Nicknamed the “Pearl of the Indian Ocean,” Sri Lanka offers many opportunities for an unforgettable vacation.
Sri Lanka boasts a diverse landscape, from lush greenery to pristine beaches to misty mountains. Nestled in the Indian Ocean, this island nation offers a unique blend of modern amenities and exotic charm. Immerse yourself in the modernity of Colombo and the allure of ancient wonders like Sigiriya and the holy city of Kandy. Or soak up the sun on the pristine beaches of Mirissa and feel the tranquility of Ella’s lush tea plantations.
1. Sri Lanka Quick Facts
Languages: Sinhalese, Tamil, and English
Religion Buddhism
Currency: Sri Lankan rupee (LKR, SLR)
Visa ETA required: USD 50 for a 30-day tourist visa (USD 20 for SAARC countries) Children 12 and under are not charged a fee but must apply for a visa in advance. Online application
Power Plugs: 50 Hz, 230 V (Type D/G)
Capital Colombo
ATMs are also readily available everywhere. However, different machines accept different cash cards (Cirrus, Maestro, PLUS, etc.).
Use card You can pay with credit cards (Visa and MasterCard), while smaller shops only accept cash.
Useful APP
Google Maps
Google Translate: This is almost the only app that can translate Tamil. You can scan and translate between Tamil and English by taking a photo, and it has voice translation.
Pick me, Sri Lanka: This app is like Kakao Taxi in Sri Lanka. You can use it to order tuk-tuks, taxis, and even food delivery.
2. Packing for your trip
Air plain Ticket
Dollar Flight Club has made it easier and cheaper to buy flights to the Airport.
SIM card
Airalo is the world’s first eSIM store that solves the pain of high roaming bills by giving you access to 200+ eSIMs (digital SIM cards) globally at affordable prices.
new member can use 15% discount coupon
10% discount coupon for multiple use by all members.
Pacsafe Pro safe 800 Luggage Lock
Good protection against snatchers or impulse thieves.
Universal Power Adapter
One of the most essential but most forgotten items in your travel gear? A power adapter!
Travel insurance
Prepare for risky situations Travel insurance can be a big help in the event of an emergency
GoPro HERO11
If you want to capture your own memories of your travels, GoPro is the way to go. It’s small, has great image quality, and is easy to carry around
Bug spray
Laos has a tropical climate and lots of bugs, like mosquitoes. Pack bug spray and use it.
3. Sri Lanka Transportation
Each mode of transportation has its own advantages and disadvantages and offers a different way to experience Sri Lanka. Tuk-tuks offer adventurous travel, while cars with drivers offer comfort. Bus travel is the most budget-friendly option, while train travel offers economy and breathtaking scenery. You can choose whichever option suits your taste or budget for traveling.
3-1 Buses
Buses in Sri Lanka are very diverse and offer affordable fares.
There are state-run buses (CTB) and private buses, as well as intercity buses that connect cities and regular local buses that stop in smaller towns.
Local buses are cheaper, but they don’t have assigned seats, you can stand, and they take longer because of frequent stops. Local buses are very inexpensive for short distances, with fares ranging from around LKR 20 to LKR 150 (about $0.10 to $0.75 USD).
Intercity buses have better facilities than local buses and you can check their schedule online and book tickets. Bus booking site:
Colombo City Buses
Once you board the bus, tell the bus conductor your destination, pay the fare and they will hand you a receipt.
3-2 Tuk Tuk
Tuk-tuk rental app: https://tuktukrental.com/ Tuk-tuk service: Pick me Sri Lanka
This is the most common form of transportation in most cities except Colombo, which has a variety of transportation options.
In Colombo, you will see many tuk-tuks with meters. A basic fare of LKR 60 for the first kilometer costs about LKR 40 for each additional kilometer.
In other cities in the country, a short ride will cost around LKR 100 to LKR 300 (about $0.50 to $1.50 USD), with prices varying between $40 and $150 per day. Although cheaper than a taxi, it’s recommended to use an app as they often rip off foreigners. There are also self-driving tuk-tuks, which are also worth a try.
3-3 Taxis
These are only found in big cities like Colombo and are our version of the call-a-taxi concept, where you call a taxi company and hail one. Taxi prices can vary, so it’s important to negotiate the fare before you start traveling.
3-4: Renting a car (with driver)
Renting a car with a driver has many advantages. It’s a popular choice for tourists who prefer to travel at a leisurely pace without the stress of navigating and juggling traffic schedules.
3-5 By Train
Traveling by train in Sri Lanka is a fantastic way to see the country’s diverse landscape, offering a scenic route through the central hill country, from breathtaking views of lush tea plantations to golden sandy beaches. With a wide range of train classes and price points, you can choose a trip that suits your budget and preferences. However, be sure to book early, as limited tickets sell out quickly. A second-class ticket on the popular route from Colombo to Kandy costs around LKR 200 to LKR 400 (about $1 to $2 USD). First-class tickets are relatively more expensive.
4. Safety
Sri Lanka is a relatively safe country. However, as in any country, you should be cautious and trust your instincts. Pickpockets are common in crowded tourist areas. Take good care of your belongings and keep valuables close to your body.
Useful phone numbers for tourists
Police: 119
Fire: 110
Medical, Ambulance : 110, 1990
Government Organization Number : 1919
Tourist Police : 011-242-1052
5. Climate
Sri Lanka has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 21.6 °C in the central highlands, which is a humid zone, and decreasing as one descends inland to the coast. The tropical climate is less humid, with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C~33°C in the lowlands. Summer temperatures average about 25°C.
The rainy season lasts from May to November in the southwest and from October to February in the northeast. The hottest months are April and August, and the coolest month is January.
Sri Lanka has a hot and humid climate, with temperatures ranging from 7°C to 21.6 °C in the central highlands, which is a humid zone, and decreasing as one descends inland to the coast. The tropical climate is less humid, with average annual temperatures ranging from 22°C~33°C in the lowlands. Summer temperatures average about 25°C.
The rainy season lasts from May to November in the southwest and from October to February in the northeast. The hottest months are April and August, and the coolest month is January.
6. price
Prices for locals are very affordable. However, entrance fees to tourist attractions are very expensive, with separate fees for foreigners.
Bottled water (1.5L) : LKR 170.50
McDonald’s Combo Meal : LKR 2,400.00
Transportation :
City Bus : LKR 30
Taxi (start): LKR 120, 1km (Normal tariff): LKR 100.00
Gasoline (1 liter) : LKR 377
7. Travel precautions
Don’t walk alone at night, and dress modestly for the country’s culture when you go out.
When entering temples, wear long clothes that cover your shoulders and knees. Shoes and hats should be removed, and don’t take photos without permission.
8. Etiquette & Service Tip
Men should not touch women.
Women should not sit next to monks.
Items should be passed with the right hand or both hands, and it is polite to avoid touching other people’s heads or small children as this is a Buddhist country.
Tip
Local restaurants do not have a tipping culture, and some fancier restaurants may include a tip in advance on the bill. In hotels and high-end restaurants, it is usually recommended to tip around 10% of the total bill.
9. Sri Lanka Holidays
The public holidays in Sri Lanka in 2024
15 Jan Mon Tamil Thai Pongal Day
25 Jan Thu Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
4 February, Sun National Day
23 Feb Fri Navam Full Moon Poya Day
8 Mar Fri Mahasivarathri Day
24 Mar: Sun Madin Full Moon Poya Day
29 Mar Fri Good Friday
11 Apr Thu Id Ul-Fitr
12 Apr Friday, prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
13 Apr Sat Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
23 April: Tue Bak Full Moon Poya Day
1 May Wed., May Day
23 May: Thu Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
24 May Fri, following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
17 Jun Mon Id Ul-Alha
21 Jun: Poson Full Moon Poya Day
20 Jul: Esala Full Moon Poya Day
19 August: Mon Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
16 Sep Mon Milad un-Nabi
17 Sep: Tue Binara Full Moon Poya Day
17 Oct Thu Vap Full Moon Poya Day
31 Oct Thu Deepavali
15 November: Full Moon Poya Day
14 Dec Sat Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
25 December, Wed Christmas Day
2025 National Public Holidays:
Monday, 13 January : Duruthu Full Moon Poya Day
Tuesday, 14 January :Tamil Thai Pongal Day
Tuesday, 4 February : National Day
Wednesday, 12 February : Navam Full Moon Poya Day
Wednesday, 26 February : Mahasivarathri Day
Thursday,13 March : Madin Full Moon Poya Day
Monday, 31 March : Id Ul-Fitr
Saturday,12 April : Bak Full Moon Poya Day
Sunday, 13 April : Day prior to Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
Monday,14 April : Sinhala & Tamil New Year Day
Friday,18 April : Good Friday
Thursday,1 May : May Day
Monday, 12 May : Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Tuesday, 13 May : Day following Vesak Full Moon Poya Day
Saturday,7 June : Id Ul-Alha
Tuesday, 10 June : Poson Full Moon Poya Day
Thursday,10 July : Esala Full Moon Poya Day
Friday,8 August :Nikini Full Moon Poya Day
Friday,5 September : Milad un-Nabi
Sunday, 7 September : Binara Full Moon Poya Day
Monday, 6 October : Vap Full Moon Poya Day
Monday, 20 October : Deepavali
Wednesday, 5 November : Ill Full Moon Poya Day
Thursday,4 December: Unduvap Full Moon Poya Day
Thursday,25 December: Christmas Day