Essentials
When to Travel
The weather in Sri Lanka is somewhat hard to predict. This is mainly due to the country being affected by two different monsoons. The west coast of the country is the wettest in April to June (generally speaking), and the east coast is its wettest from November to March.
Therefore, (historically), it’s best to visit the west coast in December to March and the east coast May to September.
The temperature, however, is around the same all year round and can easily go up to mid-high 30s in the afternoon, so make sure to pack your suncream.
Visa Requirements
Visas are the responsibility of the individual traveller. Entry requirements into Sri Lanka change all the time, so it’s important that you check for the latest information.
For now, most nationalities will require a visa to visit Sri Lanka. The fee is approximately $35 USD and an E-Visa can be obtained at the following website:: www.eta.gov.lk
For the most up to date information on visa requirements, we recommend you contact the Sri Lankan embassy in your country or visit the official website.
WHAT ARE THE NATIONAL LANGUAGES?
Sinhala and Tamil
WHAT IS THE CURRENCY?
Rupee
TIMEZONE
Sri Lanka’s timezone is GMT+5.5
The Must-See Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka
1. Sigiriya
Rising dramatically from the central plains, the enigmatic rocky outcrop of Sigiriya is perhaps Sri Lanka’s single most dramatic sight. Also known as “Lion’s Rock”, the near-vertical walls soar to a flat-topped summit that contains the ruins of an ancieznt civilisation thought to be once the epicenter of the short-lived kingdom of Kassapa.
Visitors can climb up to the ancient ruins, which are surrounded by gardens, ponds, and magnificent frescoes. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is one of the best ancient sites in the country.
Heading to the top of Sigiriya to see wonderful, dramatic views of the rolling hills in the jungle below and Sigiriya fort is an absolute must!
2. Adam’s Peak
Located in a diverse biological site, Adam’s Peak is the most famous summit trek in Sri Lanka.
The topmost point of the peak (2,243 meter ascent) has a footprint cast in stone which has spiritual significance to different religions. However, it is said to be especially important to the Buddihist relgion, as the cast is believed to be the impression of Buddhas own footprint.
Many pilgrimages trek to the top on full moon nights, however for tourists, nealrly all trips start hiking around 3 AM to reach the summit in time for an unforgettable sunrise.
Sri Lanka: An Adventure Like No Other
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island offers tranquil beaches, stunning greenery, extraordinary wildlife, mind-blowing tea plantations and sacred sights steeped in spirituality.
Located on the southeast coast of the island, Yala National Park is a must for all wildlife lovers. With animals rulling the roost, the ground and the sky, this amazing sanctuary is home to the highest concentration of leopards in the world. What’s more Yala is also boasts elephants, aquatic birds, water buffalo, monkeys, crocodiles, and other critters run around the park’s grassy plains and anicent forests.
Join a safari, walk through the nature trails and thick folige or camp under the stars – the choice is yours!
Other top sights, besides wild animals, is Sithulpauwwa and Magul Maha Viharaya. Sithulpauwwa is an ancient rock temple that once housed 12,000 monks, and Magul Maha Viharaya was once the setting for royal marriages.
4. Dambulla
The town of Dambulla houses the largest and best-preserved cave temple complex in all of Sri Lanka – The Dambulla cave temple. Covering an impressive 2,1000 square meters, this stunning temple is built on a black rocky mountain, which acts as a nice contract to the white walls of the temple
With its statues and paintings dating back to 12th Century AD, the temple boasts five rooms of different sizes and shapes. More impressviely however, all rooms contain a huge collection of Buddhist arwork, including statues, shrines and murals of both Buddha, Sri Lankan Gods and Godesses. The paintings and 153 statues scattered through the temples, tell wonderul stories from Buddha’s life and act as a sacred place for those practising the religion.
5. Nuwara Eliya
Sri Lanka is famed for its amazing tea. Known as Little England for its old British colonial buildings, Nuwara Eliya, is often refered to as the birthplace of tea.
Engulfed by mountains at an elevated 1,900 meters, Nuawa Eliya, it is safe to say that this town acts as so much more than just the coutry’s tea capitals. This area boasts many natural beauties, including waterfalls, the towering Pidurutalagala, Sri Lanka’s tallest mountain, the Ella train ride and Lake Gregory
Nuawa Eliya is one for the bucket list.
6. Kandy
Kandy is so magical, the whole city is regonised as a World Heritage Site. Acting as the gateway to the central highlands, its tropical plantations grow both tea and rubber, and offers a true taste of the Sinhalese culture, (especially if you can visit during the Esala Perahera festival in the summer).
While in Kandy, is important to visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which was built in the 4th century and sit acts as one of the most scared Buddhist tempels in the world today.
For you movie lovers, may be very interested to know Kandy was a chief location in Indiana Jones and the Temple of Doom. Don’t miss out!
Sri Lanka: An Adventure Like No Other
Welcome to Sri Lanka. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, the island offers tranquil beaches, stunning greenery, extraordinary wildlife, mind-blowing tea plantations and sacred sights steeped in spirituality.