SRI LANKA

Discover Sri Lanka, the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” an island nation boasting a rich 3,000-year history and diverse landscapes, from pristine beaches to misty highlands. Its strategic location fostered ancient trade and a vibrant mix of cultures, predominantly Sinhalese and Tamil.

Region: South Asia

Capital: Sri Jayawardenepura Kotte (legislative) and Colombo (executive and judicial)

Official Language: Sinhala, Tamil

Level of Travel Safety: Exercise a high degree of caution due to potential for public demonstrations and security risks, including the threat of terrorism and opportunistic crime.

A map of Asia with Sri Lanka highlighted in green.

Why Visit Sri Lanka?

Ancient Cities: Explore timeless ruins in Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa, once powerful kingdoms of Asia.

Tropical Beaches: Chill on golden sands from Mirissa to Arugam Bay, ideal for surfers and sunseekers.

Wildlife Encounters: Spot elephants in Udawalawe, leopards in Yala, and blue whales off Trincomalee.

A blue train winding through lush green landscapes with trees and hills under a clear sky.

Sacred Temples: Climb Sigiriya Rock Fortress, visit the Temple of the Tooth, and meditate at Dambulla Cave Temples.

Tea Country: Ride the train to Ella and sip Ceylon tea among rolling green hills and colonial-era bungalows.

Festivals & Food: Witness colorful celebrations like Perahera, and savor spicy curries, hoppers, and fresh seafood.

Two elephants grazing near a body of water with a cloudy sky.

Essential Trip Information

Most travelers require a visa, which can be obtained via Sri Lanka’s Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) system.

The ETA costs around US$50 for most nationalities and must be applied for prior to arrival.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months from your entry date.

Officials may ask for proof of return/onward travel, hotel bookings, and sufficient funds.

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR), but prices here are referenced in US Dollars (US$) for clarity.

Best Ways to Handle Currency

  • Before Your Trip: Bring a small amount of LKR or USD; most airports and ATMs provide decent rates.
  • During Your Trip: Use ATMs in major towns (Commercial Bank, Sampath Bank). Cards (Visa/Mastercard) are widely accepted in cities. Keep US$20–50 equivalent in LKR for small shops.

What to Avoid: Street money changers and unsolicited currency offers.

Sinhala and Tamil are official languages.

English is widely spoken in cities and tourist areas.

Helpful phrases: “Ayubowan” (Hello), “Istuti” (Thank you)

Generally safe, but avoid political protests and unlit beaches at night.

Scams: Overpriced tuk-tuk tours, fake gem shops.

Emergency number: 119 (police/tourist hotline).

Vaccinations: Hepatitis A, typhoid recommended. Malaria pills for jungle visits.

Tap water: Unsafe—drink bottled/filtered water.

Pharmacies: Common in cities (bring DEET for mosquitoes).

Trains: Slow but scenic (book 1st/2nd class for comfort).

Buses: Cheap but crowded (AC buses = best for long trips).

Tuk-tuks: Ubiquitous—use PickMe app (like Uber) for fair prices.

Driving: Chaotic; hire a driver (US$40–60/day) instead.

Sri Lanka is relatively affordable, especially outside luxury resorts.

Accommodation

  • Budget: Guesthouses, homestays (US$15–40/night)

  • Mid-range: Boutique hotels, 3-star stays (US$50–100/night)

  • Luxury: High-end resorts, 5-star hotels (US$150+/night)

Food

  • Street food & local eateries: US$2–5

  • Mid-range restaurants: US$8–15/person

  • Fine dining: US$30–50+/person

Drinks

  • Beer: US$1.50–3 (Lion Lager is local favorite)

  • Cocktails: US$6–10

Transportation

  • Tuk-tuks: US$1–3 for short trips (negotiate before)

  • Intercity trains: US$1–10 (scenic and cheap)

  • Private drivers: US$40–70/day

Money-Saving Tips

  • Eat at local rice and curry stalls (delicious & cheap).

  • Use trains for scenic routes (especially Kandy to Ella).

  • Stay in family-run guesthouses for authentic experiences.

Explore Sri Lanka

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this ancient rock fortress rises dramatically from the plains. Climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views and discover the remnants of a royal palace and exquisite frescoes. It’s located in the central Matale District.

The cultural capital of Sri Lanka and a UNESCO site, Kandy is home to the sacred Temple of the Tooth Relic. Explore its vibrant markets, serene lake, and lush botanical gardens. It’s nestled in the central hills.

A magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site, this historic fort built by the Portuguese and extensively fortified by the Dutch offers a charming blend of colonial architecture and local life within its walls. It’s located on the southern coast of Sri Lanka.

A picturesque hill station known for its stunning landscapes, including rolling tea plantations, mist-shrouded mountains, and cascading waterfalls. Popular for hiking to Little Adam’s Peak and Ella Rock. Situated in the Uva Province.

Known as “Little England,” this charming town in the heart of tea country boasts a cool climate, colonial-era bungalows, and sprawling tea estates. Enjoy tea factory tours and scenic strolls. Located in the Central Province.

One of Sri Lanka’s ancient capitals and a UNESCO site, Anuradhapura is a vast complex of well-preserved ruins, colossal stupas, and sacred bo trees. It’s a vital pilgrimage site located in the North Central Province.

Another ancient capital and UNESCO World Heritage site, Polonnaruwa features impressive ruins of palaces, temples, and statues from the 11th to 13th centuries. Explore it by bicycle. It lies southeast of Anuradhapura.

Sri Lanka’s most famous national park, renowned for its high concentration of leopards, as well as elephants, sloth bears, and a diverse array of birdlife. Enjoy thrilling safari adventures here. It’s situated in the southeast of the island.

A popular beach town known for its crescent-shaped sandy beach, laid-back vibe, and excellent opportunities for whale and dolphin watching, especially blue whales. It’s located on the southern tip of Sri Lanka.

A UNESCO World Heritage site, this magnificent cave temple complex consists of five caves adorned with stunning Buddhist murals and over 150 Buddha statues. It’s located in the central Matale District, close to Sigiriya.

Smart Travel

Key Advantages:

  • Lowest Prices
  • Fewer Crowds
  • Authentic Local Vibe
  • Lush, Green Landscapes
  • Opportunities for East Coast Beaches (during Southwest Monsoon)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Monsoon Rains (can be heavy, especially on the southwest coast from May-Sept and northeast from Oct-Jan)
  • Higher Humidity
  • Limited Outdoor Activities (certain areas)
  • Rougher Seas (for swimming/snorkeling on affected coasts)

Key Regions:

  • Southwest Coast (May – Sept): Expect rain, but fewer crowds and lower prices.
  • Central Highlands (May – Sept): Cooler temperatures, but also prone to rain.
  • East Coast (Oct – Jan): Ideal weather during these months, offering sunny beaches and calm seas.
  • Cultural Triangle (May – Sept): Generally drier than the southwest, but can be hot.

Key Advantages:

  • Ideal Weather (transitional periods)
  • Manageable Crowds
  • Reasonable Prices
  • Festivals & Events (like Sinhala and Tamil New Year in April)
  • Blooming Landscapes (after monsoons)

Main Drawbacks:

  • Unpredictable Weather (can still have occasional showers)
  • Prices start to rise closer to peak season
  • Some popular sites can still get crowded

Key Regions:

  • South and West Coasts (Feb – April): Excellent beach weather, less crowded than peak.
  • Central Highlands (Feb – April): Pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring tea country.
  • Cultural Triangle (Feb – April): Generally dry and pleasant for exploring ancient sites.
  • East Coast (Sept – Nov): The tail end of its dry season, still good for beach activities.
  • December – March: Best weather for the southwest coast and central highlands.
  • Mid-July – August: Popular for family holidays, especially on the south coast.

Planning Your Trip

Dress modestly: Cover shoulders/knees at temples (remove shoes/hats).

Greetings: Say “Ayubowan” (hello) with hands pressed together.

Tipping: 10% in restaurants; small change for drivers/tuk-tuks.

Bargaining: Expected in markets, not in fixed-price stores.

Sensitive topics: Avoid discussing politics/religion.

Accommodation: Hostels (US$10–20), guest houses 30–70), luxury (US$200+).

Food: Street food (US$1–3), local meals 5–10), fine dining (US$30+).

Transport: Trains (US2–15), tuk−tuks 1–5/ride), private driver (~US$60/day).

Activities: Safari (US50–100), 5–25), surfing lessons (~US$20).

Daily Budget:

  • Budget: US$30–50 (hostels, local food, buses).

  • Mid-range: US$80–150 (guesthouses, tours, trains).

  • Luxury: US$250+ (resorts, private guides, fine dining).

Free Wi-Fi: Cafés, hotels, some buses/trains (spotty outside cities).

SIM Cards: Dialog/Mobitel (US$3–5 for 10GB, available at Colombo Airport).

eSIMs: Supported (Airalo, Ubigi).

Essential for: Medical emergencies (private hospitals are best).

Adventure coverage: Needed for surfing, hiking (e.g., Adam’s Peak).

Check: COVID-19 policies (some sites require insurance for entry).

Bold Recommendation: Get comprehensive insurance—healthcare can be expensive.

From luxury resorts to budget homestays, Sri Lanka caters to all travelers.

Luxury:

  • Beachfront: Amanwella (Tangalle), Cape Weligama.
  • Jungle retreats: Wild Coast Tented Lodge (Yala).

Mid-range:

  • Boutique hotels: Fort Bazaar (Galle), Ceylon Tea Trails (Hill Country).
  • Eco-lodges: Jetwing Kaduruketha (Wellawaya).

Budget:

  • Guesthouses: ~US$20–50/night (Ella, Mirissa).
  • Hostels: Clock Inn (Colombo), Hangover Hostels (Unawatuna).

Unique Stays:

  • Treehouses: The Mudhouse (Anamaduwa).
  • Tea estate bungalows: Nuwara Eliya.

Tip: Book beach hotels early in peak season (Dec–Mar).

Transport options vary from trains to tuk-tuks—plan wisely for long distances.

Trains:

  • Scenic routes: Ella to Kandy or Colombo to Galle offer breathtaking views.
  • Classes: 1st (reserved seats), 2nd (crowded but cheap), 3rd (basic).
  • Book early for popular routes (e.g., Kandy–Ella).

Buses:

  • Public buses: Cheap (US$0.50–5) but crowded; express buses are faster.
  • Private AC buses: Comfortable for long trips (Colombo–Trincomalee).

Tuk-tuks:

  • Short rides: Negotiate fares (US$1–5 for 1–3 km). Use PickMe or Uber in Colombo.
  • Renting a driver: ~US$50–80/day for long-distance travel.

Car Rentals:

  • Not recommended for self-driving (chaotic traffic). Hire a driver-guide (~US$60–100/day).

Domestic Flights:

  • Limited (Colombo–Jaffna, ~US$100), mostly for time-saving.

Bold Recommendation: Use trains for scenic routes and hire a driver for flexibility.

Handy Tips

Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). Notes come in denominations of Rs. 20, 50, 100, 500, 1,000, and 5,000. Coins are available but less commonly used.

  • Exchanging Currency: Avoid airport kiosks due to poor rates. Use bank ATMs (available in cities/towns) or exchange bureaus in Colombo or tourist hubs like Kandy and Galle.

  • Using Cards: Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted in hotels and larger restaurants, but cash is essential for tuk-tuks, markets, and small eateries.

  • Tipping Etiquette: Tipping is appreciated but not always expected.

    • Restaurants: 10% is common unless service charge is included.

    • Drivers/Guides: US$5–10 per day for guides, US$2–4 per day for drivers.

    • Hotel staff: US$1–2 for porters; US$3–5 per night for housekeeping.

Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages. English is widely spoken in tourist areas, hotels, and restaurants.
Useful phrases in Sinhala:

  • “Isthrī kahanavā kīyakda?” (How much is ironing?)

  • “Mata kiyannako…” (Please tell me…)

  • “Kō siṭiyē tikkumaṭa yanavā?” (Where is the city center?)
    Pro Tip: Locals are friendly and welcoming—a smile and patience go a long way, even if language barriers arise.

Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists, but always use common sense. Be cautious of petty theft in crowded markets or beaches.

Avoid isolated areas after dark, especially in Colombo’s outer suburbs or remote beaches.

Emergency Contacts:

  • 119: Police
  • 110: Fire & Rescue
  • 1990: Ambulance Service (free and efficient)
  • Your Embassy: Most are located in Colombo—store contact info digitally.

Voltage is 230V/50Hz, and Sri Lanka uses Type D, M, and G plugs.

Bring a universal adapter. Voltage converters are usually not needed for phones/laptops but may be for some personal appliances.

Tap water is not safe for drinking. Always opt for bottled water (widely available and inexpensive).

In restaurants, ask for sealed bottled water. Avoid ice in rural areas.

Brushing teeth with tap water is generally fine in major hotels but use bottled water in remote areas if you have a sensitive stomach.

Government offices and many businesses may close on:

  • Jan 1: New Year’s Day

  • Feb 4: Independence Day

  • April (date varies): Sinhala and Tamil New Year

  • May (Full Moon Day): Vesak (Buddha’s birth, enlightenment, and death)

  • June (date varies): Poson Full Moon Poya

  • Dec 25: Christmas Day

Note: Full Moon (Poya) Days occur monthly and are public holidays—alcohol is not sold and many temples are crowded.

Stores: Typically open 10:00–19:00 (daily, closed or shorter hours on Poya Days).

Supermarkets: Open until 21:00; some operate 24/7 in Colombo.

Local markets: Morning hours are best for fresh produce and street shopping.

Bargaining is expected in open markets—but do so politely.

Kottu Roti: Stir-fried chopped flatbread with veggies, egg, and meat—served sizzling on steel.

Hoppers (Appa): Bowl-shaped pancakes—try plain or with egg in the center.

Lamprais: Dutch-Burgher rice parcel baked in banana leaf—includes meat curry, sambol, and eggplant moju.

Pol Sambol: Spicy coconut relish—pairs with rice or bread for a flavorful punch.

Fish Ambul Thiyal: Sour fish curry from the south—tamarind-infused and deeply spiced.

Parippu (Lentil Curry): Everyday comfort—creamy dhal spiced with curry leaves and mustard seeds.

Crab Curry: Best enjoyed along the coasts—mud crabs in aromatic coconut gravy.

Eggplant Moju: Fried eggplant with sweet-sour notes—often part of rice and curry meals.

Wattalappam: Creamy cardamom-infused coconut custard dessert with jaggery.

Kavum & Kokis: New Year sweets—deep-fried delicacies made from rice flour and coconut milk.

Alcoholic:

  • Toddy: Mildly alcoholic coconut sap—traditionally tapped fresh and fizzy.

  • Arrack: Strong local spirit distilled from palm sap—try with soda and lime.

  • Lion Lager: National beer—light and crisp, widely available.

  • Three Coins: Craft beer with growing popularity—try their stout for richness.

  • Taprobane Red: Emerging Sri Lankan wine brand—light-bodied red.

  • Rockland White Rum: Local sugarcane-based rum—ideal for tropical cocktails.

  • Colombo Gin: Aromatic gin with native spices—great in a classic G&T.

Non-Alcoholic:

  • King Coconut Water: Bright orange coconuts chopped open roadside—nature’s electrolyte fix.

  • Ceylon Tea: Iconic export—best sampled fresh in the hill country.

  • Woodapple Juice: Funky tropical fruit—an acquired but unforgettable taste.

  • Faluda: Pink milkshake with rose syrup, basil seeds, and jelly—sweet, cold, nostalgic.

  • Belimal Tea: Herbal infusion made from Bael flowers—served in traditional homes.

Ancient Cities: Explore UNESCO sites like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa.

Buddhist Temples: Visit serene sites like Dambulla Cave Temple.

Hindu Kovils in the North: Nallur Kandaswamy Temple in Jaffna is impressive.

Colonial Architecture: Dutch Fort in Galle, British bungalows in Nuwara Eliya.

Tea Culture: Learn history at Pedro Tea Estate or Lipton’s Seat.

Perahera Festival: In July/August, the Kandy Esala Perahera has elephants, drummers, and fire dances.

Village Life: Spend a day in a rural village (e.g., Habarana) with cooking, farming, and canoe rides.

Craft Shopping: Handlooms, batik, wooden masks—especially in Ambalangoda.

Ayurveda: Try a herbal massage or consult a traditional doctor.

Respectful Dress: When visiting temples, cover shoulders and knees—carry a shawl or sarong.

Safari in Yala or Udawalawe: See elephants, leopards, and exotic birds.

Beach Chill in Mirissa or Unawatuna: Swim, snorkel, or swing on a palm tree.

Whale Watching in Mirissa (Nov–Apr): Blue whales in the wild!

Hiking in Ella: Little Adam’s Peak and Nine Arches Bridge offer stunning views.

Galle Fort: Dutch-colonial charm, boutique shops, and sunset walks.

Temple of the Tooth (Kandy): Sacred Buddhist relic site—join the evening puja.

Train Ride from Kandy to Ella: World’s most scenic rail journey.

Sigiriya Rock Fortress: Ancient palace on a massive rock—worth the climb.

Tuk-Tuk Tour in Colombo: Vibrant markets, street food, temples.

Traditional Dance Performance: Kandyan dancing shows in Kandy or Colombo.

The Love Bar (Colombo): Hidden cocktail bar with tropical vibes and DJ nights.

Botanik Rooftop Bistro: Stylish rooftop spot with skyline views and signature drinks.

Rhythm and Blues: Long-standing live music and dance club in Colombo.

Café Chill (Ella): Backpacker hangout with cocktails, wood-fired pizza, and good vibes.

The Taphouse by RnR (Galle Fort): Great for beers, pub grub, and fort ambiance.

Tiki Cliff Top Bar (Mirissa): Sunset drinks with a sweeping ocean panorama.

Shore by O! (Mount Lavinia): Beach bar meets nightclub—sand, sound, and spirits.

Cloud Café (Colombo): Rooftop cocktails with city views at Colombo Courtyard.

Curry Leaf Bar (Hilton): Upscale setting for arrack-based drinks and fusion bites.

King of the Mambo (Colombo): Salsa nights and mojitos by the sea.