Joanna James
It always helps to know a little about the country you are visiting to have a general idea about it and be more prepared. Here's a list of random but essential things to know about Sri Lanka.
It was considered unsafe in the past due to the civil war that has now ended. Ever since that, Sri Lanka has been on a steady rise to improve tourism, welcoming tourists from all over the globe, every year. In fact, the paradise island has been listed as number one on the list of must travel destinations in 2019 by the Lonely Planet.
To be able to rent a car in Sri Lanka, it is almost always mandatory for you to possess both your home country's driving license and a valid international driving license.
Keep this as a general rule. Most of the places have clean ice and hot water from filters and are, therefore, safe to consume. However, when travelling around, it is recommended to either buy bottled water or specifically ask for warm water from the restaurants.
Sri Lanka, unlike other Asian countries like Vietnam and Thailand, can be relatively expensive. The main reason is that most of the items like canned goods and alcohol are imported and the cost of living, especially in the city area is quite high. However, due to the rising number of backpackers, there are many hostels that are opening which provide affordable accommodation.
Sri Lankan cuisine doesn't skimp on flavours and spices and therefore, most of the dishes are quite rich in flavour. Almost all dishes will contain chilli and pepper that might make your eyes water! If you can't handle the spice, especially at a restaurant that makes food to order, feel free to request for a milder version.
After all, it is nicknamed the "Paradise Island" and true to its name, has plenty of beaches that alluring. The turquoise water, swaying palm trees, white sand and the tropical climate makes Sri Lanka an ideal beach holiday destination.
A trip to the island is incomplete without a safari. So, do ensure you embark on one! Yala National Park, the second largest park and is known for its population of leopards. Skim through the many Sri Lankan tour packages available online to find the best one for yourself. Eden Garden Tours have made a name for themselves and are quite efficient in creating an itinerary that is customized according to the individual's preferences thereby allowing one to accommodate all their bucket list items.
They are known for being very hospitable in general and love to help the tourists around. A friendly bright smile can go a long way!
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