Frequently Asked Questions

Yes. Sri Lanka has 8 UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Cultural (6)

1. Ancient City of Polonnaruwa
2. Ancient City of Sigiriya
3. Old Town of Galle and its Fortifications
4. Rangiri Dambulla Cave Temple
5. Sacred City of Anuradhapura
6. Sacred City of Kandy

Natural (2)

1. Sinharaja Forest Reserve
2. Central Highlands of Sri Lanka

A 7–10 day trip covers highlights like beaches, the Cultural Triangle, and the hill country. For a complete experience, plan 2–3 weeks.

Start with how much time you have.

• One week: Focus on one region, like the South Coast or the Cultural Triangle.
• 10–14 days: Combine beaches, hill country, and cultural sites.
• 3 weeks: Explore most of the island at a relaxed pace.

Tips:

• Keep some flexibility in your itinerary for last-minute discoveries.
• Check the best time to travel to Sri Lanka, taking into account the season and coast.
• Mix cities, beaches, and wildlife for a diverse experience.
• Add cultural experiences, such as festivals or cooking classes.

• Sigiriya Rock Fortress & Museum
• Dambulla Cave Temple
• Hurulu Eco Park
• Kandy
• Ella
• Nuwara Eliya
• Galle
• Mirissa
• Yala National Park
• Sinharaja Rain Forest
• Knuckles Conservation Forests
• Anuradhapura
• Polonnaruwa
• Jaffna.

Pack light and practical clothes to match Sri Lanka’s tropical climate and varied activities.

• Everyday wear: Light cotton or linen clothes to stay cool in the heat.
• Hill country: A light jacket or sweater for cooler mornings and evenings.
• Temples and religious sites: Modest attire that covers the shoulders and knees.
• Beach and water activities: Swimwear, cover-ups, flip-flops, and a quick-dry towel.
• Surfing and snorkelling: Consider wearing a rash guard or water shirt for sun protection.
• Trekking and hiking: Comfortable activewear, sturdy walking shoes, a hat, and sunglasses.
• Accessories: Sunscreen, insect repellent, reusable water bottle, and a small backpack for day trips.

This way, you’re prepared for beaches, cultural visits, city exploring, and adventures in nature.

• South & West Coast + Hill Country: December to March
• North & East Coast: April to September

Because two monsoons affect different coasts, you can visit Sri Lanka year-round.

Yes. Sri Lankans are known for their warm hospitality.

Avoid public displays of affection, refrain from touching people’s heads, and always use your right hand when giving or receiving items.

Cover the shoulders and knees. Remove shoes and hats before entering.

Sri Lankan traditions are deeply tied to religion and culture.

• Buddhism influences many festivals, temple rituals, and daily practices.
• Hospitality is strong—guests are treated with warmth and generosity.
• Respect for elders is important in families and communities.
• Festivals like Vesak, Sinhala and Tamil New Year, and Esala Perahera are celebrated with food, rituals, and gatherings.

Tourists often enjoy participating in these traditions and learning from the locals.

Yes, ATMs are common in cities. Visa and Mastercard are widely accepted. Carry some cash in smaller towns and rural areas.

Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR).

You can exchange foreign currency into Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR) at banks, airport exchange counters, and licensed money changers in major cities. ATMs that accept international cards are also widely available, especially in Colombo and popular tourist destinations.

Sri Lanka offers options for every budget.

• Budget travellers: Around 25–40 USD per day (guesthouses, local food, public transport).
• Mid-range: 50–100 USD per day (boutique hotels, mix of local and international dining, private drivers for day trips).
• Luxury: 150 USD and up per day (five-star resorts, fine dining, guided tours). Your total cost depends on your travel style, but overall, Sri Lanka is considered affordable compared to many destinations.

Yes. Most visitors require an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA), which can be conveniently applied for online before arrival. It’s a quick process, typically approved within 72 hours (normal process), 24 hours (urgent process), or 5 hours (super urgent process), giving you peace of mind for your upcoming trip.

Read Sri Lankan Visa and Entry Requirements: Quick Guide.

• Apply for an Electronic Travel Authorisation (ETA) through the Sri Lanka Immigration and e-Visa Portal.

No mandatory vaccinations are required, but common recommendations include Hepatitis A, Typhoid, and Tetanus. Always check with your doctor before travelling.

Yes, Sri Lanka is a welcoming and safe destination for travellers. Local people are known for their hospitality and friendliness, and tourists often describe feeling at ease while exploring the country. As in any popular destination, it’s wise to take simple precautions, such as keeping an eye on your belongings in busy areas. With a bit of awareness, you’ll find Sri Lanka a comfortable and enjoyable place to travel.

Yes, but choose busy stalls with high turnover. Avoid raw salads unless you trust the hygiene.

• Rice and Curry
• Fish Ambul Thiyal
• Devilled Dishes
• Hoppers and String Hoppers
• Pittu
• Kottu Roti
• Pol Roti (Coconut Roti)
• Fresh seafood, especially Hot Butter Cuttlefish
• Ceylon tea
• King Coconut water
• Kola Kanda
• Lamprais
• Samosa

No. Always drink bottled or boiled water.

Yes, small tips (5–10%) are appreciated in restaurants, hotels, and by drivers.

Sri Lanka has two official languages: Sinhala and Tamil. English is widely spoken, especially in cities, hotels, and tourist areas. The literacy rate is high, so most people working in tourism will be able to understand and communicate in English.

Carry mosquito repellent, sunscreen, and travel insurance.

Sri Lanka is famous for:

• Sri Lankan cuisine features staples such as rice and curry, hoppers, and kottu roti.
• Golden Sri Lanka beaches.
• World-renowned Ceylon tea.
• Wild safaris with elephants and leopards.
• Ancient UNESCO heritage sites like Sigiriya and Anuradhapura.
• Scenic train journeys through the hill country, especially from Kandy to Ella.

The voltage in Sri Lanka is 230V, and the frequency is 50Hz. If you are from a country that uses 220-240V (such as the UK, Australia, and most of Europe), you will not need a voltage converter. However, when you are coming from a country with a lower voltage (such as the United States, Canada, and Japan, which use 110-120V), a voltage converter is necessary to prevent damage to your electrical appliances.

Sri Lanka mainly uses Type D, M, and G plugs. A universal adapter is recommended.

• Trains: Scenic, especially Kandy to Ella.
• Buses: Cheap but crowded.
• Tuk-tuks: Good for short distances.
• Private cars and vans with drivers are standard for flexible itineraries.

Read Transport in Sri Lanka: The Best Guide.

You can book tickets in three ways:

1. You can book online through the official railway website or local travel agencies.
2. Railway stations are located in major cities like Colombo, Kandy, and Galle.
3. Via hotels or tour operators, who often reserve tickets on your behalf.

Book early for popular routes, such as Kandy to Ella, especially for reserved seats in first and second class.