According to forum posts, popular beaches in southern Sri Lanka include Unawatuna, Hikkaduwa, Mirissa, and Tangalle. Unawatuna and Hikkaduwa are noted for their beauty and tourist-friendly amenities.

Travelers have highlighted Mirissa for its whale watching opportunities and the picturesque Coconut Tree Hill. For those seeking quieter, less crowded beaches, the areas around Tangalle are recommended.

Some users also suggested Hiriketiya near Dikwella for its charm. Moreover, the south coast offers a mix of vibrant nightlife and secluded spots, catering to a range of preferences from party scenes to peaceful retreats.

According to forum posts, Yala National Park is recommended for its leopard sightings, while Minneriya is famed for large elephant herds. Wilpattu National Park offers a mix of wildlife, including the potential to see leopards and sloth bears.

Some travelers mentioned Bundala National Park for birdwatching and Gal Oya National Park for unique boat safaris where elephants swimming between islands can sometimes be observed. For those interested in varied wildlife and less crowded experiences, Kumana National Park is also suggested as it is quieter compared to Yala.

Travelers have called out that visiting during certain times, such as the Sri Lankan New Year in April, might affect the parks' busyness, especially Yala National Park. Opting for less popular parks like Kumana during peak times could provide a more serene experience.

According to forum posts, a recommended itinerary for Sri Lanka might include starting in Negombo for relaxation before exploring cultural sites in Sigiriya and Dambulla. Travelers suggest spending a couple of nights in Kandy to visit the Temple of the Tooth and local dance shows, followed by a scenic train journey to Ella for hiking and visiting tea plantations.

Some travelers said hiring a car and driver is the most efficient way to navigate between cities and attractions, especially for covering multiple destinations such as Sigiriya, Kandy, and the southern beaches. Public transport options like buses and trains are available but may require adjusting the itinerary to focus on either the northern or southern parts of the island to manage travel times effectively.

For many users, visiting historical sites like the Sigiriya Lion Rock, the Dambulla Royal Cave Temple, and exploring the ancient city of Polonnaruwa are highlights. Additionally, the southern beaches like Mirissa and activities like whale watching or visiting turtle hatcheries are highly recommended.

According to forum posts, a popular honeymoon itinerary in Sri Lanka includes visiting Negombo, Sigiriya, Dambulla, Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella, and Galle. This route is favored for its blend of cultural heritage sites, scenic landscapes, and coastal relaxation.

Some travelers have recommended incorporating unique experiences such as safaris in Yala National Park, whale watching off the coast near Trincomalee, and visiting the ancient cities of Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa. A train journey from Kandy to Ella is also highly recommended for its breathtaking views.

Travelers have called out the importance of staying in strategic locations like Sigiriya or Habarana to explore nearby historical sites. For a luxurious stay, options like Santani Resort in Kandy and beach resorts in Mirissa have been suggested.

Travelers suggest planning the honeymoon based on the seasonal weather of Sri Lanka, choosing the southwest beaches from December to April and the east coast beaches from May to September for optimal conditions.

According to forum posts, public transportation in Sri Lanka is very accessible and covers most of the island. Buses are frequent and inexpensive, but they can be uncomfortable and crowded, especially on long journeys.

Some travelers said that while buses and trains are available for most major routes, they can be slow and not very comfortable. Trains are generally more spacious and scenic compared to buses but still lack air conditioning except in specific classes.

For many users, direct buses from Colombo to major cities like Kandy are available, making travel straightforward for those departing from the capital. However, more remote areas might require multiple bus changes, potentially complicating travel plans.

Travelers have called out that while superlux buses allow reservations, most other buses do not. The availability of up-to-date bus schedules online is limited, and Google Maps may not always provide accurate transit times or routes outside major areas.

According to forum posts, Sri Lanka Railways now offers online booking for train tickets, which can be accessed through their official website. This allows travelers to book tickets from Colombo to destinations like Kandy and Nanu Oya. The booking window typically opens 30 days before the travel date.

Some travelers mentioned using third-party agencies for booking tickets, especially when planning ahead of the 30-day booking window offered by the official site. These agencies provide a reservation service and secure tickets as soon as the booking window opens, although they charge a markup for this service.

Despite booking online, it's important to note from forum posts that an M-ticket obtained from the online reservation needs to be exchanged for a physical ticket at the station. Travelers can show the M-ticket on their phone at dedicated counters or regular ticket counters to collect the physical ticket.

Travelers have called out that securing tickets directly through the official site can be challenging due to high demand, especially for popular routes like Kandy to Ella. Tickets on these routes are often booked within minutes of becoming available.

Travelers can book first, second, or third-class tickets for the train journey between Kandy and Ella. It is advised to book tickets 30 days in advance to ensure availability, particularly for first and second-class seats which are often in high demand.

The train route from Kandy to Ella is renowned for its scenic beauty, passing through lush landscapes and multiple stations where travelers can embark or disembark. Notable stops include Nanu Oya (for Nuwara Eliya) and Haputale.

The journey is often described as a highlight of a trip to Sri Lanka, offering stunning views of tea plantations and natural scenery. Some travelers suggest sitting on the right side of the train when traveling from Kandy to Ella to get the best views.

For those looking for a quicker or more flexible journey, taking a road route from Kandy to Nuwara Eliya and then catching a train to Ella is suggested. This allows for stops at scenic points and eateries along the way.

According to forum posts, travelers can apply for a Sri Lankan visa or Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) online through the official website www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa. The ETA is generally processed within a few minutes to a few hours, making it a swift option for tourists.

Some travelers mentioned that for U.S. citizens, there is an option to obtain a five-year multiple-entry visa from the Sri Lankan Embassy in Washington, DC. For British citizens, the current rules allow a stay of up to six months per calendar year by starting with an ETA and then applying for extensions.

Travelers have called out that the ETA costs USD 35 for South African citizens, and if obtained on arrival, the fee increases to USD 40. It was noted that this fee is not part of the fee-free ETA program available to some other nationalities.

For visitors with layovers, a free transit ETA is mentioned, which is suitable for short stays, as highlighted by a traveler with an 18.5-hour layover planning to leave the airport.