Sri Lanka Travel Guide: 5 Things to Do and Places to Visit
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture and history. There is much to witness and do in this beautiful country. Traveling there can be an enriching experience. Here are certain things to remember when planning a trip to Sri Lanka. The east of Sri Lanka is home to green paddy fields, picturesque sunrises, and a quieter, more pastoral pace of life.
Getting there:
Sri Lanka is located in the Indian Ocean, off the southeastern coast of India. The best way to get to Sri Lanka is by plane. It has a tropical climate, so the best time to visit is between December and February. The following are five things to do and places to visit in Sri Lanka.
- Sri Lankan train travel
Sri Lanka’s trains are an experience not to be missed. Whether taking the scenic route from Kandy to Ella or simply commuting between Colombo and Galle, there’s something exquisite about traveling by train in Sri Lanka.
The views are unbeatable, and there’s something about the rhythm of the train that makes even the shortest journey feel like an adventure. So next time you plan a trip to Sri Lanka, make sure to include a journey by train. You won’t regret it! Sri Lankan trains don’t go to all the places, but they reach close to most places you want to visit.
- Dambulla Cave Temple: Murals & Gilded Buddha Statues
The Dambulla Cave Temple is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. The temple is home to myriad murals and gilded Buddha statues. The temple is a great place to admire the artwork and learn about the history of Sri Lanka.
The Dambulla Cave Temple is a UNESCO-listed site from around the 1st century BC. Of course, the statutes and morals have been renovated and brushed up over time. However, it’s still impressive. The temple contains murals and gilded Buddha statues made from gold and other precious metals.
3. Climb Sigiriya Lion Rock Before The Tourists Arrive
Sigiriya, or Lion Rock, is one of Sri Lanka’s most popular tourist attractions. Situated in the central province of Sri Lanka, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that was once the country’s royal capital. The fortress is enclosed by a moat and consists of two parts: the lower and upper palaces. Sigiriya is best known for its Lion Gate, decorated with a lion sculpture.
Climbing to the top of Sigiriya is a popular activity for visitors. The best time to climb the rock is early morning before the crowds arrive. The climb can be strenuous in places, but the views from the top are worth the effort.
It is also a Unesco-listed site and one of the most visited places in Sri Lanka, as a day trip from Kandy. We highly suggest you spend the night in one of their bnb houses close to the site and take a tuk-tuk(Rickshaw) early in the morning, so you arrive at 7 AM when the ticket office and gates open. It will allow you to walk through the gardens.
- How To Eat An Entire Sri Lankan Meal & Walk Away Unhurt
Rice and curry are the staples of Sri Lankan dishes, whether served in a fine dining establishment or a casual eatery. You will frequently be served a large bowl or dish of rice and various curries. The curries are frequently served buffet-style at simple eateries, and you direct the waitress to the ones you choose. Eating during local mealtimes ensures that the food is freshly prepared and not left out in the heat for long periods.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a delight for vegetarians. Various daals (lentils), sabzis (mixed vegetables), beetroot, eggplant, and other vegetarian curry alternatives are frequently available. For meat lovers, there are a variety of chicken, beef, and fish curries with varying levels of heat and spice. In more formal settings, you will be able to specify how many curries—and which ones—you want to accompany your heap of rice.
Don’t forget to look for or request the various sambols (salads), chutneys, or spicy sauces offered. The spicy coconut chutney (pol sambola), spicy onion sambal, and pennywort salad (Gotu kola sambol) are some of the great salads (lunu miris).
- Visit The Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy
Another beautiful place to visit while on a trip to Sri Lanka is to visit Sacred Tooth Relic Temple in Kandy. Sri Dalada Maligawa, aka the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, is located inside the old royal palace complex in Kandy and is home to what is said to be the tooth of Gautama Buddha was recovered from his cremation pyre in 543 BC. The tooth was transported from India to Sri Lanka in the early 4th century, continuing the narrative about 800 years later.
In addition to its theological value, the relic of the tooth introduces another Game of Thrones GOT-like twist: it is believed that whoever holds the relic also rules the country. As a result, it became a cherished possession and political instrument of rulers over the centuries. Its final resting place is in Kandy, where it is supposed to be protected inside the palace’s central shrine.
Although visitors today cannot see the actual tooth relic, visiting the palace and temple is worthwhile if you are in Kandy. The procession of devotees, pilgrims and rituals surrounding this sacred relic provides a glimpse of active devotion and living history. You’ll find lotus blooms and frangipani offerings strewn throughout the different temples, hidden in hallowed niches. The grounds of the palace and temples, with their intricate wood carvings, gilded statues and paintings, and manicured gardens, provide a bit of visual overload.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Sri Lanka offers excellent beaches, historic locations, and cultural attractions. It is a perfect destination for all travellers, whether visiting for leisure or business. It’s best known for its beaches, rainforests, tea plantations, and Buddhist ruins, but there are also many traditional villages, national parks, and nature reserves.
