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All You Need For Your Trip to...Sri Lanka
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items If ever a country were designed to make you feel under-travelled, it’s Sri Lanka. This compact island packs in more diversity than some continents. Within a few hours, you can go from ancient cities carved into rock to misty, cardamom-scented mountai...
Sections
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Before You Go
While You're There
Where To Stay
Before You Go
All you need before you take off
Rough Guide offers the best guidebook to Sri Lanka - comprehensive detail on everything you need to know
The most comprehensive Sri Lanka guidebook
You'll need an E-Visa - don't bother with third parties, this is the official site and it's easy to complete. Cost $20.
Online E-Visa Application - $20
The easiest way to get around is to rent a car and driver (approx. $60 per day) which allows you to tailor your itinerary.
Sri Lanka Car and Driver Hire
If you're planning to travel by train, I highly recommend booking tickets in advance (up to 30 days). There's little difference between 1st and 2nd class tickets.
Official Railway Ticket Booking - up to 30 days in advance
This is the one app you need before setting off - the equivalent of Uber but with tuk-tuks and mopeds on call as well as cars. No need to add a card, you can pay in cash at end of each journey.
The Sri Lankan Uber - download before you go
While You're There
The Best Things On Offer
A suggested two-week itinerary that I wrote for We Are Global Travellers - hiking, beaches, outdoor stuff and a load of culture.
The Ultimate 2-Week Itinerary for Sri Lanka (written by me ;-)
Minneriya National Park is arguably the best place on Earth to see herds of Asian elephants, particularly during ‘The Gathering’ between June and September. You'll need your own guide (equipped with 4x4), this was the tour we did which was spectacular
All The Elephants You Could Ever Wish To See
Kandy, in the Central Highlands, offers all that's good about Sri Lanka - hiking, gardens, food tours and culture in spades. I wrote this article with suggestions of the best way to pass your time
The Best Things to Do In Kandy
You'd be kicking yourself if you didn't take the chance to learn to cook Sri Lankan specialities. Most of these classes, including this one, are run by grannies who'll teach you more than you'll ever remember.
Authentic Sri Lankan Cooking Class in Kandy with Local Family
Once you're done with elephants, take to the waters to swim with turtles. Guides have waterproof Go Pros to hand to capture the moment.
Snorkeling with Turtles in Mirissa
Galle is by far the best city to do a walking tour in Sri Lanka - even better with a local who brings the history to life.
Galle Fort Walking Tour with a Resident
Where To Stay
Where to lay your head
This is one of the most stunning retreats you could come across - lovely pool, comfy and cool rooms and great restaurant on site
Sigiriya - Forest Edge By Marino Leisure
Beautiful lakeside location with fantastic breakfasts and a short walk into the city centre and Temple of The Tooth
Kandy - SWP Eco Lodge
Lovely place in the hills above Nuwara Eliya - an easy 10 minute Pick Me ride into the town centre
Nuwara Eliya - Omaya Hills
Homestays are the order of the day in Ella - which means fantastic breakfasts and the best hospitality you'll come across in Sri Lanka.
Ella - Welcome Homestay
A stone's throw from the beach when the weather is sunny and a delightful pool when not.
Mirissa - Mimoza
The 50m infinity pool is enough of a selling point, as is the free city tour that's offered every afternoon
Colombo - Marino Beach