This page collects all the Travel Stories from Sri Lanka by Besides the Obvious.
Sri Lanka formerly known as Ceylon, and officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia. It lies in the Indian Ocean, southwest of the Bay of Bengal, and southeast of the Arabian Sea. It is separated from the Indian subcontinent by the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait. Sri Lanka shares a maritime border with India and the Maldives.
As you might know our mission is to share something relevant, something authentic, something real, something cool, something interesting, something personal & something different, via our travel stories & images. We are focusing on ideas from local sources. Giving tips that are usually unknown to travelers and foreigners. Guides to secret places which only the guy from the given neighborhood could know about. To the hidden picturesque view. And recommending everything besides the obvious. The local real feel, the adventure of discovering the unknown, the authenticity, a culinary guide to the meals that locals are really cooking and eating at home, and much more. Hope you will explore our Travel Stories from Sri Lanka. Feel inspired and enjoy the journey, as much as we do!
Useful information about Sri Lanka
Where is Sri Lanka Located?
Sri Lanka is an island country located in the South Asian Indian Ocean. It is just some kilometers South of the Indian subcontinent at the other side of the Gulf of Mannar and the Palk Strait.
What is the formal name of Sri Lanka?
The formal name of Sri Lanka is Ceylon and the official name is the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka.
Is Sri Lanka a safe country to travel?
Yes, Sri Lanka is a safe country to travel. Crime rates are low compared with some countries in Europe or America and people generally speaking are friendly and welcoming. Nevertheless, since the social and political crisis of early 2022, the state cannot provide enough energy, fuel, and other essentials. Therefore, there are shortages and frequent blackouts responded with demonstrations and roadcuts from time to time.
When is the best moment to visit Sri Lanka?
The best moment to visit Sri Lanka is from December to April. Sri Lanka is warm and there is not much rain during that period which is considered to be the best moment to visit Sri Lanka. However, all year long it is possible to visit Sri Lanka and spend a perfect vacation in the country.
Is it possible to find fuel for my vehicle in Sri Lanka?
Despite the fuel shortages in the country, it is still possible to get petrol in Sri Lanka at gas stations. The lines can be long on some days. Tourists can use special passes to skip the line. Local people also understand that it is a good idea to keep the tourists happy since they spend their currencies in Sri Lanka. We had no big problems on our visit to the country in April 2022.
What are the best places in Sri Lanka to visit?
The best places to visit in Sri Lanka are Galle, Koggala, Dambula, Anuradhapura, Ella, NIlaveli and Mirissa.
Travel Stories from Sri Lanka
What to do in Haputale
Haputale is just a place to catch up with your childhood memories and explore for real and with your imagination once again.
Galle – The most enjoyable town of Sri Lanka
Galle is one of those Sri Lankan towns where it’s really enjoyable to stay. You can easily plan to spend here a longer weekend, there are many things to see and do. So, let’s see now the top things to do in Galle!
The best things to do in Kandy, Sri Lanka
To enjoy better your visit, If you want to have some information upfront, here we will explain for you the best things to do in Kandy.
Koggala – Looking for the stilt fishermen
Koggala is one of those Sri Lankan beaches made for paradise seekers. Also, here you can meet the posing stilt fishermen! The currents around Koggala are crazy strong though. Be careful once entering the ocean, it might surprise you! But let’s see now the top things to do in Koggala!
Tangalle – Sri Lanka’s southern paradise
Tangalle is one of those Sri Lankan beaches made for paradise seekers. It’s a bit harder to reach as it’s dislocated from the usual Sri Lanka route but so worth a visit! This means that few tourists visit Tangalle, creating a more tranquil experience. The currents around Tangalle are crazy strong though. Be careful once entering the ocean,…
Why we don’t like Ella in Sri Lanka?
Ella is one of the most famous tourist destinations in Sri Lanka. It’s not hard to understand why. Naturally it lies in an incredible area. The mountains, the jungle, the tea plantations, the climate all make it a wonderful place. Let’s see now the all the top things to do in Ella and all the…
Tea Plantations in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka (formerly called Ceylon) has a climate and varied elevation that allows for the production of tea. The plant that gives the amazing green scenery, wherever you see in the elevated territories. In this article, we’ll review the best tea plantations in Sri Lanka.
Things to do in Sigiriya (Not many!)
Our expectations were high and our knowledge low about what kind of things to do. Sigiriya is an icon, not less but also not more.
The best things to do in Polonnaruwa
Polonnaruwa is a worldwide heritage delight. In this article we will explain to you the best things to do in Polonnaruwa.
What to expect from Point Pedro
You probably wonder about what to expect of Point Pedro. This is the ideal spot to spend a little longer on the Tamil coast.
Sri Lanka Bucket List
Here comes our ultimate and most comprehensive Sri Lanka Bucket List! Don’t miss any of the places once you are in Sri Lanka!
Where to see elephants in Sri Lanka?
Where to see elephants in Sri Lanka? In this article we will answer the question. But in short: almost in all national parks!
Tourist places close to Jaffna
If you look for tourist places to visit in Jaffna during your stay. Here, we will offer some ideas of tourist places close to Jaffna.
About the Cave Temples of Dambulla
It is the largest and best preserved cave temple complex in Sri Lanka. There are more than 80 documented caves in the surrounding. Major attractions are spread over 5 caves, which contain a lot of Buddha statues and paintings. These paintings and statues are related to Buddha and different staged of his life. There are a total of 153 Buddha statues, three statues of Sri…
Uppuveli – an unspoiled beach in Sri Lanka
Why to visit Uppuveli? Starting from Mullaitivu, via Kuchchaveli till Nilaveli and Uppuveli. We could spend hours in the water just enjoying the perfect temperature of the ocean and meanwhile admiring all the palm trees and the sandy coastline.
The 10 best beaches in Sri Lanka
Here we list the best beach in Sri Lanka: Mullaitivu, Nilaveli, Uppuveli, Tangalle, Dondra, Mirissa, Koggala, Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa & Negombo.
A hidden gem in Godauda, Sri Lanka
Sri Sumanarama Viharaya Temple is a Buddhist complex. It’s a hidden gem in Godauda, in Sri Lanka. Take a look why it’s worth to visit!
What to pack if you travel to Sri Lanka?
It depends obviously on many preferences, and details such as how long are you on the island, is it your first time, which season and which part of the country you want to visit. But there are some very generic, as well as location specific requirements that’s worth to keep in mind while you’re packing…
Why to visit Nilaveli in Sri Lanka
In this article we will list some interesting things to do in Nilaveli, in Sri Lanka. Besides its beaches it’s a wonderful place.
The very different Jaffna in Sri Lanka
Jaffna is different. This is the capital of the Tamil territory in Sri Lanka. If you ask any of the very proud locals they will answer that their culture is different. Moreover, you will find it not only different but amazing.
Elephant Pass
Once you want to enter or leave Jaffna Peninsula, for sure you will be passing by Elephant Pass. It is located in the gateway of Jaffna Peninsula. The pass lies about 340 km north from capital. It has an important military base and used to be the island’s largest salt field. It was regularly the…
Anuradhapura – The land of Stupas
Anuradhapura is a major city in Sri Lanka. It is the capital city of North Central Province and the capital of Anuradhapura District. Anuradhapura is one of the ancient capitals of Sri Lanka, famous for its well-preserved ruins of an ancient Sinhala civilisation.
Some things to do in Negombo
Negombo is a good starting point or a fair end stage for your vacation in Sri Lanka. We will explain here the things to do in Negombo.
Why I don’t like Negombo
Let’s explain in this article Why I don’t like Negombo. You would discover many other places to better spend your vacations.
The Gastronomy of Sri Lanka
What to eat in Sri Lanka? Let’s review the most delicious dishes that Ceylon can provide us with. You will be surprised!
The best itinerary for a round trip in Sri Lanka
This article is a proposal for a 3 weeks Sri Lanka best round trip itinerary. Have a quick overview of that magic Asian country.
10 travel tips for Sri Lanka
Since we are planning to travel to Sri Lanka this April for a longer period of time, we have decided to collect some tips for beginners and share with you 10 useful tips before travelling to Sri Lanka.
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