How to Find Hotels in Sri Lanka

Sway with the palm trees on the beaches of Sri Lanka, then trek into the untamed wilderness to explore an ancient Buddhist temple. You can also strap on your walking shoes for a tour of Colombo, all while soaking in the tropical air in this South Asian island country. Be advised that violence has broken out in the northern and eastern parts of the country; avoid these if at all possible.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Passport
• A computer with Internet access

Prepare for Your Stay in Sri Lanka

1. Book a flight to the Bandaranaike International Airport north of Colombo.

2. Choose between the crowded yet speedy bus service or the more relaxed train to get to your accommodations.

3. Hunt down a car and driver for more extended trips, but negotiate your costs before you leave. Many drivers are also quasi-tour guides, who can suggest places of interest and tell you interesting facts and historical tidbits about the areas you're passing through. Ask your hotel concierge for specific driver recommendations.

Choose Your Location and Class of Hotel in Sri Lanka

4. Book your holiday in a Sri Lanka holiday home, often nestled among the ancient cities such as Kandy and Anuradhapura. Affordable accommodations range from $60 to $80.

5. Get the best of two worlds by staying near the Yala Safari Park in accommodations that have a front-side view of the ocean and white-sand beaches while the wildlife prowls the backyard. Modestly priced lodging near the park is available for approximately $100.

6. Surround yourself with the natural beauty of Sri Lanka and choose accommodations in a former tea plantation or colonial mansion, with rates from $50 to $175. Many government-owned colonial buildings have been converted into hotels and guesthouses throughout the country.

7. Stay in the capital city of Colombo for the widest range of hotels and motels. Tourist class hotels (2 and 3-star) are common, and you'll find well-known chains as well as locally owned establishments. Rates range from $75 to $200.

Be Familiar With Sri Lanka

8. Put on your life vest and throw yourself off a cliff or two (all while in a kayak, of course) to experience the thrills of adventure on the Mahaweli, a Sri Lankan river.

9. Visit one of the 7 World Heritage Sites located in Sri Lanka, from man-made sacred cities to nature at its most pure in the Sinharaja Forest Reserve, teeming with protected bird species.

10. To book accommodations in Sri Lanka, call Sri Lanka Tourist Board at 94 112 437059 or visit the link below.

Tips & Warnings

• Remove your hats and shoes when visiting a Buddhist temple and plan to dress conservatively.
• A visa is not necessary to travel to Sri Lanka.
• Tensions between the government of Sri Lanka and the Tamil Tigers has grown recently. Attacks in the the capital of Colombo, Galle and other areas have continued.