Are you looking to retire in a quiet and cozy location that you can call home? Then the tropical island of Sri Lanka located on the Indian Ocean and listed by Lonely Planet as the number one destination in the world to visit in 2013 is just the right place. Fringed by sandy beaches, coconut groves, an easy way of life as well as a temperate year round climate – Sri Lanka can easily be the ideal choice for your retirement destination.
With the recent rapid developments taking place in the island following the aftermath of a nearly 3 decade long civil war, Sri Lanka has reemerged with a fresh face whilst retaining much of the history and culture of the country. With a rich history dating back nearly 2500 years, Sri Lanka still retains many of the attractions of historical value such as the ancient ruins in Polonnaruwa, the hill capital Kandy where one can visit the Dalada Maligawa, also called the Temple of the Tooth Relic. The Dalada Maligawa is known to contain a tooth belonging to Lord Buddha and therefore symbolic to Buddhism. The iconic Rock Fortress “Sigiriya” built by King Kassapa in the early 400 AD era is also a World Heritage site, a testament to the country’s rich heritage that is a must to be savored.
The pristine beaches of Passikuda along the Eastern coast and the many National Parks, the only place you can observe leopards, are just the beginnings of a bucket list of ‘things to do’ by any nature lover. Or take a sea plane down to the Southern part of the island to visit the Galle Fort and Lighthouse or the Museum of Martin Wickremasinghe, a famous author in Sri Lanka.
Prices in Sri Lanka are generally affordable however foreign tourists may be charged additional. If you are willing to bargain – the experience is valuable. You can hire one of our ‘Tuk tuks’, a three wheel vehicle, and sit back and enjoy the ride through the bustling city of Colombo in the Western Province. Colombo with its resurgence of development is seeing several world class Hotels such as Shangri-La coming in. If one compares the scene today of Colombo with that perhaps 10 years ago, one would see a vast difference in terms of infrastructure while maintaining a similar way of life. There are several private Hospitals and eye care facilities in Colombo as well as other towns that can meet almost any health requirement whilst providing excellent care.
If shopping is what you are looking for, a variety of department stores and retailers are available or simply take a trip to the Pettah market where you can buy almost anything and everything if you are prepared to be adventurous and take a walk through the busy and narrow streets dotted with vendors and bargain.
The second largest city in the Western province, Negombo is a mere 20 minutes away from Colombo on the Expressway (to be opened in September 2013) is more relaxed and peaceful compared to Colombo. Enjoy your own pace of life on the sandy beaches of Negombo which is a truly multicultural city with a variety of Temples, Mosques, Churches and Kovils. If you are in for an adventure of a different kind, the fish market located near the Dutch fort is the ideal place for you to see how a local fish auction takes place.
September 12, 2013 at 2:24 am
We’ve just launched a state of the art, UK standard nursing home (cinnamoncare) in Sri Lanka, specialising in dementia care.
Owned and managed by a British healthcare professional with over 30 years UK nursing home management experience.
It’s the first and only one of its kind in Sri Lanka and aimed at Western expats looking to retire to sunnier climes.
With the end of the civil war, a booming economy, stable government and significant investment in infrastructure and amenities, Sri Lankan was voted the number one destination by British Airways for 2013.
It truly is the gem in the Indian Ocean with miles of golden beaches and a comfortable inland climate, it’s quickly becoming a destination of choice for those looking to retire to a tropical paradise.
July 6, 2014 at 3:48 am
Great article! I used to live in Sri Lanka and have been thinking about moving back.
May 23, 2015 at 5:34 pm
It definitely is an ideal retirement location. Plus the government is encouraging foreigners to retire in Sri Lanka with special visa programs. You have the option of owning your own villa by the sea. Also now there are villa complexes which are much cheaper and allows for a far more affordable retirement scheme.
August 21, 2018 at 2:00 pm
Great article. A few years ago my wife and I visited Sri Lanka. Great place and fantastic people. Will definitely return.