Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Sri Lanka is a tropical island country, lying in the Indian Ocean, with the reputation of "a pearl in the Indian Ocean". The charm of this wonderland derives from picturesque natural scenery and attractive human landscapes. Visitors can appreciate the western-style constructions due to British, Portuguese, and Dutch rule in history, temples thanks to different religions and beliefs, various flora and fauna on the vast plains, as well as unique stilt fisherman on the tranquil and appealing beaches. The comprehensive railway network nowadays offers people a more proper choice to enjoy the beautiful scenery down the coast and tea gardens.

Top destinations: Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Nuwara Eliya
Top attractions: Sigiriya Lion Rock, Temple of Tooth Relic, Horton Plains National Park, Peradeniya Royal Botanical Garden, Dambulla Rajamaha Viharaya (Dambulla Cave Temple), Yala National Park
Other distinctive attractions: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage, Mackwoods Tea Factory Generally January to March is the best time for traveling to Sri Lanka, as the weather is the most comfortable with little rain and moderate temperature. Christmas is also a good choice and many Europeans would go there to spend their winters. Besides, it would be busy in July and August, thanks to a famous local celebration Nawam.

There are only dry season and wet season in the country - the heavy rain might appear only in May and part time of November. The annual average temperature is 85℉(30℃), so it is necessary to bring the sunscreen, parasols, and mosquito-repellent perfume. However, try to keep warm and bring clothes like sweaters and down jackets in the mountainous regions because the weather differs sharply during day and night there.

Main transportation tools include coaches, cars, trains, taxis and TukTuk (three-wheeler).
①. The coach is popular in most cities and towns. It is crowded though cheap.
②. To rent a car is the most suggested choice. It is flexible and most efficient.
③. The railway network centered on Colombo has been built increasingly perfect. Trains except the third-class carriages are more comfortable than coaches. It has been a must during Sri Lanka travel, especially the travel to tea gardens and the coast.
④. The taxi is common, no matter what size the town is in Sri Lanka. It is a wiser choice than TukTuk for visitors if the distance is long.
⑤. TukTuk is ubiquitous in Sri Lanka. Make an agreement on the price with the diver before getting on, and try to bargain as possible as you can.

Sri Lanka is a country where most people believe in Buddhism. In this aspect, it is essential to respect and not kill animals, particularly crows. Try to have their taboos in mind before visiting temples - keep quiet, take photos after permission, do not touch the Buddharupa and do not use the left hand during the communication. In addition, local people focus on the environment protection, so the environmental awareness is necessary.
Sri Lanka was the colony of Portugal and the Netherlands respectively in the 15th century, and was ruled by the British in the 17th century. It is still a member of the Common Wealth after its independence. This history adds special charm to the local cultural relics - many historic constructions have the colonial marks of the Netherlands or Britain, such as Kandy National Museum, National Museum, Galle Fort and Colombo Muncipal Council.
Sri Lanka Island appears on the Indian Ocean like a pear, called "the most beautiful island" by Marco Polo (a famous Italian traveler to Asia in 13th century). The middle-southern part is plateaus with green lush plants, while northern and coastal regions are plains. There are many rivers originates from high mountains in the middle area, forming abundant lakes in the eastern plains. All these contribute to the beautiful natural scenery and landscapes of the country.