To help you have a memorable holiday, here's our complete Sri Lanka travel guide, full of all the essential information you need to make your trip successful.
ABOUT SRI LANKA GUIDE TOUR
Sri Lanka is a tiny island in the Indian Ocean off the southeast of India, with a tropical and warm climate. It's a country with SPLENDID THINGS; beautiful beaches, high mountains, tropical forests, and many animals like wild elephants, leopards, sea turtles, dolphins, and whales.
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The culture of Sri Lanka is highly influenced by India, the Portuguese, the Netherlands, and the United Kingdom. UNESCO has acknowledged eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka, which is pretty impressive for a relatively small island. And what's more, traveling in Sri Lanka is an effortless experience.
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English is widely spoken, the place is safe, the locals are friendly, the prices cheap, the scenery astounding, and the infrastructure improvements. Then there's the food which is always plentiful and delicious.
There's a reason why Sri Lanka has boomed into a travel place over the last few years, so to help you travel better in Sri Lanka, we've put together a complete Sri Lanka travel guide. Our Sri Lanka travel guide consists of all the information you could ever need or want, such as the best places to visit, transport and accommodation details, and responsible tourism in Sri Lanka.
So, what else are you waiting for? Book your ticket and enjoy this little island paradise.
Our Complete Travel Guide to Sri Lanka
- What Are the Must-Visit Places in Sri Lanka?
- What Are the Must-Do Activities in Sri Lanka?
- What's The Cost of Traveling Around Sri Lanka?
- How to Get to Sri Lanka?
- What Languages Do People Speak in Sri Lanka?
- Do I Need a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
- What Are the Entry Requirements to Visit Sri Lanka?
- When Is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka?
1. What Are the Must-Visit Places in Sri Lanka?
Here are our top must-see places in Sri Lanka:
- The South Coast beaches are Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Tangalla. They are the most outstanding golden soft beaches you can ever imagine.
- Roam around the beautiful and charming ancient fort city Galle with a European vibe.
- Going on to Safari in Yala National Park to see wild elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and lots of colorful birds is a MUST.
- The hill towns, Ella and Nuwara Eliya, are home to many tea plantations. Visit the factories, go on tastings, and take in splendid green vistas.
- Cycling around the ruins of the old capital Polonnaruwa is a highlight of the trip to Sri Lanka.
Some unique places to visit in Sri Lanka
- Kandy to Ella Train
This train journey has become a popular tourist attraction, and with only a few trips a day, touts have latched on to buying out many tickets in advance and selling them at a premium.
- Minneriya Elephant migration
This national park saw one of the most impressive Elephant gatherings. This park has become a must-do Safari, with approximately 300 elephants departing the dry north between May and September.
- Submarine Yard
In the northern region of Sri Lanka, the remains of this confidential military tourist base for the Tamil Tigers have recently surfaced as one of the odd 'tourist attractions.
2. What Are the Must-Do Activities in Sri Lanka?
- Hiking in the stunning mountains around Ella is an absolute must.
- Climbing the Sigiriya Lion Rock is a must-do.
- Surfing is the best in Sri Lanka! The waves are outstanding for surfing the west, south, and east coast.
- Once in Sri Lanka, going on a dolphin-watching is almost compulsory.
- Go kite surfing in Kalpitiya (on the Northwest coast), which is incredible.
- Go for Whale Safari. Sri Lanka is one of the best spots to spot large whales.
- Diving or snorkeling is fantastic in Sri Lanka. The reefs are the most enormous, full of colorful fish.
- The national food, rice, and curry are something you get served everywhere, and it is perfect! Very delicious. The Sri Lanka people know how to use spices.
- Walking amidst the tea plantations and visiting a tea factory is a must-do, making you like your next cup of delicious Sri Lankan tea.
3. How Much Will It Cost to Travel Around Sri Lanka?
Entrance Fees: Entrance fees will be your most essential expenses, averaging 25 US dollars per person. Local people pay 35 cents for many spots, while tourists will pay 40 US dollars and upwards.
Accommodations: You can find rooms at all price levels, from luxury hotels to guest houses. You can get guest houses for around 15 US dollars and hotels for about 40 US dollars.
Food: The food here is delicious. You can find food in different price ranges. The cheapest food place is street food (1-3 US dollars) and up. The priciest dinner can be around 17 US dollars in a good restaurant in Ravana Heights Hotel in Ella. Bear in mind that ordering rice and curry takes a long time to make, so you will have to wait a while to get your food.
4. How to Travel Around in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is a tiny island, so traveling around is pretty straightforward. It is seamlessly connected by buses and trains. Taking buses and trains is cheap, and even first-class trains are relatively more affordable. Tuk-tuks and taxis are easy to find, although much more expensive than the bus and train.
5. What Languages Do People Speak in Sri Lanka?
The people living in Sri Lanka speak different languages:
Sinhala
Tamil
English is also spoken here. There's no problem traveling around Sri Lanka, speaking only English. Street signs and restaurant menus are in Sinhala and English.
6. Do I Need a Visa to Visit Sri Lanka?
Everybody who wants to visit Sri Lanka MUST apply for a visa. The only exceptions in this care are citizens of The Republic of Singapore, The Republic of the Maldives, and The Republic of Seychelles. You'll have to apply for an online "ETA Tourist Visa" before visiting Sri Lanka. The online visa to Sri Lanka is valid for 30 days from arrival and can be extended for up to six months.
7. What Are the Entry Requirements to Visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is the best country to visit, and there are not many entry requirements, only that you apply for an online "ETA Tourist Visa" before entering. It is straightforward and quick to apply for an online visa, and there are no requirements for vaccinations. The only thing you will need when visiting Sri Lanka, apart from the online visa, is at least one blank page in your passport which must be valid for at least six months from the date of arrival.
8. When to Visit Sri Lanka?
December to March are the best months to visit Sri Lanka's West Coast, South Coast, and Hill Country.
April to September are the best months to visit the Ancient Cities and the East Coast.
