Are you considering making Sri Lanka your next holiday destination? You certainly wouldn’t be alone. As many as 107,639 people visited the Asian nation in February of 2023 alone. That was a year-on-year increase of 11.5% – emphasizing just how popular of a destination it’s becoming.
But as any self-respecting tourist will tell you, you can’t simply expect to rock up and have the time of your life. You need to first do your research, and work out how you’re going to capitalize on this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. Luckily for you, we have you covered to make a memorable trip to Sri Lanka.
Let’s explore three things you need to know about Sri Lanka, in order to really get the most out of a vacation there. From the best time to go, to the right kinds of food to eat, here are three ways to maximize your visit.
Escape the crowds in the Northern Province
While some people enjoy being surrounded by tourists, others are looking for a more authentic taste of what the country has to offer. For the latter, consider taking a trip to the lesser-touted northern provinces of Sri Lanka.
Just 5% of the Sri Lankan population live here – and, of that number, only 18.6% call the urban cities home. As such, you’ll find yourself on streets that are far from devoid of culture, yet also not overflowing with bodies.
What’s more, there are still loads of amazing things to check out in the Northern Province. From the beaches of Jaffna to the Chundikulam National Park in Kilinochchi, there’s plenty to keep you occupied.
Visit in their summertime
If you live in the Northern Hemisphere, you could be forgiven for thinking that May through to September were the peak months to visit. In reality, travelers who arrive during this period can expect anywhere from twice to five times as much rainfall as in January or February.
Despite the fact that Sri Lanka technically sits above the line of the equator, its proximity to it means that it experiences very consistent temperatures year-round. This makes for a great holiday destination – but one that’s considerably wetter during traditional peak summer months.
Prioritize eating Sri Lankan delicacies
A trip abroad isn’t complete without sampling the food which a country has to offer, no matter where you’re headed. The same most certainly applies to Sri Lanka, which has its own set of mouth-watering dishes which need to be sampled at some point on your journey.
Just some of the many highlights include things like:
- Kottu – The Sri Lanka equivalent of a hamburger
- Parippu – A traditional red lentil curry, served commonly in most homes
- Lamprais – Meal, rice, and sambal chili sauce, wrapped together in a banana leaf
- Wambatu Moju – Candied eggplant pickle, served with rice and curries
You’ll be able to find most of these meals at local restaurants. Be sure to check for allergens in each before tucking in first.
Have these tips helped make any would-be plans to visit Sri Lanka a little easier? Make sure to keep them in mind when planning your trip. They could make all the difference.