Sri Lanka is one of Asia’s most diverse travel destinations: from lush hills and tea plantations to ancient ruins, safari parks, pristine beaches, and vibrant cultural cities. This Sri Lanka travel overview is designed to help you explore the best of the island: from the best time to travel, to transportation, Visa, medical know-how, and travel tips.
Best time to visit Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka has 2 monsoon seasons, so the best time depends on the region. The monsoon in the northeast passes from December to March, and the monsoon in the southwest passes from May to September. The south and west coasts (Galle, Mirissa, Bentota) are best from December to April, while the east coast (Trincomalee, Aruguam Bay) is ideal from May to September. The central highlands (Ella, Nuwara Eliya) are generally pleasant year-round.
I went to Sri Lanka in June, so it was raining in Galle, Unawatuna, Negombo, and Colombo. So the best time for exploring Sri Lanka is in the months of February and March. Temperatures are all year round 30°C except for Ella and Nuwara Eliya. Those places are above sea level, so temperatures are much lower there.
Tip: There is a time difference (GMT+5.5)
How many days do you need in Sri Lanka?
Sri Lanka can be done in 2 weeks easily, but if you want to take your time, you should take 3 weeks. We’ve seen Sri Lanka in 2.5 weeks, and I can say the itinerary was quite full but doable! I just would have loved to stay a bit longer on those white beaches.
Visa Sri Lanka
Most travelers need an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) before arrival. It’s easy to apply online. Always check the latest requirements for your nationality before traveling.
Price: €35, and you can stay for 30 days in Sri Lanka.
Important: Passport must be valid for another 6 months.
Warning: There is another site (https://eta.org.lk/tourist_individual.php) that is a fake! A visa on this site costs $80, which is way too much! This site looks better than the original one, but it’s a fake! You can see it when entering your Passport number: it will not check it, and at the bottom, the “I’m not a robot” box is way too easy.
Currency & Voltage
Sri Lanka uses the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR or Rs). Cash is widely used, especially in smaller towns, but credit cards are accepted in many hotels and restaurants. ATMs are available in most cities. €1= Rs194
Only plugs from the UK (3 flat pins) will work in Sri Lanka, it’s type G according to this website (230 V, 50 Hz). But our European chargers could work in them for 70% of the time.
Sri Lankan Cuisine
Don’t drink water from the tap and only drink bottled water. Typical Sri Lankan dishes are rice and curry, Hoppers, Roti, and more. Drinks and food are cheap in Sri Lanka, except for wine! Find out my 10x Sri Lankan dishes you must try!
What should I pack for Sri Lanka?
Light, breathable clothing is best due to the tropical climate. When visiting temples, shoulders and knees should be covered. Make sure to bring these top 5 items on your trip to Sri Lanka:
- Snorkel set: for seeing all the fish and coral in the sea
- Camera: to take amazing photos of your trip!
- Sunscreen: don’t get sunburned when visiting Egyptian temples!
- Microfiber towel: compact towel to take everywhere with you & that dries quickly!
- Sturdy Hiking shoes: to make amazing hikes
Use my ultimate packing list to have everything in your luggage for your trip
Transportation
Most travelers fly into Bandaranaike International Airport. We flew with Qatar Airways from Brussels to Colombo in about 15 hours with a layover in Doha.
Tip: Booking early is often the cheapest option. Check now for a cheap ticket.
Popular transport includes trains, private drivers, tuk-tuks, and buses. The scenic train ride from Kandy to Ella is one of the most famous in the world. Hiring a driver is comfortable and affordable for longer routes (which I did, DM me for the driver’s number).
Tip: The train ride from Ella to Kandy is a must. You can do shorter routes if you like. We took the train from Ella to Nuwara Eliya.
Medical
Watch out for leeches when you’re walking in the jungle. They’ll try to find a way through your shoes and socks to find a patch of skin. If you have one, just let them suck blood until they’re full or just flick it (don’t pull!).
It’s also recommended to be vaccinated when you’re visiting Sri Lanka. It’s recommended to have the following vaccinations: Tetanus (lockjaw), Diphtheria, Polio, Typhoid, Hepatitis A, and Hepatitis B.
Sri Lanka has been declared malaria-free since 2014. Dengue fever, however, is still present in the country. Make sure to have mosquito sprays with DEET, wear pants and shirts with long sleeves in the evening, and sleep with mosquito nets.
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FAQ: Frequently Asked Questions Sri Lanka
🐘🐆 Is Sri Lanka good for wildlife safaris?
Yes! Sri Lanka is one of the best countries in Asia for wildlife. National parks like Yala, Udawalawe, and Minneriya are known for elephants, leopards, crocodiles, and birdlife.
🛟 Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
Yes, Sri Lanka is generally safe for travelers. Locals are friendly, and tourism is important to the country. Use common sense: keep an eye on belongings, be cautious in traffic, and follow local advice regarding weather or travel conditions.