Sri Lanka travel guide
Sri Lanka Tourism | Sri Lanka Guide
You're Going to Love Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a combination of friendly people, rainforests, beautiful beaches and an ancient history that can be seen in the architecture of colonial settlements through the ages.
What to do in Sri Lanka
1. Go to the Beach
Sri Lanka has around 1,000 mi of beaches where visitors can relax in the sun or take advantage of the various activities on offer, such as surfing, kite surfing and scuba diving.
2. Take a Trip to Kandy
Situated in the hills of the Kandy plateau, Kandy gives visitors a glimpse into the well-preserved history of the Kandyan Kingdom. Visit the UNESCO-listed Temple of the Tooth while you are there.
3. Go Hiking
Make the pilgrimage to Adam's Peak, the highest mountain in Sri Lanka and considered to be a holy place by Christians, Hindus, Buddhists and Muslims alike. Climb the 5,000 steps to the top and watch the sunrise.
4. Step into History at Galle
Galle is home to Galle Fort, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. There are also well-preserved examples of colonial architecture lining the cobbled streets of the town.
5. Try White-Water Rafting at Kitugala
The Kelani River has white-water rafting opportunities for beginners and advanced rafters. There is also the opportunity to kayak on the river and trek through the rainforest here.
When to visit Sri Lanka
The weather in Sri Lanka varies greatly between the coast, where temperatures average around 82°F, and the mountains, where the average temperature can be around 64°F. Best times to visit are April and September as these months are outside the two main monsoon seasons.
How to Get to Sri Lanka
Entry Requirements
It is necessary to obtain a visa to visit Sri Lanka and passports must have at least one full blank page and six months' validity from the date of entry into the country. Visas can be purchased online using the ETA system before you travel, and this will be cheaper than getting a visa upon arrival.
Plane
The main airport in Sri Lanka is the Bandaranaike International Airport, located 18.6 mi from Colombo, which receives flights from major international airlines, such as Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Etihad and SriLankan Airlines, as well as budget airline AirAsia.
Boat
While there are currently no ferry services to Sri Lanka, it does feature on cruise ship itineraries and these dock mainly at the port in Colombo.
Popular airlines serving Sri Lanka
Where to stay in Sri Lanka
Hotels and guesthouses are the most popular accommodation types for visitors to Sri Lanka and will range from luxury chains to budget hotels and hostels. Guesthouses, often family-run, are prevalent across the island and are reasonably priced.
Where to stay in popular areas of Sri Lanka
Most booked hotels in Sri Lanka
How to Get Around Sri Lanka
Public Transportation
Colombo, and other larger cities, such as Kandy, have a public bus service as well as private and mini buses that can be used to get around the city. Tuk-tuks can be hired to explore the cities and the surrounding areas.
Trains
It is possible to travel from the capital city of Colombo to other tourist locations on the island with an express service between Colombo and Kandy. All services are run by Sri Lankan Railways and not all trains have first-class carriages.
Bus
This is often the cheapest and best way to visit the island - there is an option to use the public buses, which are often crowded, or book your trip via a private coach company.
Car
It is possible to rent a car from international companies, such as Sixt or Europcar, and drive around Sri Lanka, although road quality varies and it may be better to rent a car with a driver.
Plane
While there is only a limited domestic air service in Ari, charter flights can be organized with airlines such as Cinnamon Air, FitsAir and Simplifly.
Best car rental deals in Sri Lanka
Compact
4 adults, 2 Bags
C$ 35/day
Standard SUV
5 adults, 3 Bags
C$ 136/day
The Cost of Living in Sri Lanka
Credit cards such as Visa and Mastercard are accepted in Sri Lanka, although with fraud on the rise, it is better to use cash. ATMs are available in main cities, often at the bank branch and Colombo Airport, but not all of them accept international cards. Hatton National Bank accepts most cards. For grocery shopping you might pay around 427 LKR (2.33 USD) for a 0.2 gallon of milk and a dozen eggs. Eating out may be cheaper than cooking at home with prices of less than 250 LKR (1.36 USD) per person to eat in a slightly cheaper restaurant.