Mini Travel Guide: Sri Lanka

The Sigiriya Rock Fortress is considered the Taj Mahal of Sri Lanka. Situated about 170 Km away from Colombo, this is a great tourist attraction. Every Sri Lankan has climbed this rock at least once in their life time to see the frescoes painted on the mirror wall.

The top of the fortress housed a palace which was once home to King Kasyapa who allegedly killed his father to claim the throne. You’ll be amazed by the engineering and design. Climb to the top of the rock and see the outstanding view for yourself!

Must Do in Sri Lanka

Ride an Elephant

There are lots of elephants in Sri Lanka, but wild or tamed. There are elephant rides at the zoo and at lots of tourist destinations. Elephants are usually found in the wild in herds in wild life parks. Many Buddhist temples own elephants and they are used in religious parades.

Water Skiing

Sri Lanka being an island, has some beautiful beaches and many hotels offer various water sports. Water skiing is an enjoyable sport available in the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

If you love the ocean and are a sports enthusiast, you will enjoy the different water sports, the Banana boats the waterskiing, Para-sailing etc.

Must Eat in Sri Lanka

Lamprais

This is a rice dish available in Sri Lanka but of Dutch origin. Sri lanka was conquered by the Dutch in the 17th century which means you can still see a bit of Dutch influence. Lamprais came to stay in Sri Lanka as a delicious rice dish that many Sri Lankans enjoy.

The dish consists of Basmati rice, a meat curry, Ash Plantain, Egg plant, a boiled egg, a sambol, and cutlet.

Iced Coffee

Iced Coffee is a delicious drink in Sri Lanka. Most restaurants and hotels serve iced coffee. It’s regular coffee and cream but with a little bit of vanilla added to it and iced. This is a hot commodity, specially because of the warm weather.

An iced coffee will quench your thirst on a warm and sunny day- you can even request a scoop of ice cream in your iced coffee.

Tea

Ceylon Tea is world famous. Ceylon (as Sri Lanka was originally known) is home to some of the largest tea plantations in the world. Tea is Sri Lanka’s largest export commodity and a freshly brewed cup of Ceylon Tea is a definite must have.

Cultural Tips for Traveling in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka has many places of worship and there is much reverence given to a place of worship in this country. People take their religion seriously, whatever it may be.

Skimpy clothing is definitely not allowed in places of worship. Ladies, remember to cover your arms and legs and wear a long skirt and top with sleeves. Guys are better off wearing long pants than shorts.

Sri Lankans are very hospitable and react sadly if their hospitality is rejected. Any family you visit will make sure to give you a cup of tea or a meal depending on the time of day and it’s good to accept this hospitality. Sri Lankans are very friendly by nature and most of them have a ready smile.

Cheap travel tips for Sri Lanka

Try taking a Tuk Tuk; it’s quite inexpensive and lots of fun! It’s a three wheeled vehicle that is covered and affords seating to about 3 people, but can even accommodate up to five people!

Airbnbs are cheaper than hotels and put money directly into the pockets of local families – which is so important! Here’s a beautiful apartment in Colombo for $50 a night and here’s an entire villa (with a pool!) for $90 a night. If you’ve never used Airbnb before, here’s $40 towards your first booking.

Thanks so much, Priyan!  Do any of you have Sri Lankan travel tips to share?

P.S. 7 travel tools I will not shut up about 

photo by Steenbergs // Cyrus Pellet  // Philipp Kämmerer on Unsplash