Sri Lanka captivates millions of travellers year after year. Its ancient history, shaped by various travellers and explorers over thousands of years; its religious and marvellous sites, which hold great importance for Buddhism; its characteristic biodiversity, with a variety of species and nature reserves; the relaxation offered by its beautiful beaches, and its cuisine all ensure that every traveller finds a reason to consider Sri Lanka a fascinating travel destination.
All these reasons make it an attractive destination, and the more you explore, the more you will discover, thanks to NH Hotels in Sri Lanka.
Why stay with NH Hotels in Sri Lanka?
NH Hotels is proud to offer a wonderful experience at its hotel in Sri Lanka, where you can start exploring the spectacular natural landscapes and understand all the praise Sri Lanka has received throughout its history.
NH Collection Colombo will provide you with an unbeatable way to begin your journey. Located 35 kilometres from Sri Lanka's main airport, the capital will serve as your starting point and the beginning of your adventure. A second stop could be the NH Bentota Ceysands Resort in Bentota. Located 1 hour 30 minutes by car from Colombo, you can enjoy the best beaches of Sri Lanka and continue your excursion towards the south of the island.
NH Collection Colombo, located on Galle Road, the city's main artery, in Colombo's Central Business District, you can explore major tourist attractions such as the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque and Viharamahadevi Park within a 5-kilometre radius or a quick 10-minute ride by car or tuk-tuk. Additionally, you can stroll and visit Galle Face Green and the beach, Port City Beach with its water activities, and a wide variety of restaurants.
Additionally, by staying at NH Hotels in Sri Lanka, specifically at NH Collection Colombo, you will enjoy fantastic facilities and services to ensure your trip is thoroughly enjoyable. The hotel features spacious meeting rooms and modern amenities for business travellers, as well as a gym, spa, yoga room, lounge, rooftop, and a rooftop pool on the 24th floor for leisure travellers. Moreover, it boasts a spacious rooftop offering panoramic views of the sunrise over the city and sunset over the sea, making it the perfect place to relax with a drink and enjoy the spectacular scenery.
After visiting Colombo and enjoying its tourist attractions and luxurious hotel services, you can continue your journey by staying at NH Bentota Ceysands Resort in Bentota. This magnificent resort is nestled in a tropical setting surrounded by the sea, sun, palm trees, and mangroves, a perfect location to enjoy the paradisiacal beaches of Sri Lanka with the excellent services of NH Hotels.
The resort offers a beachside location, spacious rooms, and amenities such as a gym, spa, one of the best in the area, water sports centre, bar, and restaurants, making it an ideal holiday destination to explore Sri Lanka.
They are the ideal place to stay in Sri Lanka and begin discovering why some travellers call it the 'Emerald Isle', while others refer to it as the 'Tear of India' or the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean'. It is also known as the 'Island of a Thousand Names'.
How’s the weather in Sri Lanka?
The weather and climate of Sri Lanka are key factors that enable tourism throughout the year on the island. Located north of the equator, Sri Lanka has a tropical climate characterized by wet and dry seasons. Generally, the dry season is considered the best time to travel.
The mountainous regions in the southwest and the coastal areas are more prone to rainfall, while the northwest and southeast coasts tend to be drier. December and January are the coolest months, while May is noted for being the sunniest. The average annual temperature ranges between 26 and 28 degrees Celsius, depending on the geographical location, whether in the mountainous interior or along the coast.
What to see in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka, known as the Pearl of the Indian Ocean, captivates with its rich history, stunning Buddhist temples, sacred cities, beautiful beaches, cuisine, and several UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Below, you will find a selection of the most prominent destinations that make this country a fascinating and unique destination. To visit them all, you might consider staying at different hotels in Sri Lanka.
Anuradhapura Temple and Buduruwagala Temple
Visiting both temples is essential if you wish to explore the most important places for Buddhism in Sri Lanka. Buduruwagala Temple, an ancient Buddhist temple, houses gigantic rock-carved sculptures, while Anuradhapura Temple, now a place of worship and pilgrimage, as weel as an archaeological site.
The Lion Rock of Sigiriya
Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the Sigiriya Rock may be the most famous monument to visit in Sri Lanka. This 370-meter-high fortress houses the ruins of a 5th-century palace on its summit, offering a breathtaking spectacle that has become an icon.
Polonnaruwa
In the heart of Sri Lanka lies one of the sacred cities, declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1982. It's one of the most visited historical, religious, and archaeological sites in the country, and its visit is essential. The carved Buddha statues of Gal Vihara are the most iconic spot in Polonnaruwa and will undoubtedly be the main focus of your camera.
Minneriya National Park
Minneriya National Park is one of the most famous destinations for safari in Sri Lanka. It's renowned as the home of the largest gathering of Asian elephants in the world. Minneriya is famous for its herds of elephants, which can be observed living freely in their natural habitat.
Beaches of Sri Lanka
The beaches of Sri Lanka are truly stunning, as the country is located very close to the Maldives. Unawatuna Beach, considered by the Discovery Channel as one of the best beaches in the world, is one of the most touristy on the island. With its white sand, turquoise waters, and gentle waves, this beach is protected by a double coral reef.
Additionally, Mirissa Beach is one of the best places in the country for boat excursions from its harbor and spotting whales and dolphins.
Caves and Golden Temple of Dambulla
Dambulla is a significant place of religious pilgrimage for Buddhism, where a series of caves house carved Buddha sculptures and statues of Hindu gods such as Vishnu and Ganesh. A UNESCO World Heritage Site, it is undoubtedly one of the places that must be included in the list of 'must-sees.
Aukana Buddha
From the city of Dambulla, you can reach the immense Aukana Buddha, nearly 13 meters tall, built in the 5th century from a massive granite rock. This Buddha statue, the tallest in Sri Lanka, is another worthwhile place to visit.
Ella Badulla
A small rural town nestled in the mountains has been gaining visibility in recent years thanks to the Nine Arches Bridge, which captivates the attention of those who visit Ella. It's an ideal place to explore and discover more about the tea plantations at the Dambethenne Factory.
Kandy, Sacred City of Buddhism
Also known as the Sacred City of Buddhism in Sri Lanka, Kandy is a vibrant and special city. You can't leave Kandy without visiting the Temple of the Tooth, where the relic of the Buddha's tooth is housed, or ascending Adam's Peak, Sri Lanka's sacred mountain.
Colombo, capital of Sri Lanka
Colombo, the capital of Sri Lanka, is a manageable city with much to offer. It seamlessly combines the island's incredible culture and history with modern attractions and tourist services. You can't leave Colombo without visiting places like Galle Face Green, the Pettah market, or the Jami Ul-Alfar Mosque.
What to eat in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lankan cuisine is a blend of indigenous traditions, influenced by nearby countries like India and European cuisine due to its colonial past. Rice, vegetables, coconut, meat, fish, and the use of spices convey the characteristic aroma and intense flavor of its dishes.
Just as knowing what to see in Sri Lanka is important, it's equally important to be acquainted with its typical dishes. Here are a couple of tips on traditional Sri Lankan food.
Trying Sri Lankan curries is a must, whether accompanied by vegetables, seafood, or meat. You cannot miss the Kukul (chicken curry), Dhal curry made with lentils and other vegetables, or the Fish ambul thiyal, wich is based on fish, usually tuna.
Kottu is one of the exotic dishes of Sri Lankan cuisine, consisting of small strips of bread, chopped vegetables, meat or fish, eggs, and many spices. Samosas, a type of triangular-shaped pastry filled with various vegetables and/or meat, and Egg Hopper, one of Sri Lanka's favorite dishes. Although tea is the typical drink of Sri Lanka, milk and coconut water are also used as refreshments. It's common to drink coconut water directly from the fruit.
It's important to consider the high level of spiciness they are accustomed to, so care should be taken when consuming spicy food. Similarly, when drinking, it's recommended to always use bottled water with a seal and beverages without ice cubes.
How to arrive in Sri Lanka?
Although Sri Lanka has more than 20 airports and a total of 5 international airports, the largest and busiest airport in the country, serving as the main international entry point, is the Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB). It is located on the outskirts of Colombo, to the north (32 km from the capital), where flights arrive from major countries around the world. The largest national airline is SriLankan Airlines.
How to get around in Sri Lanka?
For short trips within towns and cities in Sri Lanka, many tuk-tuk drivers offer their services, although you should always negotiate the price before starting the journey. Alternatively, you can use services like Uber or PickMe, which have predetermined fares. It's the most common and fun way to get around to visit tourist attractions.
For longer journeys between cities and hotels in Sri Lanka, domestic flights are scarce and expensive, so trains and buses are better options. The train is especially recommended for its comfort and price, despite being slow. Central Transport Board (CTB) buses are economical and cover both short and long routes.
If you plan to rent a vehicle, the most common and advisable option is to rent a car with a driver. Motorcycle rental is not as common as in other Southeast Asian countries and it requires an international driving permit.
