The Basics
Country: Sri Lanka
Where is it?: Sri Lanka is an island in the Indian Ocean, south of India.
Why do people go here?: Figuratively speaking, Sri Lank reeks of a fascinating island culture, with great access to nice beaches and resorts at a affordable cost. This country is booming with potential.
What are the main entry points?: Travelers generally fly to Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka.
Currency used: Rupee
Country Code for Phones: 94
Area codes for Major Cities: Colombo 1
Religion: Buddhist 70%, Hindu 15%, Christian 8%, Muslim 7%
Population : 20.2 million
Ethnic Groups: Sinhalese 74%, Tamil 18%, Moor 7%, Burgher, Malay, and Vedda 1%
Government: Democratic Socialist Republic
Languages: Sinhala 74%, Tamil 18%, other 8%
Travel Information
Major Cities: Colombo
Attractions: Anuradhapura, Sigiriya
Accomodation: Sri Lanka Hostels
Tourism Office locations and links: Sri Lanka Tourism Office
Off-the-Beaten-Path: Yala West
Health Issues: Cholera, hepatitis, malaria, dengue fever
Tips for Visiting
When to go: December to March is the best time to visit Sri Lanka, although it can be extremely packed.
Common Phrases: Hello : hello; Bye: aayu-bowan; Yes: owu; No: naeh; Please: karuna kara; Thank you: stuh-tee; Excuse me: sama venna; Sorry: kana gaatui; How much is it?: ehekka keeyada?; What’s your name?: oyaaghe nama mokka’da?; My name is..: maaghe nama…
Specific Events/Holidays: Sri Lanka has an enormous range of festivals, serving the Buddhist, Hindu, Christian and Muslim of the island. National Day: February, New Year: March/April, Vesak: May, the Hindu Vel festival: July/August, Kandy Esala Perahera: July/August Kataragama festival: July/August.
Getting Around: Buses and trains service most of the island. You can also rents cars for a descent price.
Good to know: Sri Lanka is one of the most populated countries in the world.
Cheapest airport to fly into: The cheapest airport to fly into Sri Lanka is the Bandaranaike International Airport.
Need more information?: Check out the Sri Lanka travel guide for more on what to see, where to stay, and how to get there.
