Sri Lanka is small in size, big in experiences. Tea mountains in the morning, safari in the afternoon, beach at sunset – all in one day. But it has its own rules. Here’s what we tell our guests.
10 Essential Tips Before You Go
1. Best Time to Visit – Pick Your Coast
Sri Lanka has TWO monsoons.
- Dec to March: Best for West & South Coast – Colombo, Galle, Mirissa, Bentota + Cultural Triangle
- April to Sept: Best for East Coast – Trincomalee, Arugam Bay (for surfing)
- For 2026: Dec-Feb is peak, book 3 months ahead. March-April is sweet spot – less crowd, good weather.
2. Visa is Easy – ETA
Most nationalities (USA, UK, EU, Australia) need an ETA. Apply online at http://eta.gov.lk – $50 for 30 days. Approval in 24 hours. Keep a printout. We do it for our guests.
3. Dress Code for Temples is Strict
This is very important. For Temple of Tooth (Kandy), Sigiriya, Dambulla, Anuradhapura:
- Cover shoulders and knees (both men & women)
- Remove shoes AND socks before entering temple premises
- White clothes preferred for temples. Carry a sarong in your bag.
4. The Ramayana Trail & Sacred Sites
Don’t touch Buddha statues for a pose, don’t turn your back to Buddha for a selfie, and never pose with a Buddha tattoo visible – you can be deported for this. It’s taken very seriously.
5. Getting Around – Don’t Self-Drive
Roads are narrow, buses are wild. Best options:
- Private driver: $50-60 per day with car – most comfortable, we recommend this
- Train: Kandy to Ella is the world’s most beautiful train ride – book 1st class observation car 60 days ahead
- Tuk-tuk: Only for short rides inside cities. Always fix price before.
6. Money & SIM
Roads are narrow, buses are wild. Best options:
- Currency: Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR) – 1 USD = ∼300 LKR
- Carry cash. Cards work in Colombo hotels, but not in Ella, Mirissa, tea factories
- Buy Dialog or Mobitel SIM at Colombo airport arrival – $5 for 20GB, works everywhere
- Tipping: Not mandatory. 10% in restaurants, $5/day for driver, $3/day for guide
7. Food – Delicious but Spicy
Must try: Rice & Curry, Kottu Roti, Hoppers with egg, Pol Sambol, Fresh King Coconut
- For Foreign Stomach:* Say “Miris Malu” (less chilli). Drink only bottled water. Eat curd/yogurt daily – it helps.
8. Safari Etiquette
Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu – for leopards and elephants.
- Morning safari 5:30 AM is best
- Don’t stand up in jeep, don’t use flash
- Keep 20m distance from elephants. Never get down.
- Yala is closed in September for animal breeding.
9. Beaches – Not Like Bali/Thailand
Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu – for leopards and elephants.
- South Coast beaches (Mirissa, Unawatuna) have strong currents Dec-March. Always check red flags
- Nude/topless bathing is ILLEGAL
- Respect fishermen’s boats and nets – don’t move them for photos
10. What to Pack
Yala, Udawalawe, Wilpattu – for leopards and elephants.
- Light cotton, modest clothes, sarong
- Sunscreen, hat, mosquito repellent (dengue exists)
- Power adapter: Type D/G (same as India & UK)
- Rain jacket – even in dry season, Ella gets sudden rain
Our Advice:
Sri Lanka looks small on map, but roads are slow. 150km = 5 hours. Don’t rush 10 cities in 7 days. Pick 4 places and enjoy.
