During this difficult period, when the world is plagued by the coronavirus and borders
everywhere have closed, we can’t help but fantasize about the future, when the world will
open up again. Where will we go? What do we explore first? You might want to turn your
gaze eastward. South Asia has a particularly beautiful island, relatively small but with an
enormous wealth of places and experiences to discover and experience: Sri Lanka.
Photo: Sajid Ali/Unsplash
Magnificent landscapes
Sri Lanka is situated in the Indian Ocean. The island is largely flat, but mountains can be
found in the south-central part of the island, including Mount Pidurutalagala, the highest
mountain in Sri Lanka. Sri Lanka’s natural beauty, which includes tropical forests, beaches
and breath-taking scenery, together with the country’s rich cultural heritage, make it a very
popular destination with tourists from all over the world.
Photo: Oliver Sjostrom/Unsplash
Temples surrounded by unspoilt nature
The main religions on the island of Sri Lanka are Buddhism and Hinduism. This means that
there is no shortage of temples to be found on the island. Among these temples, one that is
undoubtedly worth a visit are the Golden Temples of Dambulla. It is a complex of historic
Buddhist buildings , declared a World Heritage by UNESCO. This is not without reason: it is a
truly unique place. The archaeological site is also known as the ‘Cave Temple’; because it is
the largest and at the same time the best preserved rock temple in Sri Lanka. More than 150
Buddha statues can be found in the caves, among many other statues and paintings.
Most tourists start their journey through Sri Lanka in Colombo, the former capital of the
island and Sri Lanka’s largest city by population. The city itself is beautiful and several
temples can be found here as well, one of the most important being the Gangaramaya
Temple. It is one of the most famous Buddhist temples in Colombo and also the oldest. The
temple is best known for its amazing architecture and the statues that show a mix of Sri
Lankan, Chinese, Thai and Indian architecture. Aside from the temples, Colombo is also
home to the Jami-ul-Alfar Mosque, better known as the Red Mosque. The mosque is located
in the Pettah district and is a must-see if it’s your first time visiting Colombo.
Photo: Brian Kyed/ Unsplash
National parks, waterfalls and wildlife
Sri Lanka is known for its pristine nature, with waterfalls and green tea plantations but also
pearly-white beaches. The island has several national parks, including the famous Yala
National Park. Various animal species live on the island, including the Asian elephant, which
can be seen in Bundala National Park or Udawalawe National Park. For lovers of mountain
scenery and trekking, the Horton Plains National Park in the central highlands of Sri Lanka is
perfect. The island also has several waterfalls to admire, including the Bambarakanda Falls,
Sri Lanka’s highest waterfall.
Photo: Alex Azabache/Unsplash
Apply for a Sri Lanka visa before departure
If you want to make a trip to Sri Lanka post-pandemic, you have to apply for a Sri Lanka visa
before departure. Without a valid visa, you will not be allowed to enter the country. Luckily,
the visa can be applied for quite easily online, meaning you don’t have to visit the embassy.
It has a validity of 30 days, which is usually more than enough to visit various temples and
national parks. If you want to stay in the country longer, you can have the visa extended to a
maximum of 90 days once in Sri Lanka. The Sri Lanka visa is only valid if all the requirements
are met.