Travelling opens you up to different cultures around the world. We travel to explore new societies and to experience different lifestyles. If you are planning to visit Sri Lanka, you should know that the country offers a unique tropical experience, much different from other tropical islands that you may have visited.
- Though she be but little, she is fierce
Sri Lanka appears to be a small tropical island in the indian ocean, sixty times smaller than India. Yet you will be surprised by the amount of diversity the country offers in terms of wildlife, culture, scenery, and climate. Being a multicultural society, the livelihoods and the lifestyles of the people see quite diverse and colourful. Once you start traveling you will be exposed to this diversity.
- Sri Lanka is a developing country
As you travel you will realize that traveling in Sri Lanka is not as cheap as other South Asian countries. In fact, the food is expensive, the forms of travel comes off as quite expensive. At times you will wonder about the massive difference in quality of services for different price ranges. Sri Lanka was a country that suffered from a thirty year long war against terrorism, and now a series of development projects are at peak. Being a developing country, tourism is a major source of income for the economy.
- Expensive but worth it
You may notice that certain tour packages and entrance tickets are priced at higher ranges for tourist when compared to fee levied from locals. Though this may seem quite unfair at first glance, being a country of a two thousand year old cultural heritage, the island is in massive need for funds that helps to maintain its archaeological sites. Technically, your holiday is contributing towards saving this aged old culture for future generations.
- A traditional society
Though Colombo has evolved over the last decade, most of Sri Lanka is quite conservative and traditional. They uphold certain values and traditions and are reluctant to break away from them. For example the notion of “decency” will differ from person to person. Though the climate is quite tropical and sunny walking around shirtless or bikini clad on main streets are not encouraged, unless you are by the beach and do not mind being stared at.
- Bring your own street smartness
Like most countries, sadly it is a normalcy to be cat called on Sri Lankan street and to sometimes be groped in public transport. However, if such an incident happens whilst you are traveling on your own on a deserted road, the best reaction is to walk away and get to the safest neighborhood. I if you are surrounded by strangers that may come off as helpful you might as well stand up for yourself .Always keep your personal belongings and valuables close to you. Always pay attention to the pedestrian lights, when crossing roads.
- Petty Cash
When traveling in Sri Lanka, you might need to keep some petty cash with you as it would come quite handy. When you are traveling in public transport you will need “change”, or smaller notes and coins to deal with. Keeping larger amounts of money in your wallets is not advised, as the prices tends to rise once your financial status is revealed.
- Eat Smart
You might be tempted by hundreds of street food joints along the way. However, it is your call to decide where to eat and where not to. Some joints might not be too hygienic. Judge the food by the shop owners, and walk away if it does not live up to your standards of cleanliness. You can get a decent meal from certain roadside vendors, always trust your instincts.
These are only the top 7 things that you should know about the country you are traveling in. Adopt at least a few of these tips and be amazed at the impact it could have on your Sri Lankan experience!