SRI LANKA AT A GLANCE
BEST TIME TO VISIT
The best months to visit Sri Lanka are November to April in the southwest and February to September in the northeast. Remember that the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on the interests and motive of exploration. Exploring deserted beaches, bustling markets, stunning temples, or lush jungles, there's sure to be a
perfect time of year.
AIRPORT
Out of 22 airports there are 5 international airports in Sri Lanka. Some of the most well-connected ones are - Bandaranaike International Airport in Katunayake and Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport in Matta.
VISA REQUIREMENTS
"On-arrival" visa facility is available for travellers. They can get the entry visa at the airport, through the official Sri Lankan visa website, or at the Embassy. The visa requirement includes passport validity for at least 06 months from the entry date. ETA visa facility is also available for travellers coming to Sri Lanka for a shorter duration, like for business, transit, or tourism.
DIALECT
As the home to several dialects of Sinhala and Tamil, Sri Lanka boasts three main spoken languages: Jaffna, Batticaloa, and Veda. While Sinhala is the primary language in the island's southern, western, and central areas, Tamil predominates in northern and eastern regions.
CUISINE
Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of Indian, Chinese, and Thai flavours with a unique island twist. Rice and curry are two of the most popular dishes. While in Sri Lanka, travellers must try some of the country's most authentic curries, such as Fish ambul thiyal (sour fish curry), Kukul mas curry (chicken curry), Lamprais, and Polos
(green jackfruit curry).
CULTURE
The culture in Sri Lanka is a fascinating mix of Theravada Buddhist traditions and Hindu beliefs, with Islam accounting for another group. Sri Lanka boasts a commendable artistic history expressed through music, dance, and visual art, encompassing traditional forms like classical and folk music and dances such as Kandyan dancing. Sri Lankan culture is unique, and visitors will immerse themselves in a rich tapestry of traditions. The women of Sir Lanka wear the Kandyan saree during festivals and important occasions.
ARCHITECTURE
Shaivism, Buddhism, and Hinduism have all left their mark on Sri Lankan architecture, resulting in a unique and diverse range of buildings and structures. Sri Lanka is home to many stunning architectural feats, from the cave temples of Anuradhapura to the ornate stupas of Polonnaruwa. Sri Lanka's architecture is a testimony to the island's vibrant past.
SYSTEM OF GOVERNMENT
Sri Lanka is a democratic republic and unitary state, and the government is based on a semi-presidential system combining presidential and parliamentary systems.
CURRENCY EXCHANGE
The currency in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lanka Rupee, subdivided into 100 cents. travellers can exchange currency at local banks located in the arrival and departure lobbies of the airport.
ELECTRICITY & VOLTAGE
The standard voltage in Sri Lanka is 230 V, and the frequency is 50 Hz. D or G plugs can be used in Sri Lanka.
TELEPHONE
The country dialling code of Sri Lanka is "94". Visitors can purchase a local SIM at the airport or use their existing SIM card if they've activated their global roaming service. The network coverage is good throughout Sri Lanka.
FESTIVALS
Sri Lanka offers visitors a cultural retreat, and festivals add an interesting charm to this experience. Festivals like Thai Pongal, Mahashivratri, Sinhala and Tamil new year, Diwali, and Galle Literary Festival are primarily celebrated in Sri Lanka.
SHOPPING
Sri Lanka is a delight for shopaholics, with several malls like the Marino Mall, Colombo City Centre Mall, Kandy City Centre, and others. Among the local markets are the famous Pettah Floating Market, Galle Face Green Night Market, and Paradise Road, for some exclusive shopping of handicrafts, tea, traditional masks, spices, and jewellery.
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