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12 Travel Tips for First Timers in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is home to different cultures, a varied landscape, a plethora of wildlife and smiling locals. Located just south of India, the country’s geography is as diverse as its culture. If you are looking to soak up some good vibes, the warm and sandy beaches of Sri Lanka can offer some respite. In your quest for Sri Lanka Private Tours, here are some useful travel tips to help you make the most of your time in the island nation.

 

Picture credit goes to joyofjourneys.com

 

1. The Weather is Warm Throughout the Year

 

Located just north of the Equator, Sri Lanka enjoys a temperate climate throughout the year, with the average temperature ranging between 28 and 34 degree Celsius. The temperature, however, remains a few degrees lower in the central mountainous region. The best time to visit the southern part of the country is between November and April, while the northern region can be explored between May and September. The central region is best explored between January and March.

 

2. Budget-Friendly Accommodation and Transportation

 

Sri Lanka is way affordable than its immediate neighbor, Maldives, which is just 983 km away! Granted Sri Lankan tourism is still in its nascent stage, but the pace has picked up in the past few years. There are numerous budget hotels and hostels in the country, apart from opulent resorts. Take your pick while planning your itinerary. Most major towns and cities are connected by a network of highways and the railway. If you are not keen on using public transportation, you could ask tour operators in Sri Lanka to set you up with a group. This way you get to rent a private vehicle and split the fare equally.

 

3. Apply for a Visa Before Traveling

 

Sri Lanka only allows tourists from Seychelles, Maldives and Singapore to travel without a Visa. Although, tourists from other nations can collect their Visa on arrival, completing the formalities in advance will save you from the hassles of dealing with documentations while battling a jetlag.

 

4. The Locals Love Tea

 

If you are a tea lover, you must have heard of Ceylon, a popular variety of leaf. What you might not know is that Sri Lanka was the Dominion of Ceylon till 1972. Being one of the largest tea exporting nations, Sri Lankans are very passionate about the brew. If you are keen on visiting a few of the large tea estates, travel agents in Sri Lanka organize day trips on special request.

5 Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka This Year

Sri Lanka is slowly turning up on the globetrotter’s radar, transforming the island nation into one of the world’s top travel destinations. The country offers the ideal balance between nature and opulence, with a plethora of short hiking trails, picturesque waterfalls, and vast tea plantations, coupled with boutique hotels at exotic locations. The country is home to a few famous beaches, and has some of the best surfing spots in the world.

 

Picture credit goes to srilankanexperience.lk

 

Here are 5 Reasons Sri Lanka Should be On Your Travel Bucket List

 

1. Pristine Beaches

 

The beaches on the southern part of the island are picture-perfect and devoid of human interference. The water here is crystal clear, and the sand extremely fine and without hidden stones. Unlike most other tropical Southeast Asian countries, Sri Lanka has not quite caught up with tourist influx. However, that is quickly changing.

 

2. Perfect Weather

 

Sri Lanka being a tropical destination, is home to clear blue skies and warm weather for the most part of the year. If you plan ahead and avoid the monsoons, the country offers exotic sunset views round the year. While the beaches tend to be warmer, the central region of the island has higher elevation and is hence a lot cooler than you would expect. A thorough research of the climate is a must before embarking on future Sri Lanka tours.

 

3. Cultural Heritage

 

Despite its limited landmass, Sri Lanka is home to a total of 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The country exhibits a rich and diverse culture, as it was colonized by the Dutch, British and the Portuguese between the early 1800s and 1900s. This is evident in the local art, architecture and cuisine, which has a slight hint of European influence.

 

4. Diverse Wildlife

 

Sri Lanka is home to a wide variety of animal species. The country has close to 6 major wildlife reserves, each famous for sheltering different varieties of birds and animals. Almost every Sri Lanka Tour Package will include jungle safari in some form or the other. Sri Lanka is the best place to spot Asian elephants and the elusive spotted leopard. Whale and dolphin spotting is equally popular.

 

5. Surfer’s Paradise

 

If you enjoy surfing, Sri Lanka is a hidden gem. You can easily customize Sri Lanka holiday packages to include surfing. While the coast offers the perfect waves for beginners, the pumping waves near the reef is a treat for the experts. Sri Lanka being a tropical paradise, the water is nice and warm. While surfing season in the south is between November and April, the eastern part of the island is accessible between May and October.

An Amateur’s Guide to Renting a Vehicle in Sri Lanka

Most travelers do not have the luxury of time on their side. So, unless you plan on backpacking Sri Lanka, renting a car is the most efficient way to explore the country. There are tons of self-drive car rental agencies in the country. But, if you are not keen on experiencing the additional headache of driving on foreign soil, Car hire Sri Lanka is the optimal solution. Sri Lanka driver hire Even though all the major Sri Lankan towns and cities are connected by rail, public transportation tends to get overcrowded. So, unless you are traveling on a shoestring budget, renting a car is more convenient. Renting a car for the entire duration of your trip is beneficial as you do not need to worry about cramped luggage space. Your driver doubles as your local guide, and ensures the safety of your belongings when you venture out of the vehicle during breaks.

 

Picture credit goes to shatours.com

 

Contrary to popular opinion, renting a car in Sri Lanka is quite affordable, and might even be cost-effective if traveling with a large group. With a range of vehicles now available for rent, you can explore the lesser-traveled areas of the country with your friends. If you do not have a large group but like to interact with strangers, travel companies can pair you up with other solo travelers or smaller groups. Thus, splitting the cost of renting a car and driver.

 

Quick Safety Tips

 

If you plan on hiring a driver on your next trip to Sri Lanka, chances are you will first look online. Merganser Holidays is a reputed local travel planner and offers Sri Lanka driver hire services. The company has over a decade worth of experience in organizing custom itineraries for clients, and work with some of the most experienced drivers in the region. Interviewing your driver before finalizing the deal is a great way to gauge compatibility and understand the kind of service that you can expect during the trip. Communication is not a major concern, since, most Sri Lankans are proficient in English. You should also enquire about the flexibility of changing plans mid-trip, and work on the rates offered, before visiting.

 

Traveling with Merganser Holidays

 

Merganser Holidays is an inbound travel planner in Sri Lanka, specialized in organizing package deals, safari experiences, day tours, car and driver hire, airport transfer, and custom travel experiences. Visit their website for all the latest deals. You can also follow them on Facebook to stay updated with travel stories.