Sri Lanka is firmly back on the holiday map – here’s why now is the time to return for affordable adventure
1 year, 4 months ago

Sri Lanka is firmly back on the holiday map – here’s why now is the time to return for affordable adventure

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. It decimated tourism, one of Sri Lanka’s largest foreign exchange earners and an essential cog in the country’s economy, which compounded a decline in visitors that started in 2019 following a series of bomb attacks. open image in gallery Safari spot: Sightings of Sri Lankan elephants are easy to come by According to Chaminda, there’s no real “peak” or “off” season in Sri Lanka. Staying there Jetwing Vil Uyana is ideally placed to visit Sigiriya and allows guests to experience modern luxury while remaining close to Sri Lanka’s wildlife. The Grand Hotel in Nuwara Eliya is an excellent base to explore Sri Lanka’s hill country and tea culture, holds Sri Lanka’s oldest billiards table and counts Queen Elizabeth as a former guest.

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History of this topic

A 'hike for everyone': The 300km route shining a spotlight on Sri Lanka's tea history
1 month ago

A 'hike for everyone': The 300km route shining a spotlight on Sri Lanka's tea history

BBC  

A 'hike for everyone': The 300km route shining a spotlight on Sri Lanka's tea history 1 day ago Share Save Charukesi Ramadurai Share Save Getty Images The recently opened Pekoe Trail, which runs for more than 300km through tea plantations, villages and forests, tells the story of Sri Lanka's complex and chequered tea history. And the recently opened Pekoe Trail, …

More Chinese tourists eyed as Sri Lanka deepens ties
1 month, 2 weeks ago

More Chinese tourists eyed as Sri Lanka deepens ties

China Daily  

This photo taken on Oct 26, 2024 shows a view of Port City Colombo, Sri Lanka. Following Sri Lankan President Anura Kumara Dissanayake's visit to China last month, bilateral ties have reached a new high, they added, highlighting Sri Lanka's manifold strengths as an outbound destination. "President Dissanayake's visit underscores Sri Lanka's commitment to fostering robust ties with China, a …

Tired of Goa’s skyrocketing prices? Here are 5 alternative destinations on same budget for your New Year vacay
4 months, 2 weeks ago

Tired of Goa’s skyrocketing prices? Here are 5 alternative destinations on same budget for your New Year vacay

Hindustan Times  

Love Goa but not the skyrocketing prices? If you're looking to enjoy a coastal getaway this New Year without breaking the bank, here are five budget-friendly destinations that offer the same beachy vibes, relaxation, and fun, all at the same cost. Siem Reap, Cambodia Siem Reap is not just home to the awe-inspiring Angkor Wat temple complex but also offers …

Sri Lanka eyes rebound of tourism sector
7 months ago

Sri Lanka eyes rebound of tourism sector

China Daily  

Traditional musicians perform in front of the historic Temple of the Sacred Tooth in Kandy, Sri Lanka, on Monday. ISHARA S. KODIKARA/AFP Sri Lanka's tourism recovery is expected to gain further momentum on the back of a planned new promotional campaign and the nation's diverse attractions, with the sector's rebound aiding the nation's broader economic revival, experts said. Sri Lanka's …

Sri Lanka recovers after economic crisis, but is it safe to travel there?
8 months, 3 weeks ago

Sri Lanka recovers after economic crisis, but is it safe to travel there?

ABC  

White sand beaches, welcoming locals, wild elephants living in their natural habitats and eight UNESCO World Heritage sites make Sri Lanka a tourist's paradise. While her friends gave positive reviews of their past holidays in Sri Lanka, Australia's official Smart Traveller advisory urged visitors to "exercise a high degree of caution" as the country holds its presidential elections later this …

Sri Lanka Woos Indian Travellers with Weak Currency
1 year, 7 months ago

Sri Lanka Woos Indian Travellers with Weak Currency

Deccan Chronicle  

Sri Lanka is as safe as any tourist place in the world. We were building back and then things stopped a little bit last year with some news of unrest coming out of Sri Lanka about 15 months ago. India is now the number one source of tourists for Sri Lanka. Tourism directly or indirectly supports two million people in …

India says it will continue to support Sri Lanka in overcoming its financial crisis
1 year, 8 months ago

India says it will continue to support Sri Lanka in overcoming its financial crisis

The Hindu  

India has reiterated its willingness to play "a constructive role" in supporting Sri Lanka's efforts for recovery from the worst economic crisis. In May this year, 17 countries that have extended loans to Sri Lanka formed an official creditor committee' co-chaired by India, Japan, and France, to discuss Sri Lanka’s request for debt treatment. Mr. Jacob said India’s financial and …

Sri Lanka counting on Indian tourists to aid economic recovery
1 year, 8 months ago

Sri Lanka counting on Indian tourists to aid economic recovery

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka is counting on tourists from India, its primary source market, to boost foreign exchange earnings and aid economic recovery, as the island expects fewer tourists from Europe amid the ongoing recession. Addressing participants on Thursday, President Ranil Wickremesinghe said tourism would emerge Sri Lanka’s chief foreign exchange earning sector in the next decade. In 2022, when Sri Lanka …

Want to see the real Sri Lanka? Explore by train
1 year, 10 months ago

Want to see the real Sri Lanka? Explore by train

The Independent  

Trust a cat to trivialise your dreams. open image in gallery Get out of your comfort zone: join the right track in Sri Lanka But it’s the people who are the real delight. And we’ve been living together for centuries.” open image in gallery Spot the scenic views: Sri Lanka has myriad sandy beaches on which to relax I told …

Sri Lanka travel guide: Everything to know before you go
1 year, 11 months ago

Sri Lanka travel guide: Everything to know before you go

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sri Lanka’s ancient customs and natural beauty come together here, with temples, shrines and palaces reflected in the glassy surface …

Chinese tourists get set to enjoy Sri Lanka's attractions
2 years, 1 month ago

Chinese tourists get set to enjoy Sri Lanka's attractions

China Daily  

Sri Lanka is set to receive its first group of post-pandemic Chinese tourists after becoming one of the first 20 countries to resume the organization of outbound group tourists from China since COVID-19. "We are expecting Chinese tourists to come back soon, but their particular interest has been to countries closer to China," Anura Fernando, the consul general of Sri …

Chinese tourists get set to enjoy Sri Lanka's attractions
2 years, 1 month ago

Chinese tourists get set to enjoy Sri Lanka's attractions

China Daily  

Sri Lanka is set to receive its first group of post-pandemic Chinese tourists after becoming one of the first 20 countries to resume the organization of outbound group tourists from China since COVID-19. "We are expecting Chinese tourists to come back soon, but their particular interest has been to countries closer to China," Anura Fernando, the consul general of Sri …

In Sri Lanka’s southern tourism hotspot, locals are yet to see a full recovery
2 years, 2 months ago

In Sri Lanka’s southern tourism hotspot, locals are yet to see a full recovery

The Hindu  

At the close of 2022, crisis-hit Sri Lanka had recorded nearly 7.2 lakh tourist arrivals — more than three times the number seen in 2021, even if nowhere close to the country’s pre-pandemic mark of nearly 20 lakh visitors. See what happened to Wasantha Mudalige,” he adds at once, referring to a prominent student leader currently detained under Sri Lanka’s …

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry Revives Despite Public Protests
2 years, 3 months ago

Sri Lanka’s Tourism Industry Revives Despite Public Protests

The Diplomat  

Sri Lanka’s tourism industry has commenced its recovery after setbacks suffered due to this year’s economic and political crisis, alongside protest campaigns that ousted President Gotabaya Rajapaksa. In March 2022, approximately 106,500 tourists arrived in Sri Lanka, a massive increase in tourist arrivals compared with March 2021, when only 4,581 tourists entered the country. Meanwhile, “Russian tourists have boosted October …

Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey
2 years, 3 months ago

Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey

BBC  

Sri Lanka's most beautiful train journey Saiko3p/Getty Images The Colombo to Badulla railway is so enchantingly beautiful that it's become a bucket list adventure for many visitors. The brakes hissed and screeched as our train chugged up the hill and pulled into Radella, a station along one of the most beautiful train journeys in the world: the Colombo to Badulla …

Sri Lanka: crowd-free and captivating, now’s the time to put it back on the travel bucket list
2 years, 5 months ago

Sri Lanka: crowd-free and captivating, now’s the time to put it back on the travel bucket list

The Independent  

In Arugam Bay, surfers ride to shore with the last glints of sun. Just days after countries lifted their advice against travelling here, Sri Lanka’s east coast keeps the party going. By the time I arrived in Arugam Bay, I’d been in the country nearly a month, travelling between the west and east coasts, with brief stays in the capital, …

Stunning Sri Lanka is open for business after months of restrictions - here's where to go
2 years, 6 months ago

Stunning Sri Lanka is open for business after months of restrictions - here's where to go

Daily Mail  

Every week our Holiday Hero Neil Simpson takes an in-depth look at a brilliant holiday topic, doing all the legwork so you don’t have to. Wonders: Climb Sri Lanka's Sigiriya rock fortress on Cox & Kings' 12-night Enchanted Island tour ‘We’re thrilled to offer Sri Lanka to clients again and I can’t wait to revisit as I’ve loved my previous …

Sri Lanka travel advice: How has guidance changed and is it safe for holidaymakers amid protests?
2 years, 7 months ago

Sri Lanka travel advice: How has guidance changed and is it safe for holidaymakers amid protests?

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Sri Lanka’s new president Ranil Wickremesinghe, then prime minister, said in July that the island nation’s debt-laden economy had “collapsed” …

Sri Lanka Aims to Get 10 Lakh Tourists This Year, Especially from India, Says Tourism Minister Harin Fernando
2 years, 7 months ago

Sri Lanka Aims to Get 10 Lakh Tourists This Year, Especially from India, Says Tourism Minister Harin Fernando

News 18  

Sri Lanka's Tourism Minister Harin Fernando on Saturday said as things get back to normal after the recent political crisis in the island nation, the government aims to receive at least 10 lakh tourists this year, mostly from India. Fernando, who was in Ahmedabad to promote tourism in the island nation, said religious and cultural tourism between Sri Lanka and …

Sri Lanka to woo greater number of Indian tourists
2 years, 7 months ago

Sri Lanka to woo greater number of Indian tourists

The Hindu  

Sri Lanka’s tourism officials, conscious of the dire need to shore up their country’s economy, plan to woo a greater number of Indian tourists, who constitute the single largest segment of foreign tourists, through new packages such as the Murugan-Shiva Shakthi trails. Referring to the ongoing 25-day-long festival in Nallur, Chalaka Gajabahu, chairman of the Sri Lanka Tourism Promotion Bureau, …

Sri Lanka: The stranded state
2 years, 9 months ago

Sri Lanka: The stranded state

The Hindu  

Published : May 30, 2022 06:00 IST I WAS in Sri Lanka, the island of serendipity, from May 2 to 13. It was an unplanned visit, and the idea was to visit five cities: Pasikuda, a beach town on the eastern coast; Polonnaruwa, an ancient city and the second oldest of Sri Lanka’s erstwhile kingdoms; Sigiriya, the famous rock fortress …

Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | How can India help Sri Lanka?
2 years, 11 months ago

Worldview with Suhasini Haidar | How can India help Sri Lanka?

The Hindu  

Scenes from Colombo just outside the President’s House stunned all last week- as protesters vented their anger over the economic situation they blame the Rajapaksa government- led by President Gotabaya and his brother Prime Minister Mahinda Rajapkasa for. But after that going forward, they don’t have a plan and I believe there is a desire from the Sri Lankan government …

FAQ: Is It Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka Amid Economic Crisis? Experts Explain
2 years, 11 months ago

FAQ: Is It Safe to Travel to Sri Lanka Amid Economic Crisis? Experts Explain

The Quint  

It is not advisable to travel to Sri Lanka for pleasure, said at least three travel agents who spoke to The Quint, adding that the security situation in the country is not conducive for tourism at the moment. Uncertainty of Local Vendors Neelam Kumar, from Madras Travels and Tours, said that while they plan multiple trips to Sri Lanka during …

All you need to know about the economic crisis in Sri Lanka
2 years, 11 months ago

All you need to know about the economic crisis in Sri Lanka

Op India  

Sri Lanka is faced with the worst economic crisis in its history, with inflation reaching a record high of 17.5% in February 2022. Chairman of think tank Advocata Institute, Murtaza Jafferjee, said, “Sri Lanka’s economy is experiencing multiple organ failure, and sepsis has set in.” According to policy analyst K Don Vimanga, the root cause of the current economic crisis …

Tourism in Sri Lanka: One step forward, two steps back
3 years ago

Tourism in Sri Lanka: One step forward, two steps back

Al Jazeera  

Colombo, Sri Lanka – Tourism in Sri Lanka just can’t seem to catch a break. “We need to find solutions for these people as soon as possible,” President Gotabaya Rajapaksa said in his national address on Sri Lanka’s independence day earlier in February. “As such, whilst strictly adhering to health recommendations, we have acted to restart the tourism industry in …

India tops Sri Lanka’s tourism charts 2021
3 years, 2 months ago

India tops Sri Lanka’s tourism charts 2021

The Hindu  

India topped Sri Lanka’s tourist arrivals in December and the entire year, according to data published by the Sri Lanka Tourism Development Authority. For most part of 2020 beginning April, Sri Lanka shut its borders fearing import of COVID-19 cases into the island nation, which was then making global headlines for managing the pandemic well. For December, Sri Lanka recorded …

Reinventing Sri Lanka: As the country reopens to international travelers, the tourism industry ponders its future
4 years, 1 month ago

Reinventing Sri Lanka: As the country reopens to international travelers, the tourism industry ponders its future

CNN  

Colombo CNN — A year ago, Dinesh Perera and his friends owned and operated the only two LGBTQ-friendly accommodations in Colombo: Mahasen by Foozoo and Mahasen Terrace by Foozoo. “We are working on it,” says Dhammika Wijesinghe, director general of the SLTDA, referring to the organization’s sustainable tourism model and efforts to promote the country’s attractions to domestic tourists. “I …

Sri Lanka to Let Tourists Enjoy the Best of Wildlife Experience Sitting at Home
4 years, 6 months ago

Sri Lanka to Let Tourists Enjoy the Best of Wildlife Experience Sitting at Home

News 18  

Sri Lankan authorities announced Wednesday that they will offer livestreams from the island nation’s wildlife parks, in a move to help revive a tourism industry that has been decimated by the coronavirus pandemic. The government’s Tourism Promotion Bureau said livestreaming will initially cover four national parks to showcase the South Asian country’s exotic wildlife, including leopards, bears, elephants, crocodiles and …

Sri Lanka to offer livestreams from wildlife parks
4 years, 6 months ago

Sri Lanka to offer livestreams from wildlife parks

The Independent  

For free real time breaking news alerts sent straight to your inbox sign up to our breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails Sign up to our free breaking news emails SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Sri Lankan authorities announced Wednesday …

Sri Lanka extends free tourist visa facility until April 30
5 years, 2 months ago

Sri Lanka extends free tourist visa facility until April 30

India TV News  

Sri Lanka on Thursday extended the free visa-on-arrival scheme till April 30 for the citizens of 48 countries, including India, Tourism Minister Prasanna Ranatunga said, as the country tries to revive the tourism sector which was hit by the Easter Sunday bombings. Tourism which contributes 5 per cent to the island's GDP was dealt a severe blow after the ISIS …

Why Sri Lanka should go back on your bucket list – and there’s only one way to see it best
5 years, 3 months ago

Why Sri Lanka should go back on your bucket list – and there’s only one way to see it best

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy The pages of Sri Lankan chauffeur-guide Lallagit’s feedback book glow with praise, about everything from his …

Sri Lanka’s hotels, beaches, eateries now empty of tourists
5 years, 10 months ago

Sri Lanka’s hotels, beaches, eateries now empty of tourists

Associated Press  

HIKKADUWA, Sri Lanka — Sipping fresh coconut water while sunbathing on deserted Hikkaduwa beach, Alexi Konchayenko, a sports trainer from Ukraine, struck a stoical note. Sri Lanka was the Lonely Planet guide’s top travel destination for 2019, but since the Easter Sunday attacks on churches and luxury hotels, foreign tourists have fled. She said the attack has cost the hotel …

‘Indian tourists not cancelling trips to Sri Lanka’
5 years, 11 months ago

‘Indian tourists not cancelling trips to Sri Lanka’

The Hindu  

Sunday’s terror strikes in Sri Lanka – that is otherwise considered to be among the most popular tourist spots for Indians – have caused a huge dent in the country’s tourism prospects. Koushik Varaghur, from Chariot World Tours, said they had tourists who were on tour in Sri Lanka at present, but were not in Colombo at the time of …

Sri Lanka: after the terror attacks, what are travellers’ options?
5 years, 11 months ago

Sri Lanka: after the terror attacks, what are travellers’ options?

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. On Tuesday morning, 23 April, the Foreign Office updated its travel advice to warn: “Terrorists are very likely to carry …

Sri Lanka blasts likely to have ‘adverse impact’ on tourism: Tour operators
5 years, 11 months ago

Sri Lanka blasts likely to have ‘adverse impact’ on tourism: Tour operators

India TV News  

The near-simultaneous blasts targeting three churches and as many luxury hotels in Sri Lanka on Easter Sunday may have an "adverse impact" on the upcoming summer holiday season in the country, a well-known tourist destination, tour operators and hoteliers said. A string of near simultaneous blasts struck three churches and luxury hotels frequented by foreigners in Sri Lanka on Easter …

The Sri Lankan sojourn: Clean, green and serene
6 years, 9 months ago

The Sri Lankan sojourn: Clean, green and serene

Deccan Chronicle  

The first impression you have when you get down at Sirimavo Bandernaike International Airport outside Colombo city is that this is a tiny but clean, green, serene nation of around 22 million people, 7 on 10 of whom are Buddhists, and the rest evenly distributed between Hindus and Muslims and a miniscule 2 per cent are Christians who incidentally, like …

Sri Lanka state of emergency: Should UK tourists stay away?
7 years ago

Sri Lanka state of emergency: Should UK tourists stay away?

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. The tropical island welcomes around 200,000 British tourists each year; the UK is behind only China and India in the …

Chinese tourists boost Sri Lanka's tourism to record highs
10 years, 1 month ago

Chinese tourists boost Sri Lanka's tourism to record highs

China Daily  

COLOMBO -- Helped by growing Chinese travelers, Sri Lanka's post-war tourism industry hit yet another high ending 2014 with unprecedented 1.5 million arrivals, the Central Bank said here on Thursday. In the first month of 2015 Chinese arrivals grew to 11,735 from 10,779 in January 2014 retaining their spot as the third highest source of tourists to Sri Lanka. In …

Rajapaksa promises peace and prosperity at Independence Day speech
15 years, 1 month ago

Rajapaksa promises peace and prosperity at Independence Day speech

The Hindu  

Speaking at a function to mark Sri Lanka’s 62nd Independence Day, President Mahinda Rajapaksa on Thursday said he would use the fresh mandate given to him by the people in the January 26 presidential election to re- establish all that was lost for the past 30 years due to the war. Mr. Rajapaksa said freedom is a responsibility and the …

The tear-drop island that dispenses tea and sympathy
27 years, 4 months ago

The tear-drop island that dispenses tea and sympathy

The Independent  

Sign up to Simon Calder’s free travel email for expert advice and money-saving discounts Get Simon Calder’s Travel email Get Simon Calder’s Travel email SIGN UP I would like to be emailed about offers, events and updates from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Arthur C Clarke's name was on the celebrity guest list in Colombo's Galle Face Hotel, along …

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