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Living and Teaching English in Sri Lanka - Habits, Customs & Curiosities

Since the long running civil war ended in 2009, Sri Lanka has grown rapidly as a destination for long and short stays.

The main attraction for many visitors is the wide choice of beach resorts that can be found all round the island.

Others come to experience the unique history and culture of the people and the natural splendor of the country’s national parks.

Whether you plan to spend a couple of weeks on the beach or have an extended stay in mind, our guides below might be useful.

As well as some simple travel tips, you will also find a few interesting facts about Sri Lanka.

Located off the southeast tip of India, Sri Lanka’s popularity as a travel destination has rapidly grown in recent years. Away from the coast there is also plenty to look forward to, including ancient temples and ruins, many outstanding national parks, and a range of cultural experiences that you will never forget. Make sure you sample as many as you can during your stay.

As it is an island with nearly 1,600 km of coastline, visitors can enjoy a wide variety of beach resorts, from peaceful tropical hideaways to bustling centers packed with water sports and nightlife. Although it shares some similarities with its closest neighbors, the Sri Lankan cuisine still offers many unique dishes and flavors that you will not find anywhere else.

As it is dwarfed in size by its closest neighbor India, Sri Lanka is often less well-known across the world. With a 92% literacy rate and the second highest GDP in the region, Sri Lanka is one of the most developed countries in South Asia. One fact that it is particularly useful for foreign visitors to be aware of is that when someone shakes their head from side to side they are actually saying YES rather than NO.

If you plan on visiting this fascinating country you might want to brush up on some of these facts that you are probably not aware of. Sri Lanka was also the first country in the modern era to appoint a female head of state in 1960.