Sri Lanka Tourism

Sri Lanka Tourism: Everything You Need To Know

Along the Indian Ocean, tourism in Sri Lanka is one of the prettiest destinations where you can visit many exotic places. After the civil war in 2009, Sri Lanka tourism stabilised and revived. Tourism in Sri Lanka includes beaches, mountains, and heritage sites with rich history and diverse wildlife. An exciting aspect about Sri Lanka tours is that you will experience the many cultures co-existing in tandem, and festivals and celebrations happen yearly. Sri Lanka tourism packages allow you to take part in a plethora of adventure sports activities as well. Sri Lanka tourism packages offer an amalgam of options to explore on the splendid island, and you can choose a holiday package that suits you best.

Overview of Sri Lanka Tourism

Best Time to Visit

The best time for Sri Lanka tourism depends on where you plan to visit. If you plan on visiting the west and south coasts and hill country, December to March is ideal. If you want to see the east coast, plan your holidays between May and September. Sri Lanka tourism observes the most number of tourists during these months. Choose one of the many Sri Lanka tour packages to plan your holidays.

Official Languages

The official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala/Sinhalese and Tamil. However, a majority of Sri Lankans converse in English.

How to Reach

Sri Lanka tourism is accessible by air and sea. If you can’t afford complete air travel to Sri Lanka, you can choose any Sri Lanka tour packages by preferred transport and travel either by air or sea to the island. There are flights from almost all countries to Sri Lanka’s airport in Colombo. India tour packages include amazing offers to Sri Lanka. To deal with the heavy air traffic of Sri Lanka tourism, a new airport opened in Mattala town of the country. The only option by sea is to travel by luxurious cruise lines for seven days, from Mumbai port to Colombo.

Visa for Indians

You can either get a tourist visit visa or a business purpose visa. A Tourist Visa is issued if you are a bonafide tourist and wish to visit relatives or take yoga training for a short period of time. A Business Purpose Visa is issued when you visit Sri Lanka for business purposes. This visa can be processed for both single and double journeys. You can opt for a residence visa if you wish to obtain residence facilities for special purposes.

Places to Visit in Sri Lanka

Galle

Galle is a UNESCO World’s Heritage Site. It is most famous for its 16th-century Portuguese-built fort and the lighthouse. Sri Lanka tourism in the city is beautiful, with Dutch-style houses, shopping areas, and heritage museums. Kanneliya and Hiyare rainforests are famous for their nature walks. You can choose any Sri Lanka tour packages to visit the Sinharaja forest reserve easily. You get to experience the thrill of surfing in Weligama, go cliff jumping at Flag Rock, and ride a safari.

Colombo

Colombo, the capital city, attracts tourists all year round. Sri Lanka tourism packages include many museums, with many of them in Colombo. Art lovers enjoy visiting the Nelum Pokuna Theatre for operas and orchestras. The beautiful red-tiled buildings from the colonial era enrich the style of Colombo. You can spend a wonderful time by visiting iconic sites including Fort Station, Pettah Bazaar, and Khan Clock Tower on any number of Sri Lanka tours. The seaside offers water and adventure sports for thrillseekers.

Sigiriya

Lush green forests surround Sigiriya in the Matale district. Built on top of a rock, it is one of the UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Like the rest of the heritage sites in Sri Lanka tourism, Sigiriya is one of the crowning jewels for Sri Lanka tourism. Cave Temple, Lion Rock, Minneriya National Park, Ibbankatuwa Megalithic Tombs, and Sigiriya Museum are the most attractive tourist attractions in the city. A quaint town and a hidden gem of the country, most Sri Lanka tour packages often include cycling tours and hot-air balloon rides.

Kandy

Sri Lanka tourism is famous for its picturesque mountains and dense forests. They surround Kandy, and it is the best spot to enjoy nature walks and trekking. Kandy Lake is also called the Sea of Milk and is a must-visit place. Its popular attractions in Sri Lanka tours include a UNESCO World Heritage Site of a relic of Buddha’s tooth and Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage. If you visit Kandy in July or August, you must go to the Esala Perahera Festival. Sri Lanka tourism packages feature dancers, musicians, jugglers, fire-breathers, and elegantly decorated elephants in the celebrations. You can explore more during the festive season.

Best Places to Eat in Sri Lanka

The Curry Leaf: Also known as “A Village In The Heart Of The City”, it is one of the most authentic places in the country to enjoy traditional cuisine, the most treasured aspect of Sri Lanka tourism. This place is also a paradise for seafood connoisseurs.

The Gallery Cafe: It is one of the best aesthetic places in Colombo. It is famous for its excellent ambience and relaxing outdoor seating arrangement. The cafe offers Indian, Italian, and Sri Lankan cuisines with more than 50 types of desserts.

The Kandy House: The elegant Kandy House restaurant is perfect for a honeymoon dinner. You can enjoy a variety of luscious drinks in a colonial setting. The place provides a serene environment enhancing the authentic Sri Lanka tourism vibe. A visit to the Kandy House is often included in the itinerary of many Sri Lanka tour packages.

Fortaleza: In close distance to Galle Fort, Fortaleza has a rural setting with an attractive contemporary touch. It is famous for serving dishes that remind its customers of home. Their staff is known for their excellent hospitality and quick service, adding warmth to Sri Lanka tourism.

Places to Stay in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka tourism packages offer a wide range of accommodation inclusive of all. You can choose either a basic stay on the beachside or an elegant mansion. You can also go for luxury hotels included in the holiday Sri Lanka tour packages. To name a few, Cinnamon Lakeside in Colombo, EKHO Ella, The Argyle, and The Oliphant Bungalow are the most visited places in Sri Lanka tours.

Don’t Miss Out

Whale Watching off the Coast of Mirissa

It would be best if you did not miss watching the whales at Dondra point in Mirissa. Tourism in Sri Lanka is world-famous for splendid whale and dolphin sightings. After an exciting trip to the sea, you may be fortunate to see the enormous Blue Whales, along with other types like Killer Whales and Fin Whales.

Hike to Adam’s Peak

Adam’s Peak is the second-highest in the country, and after hiking to the top, you will feel like the world is under your feet. It is famous for its iconic pyramid shape, offering panoramic views of the country’s beauty. Sri Lanka tourism preserves its rich endemic wildlife biodiversity.

Train Journey from Kandy to Ella

It is a scenic train journey from the royal city of Kandy to the peaceful village of Ella. You will go past dense forests, tea plantations, waterfalls, rock tunnels, and valleys. The Demodara Bridge crossing will be a highlight. Sri Lanka tourism boasts this journey as one of the best train journeys in the world.

Visit a Tea Estate

Sri Lanka Tourism takes particular interest in its tea gardens, such as the Pedro Tea Estate, 3.5 km away from Nuwara Eliya. You can walk through the plantations and taste a freshly brewed cup yourself. Don’t forget to buy Pure Ceylon Tea to take back home.