Many travelers avoided Sri Lanka for years because of a bloody, decades-long civil war and devastating tsunami in 2004. Since peace was declared in 2009, though, the vibrant island nation has made a remarkable recovery and become one of the most thrilling destinations in the world. With unspoiled beaches, a thriving mix of cultures, epic safari adventures and some of Asia’s best food, there are plenty of reasons to put Sri Lanka on your travel to-do list. Here are 10 tips to help you make the most of a trip there.
1. It Takes Longer to Get Anywhere Than You Think
Sri Lanka is roughly 25,000 square miles, less than the size of Ireland. If you look at driving distances on a map, it would seem like you could cover the island east to west and north to south in the span of a day or two. However, when you’re actually driving on the roads, you will see that that is not the case. Though there are some new roads and highways, such as the one from Colombo to Galle, much of the country’s infrastructure is still relatively undeveloped, with cars sharing the same roads as massive transport trucks … and elephants. You might also run into a town festival or two. But that just gives you even more time to enjoy the scenery and make stops in small towns and meet the locals.
If you plan on visiting more than a few destinations, rather than driving yourself, hire a knowledgeable guide through a tour company like Cazenove + Loyd. They can help you plot an itinerary and alert you to any special on-the-ground considerations you might not know about otherwise.
Photo by Andrey Danilovich / Getty Images.
2. Skip Yala National Park and Go to Gal Oya, Wilpattu or Udawalawe Instead
Yala National Park along Sri Lanka’s southern coast is the country’s most famous and most accessible safari reserve, especially if you’re coming from somewhere else in the south, like Galle or Tangalle. It’s also home to some of the nicest lodges in the country, including Chena Huts.
At this point, unfortunately, the park is overrun with tourists. Over 100 vehicles line up at the main gate before dawn to start a mad dash through the park in search of its famous leopards, elephants and sloth bears, which makes for a diabolical, dusty derby. Though some operators will take you to less-frequented areas, it often means multi-hour drives in either direction. Instead, try visiting one of the country’s other national parks, where there are likely to be fewer tourists.
Gal Oya National Park to the east is teeming with high-profile species including leopards and elephants, not to mention picturesque lakes with islands where you can have picnics, and rustic but comfortable accommodations at the Gal Oya Lodge. Coastal Wilpattu National Park up in the northwest is home to a sizable leopard population as well. Though sightings are harder to come by because the park’s so large, you won’t be jostling with other vehicles. Leopards are even rarer at Udalwalawe National Park in the south-central part of the island, but it’s famous for the huge pack of pachyderms that call it home, and it boasts some of the best birdlife in Sri Lanka.
Photo by Bruno_il_segretario / Getty Images.
3. The Surfing’s Incredible
Though serious surfers might prefer the waves at big-name surf spots like Hawaii or South Africa, those in the know have been flocking to the beaches of Sri Lanka for years. Yet the island’s best surf spots remain largely uncrowded. The south coast has some of the best-known surfing beaches, including the lazy breaks and barrels at Midigama and the swells at Kabalana. Beginners can take on the small breaks at Weligama and stay nearby at the luxurious Cape Weligama for a bit of pampering after shooting the curl. On the east coast, Arugam Bay is known for consistent, gentle sets that are perfect for beginners. The best season to come is from April to September. More advanced riders should try the big breaks at Okanda.
Surfers at Mirissa Beach in Sri Lanka. Photo by John Crux Photography / Getty Images,
4. You’ll Contract Full-Moon Fever
On the full moon of every month, Sri Lanka’s Buddhists celebrate milestones in the Buddha’s life and everyone in Sri Lanka gets a public holiday. While there are sometimes festivals to attend, notably the Esala Festival, or the Festival of the Tooth, in Kandy. It involves a huge parade of dancers, musicians, elephants and fire walkers, and businesses and restaurants will be closed. Many guides take the day off, and you won’t be able to purchase meat in many places or alcohol anywhere.
5. You’ll Chase Waterfalls
There are more than 100 waterfalls spread across Sri Lanka’s lush, temperate interior, many of which have thrilling backstories. Among the most famous is Ravana Ella.
According to the Indian epic the Ramayana, King Ravana hid Princess Sita in a cave near the waterfall (which you can also climb over 600 steps to). Today, visitors come to admire and even bathe in the gushing stream, and it makes a nice stop on a road trip from the southern coast up to the central highlands, where the tea plantations are. Named after British explorer Samuel Baker, Baker’s Falls are among the country’s most dramatic, framed by colorful flowers and ferns. Near Badulla, Dunhinda Falls are around 200 feet high and create the cloud of mist from which they derive their name in Sinhalese. The highest waterfall in the country, meanwhile, is 863-foot-highBambarakanda Falls, also near Badulla. It can get crowded, but the views of the multi-tiered streams are worth it.
Photo by Nick Brundle Photography / Getty Images.
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