Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka 🇱🇰
Sri Lanka immediately draws you into its multifaceted charm. This island combines ancient traditions with a modern flair, against a backdrop of stunning nature and vibrant culture. Colombo, the bustling capital, offers a fascinating mix of contemporary influences and colonial heritage. Here you will stroll through lively markets, find hip cafes next to historic buildings, and feel the dynamism of a city that is always on the move.
Unspoiled nature
Nature in Sri Lanka is as diverse as the island itself. Climb the misty peaks of the Central Highlands, where endless green tea plantations and picturesque waterfalls dominate the landscape. Take a train ride to Ella, one of the most scenic routes in the world, where you meander through mountains and valleys, overlooking picturesque vistas along the way. For a day of relaxation, the tropical beaches of Trincomalee and Galle invite you to laze under the palm trees, with nothing but the soft sand and murmur of the Indian Ocean in the background. Yala and Wilpattu national parks are real hotspots for wildlife enthusiasts. Go on safari and spot elephants wandering through the bush, leopards hiding in the bush, and colorful birds soaring through the air. These parks offer one of the best places in Asia to see wildlife up close, and the thrill of an encounter with one of these impressive animals is unforgettable.
Sri Lankan cuisine excites your senses with an explosion of flavors. From fiery curries with freshly caught fish to mild dhal and sweet coconut desserts, every meal is a feast for your taste buds. Sample local specialties like hoppers, pittu and kottu roti, and discover how spices and herbs are the soul of each dish. Eating in Sri Lanka is not just another meal; it is a culinary journey that brings you closer to the culture.
Sri Lanka has something for everyone. From exploring ancient temples and tropical forests to relaxing on paradise beaches and sampling local cuisine, this island has a unique way of capturing your heart. Sri Lanka is not a place you just visit, it is a destination you experience and will stay with you long after you return home.
The ideal itinerary through Sri Lanka
Are you ready to plan the ultimate journey through Sri Lanka, past all the must-see sights of this enchanting island? Then check out our specially curated itinerary for Sri Lanka. Immerse yourself in the rich history at the ancient ruins, explore vibrant cities, discover the moving cultural heritage and taste the explosive flavors of the local cuisine of this fascinating country in South Asia.
Everyting for your trip
Click and compare flight tickets to Sri Lanka through Tix.nl. Determine your own departure and arrival city and plan your optimal trip.
Plan your regional transportation together with 12go.asia. The Asian platform to arrange your local public transportation.
View and book the best activities in Sri Lanka through Tripadvisor. From city tours to snorkeling trips, there is something for everyone.
We have made a selection of hotels through Expedia. Click on a hotel for more information or search for a hotel of your choice through the website.
Travel prepared and make sure you have had all your vaccinations for Sri Lanka. Schedule can be done through the GGD.
Before you go, see if the country you are going to has a visa policy. You can arrange this yourself online or at the airport upon arrival.
Good to know!
Capital
Colombo
Language
Sinhalese & Tamil
Time difference
Summer time 3,5h, winter time 4,5h
Currency
Sri Langkan Ruppee
Sri Lanka heeft een tropisch klimaat en is het hele jaar door een aantrekkelijke bestemming. De beste tijd om het eiland te bezoeken is tijdens de droge seizoenen, die verschillen per regio: van december tot maart voor de west- en zuidkust en van april tot september voor de oostkust. Deze perioden kenmerken zich door aangename temperaturen en weinig neerslag. Het regenseizoen, bekend als de moesson, brengt korte, hevige buien die het landschap een weelderige uitstraling geven.
Public transportation in Sri Lanka offers an authentic experience with options such as tuk-tuks and local buses found in every city. For longer distances, trains are a nice and popular choice, especially the famous train trip from Kandy to Ella. Apps such as 12go.asia or Rome2Rio can help you plan your trip. For more convenience, there are also private taxi services and apps like PickMe.
Sri Lankan cuisine is a delicious symphony of flavors, with influences from Indian, Indonesian and even Dutch culinary traditions. Be sure to try the national favorite, kottu roti, a dish made of minced bread mixed with vegetables, egg and spicy herbs. Also enjoy the variety of seafood along the coast, perfectly grilled with local spices. And don’t forget the famous Sri Lankan sweet, watalappan, a coconut custard richly spiced with cardamom and nutmeg!
The main cultural festivities in Sri Lanka are the Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April, which is lavishly celebrated with various traditional games and rituals. Other major events include the Vesak Festival in May, which commemorates the birth, enlightenment and death of Buddha, and the Kandy Esala Perahera in July or August, a spectacular procession with dancers, drummers and decorated elephants. The island can be busier during these periods, so it is wise to make your travel plans early.