Sri Lanka feels like a jumble of cultures, religions, landscapes, weather, and cuisines rolled into one. As a result, travellers can see an astounding variety of scenery in a short period of time. Dusty plains, lush tropical mountain ranges, exquisite coastlines, spectacular bushlands, and vibrant towns are all part of your journey. Wherever the journey leads, it will elicit pure joy and exhilaration from even the most weary of travellers.
Exhilarating adventure is the name of the game in Sri Lanka. Hike to the top of Lion’s Rock first thing in the morning for spectacular views of the valleys and elephants below. In Yala, witness the stunning sight of a leopard napping in the trees, or learn to surf in Mirissa and experience the severity of the waves. The adventure, however, does not end here. It’s all about the journey in Sri Lanka, not just the destination. As the breeze strikes your face in an open carriage, travel through beautiful tea plantations by train. Off-road in a jeep along vast lengths of rippling sand, or cycle through gorgeous palm tree forests on twisting roads.
In Sri Lanka, there is a general sense of contentment and serenity. Relax your body and mind at one of the many yoga retreats, or paddle in the warm shallows of the turquoise sea while swinging in a beach bar hammock with a delicious coconut. Sri Lanka definitely lives up to its moniker as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” with breathtaking natural beauty, plant life, and animals. Not only that, but there are also world-famous locations with unrivalled beauty and history. This country’s enormous compassion, as well as its joyous people, are not to be missed!
Most Popular Tourist Attractions
1.DAMBULLA
Dambulla, in Sri Lanka, is about 5 hours away from the bustling city of Colombo. Dambulla is famed for housing the Dambulla Cave Temple, the country’s largest and best-preserved cave-temple complex. It is located in the Matale District of Central Province. This World Heritage Site, also known as Golden Rock Temple, consists of a cave monastery and five shrines. Within 2000 feet of the temple’s grounds, there are more than 80 document caverns, but there are five main complexes with paintings and sculptures of Lord Buddha, including the exquisite 45-foot sleeping Buddha statue. Though most people come to see the caverns, the city also has other stunning attractions like as the Rose Quartz Mountain, the Iron Wood Forest, and the Rangiri Dambulla International Cricket Stadium, which was erected in just 167 days. The old rock fortification of Sigiriya is usually combined with a visit to Dambulla. The ‘Eighth Wonder of the World,’ a 660-foot column of granite in the middle of a deep green tropical forest, is known as the ‘Eighth Wonder of the World.’ Everything in Dambulla is affordable, including the delectable original Sri Lankan cuisine prepared with plenty of herbs and spices.
2.NUWARA ELIYA
Man-made objects abound in our world. But have you ever heard of the man-made world? A city far from England was manually constructed to look like an English village. Welcome to Nuwara Eliya, Sri Lanka’s “Little England”! Until 1948, Ceylon was governed by the British. Military officers discovered a hideaway in the hills that reminded them of home. With its breathtaking beauty and pleasant atmosphere, it provides welcome reprieve from the hot and humid weather in Colombo, Ceylon’s capital. They made an artificial lake by diverting water from a stream flowing down from Piduruthalgala Mountain, which was formerly an eyesore of a swamp. Lake Gregory, as it is known, even generates electricity for the town. The Hakgala Botanical Gardens, the Laxapana Falls, the Lover’s Leap Waterfall, the Devon Falls, the Oliphant Estate, the Ceylon Breweries, the Tea plantation, and the wonderful factory are just a few of the attractions to see in Nuwara Eliya that delight tourists and locals alike.
3.BENTOTA
Bentota is a small town on the coast of Sri Lanka. It’s a peaceful village known for its magnificent sandy beaches both in Sri Lanka and around the world. Bentota is surrounded by luxuriant flora, with coconut groves sheltering the majority of the land. Natural water constructions such as lagoons and estuaries abound in the city, making it perfect for recreational water sports. The beautiful marine turtles call Bentota home. Local community-run hatcheries are assisting in the propagation of marine life. Sri Lankans and foreigners alike flock to this charming town for weddings and honeymoons. The establishment of the Bentota National Holiday Resort Complex has bolstered the town’s economy, with five-star and luxury hotels opening seaside sites. The mouth of the Bentota Ganges river meets the Indian Ocean in a breathtaking picturesque display, making Bentota a beach vacation resort with spectacular views of the sea.
4.COLUMBO
The lively city of Colombo is adorned with pristine golden beaches, majestic temples, and colonial-era architecture. It is one of Sri Lanka’s most prominent cultural centres. Because of its strategic location on the western coast, this port city has attracted the attention of many conquerors, colonisers, and traders. Every empire that governed this country left its mark, resulting in a city that is a mix of cultures with a rich history. Colombo, Sri Lanka’s former capital, is the country’s largest metropolis and financial centre, as well as a port city with a natural harbour. It serves a variety of purposes, including administrative, trade, financial, cultural, and tourism. Colombo is a bustling metropolis with a diverse population, with each group contributing to the city’s dynamism. It is a combination of old and contemporary, with colonial-era structures standing in stark contrast to modern skyscrapers. Colombo is a fantastic place to visit. There is an unending list of activities to do in the city. Visit the museum to learn about the colonial past, then explore the many historical era temples and churches, shop at the Odel, or simply stroll along the beach and soak in the sun.
5.KANDY
The lovely city of Kandy in central Sri Lanka is built on a plateau surrounded by mountains and is known for Buddhist holy sites and pure natural scenery. The Temple of the Tooth, where Lord Buddha’s tooth relic is claimed to be kept, is the city’s most famous attraction. As a hill station, the city enjoys temperate, pleasant weather all year, making it perfect for vacationing. Travelers can choose from a wide range of options. The selection of things to do is endless: go trekking in the Knuckles Mountain ranges, visit the Udawatta Kele Sanctuary, discover old religious sites, or simply rest at Bogambara Lake. Arts and culture abound in the city. The city is adorned with several historical structures and museums. Some of the city’s most prominent landmarks include the National Museum of Kandy, the National Railway Museum, the Dalada Maligawa Museum, the Royal Palace of Kandy, the Dambulla Cave Temple, and the Bahiravokanda Vihara Buddha Statue. During the Esala Perahera festival, one of the inner caskets containing Lord Buddha’s tooth relic is carried around the city on a royal elephant, accompanied by dancers, drummers, flag and torch bearers, all dressed in traditional attire.
DETAILED ITINERARY -06 Nights & 07 Days
First day begins at the airport in Colombo.At the airport, there will be a meet & greet.Transfer to the hotel in Colombo – approximately 0100 Hrs.Collect the PCR test samples before checking in at the hotel.Arrive at the hotel and check into your room.Staying at a hotel in Colombo for dinner and the night.
Colombo – Dambulla
In the hotel, you may have a fantastic breakfast.Stay at the hotel for free and easy till the guest receives a negative PCR test report.Transfer to Dambulla (about 04.00 hours)Dambulla hotel dinner and overnight stay
Dambulla to Kandy
Visit Sigiriya Rock after having a nice breakfast in the hotel , Visitors to Sri Lanka will remember Sigiriya, a giant rock in the midst of a green scrub jungle. From ancient times, the location was recognised as a Buddhist monks’ hermitage. Caved temples, bathing pools, gorgeous ponds, and Asia’s oldest surviving landscaped gardens were all part of a well-planned monastic complex. Sigiriya is now known for its frescoes painted in the rock crevice. Other highlights are the “”Lion stairway,”” “”mirror wall,”” and “”water gardens.”” Visit Dambulla Cave and afterwards transfer to Kandy. The Dambulla Rock Temple was established in the first century B.C. by King Walagambahu. Dambulla is the most magnificent of Sri Lanka’s cave temples and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The five cave complex has about 2000 square metres of painted walls and ceilings, making it the world’s largest painting space. Over 150 images of the Buddha can be found in the caverns, the greatest of which is a 14-meter-long enormous Buddha carved out of rock. Transfer time to Kandy is approximately 2 hours. Staying in a Kandy haotel for dinner and the night
Kandy-Nuwara Eliya
In the hotel, you may have a fantastic breakfast.Kandy is the sacred city for Buddhists. The Dalada Maligawa, also known as the Temple of the Tooth (optional), is the main centre, and it houses the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. In and around Kandy, there are numerous shrines and temples with rare paintings, frescoes, wood and stone carvings.Pay a visit to the Royal Botanic Garden (optional).Peradeniya is located around 5.5 kilometres west of Kandy in Sri Lanka’s Central Province. It receives 2 million tourists each year. It’s close to the Mahaweli River (the longest in Sri Lanka). It is well-known for its orchid collection.
There are around 4000 plant species in the garden, including orchids, spices, medicinal plants, and palm palms. The National Herbarium of Sri Lanka is attached to it. The botanical garden covers 147 acres (0.59 km2) and is located at 460 metres above sea level, with a 200-day annual rainfall. It is overseen by the Department of Agriculture’s Division of National Botanical Gardens.Transfers to Nuwara Eliya take about 3 hours.Sri Bakthi Hanuman Temple is a must-see.Ramboda Falls is a must-see.Pay a visit to the Tea Factory.Nuwara Eliya hotel dinner and overnight stay.
Nuwara Eliya – Bentota
In the hotel, you can enjoy a fantastic breakfast.Transfer to Bentota via Pinnawala at approximately 06.00 hrs., with a stop at the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage on route (optional).The Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage (PEO) has a unique approach to ex-situ animal care, as the name suggests. Its renown and success have spread not only within the country, but also throughout the world, to the point where Pinnawala has become associated with the Sri Lankan Elephant. On the 16th of February 1975, the late Hon. Minister Kalugalle realised the project, which is now home to 93 elephants. Pinnawala was a fairly distant area with rich coconut plantations at the time, and most importantly, a place where mahouts were plentiful. The elephants’ enormous water requirements are also augmented by the existence of “Ma oya” running nearby.Continue to Bentota.
Bentota, on the sun-drenched southern coast, is a popular destination for family vacations, glittering beach weddings, first-time guests, and honeymooners. The town itself is a sanctuary for self-proclaimed resort enthusiasts, with luxury boutique hotels and five-star hotel chains dotting the coastline. Long lengths of turquoise beaches, adventure trips, bar scene, spicy nightlife, and fresh sea cuisine cravings are just some of the delights that Bentota has to offer. Canoeing, sailing, jet skiing, windsurfing, and banana boat trips are among the most popular water sports in Bentota. Dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel in Bentota.
Bentota
In the hotel, you can enjoy a fantastic breakfast.Ride on the Madhu River (Optional ).Take a leisurely cruise along the Madu River, with plenty of interesting stops along the way. You pass by dozens of mangrove-forested islets and can admire the rural life’s ageless natural rhythms. You travel in canopies on outboard motor boats, taking in the sights of a 200-year-old temple and watching the natives cultivate cinnamon along the way. Traditional fishing skills will also be demonstrated, as well as coir and rope making demonstrations. There are also 46 bird species in the area, including 14 aquatic kinds. You’ll also see colossal water lilies and vibrant butterflies. Turtle Breeding Facility (Optional ). On the island of Sri Lanka, there are a few areas known for turtle hatcheries and conservation. If you’re an animal lover, these lovely spots are a real delight. You should go to the island’s coastline area to see a turtle hatchery, which is where turtle eggs are hatched and little and rescued turtles are cared for. Sports on the Water (Optional). Dinner and an overnight stay in a hotel in Bentota.
Airport in Bentota
In the hotel, you can enjoy a fantastic breakfast.Transfer to the airport for a departure flight that will take approximately 02 hours.Until Next Time.. Chau.
Frequently Asked Questions
Before booking one of the Sri Lanka vacation packages, think about the optimum time to visit the island nation. Sri Lanka is defined by tropical jungles, dazzling beaches, turquoise waters, rich history, a dynamic culture, spirituality, and wildlife, and it remains a favourite holiday destination due to its diversified geography. There are different dry and wet seasons in the country. Between May and November, the south western monsoon brings rain to Sri Lanka’s south western region, keeping it dry between December and April.Between October and January, the north eastern monsoon brings rain to the eastern and northern coastal regions, while keeping it dry between May and September. The greatest time to visit Sri Lanka for a culture connoisseur and sun worshipper is from December to April, as this is the dry season and a fantastic time to see the country’s historical ruins, magnificent temples, old-world churches, and hill stations. The shoulder season, on the other hand, lasts from September through November. However, you should avoid visiting Sri Lanka between May and August because the heat and humidity make travel impossible.
Obtaining a tourist visa for Sri Lanka is rather simple for an Indian. An Indian passport holder must apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which allows them to stay in the country for up to 30 days at a time. The ETA, on the other hand, is valid for 180 days from the date of application and allows you to enter the country twice. Only a scanned copy of your passport and your email address are required. The ETA is usually handled in 5 working days, and the processing fee is 40 USD, which includes the service fee.
Before deciding on one of the Sri Lanka vacation packages, you should be familiar with the local language and determine whether you would be comfortable travelling around the nation. Sinhala, the Sinhalese people’s native language, is the most widely spoken, while Tamil is spoken by the other half. Most cabbies, hotels, and places of entertainment speak and understand English, therefore it functions as a connection language. So you can communicate in English in most parts of the country, particularly in popular areas such as Bentota, Colombo, Negombo, and Kandy. However, if you are travelling in the countryside, this may not be the case, as people will only speak in their own tongue.
Sri Lanka has struggled with political upheaval for decades. The tourism business was nearly decimated by a civil war between Tamil militants and the Sinhalese government. The riots have ended, and a calm atmosphere has returned. Always be alert of your surroundings when travelling internationally. On the beach, balconies, or terraces, never leave your belongings unattended. To avoid pickpockets, be cautious in crowded markets and open spaces.