Being a tiny island in the Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is full of exciting things to explore and enjoy. Sri Lankan local food, sacred temples, interesting museums, and water sports at beautiful beaches are a few to mention. The country also offers amazing adventures like trekking and safaris in its national parks. It is a destination with endless opportunities for unforgettable experiences.
Kick Back in Colombo
Most travelers start their Sri Lanka holiday in Colombo. While it might be tempting to head straight to the beaches, hills, or wildlife parks, the capital is worth exploring. The city blends the old and new with its Buddhist temples, colonial buildings, and modern skyscrapers. Don’t forget to visit places like the National Museum of Colombo, Viharamahadevi Park, Nelum Kuluna (The tallest tower in the country) and the stunning red-and-white Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
Learn to Drive a Tuk-Tuk
Why not swap four wheels for three and try driving a tuk-tuk? Start in Colombo and take a scenic 1,000km loop around the island.
Explore Historic Temples
Sri Lanka is home to many beautiful temples. The Dambulla Cave Temple, dating back to the 1st century BC, is one of the most remarkable. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features Sri Lanka’s largest collection of Buddhist paintings and statues. Nearby, Ridi Viharaya is another ancient rock-hewn temple worth a visit.
In Kandy, the Temple of the Tooth houses a relic believed to be Buddha’s tooth. While you won’t see the actual tooth (it’s kept in a gold casket), the surrounding temples and shrines are impressive. Don’t miss a visit to the Royal Palace or a boat ride on Kandy Lake. For a peaceful experience, climb up to the Big Buddha, where monks light incense and lay tributes.
Go on Safari in Yala National Park
Yala National Park, located in the south of Sri Lanka, is a must-visit if you are a wildlife enthusiast. This park is known for having the highest concentration of leopards in the world. It is also home to elephants, crocodiles, sloth bears, and an incredible variety of birds. For a quieter safari experience, visit Udawalawe National Park, where you can see hundreds of wild elephants roaming freely.
Breathe in the Scents of Spice Plantations
Sri Lanka is famous for its spices like cinnamon, pepper, cardamom, and nutmeg. Visit one of the many spice plantations, especially in Matale, to learn about these aromatic plants. Many gardens offer free entry, but tipping the guides is appreciated. You can also purchase soothing aloe vera and sandalwood creams to take home.
Eat Like a Local
Sri Lankan food is full of flavor. The cuisine combines not only South Indian and Southeast Asian but some are influenced by Dutch and English. Fragrant curries, buttery rotis, spicy sambals, and tangy pickles are a few varieties. Seafood lovers will enjoy fresh fish dishes prepared in coastal towns. Don’t miss trying ‘hoppers,’ bowl-shaped pancakes with crispy edges perfect for breakfast. Lamprise Dutch-influenced rice is another specialty worth trying. For a hands-on experience, join a local cooking class to learn how to recreate these dishes.
Places to visit in Sri Lanka as a tourist
Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress
One of Sri Lanka’s most iconic attractions, Sigiriya Rock Fortress, sits 200 meters high. This UNESCO World Heritage Site features ruins of an ancient royal palace, water gardens, and colorful frescoes. The hike to the top offers breathtaking views of the surrounding plains.
Climb Adam’s Peak
Adam’s Peak is an important pilgrimage site and a popular hiking destination. Legends surround the mysterious footprint at the summit, which is believed to belong to Buddha, Shiva, or Adam, depending on your faith. Watching the sunrise from the 2,243-meter peak is a spiritual and unforgettable experience.
Explore Galle Fort
Galle is a charming coastal town perfect for leisurely exploration. The UNESCO-listed Galle Fort features cobbled streets, colonial villas, and crumbling ramparts. The town is also a hub for crafts like lace-making and gem polishing. If you visit in January, don’t miss the Galle Literary Festival, one of Asia’s premier literary events.
Stay in a Coconut Dome
For a unique experience, stay in a dome-shaped accommodation near Yala National Park. These cozy domes resemble coconut shells and offer a luxurious stay close to nature. Being so near to the park makes it easier to experience early-morning safaris.
See Blue Whales in Mirissa
Mirissa is the place to go if you want to spot blue whales. The best time for whale-watching is between December and April. You might also see fin whales, sperm whales, and dolphins playing in the ocean. Take a boat tour along the south coast for the best chance of sightings.
Go Surfing in Arugam Bay
Arugam Bay is Sri Lanka’s top surfing destination. This crescent-shaped beach offers waves suitable for both beginners and pros. If surfing isn’t your thing, do not worry this beach offers many relaxing spots making it a great place to unwind.
Take a Scenic Train Ride
Sri Lanka’s train journeys are legendary, offering breathtaking views of lush tea plantations, waterfalls, and misty mountains. The route from Kandy to Ella is particularly famous and is often considered one of the most scenic train rides in the world.
Relax on the Beaches
Sri Lanka’s coastline offers many beautiful beaches. From the golden sands of Bentota to the tranquil shores of Unawatuna, there is a beach for every mood. Spend a day sunbathing, swimming, diving, snorkeling, surfing or simply enjoying the sound of the waves.
Sri Lanka is a destination that caters to all kinds of travelers. You can experience adventure, relaxation, or cultural immersion in this tiny island nation. Plan your trip to include these top activities, and you’re sure to have an unforgettable experience.
If you’re inspired to visit Sri Lanka but haven’t planned your trip yet, Teeparam offers the perfect travel packages to make your journey unforgettable. Known for their trusted services and carefully designed tours, Teeparam Travels provides personalized itineraries that cover the best of Sri Lanka. From cultural and historical landmarks to thrilling adventures and serene beaches, their packages cater to every traveler’s dream. With Teeparam Travels, you can enjoy a safe and seamless travel experience, exploring Sri Lanka’s best destinations with ease and comfort. You can also send courier to India via Teeparam at competitive rates.
Booking your airline tickets early not only secures the best deals but also helps you avoid last-minute price hikes. Finding cheap air ticketing service provider can save you a lot on your trip, and knowing each airline’s baggage policies beforehand makes it much easier to choose the best ticket for your needs.
Traveling with Sri Lankan Airlines involves understanding a set of baggage rules and allowances. Knowing these rules can make your journey smoother, ensuring you know what you can and cannot bring on board—the following is an easy-to-follow guide on baggage policies, restricted items, and specific guidelines for certain international flights.
Checked Baggage Allowance
The checked baggage allowance for each passenger depends on the travel class and the route. Generally, Sri Lankan Airlines allows:
Economy Class: One checked bag weighing up to 30 kg.
Business Class: One or two bags with a combined weight limit of up to 40 kg.
Bags that exceed the weight limit may incur additional charges. It’s best to weigh your bag before heading to the airport to avoid unexpected fees.
Carry-On Baggage Allowance
For carry-on or cabin baggage, each passenger is typically allowed to:
Economy Class: One carry-on bag not exceeding 7 kg.
Business Class: Two carry-on bags, with each bag weighing no more than 7 kg.
Carry-on bags must fit within the size limits set by the airline. Bags too large or heavy will need to be checked in, possibly with an extra fee.
Special Baggage Rules and Exceptions
Sri Lankan Airlines has specific rules for items that require special handling or are considered dangerous goods. Here’s a breakdown:
Liquids, Aerosols, and Gels (LAGs)
For safety, all liquids, aerosols, and gels in carry-on baggage must follow these rules:
Each item must be in a container holding 100 ml or less.
Containers should fit within a single, transparent plastic bag no larger than 1 liter.
Only one plastic bag per passenger is allowed. Exemptions are made for medication, baby formula, and dietary items, but you may need to show proof, especially if you’re traveling internationally.
Duty-Free Liquids
You can bring duty-free liquids bought at the airport or on the plane if they’re in a Security Tamper-Evident Bag (STEB) provided by the store. Be sure to keep your receipt in the bag and don’t open it until after you’ve cleared security.
Items Not Allowed in Checked or Carry-On Baggage
Sri Lankan Airlines follows strict safety regulations, so certain items are entirely prohibited. These include:
Explosives: Fireworks, flares, and other explosives are strictly prohibited.
Flammable liquids and gases: Items such as gasoline, lighter fluid, and propane cannot be brought on board.
Toxic and infectious substances: Chemicals, biological samples, and poisons are banned.
Items with Limited Allowance
There are items that passengers can bring but with restrictions. Here are some examples:
Personal Medical Devices
Passengers can carry certain medical devices like gas cylinders for prosthetic limbs, or small oxygen tanks, provided they are approved by the airline. Be sure to contact the airline in advance if you plan to travel with these items.
Portable Electronic Devices and Lithium Batteries
Lithium batteries are common in many personal devices, like laptops, cameras, and phones. Here are some rules to remember:
Portable electronic devices (PEDs) with lithium-ion batteries up to 100 watt-hours are allowed in both checked and carry-on baggage.
Spare batteries (including power banks) must be carried in your carry-on only.
Devices or batteries with watt-hours between 100 and 160 may require airline approval, and only two spare batteries of this type are allowed.
Keep in mind that each person is limited to 15 PEDs. All devices must be turned off if placed in checked baggage.
Safety Matches and Lighters
Passengers are allowed to carry a small packet of safety matches or a cigarette lighter on their person (not in their baggage). However, you cannot bring lighter refills or “strike anywhere” matches.
Sporting Equipment and Special Items
For those traveling with sporting equipment or other special items, like diving lamps, consult Sri Lankan Airlines’ specific guidelines. Some items may be allowed with restrictions, and others may require pre-approval.
Mobility Aids and Wheelchairs
Sri Lankan Airlines accommodates passengers with mobility aids, but rules depend on the type of battery:
Non-spillable batteries: Allowed in checked and carry-on baggage.
Spillable or lithium batteries: Must meet specific guidelines, and some may require the battery to be removed and carried separately.
Passengers should notify the airline in advance if they plan to travel with a wheelchair or other mobility device.
Guidelines for Specific Destinations
Different countries have varying security requirements. Here’s a quick overview of popular destinations:
Traveling to the UK
Electronic devices larger than 16.0 cm x 9.3 cm x 1.5 cm, like large tablets or laptops, are not allowed in the cabin on flights to the UK from certain countries (Turkey, Lebanon, Egypt, Saudi Arabia, Jordan, and Tunisia). Travelers are encouraged to check with the airline for updates on these restrictions.
Traveling to the USA
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security mandates that all electronic devices larger than a smartphone must be placed in checked baggage on select flights to the U.S. from specific airports in the Middle East and North Africa. Exceptions include medical devices and power banks.
Traveling to Australia
Australia has strict LAG restrictions. Only liquids, aerosols, and gels in containers of 100 ml or less are allowed in carry-on baggage. Any LAG items over this limit will be confiscated.
Tips for a Hassle-Free Journey
To make your travel experience as smooth as possible, here are some additional tips:
Check your baggage allowance: Review your ticket to know your baggage limit and avoid extra fees.
Weigh your bags in advance: Make sure your checked and carry-on bags are within the weight limits.
Review restricted items: If you’re unsure whether an item is allowed, contact Sri Lankan Airlines or check their website.
Pack smart: Place valuables and essential items like medications and documents in your carry-on, in case your checked luggage is delayed.
Traveling can be stressful, but understanding the baggage policies on Sri Lankan Airlines can make your trip easier. Being informed about what you can bring helps avoid delays and ensures a smoother experience from start to finish. In addition to Air Ticketing avail the worldwide parcel services of Teeparam and send parcel to Sri Lanka at a very competitive rates. And if you are looking for the cheapest way to send a parcel, Teeparam is the right choice.
The cost to send parcels to Sri Lanka from UK depends on numerous factors like the location from which the parcel has been sent, the size and weight of the parcel, the items present inside the parcel, and the mode of cargo in which the parcel has been delivered, etc, There are numerous other factors that also decides the cost of sending parcels from UK to Sri Lanka. Let’s explore the factors and other valuable insights to send parcels from UK to Sri Lanka more efficiently.
Top factors that decide the cost of sending parcels to Sri Lanka from UK:
Geographical location:
Today’s parcel services have grown far enough to reach every nook and corner of the globe. The cost of sending a parcel increases as the distance grows from where the parcel has been sent. The cost of sending parcels to Sri Lanka from the UK varies according to geographical location and also depends on customs duties. The charges imposed by the customs may also vary according to the geographical locations and the regulations followed by the customs department. The goods that have to be sent from some particular geographical locations like private islands may cost you more compared to the standard charges due to the lack of logistics and cargo services. custom duties in such nations will also decide your delivery charges. The geographical location is like a whole that binds multiple things like connectivity, transportation, and logistics facilities within it which decide the cost of sending parcels to Sri Lanka . Some examples of countries from which it may be more expensive to send a package to Sri Lanka from the UK include those in South America, Africa, and Asia, as well as some countries in the Middle East and Oceania. There are certain reasons that strongly impact the delivery cost of sending goods from these countries to the UK
The reasons may be the distance from the UK, and packages must travel a long way to reach their destination. This can increase the cost of shipping due to the distance the package must be transported. Additionally, the cost of shipping to the Sri Lanka may be higher because the shipping infrastructure and logistics networks in some parts of these countries may not be as developed as those in other countries, which can make it more expensive to transport packages.
Size and weight of the package:
The size and weight of a package are important factors in determining shipping costs because they determine how much space the package will take up on a truck, plane, or ship, and how much it will weigh. In general, larger and heavier packages will cost more to ship than smaller and lighter packages.
Shipping method:
The shipping method you choose can also affect the cost of sending a package to Sri Lanka. Different shipping methods have different costs, and some may be more expensive than others depending on the size and weight of the package, the distance it needs to travel, and other factors. For example, shipping a package by air may be more expensive than shipping it by ground, but it will also be faster.
Distance:
As mentioned earlier, the distance a package needs to travel can also affect the cost of shipping. Packages that need to be shipped a long distance will generally be more expensive to send than packages that are being shipped a shorter distance
Fuel costs
Fuel costs can also impact the cost of shipping a package to Sri Lanka. If fuel prices are high, it can increase the cost of shipping a package because carriers will need to pay more to transport the package.
Insurance:
If you choose to insure your package, this can also add to the cost of shipping which increases the cost of sending parcels to Sri Lanka. Insurance can protect your package in the event that it is lost, damaged, or stolen during shipping, but it can also add to the overall cost of shipping.
Customs fees:
If you are sending a package from the UK, you may need to pay customs fees when the package arrives in the Sri Lanka. These fees can vary depending on the value of the items being shipped, and they can add to the overall cost of shipping a package to the UK.
Delivery service providers:
Delivery service providers are also one of the important factors that decide the cost of delivering parcels from UK to Sri Lanka. The delivery charges may vary according to the service providers based on their carriers, transportation ability, cargo facilities, and service proficiency. Parcel delivery service providers will charge for the distance between the locations, the size of the package, and the contents in It. Each factor is correlated in deciding the delivery charges of your package.
Teeparam is one of the well-known parcel delivery services in the market which is recognized for its efficiency, security, and proficiency in their services. Teeparam supports you in send Courier from the UK to Sri Lanka more efficiently compared to the other parcel delivery services in the market. Teeparam has a wide range of logistics choices and its choice of elite carriers ensure the security of your parcel and delivery of your parcel on time. Teeparam is efficient in delivering your parcel will never compromise the quality and standards of its services. This service proficiency and the level of standards assures every customer that their parcels will be taken good care of and will be delivered on time. Explore and experience the efficiency and convenience offered by Teeparam in sending parcels from UK to Sri Lanka.
