Sri Lanka is a beautiful destination with magnificent landscapes, friendly locals, and remnants of British colonial heritage. With COVID-19 vaccines already being rolled out in Australia, the international travel restrictions will be eased soon enough or lifted. Therefore, if you are planning to travel to Sri Lanka, use this guide to maximize your experience. Here are some travel tips for people traveling to Sri Lanka for the first time.
1. Go Slow
Yes, the infrastructure in Sri Lanka is improving, and there are numerous transport options available. However, getting around the country especially using the tightly winding roads and engine-testing inclines, can be difficult. You are going to waste a lot of time at the Hill Country.
Music Teacher Wendy Brentnall says that if you travel by tuk-tuk, bus or train, you should expect to pass the various tea plantations at speeds of 12-15 miles per hour. It’s always a better alternative to hire a car and driver for the best results.
2. Get Away From The Crowds By Going North
Are you hoping to get away from the beaten path? Well, the Northern Province was previously off-limits, but you can now access it effortlessly. It was actually one of the last areas to be opened up to tourists. However, it hasn’t received a wave of resorts, hotels, and other developments as well as receiving a lot of foreign visitors like other parts of the country. Therefore, if you are hoping to see deserted golden beaches, colonial port towns and remote temples, you should definitely plan a trip to the Northern province of Sri Lanka, or at least that’s what Interior Design Expert Gary Hamer believes.
3. Focus On Food
The food in Sri Lanka is heavenly so plan to eat as much as you can when travelling there. However, you might have a hard time finding the good stuff. Some delicacies you can try include bowl-shaped hoppers (which are savoury rice flour crepes) but you can only get these the first thing in the morning or very late in the afternoon.
For lunch, you can enjoy rice and curry. In the evening, you should try out Kottu Rotty (which is chopped flatbread then stir-fried with vegetables and eggs). You might be surprised by the lack of street food stalls, especially if you are familiar with Asia. However, you can enjoy some of the most delicious dishes in the small kitchens of guesthouses in various areas in the country.
4. Think About Colombo
There is much more to Colombo than a gateway city. Here, you will find jazz clubs, boutique stores, rooftop bars and the best restaurants. With there being so many sights to see, you can settle in the capital and get a better understanding of the local life.
5. Understand The Culture
At the closest point, India and Sri Lanka are separated by 18 miles of water. However, there is a massive difference between the two countries. For instance, Sri Lanka experiences a less frantic life than India. Therefore, it is an ideal place for people who are intrigued but intimidated by India. Very few locals in Sri Lanka will harass western tourists. Also, you need to cover up in places of worship or when walking around. However, no one will harass you if you are wearing shorts.
If you’re already in love with this destination, but can’t travel at the moment for some reason, make sure you keep updated with Sri Lanka news at Aus News Lanka, and hopefully, you’ll be enjoying this paradise very soon!
