What to see, what to do Sri Lanka?
The 10 good reasons to go Sri Lanka
The Lion Rock of Sigiriya
This fascinating fortress in the heart of the island is a must-see.
A thousand-year-old culture
Exceptional historic Buddhist sites classified as UNESCO heritage sites.
A luxuriant and preserved nature
Many national parks are home to wild animals in their natural habitat.
A wide range of sporting activities
Diving, surfing, kitesurfing, canyoning, hiking, golf... You'll never be bored!
The land of tea
The tea plantations in the central hills of the country offer sumptuous scenery.
Fort Galle
This city bewitches visitors with its beautiful Dutch colonial architecture.
Heavenly beaches
The coastline of the island is lined with beautiful sandy beaches hemmed with coconut trees.
A colorful gastronomy
Sri Lankan cuisine is renowned for its excellent curries.
Friendly locals
Whatever their origins, Sri Lankans cultivate a sense of hospitality.
An ethnic mosaic
The country offers a kaleidoscope of different cultures and religions.
What to visit Sri Lanka?
Good to know to visit Sri Lanka
Timetable
Temples are generally open from dawn to dusk. Museums are mostly open between 9am and 4pm with one day a week closed, sometimes two. Some places of visit have extended hours on weekends and during school vacations. The full moon days (poya) are holidays and dedicated to the respect of Buddha's teachings, so the temples will be much more frequented.
To be booked
It is not necessary to reserve your tickets in advance for the visits of sites, museums...
Budget & Tips
The entrance fees for the important sites are high, so you will probably have to choose between those you want to visit the most.
The entrance to the Lion Rock of Sigiriya is 30 US$ per person, the sacred cities of Polonnaruwa and Anuradhapura are 25 US$ each... Quite a budget if you travel with your family! Some Buddhist temples also charge an entrance fee to participate in the maintenance of the place, but the rates remain very reasonable.
Discounts for children. For many sites, including national museums, admission is half price for children under 13. It is often free for children under 6 years old
Guided tours
Guided tours are mandatory in National Parks, where a guide is required. Some museums and historical parks offer guided tours, usually in English. The rest of the time, you can visit the cities or sites at your leisure, but the explanations of a qualified guide will often help you understand the culture and subtleties of a place (temple, city, museum or monument).
Smokers
Smoking is strictly prohibited in religious places, museums and national parks.
Tourist traps
Many temples will ask you to pay an additional entrance fee to the main entrance, be aware that these are actually "donations" so it's up to you if you want to give a contribution.
What's very local
Very often Sri Lankans go to Buddhist temples dressed entirely or partially in white. Although you do not have to follow this tradition, it is still advisable to avoid wearing dark colors when visiting Buddhist sites.
