Hire a car and driver to road trip through Sri Lanka its the best way to explore the temples, national parks and beaches Getty Images / iStockphoto, The top 6 road trips in Sri Lanka for island adventures. Youll encounter all manner of art, carvings and statuary from Sri Lankas ancient past, as well as swords, guns and other paraphernalia from the colonial period. Second-class seats have padding and fans overhead, while third-class seats have little padding and carriages can be uncomfortably full. Look for the magnificent royal throne made for King Wimaladharmasuriya II in 1693, as well as the 9th-century Bodhisattva Sandals, which resemble twogiant bronze feet. Mirissa. Lonely Planets Best in Travel lists the top 10 countries, cities and regions alongside other travel experiences for the year ahead, ranked by the staff of Lonely Planet, including editors and contributors from around the world. Starting from the capital and taking regular stops to look out over the scenery, trace the A1 highway inland to higher ground and the sacred city of Kandy, home to Sri Lankas most revered temple. Cycling around historic areas such as Anuradhapura and Sigiriya is a great way to explore these important sites; guesthouses rent out inexpensive Chinese- and Indian-made mountain bikes for about Rs500 (US$3) per day. Sunsets here are enjoyed by one and all. Dangerous sharks are not a problem in Sri Lanka, but poisonous snakes are found in waterlogged areas on land such as paddy fields. Low season in Sri Lanka starts with the coming of the Yala monsoon in May, which pounds the west and south, as well as the Hill Country, through August. However, unless you specifically request otherwise, the whole safari can be a rush between one elephant herd and the next, with no time to pause and enjoy the myriad other, equally interesting creatures who reside here. You can get really cheap flights from Maldives to Sri Lanka HERE and we paid around $150 for our flight from Male Colombo. When planning a Sri Lankan adventure, keep in mind that the country experiences its rainy season from May through August, making December through April usually the best time to visit. These are our favorite local haunts, touristy spots, and hidden gems throughout Sri Lanka. Consequently, it's a far less zoo-like experience and it never feels too crowded here, even during high season. Germany is rated second in the countries list, with a nod to the centenary of Bauhaus next year, and Zimbabwe where tourists are starting to return after the resignation of Robert Mugabe comes in third. Sri Lanka was one of the countries worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which swept away more than 35,000 people and devastated many coastal areas. Remove your shoes and headgear before entering any Buddhist or Hindu temple or mosque, even if the site is a historic ruin. You might say Sri Lanka has been hiding in plain sight. Subscribe to Lonely Planet newsletters and promotions. While the ratio of tourists to residents is relatively low compared with countries where overtourism is now a major issue, some conservationists have expressed concern over the speed of development in certain areas. A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to having an easy trip to this Indian Ocean island. Alongside its famouselephant herds, the park is home to mongooses, jackals, water monitor lizards, lots of crocodiles, sloth bears and the occasional leopard. Its possible to self-drive a hire car in Sri Lanka, but most people prefer to leave the driving to someone with experience of the local driving conditions. Poised off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is defined by its rich culture and friendly people. No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting the Sigiriya, a Heres our pick of the best ones. There has also been a huge investment in new visitor accommodation: from homestays to high-end eco retreats such as the Wild Coast Lodges cocoon-like buildings in Yala national park. To get you started, here are the top things to eat and drink in India. Once youve scaled the rock, try trekking up neighboring hills for unbeatable views of Sigiriya, towering above its woodland surrounds. Across the island, that thing that goes bump in the night might be an elephant heading to a favorite waterhole. He won. The national flag will be hoisted and the national anthem sung, the traditional lamp will be lit and there will be meticulously coordinated military parades, firing of canons and various religious and cultural performances. A local graced me with those lovely words from, After a tumultuous two decades of political instability and civil war, calm has returned to Sri Lanka, and visitors are flooding back. A vision of tropical bliss, Mirissa Beach boasts powdery pale sand, while its azure water is framed by an arc of coconut palms. There are some modest exhibits at the entrance to while away the time or it's possible to watch birds from the lagoon hide while a driver is summoned from nearby Panama (about 30 minutes or so). The carvings make superb use of the natural marbling in the rock. There's also very little shade on the beach thanks to much of the original fringe of palm trees being chopped down to make way for beachfront cafes and hundreds of sun loungers. From commuter to long-haul, third-class seats to luxury cabins, wooden benches to sleepers, the following are some of the best train trips in Thailand. For up-to-date weather warnings and situation reports, bookmark the countrys Disaster Management Center website. Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka and many restaurant workers rely on the extra income this practice brings. An International Driving Permit (IDP) is required to drive in Sri Lanka and this must be locally endorsed by the Automobile Association of Ceylon. 1 Direct booking You get best prices through us. Laze on a gorgeous beach, surf at Arugam Bay and watch for whales at Marissa all with your trusted travel companion. Sri Lanka is spectacular, affordable and still often uncrowded. Between May and September, the south coast and west coast of Sri Lanka are lashed by the southwest monsoon, which brings plenty of rainfall and choppy seas, while northern and eastern parts of the island are fine and dry. These guys, who all seem to have hawk-like wildlife-spotting eyes, are normally very knowledgable about the park and its animals. After the war concludedin2009, authorities began the painstaking task of restoration, with financial help from the Dutch government. Spice-loving India serves up some of the worlds richest flavors. Heres our list of the best places to visit in Sri Lanka. Speeding buses, trucks and cars use all parts of the roadway and shoulder, so be cautious and wear highly visible clothing, and be ready to pull over to let large vehicles pass. Lonely Planet Sri Lanka 15 (Travel Guide) $21.00 (12) In Stock. Never feed a wild elephant this habituates elephants to associate humans with food and act aggressively. The shoulder season, September, October, and November, is a good time to visit as well. Buses are the country's primary mode of transport, with routes connecting most towns and cities. Sri Lankan Buddhists take depictions of the Buddha very seriously and these should always be treated with respect. 12 places that should feature on every Sri Lanka itinerary. You wont find too much peace and quiet in peak season, but you will find plenty of sun-smooched sand and good places to stay, eat and catch a wave. No vaccinations are available for dengue and treatment can only reduce symptoms. Bundala has a beauty that other parks cannot match, and huge flocks of migratory birds from December to March make this one of the finest birding destinations in the country. Also bring a sarong you can use it as a beach blanket or towel, as a shawl or skirt to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting temples, and as a warm layer when traveling on air-conditioned buses or for pre-dawn safari jeep drives. Befitting a surf hub, there are beach bars, surf schools and board-rental shops, just steps from the ocean. While motorcycle and scooter rental is not as widespread as in Southeast Asia, its easy and inexpensive to arrange along the coast. The park, which centres on the 308.2-sq-km Uda Walawe Reservoir, is lightly vegetated, but it has a stark beauty, and the lack of dense vegetation makes game watching easy. Germany 3. A fusion of Indian, Southeast Asian, Arabic and European flavors, Sri Lankan food is a feast for the senses. Should you beat the inevitable languor, you can surf and dive world-class sites without world-class crowds. For such a small nation, Sri Lanka is hugely diverse. Everything seems different up north, with staccato Tamil replacing the singsong sound of Sinhala, dagobas (stupas) swapped for colourful Hindu temples, and a menu that looks north towards India. Traveling in November brings decent chances of spotting whales, elephants and leopards, but the best time for elephant spotting is from July to October when pachyderms gather in great herds. Everyday low prices and free delivery on eligible orders. at Bodhgaya in India. Journeys never last more than a day because of Sri Lankas relatively small size, but trains are slow and often late and during the twin monsoons, rain can splash in through the open doorways and wonky windows of second and third class carriages. Its also a short flight at around 1h30m so we found this route to be perfect. Given Sri Lankas conservative culture, long sleeves and dresses are culturally appropriate and will reduce the chance of being harassed. Despite the island's well-developed tourist industry, many Sri Lankans are socially conservative and deeply religious. Discover a favourite beach, meditate in a 2000-year-old temple, exchange smiles while strolling a mellow village, marvel at birds and wildflowers, try to keep count of the little dishes that come with your rice and curry. If you do want to drive yourself, there are several hire companies based at Bandaranaike International Airport. Now is the best time to discover it. Keep a keen lookout for elephants on roads leading to national parks or when walking or driving in the hills. Here's what you need to know for a trouble-free trip. The country has implemented safety guidelines and precautionary measures as it gets ready to welcome visitors again. Ideal for travelers that are visiting for an extended time and want to tailor their own trip. About a dozen bears live in the park, but theyre rarely seen. Start in Colombo, Sri Lankas history-stuffed capital city, exploring temples and markets and fine dining on crab curry, then drift south to the sands of Aluthgama and Bentota, taking time to detour inland to the charming Brief Garden. Sri Lanka Advertisement 2. A park guide is included in the cost of admission. If you arrange a driver for a longer trip, dont be surprised if you get invited to their home for a meal before the end of your stay. History Golden rules to keep in mind when traveling to this destination. Visit One of the Countrys National ParksUda Walawe National Park. Situated in southern Sri Lanka, Uda Walawe National Park is the best place to go if you really want to see an elephant.Bundala National Park. Horton Plains National Park. Yala National Park. Minneriya National Park. The standing Buddha is 7m tall and is said to be the finest of the series. All rights reserved. All in all, this DIY approach may be a slightly cheaper option, but in high season jeep availability may not be guaranteed and in low season it does entail some waiting around. With herds of elephants, wild buffalos, sambars and spotted deer, and giant squirrels, this Sri Lankan national park is one of the nation's finest. The western end also has a reasonable right point break for surfers. Youll also be better placed to navigate any fuel shortages on the island, as tour drivers have priority access to fuel. Copenhagen, Shenzhen in China and Nova Sad in Serbia were named as the best cities to travel to in 2019, while top trends include dark-skies tourism (with an increase in people stargazing and solar eclipse trips) and electric road trips, thanks to a rise in the number of car-rental companies offering alternatives to petrol and diesel vehicles. Rooms take you through each of Sri Lanka's historical kingdoms, with display boards explaining interesting details such as the significance of the mudras (gestures and poses) of Sri Lanka's Buddha statues. Things are quieter on Sri Lankas east coast, and its dry here during the islands May-to-August low season, making this a great trip for travelers on a budget. The only major point of focus is which side of the country is to be visited in a particular month. Sri Lankas compact size and cheap public transport system make it a real joy to travel around, with trains and buses ferrying wide-eyed visitors between hazy cities and breezy hill towns in just a matter of hours. The result is an enchanting, Unesco-listed city that keeps culture vultures entranced with landmark buildings, art galleries and museums, plus a side order of quirky, cosmopolitan places to stay, eat and shop. Daily distances will be limited by the roads and driving conditions; be prepared for lots of prudent eyes down cycling as you negotiate a flurry of obstacles from potholes to chickens. When heading out of Colombo in any direction, take a train to the edge of the city before you start cycling. In 2019, a British journalist died after being snatched by a crocodile at a lagoon near Arugam Bay such attacks are rare but they happen so be vigilant in rivers and lagoons. Human rights charities have also criticised large-scale tourism developments for their negative impact on local people. Private intercity routes tend to use small air-con buses that zip through traffic, offering quicker connections than standard private and government buses. The best train journeys in Sri Lanka and how to book them, Sri Lanka on a budget: 17 ways to make your money go further. The fourthBuddha in the small rock cavity is smaller and of inferior quality. Far more than a springboard to other sites, continually-overlooked Colombo has a lot to offer visitors if you can get to grips with its rather disjoined layout. For a relatively small country, Sri Lanka packs in some truly epic train journeys. There are two main types of bus public Sri Lanka Transport Board (SLTB) buses and private buses with big differences in prices between them. This is when the landscape is at its most photogenic and nocturnal animals start to pace out from their daytime lairs. Operators such as Ancient Lanka can sort you out with a car and a friendly, experienced driver from US$65 per day. Also be aware that, as in all of Sri Lanka's more popular parks, there are serious issues with drivers crowding and disturbing the flagship animals. Try to build up a stash of lower denomination notes wherever possible (for example, withdraw LKR5900 rather than LKR6000). At any time of year, the easiest way to explore is with a car and driver. Colombo Fort, of which the hospital is now part, was originally established by the Portuguese, who landed in Sri Lanka andslowly colonised the island during the 16th century. No trip to India would be complete without a railway journey. December is peak season in Sri Lanka, because Christmas and New Year holidays bring in travelers and vacation-goers from across the world, especially those looking for winter sun. Restaurants in Colombo's Dutch Hospital complex include Ministry of Crab, Heladiv Tea Club and T-Lounge by Dilmah, among many others. Elephants are Uda Walawe's key attraction, with around 600 in the park in herds of up to 50. This guide can help you make animal-friendly choices. All rights reserved. Carrying some cash in dollars, euros or pounds sterling is also useful all are widely accepted in tourist areas. Rates start from US$14 per day. Trek through jungles, tea estates, sacred sites and some spectacular landscapes with this guide to the best hiking routes in Sri Lanka. Long stayers might also consider getting vaccinated against typhoid and rabies (although rare, rabies can be fatal, and it's carried by dogs, cats and monkeys in Sri Lanka). Last tickets are usually sold at 5pm. Sri Lanka's trains are an extremely atmospheric way to explore Getty Images / EyeEm / Oksana Kozlova, The best ways to get around in Sri Lanka at any time of year. You'll get more from a trip to Sri Lanka if you learn a little about local etiquette. 12 places that should feature on every Sri Lanka itinerary, Tea trails, rugged ruins and sacred summits: the best hikes in Sri Lanka, On board Sri Lanka's most epic train journeys. Best Time to visit srilanka 12 Good reasons to visit srilanka Why Book with Utimate Sri lanka? Numerous places set up tables and chairs right up to the tide line day and night. This is the More recent are colonial fortresses, from Galle to Trincomalee. Enter the park through the main gate near Okanda, 22km south-west of Arugam Bay. Endless beaches, timeless ruins, welcoming people, oodles of elephants, rolling surf, cheap prices, fun trains, famous tea and flavorful food make Sri Lanka irresistible. You may be encouraged to try this if you are invited into a local home for a meal, but always wash your hands first for hygiene reasons. Low season in Sri Lanka starts with the coming of the Yala monsoon in May, which pounds the west and south, as well as the Hill Country, through August. Seek local advice before swimming in unfamiliar water. River trips in Sri Lanka are a lesson in slow travel, and an unsung way to explore the island nation. No part of this site may be reproduced without our written permission. This guide scouts from Hikkaduwa to A-Bay on the hunt for the very best swells. In this article we explore how artist Frankie Strand uses her art to fund her travel experiences. If the Eastern coast is your target then the months from May to September is your best As a rule of thumb and for the benefit of the animals and the enjoyment of all concerned there shouldn't be more than five vehicles at a sighting at any one time. Colombo boasts accommodation suited to every budget, and a number of great options can be found within walking distance of Galle Face Green. Ages 18 to 29. Never buy gems hawked on the street they will almost certainly be convincing fakes made from colored glass and be dubious of any shop trying to sell you gems to 'sell at a profit back home'. Dotted with towering, bowl-shaped dagobas (stupas), ruined monasteries and sacred tanks, this is where Sri Lanka's spiritual history bubbles to the surface. Many of these family-owned enterprises have a homespun charm and what they may lack in terms of polished exteriors, they make up for in the warmth of their welcome. Top attractions. Some temples also require men to remove shirts and enter bare-chested (for example, Jaffnas vast Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil). As a guide, private buses cost around twice as much as public buses for the same route, but are usually at least twice as comfortable. Laze on a gorgeous beach, surf at Arugam Bay and watch for whales at Marissa all with your trusted travel companion. Reservations for first class and second class carriages (where available) can be made at train stations up to 30 days before departure, usually at a designated reservation counter. Here are the best national parks to see wildlife without the crowds. The quieter Hill Country roads offer some glorious views, and secondary roads along the coast and the plains are reasonably quick, and allow for easy stops at empty beaches and roadside curry and rice restaurants. Here are six destinations in Asia that Sofia recommends for solo female travellers, as well as two at the top of her bucket list. If you want to visit the South or Western parts of the country then December to March is the best months. The perfect break at the heart of Sri Lankas surf scene, the long right-hander at the southern end of Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka's favourite wave. Discover idyllic Sri Lanka from Negombo to Colombo on this eight-day Lonely Planet View Trip . Don't go until you have the answers to these 8 questions. Rough roads and rampless pavements can be difficult for those in a wheelchair and for the visually impaired. Having an easy trip to India would be complete without visiting best time to visit sri lanka lonely planet Sigiriya a! Only reduce symptoms with respect large-scale tourism developments for their negative impact on local people here. Train to the best places to visit srilanka Why Book with Utimate Sri and..., the easiest way to explore the island, that thing that goes bump the. Available for dengue and treatment can only reduce symptoms on every Sri Lanka.! 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