About Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is an island with a rich history, a diverse culture, and incredible natural beauty. It is known for Sri Lanka’s beaches, ancient cities, and unique wildlife. Tourists from around the globe visit Sri Lanka to enjoy its attractions, traditions, and food.

Sri Lanka lies in South Asia. It sits in the Indian Ocean, just below the southern tip of India. Its location has made it a cultural crossroads for thousands of years.

Photo: Britannica

The main entry point for international tourists is Bandaranaike International Airport near Colombo. It connects Sri Lanka with destinations in Asia, the Middle East, and Europe.

Another international airport is Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in the south, though it handles fewer flights.

Cruise ships and cargo vessels arrive at Colombo Port and Hambantota Port.

Tourists often begin their Sri Lanka itinerary in Colombo or Negombo, both near the main airport.

The island covers 65,610 square kilometres. It is slightly smaller than Ireland and larger than Denmark.

Around 30 per cent of the land is forested. Many of these areas are protected as national parks and reserves. Forests provide habitats for elephants, leopards, birds, and unique plants.

Sri Lanka has three main geographic regions.

1. Coastal plains with beaches and lagoons.
2. Central highlands with mountains and tea plantations.
3. Intermediate zones with rolling hills and rivers.

This variation creates some of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka. Tourists can enjoy both coastal sightseeing in Sri Lanka and mountain adventure in one trip.

Sri Lanka Standard Time is GMT +5:30. The country does not observe daylight saving time.

The island experiences a tropical climate marked by two main monsoons.

• Southwest monsoon: May to September, wet in the southwest and central hills.
• Northeast monsoon: December to February, wet in the north and east.

Other months are mostly dry. The best time to travel to Sri Lanka depends on the region you want to visit.

• West and south coasts, plus hill country: December to March.
• East coast: April to September.

This particular monsoon pattern makes Sri Lankan tourism possible throughout the year.

When is the Best Time to Visit Sri Lanka?

Sri Lanka ranks among the top biodiversity hotspots in the world.

• Rainforests, dry forests, wetlands, and grasslands.
• More than 7,500 plant species.
• Around 125 species of mammals, including elephants, leopards, and sloth bears.
• Over 520 species of birds, many endemic to the island.
• Marine species found here include whales, dolphins, and turtles.

A safari in Sri Lanka is among the main attractions for visitors. Popular parks include Yala, Udawalawe, and Minneriya.

• National bird: Sri Lankan junglefowl.
• National tree: Naa tree (Ironwood).
• National flower: Blue water lily.
• National sport: Volleyball.

Cricket, though not official, is the most followed sport.

The country has 9 provinces and 25 administrative districts.

• Western Province includes Colombo, the commercial capital.
• Central Province is home to Kandy and tea plantations.
• Southern Province includes Galle and beach destinations.
• Eastern Province has Trincomalee and Arugam Bay.
• Northern Province has Jaffna and Mannar.

Each region offers unique Sri Lanka destinations.

The population is around 22 million. The majority live in rural areas, while cities such as Colombo, Kandy, and Galle are growing quickly.

• Sinhalese: about 75 per cent.
• Sri Lankan Tamils: about 11 per cent.
• Indian Tamils: about 4 per cent.
• Sri Lankan Moors: about 9 per cent.
• Others: about 1 per cent.

• Buddhism: about 70 per cent.
• Hinduism: about 13 per cent.
• Islam: about 10 per cent.
• Christianity: about 7 per cent.

Religion influences Sri Lanka’s culture, traditions, and festivals.

Sri Lankans are known for their hospitality. Visitors are often welcomed with tea and a smile. It’s important to respect local customs and etiquette, such as removing shoes before entering a home or temple, and dressing modestly when visiting religious sites. Family and community values are essential. Many traditions are passed through generations.

Cities such as Colombo and Kandy are centres of business, education, and culture. They have malls, offices, and modern transport.

Village life is slower. Agriculture, fishing, and crafts support daily living. Tourists who travel to Sri Lanka will see both lifestyles.

• Women wear sarees.
• Men wear sarongs or western clothing.
• Traditional attire is often seen at weddings and festivals.

• Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages.
• English is widely spoken in business and tourism.

Education is free at all levels. The literacy rate is 92.2%, among the highest in Asia. Universities in Colombo, Peradeniya, and Moratuwa are well known.

Sri Lanka has a network of buses, trains, and highways.

• Buses are cheap and run everywhere.
• Trains are slower but scenic, especially the Kandy to Ella route, which is one of the best scenic train routes in the world.
• Tuk-tuks are common for short trips.

Transport is part of the Sri Lanka travel experience.

Driving is on the left side. Roads in cities are crowded. Highways connect Colombo to Galle, Matara, and Kandy.

Tourists can get a temporary Sri Lankan driving license upon arrival at Bandaranaike International Airport (BIA) by presenting their foreign driving license, passport, and visa. The temporary license is valid for motorcycles and light vehicles, not heavy vehicles or tuk-tuks. The service is available 24/7 at the Department of Motor Traffic (DMT) counter in the arrival terminal. 

The currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). ATMs are available in towns. Cards are accepted in hotels and restaurants. Cash is helpful in rural areas.

Sri Lanka has government hospitals and private hospitals. Major cities have good medical facilities. Tourists are advised to have travel insurance.

Sri Lankan culture is a rich tapestry that blends influences from Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity. Respect for elders, family values, and hospitality are essential. Arts, crafts, and traditional dance remain part of cultural life, offering a unique and enriching experience for visitors.

• The Sinhala and Tamil New Year, celebrated in mid-April, is marked with games, rituals, and food.
• Vesak in May, marking the birth of Buddha. Streets light up with lanterns.
• Esala Perahera in Kandy in July or August, with parades, elephants, and dancers.
• Christmas is celebrated in December by Christians across the island.

Festivals are key Sri Lankan attractions.

Esala Perahera in Kandy, Sri Lanka

Photo: Tripadvisor

Sri Lankan food is known for its intense flavours and spices.

• Rice and curry are the national dish.
• Hoppers are bowl-shaped pancakes.
• Kottu roti is a popular street food.
• Seafood is common on the coasts.
• Tea is the national drink, grown in the central highlands.

Food is a highlight of Sri Lankan tourism.

When you travel to Sri Lanka, you will enjoy:

• Relaxing on Sri Lanka beaches.
• Joining a wild safari in Sri Lanka.
• Visiting ancient temples and ruins.
• Hiking in the central hills.
• Taking part in local festivals.
• Exploring Galle Fort and other colonial towns.

These make a Sri Lanka vacation memorable.

Architecture ranges from ancient temples to colonial forts.

• Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa show Buddhist and Hindu architecture.
• Galle Fort displays Dutch influence.
• Colombo has colonial buildings and modern skyscrapers.

Sri Lanka has over 2,500 years of recorded history. Ancient kingdoms flourished in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. The Portuguese arrived in Sri Lanka (known historically as Ceylon) in the 16th century, followed by the Dutch and British. The island gained independence on 4th February 1948.

Sri Lanka’s ancient cities show the strength of its cultural heritage. Read more about Ancient Cities and Cultural Heritage in Sri Lanka.

Few countries offer so much variety in such a small space. From Sri Lanka’s beaches to its highlands, from its heritage cities to its wildlife parks, the island is full of attractions. Tourists often ask, is Sri Lanka worth visiting? The answer is yes.

• Administrative Capital city: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
• Largest city (Economic and commercial capital): Colombo.
• Oldest city: Anuradhapura.

• Kandy is known for the Temple of the Tooth.
• Galle is famous for its fort.
• Ella is loved for hiking and views.
• Nuwara Eliya is called Little England.
• Trincomalee has beautiful beaches.

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress.
• Temple of the Tooth in Kandy.
• Galle Fort.
• Yala National Park.
• Dambulla Cave Temples.

These are highlights of Sri Lanka sightseeing.

The island hosts eight (8) UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

1. Ancient City of Anuradhapura.
2. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa.
3. Ancient City of Sigiriya.
4. Sacred City of Kandy.
5. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications.
6. Cave Temples of Dambulla.
7. Sinharaja Forest Reserve.
8. Central Highlands of Sri Lanka.

The best time to plan your visit to Sri Lanka depends on your destination.

• South and west coasts and hill country: December to March.
• East coast: April to September.

Tourists can plan a Sri Lanka itinerary any month of the year.

• Highest mountain: Pidurutalagala, 2,524 meters.
• Longest river: Mahaweli, 335 kilometres.
• Highest waterfall: Bambarakanda Falls, 263 meters (863 ft).
• Number of waterfalls: over 430.

National parks include Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu, and Horton Plains. Gardens include Peradeniya, Hakgala, and Gampaha.

Sri Lanka has a mixed economy.

• Agriculture: rice, tea, coconut, rubber.
• Exports: tea, rubber, coffee, garments, spices, sugar, and other agricultural products.
• Industries: textiles, tourism, telecommunications, food processing, and finance.
• Natural resources: gems and minerals such as graphite, mineral sands (ilmenite, rutile, and zircon), and apatite.

Tourism is a growing part of the economy, supported by Sri Lanka’s tourism campaigns.

Sri Lanka is a democratic republic. The president is the head of state and government. The parliament has 225 elected members.

Sri Lanka offers a unique blend of beaches, culture, wildlife, and history. From solo travel to Sri Lanka to family vacations, the island has options for everyone. Build your Sri Lanka itinerary around beaches, safaris, ancient cities, and festivals.

If you ask is Sri Lanka is worth visiting, the answer is yes. For many, it becomes one of the most beautiful places in Sri Lanka to experience again and again.