Joanna James
Sri Lanka is a teardrop-shaped island sitting on the Indian Ocean; it boasts bio-diverse environs, many ethnic races & exotic cuisine. Here are a few pointers to keep in mind when heading over there.
Keep in mind that a holiday in Sri Lanka is never boring, hence, a three week holiday is best, or a minimum of at least ten days if you are really pressed for time. You will need at least ten days to visit the major sites, and if you are only able to book a short holiday to the island, avoid spending too much time in the commercial capital, Colombo; heading down south and staying at a Kalutara resort, for instance, will let you explore the south-west coast, it's gorgeous beaches, historical sites and rustic villages. Keep in mind that Sri Lanka is home to many international hotel chains like AVANI Hotels & Resorts, offering a range of experiences and island comforts. If you want to leisurely explore the island, try your best to plan a three week holiday, and you can enjoy the charms of this laid-back nation.
Sri Lanka boasts bio-diverse environs and many ethnicities, as such, sights and attractions can be categorised as cultural, beaches, wildlife and beautiful environs to explore. Touring the Cultural Triangle is a must if you love history, traditions and religious artefacts. While the many wildlife sanctuaries are home to hordes of wild elephants, leopards, amphibians, hundreds of bird species and stunning surroundings. Nature lovers may indulge in hikes, across the highlands; explore Worlds End, the Knuckles Range, Sinharaja Rainforest and other such natural sites. The beaches are the most famous feature of the island and are gorgeous golden stretches of sand lapped by the Indian Ocean, where you can go whale watching, surfing, diving and simply enjoy long lazy days in the sun.
The Bandaranaike International Airport is 57 minutes away from Colombo; you can take the free shuttle service from the arrivals lounge to the main bus stand just five minutes away and get easy connections to Colombo. There are also, vehicles for hire at the kiosks within the airport, as well as, taxis. From Colombo it is possible to book trains from the main Fort Train Station, to various parts of the country; in Fort, you can even catch a bus to remote areas from the main bus stand, buses leave every half hour and offer easy connections to popular destinations across the nation. There are plenty of car hire agencies as well, or you can simply book your Sri Lanka resorts shuttle service to come pick you up.
Sri Lanka is a tropical destination, hence take along plenty of cotton t-shirts which you can mix and match. Shorts are good for when you are inside the resort or visiting the beach, however for exploring the area, choose cotton pants. These are both comfortable in the hot weather, and conservative should you be visiting any religious sites. Take along plenty of sunscreen and bug spray as protection against mosquitoes, together with a good pair of shades and a hat to shield your head from the sun.
Buses are available in plenty and other than for being really crowded, as is the case in Colombo, they offer quick connections to many areas of the island. In the city, you can easily catch a bus every ten minutes to other suburbs. Taxis or rather, three-wheelers are available in plenty, and one simply flags one down from the street corner; make sure to get into one with a meter, or pre-determine the fare after you give the driver your destination. There are also cars for hire, either as self-drive or with a chauffeur, although only seasoned drivers used to busy Asian roads should attempt to self-drive. Enjoy Sri Lanka and all its experiences!
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
