About Sri Lanka
Would now be the best time to tell you that Sri Lanka is home to the world’s oldest human planted tree? If this doesn’t reflect the island country’s old-world charm, then its timeless ruins and legendary temples certainly will. At the south-east of India, Sri Lanka is home to UNESCO world heritage sites and inhabits an ancient architectural culture of its own. While one aspect of this country is discovering the ancient ruins, the other is discovering yourself through the vibrant beaches, rainforest treks and national parks.
When is the best time to visit Sri Lanka?
To make the most out of this scenic tourist destination, one must plan their holiday either between January and April, or between mid-July and September. The cool weather during these months will be a much-needed feather on the cap.
But having said that, the idea time to visit will depend on the kind of activities one wants to enjoy. The winter months of January and February are more suited for those who are looking forward to surfing on the southeastern and west coasts. The pleasant summer months till September are more suited for exploring the eastern coastlines and ancient cities.
How to reach Sri Lanka?
One can travel to Sri Lanka via airways and waterways.
The country’s international airport, Bandaranaike International Airport is located around 30 km from Colombo and connects the country with major Indian cities like Bengaluru, Kochi, Delhi, Mumbai, Thiruvananthapuram, Chennai and Tiruchirappalli.
For the seafarerin you, there are ferries that run between Tuticorin, Chennai and Colombo that take 10-12 hours to get you there. While travelling via waterways takes longer, it holds potential to be a once-in-a-lifetime journey full of excitement and worthwhile views.
Where to Go in Sri Lanka:
Kandy:
One absolutely cannot talk about Kandy without talking about the Royal Botanic garden. Any visit to Sri Lanka is incomplete without visiting his beautiful haven of biodiversity, otherwise known as Kandy. Whether it is about exploring tea plantations and plateaus across the city, or the orchid plantations spread evenly across, Kandy has something for all, especially for all tea enthusiasts. Kandy is also home to the Ceylon tea museum with an exclusive one of its kind tea-tasting fiesta.
Colombo:
The capital city of Colombo has a little of everything for all kinds of tourists. And why not? It is one of the most-visited cities of Sri Lanka and is flocked with tourists from around the world.
Colombo is famous as the historic center of the island country of Sri Lanka. The architecture of this city resembles Dutch heritage, and for all the right reasons. Sri Lanka was, after all, a Dutch colony in the past.
Colombo is also home to the Colombo National Museum where one can explore the country’s rich history through various ancient artefacts.
For those who are looking to explore other things unhistorical, one can also visit the Premadasa Stadium, giant Buddha Statue and the Wolvendaal Church.
Bentota:
The beach town of Bentota lies on the banks of the Bentota River and is one of the most talked-about tourist places in Sri Lanka. Bentota is the perfect destination for travelers looking for some peace mixed with a little adventure. Visiting Bentota is most suited for you if you’re looking to enjoy some thrilling watersports like snorkeling, scuba diving, windsurfing, parasailing and fishing. The most exciting part of the whole Bentota experience is exploring the turtle hatchery which houses many different species of turtles.
Dambulla:
The city of Dambulla is the geographical center of the pearl-shaped island of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is famous for the rock temple, which is an iconic Sri Lankan tourist attraction. Even though many might say that Dambulla has turned into much of a commercial center, it's still a very important tourist destination which we won’t want any of the tourists to miss!
Sigiriya:
Sigiriya qualifies more as a fortress than as a town, and this just makes it even more interesting. This ancient rock fortress is located near Dambulla and is famous as one of the most ‘dramatic’ places of Sri Lanka, mostly for its palace ruins. Other than the palace ruins, Sigiriya is also well-known for its variety of gardens- cave and boulder gardens, water gardens and terrace gardens. Keen observers will also enjoy the sight of frescoes on the walls of the fortresses.
Galle:
The popular Galle fort makes Galle a much-visited city of the beautiful island country. Many tourists who have frequented Sri Lanka would agree that the beaches in Galle are not just relaxing but also very exotic. Galle is also a good city to visit when one is looking to explore the Dutch remnants in Sri Lanka. In fact, the Galle museum is the absolute place to visit when visiting this city. It is home to some important artefacts that speak more than words on Sri Lankan history could. Another famous tourist attraction of Galle is the Galle stadium which has been the venue for several T20 matches! So, all you cricket buffs, you might want to include this visit in your tour package.
Food in Sri Lanka
Rice and Curry:
This is the Sri Lankan staple food. What sets their curry apart is the host of spices they use, such as cardamom, cinnamon, nutmeg, pepper, saffron, chilli, mustard, coriander and curry leaves. So, when in Sri Lanka, curry and rice is a combination you really must try!
Sri Lankan pancakes:
Sri Lankans make their traditional pancakes with fermented rice flour, coconut water and milk. These pancakes with bowl-shaped crispy edges are called hoppers and are fried in a small wok. The most unique thing about this Sri Lankan recipe is the last bit where the chef cracks an egg over the pancake.
Dutch Burgher Lamprais:
This dish, Dutch in origin, is a combination of meat, rice and sambol chilli sauce. This combination is then wrapped in a banana leaf and then steamed. The rice is infused with meat curry, meat balls, paste or vegetable, with an essence of cardamom, cinnamon and clove. Most Sri Lankans eat this as their daily snack. You, too, can make this your perfect snack-on-the go while enjoying the scenic Sri Lankan country.
Sour fish curry:
When visiting Sri Lanka, you must try the Fish Ambul Thiyal. We will simplify this for you, and we’re sure that if anything, you will be even more tempted- fish meat cubes sautéed in spices and dried goraka. This dish is cooked and dried in water until the liquid reduces considerably. What makes this dish stand out is the ultimate quality that each fish cube has its individual aroma and taste.
Coconut dip:
A typical Sri Lankan coconut dip, coconut sambol is made by blending finely grated coconut, dried whole chillies, red onions, lime juice and salt. This relish is compatible with just about anything- bread, roti, hoppers or just by itself!
Things to do in Sri Lanka
Laze at Bentota Beach:
The dazzling golden beach is located 65km away from Colombo and is just the perfect place for solo travelers to unwind, for family groups to spend quality time with each other, and for couple travelers to just have a pleasant time. Amidst the breathtaking views of the sea, one can also enjoy the enchanting sight of the Bentota Lagoon. This beach also offers a variety of water sports like snorkeling, windsurfing and parasailing.
Safari in Yala National Park:
Yala National Park is the second largest national park in Sri Lanka and is worth a visit. With a wide variety of flora and fauna to capture your attention, this national park also offers 44 varieties of mammals and around 215 species of birds!
Dive off Hikkaduwa Beach:
This beach is one of the best surfing spots in the island country. Hikkaduwa is a much-preferred and much-visited tourist attraction, known for the wide variety of activities and sights that it offers. For instance, one can scuba dive to enjoy the breathtaking multi-coloured corals. This is also a good activity to see the different types of fish literally darting under your feet. This beach also offers facilities for glass-bottom boat rides. These exciting add-ons can be availed by customizing your tour package through us.
Climb Adam’s Peak:
Adam’s Peak is probably one of the most famous tourist spots of the country and is on our list of places we would never want you to miss! Simply put, Adam’s Peak is a tall, conical mountain surrounded by greenery around it. But what we really want you to see is the sunset and sunrise view from the top of this mountain- it far surpasses the beauty of everything else around it and makes the trek to the mountain worth it! The best time to start the trek to Adam’s Peak is during the night so that one can enjoy the scenic sunrise from the top of the mountain. The Peak is also said to have religious significance for Christianity, Buddhism and Hinduism. Some people believe the mountain to be a footprint of Buddha.
Watch Dolphins at Mirissa Beach:
We, at Thomas Cook India want you to experience the best of everything- whether it’s shopping, surfing, sightseeing or just plain relaxing with some drinks and music. And what better spot to relax and unwind than the crescent Mirissa beach? The beach is surrounded by tiny shacks, cafes and restaurants. The cool water, and tall trees around make for the perfect ambience for an enjoyable night with friends and family, or a pleasant, romantic evening with your loved one. An added benefit of visiting the Mirissa Beach is the whale and dolphin watching tour, which you can avail by customising your package.
Shopping in Colombo:
As famous as Colombo is as the capital of Sri Lanka, it is more famous as the busiest commercial and shopping hub of the island country. Visiting Colombo will not just give you a reminder of the city life, but will also treat the inner shopaholic in you- whether it is in fancy museums or on street markets, you’re sure to find something to bring back with you! Leather crafts, handloom, chunky jewelry… there is something for all your friends, distant relatives and neighbours you may bump into!
Visit the Dambulla Cave Temple:
This temple, also known as the Golden Temple of Dambulla, is famous among tourists and Buddhist devotees alike for its beautiful interiors and absolutely mesmerising and informative paintings and statues depicting the life of Lord Buddha. Interestingly, this cave temple makes the list for the eight World Heritage Sites in Sri Lanka. The temple has five caves, all of which are breathtaking in their own ways. This, again, by our recommendation, is a must-visit!
So far, we’ve talked about water sports, cultural sights, relaxing beaches, markets and museums! Oh, let’s also not forget the Sri Lankan delicacies we’ve listed. If these mentions have been able to stir your excitement, then don’t delay. Contact us for the best Sri Lanka tour packages.
