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Washed by the sparkling Indian Ocean and crowned by cloud covered hills, Sri Lanka is blessed with nature’s wealth. Tourists booking tickets to this teardrop shaped island must understand various aspects of holidays before going ahead.
There are few destinations that offer a fantastic combination of spectacular landscapes, serene coastal areas, interesting history, unique culture and exotic wilderness within a restricted area. Sri Lanka is one of them! Featuring a perfect blend of nature and heritage, this South-East Asian country promises a gratifying holiday to every tourist reserving tickets aboard flights landing here. However, it is a important to be aware of crucial information before travelling to the destination. The article discusses some essential travel info about Sri Lanka, for those contemplating holidays here.
Entry Tips
According to the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, travellers contemplating to book tickets for holidaying in Sri Lanka require a visa to enter the country. One can get a short stay visa through an online visa application process. Even though it is still possible to acquire a tourist visa on arrival, it is suggested that travellers obtain visa before travel. If experiencing any difficulty with the ETA System or if flyers are travelling for paid or unpaid work, they should get a visa from the Sri Lankan High Commission before taking flights to the nation. Holidaymakers reserving flights to the country should make sure their passport should be valid for a minimum period of six months from the date of entry to Sri Lanka.
Connectivity
Bandaranaike International Airport is one of the major international gateways to Sri Lanka and is located in the capital city of the nation. The terminal connects Sri Lanka by flights with various major destinations worldwide, including several destinations in the United Kingdom. SriLankan Airlines, country’s flag carrier operates frequent services on direct flights on Sri Lanka-London Heathrow route. Apart from this, Jet Airways, Etihad, Emirates, Malaysian Airlines and Cathay Pacific are some of the preferred choices among travellers boarding flights from the UK to this Indian Ocean destination. On the whole, Flydubai and Mihin Lanka are some of the low cost airlines that offer cheap deals on air tickets to and from Colombo.
Accommodation
Being a well-known holiday destination in South-East Asia, Sri Lanka receives a good number of tourists every year from all over the globe. The country is peppered with many resorts, hotels, inns, self-catering lodges and bed&breakfasts that suit every interest and pocket. While Jetwing Vil Uyana, Vivanta By Taj-bentota and Eden Resorts & Spa rank high on the priorities of luxury seekers disembarking flights here; Hotel Shalini, Milano Tourist Rest or Topaz are popular among budget travellers netting cheap deals on air tickets to the nation.
Sightseeing and Activities
Within a compact area, Sri Lanka boasts umpteen UNESCO World Heritage Sites. A quick tour to Anuradhapura, Galle and Sri Dalada Maligawa will give you a deeper insight on Sri Lanka’s rich history and unique culture, while most nature lovers arriving on flights at Sri Lanka are often found to head to Sinharaja Forest Reserve, Central Highlands. Apart from visiting these UNESCO sites, the country offers numerous options to indulge in various activities, ranging from getting up and close with wild animals at their natural habitat to rejuvenating your body and soul at many of the lavish spas.
Best Time to Visit
This popular Indian Ocean holiday destination features a tropical climate due to its location. Though it’s a year round holiday destination, Sri Lanka experiences two monsoons – Yala and Maha; and this factor makes the seasons here a bit complicated. Regardless, the period between November and April is considered to be the best time to board flights for holidaying here, as the south-west coast and hill stations feature pleasant weather. However, many holidaymakers prefer to visit here during monsoon i.e. from May to July and in December-January to avail cheap deals on air tickets.
Disclaimer: The information in this article relating to visa/entry requirements is correct at the time of publishing. You must consult the relevant Embassy or Consulate for updated info on visa policies as requirements may change. You should check the up-to-date position in good time before booking/departure.