How to plan a trip to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a stunning place to explore and today, we share how to plan a trip to Sri Lanka, perfect for first-time visitors.

Why visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka is a beautiful country; if you are a fan of islands, it is probably one of the most beautiful and culturally rich island countries you can visit. Sri Lanka is much different from other island countries in South East Asia, which is for the better. Regardless if you want a chill holiday or party till 4 AM, you can do both in Sri Lanka, and that too without spending your life’s fortune while doing it.

How To Reach Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is located at the base of India and often if you are traveling from foreign locations, you will have a connecting flight to Sri Lanka through India. There are only two ways to reach Sri Lanka which are by air or by water because Sri Lanka is an island country. 

By air, you can avail of international flights from any country around the world to Sri Lanka because they have a number of international airports in the country. Airfares can be high if you are travelling from a long distance, in which case you can break your journey and land in the neighboring countries first and take connecting flights from there. It will help you save some money on your travels.

If you are interested in traveling to Sri Lanka by water, you have to do that through India. Given the close proximity between the two countries, you can even get ferries to travel from India to Sri Lanka. This is one of the most cost-effective ways to travel to Sri Lanka and you can get regular ferries from the southern end of India from states like Tamil Nadu. If you want a bit more luxury in your journey, you can opt for cruises, which take the same path but allow you to travel with a bit more luxury and comfort.

Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a tropical country located in the equatorial region of the world. Due to its nature as an island country, it remains relatively cool thanks to the land and sea breeze at play, which keeps the climate in check. However, even with the land and sea breeze, the summers can be really hot in Sri Lanka with temperatures going beyond 40 degrees Celsius. 

So, the best time to visit the country would be in the winter months from December to April. During these months, you will get to enjoy the tropical climate of Sri Lanka and enjoy the sun’s rays, at a time when most of the northern hemisphere would be freezing. 

The winter months also offer plenty of activities that you can enjoy in Sri Lanka. From adventure activities to just relaxing on the beach, the winter months offer the best of Sri Lanka and it is also a time when people from all around the world visit this island nation and celebrate their days together.

Best Things to Do in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has a lot of beaches for you to visit and enjoy. You will get to experience the best of the Indian Ocean at the beaches in Sri Lanka. You can go for a variety of adventure sports activities at the beaches and even go surfing, which is a special attraction at some beaches in Sri Lanka.

Once you are done exploring the beaches, you can go visit the various cities in Sri Lanka, which are the perfect amalgamation of old and new. You get to enjoy all the modern amenities and features that you expect to find in a city, while also appreciating the local culture, which dates thousands of years. No matter where you choose to explore, make sure to devour as much food in Sri Lanka as possible; dishes are flavorful and unique.

Sri Lanka also has a rich history, which you can explore next. Visiting the various important historical sites in Sri Lanka can be a great way for you to learn about the local history and culture. There are several important religious sites in Sri Lanka and also ruins from old kingdoms and other historical monuments.

Sri Lanka also has amazing geographical diversity with forests and hills spread throughout the country. You can visit different national parks and wildlife reserves in the country too and check out the wildlife diversity of Sri Lanka. Overall, it is a historically rich country that is blessed with scenic views no matter where you look. And your trips to Sri Lanka will always feel incomplete unless you stay there for at least a week or two. If you are visiting Sri Lanka on a budget, the national parks are a great way to explore the country without spending too much.

Getting around Sri Lanka

The best way to explore Sri Lanka would be to explore it yourself and not with guided tours. And the way to do that would be to explore the country by yourself, using a vehicle. Public transport in Sri Lanka often forces tourists into paying extra or scamming them by force selling them activities or souvenirs. So, here’s a trick to protect you from any such scams.

You could also choose to drive around Sri Lanka. If you have a driving license in your native country, you should get an international driving license Sri Lanka. How do you do that? You just have to visit their website and fill out the form. You will get your IDP in less than 2 hours and also a printed copy delivered to you, no matter where you live, free of cost.

With your IDP, you will be able to drive a vehicle yourself in Sri Lanka when you are on a trip. You can rent a vehicle from the country itself or bring your own vehicle on the trip with you. This will help you travel independently and enjoy your trip more than everyone else.

Things to know before you go to Sri Lanka