
Travel Guide
Sri Lanka
Officially, Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka and historically, Ceylon, Sri Lanka is an island country in South Asia. It sits in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, removed from the Indian peninsula by the Palk Strait and Gulf of Mannar. Often referred to as the "Pearl of the Indian Ocean" due to its beauty and natural resources, the country is most known for its ancient ruins like Sigiriya rock fortress, its stunning beaches, diverse wildlife, especially leopards in Yala National Park, its high-quality tea production and landmarks like the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic in Kandy.
Located in the Kansai region just south of Kyoto and east of Osaka, Nara is a true hidden gem. It's home to many early emperor palaces, large Shinto shrines and over 1,200 wild and hungry deer that roam freely.
The quiet town of Tissamaharama is known for Buddhist monasteries, beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves like Yala National Park, where visitors can join a wildlife safari. It's steeped in history and was once the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century BC.
A small town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is an important fishing port filled with delicious seafood, picturesque beaches and life changing whale watching. It's also a great jumping off point for the iconic old city of Galle.
Central Turkey's dry region of Cappadocia is known for its magical fairy chimneys, hot air balloons and mysterious caves. To unwind, enjoy hookah, browse for local artifacts or smash a fiery clay pot overflowing with testi kebab for dinner.
The emerald green forests of Arashiyama offer more than meets the eye. Come for the bamboo but stay to explore the charming temples, beautiful shrines and cherry blossoms along Ōi River.
Ella is most well known for Nine Arches Bridge, a viaduct bridge built without any steel and set against a lush green landscape surrounded by rolling hills, cloud forests and tea plantations. The town also boasts epic waterfalls, exhilarating train rides and sacred Buddhist temples.
Over 10,000 torii gates line the path to Fushimi Inari Taisha, the head shrine of the deity Inari Ōkami and spirit of foxes, fertility, rice, tea, sake, agriculture, industry, general prosperity and worldly success. Placing offerings helps protect visitors from evil forces.
Once a retreat for the British elite and colonial planters of the country’s tea industry, Nuwara Eliya lies in the misty hills of central Sri Lanka with the nickname, “City of Light.” The town has a temperate, chilly climate and is littered with colonial style bungalows and tea plantations.
Coined the "City of a Thousand Temples," Kyoto oozes old world charm, steeped in centuries of spiritual tradition. It's also the perfect jumping off point for areas like Fushimi Inari Taisha, Arashiyama Bamboo Forest and Nara Park.
Formerly Constantinople, Istanbul straddles both Europe and Asia across the Bosphorus Strait and is the largest city and main seaport in Turkey. Delight in all things spices, traditional meze, Turkish baths and towering mosques.
A large city in central Sri Lanka, Kandy is set on a plateau surrounded by mountains home to tea plantations and biodiverse rainforests. The city is famed for sacred Buddhist sites like the Temple of the Tooth's and its heart is the scenic Kandy Lake.
When & How to Travel
Best Time of Year
Twin shoulder season (September to October & April)
Visa Requirements
Visa free for 6 months (citizens from 35 countries including the UK, US, Canada, Germany, Australia, Saudi Arabia, China, India, Russia, South Korea & Japan); others apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA)
Currency
Sri Lankan Rupeel (LKR, ₨)
Key Phrases
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Ayubowan
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ඔව් (Ovu)/Na
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Karunakarala/Bohoma istouti
Southwest Cappadocia's awe inspiring magical fairy chimneys and rock formations are on display at Pigeon Valley, Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley and the Underground City.
Located in the Kansai region just south of Kyoto and east of Osaka, Nara is a true hidden gem. It's home to many early emperor palaces, large Shinto shrines and over 1,200 wild and hungry deer that roam freely.
The quiet town of Tissamaharama is known for Buddhist monasteries, beautiful beaches and wildlife reserves like Yala National Park, where visitors can join a wildlife safari. It's steeped in history and was once the capital of the Sinhalese Kingdom of Ruhuna as early as the 3rd century BC.
A small town on the southern coast of Sri Lanka, Mirissa is an important fishing port filled with delicious seafood, picturesque beaches and life changing whale watching. It's also a great jumping off point for the iconic old city of Galle.
Southwest Cappadocia's awe inspiring magical fairy chimneys and rock formations are on display at Pigeon Valley, Selime Monastery, Ihlara Valley and the Underground City.