Sri Lankatravel guide
⌖ 7.9° N · 80.7° E · CAPITAL: COLOMBO
First impressions
Know before you go.
Welcome to Sri Lanka, a tropical paradise that offers a perfect blend of pristine beaches, lush green landscapes, and rich cultural heritage. Known as the 'Pearl of the Indian Ocean,' this enchanting island nation is teeming with wonders waiting to be explored.
One of Sri Lanka's greatest attractions is its stunning coastline. With miles of golden sand and crystal-clear turquoise waters, it's no wonder that the country is renowned for its beautiful beaches. Whether you're looking for a relaxing sunbathing spot or seeking thrilling water sports adventures, Sri Lanka has something for everyone.
But Sri Lanka isn't just about beaches; it is also home to incredible wildlife and breathtaking natural beauty. The island boasts an impressive array of national parks and wildlife sanctuaries where you can witness elephants roaming freely, leopards stealthily prowling in the wilderness, and colorful birds soaring overhead.
The cultural heritage of Sri Lanka is equally captivating. Ancient cities like Anuradhapura and Polonnaruwa showcase the remnants of grand kingdoms from bygone eras. The iconic Sigiriya Rock Fortress stands as a testament to ancient engineering marvels.
Sri Lanka truly captivates visitors with its warm hospitality, delicious cuisine infused with aromatic spices, vibrant festivals celebrating diverse traditions, and spiritual retreats at serene Buddhist temples scattered throughout the island.
Entry card · LK
- Currency
- Sri Lankan Rupee (Rs)
- Exchange rate
- US$1 = Rs333.64
- Languages
- Sinhala, Tamil
- English
- Low
- Capital
- Colombo
- Population
- 21.8 million
- Drives on
- left
- Plugs
- D, G, M
- Time zone
- India Standard Time (UTC+05:30)
01 · The seasons
When to go.
- September - AprilHigh season
- May - AugustLow season
02 · Daily fares
What it costs.
Est. daily fares
SRI LANKA · US$1 = Rs333.64
- Hostel DormUS$8
- Takeaway MealUS$3
- Public transportUS$1
- Long-distance busUS$4
- Entrance FeeUS$15
- BeerUS$2
Daily totalUS$24 (Rs 8,007)
Money field notes
Cards
Card payment is often possible, but not always
ATM Fees
Most ATMs charge no fees
Free ATMs
HNB, Union Bank
THIS TRAVEL GUIDE MAY CONTAIN AFFILIATE LINKS
03 · The shortlist
Best experiences.
04 · At the table
Eat like you live here.
Menu
TASTE OF SRI LANKA
- Rice and CurryMUST TRY
- HoppersMUST TRY
- Kottu RotiMUST TRY
- String HoppersMUST TRY
- LampraisMUST TRY
Before you go
At the border.
Customs declaration · Travel etiquette
Declare
- greet people with a smile and a nod of the head, especially when meeting someone for the first time.
- remove your shoes when entering someone's home or a place of worship.
- dress modestly when visiting religious sites.
- try to learn a few basic phrases in Sinhala or Tamil to communicate with locals.
- respect the local customs and traditions.
Do not bring
- wear revealing or skimpy clothing, especially in conservative areas.
- show public displays of affection, as it is considered inappropriate.
Is Sri Lanka safe for tourists?
What are some popular tourist destinations in Sri Lanka?
What are some essential phrases in Sinhala?
What's the best way to get around in Sri Lanka?
05 · The flight plan
Itineraries.
Sri Lanka Loop (2 weeks)
- 1NegomboA beach town with colonial-era buildings and a lively fish market. The proximity to the airport makes this a great first stop. Don't miss Angurukaramulla Temple!
- 2AnuradhapuraAn ancient city with historic ruins and temples. Don't miss exploring Mihintale.
- 3SigiriyaA UNESCO World Heritage site with a massive rock fortress and ancient palace ruins. Don't miss Pidurangula.
- 4DambullaHome to the famous Dambulla Cave Temple, a UNESCO World Heritage site.
- 5KandyLively city known for the Temple of the Sacred Tooth Relic and the annual Esala Perahera festival.
- 6HaputaleTake the famous local train from Kandy. A charming hill town with tea estates and scenic views. Visit Lipton's Seat from here.
- 7EllaCertainly very touristy, but worth visiting to hike up Ella Rock for sunrise.
- 8Udawalawe National ParkHome to a variety of wildlife, including elephants, crocodiles, and birds, this is a good place to do a safari if you have little time and a low budget.
- 9DickwellaA popular beach destination famous for whale watching.
- 10GalleA historic fortified city with Dutch colonial buildings.
- 11ColomboHuge, busy city with a bustling market and colonial architecture. If you find it too busy here, head back to Negombo before flying out.
06 · The community