Quick preferences so we can personalize your trip — takes less than a minute.
Any trip abroad needs a check-list of what you should have with you to ensure that your visit goes without a hitch. Sri Lanka is no exception—and being in the tropics means there are some specific items that we advise you to include:
Sri Lanka is a round-the-year destination for the visitors who seek for sun and sea. The best time to visit the island is from November to April. The Southwestern coastal area, where most of the beach resorts are located, is particularly popular. Kalpitiya, located in the North Western coast, has been declared a new tourist attraction. Many development projects such as hotels and other infrastructure have also been planned to make the East a new tourist destination in Sri Lanka. The central highlands are pleasantly cool and relatively dry from January to April. The peak season is mid December to mid January and March-April during Easter, with a mini peak season in July and August when festivals and pageants are held throughout the country.
Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended length of stay.
There are two options available to obtain the visa: online application at http://www.eta.gov.lk/slvisa/ OR on arrival at the visa counter at the Colombo airport. It is easy to get it online so that you don't have to wait in the queue at the airport on your arrival. Details are available online at www.eta.gov.lk. We strongly advise you to check visa requirements in good time before your departure date.
Travel insurance that covers medical emergencies, pre-existing conditions, and 24/7 assistance, ensuring you're protected in case of illness, accidents, or trip disruptions.
Before traveling abroad, ensure you have enough medication for the trip, along with a doctor's note or prescription for any necessary medicines.
While all major credit cards are accepted throughout Sri Lanka, you will need cash for some of the smaller souvenir shops and grocery stores. ATM cash points are widely available, you can withdraw only Sri Lanka rupee (LKR) from the ATM.
Light, loosely-fitting clothing is a must in any hot and humid tropical climate. However, in Sri Lanka's Hill Country, the high altitude and low cloud mean it can get quite chilly, so pack a jacket, sweater or fleece. Swimwear is fine around pool or beach areas, but not inside the hotel. Most important, you must be fully covered—including long dresses (or saris/sarongs) and trousers—when visiting Buddhist temples and other places of worship.
UV light, the rays that cause sunburn, are particularly strong in the tropics, even through haze and light cloud. Make sure you have—and use!— the right filter factor for your skin type, plus an after-sun moisturizer.
Photographing airports, dams, roadblocks, and anything related to security or military is forbidden. Please respect Buddhist culture by not posing disrespectfully with Buddha statues or images.
Mosquitoes are common in tropical climates. Repellent creams and sprays are widely available in local shops and pharmacies. Your driver/guide will also carry supplies.
Keep your documents and valuables safe, either on your person, in the room-safe found in many hotels, or with hotel reception.
Sri Lanka has two official languages - Sinhala and Tamil - with English as a link language. Most people have some knowledge of English, and signboards are often in English.
Cost of meals ranges from $5-12 for lunch and $10-25 for dinner per person. A service charge of 10% is added to all restaurant & hotel bills. A small tip (no more than 10%) above this is appreciated. Drivers and other service providers also expect a tip.
Exchange currency from authorized money exchangers outside the airport for 2-3% better rates than airport banks. Colombo, Negombo, and Kandy cities are recommended. Carry new $100 USD notes for the best exchange rates.
50Km Per Hour by car due to the traffic & road conditions
A service charge of 10% is added to all restaurant & hotel bills. A small tip (no more than 10%) above this is appreciated. Drivers and other service providers also expect a tip
