Sri Lanka is located in South Asia, formerly known as Ceylon. Located on the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka attracts countless tourists with its magnificent natural beauty, rich cultural heritage and unique travel experiences, which is why Sri Lanka is also known as the shining pearl of the Indian Ocean. Whether you're a nature lover who loves to explore or a traveler who loves history and culture, Sri Lanka has you covered. This article will reveal the charms of Sri Lanka and provide more practical travel guides.
Best Season to Visit:
Sri Lanka, located in the Indian Ocean, is hot all year round, and the seasons are divided into dry and rainy seasons. The rainy season is from May to August, and from November to February.
If we break down the 12 months of the year, we can see that November to March is the peak tourist season in Sri Lanka, especially around Christmas. In addition, from May to September, the southwest is the rainy season, the northeast is the dry season, and there is a grand Buddha's Tooth Festival in August, so there can be a small tourist season. Other months don't seem to be a good destination at the moment.
About the Shuttle Visa
At the end of 2023, Sri Lanka launched a tourism pilot project, and until March 31, it will approve a 30-day visa exemption for tourists, including China, which happens to be the most suitable date for Sri Lanka to travel from December to March of the following year, so it is a good time to position Sri Lanka as a tourist destination. For relevant visa exemption information, please log on to the official ** of the Sri Lanka Visa Application Center to inquire and consult relevant visa information.
Travel to Sri Lanka
It is still relatively convenient to travel to Sri Lanka from China, and there are direct flights to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, from major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, and Guangzhou. The flight itinerary is basically about 5-8 hours depending on the itinerary and weather conditions.
If you're in India or the Maldives, consider taking a boat trip and you might have a different experience.
What to do in Sri Lanka?
Because Sri Lanka's attractions are spread across the island, the southwest coast, the ancient city of the central part of the country, and Kandy and the mountains can all be important places to focus on when choosing a tourist route.
Among them, the western coast of Sri Lanka is across the sea from the Maldives. With its crystal clear skies and turquoise waters, it is a top destination for Sri Lanka tourists. The capital city of Colombo and Kasbah Galle are both in this area.
A representative of the ancient cultural city of Sri Lanka, represented by Kandy. The Temple of the Tooth Relic here is famous for the teeth of Buddha Shakyamuni. In addition, Nuwara Eliya, a summer resort developed during the British rule, has a refreshing climate and a strong colonial atmosphere; The Sinharaga Forest Reserve is a World Heritage Site with a wealth of native forests for the outdoors.
Located in the center, there are four World Heritage Sites, namely the Holy City of Nuradhapura, the Ancient City of Polonnaruwa, the Sigiriya Lion Rock, and the Dambulkin Temple, forming one of the world's largest heritage sites. In this small area, visitors can experience the splendor of Sri Lanka's ancient civilization.
Must-see places to visit in Sri Lanka:
Lion Rock: A cultural symbol of Sri Lanka, Lion Rock is a huge rock that actually exists in the jungle, and at the top of it was once a magnificent palace, but now there are only a few ruins left for visitors to hang on. Climbing the Lion Rock will not only give you a view of the beautiful murals, but also a spectacular view of the jungle.
Yalari National Park: Sri Lanka's largest wildlife sanctuary, visitors can take a jeep ride into the jungle to see elephants, leopards, buffalo and other wildlife up close.
Seaside town of Galle: Galle is an exotic seaside town with kasbahs and labyrinthine alleys left over from the Dutch colonial era. Here, you can stroll along the beach and feel the gentle breeze of the Indian Ocean.
Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation: Sri Lanka is a famous tea producing area, and the Nuwara Eliya Tea Plantation is located in the central mountainous area, where the scenery is beautiful and the fragrance of tea is overflowing. Visitors can visit tea plantations and learn about the process of picking and making tea leaves.
Sri Lankan Food Recommendations:
The main dish in Sri Lanka is curry, which is a sauce made with a variety of ingredients and served with rice, cakes, and other staple dishes. Among them, the more representative are:
Crab Curry: Sri Lankan seafood is very delicious, and crab curry is one of the signature dishes.
Rotti with curry: Rotti is a type of crepe that is usually eaten with a variety of vegetable or meat curries.
In addition, Sri Lankan milk tea is famous for its rich taste and unique production method.
Accommodation options in Sri Lanka:
Accommodation options in Sri Lanka range from budget inns to high-end resorts. Recommended accommodation types include:
In beach resorts such as Galle or Mirissa, stay at a seaside resort and enjoy the sun and sand. For travelers who want to soak up the sun, sand and sea breeze, beachfront resorts are undoubtedly the best choice. These resorts typically have private beaches, spacious pools, water sports centers, and restaurants that offer a variety of cuisines. Here, you can indulge in a vacation, take part in water sports, or spend a leisurely day on the beach.
If you're in Nuwara Eliya, the resort located in a tea plantation offers a unique accommodation experience. These resorts are often nestled in picturesque tea plantations, surrounded by rolling mountains and fresh air. Here, you can take part in tea picking and tea making activities and learn about Sri Lankan tea culture while enjoying the tranquility of village life.
If you are a nature lover traveler, choosing to stay in an eco-lodge is a very suitable choice. Sri Lanka is home to many eco-lodges and nature reserve accommodations that offer excellent accommodation options for nature-loving travelers. These lodges are often located near jungles or wetlands and are architecturally designed with the environment and sustainability in mind. Here, you can get up close and personal with wildlife, take a nature hike, or just relax in a tranquil setting.
Sri Lanka's major cities such as Colombo, Galle and Kandy have a wide range of hotels and inns to choose from. These accommodations range from luxury five-star hotels to budget inns and cater to travelers of all budgets and needs. Staying in the heart of the city makes it easy to explore the local cultural heritage, dine, and have fun shopping.
Sri Lanka Transportation Guide
Transportation in Sri Lanka is dominated by buses, trains, and taxis. For independent travelers, the following modes of transportation are recommended:
Train travel: Sri Lanka's train lines are beautiful, especially the mountain train from Colombo to Nuwara Eliya, making it an unforgettable experience.
Rent a car for yourself: If you have an International Driver's Permit, consider renting a car in the local area to get more flexibility with your itinerary.
Local charters: For travelers who are unfamiliar with local transportation, there is an option for a charter service with a local driver leading tours of various attractions.
Hopefully, this guide will help you have a great time in Sri Lanka!