1: Why Visit Sri Lanka – Sacred, Scenic & Soulful

Sri Lanka is a compact tropical paradise with spiritual depth, lush landscapes, diverse wildlife, and a rich blend of Hindu, Buddhist, and colonial influences. Whether you’re walking in Lord Rama’s footsteps or sipping tea in the highlands, this island rewards every traveler with awe and serenity.

2: Ramayana Trail & Sacred Hindu Sites

Sri Lanka plays a divine role in the Ramayana epic. Key sites include:

• Sita Eliya Temple near Nuwara Eliya
• Ashok Vatika (Sita’s garden)
• Ravana Caves & Falls
• Manavari Temple (where Lord Rama first installed a Shiva lingam)
• Munneswaram Temple, linked to Rama’s penance

3: Buddhist Heritage – Kandy, Dambulla & Anuradhapura

Sri Lanka’s Buddhist roots date back over two millennia. Visit the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy, the UNESCO-listed Dambulla Cave Temples with 150+ Buddha statues, and the ancient capitals of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, home to sacred Bo trees and massive dagobas.

4: Sigiriya Rock Fortress – Sri Lanka’s Crown Jewel

Climb the dramatic Sigiriya Rock, a 5th-century fortress rising nearly 200 meters high. Marvel at ancient frescoes, lion paws carved in stone, and panoramic jungle views from the summit. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Asia’s most photogenic landmarks.

5: Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage & Wildlife Parks

Visit the Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage to see rescued elephants bathe and roam freely. Head to Yala National Park to spot leopards, elephants in Minneriya, or birds in Bundala. For sloth bears and untouched nature, explore Wilpattu and Sinharaja Rainforest.

6: Nuwara Eliya – Tea Estates & Little England

Nuwara Eliya offers cool weather, colonial charm, and miles of rolling Ceylon tea plantations. Tour tea factories, stroll Gregory Lake, and visit Hakgala Botanical Gardens. The train ride from Kandy to Ella is a once-in-a-lifetime journey.

7: Whale Watching & Ocean Life

See blue whales and spinner dolphins in Mirissa (Dec–April) or Trincomalee (May–Sept). Marine safaris also include turtle spotting, deep-sea fishing, and coral reef snorkeling.

8: Best Beaches – South, East & West

• Bentota & Hikkaduwa – great for families
• Arugam Bay – world-famous surf break
• Unawatuna & Mirissa – scenic bays & beach bars
• Nilaveli – crystal-clear waters & coral reefs

9: Colonial Galle & Cultural Towns

Explore Galle Fort, a Dutch-era seaside town with cafés and galleries. In Colombo, see colonial mansions and modern street art. Jaffna offers Tamil culture, Hindu temples, and vibrant markets.

10: Festivals of Sri Lanka – Color, Devotion & Dance

• Esala Perahera (Kandy) – elephants & fire dancers
• Vesak Poya – Buddhist lights & prayers
• Thai Pongal & Deepavali – Tamil harvest festivals
• Sinhala & Tamil New Year in April

11: Sri Lankan Cuisine – Bold, Spicy & Soulful

Try kottu roti, lamprais, egg hoppers, and fiery fish ambul thiyal. Enjoy seafood feasts in Negombo and high tea in the hills. Street food lovers must sample isso wade (prawn fritters).

12: Shopping – Gems, Batik & Artisanal Goods

Top buys include:

• Ceylon sapphires & moonstones
• Batik wall hangings & sarongs
• Elephant wood carvings
• Organic spices & tea packs

Best places: Laksala (Govt store), Barefoot Gallery (Colombo), Kandy City Centre

13: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – Visa, Currency, Etiquette & Packing

Visa for Indians

Apply for ETA online (30 days, double-entry allowed)

Currency

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR); ATMs widely available. Keep cash for local markets.

Power Plug

Types D, M & G | Voltage: 230V | Use universal adapter

Etiquette

• Cover shoulders/knees at temples
• Remove shoes before entering religious sites
• Don’t turn your back on Buddha statues
• Right hand for eating/giving
• Tipping not compulsory but appreciated

Packing List

Cotton clothing, temple wear (scarf/long pants), swimwear, sandals, hat, sunscreen, light jacket for hills, insect repellent, power bank.

1: Why Visit Sri Lanka – Sacred, Scenic & Soulful

From legendary Ramayana sites to whale-filled oceans and ancient Buddhist relics, Sri Lanka is a soulful tropical island bursting with experiences. Its compact geography makes it easy to combine history, wildlife, beaches, and Ayurveda in one unforgettable trip.

2: Ramayana Trail & Sacred Hindu Sites

Sri Lanka plays a vital role in the Ramayana epic, drawing pilgrims from India and beyond. Visit Sita Eliya Temple in Nuwara Eliya, Ashok Vatika, Ravana Caves, and Ravana Falls where Sita is believed to have been held captive. Munneswaram and Manavari temples are also connected to Lord Rama’s journey.

3: Buddhist Heritage & Ancient Kingdoms

Explore ancient Buddhist capitals like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, home to giant stupas, Buddha statues, and sacred Bodhi trees. Visit Kandy’s Temple of the Tooth Relic, the spiritual heart of Sri Lankan Buddhism, and admire Dambulla Cave Temples painted with centuries-old frescoes.

4: Scenic Highlands & Nuwara Eliya’s Tea Estates

Nicknamed “Little England,” Nuwara Eliya offers cool weather, colonial-era bungalows, and endless Ceylon tea estates. Enjoy factory tours, high tea sessions, and hikes through mist-covered hills. The train journey from Kandy to Ella is among the most scenic rail rides in the world.

5: Wildlife Safaris & National Parks

Sri Lanka boasts 26 national parks. Spot leopards in Yala, herds of elephants in Minneriya, and sloth bears in Wilpattu. For birdwatchers and nature lovers, Sinharaja Forest Reserve and Bundala offer rich biodiversity.

6: Whale Watching, Dolphins & Marine Wonders

Sri Lanka is one of the best places in the world to spot blue whales and spinner dolphins. Head to Mirissa, Kalpitiya, or Trincomalee for whale watching tours (Dec–Apr for south coast, May–Oct for east coast).

7: Idyllic Beaches & Surf Havens

Sri Lanka’s coastline is a paradise. Relax on the golden sands of Bentota and Hikkaduwa, surf in Arugam Bay, or snorkel in Unawatuna and Nilaveli. Beach resorts offer Ayurveda spas and candlelit dinners by the sea.

8: Colonial Heritage & Charming Towns

Visit Galle Fort, a beautifully preserved Dutch-Portuguese fortress. In Colombo, explore colonial churches, museums, and hip cafés. Don’t miss Negombo (Dutch canals) or Jaffna (Tamil culture & temples).

9: Festivals of Sri Lanka – Cultural & Spiritual

Attend the dazzling Kandy Esala Perahera with decorated elephants and fire dancers. Celebrate Vesak Poya, Sinhala & Tamil New Year, and Hindu festivals like Thaipusam. Buddhist, Hindu, and Christian events reflect the island’s diversity.

10: Food & Culinary Traditions

Enjoy flavorful dishes like kottu roti, string hoppers, lamprais, and sour fish curry (ambul thiyal). Sip world-famous Ceylon tea in the highlands. Coastal areas offer fresh seafood and tropical fruits.

11: Shopping – Tea, Gems & Textiles

Buy Ceylon blue sapphires, handloom saris, Batik art, elephant carvings, and of course, premium Ceylon tea. Colombo’s Barefoot Gallery and Laksala are perfect for curated souvenirs.

12: Ayurveda, Wellness & Nature Retreats

Sri Lanka is renowned for its Ayurvedic healing and spiritual retreats. Visit coastal or highland spas for herbal therapies, yoga sessions, and detox programs. Popular destinations include Beruwala, Dambulla, and Ella.

13: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – Visa, Currency, Etiquette & Essentials

Visa Requirements

Indians can apply for a Sri Lanka ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) online for 30 days (double entry).

Currency

Local currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Use cash for local shops; cards accepted in most urban hotels/restaurants.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Plugs: Types D, G, and M

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz (carry universal adapter)

Cultural Etiquette

• Dress modestly in temples (cover shoulders & knees)
• Remove footwear before entering homes and temples
• Avoid public affection
• Don’t turn your back to a Buddha statue
• Right hand for giving/receiving is preferred

Packing Tips

Light cotton clothes, temple attire (long pants/scarf), swimwear, flip-flops, sunblock, insect repellent, light jacket for hill areas, waterproof phone pouch (beach), and basic medical kit.

1: Why Visit Sri Lanka – The Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka is an island of infinite variety — where golden beaches meet misty mountains, and ancient temples coexist with tea plantations. Whether you seek wildlife safaris, spiritual sites, or coastal relaxation, this compact paradise offers it all. It’s ideal for Indian families, honeymooners, wellness seekers, and adventurers alike.

2: Ancient Cities & Sacred Temples

Walk among the ruins of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, and the Sacred City of Kandy, home to the revered Temple of the Tooth Relic. Climb the iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO site known for its frescoes and engineering marvel. These ancient cities whisper stories of kings, monks, and miracles.

3: Spiritual Journeys & Buddhist Heritage

As a deeply Buddhist nation, Sri Lanka radiates peaceful energy and sacred traditions. Visit centuries-old stupas, Bodhi trees, and meditation caves. Attend a Poya (full moon) day, or engage in silent retreats and dharma talks in monasteries around Kandy, Anuradhapura, or Ella.

4: Wildlife Safari & National Parks

Sri Lanka is a biodiversity hotspot. Go on jeep safaris in Yala, Udawalawe, or Wilpattu National Parks to spot elephants, leopards, sloth bears, crocodiles, and over 400 bird species. Witness the annual Elephant Gathering in Minneriya, a spectacle unlike any other in Asia.

5: Scenic Highlands & Tea Plantations

Take a train ride from Kandy to Ella, one of the most beautiful rail journeys in the world, passing waterfalls and emerald tea fields. Explore Nuwara Eliya, known as “Little England,” and visit lush tea estates where you can sip world-famous Ceylon tea right from the source.

6: Beaches, Surfing & Seaside Serenity

From the calm beaches of Bentota and Hikkaduwa to the surfing haven of Arugam Bay, Sri Lanka’s coastline suits all moods. For snorkeling and whale watching, head to Mirissa or Trincomalee. Sunsets are spectacular, and coastal resorts blend beach luxury with Ayurveda spas.

7: Colonial Towns & Cultural Crossroads

Visit the UNESCO-listed Galle Fort, a colonial Dutch-Portuguese marvel. Stroll past cobbled streets, antique shops, and oceanfront cafes. Colombo, the bustling capital, mixes colonial buildings with modern flair. Towns like Jaffna and Negombo reveal Hindu, Christian, and Muslim layers.

8: Festivals of Sri Lanka – Elephants, Fire & Devotion

Don’t miss the Kandy Esala Perahera, a dazzling procession of elephants, fire-dancers, drummers, and Buddhist relics. Celebrate Sinhala & Tamil New Year in April or Diwali in eastern Sri Lanka. Vesak Poya (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death) lights up the country with glowing lanterns.

9: Sri Lankan Cuisine – Flavours of Spice & Soul

Sri Lankan food is a celebration of flavor. Try hoppers (appa), kottu roti, jackfruit curry, and fiery ambul thiyal (sour fish curry). Street food stalls and beach cafes serve fresh seafood, while hill towns offer cinnamon and clove-spiced teas.

10: Shopping – From Gems to Batik

Sri Lanka is a treasure trove for shoppers. Buy blue sapphires, handloom saris, Ceylon tea, elephant carvings, and Batik artworks. Colombo’s Pettah Market, Barefoot Gallery, and Laksala handicraft stores are ideal for souvenirs.

11: Ayurveda, Wellness & Yoga

Sri Lanka’s Ayurvedic traditions date back thousands of years. Enjoy rejuvenating treatments at spas in Bentota, Beruwala, and Dambulla. Detox with herbal medicines, oil massages, and yoga retreats in tranquil coastal or hill regions.

12: Offbeat Experiences – Leopard Trails to Jaffna

Discover off-the-radar gems like Kalpitiya (dolphins), Mannar Island (flamingos), Knuckles Mountain Range (hiking), and Jaffna Peninsula for Tamil culture and untouched beaches. These places offer serene escapes and rare local interactions.

 13: Sri Lanka Travel Tips – Visa, Currency, Etiquette & Essentials

Visa Requirements

Indian citizens can apply for a Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online. It’s a quick process and typically valid for 30 days with double entry.

Currency

Official currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)

Use local currency for most transactions. Credit cards are accepted in hotels and upscale restaurants.

Power Plugs & Voltage

Plug Types: D, M, G (often a mix)

Voltage: 230V / 50Hz

Universal adapter recommended.

Cultural Etiquette

• Remove shoes when entering temples
• Dress modestly (especially in sacred sites)
• Public displays of affection are discouraged
• Use right hand for giving and receiving
• Don’t pose with your back to Buddha statues

Packing Tips

Modest clothing, sunscreen, mosquito repellent, flip-flops, swimwear, travel medicine, scarf for temple visits, light rain jacket (especially May–Sept), offline maps, and tea bags for souvenirs.