Have you noticed, international travel has become more like a way of life, rather than a luxury as it was deemed many years ago? With the increasing demands of everyday life, people are looking to travel to destinations that are stress- free, off the beaten path, away from many tourists and crowds. In recent years, Asia has become one of those popular travel destinations due to it’s inviting culture, beautiful beaches, historic temples & captivating jungles.
Over the years, I’ve spent an extensive amount of time traveling across the globe to many different countries. In my experience, Asia has captured my heart as it is truly a place that’s special. Whether you are a novice or avid traveler, here are three places to visit along with a few travel tips to help you prepare & enjoy your travels.
Sri Lanka is one of the oldest civilizations in the world. With a history of over 2550 years it consists of ancient palaces, historical monuments and beautiful works of art. Sri Lanka has eight world heritage sights and the Sri Lankans are friendly hospitable people which adds to the experience. One of those beautiful historical places to visit is Sigiriya. Sigiriya is an ancient rock fortress located in the northern Matale District near the town of Dambulla in the Central Province, Sri Lanka. The name refers to a site of historical and archaeological significance that is dominated by a massive column of rock nearly 200 meters high. From Mirror Wall, to Water Gardens to Boulder Gardens to Terraced Gardens, Sigiriya has many aspects to explore.
During my time in Sri Lanka I also had the chance to tour a local farm. It was such a great learning experience. Sri Lanka produces thousands of tons of fruits and vegetables annually and exports them to destinations all around the world. The majority of their fresh products are targeted to the Middle East and the Maldives and about 75% of processed products go to the European market. Although Sri Lanka produces lots of fruits and vegetables, rice production is its primary form of agriculture. While the humidity, cool temperatures, and rainfall in the central highlands provide a climate that favors the production of high-quality tea. If you’re a tea lover like myself, Lovers' Leap Ethical tea boutique is a great place to visit and taste the many different Sri Lankan teas.
Sri Lanka, officially the Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka, is an island country in South Asia, located in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea.
Top Destinations worth checking out: Sigiriya, Colombo, Kandy, Galle, Yala National Park
PASSPORT VALIDITY: Must be valid for six months from the expected date of departure from Sri Lanka.
BLANK PASSPORT PAGES: One page required for entry stamp.
TOURIST VISA REQUIRED: Yes! U.S. citizens visiting Sri Lanka must have either an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) or a visa to enter Sri Lanka. Once obtained, travel authorization allows entry for up to 30 days.
VACCINATIONS: Required for yellow fever if arriving from an infected area.
** Information has been obtained from the US Dept of State and should always be utilized for the most current information on obtaining a Visa or Vaccines for US citizens**
Visit here to obtain more information in addition to any Travel Advisories to Sri Lanka.