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]]>Sigiriya
Standing proud in the middle of the country’s Central Province, Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress that offers breathtaking views of the surrounding landscapes. Its lush gardens and historical significance have made it a popular attraction for tourists over the years, and while climbing to the summit is somewhat of a challenge, the panoramic vistas on top are worth the trek.
Ella
About 4 hours east of Sri Lanka’s capital Colombo, the charming village of Ella sits quietly surrounded by misty mountains and tea plantations at 3,400 feet above sea level. Nature lovers can enjoy a hike to the iconic Ella Rock to watch the sunrise, or explore the Nine Arches Bridge, also known as the Bridge in the Sky. If you prefer something a bit slower paced, head to Cafe Chill for a cup of coffee, or take a cooking class with Ella Spice Garden.
Mirissa
Travelers seeking a bit of seaside serenity should be sure to visit Mirissa, a small beach town on Sri Lanka’s southern coast. Like a postcard come to life, Mirissa is home to pristine sandy beaches and warm turquoise waters that make it a perfect place to unwind. and soak up some sun. There’s also an active nightlife scene for those who like to keep the party going after dark.
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]]>The Sigiriya
Sri Lanka is home to no less than eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites, one of which is the Sigiriya. Also known as the “Fortress in the Sky” and “Lion’s Rock”, the fortress has stood since the 5th century when it was built by King Kashyapa who had usurped his father, King Dhatusena, and was afraid the rightful heir would return. Admire the palace ruins, ancient citadel, and some of the oldest landscaped gardens in the world.
(@lankan_portfolio)Temple of the Tooth
Buddhism is the official religion of Sri Lanka, with 70% of the population following Buddha’s teachings. In Kandy, you can find one of the most sacred Buddhist temples in the world, the Temple of the Tooth, where it is said that the relic of the tooth of Buddha is housed. Although the temple can be visited anytime, the Festival of the Tooth is held between July and August each year. The colorful procession, filled with dancers, fire eaters, and elephants, is not to be missed!
Colombo
The capital of Sri Lanka lends itself to exquisite buildings influenced by Portuguese, Dutch, and British architecture. These countries also play a part when it comes to the cuisine. Colombo has a lively food scene, so be sure to sample curry and rice, hoppers, and kottu, as well as have a cup of authentic Ceylon tea.
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]]>Visit the Cultural Triangle
This region is home to ancient cities, temples, and ruins that offer a glimpse into Sri Lanka’s fascinating history and culture. It’s definitely a part of Sri Lanka you can’t miss out on.
Explore the Hill Country
The lush green hills and tea plantations of the Hill Country are a must-see for nature lovers. Take a scenic train ride, hike to waterfalls, and enjoy the cool mountain air.
Indulge in Sri Lankan cuisine
From spicy curries to sweet desserts, Sri Lankan food is a treat for the taste buds. Don’t miss out on trying dishes like hoppers, kottu roti, and string hoppers.
Relax on the beach
Sri Lanka has some of the most beautiful beaches in the world. Unwind and soak up the sun at popular spots like Mirissa, Unawatuna, and Arugam Bay.
Respect local customs and traditions
Sri Lanka is a conservative country, so it’s important to dress modestly and be mindful of cultural norms. Take off your shoes when entering temples and always ask for permission before taking photos of people.
With its friendly locals, diverse landscapes, and rich culture, Sri Lanka is a destination that is sure to leave a lasting impression on first-time visitors.
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]]>You’ll Need a Visa
All foreign visitors need a visa to enter Sri Lanka. The Maldives, Seychelles, and Singapore citizens can get theirs on arrival, while everyone else is recommended to apply online.
Foreign Currency is Rarely Accepted
Unlike some other countries in South Asia, Sri Lanka prefers for tourists to use their own currency to pay for goods and services. Luckily, it’s quite easy to get the Sri Lankan rupee upon arrival as there are exchange offices at airports and banks also offer a good exchange rate.
You Shouldn’t Drink Tap Water
Tap water in Sri Lanka can be used to brush teeth, but that’s pretty much it. So you should avoid drinking it at all costs and use bottled water while there.
Sri Lanka is Conservative
You will have to be considerate when in Sri Lanka. The country is religious and conservative, so you need to be aware of some rules of behavior. For example, exchanging intimacy like kissing in public is not welcomed, while you are also expected to be appropriately dressed and respect their traditions.
The Country is Safe but Be Aware of Pickpocketing
The days of political unrest and critical safety situations in Sri Lanka seem to be over. However, despite the country being safer than it used to be, you should still pay extra attention to where you go and how you handle your belongings. Pickpocketing is common, especially around major tourist attractions.
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]]>It’s a Melting Pot of Cultures
Colombo is a melting pot of cultures. You will meet people from all walks of life and you will witness all religions worshiping together. The fact that Colombo is so multi-cultural is one of the things that makes it so special.
Tuk Tuk Adventures
Colombo is a great city for jumping on a tuk tuk and adventuring around the city. On a tuk tuk, you can wind in and out of traffic, soaking in the colorful views of the city.
The Street Food
The street food in Colombo is on another level. If you like your food to have a bit of a kick to it, try the spicy flat bread dish, kottu rotti.
Gangaramaya Temple
The 19th century Gangaramaya Temple is a significant place of worship in Colombo. It boasts a mix of old and modern architecture and features stunning Buddha statues.
It’s Full of Historical Sites
If you are into history, Colombo is a great city to explore. Start your history tour at Colombo Fort and look out for the three Dutch Colonial-style buildings nearby.
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]]>Sri Lanka is also a hotspot for backpackers visiting Southeast Asia, so we’ve compiled a list of a few hostels you can visit if you’re planning to take a trip there. We understand it’s important to maintain a budget, so here are a few places that won’t impede your budget.
The 1964 Boutique Hostel
This hostel is well under $20, which is a pretty snazzy deal. It’s located in a hidden space among tea plantations, and you are greeted with a filling breakfast consisting of local fruits. It’s located in a less touristic center, and it’s walking distance to Little Adam’s Peak and the 9 Arch Bridge.
Ceylon Hostel
This budget hostel is located in Bodiraja road in Unawatuna and is priced at $20 per night. The kitchen is fully equipped and the host of the hostel is extremely friendly and can provide you with the tips you need to navigate through Sri Lanka.
Funk Bunks Hostel
The Funk Bunk’s Hostel is one of the cheapest picks. At only $16, you can have an amazing and affordable stay in Sri Lanka. The staff are always ready to help, and it’s the perfect place to take a break from the busy city life. Did we mention they have funky tropical prints on their walls? This one’s a winner.
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]]>Climate
Due to is tropical climate, rain is expected anytime and anywhere. Though the climate changes drastically in different areas of the country. For example, in the hills of Central Sri Lanka, the temperature varies between 5 and 20 Celsius, while Hambanthota has a temperature around 30-35 Celsius. So, pack smartly.
A i d aCommunication
Shinhala and Tamil are Sri Lanka’s two official languages, however, English is commonly used in most cities, so you won’t have problem with communication.
No Religious Tattoos Are Allowed
Buddha or other religious tattoos are banned in this island country and having them may get you deported. However, if you still want to visit despite the warning, you should cover up your religious tattoos at all time.
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Fun Things To Do
Sri Lanka is a fun country, so there is a quite few interesting things you can do there. For example, the annual Tuk-Tuk tournament is held every October where more than 100 competitors race on three-wheelers. Other outdoor activities such as surfing, wind and kite surfing, diving, rock climbing, hot air ballooning, white water rafting and game fishing are just some of the exciting sport you can experience in Sri Lanka.
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]]>Iceland
Iceland is currently one of the hottest attractions for tourists, most of whom decide to backpack. This is the home of so many stunning views, including the northern lights. Since you’ll be visiting so many attractions in nature, the best way to go is with a backpack.
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Columbia
Columbia offers the best backpacking experience. This country has so many affordable hostels where you can spend the night, while roaming around all the natural attractions during the day.
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Israel
Forget about fancy resorts, and pack your bag. Israel is ready to offer you the best time ever. It is a small country, but perfect for backpackers.
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Sri Lanka
Backpacking is one of the best ways to get to know more about Sri Lanka. You can literally pack everything you need in a single backpack and visit the biggest attractions with ease. From the mesmerizing beaches to breathtaking temples, Sri Lanka is one of the world’s most exciting backpacking destinations.
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