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.
Map
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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
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.