Sri Lanka

Land of sunshine and peace

Guide to Sri Lanka

Basic Information

Sri Lanka is an amazing country where the main guarantee of rest is peace. The sun, sea, and raging greenery of this ancient country disposes to a calm and meditative vacation. Noisy discos are not in honor here, but a relaxed vacation on the coast or sightseeing, which in this ancient country is a lot. And Sri Lanka is famous all over the world for its tea plantations. And the real Ceylon tea you can taste only on the island itself. So if you want a quiet and meditative vacation under the shade of green trees - your way lies on the island of Sri Lanka.

Photos of Sri Lanka

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Capital

Colombo

Language

Sinhalese, Tamil

Currency

Sri Lankan rupee

Time zone

GMT+5:30

Population

20 480 000

Territory

65,610 km²

Dishes worth trying:

Roti — rice cakes, an everyday dish in Lankan cuisine.

Appu — rice flour and coconut milk pancakes.

Indiappa — rice noodles

Pitta — steamed rice and coconut mixture in a bamboo stalk.

Kiribad — pink rice cooked in coconut milk.

Tea — Sri Lanka's traditional drink, which has made the country famous throughout the world.

Buy Tea. Ceylon tea is world famous, and bought locally has an amazing flavor.
Shop for spices at one of the local shops.
Visit tea plantations.
Go on a safari to Yapa National Park.
Fully enjoy a beach vacation in a tranquil island setting.
See blue whales and sperm whales off the coast of the island.

Tips

Trains and buses in Sri Lanka are almost never air-conditioned, so this is something to consider before traveling.

Few people in Sri Lanka speak English, and Senegalese is the language of choice.

In Sri Lanka, adherence to traffic rules by locals can be inconsistent, making it advisable to exercise caution when considering renting a car. However, renting a scooter can be a convenient alternative, as it allows for more flexibility in navigating through the traffic and exploring the country's scenic landscapes.

Learn more

Sights

Sri Lanka, with its ancient culture and rich history, is home to numerous natural and architectural wonders. Even though the country is relatively small, describing all its main sights would indeed take a considerable amount of time. However, we've prepared a concise overview of some of the most captivating places on the island for you to explore.

Aluvihara Temple

The ancient temple, consisting of 13 caves, is located in the mountains, 34 km from Kandy. Here you will find magnificent frescoes on the walls, a nine-meter statue of a reclining Buddha.

Anuradhapura

The ancient capital of Sri Lanka is famous for its countless temples, bas-reliefs, statues and palaces.

Fort Galle

Granite fort erected by the Dutch by 1663. The largest surviving fortress in Asia.

Tours to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, surrounded by the ocean on all sides, primarily offers the allure of a beach vacation, drawing travelers looking to diversify their experiences with a unique blend of Thai and Indian exoticism. The cost of a trip to Sri Lanka is generally comparable to other destinations in the region.

However, this beautiful country has a wealth of surprises in store for every tourist. Enthusiasts of active exploration can embark on sightseeing tours to turtle farms, elephant nurseries, and local reserves. There are also dedicated tours to the renowned tea plantations.

Sri Lanka boasts a rich cultural heritage, with temples and structures dedicated to Buddha, some of which date back to ancient times. The majestic royal palaces are also popular destinations for sightseeing tours.

Today, health centers and hotels in the country offer rejuvenation through Ayurvedic treatments and methods, making wellness trips increasingly common. Some of the best Sri Lanka packages combine multiple aspects of these tourism experiences.

Finding budget-friendly deals can be a challenge, as long-haul flights with transfers are usually involved. Charter flights can sometimes double the overall cost of your vacation. A two-week stay on the island typically starts at around 810 USD, including accommodation and flights for two adults enjoying the beautiful Sri Lankan beaches.

While cheaper options might be hard to come by, it's always worth exploring hot travel deals. You can check the latest offers on the tripmydream website to discover potential cost-effective opportunities for your Sri Lanka adventure.

Where to go to Sri Lanka?

Visitors come to Sri Lanka most often for the seaside resorts on the coast. There are also spa resorts and many attractions that traditionally attract tourists. There are tea plantations, ancient Buddhist temples and much more. For a successful trip you just need to choose the right resort for you and decide on the places you want to see on the island. And tripmydream will help you decide where to go to Sri Lanka.

When to go to Sri Lanka

The subequatorial climate makes Sri Lanka favorable for recreation throughout the year. The temperature stably stays around +30°C, the sea is warm all year round - the island can be called a true paradise. However, from May to October the rainy season starts here. But it is not too terrible, because during the daytime it almost never rains in Sri Lanka. Contact tripmydream and he will help you decide when it is better to go to Sri Lanka.

Sri Lanka in the spring

The beginning of spring is a great time to travel to Sri Lanka. With bright blue skies and temperatures around +30°C, it is the perfect time to sunbathe and swim, but only on the east coast. On the west coast the ocean will be rough.

Sri Lanka in the summer

Despite the height of the rainy season, the eastern coast of Sri Lanka is quite suitable for summer vacation. However, it is better not to go to the mountains, as the rains often erode the dirt roads, making it difficult to travel.

Sri Lanka in the fall

In autumn Sri Lanka, the rainy season is slowly waning and the weather becomes completely dry by November. The air temperature does not fall below +30°C, providing travelers with an excellent beach holiday.

Sri Lanka in the winter

Winter is the best time to vacation in Sri Lanka. Due to the fact that the humidity is lower, the heat even during the day is easier to bear. The ocean is calm at this time, so it is safe to swim and dive.

Climate and weather in to Sri Lanka by months

Usefulness

tripmydream has compiled a selection of facts to help you on your journey.

Visa to Sri Lanka

Obtaining a visa to Sri Lanka is simplified to the extreme. It requires an electronic entry permit or a visa that is issued on arrival.

Customs & Tax Free

Find out what you can and cannot bring into Sri Lanka, what rules the country's customs adhere to in this section.

Customs regulations

Travel by car

Renting a car in Sri Lanka is not the most convenient way to travel, as the roads are confusing. But you will not be dependent on public transportation.

Lease terms and traffic rules

Phrasebook for tourists

Not everywhere in Sri Lanka knows English, so we have prepared for you a selection of useful phrases in the Senegalese language, which is in common use in the country.

Learn phrases

Public transport and prices

About the peculiarities of the transportation system in Sri Lanka, about how best to move within the country and how much it costs to travel - we will tell you in this section.

Transportation