Sri Lanka tour
Sri Lanka tour

Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka

Overview

Sri Lanka is nicknamed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean.” This tiny island country off the southern coast of India surprises every visitor because it has more beauties hidden in its compact diversity than you can imagine: Pristine golden beaches, high snowy mountains, green plains, many forests and rivers, and rolling tea plantations. It might be as big as a US State, but approximately a quarter of the country’s land area consists of protected forests and national parks, the highest in all of Asia.

These parks and natural reserves are the home of many animals, including the Sri Lanka Leopard, Sri Lanka Elephant, monkey, peacock, Sri Lanka Junglefowl, Langur, and whale!

 

Aside from its natural beauty, Sri Lanka is also an excellent country for culture vultures and antiquarians. With Buddhists and Hindus comprising most of the population, you bet there are many ancient structures and temples throughout the country. 

Many of these structures are registered as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, like the golden cave temple of Dambulla, Galle Old Town and fort, and the sacred city of Anuradhapura. These sites are collectively known as “the cultural triangle” due to their religious and cultural significance. They are popular among tourists and pilgrims alike. 

 

What you just read was a small glimpse into the beauties and charms this island country has up its sleeve. Stay tuned to Touroogle to find the best tours and itineraries of the country.

India has an endless variety of cultures, traditions, landscapes, historical monuments, exciting and touristic places, etc. These features make India attractive, and tourists plan their vacations every year. 

India, a thriving Asian country with unique cultural contrasts, has a lot to say. This land is exactly where the traditional and modern worlds meet, which can arouse the curiosity of tourists and adventurers.

Sri Lanka tours & packages

Top Attraction

There are abundant natural and historical attractions all over this island in the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka is also known for its unique, diverse wildlife. Its temples, monuments, and cultural heritage date back thousands of years. There are many unique places you wish you do not miss during your visit to the country, which make it a travel lover’s paradise. Here is a list of some of these attractions:

Top Attractions

  • Yala National Park
  • Rangiri Dambulla Royal Cave Temple (UNESCO WHS) 
  • Sinharaja Forest Reserve (UNESCO WHS)
  • Kelaniya Raja Maha Viharaya
  • Galle Old Town and Fort (UNESCO WHS)
  • Ancient City of Sigiriya (UNESCO WHS)
  • Ruwanweli Maha Seya
  • Sri Dalada Maligawa – The Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic
  • Udawalawe National Park
  • Adam’s Peak
  • The Sacred City of Kandy (UNESCO WHS)
  • Seetha Amman Kovil
  • Mirissa Beach
  • Jamie Ul-Alfar Mosque
  • Horton Plains National Park
  • Lake Gregory
  • Nuwara Eliya Village 
  • Chilaw sandpits 
  • Pinnawala elephant orphanage

The old and interesting places 

The places to visit in India are numerous. You will see thousands of temples and cities in this country, so plan your trip to India long and open-ended. Let’s list the places to visit in India.

Taj Mahal

The Taj Mahal is a masterpiece built by Shah Jahan for his wife, who died at a young age. Taj Mahal, which is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, is at the top of our guide to visit on an India tour. 

Amber Castle

The Amber Castle was built in the 16th century. It is made of materials like marbles and sandstones. Travelers visit this place by riding elephants. 

Red Castle

The Red Fort belonged to the Mughal emperor Shah Jahan in the 17th century; his dynasty lived in this magnificent structure for 200 years. 

Hawa Mahal

Hawa Mahal, which means Castle of the Winds, belonged to Maharaja Sawai Pratap Singh. Do not end your trip without visiting the Hawa Mahal in Delhi. 

Qutub Minar

Qutub Minar is a fantastic victory monument from the 13th century. 

Golden Temple

Amritsar is a city on the Pakistani border. There is a golden temple whose real name is Harmandir Sahib; it is a holy place in the Sikh faith. 

Meenakshi Amman Temple

The building of the Meenakshi Amman Temple started in the 1st century and developed until 1500 years. It is complex and full of colorful sculptures. 

Humayun’s Tomb

Humayun Tomb is a Mongolian architecture; it was completed in 1572.

Neighboring countries

Sri Lanka has a long history rooted in Buddhism. Like many Hindu and Buddhist countries, Sri Lanka is culturally diverse and has vibrant festivals, colorful rituals, and beautiful temples. Although it has a Buddhist majority, the country maintains a stable, peaceful coexistence of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Sri Lanka has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. Since recorded time, this island has been an important trade center, port, and exporter of tea and spices. A significant share of the country’s tea is harvested in the central region known as “hilly country.” The northern province is mainly inhabited by the country’s Tamil-speakers of Sri Lanka. Coconut plantations and salt production are primarily done in Northwestern Sri Lanka. The western region is where the capital is located.

Culture

Sri Lanka has a long history rooted in Buddhism. Like many Hindu and Buddhist countries, Sri Lanka is culturally diverse and has vibrant festivals, colorful rituals, and beautiful temples. Although it has a Buddhist majority, the country maintains a stable, peaceful coexistence of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Christianity.

Sri Lanka has been inhabited for tens of thousands of years. Since recorded time, this island has been an important trade center, port, and exporter of tea and spices. A significant share of the country’s tea is harvested in the central region known as “hilly country.” The northern province is mainly inhabited by the country’s Tamil-speakers of Sri Lanka. Coconut plantations and salt production are primarily done in Northwestern Sri Lanka. The western region is where the capital is located.

Sri Lanka has two official languages; the Sinhalese majority, which makes up around 70 percent of the population, speak their native Sinhalese (Sinhala), while a minority of about 15 percent speak Tamil. 

Communication should not be a problem when visiting big cities because many Sri Lankans know English as a second language. However, in rural areas and villages where there aren’t many English-speaking locals, it might be a bit hard to communicate.

Language

Sri Lanka has two official languages; the Sinhalese majority, which makes up around 70 percent of the population, speak their native Sinhalese (Sinhala), while a minority of about 15 percent speak Tamil. 

Communication should not be a problem when visiting big cities because many Sri Lankans know English as a second language. However, in rural areas and villages where there aren’t many English-speaking locals, it might be a bit hard to communicate.

Food

There are a lot of similarities between Sri Lankan and South Indian cuisine. Sri Lankan food is generally spicy, but you can always ask for less spice if you’re not into that. Many Sri Lankan dishes are based around rice, fish, spices, and coconuts. The staple food of Sri Lanka is rice and curry. Big cities have fast-food chains such as KFC, Pizza Hut, McDonald’s, Subway, and Burger King. Still, we advise you to taste the traditional dishes below on your trip:

  • Rice and Curry
  • Fish Ambul Thyial (Sour Fish Curry)
  • Kottu Roti
  • Hoppers
  • Pol Sambol
  • Dhal Curry (Parippu)
  • Kiribath
  • Young Jackfruit Curry
  • Kool
  • Gotukola Sambol (Pennywort Salad)

Covid-19 aka Coronavirus Travel Advice

  • If you are considering traveling during the coronavirus pandemic, take some precautions to protect yourself and others from Covid-19. Answer a few questions before traveling to a destination: have you been vaccinated against Covid-19, have you been in close contact with a person with Covid-19, and does your home or destination have requirements or restrictions for travelers?
    Steps to stay safe during your travel
    Maintain a distance of 2 meters from others,
  • Wear a face mask,
  • Avoid the crowded or poorly ventilated areas,
  • Cover coughs and sneezes with bent elbow or tissues,
  • Clean and wash your hands frequently,
  • Avoid touching your eyes, nose, and mouth,
  • Avoid eating or drinking on public transportation.

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