Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka Country Guide
Sri Lanka, an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, is a land of rich history, diverse cultures, and stunning natural beauty. Known as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," Sri Lanka is home to ancient ruins, lush rainforests, beautiful beaches, and diverse wildlife. Its vibrant culture is influenced by its colonial past and the blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, and Muslim traditions. Visit the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, explore the tea plantations of Nuwara Eliya, marvel at the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, relax on the pristine beaches of Mirissa, and witness the awe-inspiring sight of the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy. Sri Lanka offers a captivating blend of natural wonders and cultural treasures, making it an unforgettable destination for travelers seeking adventure, relaxation, and cultural immersion.
Things to Know Before Visiting Sri Lanka
- Sri Lanka is a conservative country, so dress modestly
- Sri Lanks has public holidays on full moon days, known as Poya Days. these days are sacred and alcohol consumption is prohibited.
- Tap water is not safe to drink
- The country is generally safe
- Be prepared for heat and humidity
- Tuk-tuks are a popular mode of transportation
- Support local businesses and avoid activities that harm animals
Is Sri Lanka Expensive?
Sri Lanka can be an affordable destination for travelers, but the cost of a trip depends on various factors such as travel style, accommodation choice, and activities. Sri Lanka ranks 64th out of 195 countries in terms of cost of living. This means that Sri Lanka is approximately 37.69% more expensive than the global average.
Here's a breakdown of the ranking:
- Cost of Living Index (COLI): 64/195
- Global Price Index (GPI): 64/195
- Cost of Living Rank: 64/195
- Percentage more expensive than the global average: 37.69%
Is Going To Sri Lanka Worth It?
Yes, Sri Lanka is worth visiting. The country offers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and adventure opportunities, making it an excellent destination for travelers.
Is Sri Lanka Safe For Tourists?
Yes, Sri Lanka is generally considered a safe country for travelers. However, there are some key points to consider:
- The threat of terrorism is ongoing, but travel warnings have been relaxed, and authorities have increased security measures.
- Sri Lanka is a safe destination for solo and female travelers.
- Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons, which can cause flooding and landslides
- Road travel can be hazardous due to poor road conditions, erratic driving, and frequent accidents.
- Low-level crimes such as theft and pickpocketing have increased.
Are Sri Lanka people-friendly?
Yes, Sri Lanka is known for its friendly people. The country has a strong culture of hospitality and welcoming visitors with open arms.
Best Cities In Sri Lanka
Here is a table with the best cities in Sri Lanka:
| City Name | Best For | Best Attractions | Average Trip Cost |
|---|---|---|---|
| Colombo | Culture, Food | Gangaramaya Buddhist Temple, National Museum of Colombo | $50-100 per day |
| Kandy | History, Culture | Temple of the Tooth Relic, Royal Botanical Gardens | $30-60 per day |
| Sigiriya | Hiking, Views | Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Pidurangala Rock | $40-80 per day |
| Ella | Nature, Hiking | Little Adam's Peak, Nine Arch Bridge | $25-50 per day |
| Galle | Beaches, History | Galle Fort, Unawatuna Beach | $30-60 per day |
| Yala National Park | Wildlife | Leopard Safaris, Bird Watching | $100-200 per day |
| Mirissa | Beaches, Whale Watching | Whale Watching Tours, Surfing | $40-80 per day |
Best Attractions In Sri Lanka
- Dambulla Cave Temple: a sacred Buddhist site with over 80 caves, including the famous five caves with impressive statues and paintings
- Sigiriya: A World Heritage Site and one of the most stunning places to see in Sri Lanka, featuring a giant rock formation with a panoramic view from the top.
- Yala National Park: A must-visit for wildlife enthusiasts, known for frequent elephant sightings and a diverse range of animals.
- Horton Plains National Park: A UNESCO World Heritage Site with diverse flora and fauna, including the famous World's End viewpoint.
- Gangaramaya Temple: A beautiful Buddhist temple in Colombo with a mix of modern and traditional architecture.
- Pidurangala Rock: A scenic viewpoint near Sigiriya with stunning views of the surrounding area.
- Little Adam's Peak View Point: A popular hiking spot in Ella with breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
- Ravana Falls: A beautiful waterfall near Ella is used for bathing during the hot summer months and is an impressive sight during the rainy season.
- Mirissa: A beautiful beach town with a long beach, modern restaurants, and a variety of water sports.
- Udawalawe National Park: A wildlife sanctuary known for frequent elephant sightings and a diverse range of animals.
Best Time To Visit Sri Lanka
- South and West Coast (including Hill Country): December to April is the dry season with the best weather for sightseeing
- East Coast: May to September is the dry season on the east coast, which is a great time for surfing and enjoying the beach.
- To avoid the crowds and high prices, visit Sri Lanka during the shoulder seasons.
- The east coast is a popular surfing destination. the best waves are from May To September.
Where Is Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka is an island nation located in the Indian Ocean, situated to the south of India. It belongs to the continent of Asia and is separated from India by the Palk Strait, which is approximately 32 kilometers wide.
What Is The Capital Of Sri Lanka?
The capital city of Sri Lanka is Colombo, the executive and judicial capital. Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, a suburb of Colombo, is the legislative capital. Sri Lanka’s dual capital system is a result of historical and practical considerations, aiming to valance the country’s administrative and commercial needs while addressing urbanization and congestion issues.
Sri Lanka Language
Sri Lanka is a multilingual country with a rich linguistic diversity. The two official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, which have equal status under the constitution. Sinhala is the native language of the Sinhalese people, who make up around 75% of the population, while Tamil is the native language of the Tamil people who are the largest minority group.
English is widely used for official and commercial purposes.
Sri Lanka Time Zone
Sri Lanka is in the Sri Lanka Standard Time (SLST) zone, which is UTC+5:30.
Currency Of Sri Lanka
The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). it is divided into 100 cents and denominated in various denominations, including 10, 20, 50, 100, 500, 1000, and 2000.
Flag Of Sri Lanka
The flag of Sri Lanka, also known as the Sinha Flag or Lion Flag, consists of a golden lion holding a kastane sword in its right forepaw on a maroon background with four gold bo leaves, one in each corner
Population Of Sri Lanka
The population of Sri Lanka is approximately 22 million.
Strange Laws In Sri Lanka
- It is illegal to have visible tattoos of Buddha or take selfies with Buddhist statues.
- Respect Buddhist temples, this includes entering without shoes, dressing conservatively, not pointing feet at Buddha figures, not getting too close to monks or touching them, and being respectful of worshippers.
- Homosexuality is illegal in Sri Lanka
- Carrying illegal drugs can result in serious consequences
- Wearing camouflage clothing is not allowed