TRAVEL GUIDE AND TIPS ON SRI LANKA

Nestled in the heart of the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is a breathtakingly beautiful island waiting to be explored. From the misty mountains and the lush green tea plantations to the pristine beaches and wildlife-filled national parks, there is no shortage of incredible sights to see and experiences to be had. Immerse yourself in the country's rich cultural heritage by visiting ancient temples and ruins, or indulge in the vibrant food that offers a unique blend of spicy and sweet flavours. Whether you are seeking adventure, relaxation or simply an escape from the hustle of everyday life, Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Come and discover the magic of this stunning paradise! 

Here are top 5 beaches that you must visit in Sri Lanka.

1) Secret beach, Mirissa.

2) Polhena beach.

3) Hikkaduwa beach.

4) Mirissa beach.

5) Unawatuna beach.

Click the image on the right to get to know more details about some breathtaking beaches in Sri Lanka.

The best time to visit the Southern province of Sri Lanka is from December to March as the weather is dry and sunny making it perfect for exploring the beautiful beaches and the wildlife national parks. You can soak up the sun and turf in the turquoise waters of Unawatuna and Mirissa or take a safari in the national parks to spot leopards, elephants and other species. The temperature is comfortable averaging around 25'C or 77'F making it more comfortable to discover the breathtaking paradise.

Here are some MUST-DO things in Sri Lanka!

1) Take the train from Kandy to Ella.

This is an unforgettable experience as the train journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Sri Lanka including rolling hills, lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages. 

Also since the train travels at a slow pace, you'll have plenty of time to take interesting photographs and get to know the culture of Sri Lankans better.

This will forever be one of your favourite experiences you had in your lifetime!

2) Visit the Sigiriya rock fortress.

This is an unforgettable experience as the train journey takes you through some of the most stunning landscapes in Sri Lanka including rolling hills, lush green tea plantations, cascading waterfalls and picturesque villages. 

Also since the train travels at a slow pace, you'll have plenty of time to take interesting photographs and get to know the culture of Sri Lankans better.

This will forever be one of your favourite experiences you had in your lifetime!

3) Go safari at Yala National Park.

Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of wildlife including elephants, leopards, black bears, crocodiles, deer, peacocks, giant squirrels, endemic plants and birds. Yala National park is the best to visit if you want to see the wide variety of wildlife in Sri Lanka.

4) Explore the ancient city of Anuradhapura.

The city of Anuradhapura is a UNESCO World Heritage site as well as Sri Lanka's most important historical sites. There are well-preserved ruins of ancient Buddhist temples and palaces. Palaces, temples, moonstones, huge manmade tanks, dagabas, Buddha statues are seen almost everywhere in Anuradhapura.

5) Go whale watching.

Whale watching is a popular activity in Sri Lanka. The best times for whale watching is from December to March is when the sea is calm and the weather is sunny. Mirissa and Trincomalee are the most popular places for whale watching in Sri Lanka.

The whale-watching tour will start in the early morning and last for 3 to 4 hours. Blue whales, sperm whales and dolphins can be spotted during this tour. The boats used for this are usually equipped with life jackets, first aids kits and experienced guides who can provide information about the whales and their behaviours.

6) Taste the local cuisine.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a tantalizing and aromatic blend of spices, flavours and textures. The island's location and history have influenced its culinary traditions resulting in a diverse and delicious cuisine that is sure to make your mouth water. 

One of the most iconic dishes is the Sri Lankan curry, which is made with a rich blend of spices like cardamom, cinnamon, cloves and cumin combined with coconut milk and various meat or vegetables. 

Another must-try dish is the hopper, a crispy, bowl-shaped pancake made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk, often served with spicy chilli paste or coconut sambol. If you have a sweet tooth, make sure to try out desserts including watalappan, a creamy pudding made with jaggery and coconut milk.

Don't forget to try some of the fresh seafood dishes like prawn curry or grilled fish caught fresh from the Indian Ocean.

Extra tips to know when visiting Sri Lanka.

1) 1 USD is equal to 330 Sri Lankan ruppees.

2) Avoid shorts and mini skirts and be sure to wear modest clothes to religious places as Sri Lanka is a conservative country.

3) Public transport is slow and unreliable, so make sure to rent a car or catch a Tuk-Tuk.

4) Avoid eating street foods and raw fruits as they may have been washed using contaminated water and always have bottled water with you.

5) Credit cards are widely accepted in urban areas, but make sure to carry cash for small purchases.

You are warmly welcomed to Sri Lanka!