Sri Lanka is an island country located in East Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean and the Arabian Sea. The capital and largest city is Colombo. The official languages are Sinhala and Tamil.
The country has a diverse and rich culture, with a history dating back over 3,000 years. It has natural beauty, including beaches, forests, and wildlife. The economy is largely based on tourism, textiles, and agriculture specially in Tea.
Climate in Sri Lanka
It has a tropical climate, with high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The country has two monsoon seasons, the southwest monsoon from May to September and the northeast monsoon from December to February.
The southwest monsoon brings heavy rainfall to the western and southern parts of the country, while the northeast monsoon brings rain to the eastern and northern parts.
The climate varies depending on the region, with the hill country in the central part of the island having a cooler climate due to its higher elevation.
The best time to visit Sri Lanka
The best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the region and the activities you want to do, but generally, the dry season is considered the best time. Therefor, to plan your trip accordingly.
Famous cities in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to many famous cities, each with their own unique culture and history. Some of the most notable cities include:
Colombo the capital of Sri Lanka
The capital and largest city. Colombo is a bustling metropolis with a mix of modern and colonial architecture. It is a major commercial and financial center. Also known for its street food, markets, and nightlife.
Kandy
The second largest city and considered the cultural capital of the country. Famous for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic, which is one of the most sacred Buddhist shrines in the world.
Galle
A picturesque city located on the southwestern coast of the island. known for its Dutch colonial architecture, fortifications, and beautiful beaches. The city is home to many water sports activities.
Dambulla
A town situated in the heart of the island. It has the Dambulla Cave Temple and the Golden Temple. It is a good spot to learn about local culture and traditions.
Sigiriya
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sigiriya is an ancient city located in the central part of the island. It is famous for the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a massive rock outcropping that was once the site of a royal palace.
The western coast
known for its beautiful beaches and resorts, as well as its rich cultural heritage. The coastal towns have a variety of activities.
5 popular coastal cities
1.Negombo
A coastal town located about 20km north of Colombo. It has wide stretches of sandy beach, lively atmosphere and seafood.
2. Bentota
A coastal town located about 60km south of Colombo, Bentota is known for its long stretches of sandy beaches and its water sports like jet-skiing, parasailing and windsurfing.
3. Kalutara
A coastal town located about 38km south of Colombo, Kalutara is known for its wide stretches of sandy beach and its coconut groves.
4. Beruwala
A coastal town located about 60km south of Colombo, Beruwala is known for its long stretches of sandy beach, calm waters and its fishing industry.
5. Dehiwala-Mount Lavinia
A coastal suburb located about 10km south of Colombo, Mount Lavinia is known for its wide stretches of sandy beach, lively atmosphere and its nightlife.
Things to do in Sri Lanka
It is a diverse and beautiful country with a rich culture and history, and there are many things to do and see. Some popular activities include:
Explore ancient cities and temples of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is home to many ancient cities and temples, including the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, the Temple of the Tooth Relic in Kandy, the ancient city of Anuradhapura, and much more.
Visit national parks and wildlife reserves
It is home to many national parks and wildlife reserves, including Yala National Park, which is known for its leopard population, and Udawalawe National Park, which is known for its elephant population.
Relax on the beaches of Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is known for its beautiful beaches, including Unawatuna, Mirissa and Hikkaduwa on the south coast, and Negombo, Bentota and Kalutara on the west coast.
Go on a safari
Sri Lanka offers many opportunities for safaris, including jeep safaris, elephant orphanage in Pinnawala, and boat safaris such as River Madu boat safari.
Go on a train ride
Sri Lanka’s train system is a great way to see the country’s beautiful landscape and experience its culture. The popular routes include the Kandy to Ella route, which passes through tea country, and the Colombo to Galle route, which offers views of the coast. Therefor, make sure to try this experience.
Visit Tea Plantations
Sri Lanka is one of the largest tea producing countries in the world. A trip to Nuwara Eliya will give you the chance to see large tea plantation and learn more about the process of tea production and taste different varieties of teas
Visit Mirissa the coastal city of Sri Lanka
One of the best places in Sri Lanka to see Blue Whales and Sperm Whales, as well as other marine life like dolphins, turtles, and sharks.
The best time for whale watching is between December and April. Many tour operators offer boat trips that depart from the Mirissa Harbor, and the trips usually last around 3-4 hours. The whale watching is seasonal and the sightings are not guaranteed.
This is just a sample of the many things to do in Sri Lanka, and the options depend on your interests and how much time you have.
Overall, Sri Lanka is as beautiful as other Far East countries. With its spectacular landscapes, coastal towns, and amazing culture, Sri Lanka has gain the love of many tourists.