There has been a constant record of human settlement in Sri Lanka for over two millennia, with the Indian subcontinent shaping a significant part of the country’s civilisation. It was from India that Sri Lanka derived its two main religions, Buddhism and Hinduism, along with its two dominant ethnic groups, the Tamils and the Sinhalese. The influence of India is also clearly evident in the island’s music, literature, architecture, art, astronomy, and medicine.

The prehistory of Sri Lanka can be traced back to 500,000 years ago. The island’s earliest inhabitants are predicted to be ancestors of an indigenous people known as the Vedda people, close to 2500 of whom are said to live in modern day Sri Lanka. With a population of about 22 million, Sri Lanka is home to numerous ethnicities, languages, and cultures.

• Currency – Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
• Capital City – Colombo and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte
• Most Visited City – Colombo
• National Animal – Lion

• Although cards are accepted at most establishments, carrying cash around Sri Lanka is better.
• Sri Lanka is a tropical country, so remember to carry light clothes.
• Avoid drinking tap water while you’re in Sri Lanka.
• Be respectful towards the Buddha images across the country.
• Don’t take pictures of the local people without asking for their permission.
• Mosquitoes can be a nuisance in Sri Lanka. Don’t forget to carry mosquito repellents, mosquito nets, and appropriate clothing to protect yourself from insect bites.

• Famous Tourist Attractions – Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Yala National Park
• Things To Do – Hot air ballooning, surfing, diving, ziplining, whale watching
• Famous Food – Hoppers, kottu roti, ambul thiyal, lamprais
• Places To Visit – Galle, Kandy, Colombo, Nuwara Eliya, Ella
• Souvenirs To Buy – Batik wear, antiques, elephant and Buddha figurines, Sri Lankan paintings, gems, Ceylon tea, cinnamon

Sri Lanka is known to be one of the warmest countries in the world. Due to its tropical weather, you can expect sunshine on the island all year round. Since Sri Lanka has two monsoons in different parts of the country at different times, travellers can rest assured that they will find positively sunny weather in some parts of Sri Lanka. While the eastern and northern regions of the island are usually hotter and drier, the central highlands witness the maximum rainfall.

Sri Lanka provides about 80% of the world’s Ceylon cinnamon supplies, and the country is also known to cultivate a wide variety of spices. Therefore, it’s natural for the food on the island to be a treat for your taste buds.

One must enjoy the flavourful and distinct local cuisine during their trip and note how it’s influenced by the cuisines of its neighbouring countries and numerous other cultures. Sri Lankan dishes often contain vegetables, fruits, rice, and fish. If you’re a lover of seafood, then you absolutely must try some during your stint on the island.

Reputed to have one of the most pristine coastlines in Asia, Sri Lanka is home to several unspoiled beaches brimming with azure waters and palm trees. Whether you’re looking to indulge in snorkelling and surfing, dance your heart out at parties, or seek peace in your solitude, there is a beach out there for you in Sri Lanka.

The southern and western coasts of the island are populated with the best beaches on the island. Unawatuna Beach is famous for its beach parties, Mirissa Beach is for those who want to drink in the sun in peace, and Bentota Beach is perfect for para-cycling and kitesurfing.

If you adore animals, you’re bound to love Sri Lanka as it hosts several rare animals, making it a fantastic place to go on a safari. Whale and dolphin watching are pretty common at Kalpitiya Beach, where you can lay your eyes on minke whales, blue whales, sperm whales, striped dolphins, and humpback dolphins.

The Udawalawe National Park is where you will see plenty of elephants, and the Yala National Park is home to various species of wildlife, such as crocodiles, elephants, leopards, sloth bears, monkeys, and wild peacocks. There is also the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, the last viable area of primary tropical rainforest in the country, and it’s where you can go on a safari or a nature walk and feast your eyes on multiple rare and endangered wildlife species.

Sri Lanka is currently the fourth largest producer of tea in the world. You must have heard of Ceylon tea, and if you have, then let us tell you that it originated in Sri Lanka, as the country was formerly called Ceylon. Through lush plantations and green hills, Sri Lanka has managed to keep its tea production alive vigorously, becoming one of the only places where tea harvesting by hand still exists. Tea lovers must grab a cup – or several cups – of Ceylon tea as they walk around the famous spots in the country.

The abundance of flora and fauna in Sri Lanka makes for an enviable collection of waterfalls, mountains, tea estates, and nature trails across the country. Almost every corner of the island, coupled with the spots of rich cultural heritage, serves as spellbinding backdrops for beautiful photographs. The hills of the tea country are enough to get every trekking enthusiast excited. There is the sacred mountain of Adam’s Peak you can hike to, at the end, you will be rewarded with stunning views, especially if you witness the sunrise with its pink and orange hues.

With our Sri Lanka tour packages, you can experience the country’s numerous festivals and spiritual experiences. The Aluth Avurudda, or the Sinhalese New Year, takes place in April. The Vesak festival, which is also known as the Buddhist Festival of Light, happens in May, celebrating the birthday of Buddha and commemorating his birth, his attainment of enlightenment, and his death.

The Kandy Esala Perahera, or The Festival of the Tooth, is conducted in July and August, paying homage to the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. As is evident from the festivals celebrated in the country, Buddhism is highly present in Sri Lanka, which tourists can experience during their trip. The numerous places of pilgrimage allow you to interact with the local Buddhists and learn further about the teachings of Buddha.

Ayurveda is a prevalent practice in Sri Lanka, owing to the country’s deep knowledge, which can be traced back centuries. Its culture and natural environment automatically lends itself to the popularity of Ayurveda. Have you wanted to visit a wellness resort but haven’t had the time? Well, fret not, since several hotels and resorts in Sri Lanka offer Ayurveda massages, spas, meditation, and yoga lessons that help you soothe your nerves.

When you book one of our Sri Lanka tour packages, you will enjoy the plethora of adventurous activities permeating the country’s touristy spots. Snorkelling, kayaking, canoeing, surfing, and white water rafting are some of the many activities you can participate in once you visit this tropical island.

Much like most of the Indian Subcontinent, the locals of Sri Lanka are known to welcome tourists with happy smiles and open arms. The ambience of the country is very relaxed and laidback, enabling travellers to relish its serene atmosphere and calm pace.

Reputed to be extremely hospitable and warm, the Sri Lankan people of different religions and ethnicities have various ways to make the visitors feel comfortable and at home. Their generosity is visible even through their festivals, art, food, and dance.

People who live in India will find the weather of Sri Lanka quite familiar due to its tropical climate. There are primarily two seasons in the country, namely summer and monsoon. The monsoon periods that travellers should familiarise themselves with are the southwestern and north eastern monsoon seasons. The southwestern monsoon season entails the southwest region of Sri Lanka and lasts from May to November, with the dry months lasting from December to April. On the other hand, the north eastern monsoon season takes place in the eastern and northern regions of the island and stretches from October to January, and the dry months last from May to September.

Before we get into the specifics of the seasons to take note of, here are the details that are of value to tourists everywhere:

Peak season: December to April

Shoulder season: September to November

Off-season: May to August

During the summer, the temperature in Sri Lanka oscillates between 22 to 32 degrees Celsius. The weather mostly remains dry and hot, with bright sunshine, lush greenery, and blue skies engulfing the atmosphere. This is often considered the best time to visit Sri Lanka. Between October and January, however, is the Maha Monsoon period in the eastern and northern parts of the country, which is when those regions remain wet.

Summer is the perfect time to go sightseeing in Sri Lanka and explore the country as much as possible with your body, enjoying the sun-kissed vibe. It’s also ideal to walk around the beaches on the west and south coasts during this time and witness the churches, temples, and ancient ruins. Thai Pongal and Duruthu Perahera festivals also take place during this time.

The summer season in Sri Lanka is the peak season, which is why tourists should expect crowded areas, long queues, and comparatively slower service at certain establishments. The travel bookings should be made in advance to ensure you get the flights and accommodation of your choice. Much like other countries in South Asia, the weather in Sri Lanka remains anywhere between warm and scorching during the summer months. Therefore, pack a lot of light and comfortable clothes, sunscreen with a high SPF, caps/hats, and sunglasses. Staying hydrated and consuming a sufficient amount of water is a must to prevent yourself from getting dehydrated.

Sri Lanka provides plenty of activities to indulge in, and travellers can enjoy places to visit. Whether visiting the country with your family, friends, or partner or going solo, there is a wide range of activities to relish.

Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage is an orphanage for wild Asian elephants. As you visit this place with your family and kids, you will witness the giant herd of captive elephants and get to feed and play with them. Watching them bathe, play around, and be their goofy selves is something children, in particular, will love to experience.

Yala National Park is both a national park and a strict nature reserve. The park comprises grasslands, scrubs, lagoons, tanks, and light forests. It’s home to 215 bird species and 44 varieties of mammals. When you embark on a safari at the Yala National Park, the animals you might spot include jackals, crocodiles, peacocks, sloth bears, leopards, elephants, deer, buffaloes, and monkeys.

The Sea Turtle Hatchery at Galle is a beautiful place to teach young kids about the importance of protecting wildlife, as it’s a conservation initiative which aims to protect endangered sea turtles. Once you visit the hatchery, you will take a guided tour demonstrating sea turtles’ life cycle.

The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, also known as Sri Dalada Maligawa, is a temple in Kandy dedicated to Lord Buddha. It was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1988. This sacred place of worship is where Lord Buddha’s left canine tooth has been preserved, and it happens to be one of the many vital relics to be found within this temple.

Whale watching is one of the most popular activities in Sri Lanka. Watching these adorable marine animals being playful and in their natural habitat is a once in a lifetime opportunity for many. If you book a whale watching cruise, you can experience this for yourself, and the places in the country where this activity is most frequently seen include Mirissa and Trincomalee.

Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress close to the town of Dambulla, and beloved tourist activity is going on a hot air balloon ride from Sigiriya. Wake up before sunrise and let the hot air balloon take you on a journey that lets you view the Sri Lankan countryside with its striking landscapes of Kandalama and Dambulla.

Snorkelers and scuba divers are familiar sights in Sri Lanka due to the island’s diverse marine life. The minute you dip in the country’s clear waters, you will emerge a different being. You can enjoy these experiences at Unawatuna, Trincomalee, Pigeon Island, Galle, Colombo, and Hikkaduwa.

Are you looking forward to breathing in the spellbinding landscapes of Sri Lanka adventurously? Then you must try ziplining! This adrenaline fueled activity lets you lose yourself in the beauty of nature as you move across the lush green estates of the country. Ella offers some of the best ziplining experiences in Sri Lanka.

The cities in Sri Lanka are filled with art, architecture, natural beauty, and welcoming locals. Be it temples, beaches, national parks, or forest-clad hills, the soothing aura of nature is all around the island of Sri Lanka. We have compiled a list of some of the most beloved cities and towns in Sri Lanka for you to visit during your trip with our Sri Lanka tour packages:

Reputed to be the cultural capital of Sri Lanka, Kandy is an ancient and picturesque city populated with forest-covered hills, distinguished buildings, and brightly coloured homes. Since it was the former capital of the Sinhala Kings, history buffs will thoroughly enjoy wandering around the city and witnessing its remarkable colonial-era architecture.

Some of the best places to visit in Kandy are the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, Kandy Lake, Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, Royal Botanical Gardens, British Garrison Cemetery, and Commonwealth War Cemetery. Kandy also hosts the Kandy Esala Perahera, or the Festival of the Tooth, which takes place in July and August.

Located on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, Galle is a port city home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of the Galle Fort, initially built in the 16th century by the Portuguese. Even though the monument has been around for over 430 years, it still maintains its polished look, owing to the reconstruction done by the Archaeological Department of Sri Lanka.

Galle wears its history on its chest like a proud badge, quickly evident through the museums and colonial era mansions throughout the city. While you’re in Galle, do remember to visit the Clock Tower, National Museum of Galle, Dutch Reformed Church, Meeran Jumma Mosque, Maritime Museum, and Mahamodara Sea Turtle Hatchery.

Not only is Colombo the judicial and executive capital of Sri Lanka, but it’s also the country’s largest city in terms of population. Also known as the Lost Garden City of the East, the country’s commercial centre combines skyscrapers and modern malls.

The must visit places in Colombo include the Colombo National Museum, World Trade Center, Independence Memorial Hall, Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque, Viharamahadevi Park, and the Pettah Floating Market.

Nuwara Eliya is famous for its colonial style bungalows perched atop the misty hills of central Sri Lanka, which has earned the title of Little England. British colonialists once regarded it as one of their beloved retreats. Don’t forget to visit Victoria Park, Bluefield Tea Gardens, Hakgala Botanical Garden, Seetha Amman Temple, and Lake Gregory.

Ella is a small town in Sri Lanka’s Badulla District of Uva Province, covered with tea plantations, expansive valleys, and hills enveloped in forests. Owing to its recent surge in popularity, the town’s hotels and eateries have been modified to make them more appealing to tourists.

While making your list of places to visit in Ella, do add the following names: Uva Halpewatte Tea Factory, Dhowa Rock Temple, Ella Rock, Nine Arches Bridge, Mahamevnawa Monastery, and Little Adam’s Peak.

Anuradhapura is the capital city of North Central Province, which contains many archaeological sites for travellers to explore. Since it’s home to the preserved ruins of the ancient Sinhalese civilisation, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Sri Lanka’s north central plain. The places to see in Anuradhapura include the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi, Lovamahapaya, Thuparamaya, and Ruwanweli Maha Seya.

There is an abundance of souvenirs you can buy from Sri Lanka during your vacation. Most of these items are perfect gifts you can carry back home for your loved ones. Here are some of the things to check out in Sri Lanka and where you can get them from:

As Sri Lankan elephants are the largest subspecies of the Asian elephant, the creature has also made its way into souvenirs of Sri Lanka in the form of elephant figurines. Another type of figurine widely seen on the island is a Buddha statue, owing to Sri Lanka’s sizeable Buddhist population. These figurines are usually carved out of ebony, stone, and wood.

If you enjoy decorating your home with vintage pieces, you must check out the vast collection of antiques in Sri Lanka. Right from pans, pots, and candle stands to metal wall art, dainty hats, and unique trinkets, there is a lot to discover within the antique stores in the country.

In case the food of Sri Lanka impresses you more than you’d anticipated, you can bring back some of those flavours with you by grabbing the country’s eclectic collection of spices. Get some packed cinnamon sticks, cardamom, pepper, and turmeric for yourself to add to your pantry.

Batik is a wax-resist dyeing applied to different pieces of clothing and is very common in Sri Lanka. As you travel along the island’s roads, you will find many local women wearing rainbow hued batik sarees and men wearing batik sarongs. You can get these colourful, handmade batik garments for yourself as well.

Carry a bit of the country’s mythology with you through the Sri Lankan paintings that are sure to multiply the beauty of the walls of your home. Some of the elements in these paintings are processions, celebrations, and cultural icons. Many of these paintings depict mythological scenes and epic figures.

Located in Colombo, Pettah Market, also known as Manning Market, is an open market where you can find various products, such as sarees, accessories, and gadgets.

Regarded as a premium shopping destination in Colombo, Crescat Boulevard provides a balance between convenience and luxury. Stroll around the boutiques and designer stores and get something to eat at the food court.

Situated in the centre of the Galle Fort, this place provides a shopping experience and a historical retreat, with the place being preserved in a Dutch colonial ambience.

If you’re searching for a more modern environment to go shopping in Sri Lanka, there’s the Liberty Plaza in Colombo, which has a vast collection of clothes, including traditional Sri Lankan attire. You will also find wellness and beauty products at this shopping complex.

Kandy Market is the place to purchase fresh fruits and raw spices and try various delicious delicacies, such as kottu roti and samosas.

The Barefoot store at Galle Fort is a hub for lovers of arts and crafts, celebrating Sri Lanka’s artistic culture in all its glory. Ceramics, handwoven textiles, and home décor pieces are some things you can find at this store.

• Always bargain well, whether you’re shopping at a high-end mall or a street stall. The prices are usually quoted much higher than usual for tourists, and if you stand your ground, chances are you will be able to get the products of your choice at a much cheaper rate.
• Do your research before walking into a store instead of following whatever your tour guide recommends to you. They often take tourists to places that offer them a commission without caring for the store’s quality. Fortunately, you can follow this guide to find the best shopping spots in Sri Lanka.
• Sri Lanka is famous for its collection of gems. However, you must be cautious before buying them because certain places sell fake copies of gemstones. Make sure to purchase the gems from a store associated with the Sri Lanka Gem & Jewellery Association or the International Colored Gemstone Association.

One of the joys of travelling to a new destination is trying out its cuisine, which you can do when you avail of our Sri Lanka tour packages. The food of Sri Lanka has several South Indian, Malay, and Arab influences, leading to the creation of dishes that are delightfully unique to the country. Let us suggest you some of the Sri Lankan foods that you must try during your holiday:

Ambul thiyal is the name for a sour fish curry in Sri Lanka and is one of the most popular fish curries available in the country. Tuna is mainly used for this curry, which is first cut into cubes, after which it is sauteed in a mix of spices, including curry leaves, garlic, cinnamon, pandan leaves, turmeric, and black pepper. The most integral ingredient of the dish is a small fruit named dried goraka, which gives the fish a sour flavour.

A small quantity of water is used to simmer all the ingredients, and the dish is cooked till the liquid reduces. The dry curry is usually served with rice and other local dishes.

String hoppers, also known as idiyappam, are yet another version. They are noodles created through a steamed mixture of rice flour, which is ultimately pressed to make strings or thin noodles.

You will find locals consuming these noodles for breakfast, lunch, and dinner, and they are typically served with sambols, chutneys, and curries. Given their versatility and delicate and soft texture, it doesn’t come as a surprise that travellers love the combination of string hoppers and delicious curries.

Lamprais is derived from a combination of two Dutch words which stand for ‘lump’ and ‘rice’. The concoction is a mix of sambol chilli sauce, rice, and meat wrapped into a banana leaf packet and then steamed. Meat stock is used to cook the rice, and various combinations of meats, such as lamb, pork, and beef, are often used. The mixture is infused with cinnamon, clove, and cardamom.

An original recipe calls for lamb, pork, and beef, but some versions contain eggs and chicken. As lamprais came into Sri Lanka due to the influence of the Burgher people, the meat was often made using sweet spices, such as cinnamon and cloves, as a tribute to the Dutch Burgher community.

Polos is a jackfruit curry made using young green jackfruit, which is chopped into bite sized pieces and then boiled till it becomes soft. The jackfruit is then cooked with turmeric, pandan leaves, ginger, garlic, onions, mustard seeds, and roasted curry powder. Lastly, coconut milk is added to the mix and simmered till most of the liquid disappears, giving you a jackfruit dish packed with intense flavours.

Wambatu moju is a delicious, candied eggplant pickle. Have you ever heard pickles and eggplant being mentioned in the same sentence? Yes, it’s not too common, which sets this dish apart. Served with curries and rice, the recipe is initiated by chopping the eggplant into bite sized portions. It is then deep fried, lending a silky, soft interior and crispy texture.

The eggplant is then caramelised using chilli powder, mustard seeds, vinegar, red onions, a bit of sugar, and just a touch of turmeric powder till the colour transforms into an almost black shade. The resulting dish is so soft that it will melt in your mouth.

Gotu kola is a herbaceous plant with many names, such as Centella Asiatica and Indian pennywort. The gotu kola in Sri Lanka is a ground cover plant with large and crisp leaves. This ingredient forms the centre of the gotu kola sambol, a pennywort salad.

Shredded gotu kola is mixed with chillies, fresh grated coconut, tomatoes, and shallots and then seasoned with lemon juice, pepper, and salt to make this salad. Gotu kola is similar to kale, providing the same crispy and fresh taste.

Sri Lanka is a country whose cultural diversity is vibrant and vast. Made up of plenty of rituals and customs which date back to over 2000 years, the culture of Sri Lanka has been passed on from generation to generation. Everything, from its art and architecture to its food, forms a part of Sri Lanka’s culture.

The souvenirs found in the country’s markets are vivid examples of the art prevalent in the numerous corners of the island. The handloom products, which are now readily available throughout the country, were once reserved only for royal members and were made in villages explicitly designated for this craft. Another example is the popularity of the palmyra items made from the palmyra tree, which is widely seen in Sri Lanka, leading to products like sweets, bags, and baskets.

Indigenous or Ayurveda medicine is crucial to Sri Lanka’s culture. This is why tourists from around the world visit the many Ayurveda clinics and spas during their holiday. Martial arts, too, are a part of the country’s culture, with the two popular styles being Angampora and Cheena di.

Brass and cane products are added to the art in Sri Lanka. Traditional brassware is often a treasured heirloom passed on for generations in Sri Lankan families. Those from the island believe that lighting an oil lamp brings good luck, and the lamps found in such homes are mostly brass. There are certain areas in the country where cane crafts are manufactured, such as Weweldeniya and Polonnaruwa, where you can find cane products, including baskets, furniture, and decorative household items.