Four Travel Tips for Your Holiday in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka is a unique mix of beautiful landscapes, British colonial heritage, and very friendly locals. However, tours in Sri Lanka and traveling to the country have only been available since 2009. Before 2009, the country had been in a civil war for over 26 years. With more people traveling to Sri Lanka, it is a great time to visit. Here are my Sri Lanka travel tips.
- Prepare to Slow Down
While there are many transport options and roads are improving, at times it can feel trying to move around the country. The Hill Country is one of the areas that you should avoid if you are in a rush. It may be known for its food, but it is also known for the slow speeds that transport vehicles drive at.
- Enjoy the Food
Sri Lankan food is very delicious, so you should take the time to enjoy it when you are there. However, it can be difficult to find it during tours in Sri Lanka. Hoppers, which are savory rice flour crepes, are excellent, but most of the time is only served during the morning and late afternoon. Many times, only curry and rice dishes are for lunch. KottuRotty is a chopped flatbread stir-fried with vegetables and eggs, which is only available around dinner time. Unlike other Asian countries, there are not a lot of street food stalls. However, you can still find great, budget friendly options for food at many guesthouses.
- Head North to Avoid the Crowds.
The Northern Province was formerly off-limits, but you can now travel to this area. This a great option for travelers who are looking to roam on an off beaten path. The Tamil Tiger stronghold is one of the latest areas of Sri Lanka to be reopened to travelers. There are not many resorts, hotels and other development projects there, so it still has not seen the same flurry of foreign visitors that others areas have seen. If you are looking for the remote temples, colonial port towns, and deserted beaches, you should head north.
- Get the Most for Your Money
Compared to other countries, Sri Lanka travel is still cheap, but the prices are on the rise. The cost of the Kandy cultural show has doubled in the last year. So, if you need everyday items like toothpaste, shampoo, and teas, you should head to the supermarkets in the large cities, which can keep you from overpaying for these items. If you are shopping in the shops in smaller cities and towns, you should check the packaging. There should be a printed price on the packaging next to ‘Rs’. Rs are short for rupees. If the prices are not clearly marked, avoid buying at that store. Some smaller shops overcharge tourists.
Sri Lanka travel is both very relaxing and exciting. There are tours in Sri Lanka that you can take to enjoy the landscape and forest. You can also easily explore the island on your own. However, you should be prepared to slow down because the locals drive slowly.