SRI LANKA
Overview
A captivating island brimming with ancient wonders and breathtaking natural beauty, Sri Lanka has been dubbed as the ‘Teardrop of India’ and ‘Pearl of the Indian Ocean’.
From the towering rock fortress of Sigiriya and the sacred city of Kandy, home to the Temple of the Tooth, to the rolling emerald hills of Nuwara Eliya and the sun-kissed beaches of Mirissa and Galle – Sri Lanka is known for packing a punch within its limited landscape. A vibrant blend of Sinhalese, Tamil, and colonial influences makes it all the more enchanting to those seeking a cultural balance (next to India, of course!).
SRI LANKA Travel guide
Getting to Sri Lanka
Colombo Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Bali is the most popular hub with numerous direct flights from around the world. Direct flights are available from Mumbai, Delhi, Bengaluru, Chennai, and Hyderabad.
VISA
1. Apply for e-visa which is ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization)
Best Time to Visit
The best time to visit Indonesia is during the dry season when the climate is comparatively warmer, drier, laced with humidity while the wet season experiences occasional showers
- Dry season: May to September
- Wet season: November to March
Shoulder season is between March to June and September to November when tourism is low, influencing lower rates
Places to Visit in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya
- Galle
- Mirissa
- Kandy
- Nuwara Eliya
- Ella
Types of Accommodations in Sri Lanka
All types of accommodations are available in Indonesia. Be it Hostels, Apartments, Guest Houses, 4 Star Hotels &
In case you are looking for sustainable stays then you can book through Eco Lodges Anywhere
Local Food and Drinks in Sri Lanka
- Sambal
- Kotthu Roti
Types of Transportation in Sri Lanka
- A great way to travel is to book a bike or a cab.
Applications to Download
Gojek – for cabs, bikes and food
Grab – for cabs, bikes and food
Things to Remember
- Local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
- Credit cards are widely accepted.
- Learn a few basic Balinese phrases, as while English is spoken.
- For calling either purchase a local sim or activate an e-sim.
- Carry portable fans.
- There’s an entry fee for everything, even temples.
- All the temples specifically mention that ‘Women are not permitted to enter the holy temple during their menstrual periods’.
Experiences & Itineraries
Posts
The Perfect 4-Day Itinerary to Cover the Pristine Beaches & Activities in Mirissa
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Is Sri Lanka visa-free for Indians?
No, Indonesia is not visa-free for Indians. Indian tourists should either apply for e-visa or opt for Visa on Arrival (VOA).
- What are the requirements of VOA for Indian passport holders?
Requirements as follows:
- A valid passport with at least 6 months validity
- Recent passport-sized photographs
- A return ticket that acts as proof of onward travel
- Advisable to carry for proof of accommodation and financial resources (bank statements, sponsor letters) – Immigration officers may ask for these.
- Where can one apply for e-Visa for Indonesia?
- How much does Indonesia Visa cost?
The cost is based on the type of visa
Visa on Arrival
Single entry
Multiple entry
- How long does the Single-Entry Tourist Visa allow to stay?
1. For Visa on Arrival (VOA), it is 60 days, with an extension of another 60 days twice.
2. e-Visa validity is for a month
- What is the difference between Visa on Arrival (VOA) and e-Visa for Indonesia?
The Visa on Arrival is issued at the airport upon arrival and is valid for 30 days. The e-visa has to be applied online before entering Indonesia and allows flexibility with multi-entry options.
- What is the capital of Indonesia?
The capital of Indonesia is Jakarta
- How many time-zones are there in Indonesia?
1. Western Indonesia Time (UTC+07:00) – covering the western part of the country, i.e., islands of Sumatra, Java, and the western half of Kalimantan.
2. Central Indonesia Time (UTC+08:00) – covering the central part of the country, i.e – the eastern half of Kalimantan, as well as all of Bali, the Lesser Sunda Islands, and Sulawesi.
3. Eastern Indonesia Time (UTC+09:00) – covering the province of Papua.
- What is the time difference between India and Indonesia?
1. If you are in any of the places falling under Western Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 1.5 hours.
2. If you are in any of the places falling under Central Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 2.5 hours.
3. If you are in any of the places falling under Eastern Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 3.5 hours.
- What religion does Indonesia follow?
Predominantly Islam since 82.7% of the population is Muslim although Bali is a Hindu island but the total population of Hindus in Indonesia is just 1.7%
- What is the ideal duration of Indonesia Trip?
5-7 days are good for a trip to Bali, but it is advisable not to club with other islands in Indonesia. This is the largest country of Southeast Asia so covering it in its entirety isn’t feasible.
- How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Indonesia have?
There are 10 UNESCO heritage sites in Indonesia, namely
1. Borobudur Temple Compounds of Central Java
2. Prambanan Temple Compounds located on the border between the two provinces of Yogyakarta and Central Java
3. Komodo National Park between the islands of Sumbawa and Flores
4. Ujung Kulon National Park located at the south-west tip ofJava
5. Sangiran Early Man Site in Central Java
6. Lorentz National Park located in Indonesia’s Papua Province
7. Tropical Rainforest Heritage of Sumatra
8. Cultural Landscape of Bali Province: the Subak System as a 9. Manifestation of the Tri Hita Karana Philosophy
9. Ombilin Coal Mining Heritage of Sawahlunto, located in the inaccessible mountains of West Sumatra
10. The Cosmological Axis of Yogyakarta and its Historic Landmarks
- How many islands consist of Indonesia?
17,508 islands consist of Indonesian archipelago.
- What is famous in Indonesia to buy?
There are a lot of local products that one can buy from Indonesia
Batik
Wayang
Woodcraft
Coffee
Traditional Musical Instruments
Silver Products and Precious Stones
Unique Indonesian Miniature
Mask
