Locals usually speak in Tamil and Sinhala, though a huge chunk speaks in English as well. This further boosts tourism, given that the average tourist from around the world is attracted to tropical beaches. A typical trip to Sri Lanka should take you to a beach or two, up into a misty hill station, see you spend time with elephants and whales, or explore ancient world heritage sites. Placed near the equator, Sri Lanka enjoys consistently tropical weather. Different parts of the country can be visited at different times during the year, making it tourist friendly most of the time. Visitors head to its beaches, hill stations, tea plantations and wildlife centres throughout the year. Sri Lanka, being an island nation peppered with beaches and ancient sites, remains a popular choice with travellers following different itineraries. Beach bums, adventure seekers, trekkers, and culture vultures all head to the country for their idea of a good time. Like all tourist friendly destinations, Sri Lanka has accommodation and food options for all budgets – from the basic to the average, and all the way to the luxurious.

Sri Lanka is the land of nature and wildlife. The tiny island is every beach lover’s paradise. With its mesmerising beaches and magical landscapes, Sri Lanka is truly a gem. It is one of the hottest and popular weekend getaways for many. Rich in culture, heritage, history and natural beauty, Sri Lanka is truly alluring. With sun-kissed beaches, historical ruins, affordable prices, elephants, tea and some lip-smacking cuisine make Sri Lanka undeniably awesome. Sri Lanka is a rich and fascinating country that seems to have everything a traveller could possibly desire. The country is one of the best safari destinations outside of Africa with an abundance of wildlife squeezed into its 26 national parks. There are verdant rainforests, misty hills amid fertile tea plantations and miles upon miles of dazzling beaches. You’ve got a perfect holiday destination squeezed into an island a quarter of the size of the UK!

The ideal way to move within the country is by trains and Tuk-Tuk. Tuk-Tuk is quite cheap as you have to pay approximately $20 for a whole day visit. Various typical routes to travel by Tuk-Tuk are Galle to Colombo that costs $2, Kandy to Nuwara is around $2, and Jaffna to Colombo is about $3.

What’s more, the country is affordable and full of delicious cuisine as well as intriguing history. The people have dealt with war, disaster and all the challenges of a developing south-Asian country – and they have done it with grace and humility. Despite the nation’s recent turmoil, the country and its people are moving quickly forward.

Getting a Sri Lankan visa for Indian tourists requires you to apply for an online Sri Lanka Visa before travelling. An ETA, or an Electronic Travel Authorisation (Sri Lanka e visa), allows Indian tourists to stay in Sri Lanka for up to 30 days. This time period can be extended for up to 6 months. So whether it is a vacation to the beach you are in the mood for, a quiet trip to a quaint, colonial hill station, or connecting with wildlife, Sri Lanka has a destination that suits all travel itineraries. Apply online for Srilanka e visa, get packed, and off you go!

Places to visit in Sri Lanka

The country might look small, but this little country has a lot to explore. Sri Lanka is home to eight UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The temples, caves and peaks are a proof of the 2000 plus years of culture and traditions. The colonial fortresses that line across Galle to Trinco alee to the lush green national parks that are home to leopards, birds, monkeys and buffaloes all make the country worth visiting.

While in Sri Lanka do not miss catching the sight of world’s oldest living human-planted tree at Anuradhapura, be completely amazed at the sight of elephants in Minneriya or smile at the locals while you take a walk around the village. Enjoy the local cuisine or sit and watch the waves at a beach. Sri Lanka is fantastic, glorious and affordable.

And if you have been thinking that Sri Lanka is all about sun and sand and lowlands, you are wrong. When you are done with the golden charm, head for the hills to be charmed by the greens. Take a walk across the lush green tea plantations or trek up to a peak. Sri Lanka has something for everyone. Nature lovers to adrenaline junkies, foodies to history enthusiasts, Sri Lanka has enough to keep you all occupied and awe-struck.