Overview of Sri Lanka
The island of Sri Lanka lies off the southern tip of India in the Indian Ocean, a verdant paradise that is a cradle of the Buddhist faith. Apart from hundreds of miles of the world's most beautiful palm-fringed beaches, Sri Lanka boasts eight World Heritage Sites listed by UNESCO, ranging from sacred cities, palaces and cliff-top citadels to colonial strongholds, spanning nearly 3,000 years of history. To complete the picture of perfection, Sri Lanka is situated just three degrees north of the Equator, meaning the weather is constantly hot, humid and tropical. Sunny skies are the order of the day; even in the brief monsoon season there is always a daily spell of sunshine.
Adventurous visitors who enjoy some mystery and wonderment will marvel at the ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara, where the remains of a great civilisation are to be seen. The cities of Colombo and Kandy show the influence of the foreign colonial powers that fought for control over the strategically located island in the 16th, 17th and 18th centuries. Dutch-inspired buildings stand cheek to jowl with Victorian British mansions and Portuguese fortifications.
Historically, there was a long civil war that plagued parts of the island paradise. However, since 2009 when the civil war officially came to an end things in the north of the country have improved significantly and beautiful untouched parts of the island became accessible to visitors.
Sri Lanka offers leisure and pleasure opportunities at a gentle pace; while it was once a destination reserved for only the most discerning travellers it is fast developing into a popular tourist destination with package options to suit a range of demographics.
Key Facts
- Language:
- Most people speak Sinhala, which is the national and official language. Tamil is also spoken, and English is spoken at most tourist establishments.
- Passport/Visa:
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Most travellers can purchase visas on arrival. These must be paid for in USD but the amount varies. Visitors should be able to show the immigration officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka. Passengers must also hold return or onward tickets and all documents needed for the next destination. Those who prefer to arrange visas in advance can do so online or at a Sri Lankan embassy. An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can be issued on arrival but can also be filled in prior to travel to Sri Lanka - this can be done online at www.eta.gov.lk. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
- Currency:
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The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted in major cities. ATMs are becoming more common, but outside the main cities they are unlikely to accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays.
- Electricity:
- Electrical current is 230 volts, 50Hz. Round, three-pin plugs are used.
Travel to Sri Lanka
Overview
Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka have accumulated over a long and interesting history, leaving many things to see including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sri Lanka's history can be experienced at the fascinating ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara. The National Museum in Colombo is a good stop for those passing through the city as it houses a variety of artefacts illustrating Sri Lanka's complex culture and history. The complexity of this multi-cultural country is also apparent elsewhere in the capital city, like in the Pettah Bazzar district where exotic smells and goods are traded. Calmer attractions in Sri Lanka include the lovely seafront in Galle, a coastal town very popular with tourists, or the peaceful lake city of Kandy, which has many historical attractions.
For those keen to leave the cities and towns altogether, attractions include treks into Yala National Park and up Sigiriya or Adam's Peak. Of course, many prefer Sri Lanka's beautiful sandy beaches, which stretch hundreds of miles, to any amount of sightseeing. The best beach destinations in Sri Lanka include the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, on the northwest coast, the resort town of Negombo, on the west coast, and the gorgeous Weligama Bay, in the south.
Climate in Sri Lanka
Sri Lanka has a tropical climate, characterised by distinct wet and dry seasons, but virtually no distinction between the seasons as far as temperature is concerned: Sri Lanka is always hot and humid. The island's weather is a little complicated, however, since it has two monsoon seasons. In the southwestern half of Sri Lanka, the Yala Monsoon brings heavy rain from May to August, with the dry season lasting from December to March; the Maha Monsoon, on the other hand, brings rain to the northern and eastern parts of the island from October to January, with the dry season lasting from May to September. Note that the southwest receives a lot more annual rainfall than the north and east, and that an intercontinental monsoon period can also see rain fall across the island in October and November. The average temperature in Colombo and other coastal regions is 81°F (27°C).
Generally, the best time to visit Sri Lanka is from December to March for the west and south coasts and the Hill Country; and from April to September for the ancient cities region and the east coast. Peak tourist season is from December to March, when many visitors head to Sri Lanka to escape the European winter.
Health Notes when travelling to Sri Lanka
Food and water borne diseases are the primary cause for ill health in Sri Lanka. Visitors should only drink bottled water, avoid ice in drinks, and take care to eat well-cooked food. Hepatitis A and hepatitis B vaccinations are recommended for all travellers to Sri Lanka. Typhoid is only really a problem in rural areas, but travellers should consider a vaccination depending on their itinerary. Yellow fever vaccination certificates are required by travellers coming from infected areas. Malaria, Chikungunya fever, Japanese encephalitis and dengue fever are a risk and protection against mosquito bites is essential. Prophylactics for malaria are also strongly recommended for all regions, except the districts of Colombo, Kalutara, Galle and Nuwara Eliya.
Travellers are strongly advised to take out good travel insurance, and seek medical advice at least three weeks before leaving for Sri Lanka. Quality medical attention may be difficult to find outside of Colombo and other big cities and medications are often in short supply in Sri Lanka. Travellers should bring any medication they may require with them.
Safety Notes when travelling to Sri Lanka
The vast majority of trips to Sri Lanka are trouble free. However, recent bombings in 2019 means there is now a potential risk of terrorism threatening the country. Visitors should keep themselves informed of developments and remain vigilant.
Since the Sri Lankan Civil War ended in 2009, the north and east of the country have seen a growth in tourism. Violent crime against foreigners is very rare, but there have been cases of sexual assault and robbery in rural areas and women are advised to take care when travelling alone. Credit card fraud is the most common form of crime against tourists in Sri Lanka.
Customs in Sri Lanka
Photography near government or military buildings is prohibited in Sri Lanka. Homosexuality is illegal. Topless sunbathing is not allowed, and visitors, particularly women, should cover up when entering Buddhist sites. It is considered offensive to pose for photographs in front of a Buddha statue. Smoking and drinking in public are forbidden. Honour, or personal dignity, is extremely important to Sri Lankans and causing an individual to 'lose face' by public criticism or anger should be avoided.
Duty Free in Sri Lanka
Travellers to Sri Lanka over 18 years do not have to pay duty on the following items: 2 bottles wine and 1.5 litres spirits; perfume up to 59ml and 250ml eau de toilette; and souvenirs to the value of US$250; 200 cigarettes or 50 cigars and 340g of tobacco. For family members travelling together free import applies for two members. Passengers must declare personal effects to ensure free export when they arrive in Sri Lanka. Restricted items include firearms, ammunitions, explosives and weapons, plants, fruits, birds and by-products, medication (unless it is for personal use), and goods for commercial purposes. Prohibited items include drugs or narcotics, pornographic material, and material that ridicules religious belief systems.
Doing Business in Sri Lanka
In Sri Lanka, due to the warm climate, the dress etiquette may vary according to various sectors of business. In the more formal sectors, men will be expected to wear lightweight suits, but a more casual approach is acceptable during the warmer months depending on regulation. Appointments are to be made in advance and business cards to be swapped upon first meeting. It is considered rude to be late for meetings. Business hours are generally 9am to 5pm Monday to Friday with an hour taken at lunch.
Communication in Sri Lanka
The international country dialling code for Sri Lanka is +94. The outgoing code is 00, followed by the relevant country code (e.g. 0044 for the United Kingdom). City or area codes are in use, e.g. (0)11 for Central Colombo. International direct dial facilities are available in Colombo and other major cities. Mobile phone operators provide GSM 900/1800 frequency networks with coverage across all the main parts of the island. Mobile data is reasonably quick (at least 3G speeds) in all cities and larger towns, and wifi is standard in hotels and guesthouses.
Tipping in Sri Lanka
A 10 percent service charge is added to most restaurant and hotel bills. Tipping is a customary way to show appreciation for almost all services and small amounts are sufficient, otherwise 10 percent of the amount due is standard. There is no need to tip taxi drivers.
Passport/Visa Note
Most travellers can purchase visas on arrival. These must be paid for in USD but the amount varies. Visitors should be able to show the immigration officials proof of sufficient funds for their stay in Sri Lanka. Passengers must also hold return or onward tickets and all documents needed for the next destination. Those who prefer to arrange visas in advance can do so online or at a Sri Lankan embassy. An ETA (Electronic Travel Authorization) can be issued on arrival but can also be filled in prior to travel to Sri Lanka - this can be done online at www.eta.gov.lk. It is highly recommended that travellers' passports have at least six months' validity remaining after the intended date of departure from their travel destination. Immigration officials often apply different rules to those stated by travel agents and official sources.
Entry Requirements
- Entry requirements for Americans:
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US nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
- Entry requirements for Canadians:
-
Canadian nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
- Entry requirements for UK nationals:
-
UK nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
- Entry requirements for Australians:
-
Australian nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
- Entry requirements for Irish nationals:
-
Irish nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
- Entry requirements for New Zealanders:
-
New Zealand nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
- Entry requirements for South Africans:
-
South African nationals require passports valid for at least six months on arrival. A visa is required and can be purchased by tourists on arrival for a stay of 30 days. Extensions for an additional 150 days are possible.
Tourist Offices
Ministry of Tourism, Colombo: +94 11 242 6900 or http://www.srilankatourism.org
Sri Lanka Embassies
- In the United States:
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Sri Lanka Embassy, Washington, United States: +1 202 483 4025.
- In Canada:
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Sri Lanka High Commission, Ottawa, Canada: +1 613 233 8449.
- In the United Kingdom:
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Sri Lanka High Commission, London, United Kingdom (also responsible for Ireland): +44 20 7262 1841.
- In Australia:
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Sri Lanka High Commission, Canberra, Australia (also responsible for New Zealand): +61 2 6198 3756.
- In New Zealand:
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Sri Lankan Honorary Consulate, Wellington, New Zealand: +64 4 976 8434
- In South Africa:
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Sri Lanka High Commission, Pretoria, South Africa: +27 12 460 7679.
Foreign Embassies in Sri Lanka
- American Embassy
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United States Embassy, Colombo: +94 11 249 8500.
- Canadian Embassy
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Canadian High Commission, Colombo: +94 11 522 6232.
- British Embassy
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British High Commission, Colombo: +94 11 539 0639.
- Australian Embassy
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Australian High Commission, Colombo: + 94 11 246 3200.
- Irish Embassy
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Honorary Consul of Ireland, Colombo: +94 11 452 3900.
- New Zealand Embassy
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New Zealand High Commission, New Delhi, India (also responsible for Sri Lanka): +91 11 2688 3170.
- South African Embassy
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South African High Commission, Colombo: + 94 11 246 3000.
Travel Advisories
Health Information for Travelers to Sri Lanka
Content source: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention
Hide Vaccines and Medicines
Check the vaccines and medicines list and visit your doctor (ideally, 4-6 weeks) before your trip to get vaccines or medicines you may need.
| | Find Out Why | Protect Yourself |
All travelers You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel. |
| Routine vaccines | Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. |   |
Most travelers Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting. |
| Hepatitis A | CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Sri Lanka, regardless of where you are eating or staying. |  |
| Typhoid | You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Sri Lanka. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater. | |
Some travelers Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US. |
| Hepatitis B | You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures. |   |
| Japanese Encephalitis | You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Sri Lanka and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Sri Lanka or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Sri Lanka. |  |
| Rabies | Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Sri Lanka, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups: - Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Sri Lanka
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
|  |
| Yellow Fever | There is no risk of yellow fever in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission. For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Sri Lanka. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. | |
All travelers
You should be up to date on routine vaccinations while traveling to any destination. Some vaccines may also be required for travel.
Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot.
Most travelers
Get travel vaccines and medicines because there is a risk of these diseases in the country you are visiting.
CDC recommends this vaccine because you can get hepatitis A through contaminated food or water in Sri Lanka, regardless of where you are eating or staying.
You can get typhoid through contaminated food or water in Sri Lanka. CDC recommends this vaccine for most travelers, especially if you are staying with friends or relatives, visiting smaller cities or rural areas, or if you are an adventurous eater.
Some travelers
Ask your doctor what vaccines and medicines you need based on where you are going, how long you are staying, what you will be doing, and if you are traveling from a country other than the US.
You can get hepatitis B through sexual contact, contaminated needles, and blood products, so CDC recommends this vaccine if you might have sex with a new partner, get a tattoo or piercing, or have any medical procedures.
You may need this vaccine if your trip will last more than a month, depending on where you are going in Sri Lanka and what time of year you are traveling. You should also consider this vaccine if you plan to visit rural areas in Sri Lanka or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, even for trips shorter than a month. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans. See more in-depth information on Japanese encephalitis in Sri Lanka.
Rabies can be found in dogs, bats, and other mammals in Sri Lanka, so CDC recommends this vaccine for the following groups:
- Travelers involved in outdoor and other activities (such as camping, hiking, biking, adventure travel, and caving) that put them at risk for animal bites.
- People who will be working with or around animals (such as veterinarians, wildlife professionals, and researchers).
- People who are taking long trips or moving to Sri Lanka
- Children, because they tend to play with animals, might not report bites, and are more likely to have animal bites on their head and neck.
There is no risk of yellow fever in Sri Lanka. The government of Sri Lanka requires proof of yellow fever vaccination only if you are arriving from a country with risk of yellow fever. This does not include the US. If you are traveling from a country other than the US, check this list to see if you may be required to get the yellow fever vaccine: Countries with risk of yellow fever virus (YFV) transmission.
For more information on recommendations and requirements, see yellow fever recommendations and requirements for Sri Lanka. Your doctor can help you decide if this vaccine is right for you based on your travel plans.
Key
- Get vaccinated
- Eat and drink safely
- Prevent bug bites
- Keep away from animals
- Reduce your exposure to germs
- Avoid sharing body fluids
- Avoid non-sterile medical or cosmetic equipment
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Hide Stay Healthy and Safe
Learn actions you can take to stay healthy and safe on your trip. Vaccines cannot protect you from many diseases in Sri Lanka, so your behaviors are important.
Unclean food and water can cause travelers' diarrhea and other diseases. Reduce your risk by sticking to safe food and water habits.
Eat
- Food that is cooked and served hot
- Hard-cooked eggs
- Fruits and vegetables you have washed in clean water or peeled yourself
- Pasteurized dairy products
Don't Eat
- Food served at room temperature
- Food from street vendors
- Raw or soft-cooked (runny) eggs
- Raw or undercooked (rare) meat or fish
- Unwashed or unpeeled raw fruits and vegetables
- Unpasteurized dairy products
- ”Bushmeat” (monkeys, bats, or other wild game)
Drink
- Bottled water that is sealed
- Water that has been disinfected
- Ice made with bottled or disinfected water
- Carbonated drinks
- Hot coffee or tea
- Pasteurized milk
Don’t Drink
- Tap or well water
- Ice made with tap or well water
- Drinks made with tap or well water (such as reconstituted juice)
- Unpasteurized milk
Take Medicine
Talk with your doctor about taking prescription or over-the-counter drugs with you on your trip in case you get sick.
Hide Bugs (like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas) can spread a number of diseases in Sri Lanka. Many of these diseases cannot be prevented with a vaccine or medicine. You can reduce your risk by taking steps to prevent bug bites.
What can I do to prevent bug bites?
- Cover exposed skin by wearing long-sleeved shirts, long pants, and hats.
- Use an appropriate insect repellent (see below).
- Use permethrin-treated clothing and gear (such as boots, pants, socks, and tents). Do not use permethrin directly on skin.
- Stay and sleep in air-conditioned or screened rooms.
- Use a bed net if the area where you are sleeping is exposed to the outdoors.
What type of insect repellent should I use?
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST TICKS AND MOSQUITOES: Use a repellent that contains 20% or more DEET for protection that lasts up to several hours.
- FOR PROTECTION AGAINST MOSQUITOES ONLY: Products with one of the following active ingredients can also help prevent mosquito bites. Higher percentages of active ingredient provide longer protection.
- DEET
- Picaridin (also known as KBR 3023, Bayrepel, and icaridin)
- Oil of lemon eucalyptus (OLE) or PMD
- IR3535
- Always use insect repellent as directed.
What should I do if I am bitten by bugs?
- Avoid scratching bug bites, and apply hydrocortisone cream or calamine lotion to reduce the itching.
- Check your entire body for ticks after outdoor activity. Be sure to remove ticks properly.
What can I do to avoid bed bugs?
Although bed bugs do not carry disease, they are an annoyance. See our information page about avoiding bug bites for some easy tips to avoid them. For more information on bed bugs, see Bed Bugs.
For more detailed information on avoiding bug bites, see Avoid Bug Bites.
Hide If your travel plans in Sri Lanka include outdoor activities, take these steps to stay safe and healthy during your trip.
- Stay alert to changing weather conditions and adjust your plans if conditions become unsafe.
- Prepare for activities by wearing the right clothes and packing protective items, such as bug spray, sunscreen, and a basic first aid kit.
- Consider learning basic first aid and CPR before travel. Bring a travel health kit with items appropriate for your activities.
- Heat-related illness, such as heat stroke, can be deadly. Eat and drink regularly, wear loose and lightweight clothing, and limit physical activity during high temperatures.
- If you are outside for many hours in heat, eat salty snacks and drink water to stay hydrated and replace salt lost through sweating.
- Protect yourself from UV radiation: use sunscreen with an SPF of at least 15, wear protective clothing, and seek shade during the hottest time of day (10 a.m.–4 p.m.).
- Be especially careful during summer months and at high elevation. Because sunlight reflects off snow, sand, and water, sun exposure may be increased during activities like skiing, swimming, and sailing.
- Very cold temperatures can be dangerous. Dress in layers and cover heads, hands, and feet properly if you are visiting a cold location.
Stay safe around water
- Swim only in designated swimming areas. Obey lifeguards and warning flags on beaches.
- Practice safe boating—follow all boating safety laws, do not drink alcohol if driving a boat, and always wear a life jacket.
- Do not dive into shallow water.
- Do not swim in freshwater in developing areas or where sanitation is poor.
- Avoid swallowing water when swimming. Untreated water can carry germs that make you sick.
- To prevent infections, wear shoes on beaches where there may be animal waste.
Leptospirosis, a bacterial infection that can be spread in fresh water, is found in Sri Lanka. Avoid swimming in fresh, unchlorinated water, such as lakes, ponds, or rivers.
Hide Most animals avoid people, but they may attack if they feel threatened, are protecting their young or territory, or if they are injured or ill. Animal bites and scratches can lead to serious diseases such as rabies.
Follow these tips to protect yourself:
- Do not touch or feed any animals you do not know.
- Do not allow animals to lick open wounds, and do not get animal saliva in your eyes or mouth.
- Avoid rodents and their urine and feces.
- Traveling pets should be supervised closely and not allowed to come in contact with local animals.
- If you wake in a room with a bat, seek medical care immediately. Bat bites may be hard to see.
All animals can pose a threat, but be extra careful around dogs, bats, monkeys, sea animals such as jellyfish, and snakes. If you are bitten or scratched by an animal, immediately:
- Wash the wound with soap and clean water.
- Go to a doctor right away.
- Tell your doctor about your injury when you get back to the United States.
Consider buying medical evacuation insurance. Rabies is a deadly disease that must be treated quickly, and treatment may not be available in some countries.
Hide Reduce your exposure to germs
Follow these tips to avoid getting sick or spreading illness to others while traveling:
- Wash your hands often, especially before eating.
- If soap and water aren’t available, clean hands with hand sanitizer (containing at least 60% alcohol).
- Don’t touch your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you need to touch your face, make sure your hands are clean.
- Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your sleeve (not your hands) when coughing or sneezing.
- Try to avoid contact with people who are sick.
- If you are sick, stay home or in your hotel room, unless you need medical care.
Hide Avoid sharing body fluids
Diseases can be spread through body fluids, such as saliva, blood, vomit, and semen.
Protect yourself:
- Use latex condoms correctly.
- Do not inject drugs.
- Limit alcohol consumption. People take more risks when intoxicated.
- Do not share needles or any devices that can break the skin. That includes needles for tattoos, piercings, and acupuncture.
- If you receive medical or dental care, make sure the equipment is disinfected or sanitized.
Hide Know how to get medical care while traveling
Plan for how you will get health care during your trip, should the need arise:
- Carry a list of local doctors and hospitals at your destination.
- Review your health insurance plan to determine what medical services it would cover during your trip. Consider purchasing travel health and medical evacuation insurance.
- Carry a card that identifies, in the local language, your blood type, chronic conditions or serious allergies, and the generic names of any medications you take.
- Some prescription drugs may be illegal in other countries. Call Sri Lanka’s embassy to verify that all of your prescription(s) are legal to bring with you.
- Bring all the medicines (including over-the-counter medicines) you think you might need during your trip, including extra in case of travel delays. Ask your doctor to help you get prescriptions filled early if you need to.
Many foreign hospitals and clinics are accredited by the Joint Commission International. A list of accredited facilities is available at their website (www.jointcommissioninternational.org).
In some countries, medicine (prescription and over-the-counter) may be substandard or counterfeit. Bring the medicines you will need from the United States to avoid having to buy them at your destination.
Malaria is a risk in some parts of Sri Lanka. If you are going to a risk area, fill your malaria prescription before you leave, and take enough with you for the entire length of your trip. Follow your doctor’s instructions for taking the pills; some need to be started before you leave.
Hide Select safe transportation
Motor vehicle crashes are the #1 killer of healthy US citizens in foreign countries.
In many places cars, buses, large trucks, rickshaws, bikes, people on foot, and even animals share the same lanes of traffic, increasing the risk for crashes.
Walking
Be smart when you are traveling on foot.
- Use sidewalks and marked crosswalks.
- Pay attention to the traffic around you, especially in crowded areas.
- Remember, people on foot do not always have the right of way in other countries.
Riding/Driving
Choose a safe vehicle.
- Choose official taxis or public transportation, such as trains and buses.
- Ride only in cars that have seatbelts.
- Avoid overcrowded, overloaded, top-heavy buses and minivans.
- Avoid riding on motorcycles or motorbikes, especially motorbike taxis. (Many crashes are caused by inexperienced motorbike drivers.)
- Choose newer vehicles—they may have more safety features, such as airbags, and be more reliable.
- Choose larger vehicles, which may provide more protection in crashes.
Think about the driver.
- Do not drive after drinking alcohol or ride with someone who has been drinking.
- Consider hiring a licensed, trained driver familiar with the area.
- Arrange payment before departing.
Follow basic safety tips.
- Wear a seatbelt at all times.
- Sit in the back seat of cars and taxis.
- When on motorbikes or bicycles, always wear a helmet. (Bring a helmet from home, if needed.)
- Avoid driving at night; street lighting in certain parts of Sri Lanka may be poor.
- Do not use a cell phone or text while driving (illegal in many countries).
- Travel during daylight hours only, especially in rural areas.
- If you choose to drive a vehicle in Sri Lanka, learn the local traffic laws and have the proper paperwork.
- Get any driving permits and insurance you may need. Get an International Driving Permit (IDP). Carry the IDP and a US-issued driver's license at all times.
- Check with your auto insurance policy's international coverage, and get more coverage if needed. Make sure you have liability insurance.
Flying
- Avoid using local, unscheduled aircraft.
- If possible, fly on larger planes (more than 30 seats); larger airplanes are more likely to have regular safety inspections.
- Try to schedule flights during daylight hours and in good weather.
Medical Evacuation Insurance
If you are seriously injured, emergency care may not be available or may not meet US standards. Trauma care centers are uncommon outside urban areas. Having medical evacuation insurance can be helpful for these reasons.
Helpful Resources
Road Safety Overseas (Information from the US Department of State): Includes tips on driving in other countries, International Driving Permits, auto insurance, and other resources.
The Association for International Road Travel has country-specific Road Travel Reports available for most countries for a minimal fee.
Traffic flows on the left side of the road in Sri Lanka.
- Always pay close attention to the flow of traffic, especially when crossing the street.
- LOOK RIGHT for approaching traffic.
Hide Maintain personal security
Use the same common sense traveling overseas that you would at home, and always stay alert and aware of your surroundings.
Before you leave
- Research your destination(s), including local laws, customs, and culture.
- Monitor travel warnings and alerts and read travel tips from the US Department of State.
- Enroll in the Smart Traveler Enrollment Program (STEP).
- Leave a copy of your itinerary, contact information, credit cards, and passport with someone at home.
- Pack as light as possible, and leave at home any item you could not replace.
While at your destination(s)
- Carry contact information for the nearest US embassy or consulate.
- Carry a photocopy of your passport and entry stamp; leave the actual passport securely in your hotel.
- Follow all local laws and social customs.
- Do not wear expensive clothing or jewelry.
- Always keep hotel doors locked, and store valuables in secure areas.
- If possible, choose hotel rooms between the 2nd and 6th floors.
Hide Top
Hide Healthy Travel Packing List
Use the Healthy Travel Packing List for Sri Lanka for a list of health-related items to consider packing for your trip. Talk to your doctor about which items are most important for you.
Why does CDC recommend packing these health-related items?
It’s best to be prepared to prevent and treat common illnesses and injuries. Some supplies and medicines may be difficult to find at your destination, may have different names, or may have different ingredients than what you normally use.
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Hide Travel Health Notices
Be aware of current health issues in Sri Lanka. Learn how to protect yourself.
Watch Level 1, Practice Usual Precautions
- Dengue in Sri Lanka August 09, 2017 The Ministry of Health in Sri Lanka has reported a dengue epidemic. More than 100,000 cases have been reported across the country.
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If you are not feeling well after your trip, you may need to see a doctor. If you need help finding a travel medicine specialist, see Find a Clinic. Be sure to tell your doctor about your travel, including where you went and what you did on your trip. Also tell your doctor if you were bitten or scratched by an animal while traveling.
If your doctor prescribed antimalarial medicine for your trip, keep taking the rest of your pills after you return home. If you stop taking your medicine too soon, you could still get sick.
Malaria is always a serious disease and may be a deadly illness. If you become ill with a fever either while traveling in a malaria-risk area or after you return home (for up to 1 year), you should seek immediate medical attention and should tell the doctor about your travel history.
For more information on what to do if you are sick after your trip, see Getting Sick after Travel.
Top
Map Disclaimer - The boundaries and names shown and the designations used on maps do not imply the expression of any opinion whatsoever on the part of the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention concerning the legal status of any country, territory, city or area or of its authorities, or concerning the delimitation of its frontiers or boundaries. Approximate border lines for which there may not yet be full agreement are generally marked.
Currency
The unit of currency is the Sri Lanka Rupee (LKR), which is divided into 100 cents. Major credit cards are widely accepted in major cities. ATMs are becoming more common, but outside the main cities they are unlikely to accept international cards. Credit cards should be used with caution due to the potential for fraud. Foreign currency can be exchanged at bureaux de change, banks and hotels. Banks are closed on Sundays.
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Exchange rate for 1 LKR - Sri Lanka Rupee
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0.01 BMD
Bermudan Dollar
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0.01 EUR
Euro
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0.01 USD
U.S. Dollar
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0.00 GBP
U.K. Pound Sterling
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0.75 JPY
Japanese Yen
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0.01 CAD
Canadian Dollar
|
0.01 CHF
Swiss Franc
|
0.01 AUD
Australian Dollar
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0.17 UAH
Ukrainian Hryvnia
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2.31 KZT
Kazakhstani Tenge
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10.31 LBP
Lebanese Pound
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0.00 LYD
Libyan Dinar
|
0.05 BOB
Bolivian Boliviano
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0.74 NPR
Nepalese Rupee
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0.00 OMR
Omani Rial
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0.02 QAR
Qatari Rial
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0.01 SGD
Singapore Dollar
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0.06 SEK
Swedish Krona
|
0.05 TTD
Trinidad Tobago Dollar
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0.07 VEF
Venezuelan Bolivar
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0.31 DOP
Dominican Peso
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0.05 HRK
Croatian Kuna
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0.13 MXN
Mexican Peso
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4.02 XOF
West African CFA Franc
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0.02 PGK
Papua New Guinean kina
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0.01 BSD
Bahamian Dollar
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0.01 FJD
Fiji Dollar
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0.16 HNL
Honduran Lempira
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0.76 DZD
Algerian Dinar
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8.16 MMK
Myanma Kyat
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0.08 BWP
Botswana Pula
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0.02 PEN
Peruvian Nuevo Sol
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4.75 CLP
Chilean Peso
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3.27 AMD
Armenia Dram
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0.17 CZK
Czech Koruna
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0.14 MDL
Moldova Lei
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0.85 ISK
Icelandic Krona
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20.13 UZS
Uzbekistan Sum
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0.03 ILS
Israeli New Sheqel
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0.00 JOD
Jordanian Dinar
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0.00 KWD
Kuwaiti Dinar
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0.21 UYU
Uruguayan Peso
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0.24 MUR
Mauritian Rupee
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0.20 NIO
Nicaraguan Córdoba
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0.06 NOK
Norwegian Krone
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0.03 PLN
Polish Zloty
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0.03 SAR
Saudi Riyal
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0.24 THB
Thai Baht
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0.03 AED
U.A.E Dirham
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0.02 BRL
Brazilian Real
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0.03 RON
Romanian New Leu
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0.05 HKD
Hong Kong Dollar
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4.02 XAF
Central African CFA Franc
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153.92 VND
Vietnamese Dong
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0.10 ARS
Argentine Peso
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0.02 XCD
East Caribbean Dollar
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0.05 GTQ
Guatemalan Quetzal
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0.07 MAD
Moroccan Dirham
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0.00 BHD
Bahrain Dinar
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0.01 PAB
Panamanian Balboa
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0.01 AZN
Azerbaijan Manat
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21.35 COP
Colombian Peso
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0.47 KGS
Kyrgyzstan Som
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1.92 HUF
Hungarian Forint
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0.05 TJS
Tajikistan Ruble
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93.71 IDR
Indonesian Rupiah
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0.06 EGP
Egyptian Pound
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8.16 KRW
South Korean Won
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38.83 PYG
Paraguayan Guaraní
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0.03 MYR
Malaysian Ringgit
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3.69 CRC
Costa Rican Colón
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0.01 NZD
New Zealand Dollar
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0.72 PKR
Pakistani Rupee
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0.46 RUB
Russian Rouble
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0.11 ZAR
South African Rand
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0.01 TND
Tunisian Dinar
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0.01 BBD
Barbadian Dollar
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0.01 BGN
Bulgarian Lev
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0.02 TRY
Turkish Lira
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0.32 PHP
Philippine Peso
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0.22 TWD
New Taiwan Dollar
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1.35 NGN
Nigerian Naira
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0.73 XPF
CFP Franc
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0.03 GHS
Ghanaian Cedi
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0.86 JMD
Jamaican Dollar
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0.01 ANG
Neth. Antillean Guilder
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0.01 BND
Brunei Dollar
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0.76 RSD
Serbian Dinar
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0.05 CNY
Chinese Yuan
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136.28 BYR
Belarussian Ruble
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0.05 DKK
Danish Krone
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0.02 TMT
New Turkmenistan Manat
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0.46 INR
Indian Rupee
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Exchange Rate for
U.S. Dollar to Sri Lanka Rupee
Exchange Rate for
Euro to Sri Lanka Rupee
Exchange Rate for
Canadian Dollar to Sri Lanka Rupee
Exchange Rate for
U.K. Pound Sterling to Sri Lanka Rupee
Exchange Rate for
Australian Dollar to Sri Lanka Rupee
Exchange Rate for
New Zealand Dollar to Sri Lanka Rupee
Exchange Rate for
South African Rand to Sri Lanka Rupee
Colombo Airport (CMB)
Bandaranaike International Airport
http://www.airport.lk
Location: Colombo The airport is situated 20 miles (32km) from the city of Colombo.
Time: GMT +5.30
Contacts:
Tel: +94 112 264 444.
Getting to the city:
Most hotels and tour operators offer transport from the airport; if possible travellers should confirm in advance. Buses and taxis are available, and there is a train station close to the airport, but visitors are advised to arrange their own transportation.
Car rental:
Cars can be hired with a driver through most tour operators, otherwise car rental agencies such as Sixt and Europcar are available.
Airport Taxis:
Facilities:
Facilities at the airport include a bank, post office, business lounge, restaurants, snack bars, a bar and a duty-free shop.
Parking:
There are two main parking lots at Colombo Bandaranaike Airport: the terminal lot is more expensive, while the remote lot, located 300 metres from the terminal, charges substantially less. There are additional charges for vans, double cabs and jeeps.
Departure Tax: None.
Overview of the Attractions in Sri Lanka
Tourist attractions in Sri Lanka have accumulated over a long and interesting history, leaving many things to see including seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Sri Lanka's history can be experienced at the fascinating ancient sites of Anuradhapura, Polonnaruwa, Sigiriya, Dambulla and Panduwasnuwara. The National Museum in Colombo is a good stop for those passing through the city as it houses a variety of artefacts illustrating Sri Lanka's complex culture and history. The complexity of this multi-cultural country is also apparent elsewhere in the capital city, like in the Pettah Bazzar district where exotic smells and goods are traded. Calmer attractions in Sri Lanka include the lovely seafront in Galle, a coastal town very popular with tourists, or the peaceful lake city of Kandy, which has many historical attractions.
For those keen to leave the cities and towns altogether, attractions include treks into Yala National Park and up Sigiriya or Adam's Peak. Of course, many prefer Sri Lanka's beautiful sandy beaches, which stretch hundreds of miles, to any amount of sightseeing. The best beach destinations in Sri Lanka include the picturesque fishing village of Marawila, on the northwest coast, the resort town of Negombo, on the west coast, and the gorgeous Weligama Bay, in the south.
Colombo National Museum
Colombo
Sri Lanka's oldest museum was established in 1877 and today boasts a massive collection of antiques and objects d'art, encompassing the cultural heritage of the island. Exhibits include artefacts from archaeological sites all over Sri Lanka, and more than 4,000 ancient palm leaf manuscripts. Sri Lanka boasts some remarkable ancient sites and this historical wealth is reflected in the museum.
Among the exhibits is displayed the regalia of the Kandyan Kings dating back to the 17th century. Although the museum is not quite what you would call world-class, it does contain some genuine treasures and should fascinate visitors interested in the art and culture of Sri Lanka. The collection is housed in an imposing and attractive white building and set in lovely grounds. Alongside the archaeological museum is the Natural History Museum, which features the island's fauna and flora in dioramas.
The dual museums are a good introduction for visitors interested in discovering the culture and history of the island. Photographs are allowed in the National Museum, but only if visitors pay a small extra fee for a photography permit. There is a cafe and a craft shop in the museum grounds as well.
Address: Sir Marcus Fernando Mawatha, Colombo
Website: http://www.museum.gov.lk
Pettah
Colombo
Colombo's bazaar district, Pettah, presents a real treat for shopaholics who can wander through the hustle and bustle of whole streets dedicated to selling a particular type of merchandise, from local handicrafts to fresh produce. The markets will not be to everybody's taste; Pettah is a sensory overload and the sheer quantity of merchandise, and crowds of people, make it difficult to find good quality items.
Bargaining is essential as foreigners tend to be overcharged. The quoted price will be at least double what locals would be expected to pay. The area was once an exclusive residential area filled with stately homes and large gardens in gas-lit streets. A relic of the colonial era, the Dutch House Museum, is open to the public on Prince Street. The mansion house dates from the 17th century and was the residence of Count August Carl Van Ranzow. It has now been restored and stands among the traders and boutiques as a museum displaying the life and times of the Dutch occupation, its exhibits including furniture, ceramics, coins and all the trappings of daily life at the time. Another landmark is the Jami Ul Alfar Mosque, one of the oldest mosques in Colombo.
Note: Beware of pickpockets!
Dehiwala Zoological Garden
Colombo
Colombo's zoo has a fine collection of animals, birds, reptiles and fish from all over the world, but in particular showcases the fauna of the island. The complex includes an aquarium, displaying more than 500 varieties of aquatic life. There is also a walk-through aviary, reptile enclosure and butterfly park. One of the most popular attractions at the zoo is the daily elephant show, which takes place at about 5.15pm.
Another favourite feature is the sea lion show, which is great fun for kids. Animals in the park include hippos, flamingos, kangaroos, lemurs, monkeys, orangutans, leopards, lions, otters, raccoons, rhinos, giraffes and tigers. The zoo has a good selection of animals and receives great reviews from some visitors, but those animal lovers accustomed to spacious European and American zoos may be disconcerted by the size of the animal enclosures. The zoo is undergoing improvements and renovations currently which may make a difference.
Nevertheless, families travelling with children should enjoy the zoo if they have a few hours to kill in Colombo. The zoo is extremely popular with locals and it is a good idea to get there early in the morning to avoid the crowds and to see the zoo at its cleanest and best.
Anuradhapura
Cultural Triangle
Opening time: Daily 8am-5pm.
The remains of the ancient city of Anuradhapura are situated about 130 miles (205km) north of Colombo, standing majestically in the jungle that for generations hid away the palaces, monasteries and monuments, which have been there since the third century BC. The ancient city was capital of the island for more than 10 centuries, until an invasion in the year 993; the city is said to have been founded around a fig tree grown from a cutting of Buddha's 'tree of enlightenment'.
The remains visible today consist of several magnificent dagobas (domes built to enshrine sacred relics), sculptures, carvings, ruined palaces and monasteries, bathing ponds and irrigation tanks. The city once had one of the most complex irrigation systems of the ancient world and the reservoir tanks still visible today are some of the oldest surviving in the world. Since the rediscovery of the ancient, ruined city by the British in the 19th century, Anuradhapura has been a Buddhist pilgrimage site as well as an attraction for travellers.
Thought to be the one of the oldest surviving historical trees in the world, the Jaya Sri Maha Bodhi is said to be a sapling from the tree under which Buddha attained enlightenment. The tree was planted in 288 BC, on a high terrace roughly 21 feet (6.5m) above the ground, and is surrounded by a prayer flag-festooned wall built by King Kirthi Sri Rajasingha to protect it from wild elephants. Located in Anuradhapura, the Sri Maha Bodhi is a pilgrimage site for thousands of Buddhist devotees who come to make offerings during the full moon. Visitors must remove shoes and hats before entering the site.
Tourist facilities and hotels are available in the nearby 'new town' of Anuradhapura. A recommended way to view the many scattered archaeological treasures is to hire a bicycle, or travel between sights on a tuk-tuk.
Pinnawela Elephant Orphanage
Colombo
Among the green hills of Kegalle, about 50 miles (85km) from Colombo on the road to Kandy in the hill country, a herd of about 60 elephants live in the Pinnewela Elephant Orphanage. This popular attraction, established as a sanctuary covering 25 acres of lush forest by the Sri Lankan Government in 1975, is unique. Its purpose is to feed, nurse and house young elephants lost or abandoned by their mothers.
Recently the sanctuary has also started a breeding programme. Visitors are invited to observe and assist the baby elephants as they are fed from giant feeding bottles, before the pachyderms are lead down to the river for their daily baths at 10am and 2pm. Although extra money can be paid to ride, swim with and feed the elephants the main attraction for many people is simply watching them at play with each other in the river from the banks. The sanctuary has received both praise and censure from animal rights groups, for various reasons, and although most tourists rave about the attraction, some visitors complain that the animals don't have more freedom.
The admission costs go entirely towards maintenance of the sanctuary and feeding the animals and most reports conclude that the elephants are well cared for - they certainly seem happy as they cavort in the river!
Address: Rambukkana Road, Kegalla
Adam's Peak
Colombo
The legendary mountain, towering 7,358 feet (2,243m) over the island of Sri Lanka, known as Sri Pada or Adam's Peak, has been venerated as a place of pilgrimage and worship for all major faiths in the country for generations. The holy mountain bears what seems to be the imprint of a foot on a rock on its summit. Depending on their faith pilgrims believe the print was left there by Buddha, Lord Shiva, St Thomas, or Adam after he was expelled from Eden.
Whether visitors believe the footprint to be holy or not the climb to view it, protected in an enclosure at the pinnacle of the peak, is well worth it for the panoramic views of tropical forest afforded from the top. The stairway up the mountainside is believed to be the longest in the world and climbers are entitled to ring the bell situated at the top once they have made the journey. It is particularly special to climb the peak for sunrise, which requires beginning the climb at about 1am (depending on the month and time of sunrise). Soon after dawn, the rising sun casts a perfect triangular shadow of the mountain across the surrounding landscape. Many smaller peaks rise out of the dense jungle far below and watching the beautiful landscape reveal itself is a profound experience.
Website: http://www.sripada.org
Kandy
Cultural Triangle
The relaxed and peaceful atmosphere of Kandy, in the heart of Sri Lanka's hill country, is probably the result of being beautifully situated around a tranquil lake in a bowl of hills. It is a colourful, unique city, which resisted Portuguese and Dutch colonisation for three centuries before finally succumbing to the British. The town is the bastion of the island's pervasive Buddhist faith, and plays host to the country's most venerated religious relic, the sacred tooth of Buddha.
The octagonal Dalada Maligawa, or Temple of the Tooth, attracts hundreds of pilgrims to daily ceremonies honouring the relic, and each year in July and August the tooth is carried in procession on an elephant during the ancient Esala Perahera parade. According to legend, the tooth was taken from Buddha as he lay on his funeral pyre and was smuggled to Sri Lanka hidden in the hair of a princess in the 4th century. Visitors can't actually see the tooth as it's in a casket, but the temple is an interesting place all the same. The ancient city also sports a good museum, the lovely Peradeniya Botanical Gardens, a bird sanctuary and an auditorium where folk dances are performed and local crafts are on display. Kandy has a cooler, milder climate than much of Sri Lanka due to its altitude.
Trincomalee
Colombo
The ancient port city of Trincomalee (affectionately called Trinco), on the northeast coast of Sri Lanka, has a perfect natural harbour, which has made the town a prize to be fought over by foreign powers for generations. The Danes first took the trophy in 1617 on behalf of the Dutch, but the Portuguese put up a fort and staked their claim a few years later.
By the mid-17th century the port was Dutch again, until the British and French both had a turn at occupation in the late 18th century. During the Second World War the harbour was a strategic British naval base, and it is now home to the Sri Lankan Navy. The beaches in the area, especially those north of Trincomalee at Nilaveli and Uppuveli, are broad, soft and white, lapped by warm, gentle waters. The region is a popular beach resort destination for tourists, as the coastline really is very beautiful, and the natural pleasures can be combined with some good cultural sightseeing in Trinco.
Among the sights to visit is Fort Frederick, built by the Portuguese, and Wellington House, once home to the Duke of Wellington. The Koneswaram Temple (or Thirukonamalai Konesar Temple), at Swami Rock, is an important medieval Hindu temple complex in Trincomalee.
Wewurukannala Temple
Matara
Not all Buddhist temples are ancient, nor are they all conservative affairs. The colourful and modern Wewurukannala Temple at Dikwella village near Matara is quite an eyeful, featuring hundreds of brightly painted and gilded models depicting scenes from the life of Buddha and numerous murals. There is also a Buddha effigy that is one of the world's tallest, equalling the height of a five-storey building, which visitors can ascend to enjoy the view from the top.
The Buddha statue is the biggest in Sri Lanka, and other attractions at the temple include a resident elephant, a colourful Image House containing statues of gods and royalty, and the frightening Hall of Sin, which illustrates what is in store for the less-than-righteous in the Buddhist version of hell. Although it is an active temple and tourists should be respectful of worshippers, the temple complex is also full of various touts and salesmen trying to sell things and services to visitors. Those wanting to avoid the crowds should visit early in the morning.
The temple is a short drive from both Dikwella and Matara and can be reached by tuk-tuk - travellers should be sure to negotiate a price before setting off!
Address: Dikwella, Sri Lanka
Yala National Park
Matara
Elephants are the most frequently spotted inhabitants of the vast Yala National Park (also known as Ruhunu), in the southeast of Sri Lanka, east of Matara, but they share the reserve with 130 different species of birds and other creatures like sambhur, spotted deer, sloths, crocodiles, monkeys, wild boar and porcupines. There is also a large concentration of leopards in this, the country's oldest protected area.
Most of the reserve is open parkland, but it also contains jungle, beaches, lakes and rivers. The park is somewhat remote, the nearest town being Tissa, and is situated about 120 miles (193km) from Colombo. Yala is also dotted with a number of fascinating archaeological sites, like the Magul Maha Vihara ruins, dating from the 1st century BC.
Yala National Park was closed for several years due to political conflict in Sri Lanka, but two of the five sections of the part have now re-opened to the public. It is the most visited and the second largest park in the country and is very popular with foreign visitors. The park is almost always explored as part of a safari (a 4x4 vehicle is required to traverse the roads) and the entrance fee includes the services of an animal tracker.
Galle
Matara
The port town of Galle, about 60 miles (100km) south of Colombo and a short distance west of Matara, is steeped in the heritage of the Dutch presence in Sri Lanka, and is dominated by the 36-hectare (89-acre) Dutch Fort, originally built by the Portuguese in 1588, with its massive ramparts on a promontory. Galle is a delightful and unexpected mixture of dilapidated colonial history and exotic, tropical beauty.
Inside the walls of the fort, which has been declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is the oldest part of Galle, with Dutch homesteads, museums and churches, as well as Amangalla (formerly known as the New Oriental Hotel), originally the home of the Dutch governors. Galle is home to a creative community and has attracted many foreign artists, writers and poets.
Inside the fort there are many galleries, boutiques and craft shops to investigate, and many travellers choose to spend a few nights in the fort, which is at once an interesting historical monument and a thriving modern centre. Galle has a small beach, but most sun-lovers find better beaches a little out of town along the coast road.
Getting to Galle from Colombo is a treat, because both the train and bus routes wind along the coast, offering gorgeous views. It takes between two and four hours to get to Galle from the capital by bus or train.
Beaches
Matara
The southern beaches of Sri Lanka are the most popular for tourists, with the main season extending from October to April when the monsoon has moved on and the sea is calm and tranquil under bright blue skies. Bentota is one of the loveliest resorts on the coastal road, featuring good hotels, water sports and a picturesque beach at the river mouth.
Scuba divers enjoy Hikkaduwa, where there is a marine sanctuary abundant with coral and tropical fish, and the Kirinda Beach, just south of the town of Tissa, which also offers spectacular underwater sights. Close to the popular tourist resort town of Galle is Unawatuna, with its beautiful stretch of safe sandy beach. At Kudawella a novel feature is a blowhole that throws huge columns of water into the air whenever waves break on the rocks. For those who prefer small guesthouses and empty beaches over resorts, Koggala, Mirissa, Dikwella and Tangalle all remain relatively undiscovered beach areas.
The southern coastline of Sri Lanka was seriously damaged in the 2004 tsunami and it took many years for certain areas to be rebuilt, but the tourist resorts have all fully recovered and there is no longer much evidence of the catastrophe which marked the region for so long.
Sigiriya
Cultural Triangle
Sigiriya is an important Buddhist site in central Sri Lanka, about 100 miles (161km) northeast of Colombo. The remains of an ancient royal fortress and city dating from 477 AD stand on a vast rock, which rises 600ft (180m) above the surrounding plain. King Kasyapa built it to safeguard against attack from his brother, Mogallana from whom he had stolen the throne after having killed their father.
The only way into the city is through the massive carved jaws of a lion - the name Sigiriya is taken from 'giriya', meaning 'jaws and throat' and 'sinha' meaning 'lion'. The site is one of the best-preserved first-millennium city centres in Asia and is also renowned for its 5th-century rock paintings and its magnificent, symmetrical water gardens. Visitors should note that getting to the flat summit and fortress requires climbing about a thousand steps, and it is a good idea to bring plenty of water and to avoid doing the climb at the hottest time of day.
There is a museum, outside the main entrance, housing some artefacts from the site, reproductions of some of the art, and photos of the excavation process. Sigiriya is an expensive attraction by Sri Lankan standards, but it is a remarkable and fascinating place and undoubtedly one of the country's greatest historical treasures.
Dambulla Cave Temples
Cultural Triangle
Sri Lanka's Buddhist heritage is nowhere as evident as in the Golden Temple of Dambulla, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. A sacred pilgrimage site for 22 centuries, this cave-temple is the best preserved of its kind in Sri Lanka. The temple encompasses five separate caves, each housing ancient statues and artwork of the Buddha. The statues vary in size up to 50 feet (15m) tall and there are also incredible painted murals on the walls.
The largest cave, the Cave of the Great Kings, holds 56 statues, and others dedicated to Hindu gods such as Vishnu and Saman dating back to the 12th century. Another cave has more than 1,500 paintings covering the ceiling. The temples and caves are one of Sri Lanka's most spectacular tourist attractions, and are attached to a functional monastery dating back to the third century BC.
The site also includes evidence of human occupation going back to the prehistoric period. Lots of monkeys frequent the temple complex and they can be cute and entertaining, but tourists should treat the animals with respect as they can and will bite if they feel threatened. The climb to the caves can be tiring, especially in the heat, and may not be manageable for people with mobility issues.
Horton Plains National Park and World's End
Colombo
Located in the central highlands of Sri Lanka, Horton Plains National Park contains some of Sri Lanka's highest mountains, covered in thick forest, misty lakes, and hidden waterfalls. The park is one of the only parks in Sri Lanka that allows guests to hike on their own on designated trails. The park is home to many animals, including Samabr Deer, wild boar, otter, leopard, macaques and many species of bird, and exploring the trails is very rewarding.
The most popular tourist attraction in Horton Plains National Park is World's End, a sheer precipice with a 2,850-foot (870m) drop at the southern boundary of the park. From the top of the cliff, visitors have a spectacular view of the surrounding hills which extends as far as the Indian Ocean, dozens of miles away, on clear days. The hike to World's End is 6.2 miles (10km) and takes roughly three hours. Visitors should note that from 9am to 10am there is usually a thick blanket of mist over the valleys that totally obscures the view from the cliff, and the best time to see World's End is early in the morning. The path can be crowded on weekends, when large groups of tourists tend to scare away any wildlife in the area.
Public Holidays in Sri Lanka
| |
2020 |
2021 |
| New Year's Day |
Wed. January 1 |
Wed. January 1 |
| Independence Day |
Tue. February 4 |
Tue. February 4 |
| Birth of the Prophet |
Tue. October 28 to Wed. October 29 |
Sat. October 18 to Sun. October 19 |
| Good Friday |
Thu. April 10 |
Wed. April 2 |
| May Day |
Thu. May 1 |
Thu. May 1 |
| Id al Fitr (End of Ramadan) |
Sun. May 25 |
Wed. May 14 |
| Hadji Festival |
Mon. July 28 to Sat. August 2 |
Thu. July 17 to Tue. July 22 |
| Sinhala and Tamil New Year Day |
Sun. April 13 |
Sun. April 13 |
| Christmas Day |
Thu. December 25 |
Thu. December 25 |
| Deepawali |
Fri. November 14 |
Tue. November 4 |
