Travel Guides about Sri Lanka

Travel in Sri Lanka is a journey through green tea plantations, golden beaches, and ancient cultural sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura. Whether you're spotting wildlife in Yala National Park or enjoying the scenic train ride to Ella, Sri Lanka offers an unforgettable adventure.
 
When to visit
The best to visit Sri Lanka is December and April for the southwest or from May to September for the east coast.
Currency
The currency of Sri Lanka is the Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR). 1 USD is equivalent to 300 LKR.

Weather in Sri Lanka

The warmest months in Sri Lanka are March and April, the best times to explore the island’s beaches and lush hill country. If you like nature and waterfalls, the monsoon seasons (May to November) bring the island alive with greenery, while December to February offers more pleasant weather, and it is the most popular time to explore the cultural triangle and the southern coast.

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Jan

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Feb

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Mar

31°C

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Apr

29°C

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May

29°C

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Jun

29°C

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Jul

29°C

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Aug

28°C

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Sep

28°C

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Oct

27°C

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Nov

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Dec

Best Activities in Winter
  • Visit the Cultural Triangle, including Sigiriya Rock Fortress, Dambulla Cave Temple, and Anuradhapura.
  • Enjoy the sunny southern and western beaches, such as Mirissa, Bentota, and Unawatuna, which are perfect for swimming and water sports.
Best Activities in Spring
  • Explore Yala and Udawalawe National Parks for leopards, elephants, and exotic birds during the drier months.
  • Visit Nuwara Eliya and Ella for scenic train rides, tea plantation tours, and hikes like Little Adam’s Peak.
Best Activities in Summer
  • Relax on the pristine beaches of Trincomalee, Nilaveli, and Arugam Bay, ideal for surfing, snorkeling, and whale watching.
  • Experience Esala Perahera in Kandy, one of Sri Lanka’s most vibrant religious processions.
Best Activities in Autumn
  • Discover breathtaking waterfalls like Bambarakanda, Diyaluma, and Ravana Falls, which are at their fullest during the wet season.
  • Take the iconic train ride from Kandy to Ella, passing through misty mountains, lush tea plantations, and charming villages.

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Travel Tips

Yes, Sri Lanka is generally considered safe for tourists. However, we recommend being careful because there are various scams.

We recommend lightweight, breathable clothing because the climate is warm. We also advice modest dress when visiting religious sites; women should cover their shoulders and knees.

ccSri Lankan cuisine features rice and curry dishes, fresh seafood, hoppers (a type of pancake), and a variety of spices. Don’t miss trying local street food!

The most popular outdoor activities are hiking in the hill country (like Ella), wildlife safaris in national parks, surfing on the southern coast and exploring tea plantations.

No, we don’t recommend drink tap water, bottled water is widely available and safer for consumption.

We recommend staying at least 10-14 days to visit key attractions. This timeframe allows you to see the most popular places and experience yourself in the country’s culture.

How to Get There

By Airplane

Sri Lanka is well-connected to the world with Bandaranaike International Airport (CMB) in Colombo being the primary gateway. Flights from major cities in Asia, Europe, and the Middle East are frequent, with airlines like SriLankan Airlines, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines offering good connectivity. Mattala Rajapaksa International Airport (HRI) in the south is a secondary airport but less commonly used.

 

How to Get Around

Trains

Sri Lanka’s railway system is an affordable and scenic way to travel. Routes like Colombo to Kandy or Ella to Nuwara Eliya offer breathtaking views of the hill country. Trains are slow but charming, and you can choose between first, second, and third-class compartments.

Buses

Buses are the most common local transport option, with public and private operators covering almost every corner of the island. They’re cheap but can be crowded. Air-conditioned private buses are a more comfortable option for longer trips.

Tuk-Tuks

Tuk-tuks are everywhere and are a fun way to get around cities and towns. Always agree on a fare or ensure the driver uses the meter.

Driving

Renting a car with a driver is a popular choice for tourists—it’s convenient and stress-free. Self-driving is possible but not recommended for first-timers due to chaotic traffic in cities.

Rideshare Apps

Apps like PickMe and Uber operate in major cities like Colombo and Kandy. They’re reliable and often cheaper than hailing a taxi.

 

SIM Card Options

Local SIM Cards

SIM cards are easy to get at the airport or in towns. Popular providers include:

  • Dialog: Great coverage across the island with reliable internet.
  • Mobitel: Affordable and good for both calls and data.
  • Airtel: Budget-friendly with decent coverage in urban areas.

 

eSIM Cards

If you don’t want the hassle of buying a physical SIM, eSIMs are a convenient option:

  • Airalo: Offers Sri Lanka-specific plans with varying data options.
  • Holafly: Good for unlimited data during short trips.

What to pack for Sri Lanka

  • Lightweight clothing
  • Comfortable walking shoes
  • Sandals/flip-flops
  • Sunhat
  • Sunglasses
  • Sunscreen
  • Insect repellent
  • Swimwear
  • Rain jacket
  • Travel adapter (Type D/G plugs)
  • Power bank
  • Camera/smartphone
  • Lightweight scarf (for temples)
  • Travel-sized toiletries
  • Passport and travel documents
  • Travel towel

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Sri Lanka Suggested Daily Budget

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On Budget

$25 - $40 per day

Guesthouses or hostels typically cost between $10 and $20 per night. A full meal may range from about $2 to $8. You can try street food or the locally owned cheap bars. The regular bus and train tickets for somewhat immediate trips cost an average of $1 to $3, and the system is so user-friendly one can get around freely. With this budget, you can see attractions that are free of charge like local markets, temples, and beaches. You could also try inexpensive activities such as hiking and visiting cultural sites so you won’t spend a lot of money.

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Mid-range

$70 - $120 per day

With this budget, you can stay in comfortable mid-range hotels or Airbnb options priced between €30 to €70 per night. You can eat at casual restaurants at a cost of about €10 to €20 per meal. For transportation, you can use public transport and tuk-tuk, with a daily cost of around €5 to €10. This budget also allows for guided tours and visits to popular attractions, such as national parks, or cultural sites such as temples.

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Luxury

$150+ per day

For a luxury experience, this budget covers luxury hotels or private villas costing upwards of €100 per night. You can dine at high-end restaurants and enjoy private drivers or rental cars, offering flexibility for exploring the country. Additionally, this budget allows for exclusive experiences such as private tours, cooking classes, and private jeeps for safaris.