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The breathtaking country of Sri Lanka is a popular tourist destination, receiving hundreds of thousands of visitors annually. Sri Lanka was a colony of three European countries, including Portugal, the Netherlands, and Great Britain. Sri Lanka’s name comes from Sri (Island) and Lanka (resplendent). Ceylon was the British name for Sri Lanka before 1972 and derived from the Sanskrit word Simhala, which means an abundance of lions.
The island lies just 30 kilometres south east of India and is home to the world-famous Ceylon tea, producing over 340 million kilograms of leaf every year. Tea is not the only thing that Sri Lanka is known for. Tourists visit the island to enjoy its beautiful tropical climate, golden beaches, world-class hotels, and cultural diversity.
Sri Lanka is an excellent destination for your summer holiday, especially if you enjoy warm weather, good food, and many tourist attractions. If you’re planning on visiting the country this summer, ensure you book your ETA visa well in advance.
Below are five tips to help you have a memorable summer vacation in Sri Lanka.Pay attention to the climate
Sri Lanka is located on the equator and enjoys warm weather for most of the year. However, the country has two monsoon seasons which bring torrential rains to different parts of the country. If you wish to visit during your summer vacation, the North and East Coast of the country is your best as monsoon rains will have moved on to the southern part of the country.
No trip to Sri Lanka is complete without visiting its commercial and cultural capital, Colombo. Founded in the early 16th century, it offers a mix of historical attractions, culinary delights, shopping opportunities, and vibrant nightlife. Visitors of Colombo can enjoy fiery and spicy street food, shop for colourful silks, visit Portuguese, Dutch, and English historical sites and enjoy many other activities.
While top Sri Lankan tourist attractions such as the Dambulla Cave Temple and Sigiriya and Polonnaruwa should be on every tourist’s itinerary, we recommend visiting some sites off the beaten track. Some of the best little-known attractions include; Helga’s folly, Wewurukannala Vihara and Lakegala Peak. Visiting less known places will help you avoid the crowds and ensure that you get to see parts of Sri Lanka that few other tourists have seen.
Located in the heart of the country, Nuwara Eliya is sometimes referred to as Sri Lanka’s Little England due to its cool climate and European-style houses. Once a retreat for British high society and colonial planters, it retains colonial-era bungalows and a country village feel. The best places to visit in Nuwara Eliya include; Lake Gregory, Victoria Park, Horton Plains National Park, Bluefield Tea Gardens, Lover’s Leap waterfall, and the Bale Bazaar. Among the top things to do here include a boat ride on Lake Gregory, strawberry picking, and a visit to the Seetha Amman Kovil temple. Tea lovers can also enjoy a cup of tea on the balcony of the Mlesna tea Castle.
Sri Lanka is home to some of the best golden beaches. These beaches offer accommodation in boutique hotels, guest houses, and private homes. Beaches on the South Coast are more crowded due to their popularity and proximity to the capital city.
If you visit in the summer, beaches on the north and east coast are your best bet. This is because the monsoon season will be over, and you can enjoy warm temperatures and mild weather. Some great beaches to visit on the north coast of Lanka include Trinco and Nilaveli. If you are looking for quieter, less crowded beaches, consider visiting the east. Some of the best beaches here include; Nilaveli, Marble, and Arugam.
Sri Lanka’s bustling cities, national parks, golden beaches, and historic attractions make it a travellers’ paradise. By following a few simple tips, you can create a great itinerary and ensure that you have a memorable summer vacation. For major information about travelling to Sri Lanka, check out the official Australian travel advice and safety site or any other official site from your country.
