Known as the ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’, Sri Lanka is a stunningly beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, with an interior of dense tropical jungles framed by sandy golden beaches. The teardrop-shaped island is made up of a mountainous landscape with more than a hundred picturesque waterfalls and innumerable hiking trails leading to breathtaking vistas like the famous World’s End.
Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Sri Lanka is also home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, monkeys, crocodiles, and many species of birds; it is most famous for it’s elephant population however, and tourists flock to the elephant sanctuaries to get an up-close-and-personal experience with the majestic creatures.
The ancient culture of Sri Lanka is just as fascinating as it’s natural attractions, and sacred Buddhist cities like Anuradhapura and Panduwasnuwara give visitors the opportunity to visit temples and other sacred sites dating back thousands of years.
A holiday in Sri Lanka isn’t for travellers looking for gleaming cities and sophisticated nightlife, but cities like Colombo and Kandy offer plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as excellent museums that give unique insight into the captivating culture of Sri Lanka. While the island is often overlooked for more popular destinations like Thailand and Indonesia, a holiday in Sri Lanka is an enticing adventure for travellers willing to go off the beaten track.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka’s dry season lasts from November to April on the west coast, and May to September on the east coast; so the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where travellers want to go. The country’s proximity to the Equator ensures that heat and sunshine are almost ever-present!
What to pack
It’s best that travellers bring all medications and toiletries they will need, as the selection in Sri Lanka can be limited.
What to buy
Gold and silver jewellery and gemstones, brass and lacquer ware.
Eat
Sri Lankan curry and rice served on banana leaves. Hoppers, a crepe-like bowl made from rice flour and coconut milk – it’s a popular street food.
A final word
Breath-taking natural beauty and ancient culture make Sri Lanka the undiscovered gem of the Indian Ocean.
DISTANCE FROM AIRPORT TO CITY CENTRE: 32 kilometres
TIME ZONE: GMT +5.5 hours
CURRENCY: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), ensure you change your rupees before you leave Sri Lanka
LANGUAGES: Sinhala is the official language, English is widely spoken
