Sri Lanka is a tropical island in the Indian Ocean known for its natural beauty, some places that have a rich cultural heritage, and beautiful beaches that are enchanting. Sri Lanka Tourist Destinations offers an interesting experience for travellers who want to explore the beauty of the Jewel of the Indian Ocean because of its natural beauty and many other places that are a must visit.
The country is located between latitudes 5°55’ and 9°51’ N and longitudes 79°41’ and 81°53’ E and has a maximum length of 268 miles, or 432 km, and a maximum width of 139 miles, or 224 km. Sri Lanka has been influenced by many cultures from Asian civilizations. Some of the names include Taprobane in ancient Greek geographers, Serendib by the Arabs, and Ceylon by European mapmakers, which was officially changed to Sri Lanka in 1972.
Sri Lanka is a densely populated country with the majority of its population living in rural areas and dependent on agriculture for their daily livelihood. The country is known for its tea production, as well as coffee, gemstones, coconuts, rubber, and cinnamon, which are also important.
There are three ethnic groups that make up more than 99 percent of Sri Lanka’s population, namely Sinhalese, Tamils, and Muslims. The Sinhalese make up three-quarters of the population, while the Tamils consist of two groups, namely Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils. Meanwhile, Muslims in Sri Lanka make up approximately one-eighth of the total population.
| Population | 22,156 million (in 2020) |
| GDP | $84,532 million |
| Area | 65,610 km² |
| Places to go in Sri Lanka: Colombo, Kandy, Sigiriya, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Mirissa, and Bentota |
Sri Lanka Tourist Destinations
1. Colombo
Image credit bluelankatours.com
Colombo is the capital and largest city of Sri Lanka. It is located on the west coast of the island and is adjacent to Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte. Sri Jayawardenapura Kotte is a satellite city of Colombo. The Colombo Metropolitan Area comprises the districts of Colombo, Gampaha, and Kalutara. It has a population of about 5,648,000 and an area of 3,694.20 km².
Colombo can be the starting point of your travelling journey by visiting famous places in Colombo such as Gangaramaya Temple, Galle Face Green, and Colombo National Museum. This city is a reflection of the blend of colonial history, traditional culture and modern progress.
How to Get There
Getting to Colombo is very easy; it is very easy to reach from Bandaranaike International Airport; the distance is about 35 km from the city center. There are several transportation options, such as taxis, buses, and trains. However, it is better to use a taxi or online transportation for more comfort.
Best Time to Visit
It is best to visit between December and March, as the weather in Colombo during these months is drier and more comfortable. Exploring Sri Lanka Tourist Destinations during this time ensures pleasant weather and a better travel experience.
2. Kandy
Image credit Patrick Fransoo from Pixabay
Kandy is located in the Central Province of Sri Lanka. A city located in the middle of the hills of the Kandy highlands is home to one of the holiest places of worship in the Buddhist world, the Temple of The Tooth Relic. The Temple of the Tooth Relic is a place where the sacred tooth of Buddha is stored.
The temple has also been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1988. For those who enjoy travelling, Kandy can be a comfortable destination that offers a calm atmosphere and beautiful and stunning views.
How to Get There
You can take a train or bus from Colombo to Kandy. During the train journey, you will be treated to spectacular views of the mountains and tea plantations that can be enjoyed throughout the journey. That is why this mode of transportation is highly recommended.
Best Time to Visit
November to April is the best time to visit, as the weather is cooler and it doesn’t rain as much during those months.
3. Sigiriya
Image credit Poswiecie from Pixabay
Sigiriya is also known as Lion Rock or Lion Peak, a fortress built on a giant rock 200 meters high, which is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most famous archaeological sites in Sri Lanka.
How to Get There
Sigiriya is located about 170 km from Colombo; you can travel by bus or taxi. Or you can take the train from Colombo to Habarana and then continue your journey by taxi or bus.
Best Time to Visit
You can visit the place all year round, but the best time to visit is between January and April, when the weather is sunnier and cooler.
4. Galle
Image credit Buddhika Bandara from Pixabay
The city has a very strong influence with typical Dutch architecture. Galle is located on the coast and has beautiful sea views that can be enjoyed by travellers while walking on the streets full of small shops. Galle also has a famous fort that you can explore alone, with your partner, or with your family.
How to Get There
With only 2-3 hours, you can reach Galle from Colombo by train or car. If you use train transportation, you will be presented with beautiful scenery along the coastal journey to Galle.
Best Time to Visit
December to March is a good time to visit Galle as the weather is drier and there is less rain.
5. Nuwara Eliya
Image credit kayak.co.in
Little England is another name for Nuwara Eliya, which is a city in the mountains surrounded by vast tea gardens. In this cool tea country you can enjoy beautiful scenery and can visit the gardens and waterfalls around Nuwara Eliya.
How to Get There
From Kandy you can take a train or bus with a journey of about 3-4 hours. The beautiful path between the expanse of tea plantations can be seen if you use the train.
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Nuwara Eliya is between December and April, when the weather is cool and the views are crystal clear.
6. Mirissa and Bentota
Image credit pmarciciak from Pixabay
Mirissa and Bentota are must-visit destinations for beach lovers. Mirissa is known for its laid-back beach atmosphere and the chance to see whales and dolphins, while Bentota offers tranquil beaches that are perfect for water sports and relaxing.
How to Get There
From Colombo you can reach both beaches by bus or car, which takes 2-3 hours. Mirissa is more accessible from Galle, while Bentota is closer to Colombo.
Best Time to Visit
November to April is the best time to visit Mirissa and Bentota beaches as the weather is sunnier and perfect for enjoying the beautiful beachside views.
How to Protect Yourself from Scams
- Be careful with cheap tour service offers and make sure you book a tour package through a trusted and official agent.
- Agree on the taxi price in advance if you want to use this mode of transportation to avoid overly expensive fares.
- Pay attention to your belongings by storing them in a safe place, and be careful of pickpockets in crowded places.
Safety Tips
- Keep yourself safe; even though Sri Lanka is a relatively safe place for tourists, it doesn’t hurt to always be aware of your surroundings.
- Check the weather and conditions at the place you want to visit and make sure your trip is comfortable and protected from extreme weather such as heavy rain in certain places.
- Always prepare medicines whenever you travel somewhere, because sometimes it is difficult to find a pharmacy in some remote areas.
Some Payments Used in Sri Lanka
- The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
- Most hotels, restaurants, and large shops accept credit card payments, but for small transactions it is advisable to use cash.
- Although some tourist attractions also accept USD and Euros, make sure you have LKR cash with you when travelling, especially in remote areas.
Language Spoken
The official languages in Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, but in some tourist areas, such as Colombo and Kandy, many people use English to communicate.
