Popular Travel Destinations in Sri Lanka
Imagine a place where ancient temples stand next to pristine beaches, where lush jungles hide secret waterfalls, and where you can spot elephants roaming freely. Such is the beauty of Sri Lanka, a small island that packs a big punch when it comes to travel experiences.
Before you pack for your Sri Lankan trip, though, you’ll need to sort out your visa (if your country falls on the list of countries that need a visa to travel to Sri Lanka).
However, the good news is that Sri Lanka offers an e-visa service, making it easy for travelers to get their paperwork sorted from the comfort of their own homes. You can check here in the eligibility if your country is eligible for a Sri Lankan e-Visa.
10 Popular Travel Destinations in Sri Lanka
- Sigiriya (See the famous ‘Lion Rock’ fortress here)
- Kandy (The famous UNESCO Heritage Site in Sri Lanka, Temple of the Tooth Relic, is here)
- Galle (a coastal town that gives Dutch colonial vibes)
- Yala National Park: Wildlife spotting heaven
- Nuwara Eliya: Sri Lanka’s ‘Little England’
- Ella: A laid-back mountain town with stunning views
- Mirissa: Beach paradise and whale-watching spot
- Polonnaruwa: Ancient city with impressive ruins
- Dambulla: Cave temples filled with Buddha statues
- Unawatuna: Golden beaches and turquoise waters
Must-Do Activities in Sri Lanka
- Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress at sunrise.
- From Kandy, take a beautiful train ride to Ella.
- Tour Yala National Park on a safari.
- See a tea plantation in the hilly terrain.
- Watch for whales off the coast of Mirissa.
- Explore the streets of Galle Fort.
- Trekking in Horton Plains National Park to the World’s End.
- Learn to surf in Arugam Bay.
- Volunteer at an elephant sanctuary.
- Try your hand at cooking Sri Lankan curry.
- Shop at some famous Sri Lankan markets and buy goods from local artisans.
Get Your Sri Lankan e-Visa
Getting your Sri Lankan e-visa is pretty straightforward. To fill out the Sri Lanka e-Visa application form, you’ll need to provide:
Step 1: Personal info like Your full name, birthdate, gender, nationality, birthplace, and job
Step 2: Passport details like Number, when it was issued, and when it expires
Step 3: Travel plans: How long you’ll stay, when you’ll arrive, why you’re visiting, and where you’ll enter the country are also proof of your stay in Sri Lanka
Step 4: A recent photo of your face and a scan of your passport.
Step 5: Pay the Sri Lanka e-tourist visa fee online (keep the payment confirmation screenshot when you travel).
Step 6: Wait for your Sri Lanka e-Visa approval.
What is the time-taken to process the Sri Lanka e-Visa?
It usually takes 2-3 working days for a Sri Lanka e-tourist visa to process. You’ll get an email letting you know if your Sri Lankan e-Visa is approved. If you get the green light, they’ll send your e-Visa as a PDF attachment.
Keep in mind that your e-visa lets you stay for 30 days from when you arrive. Remember that a 30-day Sri Lanka e-tourist visa can only be extended for an additional 30-day period, and this can be requested online.
READ MORE:
Sri Lanka gets most of its popularity and tourism due to the pristine emerald blue water beaches with golden-shaded sands and pleasant weather all year round. Read about best beaches in Sri Lanka.