How to Live in Sri Lanka as a Local Would

If you happen to be an avid traveller who enjoys experiencing unfamiliar nations, you are likely to find that to truly gain an authentic glimpse into a country’s way of life, you would have to seek out the local flavour. In other words, you would have to experience the country’s food, culture and music in the manner that a local would. Provided below are some suggestions about experiencing the nation of Sri Lanka in just such a way. 

Get to know the local lifestyle 

Taking a train journey in Sri Lanka would be an excellent way to mingle with the locals and also gain an insight into the country’s culture. Another quintessential Sri Lankan experience would be riding a tuk-tuk which would be one of the popular transport options for both locals and foreign visitors. 

You may also take the opportunity to spend some time at Colombo’s Dutch Hospital Shopping Precinct where you would find appealing shops, restaurants and cafes where many trendy locals would hang out. Here, you would see numerous locals working on laptops, perusing books and just relaxing amidst the agreeable surroundings. Additionally, on Saturdays, enjoyable performances would also be staged at this site. You would also have the opportunity to savour typical Sri Lankan street foods such as kottu (shredded roti cooked with vegetables, egg, meats and spices). 

Visit the other attractions of Colombo 

Another must-visit attraction for visitors interested in the culture and history of Sri Lanka would be the captivating Colombo Museum. Here, you would find no less than 14 galleries that exhibit many engrossing artefacts relating to the eventful history of the island nation. You may take the opportunity to relax and unwind at the popular Viharamahadevi Park too, a leisure site often visited by locals. You could bask amidst the pleasant surroundings and view its flora which includes palm trees, ironwood trees and cinnamon trees. 

Don't miss the chance to additionally visit a local market and buy delicious tropical fruits to try out such as pineapple, mango, watermelon, soursop and mangosteens. Colombo would also offer abundant nightlife for the night owl and a diverse selection of dining choices for the committed foodie. On the other hand, fashionistas could head to shopping venues such as Odel, the One Galle Face Mall and Cotton Collection. 

Experience Kandy 

Your experience of the typical Sri Lankan lifestyle wouldn’t be complete without visiting the highland city of Kandy which is also regarded as a cultural hub of the nation. A must-visit religious attraction in this city would be the greatly venerated Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is where a tooth relic of Lord Buddha is enshrined, making it sacred to the local Buddhists. You may also take a leisurely stroll around the pleasant Kandy Lake which is sure to be an enjoyable experience. A luxury hotel in Kandy to consider from which you could easily visit such sites and enjoy the region's natural wonders would be Hunas Falls. Another noteworthy attraction to visit would be the amazing Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, while before you leave the city, don’t miss the chance to view some distinctive Kandyan dancing.

Take note of some tips

In Sri Lanka, you would find that Google Maps would be a useful way of navigating the local streets. You should undoubtedly take the opportunity to try out the delectable local foods and beverages; you may savour rice and curry, hoppers, string-hoppers, kottu, wade and so on, whilst tea and ginger beer are also very popular amongst those who reside here. When packing for your trip, you should focus on cotton casuals, T-shirts, shorts, summer dresses and skirts which would suit the local climate; that said, when visiting religious sites, remember to dress conservatively. You may also take the opportunity to converse with Sri Lankans – who would typically be friendly and easy-going – on your visits to local restaurants and pubs.