Self catering guest houses and homestays in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka is a country resplendent with elephants, turtles, spectacular beaches and golden temples. The country holds a very important role in Indian mythology too; it is believed that King Ravana, of Lanka bewitched by the beauty of Lord Sri Rama's wife captured her from India, crossed the Indian Ocean and brought her to his land. Sri Lanka, thus is a very, very old country and lots of legends and fabulous tales lurk among the sandy beaches. Cities, palaces and monasteries are other attractions of this place.

You are welcome to explore the exciting self-catering guest house and homestay options available in Sri Lanka. You will be pampered to distraction by the stunning views, delectable local cuisine and friendly hosts. You can enjoy your own private pool or choose a property that will let you enjoy the most spectacular views of the sea. Some guesthouses are lake front and hence provide panoramic views of the lake too. You can also choose homestays that are quite near the wildlife, it will allow you to savour the rich flora and fauna offered in Sri Lanka. Most of the guesthouses have spacious veranda where you can spend many a peaceful hour washing off all the tensions and stress related to your job.

Things to do in Sri Lanka

Visiting Sri Lanka can be the perfect antidote to a tension driven life. So if you are planning a vacation to this fabulous country, plan it ahead well ahead and make the most of it. Though a small island, the country is highly remarkable when it comes to tourism activities.

Sri Lanka offers exciting opportunities for para gliding, river rafting, wave riding, golfing, backpacking and hot air ballooning. You can relax and unwind yourself after a hectic day of touring and let yourself loosen up at the cafes/bars in Sri Lanka. You can spend hours over a cup of brew reminiscing about old times with someone you love. Spicy cashew nuts, cold beers and other lip smacking delicacies are also provided.

Once you are done with the sight seeing tours each day you can get involved in activities that will keep you charged and refreshed for the next day. You can stay late into the night and enjoy the vibrant nightlife for which Sri Lanka is extremely popular. There are plenty of bars and clubs and they admit visitors and tourists whole heartedly.

Top 10 places to visit in Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka can be rightly called an oasis of rich cultural heritage. There are many ancient monuments, well-preserved and remarkable in Sri Lanka and with a history of about 2000 years you are fully justified if you are awed by them. Visit the following places while in Sri Lanka.

• Quadrangle – An important archaeological site in Old Town. The ruins are well-preserved.
• Thuparama Temple – This is the oldest temple in Sri Lanka and can be visited at Anuradhapura.
• Abhayagiri Stupa & Monastery – The largest monastery, also in Anuradhapura.
• Gangaramaya (Vihara) Buddhist Temple – The huge collection of art stored in this attic style storage room in the temple in Colombo will amaze you.
• Colombo National Museum – One of the oldest museums in Asian civilization right here in Colombo.
• Sinharaja Forest Reserve – Rare species of amphibians, reptiles and insects are found here. This tropical rainforest in Galle district is impregnated with endemic trees and wildlife.
• Unawatuna Bay – A long stretch of pristine, golden beach with picturesque scenery in Galle.
• Temple of the Tooth (Sri Dalada Maligawa) – A Buddhist Temple with sacred tooth relic in Kandy.
• Aluvihara – A unique monastery near Matale is built entirely of rocks; has an interesting legend too.
• Hikkaduwa – Now this village is a major tourist spot with all kinds of adrenaline driver water-based activities.

Best time to travel to Sri Lanka

Sri Lanka, one of the most beautiful countries set all by itself in the tropical island in Indian Ocean is a must visit place if you are planning a vacation to that part of the world. With picturesque sceneries, scintillating landscapes, thrilling wildlife and pristine beaches the country still remains an enigma. The ideal time to visit this historically important country is during the November-April period and the May-September period. You can visit the beaches and do your trekking during the November-April period; May-September is the driest period and you can visit the east coast during that time. There are chances of wildlife spotting during that time. It will be a good thing to avoid visiting Sri Lanka during the monsoon season if you want to enjoy the beaches or go hiking in the forests. However, tourists do pour in all year round because Sri Lanka is home to several heritage sites. The country is home to 8 sites that UNESCO has included in the list of world heritage sites.