The doorstep to Paradise : Sri Lanka

When the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien arrived on the shores of Sri Lanka in the late 4^th century, little did he know that he was standing at the doorstep of paradise on earth. Sri Lanka, a beautiful island surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean is a dream place to be for all travelers alike.

Marco Polo even went to the lengths to describe it as the foremost island of its size in the world. We at Kings Rent a Car offer you great services if you plan to rent a car in Sri Lanka. Even though it is geographically a small nation, Sri Lanka offers more treats to the senses than many other vast geographic entities.

Katunayake

Katunayake is the site of the primary airport in the country, Bandaranaike International Airport. It is well connected with the capital Colombo via rail and road links.

Colombo

Being the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is not only the administrative headquarters, but also is the centre for business activities, sports events and in the country. Whether it be the Galle Face Green that runs across the coastal line or the Gangaramaya Temple to the Pettah floating market, Colombo offers an eclectic mix of things to do and must visit places.

Galle

Gimhathitha, as it was known in days of yore, Galle is an important historic town of Sri Lanka. King Solomon famously sought peacocks and ivory from here. From taking a walk down the lanes of history at Galle Fort, to reminiscing the Ramayana at Unawatuna there is a lot to do here. A visit to the coral reef sanctuary at Hikkaduwa is a must.

Mirissa

Every year Millions of tourists and locals alike partake in whale watching at the splendid beaches that Mirissa has to offer. Also, home to on of the best night scenes around, Mirissa is a town that rarely sleeps.

Tangalla

Tangalla has a old world charm to its sleepy streets and alleys. It has been famously called as the gateway to the open beaches of South East Sri Lanka. While exploring the beaches, one should also see the Mulkirigala Rock Temples and some other ancient Buddhist Temples too.

Yala

Yala is home to the second largest National park in Sri Lanka. Bordering the Indian Ocean, Yalla offers a vast myriad of flora and fauna which are a visual treat to the eyes. From endangered Sea Turtles to Sloth bears, a lot of protected species can be seen in their natural environment.

 Tour Sri Lanka to see and explore species you might have thought to be extinct.

Ella

Ella is home to the Ravana Waterfalls and the world famous Dhowa Rock Temple which has a giant stone carved statue of Lord Buddha. Hikers are in for a surprise with the challenging hike atop Ella Rock.

Kandy

One of the biggest cities of Sri Lanka, Kandy also has an old historic background. A must visit is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is said to have the tooth of The Buddha himself. Kandy is famous for the Kandyan Drum and Dance Show which showcases Sri Lanka’s vast and diversified history and culture.

Sigiriya

An excellent example of Sri Lankan architecture art and landscaping, Sigiriya is an ancient fortress that is highlighted by the presence of a 660ft high black rock. King Kashyapa built his palace on top of the huge rock. After the king’s death, this place was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14^th century.

Polonnaruwa

Minneriya National Park, The Gal Vihara, and The Parakrama Samudra are must visit places while in Polonnaruwa.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a port city. The famous Koneswaram Temple is on Swami Rock cliff, a great area for blue-whale watching. The temple complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva.

Jaffna

Jaffna houses the star-shaped Jaffna fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17^th century. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, with its golden arches and ornate towers, is also a must-see.

Puttalam

Puttalam is well known for its beautiful lagoons, which are popular for shallow sea fishing and prawn farming activities Fond of dolphins? A short trip to Kalimpinya results in a spectacular dolphin watching show. It is always easy to rent a car in Sri Lanka and explore the country.

Negombo

Beautiful wide beaches and awesome lagoons, you can see it all in Negombo. Spiritual cravings are well fed with the opportunities to visit The Angurukaramulla Temple and The St. Mary’s Church, both ancient and soothing!

Beautiful beaches of Sri Lanka

If relaxing on sun kissed beaches and taking a dip in pristine waters has always been your dream, then Sri Lanka is the place for you to be. We at Kings Rent a Car offer to you the most enjoyable and extensive beach tour packages that can be to help you tour Sri Lanka.

Surrounded by the deep blue waters of the Indian Ocean on all sides. Sri Lanka has the greatest beaches known to mankind and all of these have been covered under the itinerary we have prepared for your wholesome and memorable beach tour Sri Lanka.

Starting from your arrival to the last moments of your breath-taking stay at Sri Lanka, each and every minute detail has been etched out so as to give you a supreme experience that will stay with you all throughout.   

Day 1- Bandaranaike Airport to Negombo

The beautiful beaches and the city of Negombo are the perfect place to be on the first day of your arrival in Sri Lanka. The Dutch, the English and the Portuguese have all lived here and have therefore left a huge impression on the city’s architecture and general layout.

Feast your eyes on the open ports as well as the ancient buildings that serve witness to its colonial years. Of course, what’s better than relaxing on the beautiful beach side that Negombo has to Offer

Day 2- Negombo-Kalpitiya- Negombo

A drive of around 140 kms will take you to Kalpitiya, an almost dream world like place where dolphins and whales are around for you to spot and enjoy! The sights of these wonderful creatures shall take you back into your childhood and leave you in a state of fascination and awe.

 Also, at hand is the famed Dutch Bay that has the largest coral reef all across the nation. As the day ends you shall be taken back to Negombo in the comfort of well equipped cars and vehicles provided by Kings Rent a Car which always assist you to tour Sri Lanka.

Day 3 - To Marawila and back to Negombo

Off the shores of Marawila, lies the more than half a century ago wreckage of a Royal Air Force Bomber Plane. Even though so many years have gone by, a dive into the waters reveals the good condition it is in.

 As you swim by it, you have the chance to see some varied marine life and even some corals forming on the wreckage.

Day 4 - Negombo To Colombo

After spending some fun filled moments exploring the ancient and deeply knit network of canals in Negombo, you shall be escorted to Colombo, the capital. The options of things to do are many and Colombo will never disappoint you.

From High End clubs to just loitering around the many bazars, Colombo is an amalgamation of cultures and lifestyles. Surely you shall not run out of things to do while exploring the capital city.

Day 5 - Colombo to Hikkaduwa

Hikkaduwa and Colombo are really poles apart. While Colombo is a hugely populated city, Hikkaduwa is defined by serenity and charm. The pristine Indian Ocean is there for a beautiful company whilst on the drive from Colombo to Hikkaduwa.

Another series of deep water dives awaits you as the entire day is left for you to explore and lose yourself in the charms of this place.

Day 6 - Hikkaduwa-Galle-Mirissa

After having spent the last few days diving and exploring the waters, you shall leave for Mirissa, another stupendous place to visit while in Sri Lanka. The Galle Maritime Museum and the Dutch Galle Fort are the important stops that will be made enroute.

 Here you can drown yourself in the rich history of Dutch architecture and develop a feeling of awe for the Marine Biological and Anthropological aspects of Sri Lanka’s coastal areas. By night you reach Mirissa and prepare for a fun filled day ahead.

Day 7 - Mirissa

Whales and Dolphins are creatures that have caught the fancy of men and children alike. A short boat ride of about 10 miles takes you to the points which offer vantage points to spot Sperm Whales, Bottlenose dolphins and even Fin Whales.

Day 8 - Mirissa to Colombo to Bandaranaike Airport)

All good things must come to an end as does this memorable journey. On the last day of your stay, you arrive at the Bandaranaike International Airport via Colombo thus ending 7 days of lifelong memories and breathtaking experiences.

Next time too, Rent a car in Sri Lanka to make the trip better and easier!

Bentota: A Beach Lovers’ Paradise

Being surrounded on all sides by the vast Indian Ocean, Sri Lanka is home to some of the world’s foremost beaches. With clean waters and vast expanses of Lagoons and sand, Sri Lanka offers you the utmost surreal experience ever.

Amongst all the exquisite beaches and shorelines that it has to offer, Bentota is truly the beach lovers’ paradise that it is known to be. About 62 km from the capital city of Colombo, the city of Bentota is a dream come true for backpackers from around the globe.

Kings Rent a Car offers you services for car hire Colombo, making your journey to this region a breeze. Graced by palm trees and a peaceful atmosphere, Bentota is also the favorite weekend getaway for locals and tourists alike.

Bentota derives its name from demon Ben who is said to have ruled the banks of the sea or “tota” in the local language. The best time to visit Bentota is from October to April, when the currents are gentle and going for a swim poses no risks at all.

Ranging from activities such as indulging in water sports to cruising on the Bentota River, Bentota has earned a reputation of being the water sports capital of Sri Lanka. Bentota boasts of topmost facilities and luxuries for tourists from across the globe.

It is well appointed with banks and tourist reception and guidance facilities that make life even better if you plan to visit Bentota for the first time. Excellent hotels and upmarket beachside resorts offer a heavenly experience for anyone coming to Bentota to experience pure bliss and joy!

Bentota offers a lot of food to an adventure seeker’s soul by offering many varied options to tourists who want to soak in the charged-up atmosphere that is ever prevalent here.

Leisure at the beach

Bentota is home to the cleanest and the most well-maintained beaches on the globe. From taking a pleasant stroll down the beaches to just basking in the sun, it comes across as a real paradise for people looking for serenity.

 Walk down hand in hand with your partner and leave the world far behind as you explore vast expanses of untouched seasides.

Water Sports

From hopping on for a ride on a crazy water scooter to letting go of all fears while doing parasailing, Bentota lets you indulge in a variety of water sports activities.

 Guided tours, as well as expert help, is always at hand while you try out activities such as boating, freediving, and surfing. Many travel agents in Sri Lanka can help you in advance booking of some popular water sports.

National Holiday Resort Complex

Tired of doing your favourite water activity?

Well you can visit the National Holiday Resort Complex that houses huge markets restaurants and resorts which can take some time to fully experience. From stones embedded in gold to really good bargains there is something for everyone here.

Bentota Bazaar

Looking for something within a low budget, but not willing to compromise?

 The Bentota Bazaar is a hugely popular market which is less chaotic than the Monday market. Wood carvings, brass artefacts and batik textiles can be had here for fairly reasonable prices.

Bentota Restaurants and Nightlife

A huge variety of food can be found at Bentota. With a vast variety of top of the range sea food to local Sri Lankan food and International food, no one ever sleeps on an empty stomach in Bentota. The area houses many five-star hotels that ensure fine dining in a marvellous ambience.

 With many bars and clubs around, the streets of Bentota remain alive all throughout the night. Ask your tour operator in Sri Lanka to reserve a slot for car hire Colombo well in advance thus enabling an experience of a lifetime.

Highlights of Sri Lanka

When the Chinese traveler Fa-Hien arrived on the shores of Sri Lanka in the late 4^th century, little did he know that he was standing at the doorstep of paradise on earth. Sri Lanka, a beautiful island surrounded by the vast Indian Ocean is a dream place to be for all travelers alike.

Marco Polo even went to the lengths to describe it as the foremost island of its size in the world. You will have to rent a car in Sri Lanka if you want to cover all these towns properly. Even though it is geographically a small nation, Sri Lanka offers more treats to the senses than many other vast geographic entities.

Katunayake

Katunayake is the site of the primary airport in the country, Bandaranaike International Airport. It is well connected with the capital Colombo via rail and road links.

Colombo

Being the capital of Sri Lanka, Colombo is not only the administrative headquarters, but also is the center for business activities, sports events and in the country. Whether it be the Galle Face Green that runs across the coastal line or the Gangaramaya Temple to the Pettah floating market, Colombo offers an eclectic mix of things to do and must visit places.

Galle

Gimhathitha, as it was known in days of yore, Galle is an important historic town of Sri Lanka. King Solomon famously sought peacocks and ivory from here. From taking a walk down the lanes of history at Galle Fort, to reminiscing the Ramayana at Unawatuna there is a lot to do here. A visit to the coral reef sanctuary at Hikkaduwa is a must.

Mirissa

Every year Millions of tourists and locals alike partake in whale watching at the splendid beaches that Mirissa has to offer. Also, home to on of the best night scenes around, Mirissa is a town that rarely sleeps.

Tangalla

Tangalla has an old world charm to its sleepy streets and alleys. It has been famously called as the gateway to the open beaches of South East Sri Lanka. While exploring the beaches, one should also see the Mulkirigala Rock Temples and some other ancient Buddhist Temples too.

Yala

Yala is home to the second largest National park in Sri Lanka. Bordering the Indian Ocean, Yalla offers a vast myriad of flora and fauna which are a visual treat to the eyes. From endangered Sea Turtles to Sloth bears, a lot of protected species can be seen in their natural environment.

Tour Sri Lanka to see and explore species you might have thought to be extinct.

Ella

Ella is home to the Ravana Waterfalls and the world famous Dhowa Rock Temple which has a giant stone carved statue of Lord Buddha. Hikers are in for a surprise with the challenging hike atop Ella Rock.

Kandy

One of the biggest cities of Sri Lanka, Kandy also has an old historic background. A must visit is the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic which is said to have the tooth of The Buddha himself. Kandy is famous for the Kandyan Drum and Dance Show which showcases Sri Lanka’s vast and diversified history and culture.

Sigiriya

An excellent example of Sri Lankan architecture art and landscaping, Sigiriya is an ancient fortress that is highlighted by the presence of a 660ft high black rock. King Kashyapa built his palace on top of the huge rock. After the king’s death, this place was used as a Buddhist monastery until the 14^th century.

Polonnaruwa

Minneriya National Park, The Gal Vihara and The Parakrama Samudra are must visit places while in Polonnaruwa.

Trincomalee

Trincomalee is a port city. The famous Koneswaram Temple is on Swami Rock cliff, a great area for blue-whale watching. The temple complex contains ornate shrines and a massive statue of Shiva.

Jaffna

Jaffna houses the star-shaped Jaffna fort, built by the Portuguese in the 17^th century. Nallur Kandaswamy Temple, with its golden arches and ornate towers, is also a must-see.

Puttalam

Puttalam is well known for its beautiful lagoons, which are popular for shallow sea fishing and prawn farming activities Fond of dolphins? A short trip to Kalimpinya results in a spectacular dolphin watching show. 

Negombo

Beautiful wide beaches and awesome lagoons, you can see it all in Negombo. Spiritual cravings are well fed with the opportunities to visit The Angurukaramulla Temple and The St. Mary’s Church, both ancient and soothing!

Explore Sri Lanka in 2 weeks

The ultimate 2-week adventure is waiting for you

Two weeks is not nearly enough time to see everything in Sri Lanka, but there is still plenty to do and experience on the island in that given time. There is no other place that has so many historical and protected sites to see than in Sri Lanka. You will find yourself spoiled for choice in terms of luxurious beaches, an array of amazing cuisines and you will find is easy to get lost in the islands majestic beauty and magical atmosphere that can transform your travel experience forever.

I will always tell people to rent a car Sri Lanka, as you can do what you want when you want to do it without stressing out about finding your next ride. And since my freedom to move about was of paramount importance to me I could not have traveled the length and breadth of the island without my trusty vehicle.

A step to step guide to help on your journey through Sri Lanka

The first stop on your 2-week journey should be in the capital of Colombo. Here you can explore the National Museum, Viharamahadevi Park, Pettah Market and the Galle Face Hotel. Take a few days to discover the vintage artifacts, mesmerizing markets and tasty food.

Mirissa is a great place to explore next with its laid-back atmosphere and pristine beaches it’s hard to not stat at least a few days here. You can swim enjoy great seafood and even explore the imagine villa hotel which is an amazing boutique hotel that goes out of its way to make you feel special. Drive down a little further and you will find your next beach paradise in Tangalle. The Serein beach hotel puts you right up where the action is on the beach and has a great deal for a 2-night stay.

The Yala National Park is just 2 hours away from Tangalle and has many wild animals like elephants, deers, crocodiles, leopards and colorful birds for you to see on safari. After your 2 night stay there you can take off to Ella were you can visit Nuwara Eliya, a tea and hiking village perfect for nature enthusiasts.

Next, you can drive to Kandy and spend 3 days there and see the temple of the sacred tooth relic (which has the tooth of Buddha) or even send a wonderful day at Kandy Lake and see the British garrison cemetery while you are there.

You should end your trip at Sigiriya or Lion Rock which was once the capital of Sri Lanka and still has magnificent sites to see. Yes, it takes quite a workout to climb all the way to the top but trust me when I say it’s very worth it when you see the view from above.

A few things to always remember and keep in mind when visiting Lanka.

You simply need to apply online for an ETA (electronic travel authorization) to enter the country, which you need to show to the immigration officer when you arrive in Sri Lanka.

Make sure that you have a valid driver’s license and your phones Gps is working properly as you will need it in the event that you rent a car Sri Lanka.

If you are like me and driving is too stressful in another country which has different rules, you can hire a driver like I did from Kings Rent a Car who knew all the roads and shortcuts.

It’s of vital importance that you choose the right car for you. You can choose anything from a large SUV to a compact car. I personally went with the Perodua Axia, it was way easier to find parking and travel light. But minivans and Luxury sedans can make a journey very fun and relaxing as well.

So that’s really all you need to know here’s what you really need to know and your all set to take off on a new adventure in Sri Lanka.

Foodies and Sri Lankans

Foodies will love this island of delights

Sri Lanka has so many delectable food and dishes which is why it’s known internationally as a food destination. 

With the multiple cultures residing and influencing this island, all foodies will love the deliciously rich cuisine that Sri Lanka offers all its visitors. I particularly enjoyed the Dutch and Portuguese flavors, but that's not all Sri Lanka has. You can find authentic English, Arab, Malay and Indian delicacies on the island too.

Being a food lover I had just one agenda on my list, how do I eat as much as I can in the time I have on the island. The solution was to take off on my food journey and choose car hire Colombo, which allowed me to travel on my terms and see the country while exploring its multiple cuisines.

Where to go and what to eat

Ministry of Crabs in the Iconic Dutch Hospital. 

It’s easy to find good curries anywhere in Sri Lanka, cafes and roadside are good, it’s always better to try the nightly buffet at Zion View in Ella. But for those who truly love seafood, I would really recommend that you eat at Ministry of crab in Colombo that has the freshest seafood on the island.

The islands tea capital, Nuwara Eliya is perfect for those elegant high teas with sandwiches, cakes and tasty tarts all which can be found at the St. Andrew’s Hotel.  I really enjoyed the tea and scones and which is a testament to how good the tea is as I am not really an avid tea drinker. The English influence can be further seen with the abundance of veggies like cabbage, carrots leeks and potatoes, along with strawberries and roses that were strewn across the hillsides.

You can find the Dutch and Portuguese delicacies like love cake which was simply divine and made with semolina, ground cashews and honey. The nutmeg, cinnamon and rosewater gave the dish freshness and made it smell mouthwatering. Dishes like Bolo Fiado(a layered pastry cake with dried fruit and syrup), Breudher(yeast cake with lots of butter) took me to another world and you should definitely hit Café Chill where you can eat the legendary Lamprais which is made with signature Dutch meatballs, veggies and rice slowly cooked in a banana leaf.

A Quarter Chicken Biriyani. 

You can find flatbreads and samosas at many Arab and Indian restaurants, but it’s the Wattalappam which has Malay influences and is made from jaggery coconut milk and cardamom that will take your breath away. The out of this world dessert can be found at Mama’s Galle Fort Roof Café and is well worth you driving done there to have a bite or simply indulge in Biriyani, found almost everywhere in the Island. 

But I really have to say that the two of my most favorite restaurants in Colombo were Chutneys which had an array of condiments to go with tradition Asian food and The Lagoon which had the best lobster I had ever had.

Living life on bite at a time

Having your own transportation in another country gives you the freedom and mobility to explore Sri Lanka at your own pace and comfort. This is why I rented a car from Kings Rent a Car and it really helped me stop where ever and whenever I wanted and let me discover amazing cafes and roadside food which may have gone undiscovered if I was travelling in a train or bus. I really feel that choosing a car hire form Colombo is the best way to discover the hidden treats that this sea kissed island has to offer. All you need is a valid license and you can speed off into the sunset and have the time of your life.

Why Sri Lanka is the Ultimate Honeymoon Destination?

Finally, you both are announced as ‘Man’ and ‘Wife’ and you can’t wait to hop on the nest flight to your honeymoon destination. But, this is the point where most couples get confused. Honeymoon is the most beautiful time after your wedding where you get a chance to know each other as husband and wife. Therefore, the selected location should be the one that would complement your romantic mood and would give you memories for life. Something like a trip to Sri Lanka. With various facilities like amazing five star resorts such as Cinnamon Grand Colombo and Tamarind Hill by Asia leisure along with services of car rental in Sri Lanka, this trip would, no doubt, become the most memorable trips for all.

Now, there are good chances that you and your partner may have different interests. Maybe you partner is more into adventure sports and you are into relaxing or he is into wildlife and you are into ancient ruins; Sri Lanka is one place on this earth that caters to your every desire. You want to see the beautiful ancient ruins, you can visit Kandy. Want to have fun with cute elephant calves? Then, visit the world famous Elephant Orphanage. And the nest part is yet to come: you don’t have to spend a fortnight for all this. These destinations can be easily covered within few days, thanks to services like Kings RentA Car. Now let us discuss places where you two lovebirds can visit while your honeymoon trip to Sri Lanka.

#1 Ella, Bandarawela:

After a hectic wedding schedule, every newly wedded couple deserves some alone, quality time and nothing beats the beautiful, quaint getaway called Ella. 

It is a small Sri Lankan mountain village surrounded by tea plantations. And nothing is more romantic than the train journey that crosses vast, bright green tea plantations, cloud covered hillocks and dense jungles.

#2 Nuwara Eliya:

Also known as the Little England of Sri Lanka, this little town still holds the charm of old British culture. 

With picture book red brick houses against the lush green backdrops, this place is simply perfect start for your love story. 

If both of you enjoys spending time with each other in the bode of Mother Nature, take a hike through the jungle and visit waterfalls such as Rawana falls and Lover’s Leap Fall that presents a sight to behold.

#3 Mirissa

Who doesn’t want to have a fairy tale wedding and fairy tale honeymoon? Well, you can have your picture perfect honeymoon at the tropical paradise of Sri Lanka, Mirissa.

Known as the most romantic honeymoon places, this is a secluded beach that offers the couple serenity and intimacy. Sit down together and gaze the setting sun while enjoying each other’s company. Trust us, nothing can be more beautiful than this.

#4 Kandy

Relax among the hills or simply explore the rich heritage. 

There are many couples who love to explore the culture and rich heritage of the natives. For such honeymooners, no place is better than Kandy.

Christened as the last royal capital, this is the abode to the Tooth Relic of Buddha. What else? You can also visit Pinnawala Elephant Orphanage and have the best time with little elephant calves.

With that being said, now you know that apart from the mainstream honeymoon destinations, you also have some hidden jewels out there. And with services like car rental, Sri Lanka is slowly becoming one of the most popular honeymoon destination among couples. So if your friend is getting hitched, don’t forget to suggest this heaven to them as their honeymoon destination.