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Things to know before travelling to Sri Lanka

Sanjeewa Padmal (Seerendipity)

Table of Contents

Essential Things to Know Before Travelling to Sri Lanka: Your Ultimate Guide

Are you planning a trip to the beautiful island nation of Sri Lanka? From stunning beaches and lush tea plantations to ancient temples and vibrant wildlife, this tropical paradise has something for every traveler. However, like any destination, it’s crucial to be well-prepared before you embark on your Sri Lankan adventure. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything you need to know before travelling to Sri Lanka, ensuring you have a smooth, enjoyable, and memorable experience.

1. Visa Requirements: Your Gateway to Sri Lanka

Before you start packing your bags, let’s talk about getting into the country. Most visitors to Sri Lanka need to obtain an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. Here’s what you need to know:

  • The ETA is valid for 30 days from the date of arrival.
  • You can apply online through the official ETA website.
  • The process is quick and straightforward, usually taking no more than 24 hours.
  • Fees vary depending on your nationality, so check the website for current rates.

Pro Tip: While you can get a visa on arrival, it’s better to apply in advance to avoid any potential delays at the airport.

2. Best Time to Visit: Timing Your Trip Right

Sri Lanka’s tropical climate means it’s a year-round destination, but some times are better than others depending on what you want to do and where you want to go.

  • December to March is the peak season for the west and south coasts and hill country.
  • April to September is ideal for the east coast.
  • The shoulder seasons (April-May and September-November) can offer a good balance of weather and fewer crowds.

Remember: Sri Lanka has two monsoon seasons affecting different parts of the island, so research the weather patterns for your specific destinations.

3. Getting Around: Navigating the Pearl of the Indian Ocean

Sri Lanka offers various transportation options to suit different budgets and preferences:

  • Trains: Scenic and cheap, but can be crowded. The Kandy to Ella train ride is a must-do!
  • Buses: Very cheap but often crowded and not always comfortable for long journeys.
  • Tuk-tuks: Great for short distances within cities and towns.
  • Taxis and car rentals: More expensive but offer convenience and comfort.
  • Domestic flights: Useful for covering long distances quickly.

Insider Tip: Consider hiring a driver for longer trips. It’s a popular option that offers convenience and local insights.

4. Accommodation: Where to Rest Your Head

Sri Lanka caters to all types of travelers with its diverse range of accommodation options:

  • Luxury resorts: Perfect for those seeking high-end amenities and services.
  • Boutique hotels: Offer unique, often locally-inspired experiences.
  • Guesthouses and homestays: Great for budget travelers and those wanting to experience local life.
  • Eco-lodges: Ideal for nature lovers and environmentally conscious travelers.

Booking Advice: In peak season, book well in advance, especially for popular destinations like Ella, Mirissa, and Sigiriya.

5. Food and Drink: A Culinary Adventure

Sri Lankan cuisine is a delightful fusion of flavors that’s sure to tantalize your taste buds. Here’s what you should know:

  • Rice and curry is the staple dish, often served with multiple side dishes.
  • Seafood is excellent, especially along the coast.
  • Street food is delicious but be cautious about hygiene.
  • Don’t miss trying hoppers, kottu rotti, and fresh king coconut water.

Food Safety Tip: Stick to bottled water and avoid ice in drinks to prevent stomach issues.

6. Health and Safety: Staying Well on Your Travels

While Sri Lanka is generally a safe destination, it’s always good to be prepared:

  • Get travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and evacuations.
  • Vaccinations: Check with your doctor about recommended vaccinations.
  • Mosquito-borne diseases are present, so use repellent and cover up in the evenings.
  • Be cautious when swimming in the ocean, as some beaches have strong currents.

Emergency Number: 119 for police, fire, and ambulance services.

7. Cultural Etiquette: Respecting Local Customs

Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality, and respecting local customs will enhance your experience:

  • Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.
  • Remove shoes and cover shoulders when entering temples.
  • Public displays of affection are frowned upon.
  • Use your right hand for eating and giving/receiving objects.

Cultural Insight: A slight bow with hands pressed together in a prayer-like gesture is a common greeting.

8. Money Matters: Managing Your Finances

Understanding the local currency and payment methods will make your trip smoother:

  • The local currency is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).
  • ATMs are widely available in cities and tourist areas.
  • Credit cards are accepted in most hotels and larger restaurants.
  • Always have some cash on hand, especially in rural areas.

Currency Tip: It’s illegal to import or export Sri Lankan Rupees, so exchange your money within the country.

9. Connectivity: Staying in Touch

Keeping connected in Sri Lanka is relatively easy:

  • Wi-Fi is available in most hotels and many cafes.
  • Local SIM cards are cheap and easy to obtain for mobile data.
  • Internet cafes are available in tourist areas.

Tech Tip: Download offline maps and translation apps before your trip.

10. Wildlife Encounters: Respecting Nature

Sri Lanka is famous for its diverse wildlife, including elephants, leopards, and numerous bird species:

  • National parks like Yala and Udawalawe offer excellent safari experiences.
  • Whale watching is popular in Mirissa and Trincomalee.
  • Always maintain a safe distance from wild animals.
  • Choose ethical wildlife experiences that prioritize animal welfare.

Eco-Friendly Reminder: Never feed wild animals or leave litter in natural areas.

11. Packing Essentials: What to Bring

Packing smart can make a big difference to your comfort:

  • Lightweight, breathable clothing
  • Modest attire for temple visits
  • Good walking shoes
  • Sunscreen and insect repellent
  • Reusable water bottle
  • Power adapter (Sri Lanka uses type D, M, and G sockets)

Packing Tip: Leave some space in your luggage for souvenirs like tea, spices, and handicrafts!

12. Language: Communicating with Locals

While many Sri Lankans in tourist areas speak English, learning a few local phrases can go a long way:

  • “Ayubowan” – Hello/Welcome
  • “Istuti” – Thank you
  • “Kohomada” – How are you?
  • “Karunakara” – Please

Language Note: Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil.

13. Bargaining: The Art of Negotiation

Bargaining is common in markets and with tuk-tuk drivers:

  • Start at about half the initial asking price.
  • Be friendly and respectful during negotiations.
  • Be prepared to walk away if you can’t agree on a price.

Bargaining Etiquette: Once you agree on a price, honor it.

14. Tipping: Showing Appreciation

Tipping isn’t mandatory in Sri Lanka, but it’s appreciated:

  • Restaurants: 10% is standard if service charge isn’t included.
  • Hotels: 100-200 LKR for porters.
  • Tuk-tuk drivers: Round up the fare.
  • Tour guides: 500-1000 LKR per day.

Tipping Tip: Always tip in local currency.

15. Responsible Tourism: Traveling Sustainably

As a visitor, you have the power to positively impact the places you visit:

  • Support local businesses and artisans.
  • Choose eco-friendly accommodations and tour operators.
  • Respect wildlife and natural habitats.
  • Be mindful of water usage, especially in rural areas.
  • Avoid single-use plastics.

Before visiting Sri Lanka, there are 23 things you should know.

Despite its turbulent recent past, Sri Lanka, which is located in tropical waters off the southern tip of India, is known for its kind Buddhist culture, hospitable people, and easygoing way of life.

For a simple journey to this island in the Indian Ocean, a little preparation goes a long way. Sri Lanka is incredibly diverse for such a small country. With the bonus that no place is too far from a beach, surf-beaten coastlines climb to temple-studded plains, jungle-covered hills, and forested national parks.

Most tourists begin their journey on the coast and head inland to tea gardens, historic cities, and national parks; nevertheless, newcomers may find it challenging to navigate Sri Lanka’s chaotic public transportation system and cultural sensitivity. Here are some tips and information you should be aware of before visiting Sri Lanka.

  1. Submit an early visa application
    Check the most recent Sri Lankan visa requirements as a first step. The majority of nations require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before departing, although obtaining one is fortunately not difficult.
  2. Verify your immunization records for travel.
    Because Sri Lanka is a tropical country, ensure sure your travel immunizations are current by consulting your physician. Immunizations against polio, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, and diphtheria are advised for travelers to Sri Lanka. Extended visitors may also want to think about getting vaccinated against rabies and typhoid (rabies is rare but can be deadly; dogs, cats, and monkeys can carry it).
  3. Arrange your travel schedule around the monsoons
    The southwest monsoon, which brings lots of rain and rough seas, batters Sri Lanka’s west and south coasts from May to September, while the island’s northern and eastern regions enjoy pleasant, dry weather. The south and west of Sri Lanka experience their peak rainfall during the northeast monsoon, which occurs between November and March in the country’s eastern and northern regions.

Actually, Sri Lanka experiences very erratic monsoon rainfall; extended, scorching sunny spells are punctuated with brief, intense downpours. There are benefits to visiting different locations of Sri Lanka during their rainy “off-seasons”; visitor numbers decline and accommodation charges considerably decrease.

  1. During religious events and full moon days, alcohol is not sold.
    There are many bank holidays in Sri Lanka, and nearly half of them are poya days, which commemorate the full moon’s arrival—an auspicious occasion in Sri Lankan Buddhism. All poya days are dry days; while you can still use the minibar in your hotel room, alcohol is not served in stores, restaurants, or bars on these days. Other religious celebrations, including the Buddhist festival of Vesak in May, are likewise prohibited from serving alcohol.
  2. Bring cash; Sri Lankan rupees are accepted as payment.
    When you get to Sri Lanka, stock up on rupees; don’t change more than you need. It is difficult to exchange Sri Lankan rupees outside of the country. There are ATMs all around the nation; if at all possible, use Bank of Ceylon ATMs as they don’t charge fees. In larger hotels, restaurants, and tourist-oriented shops, card machines are standard.

Whenever you can, try to accumulate a supply of lower denomination notes (e.g., withdraw LKR5900 instead of LKR6000). Small bills are necessary for tipping, purchasing goods from neighborhood stores and marketplaces, and paying for tuk-tuks. Since dollars, euros, and pounds sterling are all commonly accepted in tourist locations, having sufficient cash on hand is also recommended.

  1. Be reasonable about the distance you can travel.
    Due to its winding routes and sparse road network across the heart of the island, traveling around Sri Lanka takes surprisingly long. Along with these challenges, drivers must deal with poorly maintained roads and roving animals, including buffalo, cows, stray dogs, and even elephants. Don’t rush; do the island justice. A full tour of the island, including stops at national parks, historic cities, and inland tea farms, will take you at least a month.

The expanding highway system in Sri Lanka makes it possible to get from Colombo to southern cities like Galle, Matara, and Tangalla rather quickly. The Hill Country is the most difficult area to travel through due to its winding, clogged roads; instead, think about exploring by train.

  1. Bring the appropriate equipment for the hills and holy places of Sri Lanka.
    The mountains of Sri Lanka rise to heights of more than 2,000 meters (6,560 feet), and the interior experiences colder temperatures than the coastal regions. For evenings that are colder and early mornings (especially from December to March), bring a lightweight jumper. Additionally, pack a sarong for use as a beach blanket or towel, a shawl or skirt to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting temples, and a warm layer for pre-dawn safari jeep trips or air-conditioned bus rides.
  2. Schedule the hill country trains in advance.
    Sri Lanka Railways, which also offers services on the magnificent Main Line that winds through the island’s tallest mountains, cloud forests, and tea gardens as it heads east from Colombo, runs the nation’s trains. The route between Kandy and Ella is very breathtaking and well-liked by both locals and visitors.

To ensure a seat, purchase tickets in air-conditioned first class or fan-cooled second class well in advance. You can do this online via booking websites like seerendipitytours.com or in person at stations. Tickets go on sale ten days in advance, and they sell out fast.

  1. Only wear swimwear at the beach.
    Sri Lankans are primarily quite religious and socially conservative. Swimwear is appropriate for the beach but inappropriate for exploring the town. It is forbidden to go topless or naked on any beach in Sri Lanka.
  2. Steer clear of loud conduct and public adoration.
    It’s not appropriate to show affection in public or act brashly or loudly. You should also avoid losing your temper in public (which is something you should never do while haggling).
  3. When visiting temples, wear appropriate clothing
    Wear attire that covers your shoulders, upper arms, and legs when visiting places of worship. Even if the location is a historic ruin, you must take off your shoes and headgear before entering any Buddhist or Hindu temple or mosque. You’re allowed to wear socks, and on really hot, bright days, you’ll need them.

In Jaffna and the north, where a distinct Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu culture predominates, tourists are less popular. When visiting Hindu temples, observe local customs and obtain permission before entering, as many shrines are off-limits to non-Hindus. Men are also required to take off their shirts and visit certain temples bare-chested (like the enormous Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil in Jaffna).

  1. Honor Buddha statues
    Buddha images are sacred to Sri Lankan Buddhists, and they should always be treated with reverence. Keep your tattoos of Buddhist imagery hidden, and avoid wearing apparel with Buddha motifs—people have been deported from Sri Lanka for displaying “disrespectful” Buddha images. The same guidelines apply to statues: facing away from a Buddha image or taking selfies with a Buddha statue are strictly forbidden.
  2. Exercise consideration when shooting pictures.
    Consent should always be obtained before taking pictures of people. Be aware that you can be requested for payment if you take pictures of the well-known stilt fishermen in Koggala (because real stilt fishermen are becoming a rare breed). In addition to being prohibited in military areas and temples, flash photography may be completely outlawed at certain Hindu locations. When taking pictures of temples, take care not to angle your camera so that your back is facing a Buddha statue.
  3. When eating, use your right hand.
    Sri Lankans have traditionally eaten with their right hand, combining rice and curries with the tips of their fingers to form small balls, then delicately pushing the food into their mouths with their thumb. If you are invited to a local home for dinner, you might be persuaded to do this, but always wash your hands beforehand for hygienic reasons. Do not eat or shake hands with your left hand, as it is meant for less hygienic activities like personal hygiene.
  4. Tipping is expected.
    In Sri Lanka, tipping is customary, and a lot of restaurant employees depend on the additional money it generates. Use the typical 10% tip added by most larger hotels and restaurants as a reference for determining how much to tip in establishments that do not.
  5. Allow space for wildlife
    A British journalist was killed in 2017 when a crocodile seized him from a lagoon close to Arugam Bay. Although these attacks are uncommon, stay on the lookout in rivers and lagoons. There are no dangerous sharks in Sri Lanka, but there are toxic snakes in wet locations on land, including rice fields.

Watch out for elephants, whether driving or walking in the hills or on the routes that go to national parks. Be prepared to retreat if you spot one, and maintain a safe distance. Never feed a wild elephant, since doing so teaches the animal to associate people with food and makes them more aggressive.

  1. Adhere to standard safety procedures
    When it comes to small-time criminality, Sri Lanka ranks among the safest nations in Asia. Although they do occur infrequently, theft and robbery are not commonplace, and violence against tourists is extremely unusual. Use your hotel safe and wear a money belt as a precaution.

Walking alone on deserted beaches should be done with caution, and female travelers should avoid traveling alone at night, especially on public transportation. Long sleeves and dresses are culturally appropriate and will lessen the likelihood of harassment, given Sri Lanka’s traditional culture.

  1. Avoid consuming tap water.
    Although it’s theoretically possible to brush your teeth with Sri Lankan tap water, we don’t advise doing so because it’s not safe to drink. There’s no shortage of bottled water, and better hotels supply their guests with pure drinking water. If you do purchase bottled water, make sure the seal is unbroken and search for the certification mark for Sri Lankan requirements. It is preferable to fill your own drinking water bottle from a large bottle rather than purchasing numerous small plastic bottles. Empty bottles should always be disposed of appropriately.
  2. Watch out for pickpockets and scammers
    Scammers are searching for tourists to defraud or fool with money in Galle Fort, Kandy, and Galle Face Green in Colombo. Never purchase stones from street vendors, as they are most likely plausible imitations made of colored glass, and be wary of any store seeking to sell you jewels that you can “sell at a profit back home.” Don’t trust agents, especially if they find you first; instead, get information directly from operators and from official tourism agencies.

On crowded buses and trains, as well as when exploring congested neighborhoods like Colombo’s Pettah market district, keep your cash and valuables hidden. Tourists should beware of tuk-tuk drivers who tend to overcharge. Request that they use the meter (and choose another tuk-tuk if they refuse), or use the local PickMe app or Uber to book a ride.

  1. Take precautions to avoid mosquitoes
    In Sri Lanka, one of the main health risks are mosquito bites. Even while malaria is no longer a threat, mosquitoes can still spread the painful and sometimes fatal dengue fever. There are no dengue immunizations available, and the only effective treatment is symptom reduction. Cover up at dawn and dusk, sleep under a mosquito net, and use strong repellent with a high DEET (diethyltoluamide) content to protect yourself.
  2. Drive carefully in Sri Lanka
    One of the main risks for tourists visiting Sri Lanka is traffic. Bus crashes, which frequently involve pedestrians, are also an issue. Motorcycle and truck accidents are also frequent. Overtaking too closely, overloading, and making an abrupt stop to pick up passengers by the side of the road are common causes of collisions.

Drivers for private bus companies typically drive more carelessly than their counterparts in the government-run SLTB. Be cautious when crossing any highways and don’t expect cars to stop at pedestrian crossings (sidewalks are infrequent in Sri Lanka).

  1. Never undervalue the sea
    Although Sri Lanka has beautiful beaches, there aren’t many lifeguards on duty, and strong currents can be dangerous, especially during the monsoon season. Drowning is the second most prevalent cause of death among tourists, after traffic accidents, and many beaches have steep shelving. Consult a local before entering uncharted water.
  2. Natural catastrophes can occur
    Among the nations most severely impacted by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which killed over 35,000 people and destroyed many coastal towns, was Sri Lanka. Early warning systems have been installed in major towns and resorts following the tragedy, but not in remote, rural regions, so be on the lookout for any symptoms of an earthquake or a tsunami.

ty initiatives if you have the opportunity.

Conclusion: Your Sri Lankan Adventure Awaits!

Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to embark on your Sri Lankan adventure! From the stunning beaches of the south to the misty mountains of the central highlands, from ancient ruins to modern cities, Sri Lanka offers a diverse range of experiences that will leave you with memories to last a lifetime.

Remember, while it’s great to be prepared, don’t forget to leave room for spontaneity and unexpected discoveries. Some of the best travel experiences come from stepping off the beaten path and embracing the unknown.

So pack your bags, bring your sense of adventure, and get ready to explore the Pearl of the Indian Ocean. Sri Lanka, with its warm people, rich culture, and breathtaking landscapes, is waiting to welcome you. Safe travels!

Localized flooding during the southwest and northeast monsoons, which can result in landslides in highland areas, is the most frequent natural disaster in Sri Lanka. Drought spells and tropical cyclones can also affect Sri Lanka. Save the nation’s Disaster Management Center website as a bookmark for the most recent weather alerts and scenario updates.

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