Ceylon Heritage Trails

Travel Guide

Travel Information

Sustainability and Responsible Tourism

  • Visa: most visitors to Sri Lanka require a visa. You can obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online before your arrival at the airport.

     

  • Best time to visit: the best time to visit Sri Lanka is during its dry seasons, which are from October to March on the West and south coasts and April to September on the East coast.

     

  • Transportation: the most common way to get around Sri Lanka is by train or bus. Trains offer scenic views of the countryside, while buses are more affordable. Taxis and Tuk tuks ( three- wheeled vehicles) are also available.

     

  • Currency: The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Credit cards are widely accepted and ATMs are easily accessible in major cities and tourist areas.

     

  • Safety: Sri Lanka is generally a safe country to visit, but it’s always advisable to take normal precautions, such as avoiding isolated areas, taking care of your belongings and respecting local customs and traditions.

     

  • Attractions: Sri Lanka offers a wide range of attractions, including ancient cities, stunning beaches, wildlife reserves, tea plantations and cultural sites. Some popular places to visit include Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya and Yala National Park

     

  • Cultural etiquette: Sri Lanka is a predominantly Buddhist country, so it’s important to respect local customs and traditions. Dress modestly, remove your shoes before entering temples, etc

     

  • Health and safety: it is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical expenses as well as vaccinations for diseases like Hepatitis A and B, Typhoid and Tetanus. It is also wise to drink bottled water, use insect repellant and practice good hygiene to prevent any health issues

     

  • Cuisine: Sri Lankan cuisine is flavorful and diverse. Don’t miss out on trying traditional dishes like rice and curry, hoppers ( a type of pancake), koththu roti ( chopped roti dish) and string hoppers (steamed rice noodles). Sri Lanka is also famous for its aromatic teas.

     

  • Cultural events: Sri Lanka celebrates various cultural events and festivals throughout the year, including Sinhala and Tamil New Year, Vesak ( Buddha’s Birth, Enlightenment and Death) and Kandy Esala Perahara (a grand procession in kandy). These events showcase the country’s rich cultural heritage.

     

  • Remember to check the latest travel advisories and restrictions before your trip, as they may change. Overall, Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of natural beauty, rich history and warm hospitality, making it an excellent destination for travelers.

Food and beverages

Sri Lanka cuisine is diverse and flavorful, with a variety of ingredients and spices Here are some popular Sri Lankan food and beverages:

  • Rice and curry- This is the staple dish of Sri Lanka, with a steaming plate of rice served with a variety of curries including fish, chicken, beef or vegetable curries
  • Hoppers- These are crispy, bowl-shaped pancakes made from fermented rice flour and coconut milk. They can be eaten plain or filled with an egg or other ingredients.
    Kottu roti- This is a popular street food made by chopping godamba roti (a type of Sri Lankan bread) and mixing it with vegetables, eggs and meat.
  • String hoppers- These are steamed rice flour noodles, typically served with a coconut milk based curry or sambal
    Pol sambal- This is a spicy coconut relish made with shredded coconut, chili flakes, onions, lime juice and maldive fish, it is often eaten with bread or rice
  • Lamprais- This is a Dutch influenced dish consisting of a banana leaf- wrapped packet of rice, meat (usually beef or chicken) and various curries and sambals
    Fish Ambul Thiyal- This is a tangy and spicy dry fish curry made with tamarind, spices and dried goraka fruit, it is a popular dish in Sri Lanka
  • Watalappam- This is a traditional Sri Lankan dessert made with jaggery, coconut milk, eggs and various spices like cardamom and cinnamon. It is similar to a caramel custard
  • King coconut water- Sri Lanka is famous for its refreshing king coconut water, which is filled with electrolytes and often sold by street vendors
    Ceylon Tea- Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producers in the world and Ceylon tea is renowned for its quality and flavor. It is enjoyed with or without milk, and sometimes accompanied by snacks like short eats.

 

These are just a few examples of the delicious food and beverages you can enjoy in Sri Lanka. The country’s culinary scene is rich, diverse and full of unique flavors that will satisfy any food lover

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