W A N D E R A L O N E

Travel Journal of a Maverick

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 Sri Lanka 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 HostelsApartments, Guest Houses4 Star Hotels & Luxury Stays

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

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

  • Is Sri Lanka visa-free for Indians?

Yes, Sri Lanka is visa-free for Indians.

No visa is required for Indians. A Pre-arrival form needs to be formed before arrival at Colombo airport.

  • Where can one apply for e-Visa for Sri Lanka?

https://evisa.imigrasi.go.id/

  • How much does Sri Lanka Visa cost?

There is no fee involved as there is no visa requirement.

  • What is the capital of Sri Lanka?

The capital of Sri Lanka is Colombo

  • How many time-zones are there in Sri Lanka?

There is only one time zone in Sri Lanka.

  • What is the time difference between India and Sri Lanka?

If you are in any of the places falling under Western Indonesia Time, then you are ahead of IST by 1.5 hours.

  • What religion does Sri Lanka follow?

Follows Hinduism and Buddhism.

  • What is the ideal duration of Sri Lanka Trip?

5-7 days are good for a trip to cover Sri Lanka.

  • How many UNESCO Heritage sites does Sri Lanka 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

  • What is famous in Sri Lanka 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

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