Sri Lanka, officially known as the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country located in the Indian Ocean, southeast of the Indian subcontinent. The country is bordered by the Indian Ocean to the north and east, the Bay of Bengal to the northeast, and the Palk Strait to the northwest. The capital and largest city is Colombo, while the largest metropolitan area is the western province of Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte.
As of 2021, Sri Lanka has a population of approximately 22 million people. The population is relatively young, with a median age of around 30 years. The country is ethnically diverse, with the majority of the population being Sinhalese (about 75%), but also including Tamils, Moors, Burghers, Malays, and various hill tribes.
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, characterized by high temperatures and high humidity throughout the year. The country can be divided into two main regions: the dry zone and the wet zone. The dry zone, which covers the northern, northeastern, and eastern regions, has a dry and arid climate, with little or no rainfall during the months of January to September. The wet zone, which covers the southwestern and central regions, has a wet and humid climate, with heavy rainfall during the months of May to September.
In the dry zone, the temperature ranges from 32 to 40 degrees Celsius (90 to 104 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 25 to 30 degrees Celsius (77 to 86 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The dry zone is characterized by a dry and arid climate, with little or no rainfall during the months of January to September.
In the wet zone, the temperature ranges from 25 to 32 degrees Celsius (77 to 90 degrees Fahrenheit) during the day and 20 to 25 degrees Celsius (68 to 77 degrees Fahrenheit) at night. The wet zone is characterized by a wet and humid climate, with heavy rainfall during the months of May to September.
Overall, Sri Lanka is a country with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The country is known for its beautiful landscapes, delicious cuisine, and welcoming people. It’s a popular tourist destination and it is also a developing country with a rapidly growing economy.
7 days Sri Lanka itinerary informations
Day 1: Arrive in Colombo, Sri Lanka’s capital city, and check into your hotel. Take a city tour and visit the Colombo National Museum, the Gangaramaya Temple and the Old Town. In the evening, enjoy a traditional Sri Lankan meal at a local restaurant.
Day 2: Take a train to the hill country, and visit the town of Kandy. Visit the Temple of the Tooth Relic, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take a walk around the Kandy Lake. In the evening, attend a traditional Kandyan dance performance.
Day 3: Take a day trip to the Sigiriya Rock Fortress, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and one of Sri Lanka’s most iconic landmarks. Climb to the top of the rock for panoramic views of the surrounding area. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Dambulla Cave Temple.
Day 4: Travel to the ancient city of Polonnaruwa, another UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the ancient city’s many temples and ruins, including the Gal Viharaya, the Parakrama Samudra, and the Vatadage.
Day 5: Head to the coastal town of Galle, and take a tour of the Galle Fort, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Visit the National Museum, the Dutch Reformed Church and the lighthouse. In the evening, take a stroll along the beach and enjoy a seafood dinner.
Day 6: Take a day trip to the Udawalawe National Park, and go on a safari to see elephants and other wild animals in their natural habitat. In the afternoon, visit the nearby Elephant Transit Home, where orphaned elephants are cared for and rehabilitated.
Day 7: Return to Colombo and spend the day at leisure. Take the opportunity to shop for souvenirs, visit one of the city’s many temples or pagodas, or simply relax and enjoy the vibrant atmosphere.
Note: This itinerary can be customizable as per your interest and time availability, transportation can also be arranged as per your preference ( train, flight or bus ) and accommodations can be adjusted as per your budget and preference.
Sri Lanka is a beautiful country with a rich culture, history, and natural beauty. The itinerary above includes some of the most popular and iconic destinations in the country, and is a great way to experience the best of what Sri Lanka has to offer. From ancient temples and ruins, to wildlife safari, to the beautiful beaches, this itinerary offers a little bit of everything for every type of traveler.