Sri Lanka is a magnificent country both for culture and for its landscapes, although the country has a violent history behind it, you will find a lot of friendly people on the island. Sri Lanka is neither comparable to India nor Asia, so Sri Lanka is a fascinating middle ground that will certainly not disappoint your expectations. One thing to know when traveling to Sri Lanka is that at least in my opinion it is better to book a Sri Lanka luxury Resorts so as to be much more comfortable and peaceful during your stay. Today we will take you to discover the things to know before going to Sri Lanka.
It is safe to travel here
There is a misconception about how safe (or dangerous) Sri Lanka is for travelers. Sri Lanka was characterized by a brutal civil war between 1983 and 2009, which kept most tourists away. However, since the end of the war, Sri Lanka has constantly rebuilt its tourism and every year more and more tourists flock to this beautiful country – and leave it absolutely loving! But, like anywhere else, take the necessary steps to stay safe. Take the same caution as when traveling in an unfamiliar area and you’ll be sure to look both ways as you traverse the busy streets.
Be respectful of the political past
The war may have ended, but it wasn’t until a few years ago. While everything is safe, you should definitely be aware of the past and thus respect the situation. While it’s great to ask locals general questions about their life, family etc., we don’t recommend raising or engaging in any kind of political conversation. This is still a sensitive subject, and unless you are a scholar of Sri Lankan politics and politics, it is best to stick to simple things.
Almost everyone speaks English
Tourists going to Sri Lanka certainly don’t have to worry about how to communicate. Although the official languages of Sri Lanka are Sinhala and Tamil, nearly all of them also speak English. If you can also express yourself in English, you won’t face major language barriers. In addition, the local population is generally very kind to foreign tourists. If you meet someone who doesn’t speak English, you will probably be picked up by someone who doesn’t speak English.
There is no real nightlife in Sri Lanka
If you travel mainly to parties, Sri Lanka is not for you. The island is very quiet, especially outside the capital Colombo. Among other things, partygoers are not well received. For nightlife, choose Goa in India or Koh Phangan in Thailand, and then relax in Sri Lanka.
The two monsoons of Sri Lanka
Although Sri Lanka is a small island, there are two different monsoons. The southwest, called Yala, occurs between April and August and is characterized by strong winds and rains in the western and southwestern part of the country (and therefore also around the capital, Colombo). The second monsoon, Maha, hits the east and north of the country between October and February. So, think carefully about where and when to go to Sri Lanka. Overall, the period from December to March is the driest.
Consider the validity of the visa
There is something for all righteous people in Sri Lanka. It is easy to lose track of time and the consequences can be unexpected, especially when it comes to visas. The Sri Lankan visa is valid for a stay of up to 30 days, starting from the moment you show up at the Sri Lankan passport control. If you stay in Sri Lanka for longer than your visa is valid, you may be fined and expelled from the country. Fortunately the visa can be extended while you are in Sri Lanka. The period of validity of the visa can be extended up to 90 days.
The north of the country is very different from the rest of Sri Lanka
Northern Sri Lanka is mainly inhabited by Tamils. Unlike the south where Sinhala is spoken, Tamil is the most popular language here. For years a violent civil war raged in the north of the country, which ended in the last year of 2009. Its consequences are still visible in some places, such as on the bullet-stained facades of some buildings. The culture of cities like Jaffna also differs significantly from that of southern Sri Lanka. The population here is mostly Hindu, as can be seen from the colorful temples. Local cuisine is heavily influenced by Indian cuisine, which is not surprising considering the south coast of India is only 100 kilometers away. When you visit the north of Sri Lanka you almost feel like you are in another country.
