Travel Guide for those who Haven’t Visited the Country
Traveling is one of the most valuable experiences one can have in his or her lifetime as it explores the world beyond our community, town, and city. This is a small island country situated in the Indian Ocean and famous for powder-white beaches, verdant scarped terrain, cultural sites, and people’s friendliness. If you want to make sure that you have the most fantastic experience, just read everything I have found out before you get there or get ready to do these must see and do things.
Before you decide of going to Sri Lanka these are some facts that might interest you.
1. Visa Requirements
Visitors planning to travel to Sri Lanka will require a visa with some exceptions that are as follow. However, apply for a visa is easier with the Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) that can be done through a website before the journey. Since there is no fee to acquire the ETA, the validity of the ETA is usually for 30 days and can be renewed once in Sri Lanka.
2. Best Time to Visit
Sri Lanka is a tropical country, and the climate of the country also maintains the characteristics of a monsoon area. The best time to visit depends on which part of the country you plan to explore:The best time to visit depends on which part of the country you plan to explore:
South and West Coasts & Hill Country (December to March): That is why these months are good for travelling to the beaches and the central highlands.
East Coast (April to September): The conditions for the east coast shows that weather should be perfect for the beaches as well as all outdoor activities that may be required.
3. Currency and Payment Methods
The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee, although it is often abbreviated as LKR. All major hotels, restaurants and supermarkets accept cash, credit and debit cards but it is advisable to carry small notes for small purchases and for the local markets. Banks with HIPS are identified to be located in the major cities and tourists sites across the country.
4. Language and Communication
As is familiar, Sinhalese and Tamil are considered as the official languages of the country, Sri Lanka. Tourism appears to be another important factor that does not seriously hamper communication since most of the English speaking population is likely to be encountered in areas frequented by foreigners.
5. Cultural Etiquette
Sri Lanka is a country of twelve and half centuries of evaluated cultural heritage and time-honored customs. Be appropriately dressed, avoiding tight fitting clothing and shorts, this is more observant when visiting religious places. Your shoes and hats have to be taken off when you are in the temple and in some areas, and on entering any temple. The approval of their actions being culturally appropriate whatever country they are in will be appreciated.
6. Health and Safety
In general, it can be noted that Sri Lanka at present times is a safe country for tourists. However, it is recommended to follow certain basic measures: do not go deep into the park at night and look after your personal property. Sewage, tap or lake water should not be consumed and if one plans to indulge in water sports or activities that will increase the potential of waterborne ailments, it’s wise to get an insurance that covers medical expenses and bills.
7. Transportation
The most common means of transport in Sri Lanka are buses, trains, tuk-tuks, and taxis though tourists are most likely to use the latter two. Among all train routes, the Kandy to Ella train journey seems to be mostly flocked with tourists for several reasons. Having a personal driver and car is also a suitable option to showcase the attractiveness of renting a car when traveling through the country, especially when one is going for a long trip.
8. Local Cuisine
This part of Asia is most famous for its Indian, Dutch, and Portuguese content when it comes to food. It would be a mistake should you not try Rice and Curry, Hoppers, Kottu Roti, and seafood if that is what the restaurant offers. Street food is healthy and tasty with maintaining fine quality as a source of enjoyment.
9. Dress Code
Loose and light garment should be worn as the climate is hot in Tanzania being in the tropical region. Paying respect to the dress code is highly important and modest dressing is encouraged at countryside and places of worship. For the beach area, it is allowed to wear bikinis and shorts, yet for other areas, cover up the body.
10. Power Plugs and Adapters
Sri Lanka operates on 230 Volts with a frequency of 50Hz which is the standard voltage used in the country. This country has power plugs and sockets types D, M and G and it is recommended that you take an international “T” type converter plug for your chargers.
11. Packing Essentials
Wear loose and comfortable fabrics, sunglasses, hats, caps, sunscreens, creams against insects’ bites, your drinking water bottle, and comfortable shoes or boots for walking. A swimwear should not be forgotten while visiting the beach and if traveling in the rainy season, a raincoat or umbrella should be part of the packing list.
Sri Lanka has many popular tourist destinations and activities such as surfing, hiking, wildlife, and cultural tours.
Tourism is a beautiful gift in Sri Lanka as it offers opportunity to observe magnificent nature and engage in numerous activities. Here are some must-visit spots:Here are some must-visit spots:
1. Sigiriya Rock Fortress
It is an ancient rock known as the lion’s rock where you can actually go climb to the top to have a wonderful view of the surrounding areas besides touring the sites with remarkable arts like those of frescoes.
2. The Sri Dalada Maligawa or the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic is a place that is located in Kandy, Sri Lanka.
Explore the ancient and spiritual location of Kandy temple which has the tooth of the Buddha and watch the interesting cultural values of Sri Lanka in Kandy.
3. Ella
Tourist city located in the middle of the highlands for its scenery, tea gardens, and the iconic nine arches bridge.
4. Yala National Park
Colobus monkeys, antelope and other wildlife can also be seen here and other attractions include going on a safari in this famous national park.
5. Galle Fort
It is significant to fine it a UNESCO World Heritage site to visit this highly maintained fort which was established by the Portuguese later adopted by the Dutch.
6. Mirissa
Visit the gorgeous shorelines and catch a sight of whales being sighted in this lovely town at the coastal region.
7. Polonnaruwa
Visit the deserted city of Polonnaruwa which is a ruined city with tens of well sculptured statues in Sri Lanka from the medieval era.
8. Adam’s Peak
Go on a holy journey up this venerated mountain, also notable for its famous sunrise and the Shiva’s footprint at the peak of the mountain.
9. Anuradhapura
Take a tour to the sacred Anuradhapura which will give you an opportunity to discover many temples and other attractions in this ancient town.
10. Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage
Visit this renowned center to see elephants receiving treatment after being rescued, this is in addition to being able to see them being washed in the river.
11. Bentota
Bentota is home to golden sandy beaches and one can spend their time sun tanning on the beach, surfing, or even enjoying a boat ride at the Bentota River.
12. Nuwara Eliya
Familiarly known today as ‘Little England,’ this charming hill station has cool weather, scenic tea gardens, and picture-perfect colonial-era houses built with red bricks.
13. Arugam Bay
A popular surfers’ paradise location on the eastern seaboard than is perfect for everyone with penchant for water sports and beach vacations.
14. Dambulla Cave Temple
Discover one of the oldest and most extensive cave temple complexes in Sri Lanka and appreciate the artistic carvings of prelates and paintings.
Culinary Delights:
To summarise, one must mention that Sri Lanka is home to varied opportunities to taste a number of delicious dishes. Sri Lankan food is a fusion of spices, favors and texture all blended for unique palate. Here are some dishes you must try:Here are some dishes you must try:
1. Rice and Curry
A typical meal that incorporates process, boiled rice eaten with a number of different curry dishes, sambol preparations, and pickles.
2. Hoppers (Appa)
Flat rice which is fermented for preparing a flat round bowl-like dish and garnished with a spicy sambol or curry.
3. Kottu Roti
Roti fried and chopped into pieces and fried with an assortment of vegetables, eggs, and meat, and spices.
4. Lamprais
Traditional Sri Lankan food which is prepared by steaming rice and meat parcels, covered with a covering of sambol and banana leaf.
5. Pol Sambol
A coconut concomitant made of grated coconut, chili, lime juice and salt, and used mostly as an accompaniment or garniture with meals.
6. Fish Ambul Thiyal
An authentic pulled fish curry made with dried sour fruit named goraka and fish spices.
7. Watalappan
Traditional sweet dish recipe which is prepared by using coconut milk, jaggery, eggs, cardamom and nutamge.
8. String Hoppers (Idiyappam)
A variety of flat and broad rice noodles often used in soups or with coconut milk or curry gravy.
9. Kiribath
Cultural: Milk rice – food prepared using rice cooked in coconut milk, common during specific cultural events such as festivals.
10. Ceylon Tea
Ceylon tea, grown in the highlands of Sri Lankan is another famous drink that you would love to take.
Last Words Basing on the given tips and having considered those tourist attractions and food specialties, you will have all needed preparation to have unique traveling experience in Sri Lanka. It is about time that you embrace the harmony between architecture, the beauty of the fields, forests and mountains, the genuine kindness of the people of Sri Lanka, and pack your bags to go there.
Whether this is a weekend break, a fortnight on the sun or a longer break for a holiday in Sri Lanka holiday, there is something to suit everyone. Having decided to move around Sri Lanka in the potentiality of capturing the best sight seeing spot for a destination wedding, I got to know that every single moment in Sri Lanka seemed to be adventurous and full of discoveries ranging from the ancient temple to the beautiful beach and mouth-watering foods, etc. Happy travels!
