dreamland SRI LANKA

You haven't visited Sri Lanka yet? Then you've missed a real paradise! This enchanting island nation in the Indian Ocean will amaze you with its diversity and beauty. From green tea plantations in the mountains to golden sandy beaches on the south and east coasts, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.

Discover ancient temples, royal palaces and impressive UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the Sigiriya rock fortress or the historic city of Anuradhapura. In the numerous national parks such as Yala or Udawalawe, you can observe elephants, leopards, crocodiles and exotic birds in the wild.

The people, affectionately known as "Lankans", are known for their warmth and hospitality. With a warm smile, they invite travelers to get to know their culture, cuisine and traditions. Speaking of cuisine: look forward to aromatic curries, fresh seafood and tropical fruits that will spoil you with culinary delights.

Sri Lanka is the land of serene smiles and diverse experiences! Here you can unwind, recharge your batteries and enjoy life to the full.

FAVORITE PLACES IN SRI LANKA

UDAWALAWE

On safari in Udawalawe

Experience the wilderness up close. A real jungle adventure awaits you in Udawalawe. The national park is known for its free-roaming herds of elephants, which you can observe up close on a jeep safari. In addition to elephants, you will also encounter water buffalo, crocodiles and a variety of exotic bird species. An absolute highlight for animal lovers and nature enthusiasts!

From and to Udawalawe

There are several daily buses from Colombo to Udawalawe, the journey takes around 5-6 hours depending on the connection and costs just a few euros. Private cabs or organized transfers, which can be booked directly from hotels or the airport, are more convenient but more expensive.
There are local bus connections between the towns in the region, mostly via stopovers in smaller towns such as Embilipitiya. For more comfort, many guesthouses and safari providers also offer shuttles that transport travelers flexibly between the national parks and nearby towns.

KANDY

Spiritual heart: Kandy

Buddha's tooth and cultural depth. Kandy, the spiritual center of Sri Lanka, is nestled in green hills and radiates a calm, almost magical energy. The famous Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) is located here and is one of the most sacred Buddhist sites in the country. The daily ceremonies, accompanied by drums and incense, get under your skin. Especially beautiful: a walk around Lake Kandy as the evening slowly draws in over the city. Kandy is culture, religion and joie de vivre in perfect harmony.

From and to Kandy

Trains and buses run regularly from Colombo to Kandy. The train journey takes 2.5-3.5 hours depending on the connection, is very cheap and is considered one of the most beautiful routes in Sri Lanka. Buses also run several times an hour, the journey takes around 3-4 hours and costs just a few euros.
There are direct bus connections between Kandy and other popular places such as Nuwara Eliya, Sigiriya or Dambulla. In addition, many hotels and tour operators offer comfortable shuttles or private transfers, which are somewhat quicker and more convenient.

SIGIRIYA

The lion rock of Sigiriya

A wonder of the world in the jungle. Sigiriya is one of those places you will never forget. The legendary rock palace, also known as the "Lion Rock", rises dramatically out of the tropical greenery. The climb up the stairs and terraces is rewarded with breathtaking views and the feeling of standing on one of the great wonders of the world. The frescoes of the cloud maidens, the wall of mirrors and the ruins of the ancient royal city make Sigiriya a place full of secrets and history.

From and to Sigiriya

There are no direct connections from Colombo to Sigiriya, most travelers take the bus or train to Dambulla first (approx. 4-5 hours). From there it is only about 20 minutes by bus or tuk-tuk to Sigiriya. The entire journey costs a few euros.
Buses run regularly between Sigiriya and other tourist destinations such as Polonnaruwa, Kandy or Anuradhapura, usually changing at Dambulla. Many guesthouses and travel agencies also organize shuttles or private transfers, which are faster and more convenient.

TRINCOMALEE

Fine sand and deep culture

Fine sand and deep culture. Trincomalee, or Trinco for short, is a relaxed coastal town on the east coast with some of the most beautiful beaches in Sri Lanka. Uppuveli Beach invites you to sunbathe, swim or do nothing. But Trinco offers more: the Koneswaram Temple, high up on a cliff above the sea, is not only a spiritual place, but also a perfect vantage point. The underwater world around Pigeon Island also makes the place a hotspot for snorkeling.

From and to Trincomalee

There are daily buses and trains from Colombo to Trincomalee. Depending on the connection, the journey takes 6-8 hours and costs just a few euros. The train route in particular is considered to be very scenic.
Local buses and tuk-tuks run between Trincomalee and other destinations on the east coast, such as Nilaveli or Uppuveli. There are also regular bus connections to more distant places such as Anuradhapura, Dambulla or Kandy. For more convenience, many hotels and travel agencies also offer private transfers or shuttles.

JAFFNA

Tamil culture and unexpected tranquillity. Jaffna is different and that is exactly what makes this place so special. Here in the far north of Sri Lanka, a unique culture, language and cuisine await you. Tamil temples, colorful festivals and a decelerated everyday life define the picture. Visit the impressive Jaffna Library, explore the colonial fortress or head out to Delft Island, where wild ponies gallop across deserted beaches. Jaffna is not a place of great sights, but one of real encounters.

From and to Jaffna

Trains and buses run daily from Colombo to Jaffna. The train journey takes around 6-8 hours and is very cheap; overnight trains are also available. Buses take around 8-9 hours, but are also an inexpensive option.
Within the peninsula, there are regular bus connections between Jaffna and smaller towns as well as to popular destinations such as the islands of Delft and Nainativu (in combination with ferries). Many guesthouses and travel agencies also offer private transfers or shuttles, which are slightly faster and more comfortable.

YALA NATIONAL PARK

Safari experience in Yala National Park

On the trail of the leopard. The adventure begins at dawn in Yala National Park. Life in the wilderness breaks out with the first ray of sunshine. Here you have the biggest opportunity in the whole of Asiaone Leopards in the wild to see. But elephants, sloth bears, crocodiles and a variety of exotic birds also call Yala their home. The mixture of open savannah, lagoons and jungle makes every safari an unforgettable experience. Pure nature: wild, real and full of goosebumps.

To and from Yala National Park

Yala National Park is located in the south-east of Sri Lanka and can be reached from Colombo in around 6-7 hours by bus or private transfer. The nearest towns are Tissamaharama and Kataragama, which serve as starting points for safaris. There are regular buses from Colombo or Kandy to Tissamaharama (approx. 5-6 hours), from where it is only a few minutes by tuk-tuk or jeep to the park entrance.
Local buses run between the towns in the area, but most travellers use shuttles, cabs or safari transfers organized directly by hotels.

GALLE

Colonial flair in Galle

Time travel on the Indian Ocean. Galle is a place where you can walk through narrow alleyways and feel the breath of history. The fort, built by the Portuguese and extended by the Dutch, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and is still alive today with cafés, small boutiques, art galleries and hidden courtyards. The sunset on the old city wall is particularly beautiful, while the ocean roars in the background. Galle combines colonial elegance with tropical serenity, charming, inspiring and absolutely unique.

From and to Galle

There are regular trains and buses from Colombo to Galle. The journey along the coast takes around 2-3 hours and is both inexpensive and particularly scenic. Private transfers or cabs are also available and take around 2.5 hours.
Local buses and tuk-tuks run at short intervals between Galle and the beaches on the south coast, such as Unawatuna, Mirissa or Weligama. Many hotels and travel agencies also offer shuttles or organized transfers, which are convenient for excursions along the coast.

ELLA

Views, adventure & Ayurveda

Ella is a place that touches the heart. Nestled in lush green hills, this small mountain village is like an insider tip in the highlands, with a perfect mix of hiking, relaxation and backpacker flair.

Start early in the morning for sunrise on Little Adam's Peak, walk through tea plantations and take on the somewhat more challenging hike to Ella Rock. The view over the valley is breathtaking.

A real highlight is the Nine Arches Bridge, over which the train slowly rolls several times a day - a picture straight out of a fairy tale. Afterwards, a fresh smoothie awaits you in one of the many cozy cafés or an Ayurveda massage with a view of the lush greenery.

Ella is relaxed, lively and a place where you are happy to stay longer than planned.

To and from Ella

The journey to Ella is a highlight for many travelers: the famous train route from Kandy leads through tea plantations and mountain landscapes, takes around 6-7 hours and costs just a few euros. Buses and trains also travel from Colombo to the region, usually with a change in Badulla or Bandarawela. Private transfers are faster (approx. 5-6 hours) and more comfortable, but significantly more expensive.
There are regular bus and train connections between Ella and other mountain resorts such as Nuwara Eliya, Haputale and Bandarawela. Many hotels and travel agencies also organize shuttles and cabs for excursions in the surrounding area or for onward travel.

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LAND AND PEOPLE

Once you travel to Sri Lanka, you immediately feel welcome. This warm feeling is due to the people, who are warm and hospitable to all visitors. For the people, family, close friendships, good food and a deep connection with culture and nature are paramount. No wonder Sri Lanka is consistently ranked as one of the friendliest countries in the world.

Ayubowan", the traditional greeting, is not just a word here, but a way of life. People take their time, are polite, helpful and relaxed. Drinking tea is almost part of the daily ritual and if you feel like socializing in the evening, you will always find a place at the table, accompanied by the aroma of freshly prepared curries.

EAT AND DRINK

The basic foods include rice and lentils, which are prepared in countless variations. Cooking in Sri Lanka is very regional. On the coasts, freshly caught fish and seafood are often on the menu, while vegetable dishes and aromatic curries dominate in the highlands. The freshness of the ingredients is best experienced at one of the lively markets, where things are particularly colorful. Also popular are sweet and refreshing specialties such as King Coconut, whose juice is drunk directly from the orange-colored coconut, or fresh juices made from tropical fruits such as mango, pineapple and papaya. If you like it sweeter, try Watalappan, a coconut milk pudding with palm sugar and spices, which is a special treat for the palate.

Tea is at the heart of Sri Lankan cuisine and is also one of the country's most important exports. Whether green or flavored Ceylon tea, every cup is a piece of culture. In the tea regions, you can not only admire the vast plantations, but also enjoy freshly brewed tea directly on site.

TRAVEL INSIDER

BEST TIME TO TRAVEL

Best time to travel

The climate in Sri Lanka is tropical and is characterized by two seasons, which leads to different rainy and dry seasons in the various regions. The southwest coast and the central highlands experience their rainy season roughly from May to September, while the north and east coasts are influenced by the northeast monsoon from October to January.

A visit during the rainy season has its own special charm. The showers are usually short and heavy, after which the sky often clears quickly. Many people enjoy this moment when the rain pelts down on the leaves, the air cools down and a fresh scent spreads. Nature is particularly lush and green at this time of year, waterfalls are full of power and the landscape seems even more alive.

The changing weather also brings different opportunities for activities. In the drier months, the beaches are perfect for swimming, diving and surfing, while the rainy season creates ideal conditions for hiking through tea plantations, national parks and rainforests. If you want to experience the wildlife, certain seasons also offer the best opportunities for safaris to spot elephants, leopards or colorful bird species.

MEANS OF TRANSPORTATION

means of transportation

From Europe, Sri Lanka can usually be reached with a stopover, for example in Doha, Dubai or Abu Dhabi.

The rail network in Sri Lanka is well developed and one of the best ways to explore the country. The train route from Kandy to Ella in particular is considered one of the most picturesque in the world. There is also a dense bus network that reaches even remote places. Buses are very cheap, but often somewhat slower and less comfortable than trains or private transfers.

For more flexibility, hiring a private driver is a good option. If you are travelling in a small to medium-sized group, you can book a van with a driver and customize the route, make stopovers and easily reach more remote places.

Tuk-tuks, which are available almost everywhere, are suitable for shorter distances within towns or villages.

VISA

visa

TRAVEL COSTS

Travel expenses

The official currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR). Compared to Germany, the cost of living is significantly cheaper. You will notice this when choosing your accommodation. A simple guest house or hostel will usually cost you 6-12 Euro per night. In tourist areas, such as on the beaches in the south or in Ella, prices tend to start at 10-15 Eurobut can rise significantly in the high season or if booked at short notice. For that real backpacker feeling, dorms or simple accommodation are available from as little as 5 Euro.

If you shop at your accommodation or at local markets and cook for yourself (which is not common everywhere in Sri Lanka, as most locals eat out), you should be prepared with 5-7 Euro per day for food. It is much more relaxed to eat in small, local restaurants, where you can get a full meal for as little as 1,50-3 Euro. Western restaurants or cafés are significantly more expensive: a meal there costs 8-12 Euro.

Transportation costs are also very low. Short TukTuk rides usually cost you 1-2 Euro for a few kilometers. It's best to negotiate a fair price beforehand or use an app like PickMe. The trains are particularly popular: a spectacular train journey lasting several hours - for example from Kandy to Ella - is available from as little as 2-5 Eurodepending on the class. Buses are the cheapest option: a 5-hour trip across the country often costs only 2-4 Euro.

HISTORY AND CULTURE

History and culture

To better understand Sri Lanka and the Sinhalese and Tamils, it is worth taking a look at the island's eventful history. The first known kingdoms emerged over two thousand years ago with the legendary city of Anuradhapura as the religious and cultural center. Buddhism also spread there and is still deeply rooted in society today.

The colonial era began in the 16th century. First came the Portuguese in 1505, later the Dutch took control of the coastal regions. In 1796, the British finally arrived on the scene and turned the island, then known as Ceylon, into a crown colony. They established huge tea, coffee and cinnamon plantations and built railroads that are still in use today. With the export of tea, Sri Lanka finally achieved worldwide fame, as the so-called Ceylon Tea became an export hit.

After the Second World War, the country gained its independence in 1948. However, the period that followed was not free of tensions. The ethnic differences between the Sinhalese majority and the Tamil minority led to a long civil war from the 1980s onwards, which lasted almost three decades and was only officially ended in 2009.

Since then, Sri Lanka has changed dramatically. Despite political crises and economic setbacks in recent years, the pearl of the Indian Ocean is attracting more and more travelers. The mixture of millennia-old culture, Buddhist temples, colonial heritage, tropical nature and endless beaches makes the country unique.

WANDERWORLD INSIDER TIPS

Having a longing for a country even though you're still there - that's exactly the feeling I had after my first trip to Sri Lanka. Between the well-known sights and tourist spots, this island has so much more to offer. To give you a little foretaste, I have summarized my most beautiful travel highlights in Sri Lanka for you:

My absolute favorite place in Sri Lanka is Ella. Nestled between tea fields and mountains, the small town is like a green oasis. I will never forget the feeling of waking up in the morning with a view of the endless tea plantations and then going on the famous hike up Little Adam's Peak. I was also particularly impressed by the train ride to Ella, which is considered one of the most beautiful train routes in the world. After just a few minutes, you get a feeling of peace and lightness.

Another highlight was my visit to Yala National Park. I had already heard a lot about safaris, but the variety of animals there surprised me. Elephants, crocodiles, countless birds and even a leopard were all there for me to see up close. Every moment in the park was unique and showed me how rich the nature of this island is.

My stay in the old royal city of Kandy was also unforgettable. The visit to the famous Temple of the Tooth left a deep impression on me. Between rituals, the sound of drums and the smell of incense, I could sense the spiritual significance of this place. I had the feeling that the heart of Sinhalese culture beats there.

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