Travel Information

My Vacation Sri Lanka

We furnish you with valuable and practical insights to ensure your experience in Sri Lanka is thoroughly enjoyable.
Sri Lanka is an island country located in South Asia, situated in the Indian Ocean to the southwest of the Bay of Bengal and to the southeast of the Arabian Sea. Its precise geographic coordinates are approximately 7.87 degrees north latitude and 80.77 degrees east longitude.
Sri Lanka generally experiences a tropical climate, with temperatures ranging from 27 to 28 degrees Celsius throughout the year.
  • Area: 65’610 sq. km
  • Capital: Colombo
  • Other main cities: Kandy, Galle, Trincomalee, and Jaffna
  • Population: 22 million.
  • The main language is Sinhala, though English is widely spoken
  • Other Languages: Tamil
  • The majority of Sri Lankans are Buddhists who place a high priority on kindness, patience, and humanity.
  • Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee
  • Electricity Voltage: 230 volts at 50 Hz
  • Electrical sockets are three-pin squire

Visa for entering Sri Lanka:

To enter Sri Lanka, a visa is necessary, obtainable either upon arrival at the airport or through the Electronic Travel Authorization System, accessible at https://www.eta.gov.lk (Ensure usage of the official ETA website).

Once the application is finalized, your visa will be dispatched to you, and it is advisable to retain a printed copy during your travels. Visa fees differ based on the purpose of the trip, whether for business, leisure, or a conference. The initial validity is for 30 days post-arrival, with the option to extend for an additional six months upon request.

Vaccinations:

Seek guidance from your general practitioner for health precautions.
Safe Travel recommends vaccinations for:
  • Rabies,
  • Japanese encephalitis,
  • Dengue fever,
  • Hepatitis,
  • Leptospirosis,
  • Typhoid.

Weather: The country has two primary seasons:

  • Maha season: is influenced by the northeast monsoon (September–March).
  • Yala season:  Characterized by the southwest monsoon (May–August).

Where to stay: Your hotel choices may include upscale getaways with luxurious amenities. But even more affordable choices ought to incorporate ceiling fans, air conditioning, and mosquito netting.

Travel gear checklist: Since Sri Lanka is hot and humid, it is recommended to wear appropriate apparel. Once in Sri Lanka, it will not be an issue to buy items that are required or forgotten.

Packing list:
  • Anti-mosquito spray
  • Zinc and sunblock
  • Wide-brimmed hat Sunglasses
  • Breathable clothing
  • Knee-length shorts (while attending places of worship)
  • Swimming costumes
  • Walking boots
  • Joggers shoes with flip-flops and socks
  • Toiletries Sarong, which is always useful
  • Insect repellent
  • Loose, long clothing for added protection
Electricity Voltage:
230 volts at 50 hertz (a voltage converter is needed for 110-volt items). Electricity plug type G sockets (three rectangular pins).
Sri Lankan holidays:
Sri Lankans revel in religious festivals, celebrating 25 public holidays each year. These encompass Buddhist festivities during Vesak, a significant global event observed on the Day of the Full Moon in May, and Hindu celebrations such as Maha Shivaratri, dedicated to honouring the deity Shiva in June.
Reflecting the diverse ethnic composition of the nation, year-round observances also include the Hindu festival of Diwali and the Muslim festival of Ramadan.

Travel Tips

Cultural etiquette:

Despite the widespread perception of Sri Lankans as kind and inviting, visitors should nonetheless try to observe local customs, such as not posing next to or turning their back on Buddhist statues. Avoid wearing attire or tattoos that can offend those who practice Buddhism. When visiting temples, dress modestly. Be aware of no photography signs and void public expressions of devotion.

Visting temples:

As a sign of respect, men and women are expected to wear covered shoulders and knees when visiting temples, stupas, and other sacred sites. Remove your shoes and hat before entering a temple, and keep your voice low when inside. It is usual to circumambulate, or move in a clockwise orientation, when visiting a stupa.

Climbing Rock Structures’:

Visitors should show respect by dressing appropriately and refraining from actions like “celebrating when getting to the top of the rock” when visiting rock formations like Ritigala, Yapahuwa, and Sigiriya.

Enjoying street food:

Rice and curry hold a special place in the hearts of Sri Lankans, known for their love of spicy cuisine. In suburban areas, a predominant choice is rice for all three meals, yet the culinary scene offers a variety of uniquely local contemporary dishes to tantalize your taste buds. Among them is the renowned kottu roti, a street food masterpiece created by chopping flatbread and mixing it with vegetables and protein such as chicken, fish, or eggs, all seasoned to your liking. What sets it apart is the rhythmic preparation technique, as chefs craft their own beat to cut the roti.

Other noteworthy delights include fish ambul thiyal (a tangy fish curry), hoppers (pancake-like finger food), and pol sambol (a versatile coconut relish that complements any dish).

Street food safety: Enjoy the local cuisine, but avoid:

  • Raw and undercooked food.
  • Food that should be served hot but has gone cold.
  • Beverages containing ice (such as iced coffees).
  • Food that may have been washed under tap water (such as salads).
  • Busy street vendors are often a sign of good food.
  • Vendors where you can see the kitchen and the preparation (hygienic).
  • Tap water—Tap water should be avoided; be sure to stick to bottled water.
  • Carry your bottle when leaving for excursions.
  • Washroom facilities—When on excursions, toilet paper will not be found freely in common washrooms. Carry spare toilet paper with you.

Photography:

Always seek permission when taking photos of people. Places like Sigiriya are photosensitive sites, and there may be notices or advice.

The top five tourist spots in Sri Lanka:

For a small country, it’s startling just how many incredible places there are to visit in Sri Lanka. Here are five of our top picks, which will appeal to families, honeymooners, and backpackers alike.

1. Beaches in the south: A tranquil coastal holiday, and those in the south of the country are some of the most picturesque. Mirissa, Hikkaduwa, and Weligama are just a few of the popular sand strips in the region. Wherever you choose, the southern beaches have great snorkeling and photogenic seascapes.

2. Kandy: A treasure for lovers of grandiose temples. The historic town of Kandy lies in the middle of the hill country and is home to some of the most significant historical sites in Sri Lanka. A visit to Kandy would not be complete without exploring the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic of Buddha. Though visitors don’t actually see the tooth itself, the temple and surrounding shrines are truly breathtaking to behold.

3. Arugam Bay: The pinnacle of a beach stay for younger travellers hitting the waves. Known as the premier surfing destination in Sri Lanka, Arugam Bay has everything you’d expect from a small surf town, great waves, affordable food, rustic hostels, and a beach party every night. Arugam Bay makes the east coast a favourite gem among surfers.

4. Yala: Yala National Park is Sri Lanka’s second-largest and most popular nature reserve. The park is located just south of Arugam Bay. Look out for wild elephants, leopards, and crocodiles—the chances are you’ll find them on a Yala safari tour. Book your tour of the park with an experienced operator.

5. Colombo: A peek into modern-day Sri Lanka. Many see Colombo only as an entry point or as a commercial hub for the country, not as a destination worth exploring. However, the capital has its fair share of temples, museums, and restaurants to keep all travellers entertained.”

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