How to plan a trip to Sri Lanka – Getting your head around a vacation to the Pearl of the Indian Ocean
A holiday to Sri Lanka brings with it countless opportunities to immerse yourself in the splendour and multi-cultural identity which will be very much evident, regardless of where your journeys lead you to. Outlined below is a detailed guide on what you need to make allowance for when it comes to vacationing in the Emerald Isle.
Image via Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort
Have your travel documents in order
Obtaining a tourist visa to Sri Lanka is not rocket science and can be completed in a matter of 2 to 3 days but this is subject to you having a passport that is valid for a period of 6 months after the conclusion of your holiday. An online visa application can be made to the Department of Immigration & Emigration to secure an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) which is a prerequisite.
Check currency requirements
Know that converting currency before leaving home would be futile practice on the back of the Sri Lankan Rupee is treated as a closed currency. Thus, you can opt to either carry your own cash and convert same at local money exchangers or banks or utilise your bank card for the sake of making withdrawals from Automated Teller Machines (ATMs). Further, it is wise to spend all of your Rupees before you leave Sri Lanka as it can be an arduous task to change the same back to your own country’s currency.
Time your visit
To be captured running helter-skelter for the nearest shaded area amidst heavy downpours can be quite the mood killer. This is why timing your holiday to Sri Lanka is a pivotal point for the island nation is subjected to two monsoon periods. The northeast monsoon descends from October to mid-December and generally, covers a major part of the country. Therefore, it is best to avoid making preparations during this timeframe. On the other hand, the southwest monsoon as its name suggests merely impacts the southwest and converges from May to June. Hence, in the event you seek the pleasures of the beach, then it would be prudent to settle down to the thought of staying along Sri Lanka’s eastern coastal belt. However, the best month to factor into your travel plans is September which is known for brilliant weather and importantly, off-season prices on accommodation.
Zone in on your preferences
Sri Lanka is made up of paradisiacal environs that include towering mountains, free-flowing rivers, sun-soaked beaches, bustling marketplaces and rich heritage sites that date back to the times of the kings and colonial rulers. In short, one will be presented with several opportunities to embrace the nation’s many flavours and offerings. Thus, conducting some research and thereafter, deciding on and fine-tuning an itinerary will be preferable practice. For instance, you can kick off your travels with a few days in Colombo which is replete with high-rise buildings, museums, places of worship, lavish hotel properties, lovely gardens to go on walking tours and street food outlets to snack on an assortment of fried delicacies. Also, pay attention to the Cultural Triangle where you will be directed towards climbing the Lion Rock of Sigiriya, exploring every nook there is to the Dambulla Cave Temple and scouring through the unspoilt wilds of Habarana. Further, never forget to visit the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa that retain pride of place for those with a craving for history, age-old civilisations, stupas and remnants of kingdoms of a bygone era.
The cool climes that envelop regions in the likes of Kandy, Nuwara Eliya or ‘Little England’ together with Ella will ensure that you are confronted with opportunities to bask, hike as well as live life on the edge with a bit of ziplining over deep gorges and tea plantations. On a concluding note, the southern province would warrant closer inspection and enjoyment given the pageantry that it plays host to. Among the notable outings that you can look forward to will be touring through the ramparts of Galle’s Dutch Fort which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site to going turtle watching on Rekawa Beach where the offspring of the leatherback and hawksbill turtle can be seen dashing the welcoming expanses of the Indian Ocean. If you choose to be based at Anantara Peace Haven Tangalle Resort which is a good Tangalle beach resort in the area, the above pastime can be scheduled while you tuck into flavoursome bursts of seafood, curries and Western specialities.
