planning a trip to
Sri Lanka
Here is what you need to know:
Sri Lanka is an amazing destination and one of the best places to visit in Asia. The people are friendly, the weather is hot, and you can explore stunning beaches, lush jungles, and ancient historical sites.
In 2024, we spent over two weeks traveling around the country, and we absolutely loved it. With its affordability, traveling around is easy and enjoyable.
So, welcome to our Sri Lanka Travel Guide, where we share all the tips, insights, and experiences from our unforgettable journey through this beautiful island country.
About
Sri Lanka, historically known as Ceylon and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It is located in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, separated from the Indian peninsula by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. It shares a maritime border with the Maldives to the southwest and India to the northwest.
The country has a population of approximately 22 million people and is home to a rich blend of cultures, languages, and ethnicities. The Sinhalese people form the majority, followed by the Sri Lankan Tamils, who are the largest minority and are mainly concentrated in the northern part of the island. Over time, other long-established communities, including the Moors, Indian Tamils, Burghers, Malays, Chinese, and Vedda, have also contributed to Sri Lanka’s diverse cultural landscape.
The flag of Sri Lanka holds deep symbolic meaning, with its various elements representing the country’s diverse culture and history. The lion and maroon background represent the Sinhalese people, while the saffron border and four bo leaves symbolize key Buddhist concepts: meththa (loving-kindness), karuṇā (compassion), muditā (sympathetic joy), and upecka (equanimity).
The flag’s stripes represent the two largest ethnicities in Sri Lanka. The orange stripe stands for the Tamil population, which includes both the Sri Lankan Tamils and Indian Tamils. The teal stripe represents the Sri Lankan Moors, who are predominantly Muslim. Finally, the golden yellow border encompasses and represents the minority communities that make up Sri Lanka’s diverse social fabric.
Tea is a cornerstone of Sri Lanka’s economy and culture. Introduced by the British from China in 1824, Sri Lanka has since become one of the world’s leading tea producers and exporters. With over 1 million of its 22 million people employed in the tea industry, the country produces around 340 million kilograms of tea annually. The island’s tea-growing regions are primarily located in the central highlands and southern inland areas, where the climate is ideal for cultivating the world-renowned Ceylon tea.
Perched in the stunning southern Hill Country, Adam’s Peak (also known as Sri Pada) is a sacred site with deep religious significance for multiple belief systems in Sri Lanka. For over a thousand years, it has attracted pilgrims from different faiths. In Buddhism, it is considered the Sri Pada, or Sacred Footprint, believed to be left by the Buddha as he ascended to paradise. Hindus regard it as the footprint of Lord Shiva. Christians and Muslims, on the other hand, believe it to be the footprint of Adam after his banishment from the Garden of Eden. This cultural and spiritual diversity makes the peak a unique and revered destination in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka holds the distinction of being the first country in the world to have a female prime minister. In July 1960, Sirimavo Bandaranaike, leader of the Sri Lanka Freedom Party, made history by winning the general election and becoming the first woman to hold the office of prime minister. She served the country for three terms before stepping down in August 2000 due to health reasons. Sirimavo Bandaranaike passed away later that year at the age of 84, following a heart attack, shortly after casting her vote in the parliamentary elections.
What to expect?
Language: The main languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Tamil and Sinhala. English is widely spoken, so you can easily get around and have conversations in most places.
Food: Sri Lankan cuisine is known for its rich flavors, combining herbs, spices, fish, vegetables, rice, and fruits. Rice is a staple, and coconut is used in many dishes. There are plenty of vegetarian options available, but be aware that the food can be quite spicy.
Transportation: The most convenient way to get around Sri Lanka is by hiring a driver. If you’re traveling on a budget, there are also many buses available for longer journeys.
Money: The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Rates fluctuate, but at the time of our visit, 1€ = 309 Rupees. Not all places accept credit cards, so it’s a good idea to carry cash. ATMs are available, but only the main banks offer favorable exchange rates.
Plugs: The plugs in Sri Lanka are type D, with a standard voltage of 220V and a frequency of 50Hz. You may need a power adapter.
Safety: Sri Lanka is considered a safe country for travelers. The most common issue is petty theft, such as hotel room theft or items stolen from the beach, but this can happen anywhere.
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