delights’ are all names used to describe the tropical island of Sri Lanka. Marco Polo described it as ‘undoubtedly the finest island of its size in all the world’.
Sri Lanka is a country with infinite possibilities. Considering its size the variety and diversity of landscapes and countryside that can be found on Sri Lanka, this country is second to none. From popular tourist beaches to thick wildlife-filled jungle and from stunning hillside paddy fields to the bustling cities of Colombo and Kandy all within a few hours bumpy bus ride.
Elephants can often be seen in the wild, or touched at the world famous Pinnewalaorphanage. History can be relived by taking a tour round the cultural triangle and visiting the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.
Sri Lanka Travel Booking Resources
These are my favourite companies to use when I travel.
• Search cheap flights with Skyscanner.
• Find the best deals on hotels on Booking.com.
Sri Lanka Tours
• Browse small group adventure tours with G Adventures.
• Book city sightseeing tours & attraction tickets on GetYourGuide or Viator.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
These are some of the top places to add to your Ski Lanka travel itinerary.
The Southern Beaches
Despite being devastated by the Boxing Day tsunami in 2004 the beach resorts on Sri Lanka’s southern coast have recovered well thanks to the money and efforts of many volunteers. The best of the Sri Lanka’s beach life can still be experienced in towns such as Unawatuna. With palm fringed white sand, turquoise waters and laid back beach bars this relaxing spot is a popular choice with backpackers.
Kandy
Arguably Sri Lanka’s most scenic city, Kandy lies amongst the hills in the Kandy Valley and on the banks of a pretty lake. A great base for exploring the surrounding countryside and waterfalls this little hive of activity has plenty of attractions including a bustling market, interesting souvenir shops and a popular annual festival in July/August.
Arugam Bay
This little place offers the best surfing breaks in Sri Lanka and between April and November is busy with backpackers enjoying the beach bars and parties. A simple strip of accommodation on the front of a pleasant beach makes Arugam Bay a good stop on Sri Lanka’s East coast.
Yala National Park
This is the place to don your binoculars and camouflage in order to catch a glimpse the best of Sri Lanka’s wildlife. If you’re lucky you might spot leopards, elephants and other exotic birds and reptiles.
Anuradhapura
Step back in time by visiting one of Sri Lanka’s well preserved ancient cities. You would be forgiven in thinking you had stumbled onto a film set in Anuradhapura where the ruins of an ancient Lankan civilisation often leave visitors awe struck.
Sigiriya
Known as ‘Lion’s Rock’ for the huge stone paws that guard the stairway, Sigiriya in Sri Lanka was a former fortress of an ancient king. The top of the rock was home to the palace and gardens which you can explore today. Ascend the steps and reach the top for incredible views over Sri Lanka.
Bentota Beach
When you think of Asia and beaches, most people think of Thailand. But one of the many highlights of Sri Lanka is the broad swathe of golden sand at Bentota, amongst the finest beaches in the world, washed by the warm waters of the Indian Ocean. Take a trip into the heart of this magical island with some time on the beach.
Must-dos:
• Ride the winding train tracks that skim the tea plantation-clad valleys between Kandy and Ella, frequently awarded the title of ‘the best train ride in the world’. sigh
• Sit amongst the clouds after successfully traversing Adam’s Peak. The 7000 steps are best climbed in time for sunrise.
• Head north to Sigiriya and the cultural triangle, full of ancient temples, city ruins and buddha-clad caves buried inside cliffs.
• Take to the crashing waves on the white sand surf meccas of Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa or Arugam Bay.
• Take a walk on the wild side! Get lucky with a sighting of grazing elephants and leopards in Yala National Park, or have your own Life of Pi moment aboard a boat, spotting whales at sunrise in Mirissa or Trincomalee. (Psst, there’s turtle nesting spots, too)
Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Climate and Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is probably from December to March for the south and west coast as these are the driest months. For the east coast, April to September is better. Coastal temperatures average at about 27 degrees Celsius. Sri Lanka’s weather is unpredictable so anticipate all conditions.
Currency
Rupee
Religion
Buddhist 69%, Hindu 16%, Muslim 8% and Christianity 7%.
Language
Sinhala, Tamil and English.
Health
Malaria, Hepatitis, typhoid, Diphtheria.
People and Culture
Sri Lanka’s population is as diverse as its countryside. Although Buddhist Sinhalese are in the majority, there are also many Tamils, Muslims and Christians in Sri Lanka. Each ethnic group has its own festivals and holidays and perhaps this is why the country has more public holidays than any other in the world.
Language
The two main languages spoken are Sinhala and Tamil, and whilst some people do speak English (a little, perhaps) it’s definitely recommended to try and learn some local phrases.
Cuisine
View my recommendations for the best foods to try in Sri Lanka.