23 things you need to know before going to Sri Lanka

Emma Boyle

Oct 14, 2023 • 11 min read

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Get to grips with Sri Lanka's complex culture with these top tips on health, safety and etiquette © Cavan Images / Getty Images

Floating in tropical waters off the southern tip of India, Sri Lanka is defined by its gentle Buddhist culture, friendly people and laid-back way of life despite its troubled recent history.

A little knowledge goes a long way when it comes to having an easy trip to this Indian Ocean island. For such a small nation, Sri Lanka is hugely diverse. Surf-pounded coastlines rise to forested national parks , temple-studded plains and jungle-covered highlands - with the added perk that nowhere is that far from a  beach .

Most visitors start on the coast and duck inland to tea gardens, ancient cities and national parks, but navigating Sri Lanka 's frenetic public transport system and cultural sensitivities can be confusing for new arrivals. To help you out, here are some of the things you need to know before traveling to Sri Lanka.

1. Apply for a visa in advance

As a first step, check the latest visa requirements for Sri Lanka. Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance of travel, but fortunately, they're not hard to get.

2. Check your travel vaccinations

Sri Lanka is a tropical destination, so check with your doctor to make sure you're up to date with your travel vaccinations. Recommended vaccinations for Sri Lanka include diphtheria, tetanus, hepatitis A, hepatitis B and polio. Long stayers might also consider getting vaccinated against typhoid and rabies (although rare, rabies can be fatal, and it's carried by dogs, cats and monkeys in Sri Lanka).

3. Plan your trip according to the monsoons

Between May and September , the south coast and west coast of Sri Lanka are lashed by the southwest monsoon, which brings plenty of rainfall and choppy seas, while northern and eastern parts of the island are fine and dry. When the northeast monsoon hits Sri Lanka between November and March, the south and west are at their best, and it's the northern and eastern parts of Sri Lanka that see the showers.

In fact, monsoon rainfall in Sri Lanka is quite sporadic – expect short, sharp downpours interspersed with long, hot sunny spells. Traveling to different parts of Sri Lanka during their rainy "off-seasons" has its rewards – visitor numbers fall and hotel rates drop quite significantly.

Sri Lankan Buddhists gather at a temple building in front of burning insence

4. There's no alcohol for sale on full moon days and religious events

Sri Lanka has a huge number of bank holidays, and almost half of these are poya days, marking the arrival of the full moon, an auspicious event in Sri Lankan Buddhism. All poya days are dry days – alcohol is not sold in shops, restaurants or bars (though you can still access your hotel room’s minibar). The ban on alcohol also extends to other religious events such as the Buddhist festival of Vesak in May.

5. Carry cash: the currency is the Sri Lankan rupee

Stock up on rupees on arrival in Sri Lanka, not before, and don't change more than you need. Sri Lankan rupees are hard to exchange outside of Sri Lanka. ATMs are widespread all over the country – stick to Bank of Ceylon ATMs where possible as they don't charge a fee. Card machines are common in larger hotels, restaurants and tourist-oriented shops.

Try to build up a stash of lower denomination notes wherever possible (for example, withdraw LKR5900 rather than LKR6000). You'll need small bills to pay for tuk-tuks and buy things from local shops and markets and for tipping. Carrying some cash in dollars, euros or pounds sterling is also useful – all are widely accepted in tourist areas.

6. Be realistic about how much ground you can cover

It takes a surprising amount of time to travel around Sri Lanka thanks to winding routes and the limited number of roads crossing the interior of the island. Traffic also has to navigate a variety of hazards including badly surfaced roads and roaming wildlife (buffaloes, cows, feral dogs and even elephants). To do the island justice, don’t rush. You’ll need at least a month for a circuit of the island with detours to national parks, ancient cities and tea plantations inland.

Thanks to Sri Lanka’s improving expressway network, road travel from Colombo to southern towns such as Galle ,  Matara and  Tangalla is fairly rapid. With its twisting, congested roads, the  Hill Country is the most time-consuming region to navigate (consider taking trains to explore instead).

Two young children run out of the sea towards their parents on a sandy beach backed by palm trees

7. Pack the right gear for Sri Lanka’s hills and religious sites

Sri Lanka’s mountains reach elevations of over 2,000m (6,560ft) and temperatures are lower in the highlands than on the coast. Pack a light jumper for cooler nights and early morning starts (particularly between December and March). Also bring a sarong – you can use it as a beach blanket or towel, as a shawl or skirt to cover your shoulders or knees when visiting temples, and as a warm layer when traveling on air-conditioned buses or for pre-dawn safari jeep drives.

8. Plan ahead for the hill country trains

Sri Lanka Railways runs the nation's trains, including services on the spectacular Main Line, which slices east from Colombo  through the island’s highest mountains, cloud forests and tea estates. It’s a stunning journey and hugely popular with tourists and locals alike, particularly the section between Kandy and Ella .

Book tickets in air-conditioned first class or fan-cooled second class well ahead to guarantee a seat, either in person at stations or online via booking sights such as 12GoAsia . Tickets are released 10 days prior and sell out quickly.

9. Swimwear is for the beach only

For the most part, Sri Lankans are socially conservative and deeply religious. Swimwear is fine for the beach, but not when wandering about town. Going nude or topless is not permitted on any Sri Lankan beaches.

10. Avoid public affection and disruptive behavior

Public displays of affection are frowned on, as is loud or brash behavior, and losing your temper in public (keep this in mind when haggling – this should never be an angry process).

Two bare-foot monks enter the ruins of a temple building

11. Dress respectfully when visiting temples

When making trips to religious sites, wear clothing that covers the legs and upper arms and shoulders. Remove your shoes and headwear before entering any Buddhist or Hindu temple or mosque, even if the site is a historic ruin. Socks are allowed (and you'll need them on scorching hot sunny days).

Tourists are less common in  Jaffna and the north where a distinct Sri Lankan Tamil Hindu culture predominates. Respect local etiquette when visiting Hindu temples – ask for permission before entering as non-Hindus are barred from entering some shrines. Some temples also require men to remove shirts and enter bare-chested (for example, Jaffna’s vast Nallur Kandaswamy Kovil ).

12. Show respect to Buddha images

Sri Lankan Buddhists take depictions of the Buddha very seriously and these should always be treated with respect. People have been deported from Sri Lanka for displaying "disrespectful" Buddha images, so avoid wearing clothing with Buddha images and if you have tattoos of Buddhist iconography, keep these covered. The same rules apply to statues – posing for selfies with a Buddha statue is a definite no-no, as is turning your back toward a Buddha image.

13. Be considerate when taking photographs

When photographing people, always ask for permission first. Note that if you photograph the famous stilt fishers at Koggala, you may be asked for payment (genuine stilt fishers are a rare breed nowadays). Flash photography isn’t allowed in temples (nor in the vicinity of military sites) and taking photos may be banned entirely at some Hindu sites. If you are photographing temples, be careful not to stand with your back toward a Buddha statue while you are snapping.

14. Use your right hand to eat

Traditionally, Sri Lankans eat with their right hand, using the tips of their fingers to mix rice and curry into little balls, and their thumb to gently push the food into their mouths. You may be encouraged to try this if you are invited into a local home for a meal, but always wash your hands first for hygiene reasons. Avoid eating (or shaking hands) with your left hand as it is used for less sanitary tasks such as personal ablutions.

15. Tipping is customary

Tipping is a way of life in Sri Lanka and many restaurant workers rely on the extra income this practice brings. Most larger hotels and restaurants add a 10% tip as standard; use this as a guide for how much to tip in places that don’t. 

Tourists photographing elephants from vehicles in grassland

16. Give wildlife space

In 2017, a British journalist died after being snatched by a crocodile at a lagoon near  Arugam Bay . Such attacks are rare, but they happen so be vigilant in rivers and lagoons. Dangerous sharks are not a problem in Sri Lanka, but poisonous snakes are found in waterlogged areas on land such as paddy fields. 

Keep a keen lookout for elephants on roads leading to national parks or when walking or driving in the hills. If you see one, keep your distance and be ready to back away. Never feed a wild elephant – this habituates elephants to associate humans with food and act aggressively.

17. Take standard safety precautions

Sri Lanka is one of the safest countries in Asia when it comes to petty crime. Violence against tourists is very rare, and theft and robberies are uncommon, though they do happen occasionally. As a precaution, wear a money belt and use your hotel safe.

Female travelers should avoid traveling alone at night, particularly on public transport, and take care walking alone on empty beaches. Given Sri Lanka’s conservative culture, long sleeves and dresses are culturally appropriate and will reduce the chance of being harassed.

18. Do not drink the tap water

Sri Lanka's tap water could theoretically be used for brushing your teeth but we don't recommend it, and it's certainly not safe for drinking. Bottled water is plentiful and better hotels provide clean drinking water for guests. If you do buy bottled water, check that the seal is intact and look for the Sri Lanka standards certification mark. Always dispose of empty bottles responsibly – filling your own drinking water bottle from a large bottle is better than buying lots of small plastic bottles.

A beachside fort with a tall watch tower

19. Beware of scams and pickpockets

Scammers are active in  Galle Fort , Kandy and Colombo’s Galle Face Green , looking for tourists to cheat or charm out of money. Never buy gems hawked on the street – they will almost certainly be convincing fakes made from colored glass – and be dubious of any shop trying to sell you gems to "sell at a profit back home." Seek out information from official tourist offices and directly from operators rather than trusting agents, particularly if they seek you out first.   

Keep your money and valuables out of sight when on busy trains and buses, and when exploring crowded areas streets such as Colombo’s Pettah market district . Tuk-tuks have a habit of overcharging tourists – ask drivers to use the meter (and take another tuk-tuk if they refuse), or order a ride via Uber or local app,  PickMe .

20. Protect yourself against mosquitoes

Mosquito bites are one of the biggest health concerns in Sri Lanka. Although malaria has been eliminated, mosquitoes can carry debilitating dengue fever, a painful illness that can have serious side effects. No vaccinations are available for dengue and treatment can only reduce symptoms. Protect yourself by covering up at dawn and dusk, sleeping under a mosquito net and wearing strong repellent containing high levels of DEET ( diethyltoluamide ).

21. Be road-safe in Sri Lanka

Traffic is one of the biggest dangers facing visitors to Sri Lanka. Accidents involving motorcycles and lorries are common, and bus collisions – often involving pedestrians – are also a problem. Common causes of accidents include dangerous overtaking, overloading and pulling in suddenly to pick up passengers on the roadside.

Private bus company drivers tend to drive more recklessly than their government-run, SLTB counterparts. Don’t expect vehicles to stop at pedestrian crossings and keep your wits about you when walking beside any roads (sidewalks are rare in Sri Lanka).

A surfer stands on the edge of a sandy beach looking out to sea

22. Never underestimate the ocean

Sri Lanka's beaches may be idyllic, but there are few lifeguards and strong currents are a danger (particularly during the monsoon seasons). Many beaches shelve steeply and drowning is the second most common cause of death among tourists after road accidents. Seek local advice before swimming in unfamiliar water.

23. Natural disasters are a risk

Sri Lanka was one of the countries worst affected by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami, which swept away more than 35,000 people and devastated many coastal areas. Following the disaster, early warning systems have been put in place in major towns and resorts, but not in rural, isolated areas, so be alert to signs of earthquakes and tsunamis.

The most common natural disaster in Sri Lanka is localized flooding during the southwest and northeast monsoons, which can cause landslides in highland areas. Sri Lanka is also vulnerable to tropical cyclones and periods of drought. For up-to-date weather warnings and situation reports, bookmark the country’s Disaster Management Center website .

This article was first published March 2022 and updated October 2023

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I'm more into nature and plan on doing both national park safaris and wondering on if anyone would like to join me which would also help me spread the cost of going on my own?

Or has anyone got any suggestions on must sees in Sri Lanka and where to go to meet new people?

Thank you 😁

Ps I'm not interested in touts trying to sell me tours or packages...I ain't buying online so genuine interest only please 🙂

' class=

Hello Corrie,

I was wondering if you fmgot any replies and if it did work out for you? Im in a simular situation! so Im curious. greets Maggy

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Hi buddy I can join you if you don't mind

Hi am in sri lanka for 10 days for holiday if any one intrested in joining me to go to yala safari and up to Hill side please drop me a mail. I can take care of the expenses as long as you be a good companion.

Hi dear I can take you around. If you don't mind give you my phone number you call me we can discuss and fixed it up

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SPECIAL Sri Lanka Taxi & Tours Deals by Sri Lanka Travel Buddy

  • Post author By deals
  • Post date March 12, 2020
  • No Comments on Colombo

To From Trincomalee Price Colombo Airport Trincomalee 17,000LKR Trincomalee to Colombo Airport Trincomalee 16,400LKR Colombo City Trincomalee 18,500LKR Mattala Airport Trincomalee 23,000LKR Anuradhapura Trincomalee 8,000LKR Dambulla/ Habarana Trincomalee 8,000LKR Ella Trincomalee 19,000LKR Habarana Trincomalee 8,000LKR Kandy Trincomalee 13,500LKR Negombo Trincomalee 16,400LKR Nuwara Eliya Trincomalee 18,000LKR Pasikudha/Kalkudha Trincomalee 0,000LKR Polonnaruwa Trincomalee 9,000LKR Ritigala Trincomalee 7,000LKR Sigiriya […]

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COMMENTS

  1. Sri Lanka Travel Blog

    Sri Lanka Travel Buddy is a Sri Lanka Travel blog run by a LOCAL blogger. This blog about comprehensive budget travel guide to Sri Lanka with inside tips and advice on things to do, transport, ways to save money, cost information, tours operatour & hotel reviews.

  2. How to Travel Colombo to Sigiriya? Guide by a LOCAL TRAVEL BLOGGER

    By Taxi. Sigiriya is significantly far from Colombo. The undesirable thing is no direct bus and train head out to Sigiriya from Colombo, which means that the most effective option to get there from Colombo to Sigiriya by Taxi. Colombo to Sigiriya distance is about 150 km and Colombo to Sigiriya taxi cost could be between 12,500-18,000 (LKR ...

  3. Find a Travel Buddy in Sri Lanka, Share Costs, & Travel Together

    Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

  4. Find A Travel Buddy in Colombo, Share Costs & Travel Together

    Our multi-step verification process includes social media, phone number, and a valid government ID, so you can be confident in your potential travel companion. With adventurers from over 190 countries, you can connect, chat, and find the perfect travel buddy to meet up with on GAFFL.

  5. Sri Lanka Travel Buddies 2023

    Are you thinking about visiting Sri Lanka or are you already here and look for someone to travel with? Do you need some tips, recommendations? Do you...

  6. Find a Travel Buddy in Sri Lanka

    What does it cost to travel to Sri Lanka? Budget / Backpackers (Stay in hostels) The cheapest fee for a private double room was LKR1,500 (US$10.40), while off-season rates for a double room range from LKR3,000-3,500 (US$21-25) in several of the seaside towns.

  7. 23 things to know before traveling to Sri Lanka

    To help you out, here are some of the things you need to know before traveling to Sri Lanka. 1. Apply for a visa in advance. As a first step, check the latest visa requirements for Sri Lanka. Most nationalities need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) in advance of travel, but fortunately, they're not hard to get. 2.

  8. Sri Lanka Tour Buddy

    During this time, I gained lots of experience and went to many places or destinations around this amazing island. Sri Lanka Tour Buddy is my concept of tourism in Sri Lanka and I here to provide you with unique and unmatched experiences. Contact : +94 77 34 50 169; Address : Katunayake, Sri Lanka; [email protected]

  9. Travel Buddies

    Travel Buddies. 922 likes · 1 talking about this. # Who are Travel Buddies? "We are Group of friends who are obsessed with traveling around Sri Lanka

  10. Travelbuddy Sri Lanka: Find Sri Lanka travelmates

    Here you can find travel partners for Sri Lanka, who like you travel and are open to new things from all over the world. Sri Lanka All Trips . All Trips . Slide 1 of 1 . Sri Lanka. 7 . with Sri (kanthi) Sujeeva. Tropical Paradise - the New Year Delights : Celebrate in Sri Lanka .

  11. Sri Lanka Travel Advice for Tourists

    Just like any other tourist distination Sri Lanka also has scamers. Let me expose some common Sri Lanka scams which are often use to cheat tourists. 1 Tuk-Tuk Scam. The tuk-tuk scam is widespread in Sri Lanka. The driver will insist you to ride with him and tell you about the places where some celebrations are done.

  12. Find travel buddies in Sri Lanka

    GAFFL is a matchmaker site for travelers to find a travel buddy, travel partner or a travel companion. Connect with travelers & locals, plan your trip, meet up and travel together. ... Log in or Join GAFFL to view all trips in Sri Lanka GO UNLIMITED Unlock GAFFL Exclusive Benefits. Hidden Rates & Save Up To 60% on Stays Worldwide!

  13. Sri Lanka Travel Buddy

    My name is Sathies SK. I am the founder of Sri Lanka Travel Buddy. I have for 8 years working experience in tourism field and Also I have also good trip plans with Honeymooner, party peoples, Techno Music Tours, Happy single life trips, Fun of the Day Drink .I would love to show you our wonderful island and unforgettable tour all my guests enjoyed traveling with me . please contact lets travel

  14. Travel buddy?

    Travel buddy? - Sri Lanka Forum. Asia ; Sri Lanka ; Sri Lanka Travel Forum; Search. Browse all 58,026 Sri Lanka topics » Travel buddy? ... but will be travelling by train to kandy on Friday I'm currently a solo female and tbh would like to meet people and travel with as let's face it Sri Lanka is a tad nerve wracking on your own and you know ...

  15. Travel Buddies LK

    Travel Buddies LK. 104 likes. We love to travel around Sri Lanka and explore the beautiful locations of our country. We share our vlogs to collect the best moments and memories in our lives and to...

  16. SPECIAL Sri Lanka Taxi & Tours Deals by Sri Lanka Travel Buddy

    Sri Lanka Travel Buddy Audience Welcome to my page firstly, thank you for visiting this special deal page. Remember this deal package is SPECIALLY DESIGNED for my blog srilankatravelbuddy.com visitors.

  17. Nomad Buddy

    Welcome to Nomad Buddy! Your go-to source for travel adventure. We bring you the latest insights, tips, and curated news to support, inspire, and connect you with communities of adventurers and professionals. ... Sri Lanka is an ideal destination for budget-conscious travelers. Volunteer Traveler. Engage in various volunteer opportunities, from ...

  18. Find a Travel Buddy

    TripGiraffe is the right place if you find yourself in need of finding a travel partner. You can browse travelers and detailed trips until you find the perfect match in a travel companion. No matter how you image your perfect travel buddy, you can always find someone to team up with on TripGiraffe. We try to make the experience of finding a ...

  19. 6 Affordable Transport in Sri Lanka for Tourists

    Here are 6 Affordable Transport services in Sri Lanka for Tourists include domestic flights, public transport, bus transport on main roads, bicycle and for the beaches one can use the boat. There are many points that should be taken into account before started traveling in Sri Lanka .

  20. SPECIAL Sri Lanka Taxi & Tours Deals by Sri Lanka Travel Buddy

    To From Trincomalee Price Colombo Airport Trincomalee 17,000LKR Trincomalee to Colombo Airport Trincomalee 16,400LKR Colombo City Trincomalee 18,500LKR Mattala Airport Trincomalee 23,000LKR Anuradhapura Trincomalee 8,000LKR Dambulla/ Habarana Trincomalee 8,000LKR Ella Trincomalee 19,000LKR Habarana Trincomalee 8,000LKR Kandy Trincomalee 13,500LKR Negombo Trincomalee 16,400LKR Nuwara Eliya ...

  21. Getting to Adam's Peak from Nuwara Eliya,Ella & Kandy & Colombo?

    Mostly travel visit Adam peak from Nuwara Eliya which is the very closest tourist point to the mountain. You can hire a taxi which on average charges 3000 LKR. While the cheapest option is to train and bus. Take a train or bus from Nuwara Eliya and leave it at Hatton stop.Bus/train takes s 3-4 hours wile cab takes not more than 2.30 hours.