Things to do in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is located southeast of India and is an island country. Most of the people are of Sinhalese ethnicity, while there is a large minority of Tamils too. The legislative capital is Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte. It is a suburb of the commercial capital and largest city, Colombo. There are so many things to enjoy in Sri Lanka that you will be spoilt for choice. When planning a trip you must make a list of the best things to do in Sri Lanka.

The easiest way to travel to Sri Lanka is by flight. The Bandaranaike International Airport is the only international airport of Sri Lanka. However, Koggala Airport and Bentota River Airport also provide passenger service to tourists.  

The best time to visit the west and south coasts and hill country is from December to March, while the best weather on the east coast is from April or May to September. You can also consider visiting Sri Lanka on the celebrations of Hindu and Buddhist new year festival. Tourists enjoy Buddhist festivals with gorgeous dances, decked up elephants held in July and August. Other attractions of this festival are fire-dances, Kandian dances, and whip-dances.

Sri Lanka is a tourist’s delight with its diverse landscapes. There are a rainforest and arid plains as well as highlands and sandy beaches. The ancient Buddhist ruins are of special fascination to the spiritually inclined. Adventure lovers can choose from among trekking, hiking, deep sea fishing, hot air ballooning or whale watching. Sri Lanka has around 24 wildlife sanctuaries protecting countless native species. Yala National Park, Hurulu Forest Reserve, Bundala and the Kanneliya-Dediyagala-Nakiyadeniya are some of the most visited national parks.

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delight to the food connoisseurs. It includes a huge variety and foodies can enjoy a large variety of dishes from among pittu, kiribath, wattalapam, kottu, and hoppers. Surprisingly there are no street food stalls.

Those interested in nightlife will find Sri Lanka hot and happening. There are numerous pubs, bars, clubs, and casinos dotting the key cities like Colombo and Kandy.

When you have so much to choose from you need to really be careful about the itinerary so that you do not repent at having missed out on the best things to do in Sri Lanka.