Travel Tips to Visit Sri Lanka – A Land of Many Allures

The cosmopolitan city of Colombo will leave you stuck for choice in terms of cuisine. The place is a foodie's haven catering to the budget traveller and gourmet connoisseur. Of course, outside of major cities food is pretty much local with the best experiences being a 'plain tea' with a piece of sweet jaggery at a wayside little kiosk. Roti made from coconut with onion relish and steaming hot hoppers are some of the delights awaiting you in Sri Lanka. But if you are planning on exploring the country outside of major cities don't expect to find too many places catering to western tastes unless of course, you are staying at one of the fine resorts or hotels Sri Lanka has to offer in various locations.

Being a tourist oriented country Sri Lanka has a fine collection of resorts, hostels and hotels catering to the luxury and budget traveller. Located within all popular cities, towns and villages the accommodation options are varied. Like Jetwing Hotels many are popular chains and provide easy transfers to guests touring different points of the island. Before booking a hotel make sure you ask about special offers, long stay discounts, web booking discounts and other such guest friendly packages Sri Lanka hotels offer.

Sri Lanka has a very vibrant and large tuk tuk community. Whizzing in and around traffic these three- wheeled scooters, like mini cabs are popular and cheap modes of public transport. At least one ride in a tuk-tuk is recommended for a true taste of Sri Lankan style travel. Make sure you hop into a tuk-tuk that has a meter and make sure it is turned on or settle on a reasonable fare before you set off; many will try their luck at over charging unsuspecting tourists.

Buses and trains are easily available to almost all parts of the country. The Fort railway station in Colombo has regular links to other provinces and offers one a choice of booking tickets early; especially if it is a night mail service with sleeping berths. Buses too, follow a similar schedule with one leaving almost every hour to major cities across the nation. As with accommodation transport too is aimed at the budget and luxury traveller with the option of air-conditioned train and bus services being available for a higher fee.

The southern coast is the most popular amongst tourist and is the oldest established belt for beach tourism. On offer are plenty of hotels catering to all types of tourists. The eastern coast promises more unspoilt splendours and a laid back vibe while Negombo and the western coast nearest to the international airport should be attempted first or last.

There are plenty of wildlife sanctuaries in Sri Lanka. The Yala National Park on the southeast coast is the most popular and boasts one of Asia's largest leopard populations. Further inland are Minneriya, Udawalawe and Wasgomuwa parks for savannah like jungles and sightings of wild elephants.

Make sure you travel to the Cultural Triangle covering the ancient cities home to the first kingdoms and birth of Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Resplendent with UNESCO World Heritage Sites these cities are a culture buffs haven.

The central hills are a true treat with culture and traditions taking precedence in places like Kandy; the last kingdom of Sri Lanka. Visit ancient temples, savour traditional folk dances and enjoy the salubrious hills taken over by tea plantations. Head out to 'Little England' and taste the thrills of an ancient British Village in Nuwara Eliya. Loved by the British colonists the town is resplendent with colonial style bungalows, roaring fireplaces and a chilly nip in the air. These are just a few tips to consider when planning a trip to Sri Lanka.