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Asia
Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean', Sri Lanka is a stunningly beautiful island in the Indian Ocean, with an interior of dense tropical jungles framed by sandy golden beaches. The teardrop-shaped island is made up of a mountainous landscape with more than a hundred picturesque waterfalls and innumerable hiking trails leading to breathtaking vistas such as the famous World's End.
Sri Lanka is also home to diverse wildlife, including leopards, monkeys, crocodiles, and many species of birds; it is most famous for its elephant population, however, and tourists flock to the elephant sanctuaries to get an up-close-and-personal experience with the majestic creatures.
The ancient culture of Sri Lanka is just as fascinating as its natural attractions, and sacred Buddhist cities such as Anuradhapura and Panduwasnuwara give visitors the opportunity to visit temples and other sacred sites dating back thousands of years.
A holiday in Sri Lanka isn't for travellers looking for gleaming cities and sophisticated nightlife, but cities such as Colombo and Kandy offer plenty of shopping and dining opportunities, as well as excellent museums that give unique insight into the captivating culture of Sri Lanka. While the island is often overlooked for more popular destinations such as Thailand and Indonesia, a holiday in Sri Lanka is an enticing adventure for travellers willing to go off the beaten track.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's dry season lasts from November to April on the west coast, and May to September on the east coast; so the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on where travellers want to go. The country's proximity to the Equator ensures that heat and sunshine are almost ever-present!
What to see in Sri Lanka
-See the remains of an ancient royal fortress at Sigiriya.
-Visit the ancient sacred city of Anuradhapura.
-Wander through the busy markets of Pettah.
-Get a taste of modern Buddhism at Wewurukannala Temple.
What to do in Sri Lanka
-Visit baby elephants at the Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage.
-Spot monkeys, leopards, crocodiles, elephants and other wildlife in Yala National Park.
-Go on a pilgrimage to the summit of Adam's Peak.
-Hike to World's End in Horton Plains National Park.
Getting to Sri Lanka
Getting to Sri Lanka from the UK is fairly simple, as several airlines offer direct cheap flights to Sri Lanka from London. There are no direct flights to Sri Lanka from the US; however, there are indirect flights via several major cities. International flights land at Colombo's Bandaranaike International Airport.
Read
Running in the Family by Michael Ondaatje and Anil's Ghost by Michael Ondaatje.
Listen
Viridu or Baila
Watch
Elephant Walk (1954), The Bridge on the River Kwai (1957) and Flying Fish (2011).
Drink
Ceylon Arrack, a traditional spirit distilled from the sap of the coconut flower or Portello, a carbonated grape-flavoured drink that is popular with locals.
Eat
Sri Lankan curry and rice served on banana leaves. Hoppers, a crepe-like bowl made from rice flour and coconut milk (it's a popular street food).
What to buy
Gold and silver jewellery and gemstones, brass and lacquer ware.
What to pack
It's best that travellers bring all medications and toiletries they will need, as the selection in Sri Lanka can be limited.
What's on in Sri Lanka
Traditional forms of Sri Lankan art and dance are on display in Colombo on Navam Perahera National Day.
Did you know?
-Sri Lanka is the world's largest tea exporter, although the plant was only introduced in 1824.
-Sri Lanka was the first country to have a democratically elected female head of government.
-Sri Lanka is sometimes affectionately called 'The Land of Smiling People' thanks to its friendly locals.
A final word
Breath-taking natural beauty and ancient culture make Sri Lanka the undiscovered gem of the Indian Ocean.
Things to do in Sri Lanka
Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka have accumulated over a long and interesting history, and there are many things to see, including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sri Lanka's history can be experienced at the fascinating ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara. The National Museum in Colombo is a good stop for those passing through the city, as it houses a variety of artefacts that illustrate Sri Lanka's complex culture and history. The complexity of this multi-cultural country is also apparent elsewhere in the capital city, such as in the Pettah Bazzar district, where exotic smells and goods are traded. Calmer attractions in Sri Lanka include the lovely seafront in Galle, a coastal town very popular with tourists, or the peaceful lake city of Kandy, which has many historical attractions.
For those keen to leave the cities and towns altogether, attractions include treks into Yala National Park and up Sigiriya or Adam's Peak. Of course, many prefer Sri Lanka's beautiful sandy beaches, which stretch hundreds of miles, to any amount of sightseeing. The best beach destinations in Sri Lanka include the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, on the northwest coast, the resort town of Negombo, on the west coast, and the gorgeous Weligama Bay, in the south.
Sri Lanka travel info
Electricity
Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are used.
Language
Sinhala and Tamil are the official languages, though the former has far more speakers. English is spoken at most tourist establishments.
Money
The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents. ATMs are becoming more common, though they are unlikely to accept international cards outside the main cities; major credit cards are widely accepted in major urban centres. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays.
Tipping
A 10 percent service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is appreciated for almost all services, and small amounts are sufficient; a 10 percent tip will be fine if there's any doubt as to a suitable amount.
Health
Food and water borne diseases are the primary causes for ill health in Sri Lanka. Visitors should only drink bottled water and avoid ice in drinks, and they should take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all visitors to Sri Lanka. Tourists should get vaccinated for typhoid, especially if they are staying with friends or relatives, or are visiting smaller cities or rural areas; everyone 16 years of age and older should get fully vaccinated for COVID-19. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required if travellers are arriving from countries where there is a risk of transmission.
Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and to seek medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka. Quality medical attention may be difficult to find outside of Colombo and other big cities, and medications are often in short supply. Travellers should bring any medication they may require with them.
Safety
The vast majority of trips to Sri Lanka are trouble free, though bombings in 2019 show there is now a risk of terrorism in the country. Visitors should remain vigilant and keep themselves informed of developments. Since the Sri Lankan Civil War ended in 2009, the north and east of the country have seen a growth in tourism. Violent crime against foreigners is very rare, but there have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas, and women are advised to take care when travelling alone. Credit card fraud is the most common form of crime against tourists in Sri Lanka.
Local customs
Photography near government or military buildings is prohibited in Sri Lanka and homosexuality is illegal. Topless sunbathing is not allowed, and visitors, particularly women, should cover up when entering Buddhist sites. It is considered offensive to pose for photographs in front of a Buddha statue. Smoking and drinking in public are forbidden; honour, or personal dignity, is extremely important to Sri Lankans and causing an individual to 'lose face' by public criticism or anger should be avoided.
Doing business
The dress etiquette may vary according to various sectors of business due to the warm climate. In the more formal sectors, men will be expected to wear lightweight suits, though a more casual approach is acceptable during the warmer months depending on regulation. Appointments are to be made in advance and business cards to be swopped upon first meeting. It is considered rude to be late for meetings. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm from Monday to Friday, with an hour taken for lunch.
Duty free
Visitors who are older than 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 2 litres wine and 2.5 litres spirits; perfume up to 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the value of US$250. They will also need to get a certificate of registration from the Department of Excise to import and export of any raw material or finished products of cigarettes, cigars, beedi, or pipe tobacco. The items must be declared upon arrival.
For family members travelling together, free import applies for two members. Passengers must declare personal effects to ensure free export when they arrive in Sri Lanka. Restricted items include firearms, ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits, birds and by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs or narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicules religious belief systems.
Communications
The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). Travellers can purchase local prepaid SIM cards for unlocked phones; WiFi is standard in hotels and guesthouses.
Passport & Visa
Passengers must hold return or onward tickets and all documents needed for their next destination, and should be able to show the immigration officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka. Those who prefer to arrange visas in advance can do so online or at a Sri Lankan embassy. An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can be issued on arrival but can also be filled in prior to travel to Sri Lanka. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry requirements
US nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
UK nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Canadian nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Australian nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
South African nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Irish nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
New Zealand nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required.
Useful contacts
Sri Lanka Tourism: +94 11 242 6900 or www.srilanka.travel
110 (Ambulance), 118 (Police)Embassies / consulates in other countries
Sri Lanka Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 483 4025.
Sri Lanka High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7262 1841.
Sri Lanka High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 8449.
Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6198 3756.
Sri Lanka High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 7679.
Sri Lankan Honorary Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 976 8434
Embassies / consulates in Sri Lanka
United States Embassy, Colombo: +94 11 249 8500.
British High Commission, Colombo: +94 11 539 0639.
Canadian High Commission, Colombo: +94 11 522 6232.
Australian High Commission, Colombo: + 94 11 246 3200.
South African High Commission, Colombo: + 94 11 246 3000.
Honorary Consul of Ireland, Colombo: +94 11 452 3900.
New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Sri Lanka): +91 11 2688 3170.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka's tropical climate is characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons, but there is virtually no distinction between the seasons as far as temperature is concerned, as conditions are always hot and humid. However, the occurrence of two monsoons makes the island's weather a little more complicated for travellers.
In the southwest, the Yala Monsoon brings heavy rain from May to August, and the dry season lasts from December to March. The Maha Monsoon, on the other hand, brings rain to the northern and eastern parts of the island from October to January, with the dry season lasting from May to September. The southwest receives a lot more annual rainfall than the north and east, and an intercontinental monsoon period can also cause rainfall across the island in October and November. The average temperature in Colombo and other coastal regions is 81F (27C).
Generally, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the west and south coasts and the Hill Country, and from April to September for the ancient-cities region and the east coast. Peak tourist season is from December to March, when many visitors head to Sri Lanka to escape the European winter.