More beautiful than Switzerland, cheaper than Thailand! A visa-free country unknown to 90% of people
Sri Lanka (formerly known as Ceylon) is hailed as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean," boasting rich cultural heritage, magnificent natural scenery, and unique wildlife. Here is a detailed travel guide to help you plan an unforgettable trip:
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1. Best Travel Time
· Southwest (Colombo, Galle, coastal areas): December to March is the dry season, ideal for travel.
· Eastern and central highlands: April to September has better weather, suitable for visiting tea plantations and mountainous areas.
· Year-round suitable: Cultural Triangle (Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya) can be visited all year.
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2. Must-Visit Attractions
1. Cultural Triangle (Core of Sri Lankan Civilization)
· Sigiriya Lion Rock: A UNESCO World Heritage Site, a millennium-old palace ruin on a cliff, especially spectacular at sunset.
· Dambulla Cave Temple: A complex of cave temples with numerous Buddhist murals and statues.
· Anuradhapura: Ancient city ruins, a sacred city with 2600 years of history, featuring the Bodhi tree and massive stupas.
· Polonnaruwa: Medieval kingdom ruins, perfect for exploring by bike.
2. Central Highlands
· Kandy: A Buddhist holy site, the Temple of the Tooth housing the Buddha’s tooth relic is a must-visit; stroll around Kandy Lake and enjoy traditional dance performances.
· Nuwara Eliya: Known as "Little England," visit tea plantations (such as Mackwoods Tea Factory), hike Horton Plains, and explore the "World’s End" cliff.
· Ella: Mountain town ideal for hiking, with popular spots like Ella Rock and the Nine Arches Bridge.
3. Southern Coast
· Galle: Colonial-style old town, don’t miss the lighthouse, fort walls, and Indian Ocean sunsets.
· Mirissa: Whale watching hotspot (December to April), relaxing beaches and surfing experiences.
· Bentota: Water sports paradise, great for family trips.
4. Wildlife and Nature
· Yala National Park: Jeep safari to spot leopards, elephants, and crocodiles.
· Udawalawe National Park: Comparable to East Africa, a gathering place for elephant herds.
· Sinharaja Rainforest: A UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, perfect for eco-trekking.
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3. Unique Experiences
1. Coastal Train: Colombo to Galle route (inspiration for "Spirited Away"), recommended at dusk.
2. Highland Tea Train: Kandy to Nuwara Eliya to Ella, passing through misty forests with stunning scenery.
3. Buddhist Culture Experience: Follow customs when visiting temples (remove shoes, wear white clothing).
4. Spice Garden Tour: Learn about the cultivation of cinnamon, cardamom, and other spices.
5. Cooking Classes: Learn to make Sri Lankan curry and coconut roti.
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4. Itinerary Suggestions
Classic 7-10 Day Loop
· D1-D2: Negombo (arrival) → Sigiriya (Lion Rock) → Dambulla
· D3-D4: Kandy (Temple of the Tooth, cultural shows) → Nuwara Eliya (tea plantations, Horton Plains)
· D5: Ella (hiking) → Yala/Tissa
· D6: Yala National Park safari → Mirissa
· D7-D8: Galle Old Town → Coastal train back to Colombo
In-depth 12-15 Day Tour
Add Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Udawalawe National Park, or Trincomalee in the east (best April to September for diving and whale watching).
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5. Practical Tips
1. Visa: Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) can be applied online, usually issued within 24 hours.
2. Transportation:
· Hiring a car with driver is the most convenient (about $50-70/day).
· Book scenic train compartments in advance (e.g., Ella to Nuwara Eliya segment).
· Bargain for tuk-tuk rides for short distances.
3. Food:
· Must-try: curry rice, Hopper (coconut milk pancake), Kottu (stir-fried roti), seafood.
· Pay attention to food hygiene, avoid drinking tap water.
4. Safety and Etiquette:
· Respect Buddhist customs; cover shoulders and knees when entering temples.
· Solo female travelers are advised to avoid going out alone at night.
· Sri Lankans are friendly, but beware of occasional tourist scams (like "gem traps").
5. Budget:
· Budget travel: about $30-50/day
· Comfortable travel: about $70-100/day
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6. Pre-trip Preparation
· Clothing: Light summer clothes + long-sleeve jacket (cooler in highlands), sun hat, sunglasses.
· Medicine: Mosquito repellent, stomach medicine, sunscreen.
· Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), it’s recommended to bring US dollars for exchange, currency exchange available at Colombo airport.
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