Travel Tips

Sri Lanka is a year-round destination. The southwestern coast, where most beach resorts are located, is best from November to April. The central highlands are pleasantly cool and relatively dry from January to April. The peak season is mid-December to mid-January and March–April during Easter, with a mini peak in July–August when festivals and pageants are held throughout the country.

Passports must be valid for at least 6 months beyond the intended length of stay. Depending on your country of origin, tourist visas may be obtained on arrival. Details are available online at www.eta.gov.lk. We strongly advise you to check visa requirements well in advance of your departure date. Keep your documents and valuables safe, either on your person, in the room-safe found in many hotels, or with hotel reception.

All major credit cards are accepted throughout Sri Lanka. ATM cashpoints are widely available. The national currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), while many tourist shops accept USD, Euro, and other major currencies. As a rough guide, carry 3,000–5,000 rupees in cash for smaller shops and tips. Your driver or guide can arrange currency exchange at banks or licensed money-changers.

Light, loosely-fitting clothing is a must in Sri Lanka's hot and humid tropical climate. In the Hill Country, pack a jacket, sweater or fleece as high altitudes bring cooler temperatures. Most importantly, you must be fully covered — including long dresses or trousers — when visiting Buddhist temples and other places of worship. Swimwear is appropriate around pool or beach areas, but not inside hotels.

Sri Lanka's tourism and health authorities enforce western food and hygiene standards, and stomach complaints are rare. We recommend drinking only bottled water. If you feel queasy — perhaps after indulging in some hot and spicy culinary delicacies — king coconut water is renowned for settling an upset stomach. Sri Lankan cuisine features a fragrant blend of cinnamon, ginger, pepper, vanilla, and cardamom.

If you're new to the tropics, the heat, humidity, and first-time exposure to hot and spicy cuisine might leave you feeling out of sorts. Keep paracetamol handy, plus an effervescent antacid. Stay hydrated — drink at least a litre of water per hour when out and about. Sun cream with the right UV filter factor for your skin type is essential, as UV rays are particularly strong in the tropics.

Photographing airports, dams, roadblocks, and anything related to security or the military is strictly forbidden. Do not pose beside, in front of, or in any way disrespect a statue or image of the Buddha. Always ask permission before photographing local people. Early morning and late afternoon offer the best golden-hour light for landscape photography across the island.

Power is standard 230V throughout the island. You might need a multi-plug adapter, particularly for phone, tablet and battery chargers. It's also useful to carry a torch (flashlight) in case a seasonal lightning storm temporarily knocks out the power supply.