Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Small but mighty; no other country packs in as much as this tear-dropped shaped island off the south coast of India. Sitting in the Indian Ocean, fringed by pristine beaches, Sri Lanka is a gem that hides in plain sight. With its abundance of timeless ruins, more UNESCO sites than most countries its size and a compelling variety of landscapes, Sri Lanka travel is gradually climbing up the list. For the moment, the ‘Paradise Island’ remains largely unspoilt and refreshingly undeveloped in many spots. 

From its wildlife-rich jungles, rainforests and national parks to the mist-covered, cool plateaus of the highlands, Sri Lanka’s landscapes are wonderfully diverse. Rainforest-clad peaks and verdant hills covered in tea plantations draw in avid trekkers and those looking to tick off a few of Sri Lanka’s epic scenic train journeys. The country’s necklace of sandy gems, world-class dive sites and surf just a hop away from any point in the country, beckons an interesting crowd of honeymooners, young nomads and travelling families. 

With over two thousand years of history, Sri Lanka boasts a myriad of charms in the form of ruined ancient cities, intriguing Buddhist monuments and more recent colonial heritage. Not only has Sri Lanka’s deep-rooted Buddhist culture lent itself to the country’s unique cultural identity, but its generations of visitors have led to an adaptation to a wide range of influences. An important trading post in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka absorbed the Arab, Malay, Portuguese, Dutch and British influences over the centuries resulting in intriguing culture, cuisine and architecture. 

Sri Lanka shapes up as a top destination with its contrasting landscapes, individuality and low-key tourism. With most of its key destinations no more than a couple of hours from each other, the ease of travel in this country is just the icing on the cake. 

This Sri Lanka travel guide reveals all you need to know and more;

Two separate monsoon seasons punctuate Sri Lanka’s climate; whilst one part of the island is wet, the other is dry, meaning you can usually dodge the rain. The east and west are mirror images of each other when it comes to seasons. 

The main monsoon season, known as ‘Yala’, spans April to September on the west and southwest coasts including places like Galle and Colombo. The wettest months during this time are from April to June. The less dramatic monsoon season, known as ‘Maha’, sprinkles the east coast between November and March. 

For the south and central areas, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is between December and March. If you’re looking to visit Arugam Bay and Trincomalee on your Sri Lanka tour, then April to September is the best time to visit Sri Lanka.

Whilst the rain may catch you off guard, particularly in October and November when the seasons are switching; the temperatures are something you can rely on. All year round on the coast and lowlands, you can expect temperatures of 26 to 30 degrees celsius. If you head high up to Kandy and the hill country, you can expect temperatures to drop as low as 14 in the day, and almost freezing at night!

A country that packs a punch, there are so many things to do in Sri Lanka. Read on for our round-up of the things to do and things to see in Sri Lanka!

Beautiful Beaches: Mirissa & Beyond

Sri Lanka’s beaches are plentiful and diverse: long, golden ones, short little coves, ones that haven’t seen a person for miles and ones that are the centre of the party scene. Each one has a different appeal but is no less beautiful than the next. Pipping most of the other beaches to the post for most desired beach destination is Mirissa, a haven for surfers and beach bums. Also, when in Mirissa, a whale watching tour is a must just like on this 15-day Sri Lanka itinerary!

Galle & The Dutch Fort

Sitting on the south coast, Galle is a Sri Lanka must-see destination. Of all the places to visit in Galle, the 18th-century UNESCO-protected Galle Fort is the centre point of this beautiful colonial town, which is arguably Sri Lanka’s finest. Today, beautiful old buildings over 200 years old have been transformed into restaurants, shops, art galleries, splendid hotels and cafes with an added touch of Sri Lankan style. 

Explore the country’s colonial architecture and heritage on this Sri Lanka honeymoon tour!

Sri Lanka’s National Parks: Yala & Beyond

Sri Lanka is home to 26 wildlife reserves and national parks; almost 15% of the island is made up of them! The terrain is diverse and the wildlife abundant. A Sri Lanka adventure tour is simply not complete without a stop in one of its national parks. 

Yala National Park sits in the south, bordering the Indian Ocean. For those that want to have the chance of spotting the elusive leopard, Yala is the place. With the highest density of leopards in the world, a Sri Lanka wildlife tour here gives you high chances of spotting one, in addition to crocodiles, elephants and more. 

The Cultural Capital: Kandy

Home of the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is said to contain a tooth of Buddha himself, Kandy is the capital of Sri Lanka’s hill country and the cultural capital of the country itself. Hidden away in the lush green hill at the island’s heart, Kandy was one of the last places to fall to the colonisation of the Portuguese and Dutch which enabled it to retain its unique customs and culture that are celebrated today. 

Besides the Temple of the Tooth Relic, which is one of the best places to visit in Kandy, the central lake, colonial buildings, botanical gardens and a pleasant old quarter are all worthy of a stroll. Explore Kandy’s charms alongside Ella and Nuwara Eliya on this Sri Lanka trip!

Ella

Set amid the rolling hills of Sri Lanka’s tea plantations, Ella is one of the beautiful mountain towns in the hill country. Besides the temperate climate, picturesque waterfalls and idyllic green hills, one of the key places to visit in Ella is the Nine-Arch Bridge. Located just outside of the English-countryside-esque town, the 25-metre high bridge is flanked by lush green fields and bamboo forests.

You’ll find the laid back atmosphere infectious, and if you’re up for a few pleasant strolls and hikes, you’ll be rewarded with some of the best views in the country. Ella’s beauty is undeniable on this 5-day Sri Lanka travel package!

The Cultural Triangle of Sri Lanka

North of the hill country and Kandy, you’ll find an area known as the Cultural Triangle. It was here that Sri Lanka’s first great civilisation was established. The region is scattered with ruined temples, palaces and cities which stand testament to its glorious past. The most noteworthy are the ruined cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, the hilltop shrines of Mihintale, the cave temples of Dambulla and of course, the Sigiriya Rock. 

This history and culture tour of Sri Lanka takes you on a journey around the Cultural Triangle!

Colombo

The capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is a popular place to begin or end your Sri Lanka tour. For centuries, Colombo has been a principal port of the Indian Ocean. There are many places to visit in Colombo, including the Old Lighthouse, Old Parliament, Galle Face Green and the National Museum. 

Kick-off your Sri Lanka trip in the fishing town of Negombo and bring it to an end shopping ’til you drop and making the most of the nightlife in Colombo!

Sri Lanka’s small size and abundance of ways to travel means getting around the island is easy. The most common form of transport in Sri Lanka are buses and tuk-tuks, the former being the cheaper and faster option.

However, opting for train or car travel is the most scenic and comfortable of the transport options. Read on to learn more about the ways to travel around Sri Lanka;

Bus and Tuk-Tuk Travel in Sri Lanka

Bus routes cover over 90% of the island’s roads, meaning it is the go-to transport option for locals and those looking to travel on the budget. Be prepared for a long, sweaty and quite often, bumpy ride but one that will get you where you need to be. 

Another mode of transport which is popular is tuk-tuks. Hiring a driver and a tuk-tuk to travel Sri Lanka is an option, albeit an expensive and often uncomfortable one. However, when in the cities and towns, these three-wheeled auto-rickshaws that can weave in and out of traffic will be your go-to!

If you’re looking for a particularly unique Sri Lanka travel package, then hire your own tuk-tuk and drive yourself around the island! It is a great way to see the countryside and stop whenever you like. There are plenty of Sri Lanka tour operators that offer this experience. 

Incredibly Scenic Train Rides

The method of transport that put Sri Lanka on the map for many travellers; think blue trains trundling through the countryside and thick jungle of central Sri Lanka. 

Slow but affordable, Sri Lanka’s train routes are some of the world’s most beautiful, including the journey from Kandy to Ella. The seven-hour ride on the iconic blue trains that you will recognise from travel guides costs as little as two dollars for a standard ticket. Whilst you can upgrade to a second or first-class ticket, you absolutely won’t want to as that would deny you the ability to hang out of the open windows and doors to marvel at the passing tea plantations and villages as you go!

You can experience the best of Sri Lanka train travel on this 9-day Sri Lanka by train tour!

Sri Lanka Private Tour

If the thought of driving your own tuk-tuk is a little overwhelming or you don’t fancy hopping on the bus to visit the top tourist attractions in Sri Lanka, then a private tour may be perfect for you. 

Accompanied by a local Sri Lanka guide, you can explore the ‘Paradise Island’ using a mix of iconic train journeys and private transfers, or if you prefer complete privacy, just your own private transport.

Exploring in this way, like on this 12-day Sri Lanka trip, enables you to dictate your own journey, be guided by your Local Designer’s recommendations, and stop whenever you like to absorb a little more of this wonderful country. 

The wonderful thing about Sri Lanka travel is that the country offers accommodation to suit any budget, from luxury hotels to budget backpacker hostels, glamping pods and everything in between.

The standard of accommodation, regardless of where you are staying, is very good in Sri Lanka. Staying in a budget hotel rarely feels like you are!

Hotels & Luxury Hotels in Sri Lanka

From world-class, five-star resorts to standard three-star chains, Sri Lanka’s hotels are abundant. However, in comparison to the west, you’ll find that luxury five-star hotels cost between $50 and $100 USD in Sri Lanka, which makes them much more affordable!

This Sri Lanka luxury tour sees you staying in four and five-star hotels as you travel from destination to destination. 

Hostels & Guesthouses in Sri Lanka

By far the most common place to rest your head in Sri Lanka, guesthouses can be found just about everywhere you go on the island. Most are in the form of homestays, staying with local families, which provides a much more authentic experience to staying in a hotel. 

You’ll be treated to delicious home-cooked meals, you’ll learn about family traditions, and you’ll leave with some new-found friends!

Glamping in Sri Lanka

Like camping, but better. 

This new form of accommodation has taken off in recent years, and Sri Lanka offers a fine range of luxury camping options throughout its famous destinations. On this 12-day glamping in Sri Lanka tour, you’ll travel with a local guide, stopping at carefully selected luxury glamping sites each night.

Culinary heritage that combines both indigenous and colonial influences teemed with incredibly fresh produce and intricate flavour combinations presents a winning recipe for Sri Lankan cuisine. 

Whether you’re dining street-side, enjoying fresh seafood or making the most of the high-end restaurants, you’ll have a delicious experience.

Local Breakfast in Sri Lanka

Push the granola aside and take to the streets to fuel your day with its first meal. In Sri Lanka, breakfast is a big part of street food dining. As you wander along the street, you’ll notice the cooks working away over woks and in cafes, serving up delights to hungry diners. 

One speciality is bowl-shaped pancakes called ‘hoppers’ made using rice flour and coconut milk, which is then filled with ingredients of your choice. These can include egg, cheese, spiced meat, coconut sambal or onions. Whilst savoury hoppers are more popular; you can also find sweet ones filled with honey and coconut syrup. 

Of course, curry is also a dish that regularly appears on the breakfast menu. 

Seafood at the Beach

An island where the coast is never more than a few hours away, the best food experiences largely revolve around fresh seafood. Of course, if you are beachside, there is no better dish to enjoy than fresh fish, lobster, crabs and prawns which have been caught fresh that day. 

Crack open a cold beer and complete the experience!

Rice and Curry All Day, Every Day

The national dish of Sri Lanka, you’ll find rice and curry almost everywhere you go. Costing a mere US$2-3, it is also the cheapest option if you are on a budget. 

Sri Lankan curries are the best demonstration of their vibrant cuisine with colourful vegetables, lentils, chicken and fish taking centre stage. They are often served with pickled vegetables, chutney and coconut sambol (a Sri Lankan speciality added to curries for sweetness and texture).

To dive in as the locals do, forget the cutlery and use your fingertips to scoop up your food. Remember, however, to only use your right hand as the left hand is considered unsanitary when eating. 

Snacks on the Go

Travelling around Sri Lanka and hopping from one destination to the next, you’re likely to need something to keep you going on your long road trips. This is where the country’s superb range of snacks comes in, known country-wide as ‘short teats’. Delicious pastries filled with vegetables and meat, roti stuffed with filling, or a paper cone of chickpeas flavoured with spices and herbs are just a few of your options.

With four major religions present on the island, each with its own calendar and celebratory holidays, there’s likely to be an event or festival underway during your Sri Lanka trip!

If you are looking to plan your trip around big national holidays and festivals, then connect with one of our Local Designers in Sri Lanka who can help plan the perfect trip around these dates!

However, if you want to be in the thick of it and experience the real Sri Lanka, then read on for Sri Lanka’s three biggest holidays.

Sinhalese & Tamil New Year - The Family Festival

Occurring annually in April, this festival marks the Lunar New Year During this time, businesses across the island close down so that local people can enjoy the festivities, traditional foods and games that come with it. 

Kandy Esala Pora Perahera - Sri Lanka’s Most Colourful Festival

Known as the island’s most spectacular celebration, Esala Perhera brings the hill country capital of Kandy to life with chaotic, colourful processions of drummers, dancers, acrobats and elephants. It is worth noting that whilst we respect the traditions of these festivals, we don’t condone the use of animals in such festivals. 

The festival is dedicated to the celebration of Buddha’s first sermon and the arrival of the sacred tooth relic. The festival lasts ten days and is certainly a fun time to be in Kandy. The date varies according to the lunar calendar but it’s usually around late July or late August. 

Vesak Poya - An Important Buddhist Festival

During Vesak Poya, you’ll notice that each house all over Sri Lanka (if those families are Buddhist) are adorned with colourful lanterns and beautiful panels depicting scenes from the life of Buddha. The festival, occurring annually in May, celebrates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha.

Language: Sinhala is the main language of Sri Lanka with Tamil close behind. Sinhala is widely spoken in the southern, western and central parts of the island, whilst Tamil is generally spoken in the northern and eastern parts of the country. You’ll find that most locals speak a good level of English in tourist centres. 

Currency: The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). At the time of writing (October 2020), the exchange rate was 1 USD to 184 LKR.

Religion: The main religion in Sri Lanka is Buddhism with over 70% of the population practising this religion. It is followed by Hindus with 12.6%, Muslims with 9.7% and Christians with 7.4%.

Go north: The north of Sri Lanka is very different to the south but if you’re looking for a unique experience and to escape the crowds, it is worth travelling north. 

Avoid the rain: Despite its size, there are two monsoon seasons in Sri Lanka. The seasons affect different sides of the island at alternate times of the year so don’t get caught out.

No parties: Sri Lanka is a very relaxed island. In stark contrast to its overwhelming neighbour, India, and its Southeast Asian party places, there isn’t much of a nightlife here outside of Colombo.

In a few simple steps, you could be on your way to receiving your free tailored Sri Lanka itinerary. 

Our Local Designers are ready and waiting to design your Sri Lanka trip. Whether that be two weeks in Sri Lanka touring by train, a luxury honeymoon getaway on the coast or even a short break to the hill country - it’s all possible. Browse our gallery of customisable Sri Lanka itineraries and connect with our Local Designers to get started!