A Comprehensive Sri Lanka Travel Guide

Sri Lanka Travel Guide

The Asia Cup 2023 transcends being merely a cricket tournament. It's a grand assembly of Asia's cricketing giants, all set in the picturesque landscape of Sri Lanka. This is where top-tier cricket meets natural beauty - encompassing lush jungles, immaculate beaches, and heartwarming local hospitality. 

It's not just a sporting event; it's an immersive experience that combines the thrill of competitive cricket with the allure of a tropical getaway. If you’re planning a getaway to this enchanting country, here is a comprehensive Sri Lanka travel guide for you that will help you have a good time. 

Best places to visit in Sri Lanka

Replete with romantic landscapes, lush green tea gardens, golden beaches, soulful Buddhist monasteries, historic temples, and exotic wildlife, Sri Lanka is a true paradise in every sense of the word. Its beauty is awe-inspiring! And the more you explore, the more you fall in love with it. 

While you can spend the rest of your life discovering the amazing places, if you have time limit, here are some of the must-visit places. 

• Dambulla Cave Temple

  

Dambulla is a popular tourist destination in Sri Lanka. A beautiful city, it attracts tourists from all over the world who come here to explore the stunning and yet mysterious Dambulla Cave Temple. It is one of the largest temple complexes in the country and it is believed to be built in the 12th Century AD. 

Apart from its awesome tourist places, Dambulla is also popular among the cricket fans for hosting many international matches. While visiting the city, you can use the opportunity to visit the stadium and relive all those wonderful moments of cricket that you may have witnessed on TV while watching the match back home. 

• Commonwealth War Cemetery

  

Visiting a cemetery during a holiday may not be the typical thing to do, right? But, if you have a knack for doing the unusual or have affinity to history, you would love visiting this place. One of the popular tourist places in the city of Kandy, this place is nothing fancy but you must visit this place to pay homage to the martyrs of the war. Make sure to take a guide on the tour to know about the rich history of the war and the stories of the soldiers, which could move you to tears. 

Kandy has many other attractions throughout the city, and one of the most notable ones is the Pallekele International Cricket Stadium, which is also hosting the Asia Cup matches. So, make sure to plan your visit to the city as per the Asia Cup Schedule and you can watch your favorite team in action live at the stadium. 

Also Read: 6 Unforgettable Bowling Performances in Asia Cup History

• Unawatuna Beach

  

Sri Lanka is an island nation, and is replete with some of the most stunning beaches you would find in the world. Apart from the natural beauty of the beaches and the scenic landscapes around, Sri Lanka is known to offer a vibrant nightlife and many water activities for tourists to enjoy. One such awesome beach that you must definitely include in your Sri Lankan itinerary is the Unawatuna Beach. 

Here you can have a wonderful time with your friends and family, relaxing at the beach and enjoying the delicious Sri Lankan food. It is a perfect gateway to seek both solace and adventure. There are many water activities here that are sure to give you the thrills you need. Close to the beach is the Japanese Peace Pagoda, it is a beautiful place that you must visit to soak in the serene and calm vibe. 

• Dondra Lighthouse

  

Built during the colonial era, Dondra Lighthouse is known for its stunning architecture. It is open for all tourists, and you can climb up all the way till the top and enjoy the most gorgeous panoramic view of the ocean and the city. 

The rows of palm and coconut trees lining the beach, the golden sand and the blue water look absolutely surreal from the top. After enjoying the view from the top, and clicking some stunning pictures for your social media, you can head down to the beach and relax. If you are visiting in the evening, make sure to get a view of the sunset, it is sure to be a magical experience of your life. 

• Old Dutch Fort

  

Located in Galle, one of the most scenic cities in Sri Lanka, the fort was built by the Dutch during the colonial period. A charming and colossal structure, the Old Dutch Fort is one of the best-preserved sea forts in the entire South Asian region.

Whether you are a history buff, an architecture enthusiast or a nature lover, this place is a haven for you. Its rich history dates back to the 16th century and is one of the architectural wonders. As you visit the fort and explore it, you would feel you are transported back in time. 

Apart from its rich history, the view from the top of the view of fort, which overlooks the sea is absolutely surreal. The cool breeze and the scenic view acts like a soothing balm to your mind and fill your heart with a perpetual feeling of bliss!

• Colombo, the capital city

  

The capital of the island nation, Colombo is among the best places to visit in Sri Lanka for more than one reason. A bustling city, Colombo is sure to charm you with its beauty at the first sight. It has a truly unique vibe which is a combination of modern innovation and old-world charm. 

There are many places to visit in the city, from museums to temples, and you can cover all the places by booking a private cab or tuk-tuk. Apart from exploring the city, as a cricket lover, you would have a compelling reason to visit Colombo as the city is set to host Asia Cup matches, including the finals. 

So, if you are here in the city during the tournament, you can book your tickets and watch your favorite team and players live at the iconic R Premadasa Stadium. The Sri Lankans love their cricket and are very passionate about the game. And, watching a game here is an experience worth having!

Also Read: Legendary Batsmen of Asia Cup: A Closer Look at Their Impact on the Game

Best things to do in Sri Lanka

Shaped like a teardrop, Sri Lanka is one of the precious and stunning gems studded on the Indian Ocean. Offering a plethora of fun, adventure and romantic activities, it is one of the best places in the world to enjoy an exotic holiday. No matter the type of traveller you are, you would surely find more than one thing to do in the country.

Here are our suggestions for the best things to do in Sri Lanka. 

• Visit one of the many turtle hatcheries near the beaches of Bentota. Here you can see the tiny turtles that are just one day old and watch them make their way to the sea. 
• Sri Lanka is known to offer ayurvedic massages. So, while you are in the country make sure to visit one of the ayurvedic spas and get a relaxing massage to rejuvenate your senses. 
• Watch a cricket match at one of the iconic stadiums in Sri Lanka. If you are visiting in September 2023, you can watch the Asia Cup matches being played at Kandy and Colombo. 
• Seek the blessing of Goddess Sita at the Seetha Amman Temple. As per the legends, it the place where the king of Sri Lanka, Ravana held the goddess captive. Located amidst a scenic landscape on top of a forested hill, the place is an epitome of serenity. 
• Sri Lanka is a green paradise. And, amidst the tall trees, you can find plenty of tea gardens and estates that sprawl of several acres of land. Take a stroll around the tea gardens and soak in the surreal atmosphere while relishing the sweet scent of tea in the air. 

Best time to visit Sri Lanka

You can visit Sri Lanka any time of the year. However, according to many Sri Lanka tourist guides, December to April is the best time to visit the island nation. During this time, the weather here is pleasant, allowing you to enjoy exploring the city and indulging in many outdoor activities. 

Even monsoon is a good time to visit the country as you get to see lush greenery all around. Also, during this time the popular tourist places are less crowded compared to other days of the year, and you can enjoy seeing the places at your own leisure. Also, if you are planning to visit the country in 2023, it would be a wonderful time for you to enjoy watching an international cricket match live at the stadium as the country is set to host the Asia Cup 2023. 

Best places to stay in Sri Lanka

As a popular tourist destination, Sri Lanka has amazing accommodation facilities throughout the country. Depending on your budget and needs, you can find a perfect place to stay. 

If you are visiting Sri Lanka with your family, you can book your stay at Mount Lavinia Resort in Sri Lanka with Club Mahindra. It is one of the most premium resorts in Colombo. A Club Mahindra affiliate property, the resort boasts premium amenities, spacious rooms and world-class services that are sure to make your holiday unforgettable. 

In summary, Sri Lanka is not just a destination but a multi-sensory experience that offers an alluring blend of natural beauty, rich history, and warm hospitality. From its pristine beaches to misty hilltops, from its ancient temples to its bustling markets, Sri Lanka captures the essence of diversity. Whether you're a thrill-seeker, a culture vulture, or simply in search of serenity, this island nation has something for everyone. Add to that the electrifying atmosphere of the ongoing Asia Cup 2023, and you have the perfect setting for an unforgettable journey. So, pack your bags and let Sri Lanka captivate your heart and soul.