Joanna James
Regarded among Asia's best beach hubs, Sri Lanka attracts visitors from around the world to its sunny shores. Here are five important tips to keep in mind when holidaying in the island nation.
While Sri Lanka is a wonderful holiday destination option for most of the year thanks to its tropical weather conditions, travelling during the right time of year can make a big difference in how much you will enjoy the tour. As a rule of thumb, visiting during the two monsoon seasons in the country is ill-advised as the period from May to August brings too much rain to make outdoor activities an option for most travellers. The hotel rates in AVANI Bentota Resort & Spa and numerous other similar Bentota resort bases and in other tourists hotspots are low during this season. The Best time to visit the island falls between the months from December to March when nearly all tourist hotspots are not only open but all activity options are accessible to travellers. This is also the best time to visit hilltop destinations such as Nuwara Eliya while those who wish to tour the eastern shores should head to Sri Lanka during April or May.
This is especially relevant if one is travelling to Sri Lanka during the peak tourist season as many of the top hotels in most tourist hubs will be booked months in advance. Once your dates are settled, select and book accommodation online using hotel booking websites which allow for free cancellations. This prevents travellers from being obligated to stay at a venue if a better option presents itself while also ensuring one has a place to rest one's head in the destinations of the itinerary. It is crucial to check online reviews on properties prior to making reservations as not all hospitality hubs in the island are created equal.
While the thought of wandering around aimlessly in a paradise island may seem like a good idea to wanderlust backpackers, most travellers would benefit from planning how they wish to spend their days in the country. Create a check-list of must-visit attractions and top activity options based on your online research and reading and create a rough travel itinerary complete with routes and possible plans on how to reach certain areas and attractions.
Sri Lanka's public transportation network may not be as coveted or as modern as those of Singapore or Malaysia but that does not mean one cannot rely on the bus and train services available in the country to one's advantage. Public buses and trains run on a strict and reliable schedule in Sri Lanka and online bookings are also available for longer journeys via the Sri Lanka Railway website. Use metered three-wheelers whenever short distances are involved and always inquire as to the cost of the journey before you step inside an unmetered tuk tuk. Those with the means can also opt to hire a cab for long and short excursions inside the country while inbound flights to areas such as Sigiriya and Koggala are also available through local carriers.
Sri Lankans are some of the most welcoming and warmest people you will find in Asia so take the time to interact with locals to not only ask for directions and the best restaurants in town but for a cultural experience in its own right. Don't be surprised if you are invited for a family meal in a local residence in this land of smiles.
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.
