Sri Lanka Travel Guide
Essential travel information — emergency numbers, safety, currency, visas, customs and getting around.
Sri Lanka is generally safe for tourists, but it's advisable to exercise moderate caution. Petty crime like pickpocketing can occur in crowded areas. Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night.
Sri Lankan Rupee (LKR)
Type D (three round pins) and Type G (three rectangular pins). An adapter is recommended.
Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% service charge is often added to restaurant bills; if not, 5-10% is customary. For tuk-tuk drivers, rounding up the fare is common. For hotel staff or guides, a small gratuity is welcome.
Local SIM cards are readily available at the airport upon arrival (e.g., Dialog, Mobitel, Airtel) and offer excellent coverage and affordable data packages. Ensure your phone is unlocked.
Most foreign nationals require an Electronic Travel Authorization (ETA) which must be obtained online prior to arrival. Verify the specific requirements for your nationality before travel.
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Sri Lanka has an extensive public bus network, offering a very affordable way to travel between cities and towns. The train system provides scenic journeys, particularly through the hill country (e.g., Kandy to Ella). Tuk-tuks are ubiquitous for short distances within towns and cities.
PickMe, Uber
For intercity travel, trains are a popular and picturesque option. Air-conditioned intercity buses are also efficient. For more comfort and flexibility, private cars with drivers can be hired, especially for longer tours.
- • Greetings are often accompanied by a 'Ayubowan' (May you live long) with palms pressed together in front of the chest.
- • Always remove your shoes and hats before entering temples or private homes.
- • Use your right hand for eating and for giving or receiving items, as the left hand is traditionally considered unclean.
- • Avoid pointing with your feet, as it is considered disrespectful.
Modest dress is advisable, especially when visiting religious sites or rural areas. Shoulders and knees should be covered when entering temples. Lightweight, breathable fabrics are recommended due to the tropical climate.
Be respectful in all religious places. Do not pose for photos with your back to a Buddha statue, and avoid touching or pointing at monks. Refrain from public displays of affection in or around religious sites.
Cricket — Cricket is the most popular sport and a national obsession in Sri Lanka. Matches are passionately followed, and the national team enjoys immense support. Beach sports, hiking, and water activities are also popular recreational pursuits.
Mid-April (typically April 13th-14th)
Sinhala and Tamil New Year (Aluth Avurudda)
This is the most important cultural festival, celebrated by both Sinhala Buddhists and Tamil Hindus. It marks the end of the harvest season and the beginning of the new year. Celebrations include traditional rituals, special foods, family gatherings, and traditional games.
May (full moon day)
Vesak Poya
Commemorates the birth, enlightenment, and passing of Lord Buddha. The entire country is adorned with colorful lanterns, pandals (illuminated structures depicting Jataka stories), and free food stalls (Dansalas). It's a time of great religious devotion.
July/August (dates vary based on lunar calendar)
Esala Perahera (Kandy)
One of Asia's oldest and most spectacular Buddhist festivals, held in Kandy. It features a grand procession of dancers, drummers, fire-eaters, and lavishly decorated elephants, honoring the Sacred Tooth Relic of Lord Buddha. It lasts for ten nights.
January (full moon day)
Duruthu Perahera (Colombo)
Commemorates Lord Buddha's first visit to Sri Lanka. Held at the Kelaniya Raja Maha Vihara temple near Colombo, it features a vibrant procession similar to the Kandy Perahera, though on a smaller scale.