Sri Lanka Travel Guide

An island country just off the coast of India in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka was once a jewel of the Indian Ocean. Today, the northern parts of the island have been devastated by the conflict between the Sri Lanken military and the rebel forces of the LTTE, or Tamil Tigers. While the skirmishes between the two factions have currently ceased, be sure to check with your local embassy for updates on the region. Be warned that even veteran travelers should stay away from the region for the foreseeable future.

Despite the difficulties the country has had in recent years, this island… read more jewel—home to the sci-fi author Sir Arthur C. Clarke from 1956 until his death in 2008—is a tropical paradise. Ringed with golden beaches of soft sand slowly making their way back into the spotlight after the devastation of the 2004 tsunami, with a mountainous interior and lush jungles making up such places as the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Sri Lanka boasts an untold number of treasures that are just waiting to be discovered.

From the vertical drop at the edge of Horton’s Plains known as World’s End to the wildlife safaris in Yala National Park, or the capital city of Sri Jayewardenepura Kotte, Sri Lanka contains a variety of destinations and pursuits for all levels of travelers. Hiking, backpacking, sunning on the beach, crawling through the underbrush of the jungle, or simply sitting on the edge of a cliff enjoying the sunrise, there is something for everyone. The country is in the middle of monsoon territory, so trips should be planned around the seasons. December to March is the first, and June to October is the second.

English will only be understood in the tourist regions. The rural parts of the country will know little more than simple “yes” and “no”. Accommodations and transportation will vary depending on where you stay, with the larger, touristier areas having the best of both.