Travel to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a great country for all types of travelers. Nature lovers will enjoy the national parks where you can go on safari and the many high mountains. Besides the beautiful nature, Sri Lanka is known for good surf spots, fine beaches and ancient cities. Sri Lanka is perhaps the most surprising country in Asia. Will you join us on a trip to Sri Lanka?
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee
Time zone: GMT+5:30
Best travel time: December – April
Destinations in Sri Lanka
The first destination in Sri Lanka is the capital Colombo. Most travelers skip Colombo and leave immediately for Negombo, a small coastal town. From there you can easily go to the ancient temples in the north of Sri Lanka, the big city of Kandy in the middle, or just via the west coast to the beaches in the south of Sri Lanka. Whether you make the round trip left or right, you will always easily get to the sights of Sri Lanka.
Popular Hikes
Because Sri Lanka has a lot of nature and mountains, you can make beautiful hikes here. In Ella kan you easily climb the Little Adam’s Peak or the higher Ella Rock.
In Sigiriya on the other hand, you can climb the Lion’s Rock and Pidurangala Rock. Which one of the two will you choose? There are pros and cons to both climbs. Or do you opt for the Holy Adam’s Peak in Dalhousie? This climb consists of 5500 steps and is a pilgrimage for many Sri Lankans, young and old.
Reasons to go to Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has an enormous number of attractions in a relatively small area. One moment you’re admiring leopards and elephants on safari and the next you’re standing on your surfboard in the sea. Also be sure to take the wonderful train trip from Kandy to Ella: according to some, the most beautiful train trip in the world!
Because it is such a diverse and easy to travel country, Sri Lanka has become increasingly popular in recent years. Add to this the friendly people and the delicious food and you have Sri Lanka in a nutshell.
.
Highlight
The highlight of Sri Lanka is the safari in Yala National Park. You can spot dozens of different animal species here. Crocodiles, water buffalo and elephants are (probably) bound to be seen. If you are lucky you will even come face to face with a leopard! In Yala National Park you can imagine yourself in South Africa for a moment. So special!
Practical tips for Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is an easy country to travel in. Transportation between sights is well arranged and there are tuktuks everywhere. As a solo traveler, couple or family, Sri Lanka is a great country to visit. If you are a woman traveling alone, you don’t have to worry in terms of safety: Sri Lanka is really quite safe. Noelle, when she was 18 years old, traveled solo in Sri Lanka for 6 weeks and it was an amazing experience. In 2024, we traveled togethet in Sri Lanka for 3 months and a lot has changed. Sri Lanka is booming and the tourism sector exploded. It’t good for the country because they had a tough time during Covid and a financial crisis after. Traveling around is way easier nowadays. Also check out our tips for Sri Lanka visa and the very best hostels. That way you will meet nice travelers you can do the activities with.
All blogs about Sri Lanka
There is actually no best travel time for Sri Lanka. This is because Sri Lanka has to deal with 2 monsoons (rainy seasons), which alternate. So you can always visit Sri Lanka, only you have to take into account the region where you go. The rainy season splits Sri...
Putting together an itinerary for Sri Lanka and the Maldives is not so easy. Even though these two countries are close to each other, you need to take a few things into account. Don't panic! Below we tell you everything you need to know about Sri Lanka and Maldives...
How do you put together your itinerary for Sri Lanka? This small island has so much to offer. If you go for 2 or 3 weeks you will have to make choices because you cannot visit all the beautiful places in Sri Lanka. We have visited Sri Lanka as many as 3 times in...
Renting a tuktuk in Sri Lanka is an amazing adventure and the best way to really discover the country. You have the ultimate freedom to go wherever you want and at the same time experience the country in a local way. Hiring a tuk-tuk in Sri Lanka is really a fantastic...
Sri Lanka is one of the few Asian countries known for safaris. Go on safari in Sri Lanka and admire leopards, elephants, bears, crocodiles, water buffalo and many more animals in real life. We have been on safari in Sri Lanka almost 10 times now and have listed for...
Sri Lanka is a country where you can do many wonderful hikes. You can go into the mountains, the rainforest and even go on a pilgrimage, it is all possible in Sri Lanka. In this article we describe in detail the 12 most beautiful hikes in Sri Lanka and which ones we...
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country, that has everything you need for a wonderful trip. Prepare for insane safaris, beautiful mountains, green tea fields, relaxing beaches and delicious food. It is a slightly more expensive destination than other backpacking countries in...
Will you be traveling to Sri Lanka as a digital nomad? Prepare well with this article by already saving the best places to work in Sri Lanka in your Google Maps. We traveled and worked as digital nomads in Sri Lanka for three months in 2024. As a result, we know the...
Sri Lanka's interior is filled with mountains and is a beautiful landscape. Undiscovered by most tourists and cutting across the tea fields you will find The Pekoe Trail. A 300 kilometer long route with 22 'stages' you can follow. You can choose to walk The Pekoe...
Many travelers head straight to Negombo, the small fishing village near the airport, after arriving in Sri Lanka. But what are some fun things to do in Colombo, Sri Lanka's capital city? Why do so few people visit Sri Lanka's largest city? Below we list 6 fun...
Weligama is a chill town on Sri Lanka's south coast. It is known for its good waves for (beginner) surfers during the high season, but there is more fun to do. Check out the things to do in Weligama below with the 11 best activities in Weligama. Content of this...
Unawatuna is a small but cozy coastal town in southern Sri Lanka. We were told many negative comments beforehand, but we had a great time here for 2 days. Below we share the best activities and things to do in Unawatuna. Content of this blog:1. The beach at...
In southeastern Sri Lanka, you will find the B35 road. Not much special you might say, but nothing could be further from the truth. The B35 in Sri Lanka goes right through the Yala National Park. Because of this, there is a good chance that you will encounter wild...
We spent 2 weeks in Hiriketiya and actually found it to be the nicest place on the south coast of Sri Lanka. The small bay with a beautiful, small-scale and cozy beach is a perfect combination with the many nice restaurants. Enjoy the tranquility and small-scale...
The Kingdom Ecolodge is becoming pretty famous among travelers in Sri Lanka. In 3 days you will search for wild elephants, go early morning kayaking on the lake and follow a cooking course with the fantastic cook. Read below all the information about The Kingdom...
Arugam Bay in eastern Sri Lanka is a lovely laid-back destination. It is known for surfing, but there is plenty of fun to do for non-surfers as well. Below we tell you the things to do in Arugam Bay, why the season is so important and how to get to Arugam Bay. Content...
Ella is known for 3 iconic spots: the Nine Arch Brigde, Little Adam's Peak and Ella Rock. You can easily combine Little Adam's Peak and the Nine Arch Bridge in one morning as they are fairly close to each other. Visit these two must-visits in Ella with our tips....
Every country has a town or village you fall in love with as a traveler. For most travelers in Sri Lanka, this is the delightful backpacker village of Ella. It has since become a popular place for tourists and locals too. As a result, there are quite a few fun...
Nuwara Eliya is a (nice) cold destination in the mountains of Sri Lanka. It is great to cool off here in the fresh mountain air. In the vicinity of Nuwara Eliya you can do fantastic hiking in the tea fields, go to a national park and visit some nice waterfalls. Read...
Sri Lanka is the country of elephants. You may just run into them on the road. For example, if you drive your own tuktuk along the B35 route through Yala National Park. You can also encounter wild elephants in Sigiriya. We did an elephant safari in Minneriya National...
Want to go rafting in Sri Lanka? Then go to Kithulgala, a true outdoor destination in the beautiful, mountainous interior of Sri Lanka. Here you can go rafting, canyoning and mountain biking in fantastic surroundings. Bring out your inner adventurer and visit...
The Knuckles Forest Reserve is a - still fairly undiscovered - mountainous nature reserve near the central big city of Kandy. You can do beautiful (multi-day) hikes in Knuckles and that's why we like to put all the information together for you. What to expect, what to...
Kandy is the second largest city in Sri Lanka. It is also a very busy city, so you can quickly become overwhelmed. Still, Kandy is worth a visit, and we think the city should be given a little more credit than just the base for the world-famous train ride from Kandy...
Sigiriya is one of our favorite places in Sri Lanka. There are lots of fun activities, it's quiet and relaxed and you can do some great hiking. The Lion Rock is of course by far the most famous highlight in Sigiriya, but you can do many other fun things there. Below...
Located in northwestern Sri Lanka, Wilpattu National Park is the safari park to spot wild leopards. Go on a full day safari in Wilpattu National Park with a very nice guide and spot these phenomenal animals. If you want to go on safari in Sri Lanka, Wilpattu is the...
Anuradhapura is the former (first) capital of Sri Lanka and today still a very important city for Buddhists (the largest population group in Sri Lanka). In fact, Buddhism originated in nearby Mihintale. Learn more about the interesting history in Anuradhapura and go...
The train journey from Kandy to Ella is known as one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world. In 7 hours you will be taken through the tea plantations, vast green fields and the high mountains. The train cruises along nice and slow, giving you the ultimate...
When traveling outside Europe for one of the first times, local transportation can cause a lot of stress. How do you get to a destination? Do the buses really get everywhere? Can my heavy backpack easily travel with me? In most countries, this is excellent and so is...
Before I left for Sri Lanka for over 5 weeks in 2018, I was quite concerned about the safety situation there. I was alone as an 18-year-old girl in a foreign country. Everyone at home mostly told me not to go too crazy and be careful. What about safety as a woman...
The safaris are one of the things that make Sri Lanka so special. There are several national parks in Sri Lanka, each with its own diversity of wildlife and nature. One thing almost all of them have in common: you are bound to see elephants. The most famous parks are:...
Many people find it hard to choose: Climb Pidurangala Rock or Lion Rock in Sigiriya, Sri Lanka? We have climbed both Lion Rock and Pidurangala Rock several times in recent years and list the pros and cons of both rocks below. That way, you can decide which rock you...
About a 45-minute drive from Nuwara Eliya is the Horton Plains National Park. Here you can do a nice hike to 'World's End' where you have a phenomenal view of the central highlands of Sri Lanka. The hike in Horton Plains National Park is beautiful and fairly easy....
The village of Ella is a popular place with many backpackers in Sri Lanka. You can relax here but also do plenty of challenging hikes where you will be rewarded with stunning views. So is the hike to the top of Ella Rock. Finding your way up can be a challenge. That's...
The first backpacking trip I (Noëlle) took was to Sri Lanka. There I was, 18 years on my own at Colombo airport with the goal of volunteering at the Lama Gramaya children's home of the Ayubowan Foundation. When I worked 40 hours a week at the grocery store during my...
Adam's Peak in Dalhousie is a climb for the Bucket List. You will meet yourself (and in Pilgrim times a number of others) on this uphill climb, where it's all about suffering and perseverance. Once you reach the top, you will be rewarded with a magical view of Sri...
Relaxation is extremely important during a backpacking trip. Of course you want to see and experience as much as possible, but relaxing is also necessary, and if you can do this on one of Sri Lanka's most beautiful beaches, with a cocktail in your hand, this is just...
If there is one country that truly has everything, it is Sri Lanka. High mountains, tropical beaches, wild safaris and beautiful nature, that describes Sri Lanka in a nutshell. Below we give you 8 reasons why you want to travel through Sri Lanka. Content of this...
Where is Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island located at the point where the Indian Ocean meets the Gold of Bengal. It lies to the southeast of India. There used to be a land connection between Sri Lanka and India according to Hindu myth. The country of Sri Lanka is a drop or teardrop shape. The country is also called the teardrop of India. The island consists largely of coastal plains, but in the south and center of the island are high mountains, such as the Pidurutalagala (at 2524 meters the highest mountain in Sri Lanka) and nearby Adam’s Peak (2243 meters) About 40% of Sri Lanka’s total land area is used for agriculture and 30% consists of forests and nature reserves. The rest is used for urban development and infrastructure, etc. Sri Lanka grows a lot of rice, 28% of the 40% of agricultural land are rice plantations. These are of course beautiful to visit.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate with warm temperatures softened year-round by sea breezes. The northern half of the country and the southern part have tropical wet and dry climates. The climate in the central highlands is tropical monsoon climate. The southwestern part of Sri Lanka has a tropical rainforest climate with oceanic influences. The climate is influenced by tropical influences, the monsoon (rainy season) and the nearby Indian Ocean and Bengal Sea.
What is the best time to travel to Sri Lanka?
The best travel time for Sri Lanka depends on where you want to go. For such a small island, the climate varies greatly depending on the season. The island’s climate is influenced by two monsoons (rainy seasons): the northeast monsoon, which can affect the entire island, and the southwest monsoon, which is less intense and affects the south and west coasts and the hill country. Despite the rain, the temperature along the coast rarely falls below 25 degrees; in the hill country, the temperature is slightly lower due to the higher altitude.
When is the best time to surf in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is known for its excellent beaches for surfing. The southwest coast of Sri Lanka is the best place to surf from November to April, there Hikkaduwa is the best surf spot at this time of year. The east coast is the nation’s best section from May to October, with Arugam Bay being the best surf spot at this time of year.
Food and drink in Sri Lanka
What they eat and drink in Sri Lanka. Isn’t the food and drink in Sri Lanka very similar to Indian cuisine? Sure, there are some similarities. But the “rice and curry” meals that make up the majority of Sri Lankan meals differ significantly from the northern saag paneer or Goan vindaloo at your local lunch counter. Sri Lankan cuisine has a wide range of flavor combinations, including sweet caramelized onions, bitter melon, hot scraped coconut, curry with mild rice, and palm sugar sweetened sweets.
Samosas and dhal curry (lentil curry) may seem familiar, but they too have a distinct Sri Lankan twist: these thinner curries are more intensely spiced than many Indian counterparts, and the cuisine is more adapted to foreign ingredients brought across the island by international trade. Food that seemed familiar found new, novel uses in Sri Lanka, where noodles are served in the form of pancakes and pancakes are both the bowl and the base of the feast.
The sharp curries, the sweet caramelized onions in seeni sambal (onion liquor), and the sour lime pickles are all overpowering, overwhelming sensations that awaken the senses. Tourists visiting the island may encounter less potent versions, but most Sri Lankan dishes are mega flavorful.
Rice is a constant solution to these strong flavors. In Sri Lanka, a meal is known as “rice and curry,” a word almost synonymous with food in general. Of course there is rice, and generally a curry with a thin broth and an array of side dishes , ranging from four to nine or 10, depending on the time and place. There are “short eats,” a Sri Lankan word for snacks – often a coconut roti with spicy sauce, a newspaper cone of fried spiced chickpeas, or even a samosa.
