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Chosen as the star destination of 2019 by the famous travel publisher Lonely Planet, Sri Lanka is one of the most fascinating places to visit in Asia. It is known as "the island of a thousand names" because throughout history it has been known by many names.
There are no shortage of reasons to fall in love with ancient Ceylon as it is a destination that mixes mountains, beaches and culture. It is a quiet, cheap and safe island that is not yet crowded with tourists. If you would like to visit Sri Lanka in the future, here are what to see and when to go.
When to travel to Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka enjoys a tropical monsoon climate, which makes it a true paradise to be enjoyed all year round. However, the best time to visit is between December and April as the monsoons hit the south of the island between May and August and the north between October and November.
Given this, the best thing to do is plan the trip based on the places we want to know or the activities we decide to do. Another factor to take into account is the budget, that is, in high season (December-March) prices are through the roof while in low season (May-August) prices are quite cheap. A good time to go to Sri Lanka on your own and without advance reservation is the period between April and November, which we could consider a medium season.
How to get around in Sri Lanka
Transportation is somewhat more complicated to plan. Although there are good roads, the guides often advise against renting a car due to the peculiar way of driving of the Sri Lankans. In the cities it is recommended to move by tuk-tuk or hire a private driver to take us to places where for certain routes you have to take several buses, which can sometimes be slow, crowded and sometimes difficult to identify since there are dozens of companies. However, they are quite inexpensive. In this case, it is best to consult the establishment where you are staying so that they can inform you in detail since there are not always official stops, stations or fixed schedules.
Regarding the train, it is the most comfortable means of transport to move around. Given the large influx of passengers, it is not easy to get tickets to travel seated, so it is advisable to try to buy all the routes in the first city you visit.
Entry requirements to Sri Lanka
To travel to Sri Lanka it is necessary to carry a passport with a minimum validity of six months and a visa. Although it can be managed upon arrival at the airport according to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, it is better to manage it online to avoid delays at entry or any additional problems.
It is convenient to have insurance that covers our backs in case of accidents, medical expenses, repatriation or loss and theft of luggage, among other issues.
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What to see in Sri Lanka
When visiting Sri Lanka, a two-week trip will allow us to see the best of the island in peace. Now, what to know in Sri Lanka?
Columbo
The first day in contact with Sri Lanka is worth visiting the historic center of the capital. It is the gateway to the Asian country and the most populous city in the country.
Its colonial past can be seen in the Negombo Fortress, which was built by the Dutch in 1644. In fact, the original gate dating from the XNUMXth century can still be seen today. Other sites of interest are the Clock Tower, the ramparts, and a sacred tree planted by King Valagamba, which was brought from Anuraghapura.
In the same district of Colombo you can also find the Queen's House, the residence of the President of Sri Lanka and other types of colonial buildings. To know that part of the country's history and others, nothing better than visiting the National Museum, where you can see a large collection of objects from different periods.
Another very interesting place in Colombo is Galle Face Green, the promenade with beautiful views of the beach and the sea.
Kandy
Located in the center of the island, Kandy is one of the most important cities in the country. It was named a World Heritage Site and is a holy city for Buddhism and an important pilgrimage focus. Its main monument is the Dalada Maligawa religious complex, which contains the most sacred building in the entire city.
Inside Dalada Maligawa is one of the most important relics of Buddhism, a Gautama Buddha tooth kept in a reliquary kept in the temple of the Buddha's tooth. In its surroundings is located Udawatte Kelle, a large tropical forest considered a natural sanctuary where it is a pleasure to walk and enjoy the tranquility.
Another important place to visit in Kandy, Sri Lanka, is the Arts and Crafts Center. Inside it houses exquisite handicrafts that show the traditional Sri Lankan style.
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Sigiriya
It is an ancient volcano in the middle of a huge plain that has one of the most spectacular archaeological sites in the world. It was discovered at the beginning of the XNUMXth century and is considered one of the wonders of the world.
This rock is more than 200 meters high and over the years it eroded it until it seemed to be placed at random on an immense plain covered with trees. At the top of the rock of Sigiriya are the remains of the palace-fortress among the most outstanding ruins are the legs of a colossal stone lion whose mouth served as an access door to the stairs that led to the top.
At ground level there are also archaeological remains of small buildings, a defensive moat that protected the city and gardens.
Galle
Galle is said to be the colonial heart of the island as it is the perfect example of a European fortress in the south of the continent. It was one of the most important ports in ancient Ceylon for centuries for the trade of spices, tea and other products. It is declared a World Heritage Site.
Fort Galle is the fort built by the Dutch after expelling the Portuguese and which is in turn the historic center of the city. Inside there are many restaurants, souvenir shops, fashion and museums. Galle, just 100 kilometers from Colombo, is the ideal place to finish a circuit in Sri Lanka,