Over the last two decades, Sri Lanka has gained humongous popularity in the field of tourism, and travelers are tempted to pack their bags and embark their journey on a mindblowing tour to Sri Lanka. Recently, Sri Lanka was listed among the 20 best countries to visit and the best travel destinations in 2022 for the reason that the island is rich in natural resources, agricultural landscapes, mining, fishing, manufacturing, and exploration.
Despite being torn into two ethnic groups; Sinhalese and Tamils by the violent struggles in the 1970s, the locals and government worked hand in hand to preserve and promote the culture, values, and economy of the country. The history of colonial occupation has left an unbudging finger mark on Sri Lanka's existence. The country’s contentment has shown remarkable evidence that Sri Lanka is a secure landing place for solo travelers, family holidays, honeymoons, or adventurous tourism. We at Abound Holidays, have finely curated Sri Lanka tour packages for every traveler’s convenient trip to the “Land of Smiles”.
The package tour to Sri Lanka will take you on a journey to the country also known as a teardrop of India, surrounded by a broad coastal plain that is home to one the highest peaks in the world Mt.Pidurutalagala or Mount Pedro standing 8200 ft tall in the north-east part of the town of Nuwara Eliya but is conveniently visible even from the central region of the country.
Talking about the climate, Sri Lanka is mostly hot and humid throughout the year but the highlands are comparatively cooler. The tropical and exotic climate of Sri Lanka is influenced by two monsoon seasons. Summer monsoon lasts from mid-May to October when winds from the southwest bring rain from the Indian Ocean to the southern and western parts of the island whereas winter monsoon lasts from December to March bringing rain from the Bay of Bengal to the northern and eastern regions. The best time to visit Sri Lanka is between the time of December and April where you can catch a sight of the green pastures, golden sand beaches, the rocky hills, and the reflection of the sky on the waters. It reminds you of your connection to nature, isn't it?
Food in Sri Lanka
The Sri Lankan food is mostly centered around rice, flour, locally produced tropical fruits, and seafood from the waters of Sri Lanka with the amalgamation of spices used in their traditional recipes handed down from generation to generation. One can cast around the streets where you will find several restaurants in Sri Lanka that put forward an abundance of Sri Lankan cuisine and you will ask for more.
Fish Ambul Thiyal (sour fish curry)
Fish is one of the most common dishes in Sri Lanka. This traditional sour fish curry is full of blended spices which turns the outer look of the fish curry into a deeper brown color. Fish Ambul Thiyal originated from the south of Sri Lanka, initially prepared to preserve the fish for a longer period as there were no refrigerators back then. Now the dish has become one of the favorite dishes among Sri Lankans and foreigners who visit Sri Lanka.
Kottu roti is a famous Sri Lanka’s favorite street food that packs a punch of flavors and textures in every bite. Legend has it, that a roti seller had to serve a few hungry tourists just when he was closing his food stall. So he tossed all the leftover bits of roti, chicken curry, eggs, and veggies. He put together all his works and created what is today, one of Sri Lanka’s most famous and loved dishes! It’s a plus that the sound of metal spatulas chopping up Kottu Roti on hot pans on the streets of Sri Lanka is so musical! Behind every iconic dish, there is a beautiful story.
Kukul maas curry (chicken curry)
This lip-smacking Sri Lankan-style chicken curry is made with spices like cinnamon and cardamom is commonly used. This Sri Lankan dish originated in Colombo. If you are looking for a spicy and flavourful chicken curry, the Sri Lankan chicken curry will fill your heart and stomach. It tastes unbelievable with the roti(bread) of your choice or some people prefer to have it with some hot steamy rice. This curry is prepared from coconut oil, a lot of spices, chicken, and coconut milk. The whole spices are first roasted till fragrant and then ground to a fine powder. Here the ground powder gives the most prominent spicy and rich flavors. Then the chicken is roasted in this ground powder and then later to make it creamier and to give it a sweeter texture coconut milk is added. We cannot explain the goodness of this curry. It moreover takes like Chettinad style chicken curry from Tamil Nadu but a slightly creamier and richer version.
Parippu is a Sri Lankan dish prepared with lentils ( moong dal), a mixture of spices, and coconut cream. The recipe of this dish combines elements of herbs and spices that carry the taste of Asia. The golden gravy is a common breakfast, lunch, and dinner curry dish found in the house of every Sri Lankan breakfast. Sri Lankan dal is typically served with rice, and can also be accompanied by different side dishes like pickles, and chutneys. It is a staple in Sri Lankan cuisine and is enjoyed by people of every age and background.
Polos curry is one of those Sri Lankan foods typically loved by people across Sri Lanka and India too. This vegan-vegetarian slow-cooked jackfruit curry is an absolute delight and a must-try food in Sri Lanka. Cooked with a handful of spices, a dash of coconut cream, heaps of experience, and an abundant amount of love, polo curry is something every Sri Lankan who is living away from their home misses.
Culture of Sri Lanka
This island nation has a lot in common with India however people in Sri Lanka are so diverse, full of culture, and have a lot to offer. The largest religion is Buddhism followed by Hinduism and Islam. You will find images of Buddha all around Sri Lanka however you mustn't take a picture with any of the statues of Buddha as he is considered sacred. Buddhism was introduced to Sri Lanka in the third century BC and soon it took deep roots in the island nation. When Buddhism was spreading beyond India, Sri Lanka was the first nation to take its root. Sri Lanka is considered to have the oldest continuing Buddhist civilization. The Pali Canon was first written in Sri Lanka. Buddhism has repeatedly survived invasions by colonial forces, sweeping massacres of monks, the annihilation of monasteries and athenaeum, and oppression of the disciples. Buddhism reached this beautiful island but was challenged by Indian Kings and later by European colonial powers and missionaries however it revived from its ashes.
Along with Buddhism, the culture of Sri Lanka is mostly influenced by Hinduism. According to the chronicles, it is said that King Ravana ruled Sri Lanka before he was killed by lord Rama after kidnapping his wife. Ravana was said to be a great devotee of lord Shiva (the supreme lord of Hindu) but a multi-headed devil as mentioned in the epic Ramayana. The Ravana palace in Sigiriya, now known as Sigiriya Rock was mentioned as a golden palace in the books of history. It is listed as one of the World Heritage sites by UNESCO. The famous Ravana Fall in Sri Lanka, where Ravana hid Sita (wife of lord Rama)after abducting her, is a breathtaking waterfall and is just 6km away from the main station of Ravana Ella Wildlife Sanctuary. A famous Hindu temple Nainativu(city of the temple) Nagapoosani (a goddess who wears jewelry of snakes ) Amman (goddess) temple in Sri Lanka is a great pilgrimage site for Hindu enthusiasts and is also a tourist attraction.
Interesting facts about Srilanka
- For thousands of years, the people of Sri Lanka had viewed men and women as equal. The world’s first female prime minister was in Sri Lanka. The progressive culture of Sri Lanka has made this fantastic country stand out even after the struggles the nation had to face in the earlier years.
- There is certain etiquette followed by the people in Sri Lanka, like you cannot pass objects with your left hand, you have to use either your right hand or both hands. As a sign of respect and the fact that people in Sri Lanka consider women to be “sacred”, the men do not touch women. It is considered rude if you touch anybody’s head as the top of the head is said to be sacred.
- Women of any age group are not allowed to stay around monks or touch them at the monasteries or elsewhere. If a woman has to offer something to the monk, covering the object with a tissue and handing it over can be considered.
- The two most spoken languages are Sinhalese and Tamil by the natives however English is partly known. Cricket is the biggest sport of Sri Lanka but the national sport of Sri Lanka is volleyball.
- Every April, the Sinhalese and Tamil New Year is celebrated as the sun moves from the house of peace. you can soak up the full magic of cultural treasures at every turn when you plan to visit Sri Lanka.
Srilanka's Best tour places
There is an entire list of popular Sri Lanka attractions even though it is a small island nation. Abound Holidays promises you a historic trip to a paradise where every sunset is an aphrodisiac, where dolphins swim around you throughout the year, and to the kingdom of heaven. Some of the attractive places you shouldn't miss are;
The small seaside city of Hikkaduwa is north of Galle, along the southwest coast of Sri Lanka, well-trodden by tourists who are looking for a slice of sand and chilled-out time, the town is packed full of cheap guest houses, tourist shops, and many cafes and restaurants. The beauty of this place has slightly been affected since travelers started arriving here in the 1970s, but if you want to spend a few days near the sea, this might be the spot for you.
Located in a beautiful setting with forest-covered hills, sweeping valleys, and picturesque tea plantations, Ella is a lovely place to spend your time in nature. It is also a hill station in the central highlands with an amazing view of tea gardens and a hiking trail i.e. Little Adam's Peak which you can reach via train or just hike up. The railway to Ella is also known as one of the most beautiful railway routes in the world. While on the ride, you will encounter the most magical sites of nature and consider yourself lucky to be alive.
Japanese Peace Pagoda is a highly recommended tourist site that you shouldn't miss when you visit Sri Lanka. Situated near the town of Rumassala which is near Unawatuna, this peace pagoda was built by the Japanese Buddhist in 2004 to preserve and nurture love, harmony, and peace. Thousands of Buddhists and Hindus visit this sanctuary away from their chaotic life to get in touch with the peaceful energy the venue offers.
Pay a visit to this historic fort built by the Dutch colonists in the 17th century situated in the coastal city of Sri Lanka. Facing the Indian Ocean, this fort is an architectural marvel and has contributed to the economic growth in the field of tourism. It is not just an attractive location but is also known as an art colony where one can find Sri Lanka's oldest lighthouse, a maritime museum, the cathedral of St. Mary built by the Jesuit society, and a shiva temple.
About 150 miles from Colombo, you can find a wildlife reserve with the highest density of leopards in the world, Yala National Park. There is a good possibility that you will encounter a leopard during the excursion but you will also be able to catch a view of crocodiles, elephants, and sloth bears. In 1938, Yala was listed as a national park but before that one of the five blocks of this sanctuary was a hunting zone. The committee has introduced the visitors to a very informative center at the entrance of the park for a quick insightful orientation about the area.
Visa Requirements
The Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) is an accessible online system for tourists to visit Sri Lanka for tourism purposes. To obtain a tourist visa, applicants need to fill out a straightforward online visa application, which is usually approved within 2-3 days. The ETA is of two types: one valid for 30 days and another for 90 days, both offering double entries. The passport needs to have a minimum validity of 6 months from the arrival date, and travelers should carry a printed copy of the visa letter along with their passport. Proof of the accommodation is not always mandatory but in some cases, it is required. Due to the COVID pandemic, a negative PCR test within 72 hours of arrival or a Double Vaccination Certificate is compulsory. Your entry will be denied in case you fail to provide any of the documents mentioned. Before application, check the list of eligible countries for Sri Lanka ETA and ensure that your passport has at least 2 blank pages and a correct digital passport photo for a hassle-free experience upon arrival. For detailed information visit the official site of Sri Lanka E-visa Authority.
FAQs
Can tourists drive in Sri Lanka?
- Yes, the Department of Motor Traffic of Sri Lanka provides temporary permits for eligible tourists/foreigners. Another alternative is the International Driving Permit provided by the Automobile Association of Sri Lanka (AA). You can rent a car or a bike to autonomously explore the island. However, if you are not confident to tackle the possibly unpredictable traffic, you can even hire a local driver.
Is Sri Lanka a tourist destination?
- Sri Lanka is called the pearl of the ocean for a reason. From breathtaking beaches with cerulean waters to majestic mountains and waterfalls, nature blessed the island most generously. Climbing the peaks, the iconic train rides, safari, surfing, and shopping; there are countless excuses to land on this charismatic country.
Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
- Sri Lanka is now more or less politically stable. It has overcome the economic crisis to a certain extent and has become a tourist venue for travelers all around the world. Over the years, the warm hospitality, respect towards women, and the essence of Buddhism in the Sri Lankans have made Sri Lanka the safest place to visit for tourists.
