Sri Lanka is a beautiful and lush island country in the Indian Ocean, located in South Asia. Marco Polo described it as the best island in the world. Situated south of India, this article aims to provide you with comprehensive and useful information about Sri Lanka.
Where exactly is Sri Lanka?!
The Magnificent Beaches of Sri Lanka
Rare Animals of Sri Lanka
Which Cities in Sri Lanka Should We Visit?!
About the Capital!!
Introduction to Sri Lanka’s Top Tourist Attractions!
Sri Lanka’s Location and Population!!
It Has the Most Diverse Cultures!!
How to Travel to Sri Lanka!
The Exciting Part of the Trip: Shopping and Souvenirs!
Accommodation in Sri Lanka!!
What to Eat?!
Travel Costs!!
Officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, this island is part of the Indian subcontinent, located about 50 kilometers south of India in the Northern Hemisphere. Sri Lanka is famously called the "Tear of India" or "India's Earring." Its political capital is Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, while its commercial capital is Colombo.
Sri Lanka was a British colony; British colonization began in the 19th century after it was annexed to India and lasted until its independence on February 4, 1948. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil, and the currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. About 75% of the population are Sinhalese. The religious demographics are:
70.2% Buddhist
12.6% Hindu
9.7% Muslim
7.4% Christian
0.1% Other religions or non-religious
Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, Sri Lanka's beaches cater to all tastes. The crystal-clear waters, warm sandy shores, and palm trees will captivate you for hours. For thrill-seekers, Sri Lanka offers exciting water activities such as jet skiing, boating, surfing, and more.
Sri Lanka is home to 26 national parks and 2 marine parks, with the most famous being Yala National Park, which boasts the highest concentration of leopards in the world. More than 215 species of birds and reptiles live in these areas. Wildlife lovers will find Sri Lanka an excellent destination to observe marine life and mammals in their natural habitat.
Sri Lanka is gaining popularity among tourists due to its diverse attractions. Kandy is one of the must-visit cities, located in Sri Lanka’s central highlands. It is rich in natural beauty, wildlife, and cultural sites. The Mahaweli Ganga River flows along most of Kandy's border. A significant religious site here is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is believed to house Buddha's tooth. Visitors can also enjoy hiking, waterfalls, and botanical gardens.
Colombo is Sri Lanka’s commercial capital and largest city, known for its pleasant weather. The Dutch Museum and historical sites are among its top attractions. Nature lovers can explore green spaces and observe sea turtles and conservation efforts. The city also offers concerts and theater performances for art enthusiasts.
Sigiriya Rock Fortress
Sri Kailawasanathan Temple
Cinnamon Island
Dehiwala Zoo (National Zoological Gardens of Sri Lanka)
Bentota Beach
Brief Garden
Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
Royal Botanical Gardens, Peradeniya
Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara Temple
Sri Lanka has a population of 19,668,000 and an area of 65,610 square kilometers. The capital, Colombo, has 642,000 residents. Other major cities include Moratuwa, Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia, Negombo, and Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
Geologically, Sri Lanka is located on the Indian tectonic plate and is separated from India by the Gulf of Mannar and Palk Strait. Legends suggest that an ancient bridge, now called Adam’s Bridge, once connected Sri Lanka to India. Today, a chain of limestone shoals is visible, which was walkable until 1480 before being submerged due to heavy storms.
Unlike some countries with monotonous cultures, Sri Lanka’s diversity is captivating. The only common trait among its people is their hospitality. Everywhere you go, you will encounter people of different ethnicities and religions.
The cities of Dambulla, Sigiriya, and Polonnaruwa form Sri Lanka’s cultural triangle, where you can witness a mix of ancient Sri Lankan traditions, Buddhist influences, and European colonial heritage.
As an island nation, most travel to Sri Lanka is via air. However, there are also sea routes from India, though they are less popular due to longer travel times.
Sri Lanka has two international airports:
Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo)
Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (Southern Sri Lanka)
There are no direct flights from Iran to Sri Lanka; all flights include at least one layover. The total flight duration depends on the route and stopovers but generally takes 6-7 hours.
The first thing that comes to mind when thinking of Sri Lankan souvenirs is tea! The country grows a wide variety of high-quality teas, each with unique health benefits.
Other great souvenirs include:
Handmade traditional masks used in local festivals
Wooden Buddha and elephant figurines
Paintings, pottery, jewelry, and precious stones
Spices and traditional Sri Lankan clothing
For the best shopping experience, visit major shopping centers in Colombo and other tourist cities. It is advisable to compare prices before purchasing, as bargaining can reduce prices by up to 30%.
Some travelers book tour packages, which include hotels, flights, and guided tours. However, budget travelers often opt for guesthouses, which vary in size and quality.
If you are looking for a luxurious stay, Sri Lanka has many high-end hotels, beach resorts, and colonial-style accommodations. Eco-tourism is also growing, with eco-lodges and jungle retreats available. Camping is allowed only in official national parks. Since the country has many insects, carrying a mosquito net is highly recommended.
Rice and spices are the staples of Sri Lankan cuisine. The country grows about 15 types of rice,which are combined with various spices to create unique dishes.
Being an island nation, seafood is a must-try. European influences have also shaped Sri Lankan cuisine, especially in salads and baked goods.
If you prefer mildly spiced food, be sure to request less chili as Sri Lankan dishes are often spicier than Indian food.
A major concern for travelers is the cost of the trip. If you want an affordable international trip,Sri Lanka is a great destination.
On average, budget travelers should plan to spend at least 7,000 Sri Lankan Rupees per day on transportation, food, and attractions.
Sri Lanka is a diverse and affordable travel destination with beautiful beaches, historical sites, friendly people, and delicious food. Whether you seek relaxation or adventure, this island offers something for everyone.
We hope you enjoyed this guide to Sri Lanka! 🌴
