Srilanka is blessed with the perfect blend of fascinating landscape, golden sea beach, dense forest, green lush tea estate, and stunning architecture of Buddhist temples. Here are the perfect destinations along with a travel guide to exploring the tear-drop-shaped island.
Sri Lanka – The Paradise For Travelers
Places To Visit in Srilanka
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Kandy
UNESCO declared Kandy as the home to sacred and natural landmarks, cultural museums, and landscaped gardens. The city of Kandy is located at the backdrop of mysterious cloudy forests along with serene tropical plantations that spread across the mountains depicting a picturesque setting. Check out the ways to wander in Kandy and get some authentic signature experience of mystic Sri Lanka – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Udawattekele Sanctuary, Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue, Kandy View Point, Garrison Cemetery, Lankatilaka Temple, Ceylon Team Museum, Kandy Lake, War Cemetery and World Buddhist Museum.
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Colombo
Colombo is the gateway to enter the wonderland of Sri Lanka. You should not just pass through the city, but explore this diverse and interesting place to experience some cosmopolitan amusements. From the alley of red-tiled British-era buildings to bustling street markets brimming with the hustle-bustle of city life; you will love the exhilarating experience of Colombo. Along with enjoying flavorful tea with the view of the azure ocean; you can also explore the city by visiting Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara, Mount Lavinia Beach, Colombo National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Independence Square, Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct, Galle Face Green and St. Anthony’s Shrine.
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Nuwara Eliya
Relax and unwind in the lapse of this “Little England” of Sri Lanka. From the mist-shrouded hills to the cloud-covered terraced tea plantations; this is the best destination for honeymoon couples or solo travelers in Sri Lanka. This quiet place has an abundance of greenery and scenic beauty that any traveler will enjoy. There are many places to visit in Nuwara Eliya that includes Victoria Park, Gregory Lake, Horton Plains National Park, Bluefield Tea Gardens, Lovers Leap Falls, Pedro Tea Factory, Sita Temple, Shri Bhakta Hanuman Temple, Hakgala Botanic gardens, Bomburu Ella Waterfall, Bale Bazar, Strawberry Fields, Ambewala Farm, and Galway’s Land National Park.
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Bentota
For a family trip in Sri Lanka, visiting Bentota must be on the bucket list. It is located on the beautiful southwest coast of the island. You can experience the beauty of rural Sri Lanka surrounded by lush green scenery. Once you step into Bentota, you will be mesmerized by the calm and serene atmosphere of the lagoons, dazzling marine life, and exquisite scenic beauty. Places you must visit Bentota are the beaches of Bentota, Bentota River, Languganga garden, La Luna Water Sports Center, Sea Turtle Hatchery, Bentota bazaar, Dim tour, Cinnamon Island, Moragalla, Galapata Vihara, Madu Ganga River Safari, and Brief Garden.
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Udawalawe National Park
Sri Lanka is famous for the great Asian Elephants and Udawalawe National Park is the best place to live the feeling of wildlife. This park is home to hundreds of elephants, leopards, rare plants, and other wildlife. The Reservoir located inside the park is an important source of water to them and for that, the chance of elephant spotting is quite high. Udawalawe National Park is known for its diversity of wildlife. You can also spot crocodiles, peacocks, deer, water buffalo, wild boars, and different types of butterflies.
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Galle
This UNESCO World Heritage Site wears history on its sleeve. Every traveler will be delighted to uncover the historic jewels of Galle along with the widespread beaches, colonial-era buildings, Dutch-style houses, heritage mansions, quirky shops, and white buildings. The restored hotels by the locals, fusion cafes, and roads full of local and foreign writers, artists, and photographers will give you a bohemian essence while traveling to Galle.
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Yala National Park
To explore the wildlife of Sri Lanka, Yala National Park is a must-visit. This park offers an abundance of diversity that includes animal and birdlife that live in a wide range of habitats like beaches, freshwater lakes, rocky outcrops, and obviously dense jungle. Yala National Park is one of the favorite destinations of the world to spot leopards who love to relax on the huge granite boulders. This park is also very popular among bird photographers as around 130 species of birds including pelican, flamingo can be seen here. The sea beach of Yala National Park is known for Olive Ridleys and leatherback turtles.
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Tangalle
The scenic beauty of Tangalle just reflects any picture postcard. The white sandy beach, blue water, nodding palm trees set the perfect tropical backdrop for your family gateway. This small town is nestled in the southeast end of Sri Lanka and hosts marvelous open beaches. This place can be your perfect retreat from the mundane of your daily life. It is also home to mangrove vegetation along with some beautiful lagoons. All of these make this place the perfect destination for a solo trip, family holiday, and honeymoon as well.
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Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka shines like a glorious precious gem in the waves of the Bay of Bengal and the Arabian Sea. If you are planning a Budget International Tour, then Sri Lanka is the perfect destination. For any Indian traveler, it is quite easy to get a tourist visa to travel there.
If you are planning a trip to Sri Lanka any time soon, then here is some important information that you should know before taking off for the destination.
- You cannot bring Indian Rupees to Sri Lanka. So, you need to convert them to USD before you visit the country and then after arrival exchange them for Sri Lankan Rupees.
- You can also get better exchange rates in the local currency outlets. It is advisable to ask for smaller denominations.
- To get the true essence of Sri Lanka, travel in tra9in with the locals. You can choose especially the ride between Kandy and Ella as it passes through tea plantations.
- You must taste the tea of Sri Lanka as they are the world’s largest exporter of tea leaves.
- Though you can get Visa on Arrival; it is always better to apply for it before you visit the country. Check Out All the Requirements of Visa for Sri Lanka.
- Traveling within Sri Lanka is quite time-consuming. So plan your itinerary accordingly if you are planning road trips.
- Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel to. The locals are quite friendly and helpful to the tourists.
- You can expect warm weather all through the year.
- The best time to visit Sri Lanka is the time between December to April.
- As a foreigner, you need a special license to drive any rental car here along with your international driving permit. So, you can plan to hire a private driver as it is less hassle.
Foods You Can Try in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka can offer a variety of foods to everyone. During your trip to Sri Lanka, we advise you to try the local foods every day.
The local cuisine of Sri Lanka mainly includes cereals; specifically rice. The fresh plates of seafood are a bonus. Any quintessential Sri Lankan dish has rice, roti, colorful curries, string hopper or rice noodles, kottu, and kinds of seafood. The tropical fruits are the added advantage here.
Some of the famous Sri Lankan dishes are Parippu or Dhal curry, Polos or young jackfruit curry, Gotukola Sambol or pennywort salad, different types of kottu, kukul mas curry and fish curry, and mix-rice.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
As an Indian citizen, you need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka. You will either apply for a visa before your journey or get the visa on arrival at the airport. It is advisable to apply for a visa before you go just to avoid the long queue, waiting time, and hassles after a long journey.
What is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a warm country with a monsoon twice a year. The humidity level is also very high. For that reason, winter is the best time to visit Sri Lanka. You can plan your trip between December to April for the best experience.
Do Sri Lankans Speak English?
The majority of Sri Lankans speak English. You can also hire an English-speaking guide. Most of the reputed travel companies offer English-speaking guides with their Sri Lanka package.
What is the time difference between India and Sri Lanka?
There is no time difference between India and Sri Lanka.
How to travel to Sri Lanka?
To travel to Sri Lanka, the best way is via flight. You can get a direct flight to Colombo or Kandy from most of the International airports of India.
Can I get Indian foods in Sri Lanka?
Yes, you can get Indian foods in Sri Lanka. There are plenty of Indian restaurants where you can get authentic Indian veg and non-veg foods.
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