What To Expect
Sri Lanka is what you would get if you combined India and Southeast Asia. It’s home to many ancient ruins and buddhist temples as well as beautiful beaches and spectacular scenery.
The capital Colombo is where most people start their trip and it’s a great introduction to the island’s people and culture. From there you can pick whether to follow the coast north or south, but regardless of which way you go, you’re guaranteed some amazing beaches!
Some of the most popular coastal destinations include Galle, Mirissa, Arugam Bay, Hikkaduwa Beach, Tangalle, and Bentota, each one of which is just as spectacular as the last. However, the interior also has a lot to offer like the cities of Kandy, Ella, and Nuwara Eliya as well as the ancient temples and relics of Polonnaruwa, Dambulla, and Anuradhapura.
In addition, the country is home to some stunning scenery, headlined by the famous Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Yala National Park, Adam’s Peak, Udawalawe National Park, and Bundala National Park. All those parks are also home to a variety of amazing wildlife.
Sri Lanka is full of things to see and do and despite some recent turmoil, the country is very tourist-friendly and a great vacation destination if you’re looking for a tropical getaway!
Citizens of most countries are eligible for a Visa on Arrival which is valid for up to 30 days, the price of which depends on the country. They can also choose to get an ETA in advance instead which would save them time at airports. Both visa options can be extended for up to 180 days.
If you’re not a citizen of a country that is eligible for a VoA/ETA, then you must go to the nearest Sri Lankan embassy and apply for a Tourist Visa to be granted entry.
The Hepatitis A and Typhoid vaccines are recommended, especially if traveling to rural areas. Also make sure you are up to date on your standard vaccinations and consult a health professional for further advice.
In addition, a Yellow Fever vaccination is mandatory if you are traveling to Sri Lanka from a country with a risk of YF transmission, including if you only passed through the airport.
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Key Information
Population: 21.5 Million
Capital City: Colombo
Languages Spoken: Sinhala & Tamil
Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR/Rs)
State Railway: Sri Lankan Railways (using 12Go or buying tix at stations is recommended)
Driving Side: Left
Largest Airports:
1. Colombo (CMB) – Bandaranaike
2. Hambantota (HRI) – Mattala Rajapaksa
3. Jaffna (JAF) – Palaly
4. Colombo (RML) – Ratmalana
5. Batticaloa (BTC)
Best Time To Visit
The island of Sri Lanka has a tropical climate characterized by hot weather year-round and rainfall that splits the year into a dry and wet season, the dates of which depend per region.
On the northwest and southeast coasts, the rainy monsoon season occurs from mid-autumn to mid-winter whereas on the southwest coast and in the interior regions it occurs from mid-spring to mid-winter. Meanwhile on the east coast it occurs during all of autumn and winter.
Therefore the best time to visit Sri Lanka depends on which part of the country you plan to visit. If only visiting the northwest, southeast, and/or east coasts, then the best time is during their dry season in spring and summer (March – August), but if visiting the southwest coast or the interior regions, then their dry season in late winter (January – February) is the best time to visit.
Keep in mind that the winter is the most popular time to visit Sri Lanka so try to book your transportation and accommodation in advance if traveling during this time to avoid sold-out tickets and fully-booked rooms.
High Season: December – March
Low Season: May – August
Top 5 Destinations
Sigiriya Fortress
Yala Park
Kandy
Adam's Peak
Galle
Currency Information
The currency used in Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR/Rs).
The notes come in denominations of 20 Rs, 50 Rs, 100 Rs, 500 Rs, 1000 Rs, & 5000 Rs and the coins come in denominations of 1 Rs, 2 Rs, 5 Rs, & 10 Rs.
Use the currency converter below to determine the latest exchange rate.
Tipping Guide
Tipping is not customary in Sri Lanka, but it is appreciated, especially for good service, so here are some guidelines to follow if you do wish to tip:
Hotel Bellhops: 100-200 Rs per bag
Hotel Housekeepers: 100-200 Rs per day
Restaurant Servers: up to 10% of the total bill if a service charge isn’t already included
Bartenders: round up to the nearest multiple of 100
Taxi/Uber Driver: round up to the nearest multiple of 100
Tour Guide: a service charge is typically included in the tour price so a further tip is not expected
Note: when giving tips, make sure to leave them in cash and hand them directly to the person you wish to receive them.
Power Outlet Information
Sri Lanka uses 3 different power outlet types. Since they are a former British colony, they use the Type G outlet.
However, they also use Type D and Type M outlets. Type D and Type M are similar, however they are not compatible with each other as Type M pins are larger.
It is not guaranteed that you will find an outlet of each type in every building in the country so it is recommended to travel with a compatible adapter for each one just in case.
Get your compatible Type D adapter here.
Get your compatible Type G adapter here.
Get your compatible Type M adapter here.
The voltage used in Sri Lanka is 230V. Learn more about how this may affect your electronic devices in my Guide to the Top Travel Accessories.
Cellphone Information
Sri Lanka has below average overall 4G LTE coverage and it can be spotty in rural areas. Make sure your phone is GSM-compatible with the 3G frequency and the primary 4G LTE band used in the country to ensure you will always have connection.
Learn more about this in my Guide to Travel-Ready Phones.
Information about local prepaid SIM cards in Sri Lanka
Calling Code: +94
Emergency Numbers: 119 (Police) & 110 (Ambulance & Fire)
3G Frequencies Used: 2100
4G LTE Bands Used: 3 (primary) + 8
