Since the national borders have reopened, more than half of my friends have gone abroad for vacation. Although airfare prices have yet to return to pre-pandemic levels, everyone’s desire to travel is surging.
As summer vacation is upon us, I’m not sure if you have any plans to travel abroad. If you haven’t decided on a destination yet, I have a suggestion for you.
This place is known as the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” When you mention it, people always think of it as sacred and beautiful.
This country is not large; to be precise, it’s a small “island nation” in the Indian Ocean.
@Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau
It’s primarily an agricultural country, and I guess many of you have tasted the Ceylon tea exported from here.
It is also renowned as the “Island of Gems,” where you can find rubies, sapphires, and cat’s eyes.
With so many enticing titles stacked together, I’ve long been fascinated by this place. It was formerly known as Ceylon and is now the dream destination of many—Sri Lanka.
However, due to well-known reasons, this South Asian island nation, with nearly 22 million people, faced bankruptcy last year.
@Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau
More than one of my friends has asked me: Is it still possible to travel to a country that’s gone bankrupt? The answer is yes.
Bankruptcy is merely an economic issue, but the country itself remains intact. The over 60,000 square kilometers of land hasn’t diminished one bit. Sri Lankans are still warmly opening their arms, waiting for friends from all over the world to visit.
I even did a little research and found that after the policies were relaxed this year, quite a few travelers chose Sri Lanka as their first destination. In February alone, over 100,000 Chinese tourists entered the country, and the local government held a grand welcome ceremony at the airport.
@Sri Lanka Tourism Bureau
I recommend Sri Lanka for your vacation, not only because of the titles mentioned above but for several other reasons.
1) Compared to other vacation spots, the locals here are simple and unpretentious, and the degree of commercialization is much lower.
2) Although the island is small, it offers a high level of fun.
Honestly, despite the island’s modest size of over 60,000 square kilometers, the sheer number of activities and experiences worth checking out is almost endless.
Sunshine, beaches, and the sea; rainforest, grasslands, flora, and fauna; whale watching, staying in resort hotels, visiting local markets, experiencing unique exotic cultures… Any of these alone can make me rush off on a vacation.
Sri Lanka is also known for its delicious food.
You can feast on lobsters and crabs locally until you’re full. Although these aren’t considered cheap ingredients, compared to prices back home, it’s still quite a bargain.
Alright, I won’t say too much in this opening. In this article, I’ll mainly talk about how to play, eat, and stay in Sri Lanka. If you’re planning a seaside vacation, go ahead and save this for reference.
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Step One: Departure
These practical tips are essential to know before you go.
Where is Sri Lanka, and how to get there?
Located in the Indian Ocean, this island nation has had quite a tumultuous history. It has remnants of colonial presence left by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British, showing how they all favored this place.
The capital is Colombo, and you can fly to Bandaranaike International Airport in Colombo.
Visa Information
You can obtain either an electronic visa or a visa on arrival.
Electronic Visa: You can directly apply on the official website of the Sri Lanka Electronic Travel Authorization System.
Here’s the website: www.eta.gov.lk
The visa is valid for 90 days, allows for a 30-day stay in Sri Lanka, and the fee is $50.
Visa on Arrival: When you arrive at Colombo Airport, provide the necessary entry materials. The visa is valid for 90 days, allows for a 30-day stay, and the fee is $60.
48-hour Transit Visa: Free of charge.
Time Difference and Currency
Sri Lanka is 2.5 hours behind Beijing Time. When it’s noon in Beijing, it’s only 9:30 AM in Sri Lanka.
The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee. Based on the current exchange rate, 1 Chinese Yuan equals 45.23 Sri Lankan Rupees.
At the arrival hall of Colombo Airport, there are 24-hour currency exchange services available. You can also find currency exchange points in Colombo and major tourist cities in Sri Lanka, where you can directly exchange US dollars, Euros, and British pounds.
Additionally, many towns have banks and ATMs that support UnionPay cards for cash withdrawals. However, it is advisable to exchange more rupees as there are fewer cities outside Colombo where card payments are widely accepted.
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How to Travel in Sri Lanka
Despite being a small island, Sri Lanka boasts 8 World Heritage Sites, 13 national parks, and 52 nature reserves. Even if you spent a month there, you might still not be able to explore it thoroughly.
Generally speaking, the central region is mountainous and has a strong religious atmosphere. The eastern and southern parts are coastal, ideal for surfing and diving. The southwest is home to Colombo and Negombo, the central region has Sigiriya and Kandy, while the east has Trincomalee and the south features Yala and Mirissa… There are simply too many places worth visiting.
@Sri Lanka Tourism Board
Many people say that traveling in Sri Lanka is like opening a blind box; you never know what cute animals and interesting things you will encounter next.
Little Tips: Sri Lanka has many attractions, but they are relatively dispersed, and the distances between them are considerable. Transportation can greatly affect your schedule, so for those with limited time, it’s advisable to make some compromises in your itinerary.
I’ll provide a travel map of the island and give you a detailed introduction to a few must-visit places.
Negombo
Explore the Fish Market, Feed Elephants｜Enjoy Less Crowded Beaches｜Eat Affordable Seafood
Negombo is a port city on Sri Lanka’s west coast and the closest city to Sri Lanka’s international airport (only 6 kilometers away). Many visitors choose to rest here for a couple of days upon arriving in the country.
This city isn’t very developed; it doesn’t have bustling streets or crowded people, offering a sense of tranquility away from urban life.
Although its beaches are not as blue as those in the southern Trincomalee, they are spacious and serene. You don’t need to walk to the end of the road to see the ocean; the hotels here are built right on the beach, and as soon as you open the door, you are greeted with a vast ocean view.
When in Negombo, the local fish market is a must-visit.
It’s one of the classics recommended by LP (Lonely Planet) and is full of cultural vibes, attracting many photography enthusiasts who come here specifically to take pictures.
There are two major fish markets, one located on the outskirts by the sea and the other near the center of Negombo. Both are open all day.
Visiting the fish market allows you to authentically experience the local life, watching them fish and dry their catch, and understanding their way of life, which is one of the most fascinating aspects of travel.
You can also see a variety of fresh fish, shrimp, and crabs at the market, with the locals drying them in dense rows on the ground—a quite impressive sight.
In addition, the Elephant Orphanage is also worth a visit, located at B199, Pinnawala 71100, Sri Lanka. (📍You can mark it directly on Google Maps; it is open from 8:30 AM to 5:30 PM).
Currently, there are only two open Elephant Orphanages in the world, located in Sri Lanka and Kenya. Sri Lanka is home to the world’s first Elephant Orphanage, which mainly shelters elephants that are homeless, separated from their herds, or suffering from diseases.
Although I haven’t personally visited the Elephant Orphanage, every time I see pictures online, I really want to gently touch them and give them some warmth. The park also allows you to freely feed the elephants and have “close contact” with them.
Colombo
Economic Hub | Shopping Paradise
Colombo is the commercial capital of Sri Lanka and a paradise for shopping enthusiasts. It is situated on the southwest coast of Sri Lanka and is an important port in the Indian Ocean, about 70 kilometers from the Sri Lanka International Airport.
Although not far from Negombo, my suggestion is to make Colombo the last stop of your trip. This way, you can shop to your heart’s content without having to carry numerous souvenirs to your next destination.
Sri Lanka’s most famous museums are also located here, namely the National Museum and the National Museum of Natural History.
Visiting these museums can help you connect with the country’s past and present, and I found that there are many exhibits there. Both museums charge entrance fees for foreign visitors, costing 1000 Rupees (about 84 RMB) and 1200 Rupees (about 101 RMB), respectively.
Additionally, Sri Lanka is a country with strong religious beliefs, where Buddhism and Hinduism coexist, and about ten percent of the population is Muslim.
Therefore, visiting local temples is also a highly ceremonial experience. The atmosphere in these temples is completely different from those in other countries, with locals quietly worshipping and praying.
The Gangaramaya Temple is especially worth visiting. Although the temple is not large, it contains many relics, and the entrance fee is 300 Rupees (about 12 RMB). The temple has a specially designed route for tourists from inside to outside, and it regularly hosts Buddhist events.
@Zheng Qi
This is an intricately crafted building, housing a collection of precious treasures, such as Arhat relics, pure gold ritual tools, and ivory artifacts, which you can see inside the temple.
@Zheng Qi
Additionally, I’m quite curious about the Red Mosque. Its exterior is a dreamy pink, reminiscent of a princess’s palace or a monument from the early 20th century.
According to the information, it was built in 1908, making it the oldest mosque in Colombo.
A small tip: when visiting, you must dress modestly, wearing long-sleeved shirts and pants. Shoes must be removed during the visit.
Galle
Ancient Living City | Admire the Sunrises and Sunsets of the Indian Ocean
Galle is a coastal city in the southwest of Sri Lanka, located approximately 100 kilometers south of Colombo. It offers both historical and cultural attractions as well as scenic beaches.
The most worthwhile place to visit in Galle is the ancient city.
In the 16th century, the Portuguese built the Galle Fort here. It once flourished and reached its peak.
Later, the island came under the threat of the Dutch, who expanded the fort with the addition of three bastions and then built walls around the island, gradually forming the present-day old town of Galle.
Today, the ancient city has been listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And by the way, visiting the old city is free of charge.
Walking through the ancient city, you can see small European-style houses everywhere. The old city retains numerous colonial-era residences, churches, and streets.
Scattered at the street corners are various cafes, constantly showcasing the vibrant and exotic atmosphere.
Besides the old fort, Galle also boasts azure seas and sandy beaches.
If you want to find a perfect spot for watching the sunrise and sunset, “Flag Rock” is the best place. It is located not far from the white lighthouse next to the Utrecht Bastion.
You can stand on the seawall of Galle Fort and admire the magnificent sunset over the Indian Ocean, which is truly another kind of beautiful life experience.
Sigiriya Sigiriya
A World Heritage City on the Belt and Road | Lion Rock
The ancient city of Sigiriya, also known as Lion Rock, is located about 170 kilometers northeast of Colombo.
This was the ancient palace of Sigiriya. The entire palace is built on the summit, resembling a massive reclining lion, hence the name “Lion Rock.” It is said that the reason for building it on the rock summit was a strategy by the then king to prevent retaliation.
It is hailed as the eighth wonder of the world, one of the vertices of Sri Lanka’s “Cultural Triangle,” and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. An entrance ticket to Lion Rock costs $30 for adults and $15 for children.
The palace is renowned for the frescoes of Sigiriya, the only non-religious murals preserved in Sri Lankan history, which are worth taking the time to appreciate.
A small tip: make sure to wear comfortable shoes when you visit, as the entire tour involves climbing with steep slopes, so be cautious and stay safe.
Kandy Kandy
Administrative Center | Surrounded by Mountains | Pilgrimage Site for Buddhists
If you’re looking to relax with your elderly family members and go on a wellness-themed vacation, then this city is perfect for you. Kandy, built in the 14th century, is located in the south-central part of Sri Lanka. Surrounded by mountains and adjacent to water, even animals love living in this area.
Horton Plains National Park is a significant eco-tourism spot here. It is the only national park in Sri Lanka that allows visitors to hike. It has been given a beautiful name, “World’s End.”
Looking into the distance, you see rolling hills and endless greenery, along with a variety of wildlife roaming around. Taking a walk here, who would still think about the mundane affairs of the world?
Kandy Lake, located in the city center, is also a great choice for a leisurely stroll. It is a large artificial lake excavated from a rice field. It is said that this lake holds great significance for local residents, much like West Lake does for Hangzhou. Relaxing here in the evening and enjoying the colorful scenery along the lake can be very soothing.
Moreover, the ancient city of Kandy is renowned for its Buddhist heritage, with the Temple of the Tooth being a famous historical building and a pilgrimage site for Buddhists.
The temple is located right next to Kandy Lake. Admission to the temple costs 1500 rupees (126 RMB) for adults, and it is free for children.
Inside the temple, the sacred tooth relic of Siddhartha Gautama, a national treasure of Sri Lanka, is enshrined. The place is bustling with worshippers and those interested can come for a visit.
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Food in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka boasts a rich variety of resources and has been engaged in maritime trade since ancient times. The country’s culinary culture has become even more diverse due to the influences of Indian and Malaysian immigrants, as well as Portuguese, Dutch, and British colonizers.
The most well-known to us is certainly Ceylon tea. It is referred to as “a gift to the world,” and just thinking about it makes it seem very precious.
Moreover, Sri Lanka is a major exporter of high-quality crabs, so naturally, you should indulge in some crab dishes here! Colombo’s 📍Ministry of Crab is in the top 50 in Asia and is worth a special visit.
Locals are especially fond of eating hoppers, also known as “Appa.” You can find them in almost any small eatery. Locals have them for breakfast, and they are somewhat similar to our pancakes back home.
These pancakes are thick in the middle and crispy on the edges, with eggs and sweet coconut milk often added in the middle. They are also very convenient to carry.
Being in a tropical area, you can find all sorts of tropical fruits here, and they are very affordable. Make sure to try the local fresh coconuts; you can get a large one for about 40 rupees (3.5 RMB).
If you love coconut, you can also try coconut chicken soup, which is fragrantly sweet. You’d feel like you haven’t fully enjoyed the cheap coconut if you don’t have at least three bowls.
Sri Lankan yogurt is also quite unique. It is very thick, and locals often add various fruits to it. It makes for a nice dessert after meals, somewhat similar to our fruit salad back home.
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Where to Stay in Sri Lanka
For those who love relaxing in hotels, Sri Lanka is even more appealing.
Whether you prefer a relaxing vacation or an adventurous escapade, jungle cabins, tent camps, and seaside villas… all of them will leave you spoiled for choice.
Caicai has previously written an article specifically on how to choose hotels in Sri Lanka to easily dominate your social media feed. You can check out that article, so I’ll save some effort by not elaborating too much here.
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Finally, let me summarize for everyone.
For a 5-7 day vacation, you can cover Negombo + Kandy + the southern coast;
For an 8-10 day vacation, you can include Colombo + Galle + Sigiriya + Kandy + the southern coast.
Currently, the situation in Lanka is generally stable. Although domestic prices have risen compared to 2019 due to inflation, for foreign tourists, when converted to their own currency, it remains fairly consistent.
