How to Make The Best of Your Trip to Sri Lanka
Sun-drenched beaches, majestic elephants, beautiful heritage sites and warm and friendly people are just a few of the reasons that entice visitors to this tropical island. Exploring further you would experience the vibrant cuisine, exotic wildlife, spectacular train rides and more to keep you enthralled and wanting to visit this pearl of the Indian Ocean many times over. Find some tips on getting the best out of your visit.
Entry Formalities
Visa and health are two important aspects to attend to before your departure for a hassle-free arrival in Sri Lanka.
Visa for Sri Lanka - Most visitors (except nationals of Seychelles, Singapore and the Maldives) require a visa to land in Sri Lanka, however, the process is streamlined through an online ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) process which can be done ahead of travel.
Health requirements – The need for RAT (Rapid Antigen Teat) or PCR for COVID-19 is not required since early last year (Mar 2022) for vaccinated passengers.
Best time to visit
Being a tropical country with no distinct seasons as in some parts of the world, travelling to Sri Lanka can be anytime throughout the year. However, two monsoons affect different parts of the island each year. Be assured that there are many places to enjoy the beach if the monsoons are drenching the beaches in the south, just go by the beach travel guide. Similarly, many wildlife parks are available in other parts of the island if one park is hit by the monsoon rains. So you can always do or see something without being worried about the monsoons.
Unique attractions
Nuwara Eliya or Little England – Famous for its cool climes, and scenic surroundings with the tallest mountain in Sri Lanka providing cover, this pretty city at an elevation of 1800 metres above sea level must be visited to experience beautiful carpets of tea bushes, enchanting waterfalls and misty mountains.
Kandy, a UNESCO World Heritage Site – Home to the Temple of the Tooth (the much-venerated heritage building where a tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined) making the city of Kandy a UNESCO-listed location, view the fine ancient architecture within the temple complex, the lush mountains providing a backdrop and the beautiful Kandy Lake providing serenity to this great city.
National Parks Yala, Udawalawe, Minneriya etc – Rich in bio-diversity these national parks are home to a variety of wildlife such as leopards, elephants and many more. Choose which park to visit depending on the travel period and your choice of what to see. More elephants can be viewed at Udawalawe and Minneriya, whilst the stealthy leopard concentration is more at Yala.
Spectacular Beaches – Blessed with a coastline of breathtaking beaches against cerulean skies, enjoy all things to do at the beach for a memorable experience. Sandy Beach Trips recommends visiting Mirissa, Arugam Bay, Bentota, Hiriketiya and many other shores depending on your time of travel.
Galle – Situated on the southwest coast of the island, Galle is of historical importance dating back to colonial times. The fortified old city still contains stone sea walls, the Galle Lighthouse, and the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church. This living city lying within the Fort with houses, cafes, schools and offices doing business as usual is a must-visit attraction.
Accommodation
Sri Lanka has been welcoming visitors for many decades and therefore is home to many international hotel chains offering niche experiences, boutique hotels catering to a discerning clientele, mid-range hotels, guest houses and hostels all over the island.
Almost all of these properties can be booked online, some even provide free wifi facilities.
Getting about in Sri Lanka
Public transport service by bus and train is comprehensive in Sri Lanka and quite cheap though time-consuming and not always comfortable. However, try to do Kandy to Nuwara Eliya by train to experience one of the most scenic rail rides in the world. When you arrive in a city getting about by tuk-tuk or even motorbike is faster and more convenient. Tuk-tuk rides must be used by agreeing on the charge beforehand. Motorbikes can be hired in some cities such as in the south.
Going long distances within the island is best done in a hired vehicle of your choice.