Travel Tips

Travel Documents

  • Passport: Ensure your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date.
  • Visa: Please apply for an e-visa before your trip. For more details, visit the official Sri Lanka immigration website. www.eta.gov.lk
  • Flight Tickets: Confirm and bring a printed/digital copy of your return or onward tickets.

Communication

  • SIM Cards: Local SIM cards are available at the airport and local shops. Major networks are Dialog and Mobitel.
  • Wi-Fi: Most hotels and cafés offer free Wi-Fi. Check with your accommodation provider for availability.

Currency and Payments

  • Local Currency: The currency is Sri Lankan Rupees (LKR). ATMs are widely available in cities and towns.
  • Currency Exchange: It’s advisable to exchange currency at the airport or authorized currency exchange counters.
  • Credit Cards: Major hotels and restaurants accept credit cards. However, for small purchases or local markets, cash is preferred.

Local Etiquette

  • Dress Code: Modest attire is recommended, especially when visiting religious sites (temples, shrines, etc.).Shoulders and knees should be covered.
  • Cultural Respect: Remove your shoes and hats when entering temples. Photography of Buddha statues should be avoided without permission.
  • Tipping: Tipping is appreciated but not mandatory. A 10% service charge is common in restaurants, but you may give a small tip for exceptional service.

Health & Safety

  • Health Precautions: No mandatory vaccinations, but it’s recommended to carry your own basic medicines for fever, headaches, motion sickness, etc.).
  • Motion Sickness: Some roads may be winding and hilly. If prone to motion sickness, consider carrying medication. especially the routes to Nuwara Eliya and Ella, do have winding, hilly roads, which can sometimes cause motion sickness. We’d recommend bringing any motion sickness remedies you usually use, such as wristbands, ginger chews, or medication, especially for the hillier sections. We can also plan for short breaks along the way to make the journey easier.
  • Hydration: Drink bottled water only. Avoid tap water and ice from unknown sources.
  • Sunscreen & Insect Repellent: Bring sunscreen, as the tropical sun can be strong, and insect repellent to protect against mosquitoes.

Time Zone

  • Sri Lanka operates on GMT +5:30. Adjust your time accordingly.

Packing Essentials

  • Clothing: Light, breathable clothing for the day, and a light jacket for cooler evenings in hill stations like Kandy and Nuwara Eliya.
  • Footwear: Comfortable walking shoes for sightseeing and sandals for the beach.
  • Swimwear: For beach stays, pack appropriate swimwear, but note that public beaches may require modest

Health & Safety

  • Sri Lanka generally enjoys tropical weather with high humidity. Coastal areas like Negombo, Weligama, and Colombo will be warm and tropical, around 25°C – 32°C, so light, breathable clothing is best. Hill country (Kandy, Nuwara Eliya, Ella) will be cooler, especially in the evenings, with temperatures ranging from 12°C -20°C, so pack some light layers or a jacket for those areas.
  • Rainfall: Carry a light raincoat or umbrella during the rainy season (May to September). Since you’ll be traveling in late December to early January, the weather will vary depending on the region.

Emergency contacts & Tour company

  • Tour Company Contact: +94 777 241 321 / +94 715 742 457
  • Police: Dial 119 for emergencies.
  • Ambulance/Fire: Dial 1990 for emergencies.

Tour Schedule

  • Your tour schedule will be shared with you, and our guide will provide daily briefings on activities and timings.
  • Morning Routine: We recommend starting your day as per the itinerary to enjoy the best experiences, especially in the early morning when the weather is cooler.

Safety Tips

  • Be mindful of your belongings, especially in crowded places.
  • Avoid drinking alcohol excessively in unfamiliar areas.
  • Respect local wildlife and avoid feeding or touching animals, especially in national parks.