Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka packs a lot into one island. Scenic train rides wind through the tea-covered hills around Ella, while the famous Nine Arch Bridge curves through the jungle below. Along the coast, Mirissa is known for whale watching, and inland the ancient rock fortress of Sigiriya rises dramatically above the plains. Between surf beaches, wildlife parks, tea country and historic temples, Sri Lanka blends nature, culture and great food into one easy-to-explore trip.
The Esala Perahera Festival
Each year in Kandy, the Esala Perahera brings the city to life with one of Sri Lanka’s most important cultural festivals. Decorated elephants, traditional dancers, drummers and fire performers parade through the streets in a series of torchlit processions honouring the Sacred Tooth Relic of the Buddha, kept at the Temple of the Tooth.
Cheat-Sheet:
MAJOR AIRPORT:
Bandaranaike International Airport (Colombo) (CMB)
CURRENCY:
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR / Rs)
HIGH TRAVEL SEASON:
December to March (dry for safaris and beaches)
LOW TRAVEL SEASON:
April to September (monsoon varies by coast, greener landscapes)
TIPPING CULTURE:
Round up or small amounts for tuk-tuks and guides
HOW TO SAY 'THANK YOU':
Istuti, pronounced "is-too-tee"
Why we love it
Kyra
Top questions from travellers
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