Sri Lanka

Travel Info about Sri Lanka

Sunset at Hikkaduwa

Fun Facts about Sri Lanka

• Sri Lanka is often called the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean” for its natural beauty, lush landscapes, and unique biodiversity. It’s a tropical paradise filled with mountains, rainforests, and stunning beaches!
• Sri Lanka is home to the Sri Maha Bodhi, a sacred fig tree in Anuradhapura, planted over 2,300 years ago from a cutting of the tree under which Buddha is said to have attained enlightenment. It’s considered the oldest human-planted tree with a recorded history.
• Sri Lanka boasts one of the highest densities of leopards in the world, especially in Yala National Park. It’s also famous for its Asian elephants and is one of the best places to spot blue whales off the coast of Mirissa.
• Every year, hundreds of elephants come together at Minneriya National Park, an event known as “The Gathering.” It’s one of the largest gatherings of Asian elephants in the world and an incredible sight for wildlife enthusiasts.
• Sri Lanka has eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, including the ancient cities of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and Sigiriya, as well as the Golden Temple of Dambulla. Sigiriya, a giant rock fortress, is one of the most iconic landmarks.

Sri Lankan Culture

• Sri Lanka is predominantly a Buddhist country and an extremely religious country, on the whole. You will see the Buddhist culture wherever you turn, with temples and statues playing a huge role in the landscape. You will find some astonishing feats of architecture and art.
• When you go, be sure to indulge in the national dish of rice and curry, for an explosion of flavors created by a medley of spices, vegetables, and meats. You don’t need to worry, they have plenty of options for those who don’t like spice or, those who don’t like curry at all!
• Due to the friendly culture, you can expect warm smiles as greetings, wherever you go! Equally, the country, and people, are built on respect and so, you must return the respect. For example, you must remember to remove your shoes when entering homes and temples.

Sunrise at Coconut Tree Hill, Mirissa

Budgeting in Sri Lanka

Travel and Transport

• You can catch regular flights to visit Sri Lanka from most large airports. For example, London Heathrow has flights everyday. These flights will bring you to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo, which is also the capital city of Sri Lanka.
• Make sure you guarantee yourself the best prices on your flights with my expert guide here, and use the code BLOG for 25% off the marked price.
• You can organise transfers to your destination or, you can easily catch a ride through an app such as Uber, or pick me. However, Sri Lanka is much bigger than I expected so, you may need a couple of places to stop at if you are going to other parts of the island.
• If you would rather use public transport, there are buses and train networks across the whole country. Also, the train from Kandy to Ella is known as one of the most incredibly beautiful train journeys in the world. If you take the train, you have to be ready for a slow, but breathtaking, journey.
• Obviously, there are options for renting transport to drive yourself. However, unless you’re extremely brave, I would not suggest this. Honestly, the roads are wild!

Coastline at Secret Beach, Mirissa

Seasons/ When to Visit

To be honest, you can find beauty and amazing weather all year round in Sri Lanka, you just need to go to different areas at different times of the year. So, from December to March, the west and south coasts offer ideal beach weather. Then, April to September brings you to the sunny east coast.
For a more authentic experience, you can consider visiting during the shoulder seasons of April and September for pleasant weather and fewer crowds.

Spring in Sri Lanka (March to May)

• Spring in Sri Lanka is a delightful time when the island begins to bloom with vibrant colors and pleasant weather. With temperatures ranging from warm to mild, this season is perfect for exploring the lush landscapes of the Hill Country. Visit Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” to see its picturesque tea plantations and cool climate. March also marks the start of the Maha Season, ideal for wildlife enthusiasts to visit Yala National Park, where leopards and elephants can be spotted more easily. Spring is a great time for cultural experiences as well; visit ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa to explore their UNESCO World Heritage sites without the summer crowds.

Summer in Sri Lanka (June to August)

• Summer brings warmer temperatures, particularly in the coastal regions, making it a prime time for beach lovers to enjoy Sri Lanka’s stunning shores. Popular destinations like Unawatuna, Mirissa, and Bentota offer pristine beaches, vibrant marine life, and opportunities for water sports such as snorkeling, surfing, and whale watching. The Kandy Esala Perahera, one of the most famous festivals in the country, takes place in July or August, showcasing spectacular processions with traditional dancers and beautifully adorned elephants. The Cultural Triangle is another highlight during this season, where visitors can experience the ancient heritage of Sigiriya Rock Fortress and the sacred Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.

Autumn in Sri Lanka (September to November)

• Autumn in Sri Lanka offers a comfortable climate as the rains begin to taper off, particularly in the west and south. This season is ideal for visiting the Cultural Triangle and exploring the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya and the historical city of Polonnaruwa. September is a fantastic time for wildlife viewing in Udawalawe National Park, famous for its elephant population. Additionally, the picturesque town of Ella is perfect for hiking and enjoying panoramic views of tea plantations and lush greenery. Autumn is also a wonderful time to experience the local festivals and culinary delights as the harvest season brings fresh produce to markets across the country.

Winter in Sri Lanka (December to February):

• Winter is considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka, as the weather is generally dry and pleasant, especially in the central and southern regions. Coastal areas like Galle, Hikkaduwa, and Colombo become bustling with tourists seeking sun, sea, and sand. The annual Galle Literary Festival in January draws writers, readers, and artists for a week of literary events and discussions. Winter is also perfect for exploring the Yala National Park for wildlife safaris, where you can spot leopards, elephants, and diverse bird species. The festive atmosphere during Christmas and the New Year adds to the charm, with vibrant celebrations across the country, from decorated streets in Colombo to cultural festivities in smaller towns.

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Areas to Stay/Visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka offers an incredible number of beautiful destinations for travellers of all interests.

Colombo

• Located on the west coast, Colombo is the bustling capital city of Sri Lanka. The areas of Colombo are named with numbers for example, Colombo 1 is the central area,.whereas Colombo 6, for example, is much more localised. Equally, this beautiful city is a place where tradition and culture meets modernity.

Kandy

• This incredibly scenic city is the second largest city in Sri Lanka and is located in the heart of the island, within the hill country of Sri Lanka. Kandy is considered the cultural heart of the island, steeped in history and spirituality. Also, Kandy is the start point of one of the most famous and beautiful train journeys in the world, Kandy to Ella.

Ella

• Lose yourself in the tranquility of the hill country. Ella is one of the most picturesque places to visit in Sri Lanka, which is an incredible claim in itself. Home to the famous 9 arch bridge and the final destination of the aforementioned train journey from Kandy.

Mirissa

• Located on the south west coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is home to some of the most awe-inspiring beaches on the island, and in the world. These include the social media famous coconut tree hill as well as turtle beach and blue beach. If you want to experience a true tropical paradise and an opportunity for whale watching, Mirissa is a bucket list destination that cannot be missed.

Hikkaduwa

• You will find Hikkaduwa not far from Mirissa, around an hour or so west. Honestly, what an incredibly beautiful part of the world. If you are looking for somewhere else touristy then Mirissa, but just as incredible, you should choose Hikkaduwa. Here you can experience feeding giant sea turtles and snorkelling with an array of tropical fish in the marine wildlife park.

Nuwara Eliya

• Known as “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya is famous for its tea plantations and cool climate. Stay in colonial-era hotels for a charming atmosphere, or in guesthouses surrounded by lush gardens and tea estates for a peaceful retreat.

Sigiriya

• Home to the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, this area is a UNESCO World Heritage site. Stay in a hotel with views of the fortress for easy access to climbing the rock and exploring the surrounding gardens and ruins.

Anuradhapura

• One of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, Anuradhapura is rich in history. Stay near the archaeological sites for easy access to ancient stupas, temples, and the sacred Sri Maha Bodhi tree, a significant pilgrimage site.

Make sure you find your dream accommodation here.

View of Sigiriya from Pidurangala

Things to Do

Prepare for a plethora of unforgettable experiences. Sri Lanka truly will spoil anybody who visits.

• Sigiriya: Ascend the ancient fortress. Atop this historic and spiritually charged place of beauty, you will experience breath taking views of the luscious jungle.
• Temple of the Tooth and Fire Show: Witness sacred rituals at the temple of the tooth in Kandy. As well as the incredible show held next door. Here, you can experience a true piece of Sri Lankan culture.
• Ella Train Journey: one of the most famous bucket list journeys in the world, going from Kandy to Ella. You will observe the most gorgeous scenery imaginable as the train crawls through the jungle covered mountains and past the hillside tea fields.
• Whale Watching: In Mirissa, you will have the opportunity to observe these giants in their natural habitat.
• Yala National Park Safari: home to some of the most exotic animals. Embark on an adventure to spot animals such as leopards, elephants, the rare sloth bear, and the ever illusive pangolin.
• Polonnaruwa: Step back in time in the ancient city’s ruins and history. Here, you will find the remains of an historical city, with giant buddah statues carved from the rock. This is another spiritually charged experience.
• If hiking is more your scene, there are plenty of options. Adam’s Peak (Sri Pada), little Adam’s Peak (Punchi Sri Pada), Knuckles Forest Reserve, Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sigiryia and Pidurangala, and many more.
• Tea Plantation: Immerse yourself in the history of Ceylon tea amidst picturesque highlands. Honestly, the tea country is magical, whether you are passing through or want to take a walk through the tea fields themselves, this is absolutely a bucket list destination.
• Giant sea turtles – you can swim with turtles in Mirissa. However, in Hikkaduwa you simply head to turtle beach and they will be waiting in the shallows for you to feed them fresh seaweed.

You can book all your other activities here.