Things to know before travelling to Sri Lanka
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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.
- 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. - 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). - 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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. - 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). - 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).
- 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. - 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. - 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. - 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. - 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.
- 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.
- 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. - 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.
- 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. - 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).
- 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. - 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.
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.
