Well, that’s not all. Eight UNESCO world heritages exist on this small island, meaning for all travelers who dream of ultimate culture and discovery holidays, Sri Lanka is a real treasure. In conclusion, Sri Lanka is a top travel destination to visit and have a memorable time at least one time in a lifetime.
For tourists who want guidance on this total-package travel destination, we have come up with the ultimate travel guide Sri Lanka today. Everything you should know about happy holidaying in Sri Lanka included here; below is a quick list for you:
1) Must-see places in Sri Lanka.
2) Must-do things in Sri Lanka.
3) Best time to visit Sri Lanka.
4) Do you need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?
5) Travel Insurance.
6) How to get around the country?
7) Climate & Weather.
8) Currency, credit cards, and ATMs.
9) Mobile phones, SIM cards, and Internet facilities.
10) What to bring & wear?
11) Entering religious destinations.
12) Taking Photos.
13) Languages/speak.
14) Mosquitoes & your health.
Let’s start the ultimate travel guide Sri Lanka now!
1) What are the must-see destinations in Sri Lanka?:
While hundreds of places to visit here, but we can highlight the most-visited attractions and cities as:
* The best beaches in Sri Lanka: South-Coast Beaches – Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Tangalle. Mirissa and Unawatuna are exclusive for adventure sports, and Tangalle is a romantic honeymoon destination.
* Galle: Just walking on the streets of this charming and majestic city is a remarkable experience.
* Ella: An isolated paradise on the island. The landscapes and greenery made by miles of tea plantations soothe your eyes and mind.
* Yala National Park: The most famous national park in Sri Lanka for wildlife safaris; elephants, leopards, bears, birds, and many more to see here.
* Anuradhapura & Polonnaruwa: The country’s first and second ancient kingdoms, respectively; the best destinations for culture and discovery lovers.
2) What are the must-do things in Sri Lanka?:
We make things easier for you by summarizing it as follows:
* Climbing the Sigiriya Lion Rock (known as the world’s 8th wonder.)
* Walk along miles-long tea plantations trails.
* Hill-country & central highlands adventure hiking.
* Hill-country train ride. Our ultimate travel guide Sri Lanka top tip: Ella train ride is remarkably unique.
* Scuba diving, snorkeling, and whale & dolphin safaris.
* All kinds of surfing.
* Spend days like a traditional villager.
* Taste mouth-watering foods.
3) What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?:
Sri Lanka is a year-long travel destination. However, the below list will help you figure out more about it:
* March: The best time to visit the hill-country & central highlands (Nuwara Eliya, Kandy, and Peradeniya Botanical Gardens.)
* April to September: The best time to visit the East Coast and ancient cities, including the cultural triangle.
* October to March: The best time to visit Southern & West coastline (Galle in the south, Chillaw in the west, & Colombo in the south-west.)
* April to September: The best time to visit Northern & Eastern areas (Trincomalee in the north-east, Eravur, Passikudah in the east, and Vavuniya in the north.)
* July-August: Grand festivals; Kandy Esala Perahera and Katharagama festivals take place during this time.)
Our complete travel guide Sri Lanka tip:
The yearly average temperature across the island 27-29 Degrees Celsius, but hill-country & central highlands have lowers temperatures.
4) Do you need a visa to visit Sri Lanka?:
Yes, you need to obtain a visa to visit Sri Lanka. Three visa categories are there:
* Visas for business trips.
* Visas for transits.
* Visas for tourism.
For short-term holiday or business trips, apply for a Sri Lanka ETA/e-visa (valid for 30 days.) Fill the application, make the payment, then you receive this visa automatically via an E-mail. For more information, visit the Sri Lanka Immigration
5) Travel Insurance:
It is highly advisable you go with travel insurance. Don’t consider it to be expensive; having it in your hand is highly crucial, though!
6) How do you get around the country?:
The fact that Sri Lanka is a small island makes things much easier when traveling. Public transport options such as buses and trains available. Tuk Tuks and taxis are better options for moving from one place to another quickly and comfortably. Timetables of Public Transport services are now accessible online.
Self-driving isn’t suitable here due to harsh road conditions.
Complete travel guide Sri Lanka tip:
When considering your safety, comfort, and perfect holiday here, hiring a licensed tourer is the best option. These private chauffeur/travel companies offer many services, including airport pick-ups/drop-offs, hotel reservations, holiday planning, best travel itineraries, assistance with visa, and many more.
7) Climate & Weather:
As an island positioned closer to the Equator, Sri Lanka has a warm yearly temperature of about 27°C (80°F,) making it tropical and perfect for outdoor activities. Two main monsoon seasons control the country’s weather. The yearly temperature of most coastal areas is about 28°C (82°F,) and central highlands’ temperatures can be as low as 20°C (68°F.)
However, at least one part of the country has perfect weather at any time of the year for a happy holiday. For more information about all the climate changes and rainy seasons, visit (attach the department of meteorology website.)
8) Currency, credit cards, and ATMs:
Sri Lankan Rupee is the official currency. You can convert all major currencies, such as AUD, USD, Euros, and GBP to Sri Lankan Rupees from a banking counter at the arrival lounge of Colombo International Airport. For currency exchanges in banks, you need to produce your passport.
Many shops, hotels, restaurants, and resorts accept Master and Visa credit cards. Thousands of ATMs across the country support Visa, Sirrus, Master, and Maestro cards.
Don’t forget to contact your card issuer before arriving to facilitate the card to use here.
9) Mobile phones, SIM cards, and Internet facilities:
Purchase a pre-paid SIM card with data/voice facilities from Dialog or Mobitel at the arrival lounge of Colombo International Airport. Dialog and Mobitel are the two top mobile network providers in Sri Lanka.
10) What to bring & wear?:
Cotton clothing is the best choice for this highly-humid tropical country. Also, don’t forget to bring sunglass, sun cream, casual/leisure clothing, sneakers, slippers, and a quality camera. You can buy some of these items at pretty low rates here (except the quality camera.)
11) Entering religious destinations:
You have to cover your legs (up to the ankle) when entering Buddhist & Hindu temples. Wear loose clothes. Wearing shoes and any headgear isn’t allowed at temples and kovils.
12) Taking Photos:
Never climb on religious statues or stupas when taking photos. You should avoid touching those, too. Posing by the side or in front of Buddha statues; well, never do this! Don’t touch a Buddhist monk without pre-approval. If you come across this sign, “Do Not Take Photos,” you shouldn’t, then!
13) Languages/Speak:
Over 74% of the population is Sinhalese. The rest 18% are Tamils and 8% other. Quite many people here can speak in English. Almost all road signs and information on tourist attractions’ notice boards are in Sinhalese & English now. Don’t worry about speaking only in English here.
14) Mosquitoes & Health:
We don’t hide anything over here in this ultimate travel guide for Sri Lanka. Bring mosquitoes repellents for your protection, or you can buy those from shops over here. Regarding health, you don’t need to worry over it, but make sure you drink bottled water and have foods at clean hotels or restaurants.
So, that is all you need to know about visiting the glorious island, Sri Lanka. Why don’t you convert this to a travel guide to Sri Lanka pdf and keep it saved or printed as a reference?
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