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Sri Lanka, formerly known as Ceylon, is located in South Asia. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, southeast of India, close to the equator, it boasts year-round summer and is a tropical island nation. Shaped like a teardrop, Sri Lanka has been nicknamed "God's Tear" and "the Pearl of the Indian Ocean." Since ancient times, it has served as a maritime hub connecting East and West, where Indians, Europeans, Arabs, and Chinese have all left their mark and diverse cultures.
Sri Lanka can be described as "a small country with rich resources": despite its small area, it has extremely rich tourism resources - there are eight world heritage sites, charming beaches, mysterious religions, rich flora and fauna, hospitable people, low prices, unique exotic culture... In addition, Sri Lanka's gems and black tea are famous all over the world.
Sri Lanka has no four seasons, only a rainy and dry seasons. The rainy season runs from May to August and November to February, when the southwest and northeast monsoons pass through Sri Lanka. The advantage of traveling during the off-season is that airfares and room rates are cheaper, and it doesn't necessarily rain constantly.
Sri Lanka's peak tourist season runs from December to March, with many Europeans visiting for the winter. The period between Christmas and New Year's Day is particularly high, and hotel reservations are often tight. Another peak season is July and August, during the Kandy Esala Perahera festival, also known as the Buddha Tooth Relic Festival. It's best to avoid peak season for independent travel.
Watching blue whales
Take a boat out to sea to encounter blue whales and dolphins that migrate to Mirissa to feed between November and April every year. Experience the wonderful experience of close contact with them. If you are lucky, you can also see sperm whales and whale sharks.
See rare animals
There are 25 Ceylon leopards in Yala National Park. The best time to see them is from February to July. If you are lucky, you can also see sloth bears or jackals that look similar to foxes. In addition, there are thousands of sambar deer, wild boars, crocodiles, buffaloes and monkeys here, and the bird species are also quite rich.
Visit the tea garden
Long ago, Nuwara Eliya was a summer retreat for English and Scottish tea-growing pioneers, enjoying a life of drinking and merrymaking. Even now, it welcomes holidaymakers every April. The cool climate here is ideal for growing tea, and many tea factories are open to visitors for tours and tastings. A tea plantation tour is a must-do while visiting the area.
Go to the fish market
Negombo, a quaint little town just seven kilometers from Sri Lanka International Airport, offers a unique blend of Sri Lankan culture, beautiful beaches, and a wide variety of affordable seafood. Its tranquility and seclusion are Negombo's greatest charms. Its famous fish market is highly recommended.
Recommended number of days for a visit: 7-10 days
Sri Lanka has a rich history with ancient Buddhist civilizations, colonial influences from the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, and cultural heritage sites recognized by UNESCO.
Located in South Asia, south of India. Main entry is via Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. Local travel is via buses, taxis, tuk-tuks, trains, and rental cars.
Most sites open 8:00 AM–5:00 PM. Best time is December to March on the west and south coasts, and May to September in the east and north.
Historic sites like Sigiriya charge around USD 30. Tickets are mostly purchased on-site; some parks and attractions offer online booking.
Advance booking is recommended for Sigiriya, national parks, and guided tours, ideally 1–2 weeks ahead.
A full Sri Lanka trip typically requires 7–14 days, depending on destinations and activities.
Guided tours are widely available in English, German, and French. Some sites offer audio guides in English.
Start in Colombo, then cultural triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya), Kandy, hill country (Nuwara Eliya, Ella), south coast beaches, and optional east coast or wildlife parks.
Some hotels offer night safaris, cultural shows, or evening temple visits; most historic sites close before sunset.
Peak season is December–March. Visit during shoulder months or weekdays for fewer crowds.
Urban and tourist areas have restaurants, cafes, toilets, shops, and rest spots; rural areas may be limited.
Many sites require walking or climbing. Urban areas and resorts are more accessible; some ancient ruins may be challenging.
Cash (Sri Lankan Rupees) is widely used. Cards are accepted in hotels, major restaurants, and tourist hubs; mobile payments are limited outside cities.
Tourist hubs like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle offer diverse restaurants and cafes serving local and international cuisine.
Vegetarian and halal options are widely available; vegan options are available in larger towns.
Range from budget guesthouses to luxury resorts near beaches, cultural sites, and hill country towns.
Souvenirs include handwoven textiles, masks, tea, spices, gemstones, and wooden carvings.
Domestic flights, trains, buses, private cars, and tuk-tuks are common. Trains offer scenic hill country routes, while flights save time for long distances.
