by Teeparam | Apr 9, 2025 | Blog
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.
by Teeparam | Dec 28, 2024 | Air Ticketing
Qatar Airways is one of the world’s best airlines, known for excellent service, comfortable seats, and top-notch amenities. It offers an array of facilities for all economy, business, and first-class, passengers. And if you’re on the lookout for cheap plane tickets or ways to save on multi-city flights for your international travel, here’s everything you need to know.
About Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways is the national airline of Qatar, based at Hamad International Airport in Doha. This airline is part of the Oneworld Alliance, which means it partners with many airlines worldwide, making it easier to connect to other flights. Qatar Airways flies to more than 170 destinations across 80+ countries, including major cities in the United States, Europe, Asia, and Africa.
Classes and Fare Options
Qatar Airways has three main travel classes: Economy, Business, and First Class. Within each class, there are also different fare levels. Each level comes with its own benefits.
- Economy Class
- Qatar Airways economy class is comfortable, with good seat space and entertainment options. Within the economy, there are four fare types: Lite, Classic, Convenience, and Comfort. Here’s a quick look at what each includes:
- Lite: Limited options, with fewer baggage benefits.
- Classic: Basic options with a little more baggage.
- Convenience: More flexibility and extra baggage.
- Comfort: Most flexible and includes seat selection and full baggage allowance.
Business Class
- Business class on Qatar Airways is highly rated, and often called the best in the world. It’s perfect for those who want extra comfort and space. Business fares come in four types: Lite, Classic, Comfort, and Elite. Benefits increase as you go up the fare levels, including more flexibility, lounge access, and higher Avios earnings
First Class
- Qatar Airways’ first-class option is very luxurious, but it’s only available on a few aircraft. With first class, you get the highest level of comfort, along with full flexibility, premium lounges, and additional perks.
Baggage Policies
Baggage allowances depend on your fare type and class. Here’s a simple breakdown of what to expect:
- Economy Class: You can carry one or two checked bags, with weights ranging from 44 to 77 pounds (20 to 35 kilograms).
- Business and First Class: You can bring two checked bags, each weighing up to 70 pounds (32 kilograms).
- Carry-on Bags: Economy passengers can bring one carry-on bag weighing up to 15 pounds (7 kilograms), while Business and First-Class passengers can bring two bags weighing up to 33 pounds (15 kilograms) in total.
Always check your ticket details before traveling, as baggage policies may vary by route or fare type. If you are looking to book flight tickets at cheap fares, check our blog titled – comprehensive guide to book cheap air tickets.
Seat Selection
Qatar Airways offers free seat selection in some fare types. In Economy, “Comfort” fares include free seat selection at any time, while lower fare types may only offer seat selection during check-in. Business and First-Class tickets usually come with free seat selection.
How to Earn and Use Avios with Qatar Airways
Avios is the rewards currency for Qatar Airways Privilege Club, its loyalty program. When you fly with Qatar or its partner airlines, you earn Avios, which you can use to book flights, upgrade seats, or access other services.
There are several ways to earn Avios:
- Flying with Qatar Airways or Oneworld Partners: Earn points based on the distance traveled and fare type.
- Transferring Points from Credit Card Programs: Some credit cards like American Express Membership Rewards and Citi ThankYou points can be transferred to Qatar Airways Avios.
- Staying at Partner Hotels or Renting Cars: You can also earn Avios by staying at certain hotels or using specific car rental companies.
Privilege Club Elite Status
Privilege Club has four membership levels: Burgundy, Silver, Gold, and Platinum. Each level offers different benefits.
- Burgundy (Entry Level): Basic membership with no extra benefits.
- Silver: Includes lounge access, extra baggage, and priority check-in.
- Gold: Offers all Silver benefits plus free seat selection and better rewards.
- Platinum: The highest level with the most perks, including top priority for upgrades, boarding, and check-in.
To earn higher status, you need Qpoints, which you get by flying with Qatar or other Oneworld airlines. You have a 12-month period to reach a new status, and once you do, it’s valid for one or two years.
In-flight Amenities
No matter which class you’re in, Qatar Airways provides excellent amenities.
- Economy Class: Passengers have personal screens with a wide range of movies, music, and games. Meals are included, and they’re often praised for quality.
- Business Class: Passengers get fully flat beds, gourmet meals, and access to the latest entertainment options. Business passengers also receive a luxury amenity kit.
- First Class: First-class passengers get the most space, privacy, and gourmet food choices. Qatar Airways First Class also has premium amenity kits with high-end skincare products.
Lounges
If you’re flying Business or First Class, or have elite status, you can use Qatar Airways lounges. The airline’s Al Mourjan Business Lounge in Doha is one of the best lounges in the world, with high-end dining, showers, and private areas to rest.
Popular Routes and Destinations
Qatar Airways flies across the globe. In the U.S., the airline has flights to major cities like New York, Los Angeles, and Miami. From its hub in Doha, Qatar Airways connects travelers to places like London, Paris, Tokyo, and Sydney.
Booking Tips for Qatar Airways
Here are some tips for booking flights with Qatar Airways, especially if you’re hoping to find cheap international flights or need flexible ticket options:
- Use Credit Card Points: If you have AmEx Membership Rewards or Citi ThankYou points, consider transferring them to Qatar Airways to book award flights.
- Look for Deals: Qatar Airways often has promotions on its website. Checking for sales can help you save on flights.
- Choose Fare Carefully: Pick a fare family based on your needs. If you need extra flexibility, consider a higher fare type like “Comfort” in economy or “Elite” in business.
- Consider Stopover in Doha: Qatar Airways has a stopover program that lets you spend a few days in Doha, Qatar, often at a low cost. This is a great way to explore a new city before reaching your destination.
Qatar Airways is known for its quality and service, making it a top choice for international travel. Whether you’re flying economy or first class, Qatar Airways offers excellent options for comfort, entertainment, and perks. By joining the Privilege Club, you can earn Avios for future trips, making it easier to travel the world. So, if you’re looking to fly in style, Qatar Airways is a great option.
