The Most Attractive South Asian Country for Travel?! Sri Lanka, Known as the Tear of India

Monday, March 17, 2025  Read time5 min

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.

The Most Attractive South Asian Country for Travel?! Sri Lanka, Known as the Tear of India

Contents:

  • 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!!

Where Exactly Is Sri Lanka?!

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

The Magnificent Beaches of Sri Lanka

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.

Beach

Rare Animals of Sri Lanka

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.

Rare Animal

Which Cities in Sri Lanka Should We Visit?!

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.

About the Capital!!

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.

Top Tourist Attractions in Sri Lanka!

  • 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’s Location and Population!!

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.

Sri Lanka’s Cultural Diversity

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.

Culture

How to Travel to Sri Lanka!

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.

Shopping and Souvenirs: The Exciting Part of the Trip!

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%.

Accommodation in Sri Lanka!!

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.

Luxury Hotels

What to Eat?!

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.

Spicy Rice

Travel Costs!!

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.

Travel

Final Thoughts

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! 🌴