Travel to the miniature South Asia, where you can discover diverse landscapes, flavourful cuisines, warm hospitality, vibrant ceremonies, and sacred rituals. Sri Lanka is a pleasant country that features a plethora of activities, a rich history, and wildlife that will make every traveller happy after their vacation. Over the years, Sri Lanka has begun to attract crowds from different corners of the world, showcasing its awe-inspiring beach towns, tea plantations, religious pilgrimage sites and cultural landmarks. Scroll down below to check the insights provided in this travel guide to Sri Lanka regarding the things to do, places to visit, traditional dishes to try, the best time to visit and many more.
Sri Lanka Information
| Time Zone | GMT+5:30 |
| Official Language | Sinhala |
| Currency | Sri Lankan Rupee |
| Population | 22.04 million (as of 2023) |
| Capital | Colombo |
| Nickname | Pearl of the Indian Ocean |
Why Travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is one of the best travel destinations, offering its visitors a rich cultural heritage, ancient history, stunning beaches, beautiful tea plantations and a variety of activities to indulge in. As per our Sri Lanka travel guide, below are some of the reasons why you need to travel to this Pearl of the Indian Ocean.
Ancient Cities
Discover ancient places that are also UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya Rock Fortress and Anuradhapura, featuring old Buddhist temples and ancient ruins.
Exploring Wildlife
Travel to different parts of Sri Lanka to witness diverse flora and fauna in their national parks like Sinharaja, Udawalawe and Yala. You get to find species of animals like leopards, elephants, lorises, sambars and others, along with a wide variety of birds.
Mouthwatering Cuisines
Sri Lankan cuisine offers you a burst of flavours in your mouth comprising exotic fruits, seafood, curries and their iconic beverage, Ceylon tea.
Adventure Activities
Sri Lanka offers you a range of adventure activities such as safari, surfing, swimming, trekking, hiking and many more, adding an element of thrill and excitement.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| October | 17° to 30° |
| November | 15° to 21° |
Visa Requirements for Sri Lanka
When planning a vacation in Sri Lanka, obtaining a visa is the first step, as British citizens are required to have a visa to visit the country. One can obtain their visa via the Electronic Travel Authority (ETA), which remains valid for up to 30 days. If you need more than 30 days for your tourism purposes, you will need to contact the Sri Lankan High Commission before visiting the country. In case you overstay, the local police of Sri Lanka can detain or fine you.
Seasons of Sri Lanka
When travelling to Sri Lanka for a vacation, check out the insights on the seasons provided in this Sri Lanka trip guide. The country has four main seasons per year, namely the First Inter-Monsoon Season, the Southwest Monsoon, the Second Inter-Monsoon Season, and the Northeast Monsoon.
First Inter-Monsoon Season (March to April)
During the First Inter-Monsoon Season, one can expect thunderstorms during the afternoon and evening. You can also find increased humidity and sudden rainfall in various parts of Sri Lanka, particularly on the southwestern slopes.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| March | 26° to 31° |
| April | 29° to 33° |
Southwest Monsoon (May to September)
Southwest Monsoon, also called Yala Monsoon, is seen to affect the southern and southwestern parts of the island. These regions experience heavy rainfall, whereas the north and east coasts get sunny and dry weather.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| May | 28° to 32° |
| June | 28° to 31° |
| July | 24° to 30° |
| August | 24° to 33° |
| September | 25° to 31° |
Second Inter-Monsoon Season (October to November)
During the Second Inter-Monsoon Season, you get to experience thundershowers throughout the country, as the Intertropical Convergence Zone shifts southward. Usually, you get fewer crowds in the points of interest, but the chances of travel disruptions increase.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| October | 24° to 30° |
| November | 25° to 30° |
Northeast Monsoon (December to February)
The Northeast Monsoon is also known as Maha season, brings in the heaviest rainfall. On the East Coast, the rainfall is seen to impact the most, and the southwest coast is impacted by the Yala monsoon.
| Month | Temperature (in °C) |
| December | 18° to 25° |
| January | 22° to 27° |
| February | 22° to 31° |
Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka: January to March is considered to be the best time to visit Sri Lanka, when one gets pleasant weather to indulge in various outdoor activities and witness the natural beauty of Sri Lanka in bright daylight. Also, during this period of time, one gets to participate in festivals like Maha Shivratri, Pongal and many more.
Best Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka offers a variety of attractions scattered throughout different parts of the country. Travel to the iconic attractions, ancient cities and natural landscapes, making your holiday memorable. In this visitors’ guide to Sri Lanka, we have provided the five best places to visit in Sri Lanka on your holiday.
Colombo
Planning to travel to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka as well as its largest city, you are about to enjoy a blend of gastronomy, culture and history. Explore the well-preserved architecture to witness the rich historical history of the country and witness various temples, museums and many more. One can enjoy a diverse culinary experience, bustling nightlife and colonial architecture.
5 Popular Attractions in Colombo
- Gangaramaya Temple
- Independence Square
- Viharamahadevi Park
- Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
- Gangarama Sima Malaka
Best Time to Visit Colombo: Between December and March.
Kandy
Travel to the beating heart of Sri Lanka, known as the spiritual centre, where you can find natural beauty and ancient customs. There are a number of places to visit around Kandy to help you spend an incredible holiday. One can also enjoy a thrilling experience to the Ella Rock when going hiking.
5 Popular Attractions in Kandy
- Sri Dalada Maligawa
- Udawatta Kele Sanctuary
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- International Buddhist Museum
- Kandy Lake
Best Time to Visit Kandy: Between January and April.
Galle
Travel to the coastal city of Galle, where you can find well-preserved colonial architecture, and where one can also spot a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You get to find cultural experiences and historical charm, admiring the British and Dutch colonial architecture. Make sure to indulge in surfing as well as enjoy candlelit dinners and fashionable boutiques.
5 Popular Attractions in Galle
- Galle Dutch Fort
- Galle Fort Clock Tower
- Galle Lighthouse
- National Maritime Museum
- Japanese Peace Pagoda
Best Time to Visit Galle: Between December and April.
Sigiriya
Sigiriya is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its ancient rock fortress. When you climb to the top of this fortress, you get to see a breathtaking view of the surroundings. Get a glimpse of the rich history of Sri Lanka while exploring the ancient ruins of the fortress. You will also be amazed to know that this fortress is linked with the epic Ramayana.
5 Popular Attractions in Sigiriya
- Minneriya National Park
- Pidurangala Royal Cave Temple
- Pidurangala Rock
- Dambulla Royal Cave Temple
- Sigiriya Ancient Rock Fortress
Best Time to Visit Sigiriya: Between May and September.
Nuwara Eliya
Nuwara Eliya is a popular tourist destination, also known as Little England among the locals. One can witness stunning scenery, a pleasant climate, and tea plantations. Get mesmerised by the lush greenery and enjoy the sight of old colonial buildings, reminiscent of those in England.
5 Popular Attractions in Nuwara Eliya
- Victoria Park
- Lover’s Leap Waterfall
- Horton Plains National Park
- Lake Gregory
- Bomburu Ella Waterfall
Best Time to Visit Nuwara Eliya: Between February and April.
Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka
Embrace the magical allure of Sri Lanka on your holiday and indulge in a wide array of activities to make it more memorable. In this Sri Lanka travel guide, we have prepared a list of the best things to do on your vacation:
- Take a train ride into the tea plantations when you take the train from Kandy to Ella, enjoying the beautiful surroundings.
- Go hiking to enjoy a breathtaking view of sunrise from a sacred mountain, Adam’s Peak. Click pictures under the popular Nine Arch Bridge when you are taking a train ride from Colombo to Ella.
- Click pictures under the popular Nine Arch Bridge when you are taking a train ride from Colombo to Ella.
- Enjoy the fresh seafood during your holiday in Sri Lanka, especially their crabs and also their traditional Sri Lankan rice and curry.
- Explore the wildlife of Sri Lanka by visiting their national parks, offering you live encounters with the wild animals.
- Get to witness the largest wild Asian elephant gathering by the lakes at the national parks, along with other animals.
- Visit the iconic attractions dotted around different corners of Sri Lanka, such as Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Galle Fort, Dambulla Royal Cave Temple and many more.
- Indulge in various water activities like swimming, surfing, kite surfing and many more at the Aruam Bay.
- Take a day tour to explore the ancient cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura, both of which are UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Popular Festivals of Sri Lanka
Get a glimpse of the local life and culture of the Moroccan people by enjoying their vibrant festivals. Check below some of the popular Moroccan festivals celebrated at different times of the year.
| Name of Festivals | Tenure | Month |
| Vel Festival | 1 day | July or August |
| Nallur Festival | 25 days | July and August |
| Vesak Poya | 1 day | May |
| Maha Shivaratri | 1 day | February |
| Kandy Esala Perahera | 8 days | July and August |
| Kataragama Festival | 15 days | June and July |
| Pada Yatra Pilgrimage | 60 days | May to July |
| Poson Poya | 1 day | June |
| Sinhala and Tamil New Year’s | 1 day | April |
| Pongal | 1 day | January |
Traditional Dishes to Try in Sri Lanka
When you are visiting Sri Lanka, do not forget to try out the traditional dishes that will help you experience the gastronomy culture of the country. Here are the traditional dishes to try in Sri Lanka:
- Curry and Rice
- Egg hoppers
- Gotu Kola Kanda
- Seeni Sambal
- Kottu Roti
- Lamprais
- Eggplant Moju
- Parippu
- Kulkul Mas Curry
Transportation in Sri Lanka
The transportation system of Sri Lanka offers you a number of different services that you can avail at different prices. Buses are seen to be the standard means of transportation, helping you to connect different parts of the country. In order to travel to different states, the rail network is a reliable one. It offers you a comfortable travel experience along with stunning views, making your journey pleasant. One can also opt for domestic air services to cover long distances within a short period of time. You can also rent a car to travel intercity to visit different parts of a city.
Where to Stay in Sri Lanka?
The transportation system of Sri Lanka offers you a number of different services that you can avail at different prices. Buses are seen to be the standard means of transportation, helping you to connect different parts of the country. In order to travel to different states, the rail network is a reliable one. It offers you a comfortable travel experience along with stunning views, making your journey pleasant. One can also opt for domestic air services to cover long distances within a short period of time. You can also rent a car to travel intercity to visit different parts of a city.
Sri Lanka Travel Tips
Our travel guide to Sri Lanka will remain incomplete without offering travel tips, similar to the cherry on top of a cake. If you are preparing for a vacation in Sri Lanka, do not skip the travel tips provided below.
- Choose your season for travelling wisely, as the peak season increases the budget for your vacation, as the flight fare and accommodation price strats to rise.
- Make your itinerary by considering the possible issues such as traffic jams, health issues and others to help you cover the attractions you plan on visiting.
- If you are travelling to Galle and Colombo, make sure to carry protection against heat and humid weather.
- Get your booking done for accommodations and trains to witness the serene views, especially during the peak season.
- Make sure to try out the street food items as well, instead of solely focusing upon seafood.
- There is no alcohol served during the full moon days as these days are considered to be auspicious days, celebrated as poya days.
- Try to learn the basic phrases of Tamil and Sinhala language, as the locals will appreciate it.
- When visiting religious sites, dress modestly and make sure to cover your knees and shoulders. Also, remove your footwear before entering a religious place.
- If you plan on eating with your hands, then do it with your right hand, as the left hand is considered unclean by the locals.
- Avoid falling into the tuk-tuk scams promising to take you to different attractions and shops. Also, avoid travelling in a tuk-tuk without a meter.
Conclusion
Packed with some of South Asia’s best experiences, from ancient temples to beautiful beaches and incredible wildlife, it’s a truly worthwhile holiday site to explore. Enjoy safaris amidst wildlife, iconic attractions filled with rich history and cultural heritage. Make sure to plan your holiday on the day of the festivals to enjoy the local culture and traditions. Also, don’t forget to follow the travel tips to help you spend a wonderful holiday, as stated in this trip guide to Sri Lanka.
Make sure to check out our travel packages to Sri Lanka to grab some of the best travel deals and packages to help you enjoy a seamless holiday experience. If you want to plan a perfect vacation to Sri Lanka, you can contact our travel expert, who will design a customised itinerary based on your budget and preferences.
FAQs
What is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between January and March, when the chances of rainfall are less, and you also get a pleasant climate ideal for engaging in various outdoor activities.
Is Sri Lanka an expensive country to visit?
Sri Lanka is not an expensive country; however, it offers luxurious accommodations and services to its guests. So, it depends on your travel preferences and budget to make your Sri Lanka holiday budget-friendly or expensive.
Do I need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka?
Yes, you will require a visa to travel to Sri Lanka.
What are some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka?
Some of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka are the International Buddhist Museum, Sigiriya Ancient Rock Fortress, Galle Dutch Fort and many more.
