Welcome to Sri Lanka Sri Lanka
Travel Information
CurrencySri Lankan Rupee (LKR) The Sri Lankan rupee is the currency of Sri Lanka. It is symbolised by 'Rs', රු in Sinhalese, and ரூ in Tamil. The currency code is LKR.
Official Language SpokenAround 87% of the population speaks Sinhala, 28% speaks Tamil and 24% speaks English (mostly in urban areas as a second language).
Population22.04 million (2023)
Weather and ClimateSri Lanka has two main seasons, the Maha season associated with the northeast monsoon (September – March) and the Yala season associated with the southwest monsoon (May – August). With an average temperature of around 27 - 28°C, Sri Lanka is one of the hottest countries in the world..
Cities to Visit in Sri Lanka
Kandy
Kandy, a major city in central Sri Lanka, is situated on a picturesque plateau encircled by mountains that host tea plantations and vibrant rainforests. At the city's core lies the scenic Kandy Lake (Bogambara Lake), a favorite spot for leisurely walks. Renowned for its sacred Buddhist landmarks, Kandy is home to the Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) shrine, which takes center stage during the grand annual Esala Perahera procession.
Colombo
Colombo, the commercial capital and largest city of Sri Lanka, is often regarded as the country's capital due to its proximity to Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte, the official capital, situated within its urban area. Boasting a rich colonial heritage and numerous attractions, Colombo is a favored destination for tourists.
Galle
Galle, a city on Sri Lanka's southwest coast, is famed for its historic Galle Fort, a fortified old town established by Portuguese colonists in the 16th century. The fort is surrounded by stone sea walls, later expanded by the Dutch, and features car-free streets lined with architecture showcasing Portuguese, Dutch, and British influences. Highlights include the 18th-century Dutch Reformed Church and the iconic Galle Lighthouse, located at the fort's southeastern tip.