Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting? Well, I would initially start by giving an enthusiastic ‘YES,’ but of course, it depends on what kind of person and traveler you are. I spent a few weeks traveling around many different landscapes in the country, and it kept getting more and more magical.
If you enjoy diverse landscapes, delicious food, rich history and culture, and getting a great bang for your buck, then Sri Lanka is definitely worth visiting for you. If you don’t like any of those things… well, I don’t think you should be traveling at all! 😉
Sri Lanka is incredible for so many reasons, one of which being that it truly is palatable for many different types of travelers. If you want luxury resorts and private transfers, Sri Lanka can offer you that. Or, if you want to spend $10 a day backpacking to different hostels and taking $1 busses, Sri Lanka can offer you that, too.
I would imagine that most travelers fall somewhere in the middle of those two extremes, in which case Sri Lanka is absolutely worth visiting. I’ll move along to my favorite reasons to visit Sri Lanka in a moment, but first, some FAQ’s:
Is Sri Lanka Worth Visiting?
As I mentioned, Sri Lanka has incredible natural beauty and something to offer for every kind of traveler, and for that reason, it’s worthwhile for everyone, whether you are on a long layover or have some proper time to explore the country.
I’ll detail some specific recommendations for different travel styles and budgets below, but first, some things to know before you go to help you prepare.
Quick Things to Know Before Going to Sri Lanka
- The weather is HOT and HUMID – stay hydrated at all times! The weather can get cooler in the mountains, especially in Nuwara Eliya, the highest elevation town in Sri Lanka.
- Religion is mainly BUDDHIST, with harmonious sprinkles of Christian, Muslim, and Hindu. But, a large 70% majority of the country is Buddhist (make sure to visit some temples).
- The plug is the same as the British plug, so bring an adaptor accordingly. Many hotels have universal plug sockets, but not all of them.
- Food can be spicy! Sri Lankan food, in general, is much spicer than many similar places such as south India.
- It’s very affordable! Busses and trains are usually around $1-2 USD. TukTuk’s will try to charge more, but public transport is very affordable and safe
- As one of the most biodiverse countries, make sure to experience the variety of landscapes Sri Lanka has to offer, from the coasts to the mountains to the jungle to the wildlife parks.
- Spend at least 10 days in Sri Lanka to be able to get an introductory glimpse at all it has to offer. View my 10 Day Sri Lanka Itinerary here.
- Sri Lanka is safe. As long as you exercise regular precautions, you should be fine in Sri Lanka and, in fact, will likely be helped out by locals in the street whenever you need something. There are no supply shortages, and despite some inflation, the country is safe as ever.
- DRINK TEA: Sri Lanka is one of the bet tea producers in the world so make sure to try the local product!
- Read some of the most interesting fun facts about Sri Lanka here which may not be as practical but are sure interesting.
- Connectivity: You’ll want data in Sri Lanka for booking things and navigating around. You can grab a local SIM at the airport from Dialog or Mobitel for around $10-15, or use an eSIM if your phone supports it (check my top recommended eSIMs for travel). I found coverage was solid even in the hill country.
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Reasons to Visit Sri Lanka
Known as the ‘pearl of the Indian Ocean,’ Sri Lanka has made a name for itself and has drawn travelers for decades. Now it’s time to explain all the reasons why Sri Lanka is worth visiting! In no particular order, here are some very enticing reasons to visit Sri Lanka and why I’m sure you will have a wonderful time.
It’s Safe, and your Tourism will Help Sri Lanka SO much.
With general/normal travel safety precautions and vigilance, Sri Lanka is a very safe country. As there are no supply issues anymore and after the pand*mic and some political unrest, Sri Lanka really needs your tourism.
Rest assured that your visit will help local communities rebuild, and make sure to spend money as locally as you can. NOW is also a great time to visit, while it’s not too crowded – Sri Lanka receives only a few million annual tourists compared to tens of millions visiting other Southeast Asian countries. Sri Lanka is also safe for solo travel, although not AS common as in some other countries.
Unfathomable Beauty + Diversity of Experiences Suited to Every Travel Style
Sri Lanka has absolutely incredible scenery throughout the entire country, from the secluded sandy beaches to the higher-elevation mountains, waterfalls, jungles, and tea plantations to rocky caves and cliffs. The beauty in this country is easy to behold as it’s everywhere, just in different forms.
Due to the variety of beautiful landscapes, Sri Lanka offers a wide range of experiences to be had. You can relax on the beach, go hiking and zip lining, or go on safari all within a few hours of each other. So no matter your travel style, you can truly find what you want in Sri Lanka.
Sri Lanka is Truly a Year-Round Destination
Sri Lanka is truly a year-round destination, but in a different and more all-encompassing way than other destinations that boast the same. Let me explain.
Sri Lanka has TWO monsoon seasons – one that hits the southwest of the country (leaving the northeast dry) and one that hits the northeast of the country (leaving the southwest dry). So no matter when you can travel, there are places in their peak tourist time for you to visit.
The Southwest monsoon season is from May to July, so the best time to visit Southwest Sri Lanka is from November to April. Many of the main tourist areas in Sri Lanka are in the Southwest, such as Kandy, Ella/hill country, and many national parks that offer elephant safaris.
The Northeast monsoon season (which is less severe) is from November to March, so the best time to visit northeast Sri Lanka is April to October. Either way the climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and remains a similar temperature year-round.
Sri Lankan Hospitality and Friendliness is Top Notch
I mean it when I say Sri Lankans are some of the kindest and gentlest people on the planet. Sri Lankans not only have incredible hospitality when hosting you, but also incredible hospitality when encountering you on the street, in the train station, or anywhere else.
I was helped and checked on by many locals while simply going about my day, and people were always willing to help or assist when I had a question or needed anything. The hospitality in hotels is next-level, also, with a 5-star experience whether I was in a fancy hotel or not.
I found Sri Lankans to be generally jolly and silly throughout my whole trip, always eager to chat or joke about something. If you worry about safety, you will be calmed the minute you arrive here and start meeting people.
There is a Rich Culture to Experience
Sri Lankan culture is completely unique and incredible to experience while you are visiting. With a history that dates back over 2,000 years and influences from many different cultures and religious groups throughout its existence, there’s nothing else like it in the world.
Sri Lanka has eight different incredible UNESCO World Heritage sites and countless historic temples to visit as well. The culture has been well preserved, even throughout some influences of colonization, so many places in Sri Lanka feel very authentic and traditional.
There’s a Deep and Complex History to Learn About
Going off of Sri Lanka’s rich culture, we have the country’s lengthy history that has shaped the culture we see today. Sri Lanka has always been a very spiritual country, and through the incredible temples and religious sites dating back many millennia, you can learn about how it developed. Check out the Temple of the Tooth in Kandy as well as Anuradhapura (Sri Lanka’s ancient city) and Sigiriya and Dambulla for ancient history.
Secondly, there was a long period of colonization by the Portuguese, Dutch, and British from the 1600’s to 1900s that heavily influenced the country in many ways, both visible and invisible. There are also fascinating colonial historic sites to visit, from Portuguese churches to the massive colonial Galle Fort to Nuwara Eliya ‘Little England’ up in the hills.
The mark colonialism left on Sri Lanka is still tangible, and it’s important to visit historic sites to learn about what the country went through.
English is Widely Spoken
English is actually an official language of Sri Lanka (another mark of colonialism!) and is widely spoken at least at a basic level by nearly everyone. So if you are reading this blog, you shouldn’t have any trouble communicating with locals while traveling around Sri Lanka!
I found that pretty much everyone spoke basic English, from tea pickers and shop owners to tour guides and hotel staff. So, communication is not an issue in Sri Lanka.
The other languages spoken in Sri Lanka are Sinhalese in the south and Tamil in the north. Sri Lanka is actually the only place in the world that speaks Sinhalese (which has a very fascinating, curvy alphabet). Some people from the north and south actually speak English to communicate with one another, as well as with visiting Indians who may speak different regional languages.
The FOOD is AMAZING
Sri Lankan food is in a realm all its own. I thought that it might be similar to food from South India or Kerala, but it’s really not! Sri Lanka has its own unique dishes and curries, and also uses spices in combinations that are done nowhere else. The food is also quite spicy but delicious, and there’s a wide range of unique Sri Lankan sweets and desserts.
You’ll find incredible Sri Lankan food everywhere, from street stalls to hotel buffets. Some of my best meals were at small local spots in Kandy and Ella. Don’t be afraid to eat at casual restaurants; the food is safe and SO delicious.
Some foods you should keep an eye out for are:
- Kotthu: My absolute FAVORITE Sri Lankan food! Kotthu is a delicious mix of chopped roti stir-fried with rice, meat, veggies, and sometimes even cheese.
- Egg Hoppers: delicious little pancake bowls cooked with an egg inside them. Perfect to place curry inside and feast on a cacophony of flavors.
- Unique curries: Sri Lanka has its share of similar curries to surrounding nations, such as daal, but also has some unique fish curries, beetroot curries, pumpkin curries, jackfruit curries, and more.
- Pickled chutneys: Sri Lanka has a massive variety of chutneys and pickled sauces to go with curry. There was even a pickle bar at one of our hotels, the Sheraton Kosgoda!
- Unique Herbs and Spices: Sri Lanka’s place on the old spice route has secured it as one of the amazing spice nations even until today. Sri Lankan spices and flavors are delicious and unique, and you have to try them to see!
- Coconut: There’s an abundance of coconut trees on this tropical island, therefor coconut is used in many dishes, OR you can simply pick up fresh coconuts from vendors on the street.
- Pittu: a typical carb in Sri Lanka made from rice flour and coconut into little cylinders. Eaten with pretty much anything and often for breakfast.
Very Affordable to Get Around, Stay, and for Pretty much Everything!
Sri Lanka is a very affordable travel destination, no matter which way you look at it. You can travel around this country for a few bucks a day, and you can also have a very luxurious holiday for a fraction of what a similarly luxe holiday would cost you in other places like Europe, the US, or Australia.
Getting around Sri Lanka via public transport is incredibly affordable, with most busses and trains costing no more than a few bucks. You can book trains in advance if you want better seats, but I recommend sitting in the doorway to experience train journeys to their fullest!
Accommodation in Sri Lanka ranges in price, but there’s also a massive range of accommodation. Hostels can be $8 or less for a bed for a night, and you can easily book a solid hotel for $40, and a REALLY nice one for $150.
Food is also very affordable in Sri Lanka. Most hotels already include a buffet breakfast and/or dinner, and if you want to go out for a meal you can expect to pay from about $4-$5 to maybe $15-20 at a nicer place. Money definitely stretches farther in Sri Lanka.
The Beaches are Stunning
As it is quite literally surrounded by beaches, there are countless pristine sandy beaches to discover around Sri Lanka. From more popular beaches around the capital to surf beaches outside Galle to completely remote and untouched beaches to be discovered all over the island, this is a fantastic destination for a beach break.
Lots of Activities and Sports on the Water
If you are a lover of the sea like me, you will adore Sri Lanka. This tropical island has all the water sports you need! There are actually very famous surf breaks around the island – mostly in the south – with even pro surfers frequenting the island between November and April for fantastic waves.
Sri Lanka has many pristine and clear areas protected by reefs, making them perfect for snorkeling and scuba diving – there are actually a lot of dive sites around the island such as Pigeon Island.
It’s Perfect for Outdoor Adventure + Hiking
If water adventures aren’t enough, Sri Lanka has a LOT of land adventures too. It’s the perfect adventure travel destination with unmissable hikes, waterfalls, and even adventure sports and activities such as zip lining, rock climbing, repelling, and more.
The best places for outdoor adventure are in the hill country – places like Ella and Nuwara Eliya. In this area you can hike to Adam’s Peak (or mini Adam’s Peak), Zipline at the Flying Ravana adventure center, hike to many different viewpoints and waterfalls, or hike to the famous Demodara 9 arch bridge too.
Unbelievable Wildlife
The incredible wildlife is one of the top reasons to visit Sri Lanka. This islands is home to one of the biggest populations of Sri Lankan elephants (a type of Asian elephant) that roam free in different national parks such as Udawalawe and Yala.
But elephants are only a small fraction of the wildlife on this island. In many national parks you can discover crocodiles, deer, water buffalo, hundreds of birds, and even beautiful leopards as well as even more Sri Lankan wildlife to discover.
The wildlife doesn’t stop on land; the marine life in Sri Lanka is just as teeming and diverse! Sri Lanka is on a whale migration route and is also home to dozens of sea turtle hatcheries and beaches where eggs are laid. There are many dolphin colonies off the coast to experience on a boat trip, and more colorful marine life to be seen while snorkeling or diving.
Some Final Things to Know Before Going to Sri Lanka to be Aware of
After spending this whole article talking Sri Lanka up, I will leave you with a few final thoughts that may be cons to some people – just concerns to be aware of.
Developing Tourism Infrastructure
Sri Lanka has been a tourist destination for a long time, but tourism has increased significantly in the last decade. Tourism infrastructure is still developing. Some transport can take a very long time to get around, and sometimes you may find it a bit more difficult to find a suitable meal. But this just makes it that much more authentic!
“Delhi/Bali Belly” Sore Belly Variant
As with anywhere in Southeast Asia, you can develop a certain kind of ‘belly’ here in Sri Lanka, especially if you have any food intolerances or allergies. This doesn’t happen to everyone, but is something to be aware of. Pharmacies and medical assistance in the country are solid, so you can always pick up medication or visit a doctor.
Well, is Sri Lanka worth visiting, then? I hope this article has helped you answer that question for yourself! If you have any questions about visiting Sri Lanka, please leave them in a comment below and I will get back to you.
Thanks to Destination Sri Lanka for hosting me. As always, all words are my own.
Passionate, full-time travel blogger with over 230k on social media and 150kMPV blog. Extraordinary photographer with two DSLR's + a drone with a love for capturing candid moments, epic drone shots, and magical compositions. I'm a natural-born content creator originally from California, but I've been on the road for 9 years living, working, traveling, blogging, and photographing my way around the world. I recommend the most amazingly adventurous and unique + boutique travel experiences/stays and helpful products to my audience and write comprehensive guides on my website that have helped millions of travelers so far. I love to inspire people to plan their dream trips, and many readers have given feedback as such. The reach on my platforms continues to soar, especially when combining cutting-edge social content with optimized articles on my high-authority website.