Sri Lanka offers many programs designed to promote health and wellbeing, from yoga classes to surf retreats. If wellness travel trends are important to you, Sri Lanka may just be your ticket! This stunning island provides plenty of programs designed to do just that.
Tourism to this tropical paradise has increased over time for various reasons. A robust economy, gorgeous beaches and delectable cuisine are some of the main drawcards that draw travellers here, but before visiting there are a few key considerations you must keep in mind before your arrival.
Beaches
Sri Lankan beaches are breathtaking. Relax on the golden sands of Hikkaduwa for surfing or swimming with sea turtles, or visit Unawatuna close to Galle for its turtle sanctuary and blacktip reef shark population.
Arugam Bay on the east coast has long been revered as one of the island’s premier surfing spots, boasting picture-perfect waves and memorable breaks such as Whiskey Point, Peanut Farm and Crocodile Rock – ideal for diehard surfers as well as budget sunseekers who visit between May and September.
Keep valuables out of sight when travelling on public transport, particularly buses and trains. Tuk-tuk drivers may overcharge you; request that they use their meters instead. Furthermore, be mindful of local culture – mistreating Buddhist images or showing bare flesh at places of worship can be illegal and should never occur.
Tea plantations
Sri Lankan visitors won’t leave without experiencing its iconic tea plantations landscape – home to world-renowned Ceylon tea that can be purchased worldwide and sampled within its numerous estate bungalows.
The major tea plantations areas can be divided by altitude into three main groups: upcountry (1200 meters and higher), such as Nuwara Eliya, Uda Pussellawa and Dimbula; midcountry (600 to 1,200 m), such as Kandy Matale Bogawantalawa; and low country (1.200 meters or less).
Tea lovers can take advantage of tuk-tuk tours that visit viewpoints and tea factories while taking in breathtaking scenery. Additionally, taking the train from Kandy to Ella can also provide an enjoyable upcountry tour which can include visiting Lover’s Leap waterfall or Ramboda falls for maximum pleasure!
Temples
Start on a spiritual adventure to visit some of Sri Lanka’s stunning temples. Discover grand dagobas and stupas such as Jetavanarama – once the third tallest structure in the world at one point.
Experience Kandy’s sacred Tooth Relic Temple complex by joining its devout followers in adding flower petals and lighting votive candles at this Buddhist shrine. Plan your trip so it coincides with Esala Perahera in late June/early July when a parade passes the tooth relic in an exuberant procession full of dance and drama!
Kiralagala – also known as Veherabandigala – was an early monastic complex of the reform movement, featuring typical elements of forest temples for reclusive monks. For architecture enthusiasts, this temple represents a hidden treasure; comprised of double-platforms connected by bridge and dedicated to Lord Hanuman, this structure offers something truly exceptional for viewing.
Food
Sri Lankan food is packed with vibrant flavor. If you ask a local to keep their spices at a more moderate level, they’ll probably look at you with disbelief!
Rice and curry are staples in Sri Lankan cuisine, and every family has their own version. A typical dinner typically consists of boiled rice accompanied by three other dishes such as vegetarian curry or meat or fish curry as well as pieces of roti (flour bread) to use as spoons when eating with your hands.
Cooking classes have become an increasingly popular phenomenon in Sri Lanka and provide an ideal way to explore its cuisine. Visit one of Colombo’s cooking classes for an educational yet delicious culinary experience!
People
Though the country has been relatively stable since the end of civil war, soldiers can still be seen throughout. Additionally, the government continues to clear minefields in northern and eastern regions.
Jenny found the people of Sri Lanka incredibly warm. She noticed they never stared at her (unlike some Asian countries) and were friendly enough to smile or wave and ask for photos.
Be wary that some parts of Sri Lanka, particularly outside Colombo, may not be tourist-ready. An international driving permit will likely be needed to rent a car and navigating traffic can be daunting. Furthermore, rainy season can bring flooding and mudslides, so be sure to pack a waterproof jacket as well as sturdy walking shoes for safety purposes.